Posts

Contribution of Coins to Indian History

Contribution of Coins to the Study of Indian History 1. Importance of Numismatic Studies Numismatics is the study of coins, discovered through excavations or accidental finds. Coins provide crucial historical evidence, confirming, modifying, or amplifying history. They reveal information about political, economic, religious, and cultural aspects. Coins help in understanding administration, historical geography, and artistic material evidence. 2. Sources for the Discovery of Ancient Indian Coins 2.1 Treasure Troves Coins found as hoards, often buried for safekeeping. Examples: Bayana hoard (1821, Bharatpur, Rajasthan): Gupta gold coins. Tarhala hoard (Maharashtra): Satavahana coins. Jogilthembi hoard (Nashik, Maharashtra): 13,250 silver coins. Treasure trove laws: Ancient India: Kings were considered the owner of buried treasures. Indian Treasure Trove Act (1878): Government can claim unearthed treasures exceeding ₹10. 2.2 Excavations...

Foundational Values for AI Ethics in Framing New Models

  Introduction: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed industries, from healthcare to finance, yet it raises profound ethical questions. As AI systems increasingly influence decision-making, embedding ethical principles into their design is critical to prevent harm and foster trust. This article explores the foundational values essential for ethical AI development, emphasizing their integration from inception to deployment. 1. Transparency and Explainability  Transparency ensures stakeholders understand how AI models function, while explainability provides insights into decision-making processes. Complex models like deep neural networks often act as "black boxes," obscuring their logic. This opacity can erode trust, especially in high-stakes domains such as criminal justice or healthcare. Techniques like LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) and tools such as IBM’s AI Fairness 360 aim to demystify AI decisions. Regulatory framew...

How political economy remains decisive in ensuring shared prosperity from technology.Explain?

  Political economy plays a crucial role in ensuring that technological advancements lead to shared prosperity rather than exacerbating inequalities. Here’s how: Regulation and Governance : Political decisions shape the regulatory framework that governs how technologies are developed, deployed, and used. Regulations can ensure fair competition, protect consumer rights, and promote inclusivity. For instance, laws can mandate accessibility standards for technology to ensure that all individuals benefit equally. Distribution of Benefits : The political economy determines how the economic benefits of technological progress are distributed. Policies such as progressive taxation or welfare programs can redistribute wealth and ensure that gains from technology benefit a broader segment of society, not just the wealthy or tech-savvy. Labor Market Dynamics : Technology often disrupts traditional industries and jobs. Political decisions influence how governments respond to these changes thro...

Discuss the impact of social media, overprotective parenting, and the decline of unsupervised outdoor play on children’s emotional well-being?

 The emotional well-being of children has been increasingly influenced by several modern factors, including social media, overprotective parenting, and the decline of unsupervised outdoor play. Each of these elements plays a role in shaping children's emotional health, and their combined effects can be complex. Here’s a closer look at how each factor impacts children: 1. Social Media Impact on Emotional Well-being: Increased Anxiety and Depression : Social media can expose children to idealized images and lifestyles, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. For example, seeing peers portray seemingly perfect lives on platforms like Instagram or TikTok can make children feel like they don't measure up. Cyberbullying : Social media can be a medium for cyberbullying, which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Victims of online bullying may experience emotional trauma and difficulty trusting others. Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction : Exce...

The world is realising what experts and policymakers in advanced nations are resisting - that its current approach to dealing with climate change is flawed for one very simple reason. It continues to ignore trade-offs?Explain

  The statement highlights a critical issue in how climate change is addressed globally. Here’s a breakdown of the key points: Flaws in the Current Approach: Ignoring Trade-offs : Many advanced nations and policymakers are often focused on specific strategies or technologies to combat climate change without adequately considering the trade-offs involved. Complex Interdependencies : Addressing climate change involves intricate interdependencies among environmental, economic, and social factors. A singular focus on reducing carbon emissions, for instance, may inadvertently lead to negative impacts on other aspects such as employment, economic growth, or social equity. Unintended Consequences : Policies that ignore trade-offs can lead to unintended consequences. For example, aggressive mandates on renewable energy might drive up electricity costs, which could disproportionately affect low-income households. Examples of Trade-offs: Energy Transition : Transitioning from fossil fuels to...

UPSC 2024 prelims Cutoff ( Predicted)

 UPSC prelims predicted cut off  2024  UR : 80-85 EWS : 78-80 OBC : 73-76 SC: 65-70 ST : 60-65 New cut off after revising several keys

Support us by scaning QR Code

 Help in hand 

Why Self Doubt among UPSC Aspirants is commom while reading and in process of exam ?

coming soon ........... 

India’s jute economy is faltering while Bangladesh’s is flourishing? Suggest measures to be taken to enhance jute industry in India ?

India’s Jute Industry India is the  world’s biggest producer of jute , followed by Bangladesh. Jute is  primarily grown in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Andhra Pradesh. The  jute industry in India is 150 years old . There are about 79 jute mills in the country, of which about 60 are in West Bengal along both the banks of river Hooghly. Jute production is a labour intensive industry. It employs about two lakh workers in the West Bengal alone and 4 lakh workers across the country. The major problems of Indian Jute Industries are mentioned below: High cost of production:  Equipments for production are all worn out, outmoded in design. Many mills are uneconomic. Products are made costlier. Storage of raw Jute:  Jute industry suffers from inadequate supply of raw jute. Shortage of Power Supply : Load-shedding creates problem of under-utilization of capacity. Growth of Jute mills in Bangladesh and loss of foreign market : Newly started jute indust...

