[ Day 1 – June 19, 2023] 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2023 – Art & Culture & Ethics

  Art & Culture:  Q1. Briefly examine the contributions of Buddhist and Jain scholars to the development of philosophical thought in ancient India. How did their teachings shape the intellectual landscape of the time? (10M)   Q2. To what extent did the Greco-Roman and Gandharan influences impact ancient Indian sculpture. How did these cross-cultural interactions …

[Mission 2023] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 19 June 2023

  InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to …

Mexico

Source: TH The mass deaths of approximately 300 wild birds along Mexico’s Pacific coast are likely attributed to El Niño. Warmer waters (due to El Nino) cause fish to swim deeper, making it harder for seabirds to find food, which could be a contributing factor to the bird deaths. Similar occurrences of dead seabirds were …

Mali

Mapping Source: TH  Context: Mali’s military junta conducted a referendum on a new draft constitution, presenting it as a step toward holding elections in 2024. The coup leader, Col. Assimi Goita, claimed that the proposed constitution would establish a more organized executive power while maintaining a balance with the legislative power.   Mali is a …

Wild orchids of North Bengal

  Source: DTE   Context: The wild orchids of North Bengal, known for their beauty, fragrance, and medicinal properties, are disappearing due to deforestation in their natural habitat.   About Orchids:

National Working Plan Code-2023

Source: PIB  Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has released the “National Working Plan Code-2023” for the scientific management of forests and evolving new approaches.   What is Scientific Forest Management? Scientific forest management is an approach that involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to manage forests sustainably. It focuses …

Geminid meteors

  Source: Hindustan Times  Context: Researchers demystify the unusual origin of the Geminids meteor shower. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission is providing new evidence that a violent, catastrophic event created the Geminids. Findings: While most meteor showers originate from comets, the Geminids are believed to come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. Unlike comets, asteroids like Phaethon …

Y chromosome

Facts For Prelims Source: TH    Context: Researchers have discovered that the Y chromosome possesses genes linked to ageing and lifespan regulation. The Y chromosome, known as the “master of maleness,” determines the biological male sex and carries genes that play a role in sex determination.   Findings: Recent research has revealed that the Y …

Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel

  Source: BS  Context: Germany has proposed transitioning to carbon-neutral synthetic fuels for existing internal combustion vehicles instead of phasing them out completely.   Reasons for such a proposal: Even though electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells have zero-emission during usage, their manufacturing processes have significant environmental impacts. Approximately 90% of the world’s vehicles are …

Groundwater Extraction Alters Earth’s Rotation

  Source: TH Context: A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters reveals that extensive groundwater extraction by humans has had a significant effect on Earth’s rotation. Findings: Between 1993 and 2010, the excessive pumping of groundwater caused the planet’s rotational pole to shift eastward by approximately 80 centimetres. The research indicates that …

Gita Press awarded Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: Gita Press, Gorakhpur, a prominent publisher of religious texts, has been awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021.   Reason: The award recognises the publishing house’s significant contribution to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and Gandhian methods.   About Gita Press  Gita Press is the world’s largest …

Kamala Sohonie

  Source: IE Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a scientific discipline. She faced gender bias within the scientific community, including opposition from CV Raman, a Nobel laureate. Despite Raman’s initial rejection, Sohonie confronted him and eventually gained admission to the Indian Institute of Science. She completed her course …

Reforming WTO

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate   Source: IE  Context: The recently concluded G20 working group meeting on trade and investment focused on the important issue of WTO reform.   World Trade Organization (WTO): It is a member-driven, consensus-based intergovernmental organisation that regulates and facilitates international trade …

Punchhi Commission Recommendations and Potential Solutions for Manipur Crisis

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Polity – Centre-State Relations   Source: IE  Context: The recent crisis in Manipur has sparked renewed interest in the Punchhi Commission Recommendations, which offer potential solutions for effectively managing such situations.    About Punchhi Commission: The government constituted the Second Commission on Interstate Relations under the chairmanship of Justice (retired) Madan …