UPSC: Ningol Chakkouba Festival, Yanadi Tribe, VELC, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Ningol Chakkouba Festival

News: Indigenous people in Manipur exchanged love and unity to bring peace, integrity, and a prosperous future by celebrating the grandest festival, Ningol Chakkouba.
About Ningol Chakkouba Festival:
Timing:
- - Celebrated annually on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei in the Meitei calendar.
Celebration and Significance:
- - Traditionally observed by the Meitei community, though its popularity has spread to other communities, emphasizing the importance of family reunions for societal peace and harmony.
  - The festival symbolizes family bonds, as married daughters (Ningol means ‘married woman’) are invited (Chakouba means ‘feast invitation’) to their parental homes to partake in a joyous feast.

Festival Rituals:
- - Married sisters return to their maternal homes for a festive gathering that includes a grand feast and gift-giving.
  - It is customary for brothers to formally invite their sisters at least a week in advance.
  - Celebrations now extend beyond Manipur, wherever Manipuri communities reside.
Key Facts about the Meitei Community:
- - Ethnic Significance: The Meiteis form the primary ethnic group in Manipur.
  - Language: They speak Meitei (officially known as Manipuri), recognized among the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur.
  - Geographical Distribution: Predominantly located in the Imphal Valley, with communities also residing in Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram in India, as well as in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
  - Social Structure: The community is organized into clans, with strict rules preventing intermarriage within the same clan.
  - Economic Foundation: Their economy is primarily based on rice farming, with irrigated fields playing a central role in their agricultural practices.

Yanadi Tribe

News: Three children of the Yanadi tribe who went missing from their homes at Kalekhanpeta in Machilipatnam were traced recently.
About Yanadi Tribe:
Tribe Classification:
- - Yanadis are among the prominent Scheduled Tribes of Andhra Pradesh and are recognized as one of the most vulnerable tribal groups in India, facing extreme poverty and social exclusion.
Location and Population:
- - A large segment of the Yanadi population resides in the plains of Nellore district, in the eastern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh.
  - According to the 2001 census, the population of the Yanadi tribe in Andhra Pradesh was recorded at 4,62,167.

Language:
- - Telugu is the mother tongue of the Yanadi community.
Traditional Occupations:
- - Historically, the Yanadis have engaged in hunting, gathering, and agriculture, with a deep understanding of their natural surroundings to support their livelihood.
Traditional Health Knowledge:
- - The Yanadi tribe possesses extensive knowledge of traditional healthcare, ranging from everyday remedies to specialized treatments, such as antidotes for snakebites.
  - They use plant-based medicinal knowledge to treat various ailments, including gastrointestinal issues, respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and reproductive health concerns.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs:
- - The Yanadi people have numerous religious beliefs and festivals connected to the forest and its flora, reflecting their cultural ties to nature.
Dhimsa Dance:
- - This traditional dance is performed by the Yanadi tribe during festivals and special events, showcasing their cultural heritage and unity.

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Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki

News: The Indonesian government aims to evacuate at least 16,000 residents from villages around the active Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano that erupted and killed nine people.
Location:
- - Situated on Flores Island in Indonesia, this volcanic mountain is found in the East Nusa Tenggara province.
Volcano and Twin-System:
- - Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is part of a unique twin-volcano system, where local communities view the two peaks as representing male and female forms.
  - The current volcanic activity is occurring at Lewotobi Laki-Laki, the male mountain, while its female counterpart is known as Lewotobi Perempuan.

Volcanic Classification:
- - Both mountains are categorized as stratovolcanoes, the most common type of volcano on Earth, formed through repeated eruptions that build layers of lava around the vent.
Volcanic Activity Context:
- - Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions as it lies along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ — a tectonically active zone filled with volcanoes and prone to earthquakes and tsunamis due to tectonic plate movements.
What are Stratovolcanoes?
- - Physical Characteristics:
  - Stratovolcanoes are steep, conical, and high in elevation, distinctly different from the flatter, shield volcanoes.
  - These volcanoes usually feature prominent peaks due to their height and shape.
  - Geological Setting:
  - They often form above subduction zones and are commonly found in volcanically active regions, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
  - Global Presence and Composition:
  - Stratovolcanoes represent about 60% of the world’s volcanoes and are known for eruptions of andesite and dacite lavas, which are generally cooler and more viscous than basalt.

