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Weekly Current Affairs 1st August -9th August 2025
Society History Governance Science and Technology Environment Polity Economy International Relations Geography Reports Defence Miscellaneous Nagshankar Temple Syllabus:History Location: Nagshankar Temple is a historic Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Biswanath district of northeastern Assam. It lies on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. Historical Significance: Believed to have been originally constructed in the 4th century CE by King Narasankar of the Nagakha dynasty. The temple underwent major restoration in 1480 CE under the Ahom ruler Su-sen-pha, reflecting its continued cultural relevance across centuries. Ecological Importance: The temple complex features a large pond that serves as a habitat for 250–300 turtles, many of which belong to some of the rarest and most endangered species Notable species include: Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) – Critically Endangered Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) Malayan Softshell Turtle (Dogania subplana) Several turtles in the pond are believed to be centuries old, underlining the site’s unique ecological heritage. Biodiversity Beyond Turtles: The temple campus also shelters a variety of other animals including peacocks, deer, and pythons, making it a significant center for biodiversity conservation within a cultural setting. Conservation Recognition: Due to its exceptional role in preserving critically endangered turtle species within a religious and community-supported framework, Nagshankar Temple has recently been designated as a model temple for turtle conservation. Consider the following statements regarding the Nagshankar Temple in Assam: It was originally constructed by an Ahom ruler in the 4th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River. It has been recognized for its role in the conservation of critically endangered turtle species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 3 onlyC) 2 and 3 onlyD) 1 and 3 only Answer: B) 3 onlyExplanation: Statement 1 is incorrect – The original construction is attributed to King Narasankar of Nagakha in the 4th century CE, not an Ahom ruler. Statement 2 is incorrect – The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra. Statement 3 is correct – It is recognized for turtle conservation. Guttala Sculptural Inscription Syllabus:History A rare 16th-century sculptural inscription discovered near the Chandrashekara temple in Guttala village, Haveri district, Karnataka, offers India’s earliest known epigraphic reference to a humanitarian crisis. Key Features: Date & Language: Dated Saka 1461 (August 18, 1539 CE), the inscription is etched in Kannada script and language on a stone slab. Disaster Recorded: It details the death of 6,307 people due to a severe drought (referred to as “bara”)—providing both the exact toll and a contemporary social response. Humanitarian Response: A local man, Marulaih Odeya, son of Nanideva Odeya, buried the deceased in baskets to earn spiritual merit for the regional ruler, Timmarasa Svami. Sculptural Representation: The stone also features a carving of Marulaih carrying a basket filled with bodies, combining visual iconography with textual epigraphy. Historical Significance: This inscription serves as a unique and early documentation of a natural disaster, highlighting not only the scale of the tragedy but also the community’s humanitarian response and administrative structure, through the mention of “seeme” (territorial unit). This find offers valuable insights into historical climate events, social resilience, and localized governance during the 16th century in South India. With reference to the 16th-century Guttala Sculptural Inscription discovered in Karnataka, consider the following statements: The inscription, dated to 1539 CE, is one of the earliest known epigraphic records of a natural disaster in India and includes both textual and sculptural depictions. It records a mass death caused by a flood, emphasizing the environmental challenges and hydraulic management failures of the Vijayanagara period. The act of burying the dead by a local individual is portrayed as a means of accruing spiritual merit on behalf of a regional ruler, indicating a linkage between social welfare and political legitimacy. The mention of “seeme” in the inscription reflects a formal administrative division under the Delhi Sultanate’s governance in southern India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?A) 1 and 3 onlyB) 1, 2, and 4 onlyC) 1, 3, and 4 onlyD) All of the above Correct Answer: A) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 – Correct: The inscription is dated 1539 CE and combines textual narration and sculptural representation, making it a rare and early epigraphic account of a humanitarian disaster in Indian history. Statement 2 – Incorrect: The disaster mentioned is a drought, not a flood. The term used is bara (Kannada for drought), and it led to the death of 6,307 individuals. Statement 3 – Correct: The individual, Marulaih Odeya, buried the dead to earn religious merit for the ruler Timmarasa Svami, reflecting a cultural linkage between public service and the ruler’s dharmic legitimacy. Statement 4 – Incorrect: The mention of seeme refers to a local territorial unit and has no direct connection with the Delhi Sultanate. The inscription is associated with the Vijayanagara period’s local governance structures. Veer Savarkar Syllabus: GS1/Modern History Savarkar Jayanti (May 28) Honouring the Legacy of Veer Savarkar (1883–1966) About Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: Revolutionary freedom fighter, writer, poet, and political thinker. Advocated for armed struggle to end British rule. Founded Abhinav Bharat (1904) while at Fergusson College, Pune. Established Free India Society in London; authored The First War of Independence on the 1857 revolt. Arrested in 1910; sentenced to 50 years in Cellular Jail, Andaman. Released in 1937; became president of Hindu Mahasabha (served ~7 years). Actively campaigned against untouchability. Dissolved Abhinav Bharat in 1951; focused on Hindu nationalist ideology. About Hindu Mahasabha: Founded: 1915, Haridwar (Kumbh Mela) by Madan Mohan Malviya. Purpose: Counterbalance to Muslim League’s growing political influence. Goals: Unite Hindus politically and culturally Promote Hindu religious and social causes Protect Hindu interests in governance, education, and employment With reference to the political ideology of Veer Savarkar, consider the following statements: He considered untouchability a social evil and actively worked to eradicate it.
