UPSC CSE Why

Pre Note: Taza Khagar ke sath hum aa gaye 🚨 16th January  | Thursday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. India's 3 Warships join Indian Navi • INS Surat: 4th Ship of Project 15B destroyers. • INS Nilgiri: Ship of Project 17A frigates • INS Vaghsheer: 6th Submarine of Project 75 Kalvari. • SAGAR: 2015, "Security and Growth for All in the Region "to enhance security and Blue economy 2. Gangasagar Mela [Gangasagar, WB] • Located in Sagar Island (WB) accessible by boat • 2nd Larget Fair after Kumbh • Present in the Mahabharata's Vana Parva (Book of Forest)

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

The Hindu 🗞️ The red flag as China’s expansionist strategy rolls on (Editorial) (GS2: Inn Relation) Indian express 📰 1. Digital Power, No Responsibility (Ideas Page) (GS3: Inn Security) PS: Aise hi aur Current Affairs Compilation k liye App par jaye !

Pre note: Light newspaper today. Revise CAs here 🚨 15th January  | Wednesday 🚨

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. Delhi must look beyond H-1B (Ideas page) (GS2: IR) 2. Why India is warming slower (Explained page) (GS3: Climate) The Hindu 🗞️ No editions have been released today PS: Thand se bacho, sabse zruri tumhari sehat hai!

Pre note: Deri ke liye maafi. Revision toh chal hi rahi hogi? 🚨 14th January  | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Rajasthan’s River-Link Lifeline Project • Project: Part of the ILR program, impacting Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve • ILR: Transfer surplus water to deficit basins for irrigation, water supply, and flood control • Proposed Plan: - Himalayan Rivers: Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga, Kosi-Mechi, Ganga-Damodar-Subarnarekha - Peninsular Rivers: Ken-Betwa, Par-Tapi-Narmada, Krishna-Godavari • Legal Context: Article 262 empowers Parliament to resolve inter-state river disputes 2. Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat • Haryana was the first state to adopt it in 2018 • ₹5L health cover per family, targeting 500M people 3. Diego Garcia [Chagos Islands Central Indian Ocean] Key Factors: • Largest island in the Chagos Islands • Sovereignty disputed; Mauritius claims the territory • Part of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), a UK overseas territory • Hosts a major U.S. base, key for Indian Ocean operations 4. Makaravilakku [festival at Sabarimala Temple, Kerala] • Celebrated on Makara Sankranti, marking Sun’s transition to Capricorn • Features the divine sighting of Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu • Includes Makarasamkrama Pooja w/ Thiruvabharanam adorning Lord Ayyappa • Fuses tribal & Hindu traditions 5.Nag-Mk2 (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) • Advanced ATGM developed u/ DRDO’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) • WHY? Designed to destroy modern armoured tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor Variants: A. NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) B. Helina C. Man-Portable Nag 6. Sadas Habitats [Northern Western Ghats] • A Westland found in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg is a Threatened ecosystem Key Feature: • Plant species- Dipcadi concanensis (Konkan Dipcadi) and Iphigenia ratnagirica, both endangered found here • Species like the Amboli Toad (critically endangered) and white-striped viper gecko are endemic here • Threatened by mining and proposed refinery projects

Mains notes 📄

1.  PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry 🗓️ 1905, its a leading industry association in India WHY? To promote business + economic growth, advocate policy reforms & foster trade and investment Key Functions: • Acts as a bridge between businesses & government • Provides research-based policy suggestions • Supports MSMEs, startups, and large enterprises with business facilitation • Organizes trade expos, B2B meetings, and conferences

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. How, not Why MSP (The Idea Page) (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. The way forward for PM-KISAN (Opinion) (GS3: Economy) PS: PYQs practice karne kaa isse aasan tarika kya hoga?🤔

Pre Note - Current affairs ka daily dose, concise and impactful! 🚀

Pre Notes 📔

1. California Wildfires and Santa Ana Winds • Santa Ana Winds: Strong, dry winds from deserts to California’s coast. • Pink Fire Retardant: Chemical spray dropped from planes to create fire-resistant barriers and slow wildfires • Global Winds: Chinook (North America), Mistral (Mediterranean), and Harmattan (West Africa). • Indian Winds: Loo (hot summer winds) and Monsoon winds shape India's climate and ecology

