UPSC CSE Why

get CSEWhy Pre & Mains PYQs at pyq.csewhy.com

Pre note: Which pen to use for UPSC Mains Answer Writing? 🚨 17th November | Sunday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Super Typhoon Man-yi makes landfall in Philippines 2. Israel forces targets Lebanon cities of Chamaa, Tayouneh, Dahiyeh Tyre (Port City) 3. Hornbill (harbingers of peace) • Villagers of Mayong (Morigaon, Assam) fostering a small colony • This village is home to multiple species of the birds 4. Ind Jap MoU on UNICORN Masts [Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN)] • Advanced naval communication system developed by Japan • integrates multiple antennas into a single, stealthy structure, reducing a warship's radar signature & enhancing its communication capabilities 5. EU Deforestation Regulation [EUDR] • EU parliament has delayed the implementation of EUDR • EUDR Aim: Curb global deforestation driven by European consumption • Targets products like palm oil, cocoa & timber requiring them to be deforestation-free

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. International Criminal Police Organization [INTERPOL] • HQ: Lyon France, Not a part of UN • Official Languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish • Red Corner Notice: alert global police forces about fugitives, NOT “Arrest warrant” 2. El Salvador & Crypto • Was first in the world to adopt Bitcoin, as legal tender • El Salvador relies on US monetary policy, driving interest in Bitcoin • India's independent currency system makes Bitcoin coexistence difficult 3. Optical Biosensor & Mpox • Mpox is zoonotic (Animals → Humans) • No available treatment contemporarily, early care needs detection • New Technology: Boston University developed optical biosensors to detect viruses like Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox • Methodology: Samples from a monkeypox patient were treated with monoclonal antibodies and analyzed using silicon chips with sensors • Results: The biosensor detected mpox in under 2 minutes, distinguishing it from other viruses with high sensitivity

Mains notes 📙

1. Cyber, AI & India - Only 39% of business firms ready to fight ransomware attacks - Only 49% of business firms have est security maturity frameworks - 70% Indian org. implemented cloud security & over half of them are AI-Driven Benefits of AI in Cyber Security: • Identifies fraud via transaction and activity monitoring • Automates incident response for faster threat mitigation • AI detects and prevents cyber threats using real-time data analysis Challenges: • Data Privacy: Ensuring privacy while processing large data sets • Evolving Threats: AI must adapt to complex, changing cyber threats • Bias & Ethics: AI algorithms may introduce bias and ethical concerns

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

The Hindu 🗞 1. Electronically Track undertrials to cut crowding of Jails: SC Body (News) (GS2: Prison Reforms) 2. Why has SC ruled on bulldozing property (FAQ) (Read in detail from here) 3. Will Riyadh Summit impact the Gaza War (FAQ) (GS2: IR) PS: blog.csewhy.com (subscribe for Free with your email!)

Important Map to help you know which all countries have EVER invaded Indian sub continent

Friends, I am shooting in ORN tomorrow and need 2-3 actors for 30-40 sec video short films. If you are an actor or wanna give it a shot, please reply to this text Note: Needed on urgent basis in Karol Bagh tomorrow at 12 noon. If you are based anywhere in delhi, do reply

Pre note: Which pen do you use to write answers? :) 🚨 16th November | Saturday 🚨

Mains keywords 🧾

1. Norwegianization (cultural assimilation policy) • Targets Indigenous populations; indigenous language ban in school curriculum • Policies restricted the traditional use of land and resources, integral to their way of life in Norway • Sami, Kven & Forest Finn: Indigenous Minorities of Norway

Pre Facts 📝

1. Kodo Millet & Jumbo Crisis [revise Millets here] • A resilient drought tolerant crop, MP is the largest producer • Kodo Millet (not poisonous) + Fungal Infection = Cyclopiazonic Acid (CPA; Lethal) • CPA causes cell degeneration, liver dysfunction & lesions in the myocardium (heart muscle) 2. Bandhavgarh National Park [Umaria, Vindhya hills, MP] • Hosts the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world (IUCN- EN) • Dominated by Sal forests & Bamboo stretches, includes Saj, Dhaora, & Tendu

