Blog - Page 54 of 93 - TOne Academy

karthik May 24, 2025 No Comments

INSV Kaundinya Syllabus:Defence Overview The Indian Navy has inducted INSV Kaundinya, a reconstructed ancient Indian ship inspired by 5th-century maritime imagery found in the Ajanta cave murals. This unique vessel symbolizes India’s historic shipbuilding prowess and aims to raise awareness of the country’s rich maritime legacy. Project Background Launched in July 2023 under a tripartite collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations. Funded by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate traditional craftsmanship and maritime traditions. The ship is scheduled to sail along the ancient maritime trade route from Gujarat to Oman in 2025. Traditional Shipbuilding Techniques Built using ancient “stitched ship” methods, where wooden planks are fastened with coir ropes, coconut fibres, and natural resin, completely avoiding the use of metal nails. Design inspired by maritime scenes depicted in the Ajanta cave paintings. With no original blueprints available, the ship’s reconstruction relied on a combination of 2D artistic analysis, archaeological evidence, naval architecture, and hydrodynamic modeling. Symbolism and Design The sails display traditional motifs like the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle) and the Sun, representing strength and vitality. The bow features a Simha Yali, a mythical lion-like figure rooted in South Indian iconography. A Harappan-style stone anchor on deck symbolically connects the ship to the maritime practices of the Indus Valley Civilization. Named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian sailor believed to have sailed to Southeast Asia, the vessel pays tribute to India’s role in ancient trade and cultural exchange across oceans. Ajanta Cave Paintings Context The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, are renowned for their early Indian mural art. The murals use the tempera technique (painting on dry plaster) with natural pigments like red ochre and black. Artistic themes center around Buddhism, depicting Jataka Tales, scenes from the Buddha’s life, and moral stories (Avadanas). The paintings are notable for their expressive human figures, detailed gestures, and rich decorative patterns reflecting spiritual and emotional depth. Which of the following statements about the maritime trade network referenced in the voyage of INSV Kaundinya is/are correct? It was part of the “Maritime Silk Route” linking India to Southeast Asia and East Africa. It had established ports like Lothal, Arikamedu, and Barygaza that facilitated Roman and Arab trade. Kaundinya’s voyage is associated with the cultural transmission of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Select the correct answer using the code below:A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 onlyD. 1, 2, and 3 Answer:AExplanation: Kaundinya is associated with Indian maritime expansion to Southeast Asia (e.g., Funan), not Sri Lanka. Buddhism reached Sri Lanka via Ashoka’s missionary efforts. The “Maritime Silk Route” was an ancient network of sea routes that linked Southeast Asia, South Asia (including India), the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa. India played a pivotal role in this trade network, acting as a central hub due to its strategic location between the East and the West. Indian ports facilitated the movement of goods (like spices, textiles, gems) as well as ideas (like religion, language, and culture) across the Indian Ocean. The voyage of INSV Kaundinya is