UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: Easy newspaper today, invest time in revision at blog.csewhy.com 🚨 2nd November | Saturday 🚨

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Consumption & Food inflation (Explained page) (GS3: Economics) 2. First ‘Black Hole Triple’ system discovered: what does it mean? (Explained page) (GS3: Science) 3. Invisible sanitation worker (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) The Hindu 🗞 1. Zeroing in on methane diplomacy, at COP29 (Editorial) (GS3/GS2: IR and Climate) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: How's life? How're the studies? 🚨 1st November | Friday 🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Light Detection and Ranging • It uses pulsed laser light to map the Earth’s surface in 3D • It generates high-res models with up to 10 cm vertical accuracy • It uses laser, scanner, GPS to capture ground info by measuring light reflection & travel time • Data is processed with GPS/IMS to create elevation maps; forms a “point cloud” of surface reflections • Enabled discovery of “Valeriana,” a potential Mayan capital in Campeche, Mexico

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Revise  Bandhavgarh here

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Why 1.5°C goal is unrealistic (Explained page) (GS2/GS3: Climate and policies) 2. Rules to get disability certificates tweaked: what has changed and why? (Explained page) (GS2: Laws and Acts) 3. Fraternity upheld (Editorial) (GS2: SC judgements) P.S: Diwali khatm; Padhai shuru!

Diwali 🪔♥️ Share your Diwali pictures in replies to spread happiness 😁

Attempt this Q from today's Hindu Quiz P = International Treaty Q = Entity it protects P named for city in Iran where it was adopted in 1971 India has 85 sites of Q. Name P & Q

Pre note: Happy Diwali, Doston! :) 🚨 31st October | Thursday 🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. 31st October: National Unity day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's b’day; Established in 2014 by GoI • Aim: foster nat'l pride, unity, & remind citizens of Patel's contributions

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Gota fría” (cold drop) aka "DANA" (isolated Depression At high Altitudes) • Cold air from the polar jet stream moves over warm Mediterranean Sea, causing atmospheric instability, leading to dense clouds & heavy rains. • DANA linked to polar jet stream - separates cold polar air from warm tropical air • Cold air pockets collide w/ warm air over Mediterranean sea, creating intense rain events • DANA events are now more intense & frequent due to rising global temps, warmer air holds more moisture, & Med Sea hit record temps in Aug

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. AI plus and minus (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 2. Towards a new federalism (Opinion page) (GS2: Constitution and SC judgements) 3. SC ruling on child marriage…. (Explained page) (GS2: SC judgements) The Hindu 🗞 1. Tackle the issue of adjournments, case pending (Editorial) (GS2) 2. The politics of data-based policymaking (Opinion page) (GS2) 3. Recognising the economic value of unpaid work in India (Text&Context) (GS3: Economics) PS: Diwali best hai bro! Aaj kitna bhi dukh dard ho, sab bhool kar better future manifest karo.

This is a manifestation post ✨ Write down in replies on how you want your Next Diwali to be 👇🏼 Don’t ignore

Happy Diwali doston! 🪔 Spend good time with your family. No matter how hard it is today, do touch feet of your parents and give them a big hug :)

Pre note: Diwali is around the corner, ek break le lena bhai. parivar zaruri hai! 🚨 30th October | Wednesday 🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. National Ayurveda day (29/10, since 2016) • On Dhanvanthri Jayanti: Puranic god of Ayurveda; believed to be incarnation of Vishnu • 2024 Theme: Ayurveda innovation for global health