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA] • Grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas" • Section 3: Empowers governor or Central Govt to declare areas as "disturbed" • Can arrest without warrant & provides immunity/protection to those acting under this law 2. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) • Policy tool by the EU to address carbon leakage & promote global decarbonization • Initially applies to steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity & hydrogen • India, a major exporter of steel and aluminum, might face higher costs in the EU market. 3. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) • It has 21 members, including the USA, China, Japan, Russia, and Australia (sans India) • Represents over 60% of global GDP and 50% of global trade.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. What we burn is what we pollutes (Editorial) (GS3: Disaster) 2. Don't cry over Article 370 (Editorial) (GS2: Governance/Policy) 3. Not at WTO, COPs, where do you want to discuss CBAM: India, China confront EU (GS3 & GS IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. India needs Globally Recognised public policy school (Editorial) (GS2-Education) 2. Universities are different from Religious Institution (Editorial) (GS2- Minority Institution) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: did you check blog.csewhy.com? 🚨 15th November | Friday 🚨

Mains notes 📙

1. Māori: Indigenous people of New Zealand • Known for Haka, Te Reo language • Treaty of Waitangi (1840) central to disputes over Māori rights • Haka is a ceremonial dance, used for protest and cultural assertion • In news: Māori activists performed Haka in Wellington as protest against govt policies affecting Māori land and rights

@CSEWhy

Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Climate change and trade (Explained page) (GS3: Climate and policies) The Hindu 🗞 1. Leverage similarity, complementarity in Nigeria (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. The discovery of insulin and the ‘Flame of Hope’ (Science page) (GS3: History of insulin, Science) PS: read newspaper with CSEWhy!

Pre note: CSEWhy app now live for community only. Download here😍 🚨 14th November | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. World Diabetes Day today! • Type 1: Autoimmune condition; immune system attacks insulin producing cells in pancreas • Type 2: Lifestyle related form of insulin resistance • Simpler words T1: low/reduced insulin production T2: rejection to absorb produced insulin

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. SC on bulldozer justice (CSEWhy notes) (GS2: Separation of powers) 2. A green transition for India (GS3: Environment, GS2: Policy) The Hindu 🗞 1. The CKM syndrome as the price of modernity (Generic read in light of diabetes day) 2. India’s tea, sugar exports raise sustainability concerns at home (MUST READ) PS: Padhna theek se kar diya shuru ya abhi bhi mauj masti?

Sahel is in news again but this time for dipping number of African elephants Note countries in Sahel region here. Also, develop a visual memory of which countries are in both Sahara & Sahel

We’re looking for a Content Intern to join our team! Key Responsibilities: * Assist in researching, drafting, and editing UPSC-related content. * Organize content efficiently and support content strategy. * Help create study materials. Requirements: * 1-2 UPSC Prelims attempts. * Strong organizational and time-management skills. * Curious, detail-oriented, and proactive. * Must have a computer/laptop and stable internet. Stipend : ₹8,000 - ₹10,000/month (6 days/week) Mode: Hybrid/Remote Office location: Gurugram Form here: https://forms.gle/RbZL2HQFwLaoG2Wr6

Pre note: What will you do if not UPSC? reply in comments! 🚨 13th November | Monday 🚨

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Chinese Singles' Day [11/11] • Nov 11 every year, sales of $160bn in 2024 • Criticism: Promotes consumerism & environmental activities 2. Igas (Festival of lights of Uttarakhand) 3. BTR in news; See Tiger reserve map below

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. A less global world (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. An unrealized gender dividend (GS1: Role of Women) The Hindu 🗞 1. A mixed report card for IMEC (GS3: Infra, GS2: IR) PS: Padhna theek se kar diya shuru ya abhi bhi mauj masti?

