Motivation does not last long. UPSC is a long haul. Build systems that make you consistent in this preparation.

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🔆 Marine Microplastics Tied to Higher Diabetes Risk

📍 New U.S. study finds health impact correlation with ocean microplastic exposure
✅ Microplastic pollution (within 370 km of U.S. coast) linked to:
 – 18% ↑ in Type-2 diabetes
 – 7% ↑ in coronary artery disease
 – 9% ↑ in stroke incidents
✅ Study used data from 152 coastal counties.
✅ Pattern holds even after controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, healthcare access, etc.
✅ Suggests microplastics as a potential new risk factor in chronic disease burden.

📝 Prelims Question:
Which of the following diseases has NOT been associated with microplastic exposure in recent studies?
A. Type-2 Diabetes
B. Coronary Artery Disease
C. Stroke
D. Asthma
Answer: D

📝 Mains Question (GS3 – Environment/Health):

#GS3 #Environment #Microplastics #PublicHealth #Diabetes #Prelims2025 #Mains2025

World's top 10 largest tobacco producing countries #prelims #upscprep #gs3

🔆 India’s Demographic Dividend

📍 Key Facts
✅ The term “Demographic Dividend” describes economic expansion due to a distribution shift of the population’s age.

✅ India currently has 62.5% of its population between the ages of 15 and 59. This percentage is steadily rising and will reach its peak around 2036 (65%).

✅ Demographic dividend availability began in 2005–2006 and will continue until 2055–2056.

✅ The Economic Survey 2018–19 predicts that India’s Demographic Dividend will reach its peak around 2041 when 59% of the population will be of working age, or 20–59 years old.

✅ India has one of the youngest populations with a median age of just 28 years, compared to China (37 years), Western Europe (45 years), and Japan (49 years).

✅ Bulge in working-age population: India’s working-age population (15–64 years) has grown larger than the dependent population (below 14 and above 65 years) since 2018. This bulge is expected to last till 2055. (UNFPA Report)

#society

🔆 Gupta Sculptures (4th–6th Century CE)
🎯 Peak of Indian classical art—noted for its grace, balance, serenity, and idealized beauty. A key feature of India’s Golden Age, blending Hindu and Buddhist themes.


📍 Key Characteristics:

✅ Material:
• Mainly cream-colored stone (sandstone)
• Some use of bronze (esp. in Buddhist art)
• Nudity avoided—emphasis on modesty

✅ Graceful & Idealized Figures:
• Striking balance of realism and idealism
• Slim waists, sensuous forms, proportioned anatomy

✅ Spiritual Serenity:
• Calm Buddhas in dhyana mudra
• Half-closed eyes, meditative expressions show deep spiritual transcendence

✅ Softness & Fluidity:
• Smooth curves and flowing drapery
• Drapery clings lightly, adding elegance

✅ Iconography:
• Buddha: Abhaya & Bhumisparsha mudras
• Hindu deities: Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi with conch, lotus, etc.

✅ Detailed Ornamentation:
• Intricate jewelry, crowns, robes
• Balanced aesthetics, avoids over-decoration

✅ Famous Examples:
• Seated Buddha (Sarnath)
• Standing Buddha (Mathura)
• Vishnu (Udayagiri Caves)
• Maheshvara, Terracotta art

🔚 Legacy:
Gupta sculptures are hailed for ideal form, serene expression, and refined technique—marking them as models of classical Indian sculpture.

#Straits

Sunda Strait

▪️ The Sunda Strait is the strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra.

▪️ It connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.

▪️ Anak Krakatau, volcano which erupted recently is located on this strait.
#prelims #mapping

Reality is different #motivation #prelims

Every year, the shores of Costa Rica host the largest sea turtle gathering on Earth, an extraordinary event known as an arribada (Spanish for "arrival").

#prelims #environment

Only having money is not wealth. Wealth is combination of good health, adequate money, good friend circle and affection.

Rights of an arrested person #polity #upsc@thegameoftoppers

Indian Government initiatives for Agriculture development
#upscprep #general studies #upsc