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Bandhavgarh Reserve (📍Vindhya Hills, MP) • Highest Bengal tigers density in the world; both National Park & Tiger Reserve • Deciduous forest housing Rare White Tiger & Ancient Bandhavgarh Fort • Vegetation: Dry deciduous forests, bamboo thickets, and grasslands 2. UNWRA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) • since 1949 for Palestinian Refugees • Offers education, healthcare, social services in Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria • Alleged bias, mismanagement & efficiency charges; Israel says its exploited by militants • Israel banned UNWRA in East Jerusalem, accusing it of undermining Israeli sovereignty 3. PM’s internship scheme [Oct 2024, 1 cr internships in 5 years] • Top 500 firms enlisted • Eligibility Criteria: 21-24 yrs, diploma (ITI/Polytechnic) or grad degrees (BA/BCom/BSc/BCA/BBA). IIT/IIM grads ineligible • Intern Perks: ₹5K monthly aid, ₹4.5K govt + ₹500 CSR, ₹6k one-time joining grant • Covered under PMJJBY & PMSBY insurance schemes

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Delimitation, women’s quota (Ideas page) (GS2: Policies) The Hindu 🗞 1. A picture of a growing economic divide in India (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 2. A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar (Opinion page) (GS2: IR) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: 🚨 29th October | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes✍🏼

1. Right to privacy • R2 protect your info, decisions, & life choices from public/state interference. • KS Puttaswamy vs UoI (2017): R2Privacy = Fundamental Right u/A 21 • Overruled MP Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh (1962) • Linked to Arts 14, 19, 21 (Golden Triangle) • Impact: Aadhaar, digital privacy, data laws like DPDP Act 2023 • Affirmed control over personal data, autonomy, and dignity (DAD) 2. Aadhar not for DOB • SC validates only School Leaving Certificate are available • Aadhar Aim: establish ID (not age) • SC reiterated UIDAI’s 2023 circular: Aadhaar isn’t proof of DoB • SC upheld Aadhaar Act in 2018 for ID purposes but limited its mandatory use for SIMs, bank a/cs, and admissions

@CSEWhy Recommendations🗞

Indian Express 📰 1. The next census (Explained page) (GS2: Policies) The Hindu 🗞 1. The under representation of women in judiciary (editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 2. Solar, a game changer in women’s empowerment (editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 3. What challenges does India face in fertilisers import? (Text&Context) (GS2/GS3: Economics) PS: Need help? Drop your Qs in reply to this text

Pre note: See above 2 texts and vote, need your help! :) 🚨 28th October | Monday 🚨

Mains Keywords🗝

1. Digital arrest • Cyber scam impersonating official agencies • Modus operandi: Claim of serious case against a victim threatening arrest -> bribe demands

Pre notes✍🏼

1. Appointment of CJI (by President on PM advice u/A 124(2)) • Outgoing CJI recommends senior most SC judge as per Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) • No approval needed from Parliament or collegium Revise 4 judges cases here 2. Cancer resisting DNA • Genetic mechanism aiding radiation resistance spotted in a tardigrade species • Tardigrade: aka water bear; microscopic invertebrates w/ 4 pairs of stout legs living in water/damp moss • Exposure to gamma rays showed how the species repairs DNA and survives extreme conditions • Three key factors for radiation survival: 1. Quick DNA repair via TRD1 protein 2. Activation of mitochondrial proteins aiding DNA repair 3. Production of betalains (antioxidants) to neutralize harmful chemicals • Tested betalains on human cells, improving radiation resistance • Use case: help astronauts, nuclear cleanup, and cancer treatments 3. Dinosaur park in Balasinor, Gujarat dubbed as India's Jurassic Park • Discovered: 1980s; houses 10k+ fossilized eggs found • Museum (2019) spans 25k sq ft with 3D films, VR zones, interactive kiosks, and life-sized dino models

Mains notes🚀

1. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) • 2014: launched by Ministry of Youth & Sports to enhance medal tally in global competitions • 2018: revamped to give financial aid, training, foreign exposure + 50k monthly stipend

@CSEWhy Recommendations 🗞

Indian Express 📰 1. Significance of livestock census, species it includes (Explained page) (GS2: Census) 2. Election & farm sector health (Explained page) 3. Top crops, price volatility 7& RBI (Ideas page) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞 1. The private sector holds the key to India’s e-bus push (Editorial) (GS2: Policies) 2. Why is Delhi's air quality deteriorating? (Text&Context) (GS3: Climate) 3. New rocket, plusmoon and Venus missions, herald new beginnings (Science page) (GS3: SnT) PS: blog.csewhy.com

