Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Mysuru Dasara, a major festival in Karnataka, saw a range of cultural and traditional events in 2026, including grand illuminations, traditional doll displays (Bombe Mane), religious ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Key points
- Elaborate lighting arrangements managed by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) personnel.
- Traditional 'Bombe Mane' (Dasara Doll Show) featured mythological themes and local heritage.
- Srirangapatna Dasara Mahotsava commenced with rituals and a procession.
- Performances included classical fusion, devotional music, and concerts at Yuva Dasara.
- Call to make Mysuru Dasara 'Tobacco-free' to promote public health.
Background & context
Mysuru Dasara is a 10-day festival celebrated in the Indian state of Karnataka. It marks the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is renowned for its grand procession, illuminations, cultural events, and traditional customs.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Srirangapatna Dasara procession featured elephants named Lakshmi and Roopa, along with a tusker named Dhananjaya carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Art and Culture, Society; GS Paper 2: Governance.
Why in news?
A trial run for the traditional buffalo race, Kambala, was successfully conducted in Mysuru, with preparations underway for the main event.
Key points
- Trial run held on a specially created slush track in Sathgalli.
- 150 pairs of buffaloes selected to participate in the two-day event.
- Event scheduled for October 18-19, featuring day and night races.
- Entry for spectators is free.
- District administration made arrangements for participants and owners.
Background & context
Kambala is an annual buffalo race practiced in coastal Karnataka. It is traditionally held from November to March. The sport involves pairs of buffaloes racing through muddy paddy fields.
★ Prelims fact capsule
A total of 150 pairs of buffaloes were selected to participate in the Mysuru Kambala event.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society, Culture; GS Paper 2: Governance.
Why in news?
The National Saras Mela 2026 highlighted the crucial role of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting rural entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasizing their significance.
Key points
- SHGs are instrumental in rural entrepreneurship and women's economic empowerment.
- Government aims to create six crore 'Lakhpati Didis', with over 3.5 crore already achieving ₹1 lakh annual income.
- Andhra Pradesh has 23 lakh Lakhpati Didis against a target of 60 lakh.
- The 'Swayam AP' brand promotes products made by women's SHGs, leveraging e-commerce.
- Empowerment of women through SHGs is crucial for achieving 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.
Background & context
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are small, voluntary savings and credit groups formed by women to pool their savings and provide loans to members for productive purposes. They play a significant role in financial inclusion and women's empowerment in rural India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Union government aims to create six crore 'Lakhpati Didis' across the country.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society, Social Justice; GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions; GS Paper 3: Economy.