a tribute to this historical maritime linkage, especially between India and Southeast Asia (e.g., ancient kingdoms like Funan, in modern-day Cambodia and Vietnam). Liquid Carbon Syllabus:Chemistry Overview: For the first time, scientists have successfully observed the atomic structure of liquid carbon, using advanced techniques involving the DIPOLE 100-X high-power laser and ultrashort X-ray pulses from the European XFEL (X-ray Free Electron Laser) in Germany. This marks a significant milestone in high-energy material science and planetary physics. What Is Liquid Carbon? Liquid carbon refers to the transient molten phase of carbon, which exists only under extreme conditions of temperature (~4500°C) and pressure. Under normal circumstances, carbon exists as: Solid allotropes (e.g., graphite, diamond) Gaseous compounds (e.g., CO₂) This liquid phase is crucial for: Modelling carbon-rich exoplanetary cores Understanding high-energy astrophysical environments Investigating material behavior under extreme laser interactions, relevant to nuclear fusion research Why Is It Challenging to Study? Unlike many elements, carbon sublimates at normal atmospheric pressure—directly transitioning from solid to gas—making it virtually impossible to study its liquid form in a laboratory. Additionally: It forms only under intense pressures and temperatures No conventional containment system can withstand these conditions The liquid state exists for mere nanoseconds, requiring ultrafast diagnostic tools Experimental Technique To overcome these barriers: The DIPOLE 100-X laser generated shock compression waves, briefly converting solid carbon into liquid Within a billionth of a second, European XFEL’s X-ray pulses diffracted off the sample’s atoms The resulting X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the atomic structure Repeating the experiment at varying intervals enabled a time-resolved sequence or “movie” of the solid-to-liquid transition Key Discoveries Structure: Liquid carbon exhibits a tetrahedral configuration—with four nearest atomic neighbors—resembling solid diamond Validation: The findings confirmed theoretical predictions and provided a precise estimate of carbon’s melting point under high-pressure conditions Implications Planetary Science: Enhances understanding of deep planetary interiors, especially carbon-rich exoplanets and early Earth models Fusion Research: Informs the design of carbon-based materials used in extreme-temperature environments, such as fusion reactors Fundamental Physics: Contributes to the broader understanding of phase transitions in high-energy-density systems Which of the following factors make experimental observation of liquid carbon uniquely difficult? Its liquid phase exists only at extremely high pressure and temperature. Its rapid vaporization causes interference with optical diagnostics. Conventional laboratory containers cannot withstand the required experimental conditions. It has a permanent liquid phase in the upper mantle of the Earth. A. 1, 2 and 3 onlyB. 1 and 3 onlyC. 2, 3 and 4 onlyD. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer:A Explanation: Statement 1 is correct – liquid carbon forms only under extreme conditions. Statement 2 is plausible due to rapid phase change causing diagnostic challenges. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 4 is incorrect—carbon does not exist in a liquid state in the Earth’s mantle due to insufficient pressure-temperature conditions. Kakapo Syllabus:Environment Artificial Insemination to Save the Critically Endangered

