Unmesha International Literature Festival 2025, Patna

Introduction

• The Unmesha International Literature Festival convened an extraordinary confluence of writers, poets, translators, publishers, and scholars.
• It served as a platform for diverse literary communities to engage and collaborate across cultures.

Why in news?

• The third edition was held in Patna, Bihar, from 25 to 28 September 2025.
• The valedictory session was graced by the VicePresident of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, as Chief Guest, marking his first official visit to Bihar since assuming office.

Background

• Bihar is recognised as a land of dharma, culture, and knowledge.
• Its spiritual and historical legacy makes it an ideal host for an event celebrating global literature.
• The state stands as a historic intellectual powerhouse.

Significance

• Participation from 15 countries and over 100 languages underscored the festival’s international scale.
• The event highlighted the unifying power of literature in shaping societies and fostering dialogue across cultures.
• Bihar acts as a bridge between spiritual traditions and knowledge systems, aligning with the festival’s ethos.

Facts/General knowledge

• Bodh Gaya: Site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment; a global centre of peace and meditation.
• Vaishali: Birthplace of Lord Mahavira, reflecting Jain values of nonviolence and truth.
• Ancient universities: Nalanda and Vikramshila attracted scholars from across Asia.
• Political legacy: Empires of Magadha and Maurya shaped the subcontinent’s history.
• Early democracy: Vaishali practised participatory governance over 2,500 years ago.
• Freedom struggle: Bihar’s key role included the Champaran Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Great leaders: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (India’s first President) and Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan (champion of democracy and social reform).

Balod becomes India’s first officially child marriagefree district

Introduction

• Balod district in Chhattisgarh has been officially declared a child marriagefree district.
• The milestone reflects a coordinated effort by the administration, panchayats, urban bodies, Anganwadi workers, and community members.

Why in news?

• It is the first district in India to receive official child marriagefree certification.
• The recognition comes under the nationwide “Child Marriage Free India” campaign, launched on 27 August 2024.

Background

• Zero cases of child marriage were reported in Balod over the past two years.
• Following document checks and legal processes, all 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies in the district were certified child marriagefree.
• Local representatives and families actively spread awareness and ensured compliance.
• District Collector Divya Umesh Mishra noted the district’s success as a model for the entire country.

Significance

• Marks India’s first officially certified child marriagefree district.
• Sets a national benchmark for social reform.
• Demonstrates that grassroots participation supported by government action can eradicate harmful practices.
• Paves the way for achieving a child marriagefree Chhattisgarh by 2028–29.

Facts/General knowledge

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the development as a “historic achievement towards social reform”.
• Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade highlighted that the practice can be eradicated when society and government work together.
• On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, 75 gram panchayats in Surajpur district were declared child marriagefree.
• UNICEF provided technical support, awareness programmes, and monitoring mechanisms, accelerating progress.
• Momentum is spreading across Chhattisgarh, with campaigns being expedited in other districts.

Kerala’s Underwater Tunnel between Vypin and Fort Kochi

Introduction

• Kerala is set to construct an underwater tunnel linking Vypin and Fort Kochi beneath the Arabian Sea as part of the state’s coastal highway development project.
• The initiative aims to redefine connectivity in Kochi, one of India’s busiest port cities.

Why in news?

• Announced as a firstofitskind subsea tunnel in Kerala.
• To be developed by Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) at an estimated cost of ₹2,672 crore.

Background

• Current travel depends on congested ferry crossings or a 16 km detour via the Goshree Bridge.
• The tunnel will replace this with a 3 km subsea journey between Vypin and Fort Kochi.

Significance

• Expected to cut travel time from over 2 hours to about 30 minutes, transforming daily commutes.
• Commuters are projected to pay ₹50–₹100 for the tunnel trip, compared with an average of ₹300 currently.
• Users could save nearly ₹1,500 per month, providing economic and logistical relief for residents and tourists.
• Establishes a landmark for Kerala’s transport infrastructure, comparable only to Kolkata’s Hooghly River Metro Tunnel.

Facts/General knowledge

• Total length: 2.75 km, comprising a 1.75 km bored section and a 1 km cutandcover section.
• Configuration: twintube structure with separate tunnels for each direction.
• Dimensions: 12.5 m outer diameter and 11.25 m inner width.
• Depth: 35 metres below sea level.
• Safety features: emergency stops every 250 m, escape passages every 500 m, and advanced ventilation and fire safety systems.

Mera Hou Chongba – Hill–Valley Unity Festival, Manipur

Introduction

• Mera Hou Chongba is an annual festival symbolising unity between hill tribes and valley dwellers in Manipur.
• Observed on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the traditional Meitei calendar.
• Showcases communal harmony, indigenous identity, and cultural togetherness.

