UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 23 June 2026

Nirbhay Chetna Initiative

June 23, 2026

Nirbhay Chetna Initiative Latest News

Recently, the central government rolled out ‘Nirbhay Chetna’ to sensitise 17.5 lakh male elected representatives.

About Nirbhay Chetna Initiative

It is a key intervention under the Nirbhay Raho initiative.
It is a first-of-its-kind national initiative implemented under the Nirbhaya Fund.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
It seeks to strengthen gender-responsive governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions by building awareness, accountability and community leadership among elected representatives.
It is a landmark national initiative on the sensitisation of men towards women-related issues, including women’s safety and security that aims to strengthen gender-responsive governance at the grassroots level.
Components of Nirbhay Raho
- Nirbhay Chetna seeks to sensitise elected male representatives on gender equality and women’s safety;
  - Under Nirbhay Chetna, a cadre of 28,500 Master Trainers is being developed at the State, district, and block levels to reach over 17.5 lakh male elected representatives across the country.
- Nirbhay Netri focuses on capacity-building and legal awareness among elected women representatives;
- Nirbhay Drishti envisages the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic rural locations to strengthen technology-enabled safety infrastructure in Panchayats.

Source: DD News

Nirbhay Chetna Initiative FAQ's

Q1: What is the main objective of Nirbhay Chetna?

Ans: It seeks to strengthen gender-responsive governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Q2: Under which fund Nirbhay Chetna is launched?

Ans: It is implemented under the Nirbhaya Fund.

Blue Swimmer Crab

June 23, 2026

Blue Swimmer Crab Latest News

Recently, ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, has successfully demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus reticulatus) farming technology for the first time.

About Blue Swimmer Crab

It is a brachyuran crab in the Portunidae family.
It is also known as the blue crab, blue swimmer crab, blue manna crab and flower crab.
Appearance: It is usually recognized by flat, disc-shaped hind legs, used as paddles for swimming, and by the nine spikes or horns along their carapace, on either side of their eyes.
Distribution: It is found in Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India, Sweden, Singapore
In India it is distributed all along the east and west coasts with a dominant fishery at Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar.
Characteristics
- They stay buried under sand or mud most of the time, particularly during the daytime and winter, which may explain their high tolerance to ammonium (NH4+) and ammonia (NH3).
- Diet: They come out to feed during high tide on various organisms such as bivalves, fish and, to a lesser extent, macroalgae.

Source: PIB

Blue Swimmer Crab FAQs

Q1: In which habitat is Blue Swimmer Crab mainly found in India?

Ans: Shallow estuaries, lagoons, coastal waters – Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar

Q2: Which fishing method is banned for Blue Swimmer Crab in Palk Bay?

Ans: Bottom trawling

Sarinda

June 23, 2026

Sarinda Latest News

Tripura’s rich cultural heritage has received a major boost with the traditional Tripura Sarinda being granted the Geographical Indication, or GI, tag.

About Sarinda

It is a bowed string musical instrument which is crafted from a single block of wood with a hollow resonator.
It is associated with the indigenous communities of Tripura and used during folk performances and other indigenous musical expressions.
It is also known as Sarinda Uakhrap.
Features of Sarinda
- It is specially made of bamboo.
- It also has an oval shaped void wooden vibrating chamber which is covered with a thin skin.
- Its wider top portion is open. The waist is narrow shaped.
- The instrument is about 65-70 cm. The lower portion is oval.
- The middle portion is large and the edges are wide. The cave portion is uncovered.
- In the top portion three pegs are fitted in order to fasten the strings. The strings are either metal or of the thread of Muga or animal gut.
- It is played by a crude "bow" that is made of horse hair.
Other GI-tagged products from Tripura: Tripura Queen Pineapple, Risa and Pachra, also known as Rignai, and Matabari Peda.

Source: News On Air

Sarinda FAQs

Q1: What is a Sarinda?

Ans: Stringed folk musical instrument

Q2: What is the structure of Sarinda?

Ans: Hollow wooden body covered with goat skin, long neck, no frets – similar to Sarangi but simpler

Ecologically Sensitive Area

June 23, 2026

Ecologically Sensitive Area Latest News

The Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, may soon receive stronger legal protection in at least three states through the notification of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).

About Ecologically Sensitive Area

ESAs, also called Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are designated regions identified for special environmental protection because of their rich biodiversity, fragile ecosystems or critical ecological functions.
The Central Government can notify certain areas as Ecologically Sensitive Areas under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Under this recognition certain activities are prohibited, some are tightly regulated, while others are encouraged to ensure development does not come at the cost of ecological damage.
Getting an ESA status also means that any development project in the area will be subject to stricter environmental scrutiny.
Significance of ESZ
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
- These areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.

Source: BS

Ecologically Sensitive Area FAQs

Q1: What is an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)?

Ans: These area notified under EPA 1986 – around Protected Areas to act as shock absorber/buffer from harmful activities

Q2: Which committee report is key for Western Ghats ESA?