Mains Notes 📄

1. Kerala's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) Doubled • MMR: Maternal deaths per 1 Lakh live births • Why Important: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) target MMR below 72 by 2030. • State Comparison: Assam has the highest MMR at 195; India’s average is 97

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Sariska Tiger Reserve [Alwar district, Rajasthan] Key points: • Known for successful tiger reintroduction in 2004. • Features historical landmarks like Kankwari Fort and Pandupol Temple. Other Important Tiger Reserves: • Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (AP-Telangana): Largest by area. • Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (WB): Famous for Royal Bengal tigers in mangrove habitat. • Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve (UT): Oldest tiger reserve in India.

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) • Place: Ladakh, Tso Moriri, Changthang; also in Tibet and Bhutan. • Role: Wetland health indicator, signals biodiversity. • Status: Near Threatened (IUCN), protected under the Wildlife Act, 1972.

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Kumbh Origin, history, appeal (Explained) (GS:1, Art & Culture) The Hindu🗞️ 1. India’s data protection rules need some Fine-tuning (Editorial) (GS3: Sc & Tech) PS: Love YT shorts? Explore informative shorts on the CSEWhy App.

Pre Note- Sunday is Funday, but pahle Current Affairs ho jaye! 🚨 12th January  | Sunday 🚨

Pre Notes 📔

1. SpaDeX [ISRO Satellite] • Purpose: Demonstrates autonomous docking in space. • Launch: December 30, 2024, from Sriharikota. • Significance: Future human spaceflight, satellite servicing, and space station operations.

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. White Rhinoceros [African Origin Critically Endangered Species] • Critically Endangered: Highest risk of extinction in the wild. • Few Indian CE Species: Ganges River Dolphin, One-horned Rhinoceros, Snow Leopard, Indian Bison. • Constitution: Article 48A (State duty), 51A(g) (Citizen compassion)

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Z-Morh Tunnel [Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir] • Importance: All-weather connectivity to Sonamarg; boosts tourism and economy. • Few Himalayan Tunnels: - Atal Tunnel [Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh] - Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel [Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir] - Rohtang Tunnel [Kullu, Himachal Pradesh]

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

The Hindu🗞️ 1. Putting the gene editing tool to use  (Science) (GS3: Sc and Tech) PS: Love audiobooks? 🎧 Now enjoy Spectrum, Laxmikanth, and more on our APP - Download Now!

Pre note: Tayaar ho jao!

Pre Notes 📔

1. SC Upholds Women’s Reservation in Lok Sabha [106th Amendment, 2023] Related Amendments • 73rd, 74th Amendments (1993): Women’s representation in local bodies • 77th Amendment: Reservation for SCs/STs in promotions. • 103rd Amendment: 10% EWS reservation 2. 2024 Breaches Global Warming Limit • 1.5°C above Pre Industrial Years (1850-1900 as reference) Climate-Related Agreements • Paris Agreement (COP21): 2015, Paris, limits warming to below 2°C. • Kyoto Protocol: 1997, Kyoto, binds developed nations to cut emissions

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. Screw-pine (Pandanus) • Place: Kerala’s coastal backwaters and rivers. • Significance: 800-year-old craft empowering women with eco-friendly products

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. The Kumbh Currency (Big Pictures) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. India’s journey so far on the AI military bandwagon (Editorial) (GS3: Internet Security/Sci & Tech) PS: From basic books to PYQs. Get everything in one subscription!

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Pre Note: UPSC se related agar koi dukh, dard, duvidha ho toh mujhe batao. Waqt din par din khatam horha hai. 🚨 10th January  | Friday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Genome India Project, Faridabad [Genetic Material Blueprint] • What? Database of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups. • Significance: Boosts research, medicine, and biotech. • Key Insights: 27M rare genetic variants found, 7M unique globally 2. Same-Sex Marriage [SC rejected review of 2023] • SC decriminalized homosexuality in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) but did not legalize • Right to Equality (Art 14-18) & Freedom (Art 19-22) protects it

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Dhauli, Odisha [Near Daya River] • Significance: Site where Ashoka embraced peace post-Kalinga War. • Features: Shanti Stupa, Ashokan edicts promoting Dhamma (Belief in Buddhism)

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Add a new layer to MSP (The Idea Page) (GS3: Agriculture) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Section 152 of BNS should not become a proxy for sedition (Editorial) (GS3: Internal Security) 2. Is India open to the idea of dual citizenship? (Opinion) (GS2: Polity/InnRelation) PS: What is your optional and why?