CoP29 keywords | Key Terms & Definitions Note: CoP29 is happening in Baku, 29th since 1994 1. UNFCCC • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change • Name of both: treaty & secretariat implementing it 2. New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) • Relatively new term, it's annual target for funding developing country climate efforts 3. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) • Country pledges aka national action plans to reduce emissions & adapting climate impacts • Next round of NDCs due in Feb, some countries plan to submit in Baku 4. Climate Change • Used interchangeably with "global warming" BUT it means diff! • It describes global warming + its consequences 5. Net Zero • Mistaken to be zero emission target BUT.. • Focus on NET: Carbon release + absorption = 0 • In short, recapturing the CO2 6. Loss and Damage • L&D Fund for poorer nations hit by climate disasters • Fund now has a director & host nation who will now be deciding its dispersal & seek more contributions 7. Carbon Offset (aka Carbon Credit) • Instruments allowing country/company to compensate for some of their carbon emissions by investing in projects to bring down emissions elsewhere 8. Article 6 • Paris Agreement provision on carbon offsets • Shorthand for UNFCCC efforts to regular international Carbon Credits trading • Governments hoping to resolve rules for these markets at CoP29 to allow for these markets to become operational.

Pre note: Revise Interpol's Red Corner notice here. In news coz of repatriation of Sheikh Hasina. 🚨 12th November | Tuesday 🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. WMO 2024 hottest year coz of El-Nino 2. Armistice Day (Nov 11) [end of WWI in France] 3. What is Gluten? • Protein in wheat, barley, rye; Mixes with water to form elastic dough. • Function: Gives elasticity & chewy texture to wheat dough making it easy for baking • Allergic Reactions: Can cause issues for some due to enzyme protease not fully breaking down gluten → leads to digestive problems • Celiac Disease: Severe allergic reaction where body triggers immune response → inflammation in small intestine, malabsorption of nutrients. • Symptoms: Diarrhea, anemia, bloating. Diagnosis via blood test, endoscopy, genetic testing • Treatment: Only solution is a gluten-free diet

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. LignoSat (1st wood-based Japanese satellite, SpaceX launched) • Aim: test wood as space-grade material • Dev Team: Kyoto University + Sumitomo Forestry (Japan) • Structure: 900g, size of coffee mug, uses traditional Japanese carpentry (no screws/glue). Made from magnolia wood for lightweight + crack resistance • Eco-Benefit: Unlike metal (Al) satellites that release harmful oxides on burning, wood burns into H₂O vapour + CO₂, reducing ozone damage

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Democracy after Trump (Ideas page) (GS2) 2. RBI issues new framework for reclassification of FPI to FDI (Economy page) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞 1. The LAC agreement, the détentes and the questions (Editorial) (GS2) 2. Can AMU finally claim a ‘minority’ status? (Text&Context) (GS2: SC Judgements) 3. Will financial roadblocks continue to hinder conservation efforts? (Science page) (GS2/GS3: International policies and Climate) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Toughest question of 2023 CSAT solved in seconds here 🚨 11th November | Monday 🚨

Mains keywords 🧾

1. Economy keywords 💸 • Care Economy: Economic activities focused on providing care services (healthcare, childcare, etc) • Consumer Economy: Economic system driven by consumer spending, reflecting demand & consumption trends • Revise more imp. Economics keywords

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 👧🏻💰[Maharashtra] • Aim: Support women aged 21-65 with annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh • Offer: ₹1,500 monthly via DBT; special Diwali Bonus of ₹3,000 (2024) • Excludes taxpayers, regular government employees, and families owning 4-wheelers 2. Animal Health Security Strengthening in🇮🇳 Project • Launched by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister (Rajiv Ranjan Singh) • Objective: Enhance India's capacity to "prevent, detect, and respond" to animal health threats • Funding: Pandemic Fund, created by G20 in 2022 (response to COVID-19) • Allocation: $25M approved for India; part of 19 projects across 37 countries • Execution: By ADB, World Bank, FAO; completion by Aug 2026 • Need for the Project: - Prevent zoonotic diseases that may impact humans - 2/3rd of human infectious diseases originate from animals; India has 536M livestock and 853M poultry birds