Ans: Kasturirangan Committee and Madhav Gadgil Report

Lake Baikal

June 23, 2026

Lake Baikal Latest News

Researchers said ancient DNA obtained from bodies interred in four burial sites in the Lake Baikal area revealed the ‌presence of the oldest-known strains of Yersinia pestis, the plague bacterium.

About Lake Baikal

Location: It is located in the southern part of eastern Siberia, south-central Russia, near the border with Mongolia.
It is the oldest existing freshwater lake on Earth (20 million–25 million years old).
It is the world’s largest freshwater lake.
It is also the world’s deepest lake, with a maximum depth of 1,642 meters below the water surface.
Below the lake’s bottom lie sediments of about 7 kilometers, making it the Earth’s deepest continental rift.
There are 45 islands and islets in Lake Baikal, of which Olkhon is the largest island.
Up to 330 rivers drain into Lake Baikal, of which Barguzini, Selenga, Upper Angara, Sarma, and Turka are the major ones.
It has only one outlet, the Angara River.
It is also home to the Buryat people, who follow the Tibetan Buddhist religion and reside on the eastern side of the lake, rearing goats, camels, cattle, and sheep.
The lake was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Source: Reuters

Lake Baikal FAQs

Q1: What geological feature formed Lake Baikal?

Ans: Rift valley

Q2: Which UNESCO status does Lake Baikal have?

Ans: UNESCO World Heritage Site 1996

Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)

June 23, 2026

Anthropological Survey of India Latest News

Human skeletal remains excavated from the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana have been formally handed over by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) recently.

About Anthropological Survey of India

It is a government-funded organization that conducts anthropological research and studies on the diverse cultures of India.
It is the only research organization to pursue anthropological research in the Central Government under the Ministry of Culture.
Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
It was established in 1945 under the leadership of Dr. S.C. Roy, a renowned anthropologist.
AnSI was initially set up to study the tribes and castes of India and their way of life.
AnSI’s early research focused on collecting ethnographic data on the different tribes and castes of India, including their social structure, kinship system, religious beliefs, and economic activities.
Over the years, AnSI has expanded its research ambit to include the study of the entire gamut of Indian society, including the rural and urban population, the marginalized sections, and the diaspora.
Principle Objectives of AnSI:
- To research the tribes and other groups that make up India’s population from a biological and cultural perspective.
- To examine and conserve human skeletal remains from both contemporary and archaic times.
- To gather examples of Indian tribal arts and crafts.
- To serve as a training ground for management and advanced anthropology students.
- To publish the research’s findings.
AnSI has several branches located in different parts of India, including Delhi, Lucknow, Shillong, and Pune.
AnSI has a multidisciplinary team of anthropologists, sociologists, linguists, archaeologists, and other allied professionals who conduct research and studies on various aspects of Indian society.
AnSI’s research findings are published in its various publications, including the Journal of Anthropological Survey of India, Occasional Papers, and Monographs.

News: TH

Anthropological Survey of India FAQs

Q1: What is the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)?

Ans: It is a government-funded organization that conducts anthropological research and studies on the diverse cultures of India.

Q2: Under which ministry does the Anthropological Survey of India function?

Ans: The Ministry of Culture.

Q3: Where is the headquarters of the Anthropological Survey of India located?

Ans: Kolkata, West Bengal.

Q4: Who led the establishment of the Anthropological Survey of India?

Ans: Dr. S.C. Roy.

Apristurus drona

June 23, 2026

Apristurus drona Latest News

Scientists recently identified a new species of deep-sea catshark from the Arabian Sea off the Sakthikulangara harbour on the Kollam coast and named it Apristurus Drona, or the Arabian slender catshark.

About Apristurus drona

Apristurus Drona, or the Arabian slender catshark, is a new species of deep-sea catshark.
It was discovered in the Arabian Sea off the Sakthikulangara harbour on the Kollam coast of Kerala.
The species forms a distinct evolutionary lineage and is closely related to catshark species found in the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand.
Scientists reported a genetic divergence of 5.5-5.7% from its nearest known relative, reinforcing its status as a separate species.
It appears to be extremely rare, occurring along the continental slope off Kollam and around the Wadge Bank.
It has no commercial value and is only occasionally encountered in fishery bycatch.

What are Catsharks?

A catshark is any of more than 150 species of small mottled sharks (order Carcharhiniformes).
Most are less than 90 cm (3 feet) long, and many have bold body markings.
They have slender bodies and eyes that are elongated, giving them a catlike appearance.
Cat sharks prey on invertebrates and small fishes.
They have been found in all major marine environments of the tropical and temperate regions, although many bottom-dwelling species are rare and poorly understood.
No species is known to be aggressive toward humans.

News: NIE

Apristurus drona FAQs

Q1: What is Apristurus drona?

Ans: Apristurus drona is a new species of deep-sea catshark, also known as the Arabian slender catshark.