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

 The phrase "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" is a powerful reminder of the folly of repeating actions that have consistently failed to produce the desired outcome. This principle holds true across various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors to societal structures. In the context of India, there are numerous examples that illustrate the pervasiveness of this cycle of insanity, hindering progress and perpetuating stagnation. Dimension 1: Societal Practices One prominent example is the entrenched caste system, which has plagued Indian society for centuries. Despite numerous efforts to dismantle this rigid hierarchy, it continues to cast its shadow over social interactions, economic opportunities, and political representation. The persistence of caste-based discrimination, often manifesting in violence and exclusion, exemplifies the insanity of clinging to outdated practices that breed inequali...

: “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.”In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

 Uplifting core values in society requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Here are some measures that can be adopted to foster and promote positive core values, thereby addressing and mitigating the manifestation of corruption: 1. Education and Awareness:    - Incorporate Ethics in Education: Integrate ethics and values education into formal education systems at all levels. Teach students about the importance of integrity, honesty, and social responsibility.    - Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct campaigns that raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on society and emphasize the benefits of ethical behavior. 2. Promotion of Civic Engagement:    - Community Involvement:Encourage active participation in community and civic activities. Engaged citizens are more likely to contribute positively to society and hold others accountable for their actions.    - Volunteerism: Promote volunteerism as a means of ins...

What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words

 In the context of corporate governance, both moral integrity and professional integrity play crucial roles in ensuring ethical conduct and responsible management within an organization. 1. Moral Integrity in Corporate Governance:    - Definition: Moral integrity in corporate governance refers to the adherence to ethical principles and values by individuals within an organization, particularly those in leadership positions.    - Example:Consider a CEO who, in the face of financial pressure, decides not to cut corners or engage in fraudulent accounting practices to boost short-term profits. Instead, the CEO chooses to uphold honesty and transparency, prioritizing the long-term health of the company and maintaining the trust of stakeholders. 2. Professional Integrity in Corporate Governance:    - Definition: Professional integrity involves the consistent application of ethical standards and the fulfillment of professional responsibilities in the business...

Women are agents of social change and social cohesion?

Discuss how Indian theatre can aid youngsters in comprehending social issues, language, culture and linguistic development ?10Marks

Discuss how Indian theatre can aid youngsters in comprehending social issues, language, culture and linguistic development ?10Marks  Indian theatre plays a crucial role in aiding youngsters in comprehending social issues, language, culture, and linguistic development. It serves as a powerful medium for education, reflection, and cultural expression. Here are some ways in which Indian theatre contributes to the understanding of these aspects among the youth, along with examples:  1. Social Issues:    Indian theatre often addresses contemporary social issues, helping youngsters become more aware and engaged in societal matters. Plays dealing with topics like gender inequality, caste discrimination, and environmental issues can create a platform for dialogue and reflection.    Example:The play "Muktidham" by renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar addresses the caste system in India, making the audience question societal norms and prejudices.  2. Language Dev...

Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?" ?

  Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?" was asked in the Mains 2023 GS Paper 1.  Let us look at the model answer to this question.  Answer:  Caste identity involves the positioning of one's caste group within a social hierarchy. Caste identity in India is complex and characterised by its dual nature of being both fluid and static. On the one hand, there is evidence of social mobility and caste change, while on the other hand, caste-based discrimination and inequality persist. Factors responsible for fluidity in caste identity Education and urbanisation: Education and urbanisation have led to social mobility and a change in caste identity, loosening of traditional caste ties. For example, the enrolment of SC students in higher education has increased to 58.95 Lakh from 46.06 Lakh in 2014-15. (AISHE Survey 2020-21) Sanskritisation: Through the process of Sanskritization, lower-caste groups have adopted the rituals, customs, and lifestyles of upper-cas...

Strategies to reduce crop residue burning for air pollution mitigation?

  Why are farmers burning crop residues? Shorter cropping cycles:  Multiple cropping and shortened intervals between crops give a very short window of about 10–15 days during which the field needs to be prepared for the next crop. This does not give farmers enough time to allow straw to be incorporated in the soil or use other methods of disposal. In Punjab, this interval is further shortened by the rules, which delays the sowing of paddy till after the onset of rains to minimize dependence on groundwater for irrigation.  Increased mechanisation of harvesting:  The use of mechanized harvesters leaves stubble of 10– 30 cm in the field, depending on the type of crop, which was not the case earlier with manual harvesting. It is too expensive to hire labour to clear this stubble. Labour shortage:  Use of expensive labour for stubble extraction is not feasible. Costs are especially high in Punjab and Haryana, where farm sizes are large and use of mechanized harvester...

Why in Rajasthan Well Suicides Increasing among the women?

  In the heart of Rajasthan’s Barmer district, a concerning and tragic trend has emerged—young married women are resorting to self-inflicted deaths by jumping into wells. This phenomenon, termed “well suicides,” has gripped the region, prompting a closer look at the underlying factors, causes, and efforts made to address this alarming crisis. The Well Suicides Epidemic Barmer, a district famed for its natural resources such as oil, coal, and gas, has become a focal point for a distressing surge in suicides among its young married women since 2019. The disturbing pattern involves women, often with their young children, ending their lives by plunging into wells or man-made water storage tanks known as tankas. This distressing surge has prompted attention from local authorities, media outlets, and law enforcement agencies. For instance, Hanuman Ram’s ordeal encapsulates the heart-wrenching nature of this trend. Waking up one morning to find his 20-year-old wife Mamta missing, he disco...