UPSC GS 2

Asian Buddhist Summit

News: The inaugural session of the Asian Buddhist Summit 2024 took place in New Delhi, uniting Buddhist monks, scholars, and dignitaries from across Asia and beyond.
Buddhist Conference Overview:
Organizers:
- - Hosted by India’s Ministry of Culture in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Theme:
- - “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” – focusing on Buddhism’s influence and unity across Asia.
Chief Guest:
- - The President of India was the esteemed Chief Guest, highlighting the event’s importance.
Key Discussions and Sessions:
- - Buddhist Art, Architecture, and Heritage: Explored the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Buddhism, exemplified by Indian heritage sites such as the Sanchi Stupas and Ajanta Caves, which embody Buddha’s teachings and artistic legacy.
  - Buddha’s Wanderings (Buddha Cārikā) and Dissemination of Teachings: Focused on Buddha’s journeys across India to share his teachings with diverse communities, fostering spiritual connection and understanding.
  - Significance of Buddhist Relics: Discussed how relics act as symbols of Buddha’s wisdom, fostering community gatherings, boosting local economies, and spreading messages of peace and compassion.
  - Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-being: Examined Buddhism’s focus on mindfulness, compassion, and interconnectedness, providing a holistic framework for health and wellness.
  - Buddhist Literature and Philosophy for the 21st Century: Highlighted the relevance of ancient texts and philosophies, offering insights on human nature, reality, and the path to enlightenment.
India’s Contributions to Preserving Buddhist Heritage:
- - Buddhist Tourism Circuit: A government initiative to establish a tourism circuit covering key Buddhist sites, including Kapilvastu, to promote pilgrimage and cultural awareness.
  - Global Buddhist Summit 2023: Focused on promoting values of peace and compassion, underscoring the role of Buddha Dhamma in addressing global challenges.
  - SCO Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage (2022-2023): Brought together member states to discuss shared Buddhist art and archaeological heritage, strengthening cultural ties.
  - Symposium on Vipassana Meditation (2024): Held in Bangkok, this event highlighted the impact of Vipassana meditation on well-being and peace.
  - Recognition of Pali Language as Classical: In October 2024, Pali, the language of Buddha’s sermons, received classical status, affirming its cultural and historical significance.
  - International Abhidhamma Diwas: Celebrated on October 17, 2024, in New Delhi, honoring the teachings of Abhidhamma and the role of Pali in preserving Buddha’s wisdom.

UPSC GS 3

LignoSat

News: Japan launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, into space.
Name and Concept:
- - “LignoSat” combines “ligno” (Latin for wood) and “satellite.”
  - It represents a pioneering approach to using wood in space technology.
Development Team:
- - LignoSat is the result of a collaborative effort between researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co.

Objective:
- - The project aims to harness wood’s eco-friendly and cost-effective properties for space exploration.
  - It seeks to showcase the potential of renewable materials in future space habitats and structures.
Material and Construction:
- - Made from magnolia wood, selected for its resilience and adaptability in challenging environments.
Mission Plan:
- - LignoSat will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX rocket from the Kennedy Space Center.
  - Upon arrival at the ISS, it will be deployed from the Japanese experiment module to evaluate its durability and performance in space.
Data Collection:
- - Researchers will receive real-time data from LignoSat to assess its structural integrity, detect strain, and monitor its resilience to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Why Wood?:
- - Wooden satellites offer a sustainable alternative by reducing environmental risks during reentry.
  - Unlike metal satellites, which can release metal particles and contribute to air pollution as they burn up, wood decomposes cleanly in the atmosphere, minimizing ecological impact.

Kalka-Shimla Narrow-Gauge Railway

News: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Ministry of Railways to explore the possibility of running trains on the Kalka-Shimla railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on green hydrogen.
About Kalka-Shimla Railway (KSR):
KSR is a narrow-gauge railway line located in northern India, designed to traverse the mountainous landscape from Kalka in Haryana to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.
Construction History:
- - Built in 1898, the railway aimed to connect Shimla, then the summer capital of British India, with the broader Indian railway network.
  - H. S. Harington served as the project’s chief engineer, overseeing the challenging construction.

Route Specifications:
- - The single-track line spans a distance of 96 kilometers and is popularly known as the “toy train” route.
  - It features 18 stations, 102 tunnels, and crosses over 850 bridges along the route.
Altitude:
- - The line experiences a remarkable altitude gain from 655 meters at Kalka to 2,076 meters at Shimla.
Engineering Marvels:
- - The line includes the world’s highest multi-arch gallery bridge located at Kanoh.
  - At the time of construction, Barog Tunnel was the longest tunnel globally, showcasing the advanced engineering techniques employed.
Heritage Status:
- - In 2008, KSR was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring its historical and architectural significance.
Records and Recognition:
- - The KSR holds a Guinness World Record for its steep altitude rise over a 96-kilometer stretch, incorporating over 800 bridges and viaducts into its path.

Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)

News: Indian scientists have achieved an important milestone in solar research, reporting the first major findings from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard India’s Aditya-L1 mission.
Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC):
Primary Payload:
- - VELC is the main instrument onboard India’s Aditya-L1 Mission, the country’s inaugural mission to observe the Sun. It will operate from a unique position 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.

Technical Design:
- - VELC is an internally occulted solar coronagraph that performs simultaneous imaging, spectroscopy, and spectro-polarimetry near the solar limb.
  - Developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) at its CREST campus in Hosakote, Karnataka.

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Components:
- - The VELC is equipped with a coronagraph, a spectrograph, a polarimetry module, and detectors, supported by additional optics for precision.
Purpose and Objectives:
- - Observing the Solar Corona:
  - The VELC will study the Sun’s corona—the outer, diffuse layer of the solar atmosphere.
  - It can capture images of the corona down to 1.05 times the solar radius, achieving the closest imaging of this kind.
  - Analyzing Solar Parameters:
  - VELC will examine critical parameters of the corona such as temperature, plasma velocity, and density.
  - It will also investigate solar phenomena like Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and the solar wind.
What is a Coronagraph?:
- - Design and Function: A coronagraph is a specialized instrument that obscures the Sun’s bright center, making it possible to observe the faint corona.
  - Invented by French astronomer Bernard Lyot in the 1930s, it uses an internal mask to block direct sunlight in a telescope, simulating the effect of a solar eclipse.
  - Application:
  - By mimicking a solar eclipse, a coronagraph allows researchers to study the corona’s structure and activities.
  - This tool filters out the Sun’s intense light, enabling the detection of smaller planetary light fragments for deeper space observations.