Why in news?

• This year, tribal village chiefs from the hill districts gathered at the Manipur Royal Palace (Sana Konung) in Imphal.
• They were ceremoniously received by Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, the titular King of Manipur and a Rajya Sabha MP.
• The day began with sacred rituals at Sana Konung, followed by a ritual march led by the king and tribal leaders to Kangla.

Background

• The roots of Mera Hou Chongba are believed to trace back to the era of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, one of the earliest known rulers of Manipur.

Significance

• It is the only festival in Manipur that sees participation from all indigenous communities, regardless of region or tribe.
• Serves as a platform for peacebuilding and solidarity in a state that has experienced inter‑community tensions.
• Reinforces a collective identity rooted in tradition and coexistence across ethnic and geographical diversity.
• Rituals highlight mutual respect and brotherhood among the communities.

Facts/General knowledge

• Key rituals and events include:

Mera Men Tongba – a ritual drink offering.

• Yenkhong Tamba – symbolic enactments of unity.
• Gift exchange between hill village chiefs and valley representatives.
• Cultural showcase:

Performances of tribal and valley dance forms and folk music.

• A communal feast concluding the celebrations, reaffirming social harmony and shared heritage.

Bathukamma Festival, Telangana

Why in news?

• In Telangana, the state government–organised celebrations of the Bathukamma Festival have recently set two new Guinness World Records.

Introduction

• Bathukamma is a floral festival celebrated by the women folk of Telangana.
• It has been declared as the Telangana State Festival.

Background

• The term “Bathukamma” translates to “Mother Goddess Come Alive”, reflecting the divine feminine energy and protection.
• Folklore connects the festival to legends of Goddess Gauri and her miraculous survival, as well as King Dhramangada and Queen Satyavati of the Chola dynasty.
• Historically, the Kakatiya dynasty emphasised Bathukamma as a celebration of feminine strength and agricultural prosperity.

Significance

• Official recognition as the Telangana State Festival underscores its cultural importance.

Facts/General knowledge

• Celebrated annually, usually in September–October of the Gregorian calendar.
• Observed for nine days during Durga Navratri, culminating on “Saddula Bathukamma” or “Pedda Bathukamma”.
• Followed by Boddemma, a sevenday festival.

Sherry Singh crowned Mrs Universe 2025 — India’s first Mrs Universe title

Introduction

• Sherry Singh was crowned Mrs Universe 2025 at the prestigious finale in Manila, Philippines.
• She triumphed over 120 accomplished women from across the world.
• The win is a moment of pride, inspiration, and empowerment for India, celebrating Indian womanhood, resilience, and grace.

Why in news?

• It marks India’s firstever Mrs Universe crown, a historic achievement on the global stage.
• Sherry Singh’s poised presence, articulate speech, and advocacy centred on women’s empowerment and mental health awareness stood out.

Background

• The 48th edition of Mrs Universe was held at the luxurious Okada in Manila.
• The event showcased confidence, elegance, and intellect among participants from around the world.

Significance

• India has reinforced its growing influence on international platforms celebrating women of substance.
• Sherry Singh’s authenticity and poise captivated hearts, embodying leadership and compassion.

Facts/General knowledge

• Results:
• Winner: India – Sherry Singh
• 1st Runnerup: Saint Petersburg
• 2nd Runnerup: Philippines
• 3rd Runnerup: Asia
• 4th Runnerup: Russia
• Other finalists represented USA, Japan, Myanmar, Bulgaria, UAE, Africa, and Ukraine, reflecting the competition’s global scale and diversity.
• Important Days
• Date Event/Observance
• 1 October 2025 International Day of the Older Persons
• 2 October 2025 Gandhi Jayanti & Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti
• 4 October 2025 World Animal Welfare Day
• 6 October 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day, & World Habitat Day
• 7 October 2025 World Cotton Day, & Valmiki Jayanti
• 8 October 2025 Indian Air Force Day
• 10 October 2025 National Postal Day
• 10 October 2025 World Mental Health Day
• 13 October 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
• 14 October 2025 World Standards Day
• 16 October 2025 World Food Day, World Anaesthesia Day,
• 17 October 2025 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
• 21 October 2025 Police Commemoration Day
• 24 October 2025 United Nations Day, World Polio Day, World Development Information Day
• 24–30 October 2025
• Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2025
• Disarmament Week 2025
• 28 October 2025 International Animation Day
• 30 October 2025 World Thrift Day (India)