Carbon Credits is in today's The Hindu Here's a 2011 PYQ on the same topic for you to take an insight into how the examiner thinks :)

Just tested CSEWhy app chat feature Oho, what a fun tool. Excited to see how UPSC aspirants will make best use of it :) What shall be its name? Vote below👇🏻

Pre note: Sunday morning calls for introspection and reflection. Don't forget that! 🚨 27th October | Sunday 🚨

@CSEWhy Recommendations

The Hindu 🗞 1. What does H5N1 virus in cattle, humans portend? (Science page) 2. How will LAC agreement pan out on border? (FAQ page) (GS2: Agreements and Pacts) 3. What is the flight protocol for a bomb threat? (FAQ page) PS: Revise important current affairs of the month :)

Pre note: Do you need help regarding your optional? Let me know 🚨 26th October | Saturday 🚨

Mains Notes

1. Protected areas are losing biodiversity than non- protected ones • NHM study shows BII fell 1.88% (2000–2020) • CBAs: Unprotected lost 1.9%, protected 2.1% • PAs focus on species, not ecosystems • Degradation, mining, oil, gas in PAs (e.g., Congo park 65% occupied) • 30x30 conservation goal must continue with better ecosystem focus

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. A nudge towards clean air (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 2. The unaspiring millions (Ideas page) (GS3) 3. Greenback’s naysayers (Ideas page) (GS2: IR and International policies) 4. The right to die with dignity (Explained page) (GS2: Policies) The Hindu 🗞 1. Sharpen the anti-defection law, strengthen democracy (Editorial) (GS2: Policies) 2. A Nobel in hand, but where AJR’s model falls short (Editorial) (GS3: Economics) PS: Affirm with conviction - 'I can and will do it'

Pre note: Started adding detailed notes from articles limiting the Reading Recommendations. Study hard! :) 🚨 25th October | Friday 🚨

Mains Keywords

1. Landfall of a Cyclone • Cyclone Dana to landfall near Bhitarkanika National Park & Dhamra Port • landfall = when eye/centre cross the coast (not every cyclone sees a landfall) • Landfall duration = 5/6 hrs, cyclone loses intensity post rainfall due to lack of moisture

Pre notes

1. Artificial Insemination • Places sperm directly into female reproductive tract; boosts fertility w/o natural mating • Types include IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination) & ICI (Intra-Cervical Insemination). • Advantages: Avoid disease transfer, controls conception timing, & addresses male infertility. • In news: Great Indian Bustard conversation, at Sudasari Great Indian Bustard breeding centre in Rajasthan

Mains Notes

1. Local weather forecast • Panchayat-level 5-day weather forecasts, updated hourly, are now available nationwide, launched by MoPR & MoS for rural preparedness, covering 2.55L panchayats • Data is accessible via e-GramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra, and Meri Panchayat apps • Helps farmers with planning sowing, irrigation, and harvesting to tackle unpredictable weather changes • Aim: boost climate resilience, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance disaster prep at the grassroots; coz predicting localised event is harder

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. Not another BRICS in the wall (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. When parliament isn’t in session (Ideas page) (GS2: Administrative issue) 3. The India-China agreement (Explained page) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. Meal costs are rising faster than earnings (Text&Context) (GS2/GS3: Social issues & Economics) 2. Why did the Central govt. sanction a 50% hike in prices of commonly used drugs? (Science page) PS: blog.csewhy.com

Pre note: Started adding detailed notes from articles limiting the Reading Recommendations. Study hard! :) 🚨 24th October | Thursday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Cyclone in news: Cyclone Dana of Bay of Bengal; Will affect eastern Odissa and West Bengal 2. SC: Stubble burning goes against right to live in pollution-free space