Mains notes 📙

1. Ayushman Bharat: Revise all Govt. flagships schemes here

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Fixing a leaky PDS (Ideas page) (GS2: Policies and Social issues) 2. Private property and common good (Explained page) (GS2: SC Judgements) 3. Elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh… (Explained page) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. States and the Centre’s fetter of ‘net borrowing ceiling’ (Editorial) (GS2: Economic policies) 2. On improving wind energy generation (Text&Context) (GS3: Climate and energy) 3. How do lightning rods prevent lightning strikes from reaching people? (Text&Context) (GS3: Science) PS: Download CSEWhy app and be an early user to reap max benefits!

Bhai ye padhai ki baat nahi hai Bass thoda samajh le Time nikal raha hai badi tezi se. Kal hi toh 2024 ka prelims khtm hua tha, ab 2024 bhi khtm hone laga hai Jawani keemati hai dost. Mehnat se padhai kar! Baat banti hai toh badhiya nahi toh aage badh. Desh me bahaut kuch hai karne ko.

Pre note: Introspect kr rhe ho? Time nikaal ke apni galtiya pakdo sur unhe sudhaaro! 🚨 10th November | Sunday 🚨

Quotes 💭

“Accessibility is not merely a convenience, but a fundamental requirement for enabling individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to exercise their rights fully and equally.” — CJI DY Chandrachud (Use in GS2 mains answer writing)

Pre Facts 📝

1. SC: Accessibility for disabled people is a fundamental right • Judgment based on a report by the Centre for Disability Studies, NALSAR University of Law 2. Maramadi - cattle race in Kerala; popular post-harvest • Primarily held in districts like Alappuzha, Thrissur, and Palakkad • Features a pair of bulls racing in muddy paddy fields • Conducted mainly in the Karkidakam month (July-August)

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Karmayogi Saptah (National Learning Week for civil servants) • Organized by DoPT u/ Karmayogi initiative • Aim: To foster a culture of continuous learning & capacity building • Focuses on digital governance, ethics, and sustainable public service 2. International diabetes federation • IDF - Focuses on diabetes care, founded in 1950 • Has 240+ member associations in 160+ countries • Key objectives: improve care, advocate policies, promote research • Celebrates World Diabetes Day on November 14 • Over 540 million people have diabetes globally (2023 estimates) What does it do? - Collaborates with WHO for policy and advocacy work - Offers education and training for diabetes management - Supports research aligned with the UN's SDGs for health

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

The Hindu 🗞 1. India will fail to meet 2025 TB ‘elimination’ target (GS2: Policies) 2. What happens to Indian firms in blacklist? (FAQ Page) (GS2: IR) 3. What are the costs of population decline? (FAQ Page) (GS2: Social issues) PS: Enjoy your sunday (By revising important CAs, here)

Kaise ho Dost? Shaam maze mein jaa rahi hai? Agar nahi koi baat nahi - ab hojaegi 😉 Agar haa toh isse aur mazedar banao. Kaise? 👇🏻 Iss hafte ke sabhi important CA topics ek jagah revise krke: 1. Khalistan issue 2. Impact of Trump 2.0 on India 3. SC's decision on your private property React ❤️ if you didn't expect, but liked this 😀

Pre note: CSEWhy app beta version is up on android for those who wanna explore. 🚨 9th November | Saturday 🚨

Quotes ☁️

It is the diversity of nation that protects the basic structure of constitution -- CJI DY Chandrachud (GS2: Constitution)

