Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers, along with delegates from member countries, visited the Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site in Andhra Pradesh during India's BRICS Chairship.
Key points
- Visit by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.
- Delegates from 11 BRICS member countries attended.
- Tour included Mahastupa, water cisterns, refectory, and meditation centers.
- Part of India's BRICS Chairship for 2026.
- Plantation drive 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' was also conducted.
Background & context
Thotlakonda is an ancient Buddhist site with historical and archaeological significance, located on a hill overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It offers insights into monastic life and Buddhist heritage.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site is located in Andhra Pradesh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Art and Culture; GS Paper 2: International Relations (BRICS)
Why in news?
The Assam government has reportedly ignored a Supreme Court-constituted committee's notice regarding construction activities in and around the Kaziranga National Park's animal corridors.
Key points
- Supreme Court panel (CEC) issued notice in March 2022 to Assam govt.
- Notice required a list of construction activities along nine corridors and within 10 km of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
- Supreme Court had banned mining and new construction in these areas in 2019.
- Activists are seeking updates on government action.
- The order aimed to protect wildlife, especially the one-horned rhino, and hill catchments.
Background & context
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Animal corridors are crucial for wildlife movement between protected areas.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court banned mining and new construction in animal corridors around Kaziranga National Park in 2019.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Conservation
Why in news?
Outgoing Supreme Court Judge Sanjay Karol emphasized the importance of humility and seeing the 'real person' behind litigants, stating judges are not infallible.
Key points
- Justice Sanjay Karol retired from the Supreme Court.
- He highlighted that judges are not gods and may err.
- Emphasized the need for humility and understanding the human aspect of cases.
- Stressed applying law justly, not just correctly.
- The farewell was attended by CJI, Solicitor General, and Bar leaders.
Background & context
The Indian judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, plays a vital role in interpreting the Constitution and upholding justice. Judges are expected to be impartial and wise.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Justice Sanjay Karol was elevated to the Supreme Court on February 6, 2023.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Polity (Judiciary, Judicial Accountability)