swapna May 22, 2025 No Comments

Weekly Current Affairs 17th May -23rd May 2025

Society History Governance Science and Technology Environment Polity Economy Intellectual Property Rights Geography Reports Defence Miscellaneous Disproportionate Burden on Women in Risk Society Syllabus: GS1/ Society What is a Risk Society? Coined by German sociologist Ulrich Beck in his 1986 book Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity. Refers to a shift from industrial society to one dominated by man-made risks—like climate change, pandemics, and technological hazards—arising from modern development. Unlike natural disasters, these risks are global, complex, and often invisible, affecting societies unequally. Why Women Are Disproportionately Affected Environmental & Health Risks: Water collection exposes women to contaminated sources, increasing the risk of disease. Solid fuels for cooking cause indoor air pollution, leading to chronic respiratory issues. Gender norms (e.g., eating last or less) worsen women’s nutritional and health outcomes. NFHS-5 (2019–21): 57% of Indian women suffer from anaemia vs. 25% of men. Economic Vulnerability: Concentration in informal work with low job security and savings. Limited land ownership and asset access hinder disaster recovery. Lower credit access increases dependency and reduces resilience. Unpaid care work adds emotional and physical strain. Political & Institutional Exclusion: Women’s voices are often missing in policy-making, especially in disaster preparedness and climate governance. Results in gender-blind policies and missed use of women’s community knowledge. Way Forward Gender Mainstreaming: Integrate women’s needs into all risk reduction, climate, and pandemic strategies. Economic Empowerment: Ensure land rights, financial access, and social protection schemes prioritise women. Care Infrastructure: Support unpaid care work via crèches, health insurance, and community kitchens. Inclusive Governance: Institutionalise women’s participation in disaster management and local planning bodies. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of a “Risk Society” and its gendered impacts: The term “Risk Society” was coined by Ulrich Beck in 1986 and refers to a society increasingly shaped by global, man-made risks such as climate change, pandemics, and technological hazards. Women are disproportionately affected by environmental and health risks, such as water collection from contaminated sources and indoor air pollution from solid fuels. Women’s economic vulnerability is exacerbated by higher participation in the formal labor sector, where job security and savings are guaranteed. Political and institutional exclusion of women often leads to gender-neutral policies, ignoring their unique needs in disaster preparedness and climate governance. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 4 onlyC. 1, 2, and 4 onlyD. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Answer: C. 1, 2, and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Ulrich Beck’s “Risk Society” indeed describes the shift towards a society dominated by human-made, global risks such as climate change, pandemics, and technological hazards. Statement 2 is correct. Women are disproportionately affected by environmental and health risks, such as exposure to contaminated water and indoor air pollution, which are exacerbated by gendered roles (e.g., water collection and cooking). Statement 3 is incorrect. Women are more likely to be concentrated in the informal labor sector, where job security and savings are often lacking, not in the formal sector as the statement suggests. Statement 4 is correct. Women’s exclusion from decision-making results in gender-blind policies, ignoring their specific needs in the context of disaster preparedness and climate governance. Dongria Kondh Community Syllabus:Society The Dongria Kondh is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Niyamgiri Hills, spread across Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Cultural and Spiritual Significance The term ‘Dongria’ is derived from ‘Dongar’, meaning hill, indicating their habitation in hilly terrain. They call themselves Jharnia, meaning “protectors of streams.” They follow an animistic and polytheistic belief system, where hilltops and forests are revered as sacred deities. The community worships Niyam Raja, a mythical god-king, believed to be the creator and guardian of the Niyamgiri Hills. Their art and symbols—notably triangular motifs—reflect deep reverence for the mountains and nature. Social and Religious Structure Dongria Kondhs do not have a central political or religious authority. Each clan or village is self-governed. Religious and ceremonial roles are performed by beju (male priest) and bejuni (female priest). Distinctive tattoos, jewellery, and hairstyles mark their cultural identity. Women wear multiple rings in ears and nose; men also adorn nose rings. Language They speak Kuyi and Kuvi, which are linguistically unrelated to Odia, the state’s official language. Livelihood The Dongria Kondh are traditionally horticulturists, engaged primarily in: Podu cultivation (shifting agriculture), Collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Their sustenance is intricately tied to the forests, slopes, and water sources of Niyamgiri. Current Concerns The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently sought an Action Taken Report from the Odisha Chief Secretary, highlighting the alarming lack of basic amenities and precarious living conditions of over 10,000 Dongria Kondh families. With reference to the Dongria Kondh community, consider the following statements: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The community practices settled agriculture and avoids shifting cultivation due to ecological concerns. Their traditional religious belief revolves around worship of Niyam Raja, whom they consider the guardian of the Niyamgiri hills. The languages spoken by them, Kuyi and Kuvi, belong to the Dravidian language family and are closely related to Odia. Which of the above statements is/are correct?A. 1 and 3 onlyB. 2 and 4 onlyC. 1, 2 and 4 onlyD. 3 only Answer:AExplanation: Statement 1 is correct – Dongria Kondhs are listed as a PVTG, though not specifically under the FRA, 2006 (but it reinforces their rights). Statement 2 is incorrect – They practice podu (shifting) cultivation, not settled agriculture. Statement 3 is correct – They worship Niyam Raja, a guardian deity of the Niyamgiri hills. Statement 4 is incorrect – Kuyi and Kuvi are Dravidian languages, but not closely related to Odia, which is Indo-Aryan. Afrikaners – Africa’s White Tribe Syllabus:Society The U.S. recently welcomed its first group of Afrikaner refugees, drawing attention to the historical and sociocultural origins of this unique community. Who are the Afrikaners?: Afrikaners are a white ethnic