Pre notes

1. Kambala • Traditional buffalo race from coastal Karnataka and Kerala • By Tuluvas in Dakshina Kannada & Udupi (KA); part of temple festivals & rural traditions to appease the gods for good harvests • Jallikattu, a similar traditional sport in TN was banned by SC in 2014 in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja case 2. Article 21: Right to life • No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law

Mains Notes

1. Geo-engineering • Large scale efforts to change natural-cycle of earth to combat global warming Broadly, 2 methods of Geoengineering are: 1. Solar Radiation Management (SRM): Materials are thrown off in space which reflects back sunlight • Various elements are proposed but diamond dust tops the list • 5 million tonnes of diamond dust is required; concerns for unforeseen damages to nature prevail 2. Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): Capturing and stabilising CO2

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. Indian Ocean churn (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. Learning & nation-building (Ideas page) (GS2: Social issues) 3. Taxing Industrial alcohol (Explained page) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞 1. The Manipur crisis, the issue of managing diversity (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 2. On Boeing 737’s ‘defective’ rudder system (Text&Context) 3. Ancient meteorite was 'giant fertilizer bomb' for life on earth (Science page) (GS3: Science) PS: blog.csewhy.com

Pre note: Heavy newspaper today! Go slow. 🚨 24th October | Thursday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Cyclone in news: Cyclone Dana; Bay of Bengal; Will affect eastern Odissa and West Bengal 2. SC: Stubble burning goes against right to live in pollution-free space

Pre notes

1. Kambala • Traditional buffalo race held annually in the coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala • Conducted by Tuluva community in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka; part of temple festivals & rural traditions to appease the gods for good harvests • Criticized by animal rights activists; Banned by SC in 2014 • Jallikattu, a similar traditional sport in TN was banned by SC in 2014 in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja case 2. Article 21: Right to life • No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law

Mains Notes

1. Geoengineering • Large scale efforts to change natural-cycle of earth to combat global warming Broadly, 2 methods of Geoengineering are: 1. Solar Radiation Management (SRM): Materials are thrown off in space which reflects back sunlight • Various elements are proposed but diamond dust tops the list • 5 million tonnes of diamond dust is required; concerns for unforeseen damages to nature prevail 2. Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): Capturing and stabilising CO2

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. Indian Ocean churn (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. Learning & nation-building (Ideas page) (GS2: Social issues) 3. Taxing Industrial alcohol (Explained page) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞 1. The Manipur crisis, the issue of managing diversity (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 2. On Boeing 737’s ‘defective’ rudder system (Text&Context) 3. Ancient meteorite was 'giant fertilizer bomb' for life on earth (Science page) (GS3: Science) PS: Queries? Tell me

Pre note: CSEWhy app this Diwali! 🪔 🚨 23rd October | Wednesday 🚨

Mains Notes

1. Mission Mausam • Aim: Improve weather forecasts & manage weather events • Cloud Chamber (cc) to come up at IITM, Pune for cloud physics research • CC injects water vapour & aerosols to create clouds u/ controlled humidity & temperature • Helps study cloud seed particles forming droplets or ice 2. Madarsas & Secularism • Madarsa Act created UP Board focusing on Muslim community education offering courses from Maulvi to Fazil • HC: Madarsa's impose religious instruction keeping mainstream subjects optional • Govt: Madarsas deny quality eduction u/ R2Education Act • Madarsa Board granting degrees contradicts UGC's authority over universities • SC challenged HC March, 2004 verdict of striking down Madarsa Act (2004); reserved verdict on case

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. An agreement, some questions (Ideas page) (GS2: IR) 2. The biodiversity COP (Explained page) (GS2/GS3: Multilateralism & Climate) The Hindu 🗞 1. On Section 6A of the Citizenship Act (Text&Context) (GS2: Laws & Acts) 2. Why are Big Tech companies such as Google scouting for nuclear power? (Text&Context) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB