Dhokra sculpture is a style of folk art that utilises the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This technique involves creating a model out of wax, covering it with clay to make a mould, and then filling the mould with molten metal which replaces the melted wax model. The result is a detailed sculpture that can be further refined and polished.
The History and Distribution of Dhokra Tradition
Dhokra is primarily an alloy composed of brass, nickel, and zinc, resulting in a distinctive antique appearance. This wax casting process’s roots can be traced back to the Harappan Period, during which examples like the famous Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro were created.
In present-day India, the Dhokra tradition is actively practised in several states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Nagaland, particularly within the Konyak Naga Tribe. Its motifs predominantly originate from folk culture and comprise various elements such as animal figures, deities, containers, lamps, and intricate natural designs.
Lost-Wax Process
The lost-wax process, also known as the cire-perdue method, involves pouring molten metal into a mould formed through a wax model. Once the mould has been cast, the wax model is melted away, leaving behind a hollow core filled with molten metal that solidifies into the mould’s shape.
The Balti Community and Their Unique Culture
Situated on the India-Pakistan border, in the heart of Ladakh’s Turtuk village, lies the Balti community. This community is set against the backdrop of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges and has a rich, unique culture.
Historical Significance and Current State
Historically, the Balti community played a key role in guiding Central Asian and European traders along the Silk Route through their mountainous homeland. Even today, they are known for their expert horse riding skills, regularly put on display during polo matches. They also provide transportation services to remote Indian army outposts.
Prior to the 1971 war, Turtuk was under Pakistan’s control. India has since assumed control over the region, which geographically belongs to the Baltistan region bordering Pakistan and China.
Palau’s Critical Move to Protect Coral Reefs
Palau, a nation in the Western Pacific, has become the first country to impose a ban on numerous kinds of sunscreen, aiming to protect its coral reefs from scientifically-proven harm caused by chemicals.
Dangers of Sunscreen to Coral Reefs
| Sunscreen Facts |
|---|
| 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen ends up in oceans annually. |
| Chemicals in sunscreen can cause localized coral bleaching and disrupt fish reproduction. |
| Oxybenzone, an organic compound in sunscreens, stunts coral growth and is toxic to reef-residing algae according to a 2015 study. |
Climate change has caused widespread damage to coral reefs globally. However, growing scientific evidence indicates that sunscreen chemicals, which either wash off swimmers or enter the ocean through sewer systems, also inflict severe harm.
India’s Participation in ITU Council
India has recently been re-elected as a member of the International Telecommunications Union Council (ITU) for a 4-year term spanning from 2019 to 2022. The elections were held during the ITU Conference 2018 in Dubai, UAE.
India and the ITU Council
Founded in Paris in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, the ITU Council adopted its current name in 1934 and later in 1947 became a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is now composed of 193 member states who elect ITU Council representatives.
India has been an active participant in the ITU since 1869, primarily aiding the global community of nations in developing and promoting telecommunications. India has regularly been on the ITU Council since 1952. As further evidence of India’s strong partnership with ITU, the decision to establish the ITU South Asia Area Office and Technology Innovation Centre in New Delhi was recently approved.
Women of India National Organic Festival 2018
The Ministry of Women and Child Development organized the 5th edition of the ‘Women of India National Organic Festival 2018’ with the aim of supporting and encouraging women and women-led groups that promote organic farming.
Empowering Women Through Organic Farming
By making women self-reliant entrepreneurs, this festival contributes to boosting the local economy and raising awareness of organic products’ benefits. Participants in the Women of India National Organic Festival 2018 also had the chance to register themselves in Mahila-E-Haat, an online marketing portal established by the Ministry of Women & Child Development to meet the aspirations and needs of women entrepreneurs.