karthik May 22, 2025 No Comments

22 May Current Affairs

karthik May 22, 2025 No Comments

22nd may 2025 Current Affairs

WHO Pandemic Agreement Syllabus:Health What is it: A legally binding international treaty under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. This is only the second such treaty after the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Aim: To ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, and to establish a coordinated global response system for future pandemics. Key Highlights: Adopted by 124 countries with 11 abstentions.Becomes enforceable after ratification by 60 countries. WHO cannot enforce national laws; member states retain full sovereignty. The United States withdrew from negotiations under previous administration policies. Why It’s Needed: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical failures in global cooperation and fairness.An estimated one million deaths could have been prevented with equitable vaccine distribution. Disparities widened as wealthier nations secured most vaccine supplies, leaving others behind. Core Provisions Mandatory sharing of pathogen samples and data. Pharmaceutical companies must provide ten percent of vaccine output free and ten percent at low cost to low-income countries. Support for local vaccine production through technology transfer.Vaccine allocation based on public health needs rather than geopolitical interests. Establishment of global supply chains and emergency funding mechanisms. Countries must guarantee public access to innovations developed with public funds.Emphasis on the One Health approach connecting human, animal, and environmental health. Significance: Strengthens international health cooperation Promotes fair access to life-saving tools Improves pandemic preparedness and early response Protects low- and middle-income countries Maintains balance between national autonomy and global coordination With reference to the recently adopted WHO-led international pandemic treaty, consider the following statements: The treaty is the first legally binding international agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. Ratification by at least 60 member states is required for the treaty to come into force. Under its provisions, pharmaceutical companies are obligated to provide 20 percent of vaccine output either free of cost or at low cost to low-income countries. The treaty establishes enforceable supranational powers for the WHO, superseding national legal frameworks during pandemics. The treaty mandates a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health dimensions. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2, and 5 onlyB. 2, 3, and 5 onlyC. 2 and 4 onlyD. 1, 3, and 4 only Answer: B. 2, 3, and 5 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The treaty is legally binding under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, but it is not the first such treaty. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), adopted in 2003, was the first. This pandemic treaty is the second. Statement 2 is correct. The treaty becomes enforceable after ratification by at least 60 countries. Statement 3 is correct. The treaty mandates that 10 percent of vaccine output be provided free of cost and another 10 percent at an affordable or low cost to low-income countries. Together, this makes up 20 percent, but it is not entirely free or low cost as a single category. The statement’s phrasing is acceptable for a correct answer under UPSC norms. Statement 4 is incorrect. The WHO does not gain supranational enforcement powers under the treaty. Member states retain full sovereignty, and the WHO cannot override national legal frameworks. Statement 5 is correct. The treaty emphasizes the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health as part of global pandemic preparedness. Therefore, the correct statements are 2, 3, and 5. India’s Small Farmers Syllabus:Agriculture Who Are India’s Small Farmers? Small and marginal farmers, defined as those owning less than 2 hectares of land (Agricultural Census 2015–16), make up over 85% of India’s farmers but cultivate just 45% of the nation’s net sown area. They are the backbone of food production, yet remain vulnerable due to limited resources, poor market access, and systemic inequities. Key Challenges Climate Risks and Rising Costs High dependence on monsoons, with inadequate irrigation infrastructure Escalating input costs (seeds, fertilizers, diesel) reduce profit margins (RBI Handbook, 2022) Poor Market Access and Price Realisation Only 7% benefit from MSP; most sell under distress to middlemen (Shanta Kumar Committee, 2015) Lack of storage, processing, and transport infrastructure increases price volatility Credit and Debt Issues Only 30% have access to formal credit (NABARD, 2016–17) Many rely on informal loans with high interest ₹10.09 lakh crore in corporate loan write-offs (RBI, 2022) vs. limited farm debt relief highlights credit inequality Over-reliance on Subsidies Loan waivers and subsidies offer temporary relief but discourage innovation and diversification Limited Entrepreneurial Skills and Infrastructure Lack of training in agribusiness, digital tools, and value chain management Inadequate infrastructure stalls transition to high-value, market-linked farming Government Interventions PM-KISAN: ₹6,000 annual income support to small/marginal farmers PMFBY: Crop insurance against yield losses from climate events PMKSY: Irrigation efficiency and “Har Khet Ko Pani” e-NAM: A digital market platform for price discovery FPO Scheme: Formation of 10,000+ Farmer Producer Organisations to empower smallholders Way Forward Promote Agripreneurship Transition farmers from subsistence to business models using platforms like AgriBazaar, Ninjacart, and e-NAM Strengthen FPOs and SHGs Provide financial support, training, and digital tools to FPOs for collective bargaining and value addition Reform Rural Credit Systems Expand credit access to cooperatives, SHGs, and FPOs Strengthen digital lending platforms with safeguards Encourage Sustainable & Organic Farming Scale schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) Promote exports and certification (NPOP, Fairtrade) Integrate blockchain for transparency in premium markets Implement 4P Models (Public-Private-Producer Partnerships) Engage corporates in ethical procurement, investment, and capacity-building under CSR Bridge the Digital Divide Invest in rural internet, digital literacy, and precision agriculture tools like drones and real-time data systems Align with SDGs Promote climate-resilient agriculture supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) Conclusion India’s agricultural transformation depends on empowering its small and marginal farmers—not just through subsidies, but with lasting opportunities for dignity, resilience, and enterprise. Post-pandemic innovations such as e-commerce, digital platforms, and FPOs now offer the tools to close critical gaps in credit, infrastructure, and markets. A systemic shift from relief to resilience