Q2: What is the common name of Apristurus drona?

Ans: The Arabian slender catshark.

Q3: Where was Apristurus drona discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Arabian Sea off the Sakthikulangara harbour on the Kollam coast of Kerala.

Q4: Does Apristurus drona have any commercial value?

Ans: No, it has no commercial value.

Vaigai River

June 23, 2026

Vaigai River Latest News

Residents of Nelpettai recently condemned the Madurai corporation administration for converting the stretch of Vaigai River into a garbage dumping zone by placing more than 10 trash bins there.

About Vaigai River

It is an important river in Tamil Nadu state.
Course:
- It begins its journey in the Varusanadu Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats.
- It flows east across the state, passing by the famous city of Madurai.
- Eventually, the Vaigai River flows into the Palk Strait, near the Ramanathapuram district.
The river also creates the beautiful Vattaparai Falls.
Length: The Vaigai River stretches for about 256 kilometers.
Vaigai gets major feed from the Periyar Dam in Kumuli, Kerala.
- Water from the Periyar River in Kerala is diverted into the Vaigai River via a tunnel through the Western Ghats.
Major Tributaries: Suruli River, Mullaiyaar River, Varaha River, and Manjal River.
The Vaigai Dam is built across the river near Andipatti, in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
- It provides water for irrigation for the Madurai district and the Dindigul district as well as drinking water to Madurai and Andipatti.

News: TOI

Vaigai River FAQs

Q1: In which state is the Vaigai River located?

Ans: Tamil Nadu.

Q2: Where does the Vaigai River originate?

Ans: The Vaigai River originates in the Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats.

Q3: Which famous city does the Vaigai River flow past?

Ans: Madurai.

Q4: Into which water body does the Vaigai River drain?

Ans: The Palk Strait.

Ambubachi Mela

June 23, 2026

Ambubachi Mela Latest News

The annual Ambubachi Mela which is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in eastern India started at the revered Kamakhya Temple.

About Ambubachi Mela

The Ambubachi festival is held during the monsoon, generally in June at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
It is a shrine to the Goddess Kamakhya and one of the most important centres of Tantrik Shaktism.
The period of Ambubachi is believed to be the period of the goddess’s annual menstruation, and the shrine is closed for this.
The festival is associated with fertility, with the onset of monsoon, and the common historical association across cultures of the Earth as a fertile woman. The name ‘Ambubachi’ itself translates to water flowing.

Key Facts about the Kamakhya Temple

Location: It is situated on Nilachal Hill and adjoining the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
It is one of the most revered centres of Tantric practices. It is regarded as one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
Temple Architecture of Kamakhya Temple
- It had been modelled out of a combination of two different styles namely, the traditional nagara and Saracenic or Mughal style of architecture.
- This unusual combination has been named the Nilachala Style of Architecture.
- This is the only temple of Assam having a fully developed ground plan.
- It consists of five chambers, garbhagriha, antarala, Jagan Mohan, bhogmandir and natmandir or opera hall for performing traditional dance and music associated with sukti temples.
- The superstructure of each of the above chambers exhibits different architectural features.
- The main temple contains a modified Saracenic dome, the antarala carries a two-roofed design, the bhogmandir with five domes similar in appearance to the main temple and the natmandir having a shell-roof with apsidal end similar to some of the impermanent namghars or prayer halls found in Assam.

Source: DD News

Ambubachi Mela FAQs

Q1: Where is Ambubachi Mela celebrated?

Ans: Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hills, Guwahati, Assam

Q2: What does Ambubachi Mela signify?

Ans: Annual menstruation period of Goddess Kamakhya

Bolivia

June 23, 2026

Bolivia Latest News

Recently, the Bolivian President announced a state of emergency in Bolivia.

About Bolivia

Location: It is a landlocked country located in west-central South America.
Bordering countries: It is bordered by 5 countries: by Brazil to the north and east; by Paraguay to the southeast; by Argentina to the south; by Chile to the southwest and by Peru to the northwest.
Capital City: The constitutional capital is Sucre, while the seat of government and executive capital is La Paz.

Geographical Features of Bolivia

Terrain: Bolivia's geography is diverse, featuring high mountains, plateaus, and low plains.
Mountain Range: The Andes Mountains dominate the west, with the Cordillera Occidental along the Chilean border, and the Cordillera Oriental to the east.
Highest Point: It is Nevado Sajama at 21,463ft
Rivers: Important ones include the Beni, Desaquadero, Guapore, Madre de Dios and Mamore.
Lakes: Lake Titicaca is situated between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of the world's largest lakes.
Natural Resources: It has significant deposits of natural gas and vast reserves of minerals such as tin, silver, zinc, and lithium.

Source: Live Mint

Bolivia FAQs

Q1: Bolivia is part of which major regional grouping with India as observer?

Ans: MERCOSUR

Q2: Which lake shared by Bolivia & Peru is the highest navigable lake?

Ans: Lake Titicaca