State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 13 Dec 2025

UNESCO Adds Deepavali to Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Why in News? 

Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as announced during the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session held at Red Fort in New Delhi from 8th-13th December 2025. 

• It is the first time India is hosting the ICH Committee session, organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi.  
• The event marks a key moment in India’s cultural diplomacy, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of India’s ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention. 

Key Points 

About Deepavali 

• Deepavali: Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya (October–November), Deepavali symbolises light over darkness, hope over despair and renewal and prosperity. 
• Significance of Deepavali’s Inclusion: UNESCO’s inscription acknowledges Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, reinforces values of generosity and well-being. 
  • Deepavali contributes meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (sustainable communities). 

About Intangible Cultural Heritage 

• Intangible Cultural Heritage: UNESCO defines intangible heritage as living traditions inherited across generations, including oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festive events, social practices, knowledge of nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship that communities continue to recreate and safeguard. 
• Nominations: To add an element to UNESCO’s ICH Representative List, states must submit a nomination file, with one nomination allowed every two years.  
  • India nominated the Deepavali festival for the 2024–25 cycle.  
• List: The list was created under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 
  • It aims to protect living cultural traditions threatened by globalisation, promote awareness, respect and cultural diversity, and support community-led safeguarding of rituals, festivals, oral traditions and traditional craftsmanship.

India’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List  

• Garba of Gujarat (2023) 
• Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021) 
• Kumbh Mela (2017) 
• Yoga (2016) 
• Nowruz (2016) 
• Traditional brass and copper utensil-making by the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab (2014) 
• Sankirtana of Manipur (2013) 
• Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012) 
• Chhau dance, Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan, and Mudiyettu of Kerala (2010) 
• Ramman festival of Garhwal Himalayas, India (2009) 
• Kutiyattam Sanskrit theatre, Ramlila, and Tradition of Vedic chanting (2008). 

First-ever Official Magh Mela Logo Unveiled

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government unveiled the first-ever official logo of the centuries-old Magh Mela, held annually in Prayagraj.

Key Points

• Event Context: The 45-day Magh Mela begins in January and attracts devotees from across India and the world for holy bathing at the Sangam.
• Government Initiative: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the logo as part of a broader push to promote religious tourism and rejuvenate Prayagraj.
• Spiritual Significance: The logo reflects core spiritual practices of the Magh Mela such as chanting, penance, charity, sacred bathing, and Kalpavas.
• Astronomical Design: The design incorporates seven energy chakras, the Sun, 14 lunar phases, and references to the Moon’s movement across 27 constellations, aligning with Hindu astrological calculations.
• Sacred Symbols: Key elements include the Akshayavat tree, symbolising moksha, the reclining Hanuman temple, the Sanatan flag, and Teerthraj Prayag at the Sangam.
• Astrological Basis: The Magh Mela is held when the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn), with ritual dates determined by precise lunar cycles, especially from Amavasya to Purnima.
• Cultural Message: A Sanskrit shloka on the logo conveys the belief that bathing during the month of Magh cleanses all sins.
• Ecological Element: The logo highlights environmental harmony by depicting Siberian birds that migrate to the Sangam region each winter.
• Design & Approval: The logo was conceptualised by consultants for the Prayagraj Mela Authority and unveiled with the formal approval of the Chief Minister.

Birth Anniversary of Pranab Mukherjee

Why in News? 

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India, on his birth anniversary on 11th December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

Key Points 

• Early Life: Born on 11th December 1935, in Mirati, West Bengal, he was the son of freedom fighters and was inspired by his father's contribution to India’s independence. 
• Education & Career: He earned degrees in History, Political Science, and Law from the University of Kolkata, and initially worked as a college teacher and journalist before entering politics in 1969. 
• Political Experience: He served in various high-ranking positions, including Foreign, Defence, Commerce, and Finance Minister, and was elected to both Houses of Parliament multiple times. 
• Key Contributions: He played a pivotal role in policy decisions related to administrative reforms, food security, energy security, UIDAI, Metro Rail, and more during his tenure from 2004 to 2012. 
• Diplomatic Role: He represented India at international forums such as the IMF, the World Bank, the UN General Assembly, and the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Conferences, among others. 
• Presidency: He became the 13th President of India on 25th July 2012, after a distinguished political career spanning over five decades. 
• Awards: He received numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997, and honorary doctorates from several international universities. 
• Publications & Recognition: A prolific author, he wrote extensively on the Indian economy and nation-building and was recognised as one of the world’s best finance ministers in 1984 and 2010.

India Bags Historic Junior Hockey Bronze

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s Men’s Junior Hockey Team for winning the bronze medal at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025.

Key Points

• Historic Achievement: India won its first-ever bronze medal at the Junior World Cup and its first medal in the tournament since the gold medal in 2016.
• Bronze Medal Match: India produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Argentina 4–2 after trailing 0–2 in the bronze medal match.
• Tournament Final: Germany won its eighth Junior World Cup title by defeating Spain 3–2 in a shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
• National Inspiration: Prime Minister Modi said the team’s spirited performance would inspire countless young players across the country.