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. SC overturned its 1967 Judgement on Minority institutions What was it? - Case Name: Rev. Sidharajbhai Sabbai vs State of Gujarat (1963) - Focus: Minority rights under Article 30(1) - right to establish/administer educational institutions - Issue: Whether state can impose regulations on minority institutions receiving aid SC Rulings: - 1967: Minority institutions’ autonomy protected; state interference limited - 2024: SC in a 4-3 decision, reversed 1967 verdict, recognizing AMU's minority status u/ Article 30 of the Constitution Implications: It allows AMU to implement reservation policies favoring Muslim students (up to 50%) 2. Article 30 • Part III - Fundamental Rights • 30(1): Minorities can establish/administer institutions of choice • 30(1A): Compensation for property acquisition (added in 1978) • 30(2): No discrimination in state aid to minority institutions 3. Manas National Park • 📍Assam, India-Bhutan border • 🗓 Designated in 1985 as UNESCO site • Key Wildlife: Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhino, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog 🐒 • Flora: Semi-evergreen forests and grasslands • River: Named after the Manas River flowing through it • Significance: Biodiversity hotspot; elephant migration corridor 🐘

Mains notes 📙

1. 2015 pact b/w GOI and NSCN-IM What was it for? 🎯 • To resolve Naga insurgency, recognizing Naga identity & autonomy • Signed by RN Ravi (Interlocutor) & Thuingaleng Muivah (NSCN-IM), in PM Modi’s presence • Details of the pact remain secret, creating speculation 🤫 • A major step for peace in NE; NSCN-IM's demands for separate flag & constitution - stalled talks

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. SC’s test of a minority institution (Explained page) (GS2: SC Judgements) 2. Unshackle the Rupee (Ideas page) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞 1. The BRICS journey (Editorial) (GS2: IR) PS: what do you do on weekends away from studies? :)

Pre note: mauj karo yaar. 🚨 7th November | Thursday 🚨

Mains keywords 🧾

1. The "Shane Effect" - Significant positive impact a charismatic individual haves on performance & morale of a team

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Hurricane Rafael(📍Carribean; 🗓️ Nov 2024) • Category 3 with 115 mph winds; Made landfall in Cuba on November 6 • U.S. Gulf energy producers shut down 17% of oil and 7% of gas output in anticipation. • 1st Category 3 hurricane to hit Cuba since 2022; strongest since 2009 2. UAPA, 1967(For unlawful & terrorist activities) • 🗓️2019: Included organisations in its ambit • NIA - main investigative agency; bail is tough, requiring proof of prima facie innocence • Extended detention without charges up to 180 days (normal laws allow only 90 days) • ⬇conviction rate (~2.2%) highlights potential misuse or weak evidence • SC upheld its validity; acknowledged concerns over human rights violations

Mains notes 📙

1. U.P’s new rule for appointing police chief

•

New Rules:

DGP to be chosen by a selection cmte based on remaining tenure, svc record, and exp •

Eligibility:

Only officers with min. 6 months left in svc are eligible. DGP min tenure - 2 yrs •

Selection Cmte:

Retired judge + UPSC nominee, Additional Chief Sec, and Home Dept rep •

Existing Practice:

Per SC's Prakash Singh case (2006), states must send UPSC a list of top 5 officers. UPSC vets list, returns 3 names. State selects DGP

2. SC overturned its 2021 judgement

•

SC Verdict:

Restoring powers of DRI (Dir of Rev Intel) officers to issue notices and recover dues under Customs Act, 1962 •

Background:

Earlier judgment (Canon India vs Customs) said DRI needed Centre’s approval to perform Customs officer functions under Sec 6 •

Reason:

2021 judgment failed to consider statutory provisions

@CSEWhy

Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Not so eminent domain (Ideas page) (GS2: SC Judgements) 2. AUM verdict in top court today: the case and what’s at stake (Explained page) (GS2: SC Judgements) 3. Solar alliance stocktake (Explained page) (GS3: Climate) The Hindu 🗞 1. Are pro-natalist policies the way to address the ageing population problem? (Opinion page) (GS2: Policies & Social issues) 2. Can the state acquire all private property? (Text&Context) (GS2: Laws and Judgement) PS: blog.csewhy.com