Current Affairs 21 august 2025 – Tone Academy
High Levels of Selenium in Groundwater Syllabus: Environment Pollution (GS Paper-3) Context: The Minister of State for Jal Shakti informed the Rajya Sabha that elevated selenium levels were found in a few groundwater samples from Haryana’s Jhajjar district and Punjab’s Rupnagar district, raising concerns about potential health risks and the need for effective monitoring and remediation. About Selenium Levels in Groundwater Monitoring Authority: The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), established in 1970, conducts regional groundwater quality assessments to support sustainable management of India’s groundwater resources. Data Collection: In 2019, CGWB analyzed 5,956 groundwater samples across 17 States/UTs for selenium. Findings: Only four samples from Jhajjar (Haryana) and Rupnagar (Punjab) exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible selenium limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb). About Selenium Characteristics: Selenium (Se, atomic number 34) is a non-metallic chalcogen, essential in trace amounts but toxic in excess, existing in amorphous and crystalline forms. Uses: Widely used in agriculture, mining, energy generation, and industries; recognized as an emerging hazardous contaminant. Health Guidelines: The World Health Organization recommends 55–70 μ g/day for adults, with 400 μ g/day considered toxic. Health Impacts: Deficiency: Can cause Keshan disease (cardiomyopathy) and Kashin-Beck disease (bone and joint disorder). Excess: Leads to hair and nail changes, nervous system damage, fatigue, irritability, and kidney/liver damage with long-term exposure. Selenium in Groundwater Forms: Occurs as selenate (SeO4²⁻), biselenite (HSeO3⁻), and selenite (SeO3²⁻), depending on pH (7.0–9.5) and redox conditions. Sources: Natural deposits, copper smelting, mining, agriculture, and industrial discharges. BIS Standard: The acceptable limit for selenium in groundwater is 0.01 mg/liter (10 ppb). Treatment Methods: Include activated alumina adsorption, strong base anion exchange, reverse osmosis, and distillation, with reduction efficiencies of 60–98%. With reference to selenium as a groundwater contaminant in India, consider the following statements: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible limit for selenium in drinking water is quantitatively higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended daily dietary allowance for an adult. Selenium contamination in groundwater is exclusively an anthropogenic issue, stemming from industrial activities like copper smelting and mining. In aquatic environments, selenium primarily exists in its elemental non-metallic form, making it resistant to common water treatment methods like reverse osmosis. The official monitoring by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates that selenium contamination is a widespread national crisis, affecting a majority of Indian states. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 and 4 only(c) 1, 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.The BIS limit is 10 parts per billion (ppb), which is 10 micrograms (μg) per liter. If an adult drinks 2 liters of water, they would consume 20 μg of selenium. The WHO recommended dietary allowance is 55–70 μ g/day . Therefore, the BIS permissible limit in water contributes only a fraction of, and is not higher than, the daily dietary allowance. Statement 2 is incorrect.The text explicitly states that sources of selenium include “Natural deposits” in addition to anthropogenic sources like mining and industry. The word “exclusively” makes the statement false. Statement 3 is incorrect.The text specifies that selenium in groundwater occurs in ionic forms like selenate (SeO4²⁻) and selenite (SeO3²⁻), not primarily in its elemental form. It also lists reverse osmosis as an effective treatment method, contradicting the claim that it is resistant to such methods. Statement 4 is incorrect.The findings state that out of 5,956 samples across 17 States/UTs, “Only four samples” exceeded the permissible limit. This indicates a localized issue in specific districts, not a “widespread national crisis.” Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan Syllabus: Government Policies & Intervention (GS Paper-2) Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, envisioned as the world’s largest tribal grassroots leadership initiative, aligning with Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision to empower tribal communities through service, resolve, and dedication. Core Philosophy Guiding Principles: Sewa (Service), Sankalp (Resolve), and Samarpan (Dedication). Alignment: Embodies “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas” for inclusive development. Key Components and Outcomes Adi Sewa Kendra: Established in every tribal-dominated village. Government officials and villagers dedicate fortnightly “Adi Sewa Samay” to address local issues, mentor youth, and ensure last-mile delivery of welfare schemes. Governance Lab Workshops: Multi-departmental collaborative platforms for problem-solving and convergence of welfare schemes. Tribal Village Action Plan (Vision 2030): Co-created by officers and villagers, aligning with national goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Volunteer Roles: Adi Sahyogi: Teachers, doctors, and professionals mentoring and mobilizing communities. Adi Saathi: Self-Help Groups (SHGs), tribal elders, NRLM members, and local leaders aiding outreach and implementation. Consider the following statements regarding the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan: The initiative mandates that the ‘Tribal Village Action Plan (Vision 2030)’ be formulated exclusively by empanelled civil society organizations to ensure objective, grassroots-level planning. The ‘Adi Sewa Kendra’ operates on the principle of ‘Samarpan’ (Dedication) by requiring government officials to permanently relocate to their assigned tribal villages for effective monitoring. The roles of ‘Adi Sahyogi’ and ‘Adi Saathi’ are designed to create a collaborative ecosystem where external professionals and internal community leaders work in tandem for mentoring and outreach. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 3 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: (a) 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.The text states that the Tribal Village Action Plan is “Co-created by officers and villagers,” not formulated exclusively by civil society organizations. Statement 2 is incorrect.The text specifies that government officials and villagers dedicate “fortnightly ‘Adi Sewa Samay’”, which is a dedicated time slot, not a permanent relocation. Statement 3 is correct.The description accurately reflects the model outlined. Adi Sahyogi (teachers, doctors, professionals) are external mentors, while Adi Saathi (SHGs, tribal elders, local leaders) are internal community mobilizers. Their roles are indeed designed to create a tandem, collaborative ecosystem. “Anna-Chakra” Supply Chain Optimisation Tool Syllabus: Social Justice (GS Paper-2) Context: The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed Parliament about the Anna-Chakra Tool, a digital solution enhancing the efficiency of the Public