Pre note: New year resolution toh thik hai. Execution kaisa chal rha hai? 🚨 9th January  | Thursday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) • Spanish surrealist artist, famed for dream-like, bizarre visuals • Famous for The Persistence of Memory (melting clocks, 1931) • Explored subconscious/dreams via psychoanalysis-inspired works • Fascinated with Indian mysticism, designed for Indian clients 2. Cryogenic Technology [Study of low-temperature tech (<−150°C)] • USES? Space tech (rocket fuels), healthcare (cryopreservation, MRI), energy (LNG storage), research (CERN), biodiversity • Imp for India: A. ISRO's cryogenic engines (GSLV Mk II & III) critical for space missions B. Used in Gaganyaan mission & LNG storage globally C. Indigenous tech development by ISRO for autonomy 3. Soapstone • Metamorphic rock made primarily of talc w/ chlorite, pyroxenes, micas, amphiboles, carbonates, etc • Found in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Rajasthan is a major producer 4. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) What is it? • Set of batteries charge from grid or renewable sources • 1st Commercial Application in India from March 2025 NEED? • Reliable Security power during peak demand • Efficiently stores & uses surplus renewable energy

Mains notes 📄

1. Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 • To prevent activities that threaten security of India • Anti-terror law empowering GoI to declare anyone as terrorist & curb activities • Key Provisions A. Investigation Period: Permits detention of up to 180 days w/o charges B. Jurisdiction: Applies across India, including citizens abroad 2. Bharatpol [ 🗓️7th Jan 2025 by MHA] • Online platform by CBI for coordination b/w Indian law enforcement agencies & Interpol • WHY? A. Access to Interpol Databases B. Provides a unified platform for handling requests, including Interpol notices C. Replaces traditional methods with secure digital channels for faster processing D. Real-time information sharing + international cooperation

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. How the polar vortex caused a massive winter storm in the US (Explained page) (GS3: Climate) 2. Security forces Vs Maoists (Explained page) (GS3: Internal security) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. River interlinking, the fount of environmental disaster (Editorial) (GS2/GS3: Social issues and climate) 2. The right to food and the struggle with the PDS (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 3. Why is deciphering the Indus script important? (Text&Context) (GS1: History) PS: Make BhAI your study partner. Get your work done easily :)

CSEWhy app iOS is now live iOS Download: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/csewhy/id6737231064 [any queries? Reply here] Android download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.csewhy.app1

Pre note: Shaam. Chai. Khabar. WHY NOT?

Pre Notes 📔

1. Delhi Assembly Special Provisions a) Under Article 239AA • President appoints Delhi CM • Special status to Delhi except on Police, Public order & land 2. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Begins in Odisha

Species in the news 🐵🌍

1. Caenorhabditis elegans • What? Tiny nematode contributing to Nobel discoveries of 2002/06/15/24 • 1st multicellular organism to have its entire genome sequenced (1998)

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica [Doomsday Glacier] • Its melting & its impact on global sea-level rise made a key area for climate change research

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Atomic Power Equation…(Ideas page) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. Maoist strongholds are shrinking, but deadly threats persist (Opinion Page) (GS3: Internal Security) PS: Do you want daily telegram news on the app for FREE?

Pre note: Are you taking advantage of all app features properly? 🚨 7th January  | Tuesday 🚨

Pre facts 📃

1. Leaves flutter in space: ISRO’s experiment reaches milestone (Read on The Hindu pg:12)

Pre notes 📔

1. Artesian Well • Well where water naturally flows to the surface without the need for pumping, due to pressure in a confined aquifer • Mechanism: A. Formed in confined aquifer, where permeable rock  is sandwiched b/w 2 impermeable layers B. Water trapped u/ pressure flows upward when the well penetrates the aquifer • Key Components: Confined Aquifer; Hydrostatic Pressure; Recharge Zone 2. Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

Mains notes 📄

1. Twigstats • Computational method that enhances genetic ancestry analysis • It focuses on recent mutations within genetic family trees • It improves differentiation b/w closely related populations, aiding in the detection of fine-scale population changes & migrations

