UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: Are you liking the raised quality of notes from newspaper here? 🚨 19th November | Tuesday🚨

Mains Keywords

1. Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty • Approach: Calls for a global agreement similar to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), focusing on reducing reliance on fossil fuels • Principles: Promote sustainable energy development, prevent new fossil fuel projects, and support communities affected by the transition 2. High Performance Buildings [HPBs] • What: Prioritize energy efficiency, climate resilience & resource conservation via smart design & sustainable materials. • How?: Use passive (natural light, orientation) & active (efficient HVAC, smart tech) methods for energy and water savings

Pre Facts 📝

1. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary (Raipur, CG) • Rivers: Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi • Known for: Indian Wild Buffalo [EN], state animal of Chhattisgarh, native to the Indian Sub-continent 2. Dhudmaras in Bastar (On UN list of potential tourism picks) •📍 Heart of Kanger Ghati National Park (on banks of Kholaba River (Godavari's tributary)) • Selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation [UNWTO], HQ: Madrid, Spain 3. Aphantasia (inability to voluntarily visualize mental images) • People cannot form pictures in their minds, even when attempting to recall a familiar face, object, or scene 4. Small Modular Reactors [SMRs] • What? New gen of nuclear reactors to be smaller, safer & more flexible • Feature: Less than 300 MW electricity; suitable more for smaller grids/remote locations • Safety: Advance safety mechanisms including passive cooling system reducing accident risks

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Graded Response Action Plan [GRAP] • What? Delhi-NCR emergency measures • Legal backing: SC approved in M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case 2016 • Measures: Vehicle bans (older/high-polluting vehicles), restricted diesel generator usage, school closures etc 2. Forest Cover • Forest Cover: Includes lands over one hectare with tree canopy density above 10% • Tree Cover: Refers to smaller tree patches outside recorded forests, under one hectare • SC Directive: Follow the broad definition of forests as per the 1996 T.N. Godavarman case • Area-wise Forest Cover: MP>Arunachal Pradesh>Chhattisgarh>Odisha>MH • Forest cover as percentage of geographical area: Mizoram>Arunachal Pradesh>Meghalaya>Manipur>Nagaland 3. Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor [EMC] [40 days travel in 24] • The Red Sea piracy has shifted attention to the EMC • Vladivostok is largest port on Russia’s Pacific coast, the end point of the Trans-Siberian Railway, first free seaport of the Far East

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Neighbourhood first, in practice (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. Regulating Fossil Fuel, like Nuclear Weapons (Explained) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. Manipur as a case for imposing Article 356 (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 2. This time for Africa (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 3. How sustainable is India's path to net zero with 45 years left (Science) (GS3: Environment) PS: blog.csewhy.com

After a point in life, You don’t feel bad about your friends or schoolmates doing great in life. You see a friend at Oxford studying computer sciences, another vacationing in Bali, while there’s one more posting classic pictures from work stations in Bangalore or Palo Alto You see them. You feel happy. You know life’s good for us because you’ll make it in life, too. We all deserve to make it! We all have worked hard to be where we are! The one at Oxford? She genuinely love computers Bali guy is making a living out of blogging about his experiences Those in Bengaluru or PA go mad if they don’t code for a day You? You like your books. You are about to crack India’s toughest exam. You belong here! You know it’ll work out for you. You’ve worked hard for it. Toh bhai sunn, darr matt. Doston ki khushi me taali maar, teri baari bhi aagayi bass. 💪🏻 ♥️

While India is testing Hypersonic missiles, attempt this PYQ from 2023 #UPSC Prelims in quiz below :)

Pre note: Download CSEWhy app here to practice unlimited mocks! 🚨 18th November | Monday 🚨

Quotes 💭

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Mains Keywords

1. War of Attrition [Military strategy] • Focus: Gradually weaken opponent through sustained losses in manpower, material & morale • Success: When opponent can't continue due to resource depletion or loss of will • Eg: The 1962 India-China War, involved attritional strategies by China to exhaust Indian defenses along the Himalayan borders

Pre Facts 📝

1. Nigeria Honours PM Modi w/ 2nd highest national award • Revise other awards from here 2. India tests Long-Range Hypersonic Missile • Hypersonic = Mach 5 & Above (5x Speed of Sound) • Feature: Strikes w/ extreme speed & evade most air defence system • Countries: USA, Russia, China & now India have tested it successfully 3. Poorvi Prahar [held in Arunachal Pradesh] • What? High-intensity tri-services exercise • Why? Tri-service effort to boost combat effectiveness in mountainous terrain 4. South East Asia's largest floating solar power plant in Purwakarta, Indonesia

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) • What? Computational model inspired by the human brain, used to process information and solve complex problems • Composition: Layers of nodes (neurons) connected by weights & edges • Mechanism: Learns through training by adjusting weights using algorithms like backpropagation to minimize errors in predictions/classifications

Mains notes 📙

1. India, World & CO2 [Global Carbon Project Report] • India's Emission set to rise by 4.6% (highest among major economies) • Globally, Emission set to rise by 0.8%, 37 Billion Tonnes this year • GHGs like CO₂, CH₄, and water vapor trap heat by absorbing infrared radiation. • Why GHGs trap heat: Their molecular structure allows them to absorb a wide range of infrared wavelengths • Water vapor, though abundant, has a short cycle and doesn’t accumulate like CO2

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Reaching out with AI (Editorial) (GS3: SnT) 2. Why CO has contributed the most to global warming (Explained) (GS3: Environment) 3. AFSPA in Imphal Valley (GS3: Internal Security) The Hindu 🗞 1. A Devastating blow to global climate efforts(Editorial) (GS3: Environment) 2. New infectious diseases among bees threaten world economies(Science) (GS3: Env) PS: One stop current affairs CSEWhy blog here

Namastey Dosto! Exam kareeb aate jaa rha hai, apni taiyarii mein dagmagana nahi Use this Sunday evening's tea break to quickly revise crucial current affairs of last 30 days 1. SC's stand on bulldozer justice 2. Everything around Marital Rape 3. India-China disengagement summarised Found this valuable? LMK with a ❤️

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