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Pench Tiger Reserve [MP (Chhindwara) and MH (Nagpur)] • Named after Pench River • Declared a tiger reserve in 1992 u/ Project Tiger; also a national park in 1975 • Flora: Dry deciduous forest, teak, bamboo, and mahua trees • Fauna: Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaurs, sambar & 285+ bird species • Inspired Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book", based on W.W. Sleeman’s writings about this region • Key Features: A. Pench River ensures perennial water availability B. High prey density supports a significant tiger population • Conservation Importance: A. Vital corridor in the Satpura-Maikal Tiger Landscape B. Part of India's "Tiger Conservation Unit 31" for maintaining genetic flow

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. Mystery of the Indus script (Explained page) (GS1: History) 2. HMPV, the old ‘new’ virus that has affected…. (Explained page) (GS3: Health) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. The Collegium and changes — it may still be early days (Editorial) (GS2: Judiciary) 2. The end of global climate policy (Ideas page) (GS3: Climate) 3. Decoding the National Anthem controversy (Text&Context) (GS2: Governance) PS: Agar saare haalat sahi hote, toh tum din mei kitni der padh skte the? Kaun rok raha hai tumhe?

Pre note: Get everything on CSEWhy app now for JUST ₹79/-. Download here 🚨 6th January | Monday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. e-Shram Portal [ 🗓 Aug 2021 by MoL] • Targets unorganized workers (~38 cr) • Provides a Universal Account Number post-registration • Focuses on policy-making and welfare for informal workforce What does it do? • Offers ₹2L insurance u/ PMSBY; enables DBT & access to schemes • Database aids in skill development + employment opportunities • Over 28 cr workers registered as of Jan 2025 2. Badge engineering • Marketing identical vehicles u/ different brand names • Involves minor cosmetic changes like logos, badges, trims • Reduces R&D + production costs; leverages economies of scale • E.G: Baleno-Glanza, Duster-Terrano, Vento-Rapid

Mains notes 📄

1. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas [ 🗓 Jan 9; marks return of M. Gandhi from SA] • Recognizes contributions of Indian diaspora to India’s development • Organized by MEA; biennial • Purpose: Foster relations; leverage expertise • ⏱️First PBD 2003, conceptualized by L.M. Singhvi Committee Key Components: • PBSA: Conferred by the President to exceptional overseas Indians • PBD Convention: Platform for discussions on policy recommendations, business partnerships 2. Anti-Conversion Law, 1978 [Freedom of Religion Bill, 1978] • Sought to regulate religious conversions in India via force, fraud, or inducement • Bill was lapsed Key Provisions: • Required individuals and organizations to report conversions to DM • Exempted voluntary and genuine conversions for personal faith reasons 3. Toda tribe • PVTG community in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu; population ~2,000–3,000 • Traditionally pastoralists, dependent on buffalo rearing • Famous for GI-tagged Toda embroidery and unique "Toda huts" architecture • Speak Toda language, part of Dravidian family • Nature worship and sacred buffalo rituals integral to culture 4. Shompen tribe • Indigenous, semi-nomadic tribe in Great Nicobar Island; part of PVTGs • Population ~200–300; reliant on hunting, fishing, and forest resources • Speak Shompenic language; practice animism • Governed under ANPATR, 1956, limiting outsider access.

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Dinosaur Highway [Oxfordshire, UK] • Fossilized dinosaur tracks; from Middle Jurassic (~166M years) • Tracks made by sauropods (herbivores) and theropods (carnivores) • Evidence of herding and social behavior among dinosaurs • Tracks up to 1m wide; linked to an ancient tropical coastline

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. A happy new year to farmers (Ideas page) (GS2/GS3: Agriculture) 2. Moving past uncertainty (Ideas page) (GS3: Climate and renewable energy) The Hindu 🗞 1. The outlook for India in the year ahead (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. India needs to prioritise preventive care (Opinion page) (GS3: Health) 3. Implications of China’s mega-dam project (Text&Context) (GS2: IR) 4. Moving away from coal a must: South African court upholds ‘Cancel Coal’ case (Science page) (GS3: Climate) PS: Took longer today for heavy newspaper. Drop a ❤️ to appreciate the effort! :)

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