UPSC CSE Why

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

Bhai sunn, important baat hai 😉 CSEWhy app banayi hai; Focuses on🎯 • Unlimited Practice Qs • PYQs explanations & test • Daily streaks to stay on track • Gamified & Interactive revision Fun fact: Access is invite only. 📲 Want to be among the firsts to access CSEWhy app? Join Waitlist here: https://forms.gle/erCHsbTheKRu32648

Pre note: blog.csewhy.com 🚨 22nd October | Tuesday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Spectrum allocation • No territorial limits in satellite spectrum • Coordinated by Int'l Telecommunication Union (ITU) • In India, regulated under Telecom Act 2023 allowing both auction & admin allotment • Benefits of SATCOM: - Use array of satellite network in place of cable network - wider coverage & more resilient network - less prone to damage

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. Berlin-Delhi reconnection (GS2: IR) 2. A terror attack, many signals (Ideas page) (GS3: Internal security) 3.Entire ideas page, super interesting today!!! The Hindu 🗞 1. On sanctions and shadow fleets (Text&Context) (GS2: IR) PS: Shall I make the daily notes more elaborative or just the recommendations are good?

Pre note: Turant solutions ke liye, apne doubts yaha pucho 🚨 21st October | Monday 🚨

Pre facts

1. New Lady Justice • Reflects Indian identity, emphasizing fairness by "seeing" cases directly • Scales show balanced judgment, sword symbolizes justice's power • Urgent reforms needed: delayed judge appointments, lack of diversity (women <15%, backward classes <25%), and 60L+ pending cases • Courts operating at ~60-70% strength; govt urged to speed up appointments for timely justice 2. Largest Marine protected area • Azores approved the largest marine protected area (~300k sq km) in the North Atlantic • Aims to meet intl conservation targets ahead of time • Area protects underwater mountains and vulnerable marine ecosystems

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian express 📰 1. A nascent but welcome thaw (Ideas page) (GS2: IR) 2. $1 Trillion over 30 years: Cost of pivoting away from coal (Explained page) (GS2/GS3: Policies and Climate) 3. Comeback of Krishi in Bharat (Explained page) (GS3: Agri economy) The Hindu 🗞 1. India’s choices in a world becoming bipolar again (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. On climate finance to developing nations (Text&Context) (GS2/GS3: Climate & Multinational policies) 3. What d o the Atlantic Ocean hurricane forecasts foretell for India? (Science page) (GS3: Climate and Science) PS: Hafte ki shuruaat kaisi hai dosto? React with ❤️ to manifest a great day :)

Bhai sunn, Tyohaar aa rahe hai. Study break hoga hi hoga. Kaise enjoy bhi kare ghar par aur padhai bhi manage karni hai, Thoda sa plan kar le dost Baaki Diwali hai, do spend time with family 🥰🪔

Pre note: Sunday sessions you shouldn't miss: newspaper, introspect, reflect. 🚨 20th October | Sunday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Kala-Azar • India seeks WHO certification for Kala-azar elimination, with <1 case per 10k in PHC blocks for 2 years • Major hotspots: Bihar, Jharkhand, WB, UP; 70% of cases from Bihar, Jharkhand, WB, and UP; symptoms like fever, weight loss, and anaemia • Cases dropped: 595 (2023) vs. 339 (2022) • NHP targets shifted from 2010 to 2030; Bangladesh is the only other certified nation •Strategy: Early diagnosis, case mgmt, surveillance, and tackling poverty/sanitation • PKDL cases post-recovery pose long-term challenges 2. Mining dust enhances carbon capture • Alt Carbon uses basalt dust from Rajmahal mines for fast-tracking CO2 capture via rock weathering • 3-4 tonnes of basalt trap 1 tonne of CO2 in 2-4 years, compared to 1,000 years naturally • The dust enriches soil on Darjeeling tea estates and boosts carbon absorption • Raised $5M from carbon-credit firms; partnered with Frontier (McKinsey, Meta) • Key basalt sources: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, WB • Sequestration helps meet IPCC goals to curb temp rise by 2050

@CSEWhy Recommendations

The Hindu 🗞 1. What are the stress factors for Indian Railways? (FAQ page) (GS2: Social issues) 2. How will a classical status help languages? (FAQ page) (GS2: Policies) PS: Have a PlanB. Join @CsewhyPlanB

I am hosting a quiz and giving away cash prize in ORN for next 1 hour Wanna win? Drop a Hi in reply to this and I’ll send you location 💪🏻😉

Pre note: What are your views on marital rape? Answer here 🚨 19th October | Saturday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Super Insulin • Scientists have developed “smart insulin” called NNC2215 that responds dynamically to blood sugar (BS) levels • Type 1 = No insulin prod by pancreas; Type 2 = Insulin resistance (IR), requiring higher doses • Insulin overdosing can cause hypoglycemia (low BS), making constant BS monitoring necessary • Old tech = Glucose sensors & insulin pumps; insulin stored subcutaneously, released based on BS sensors • NNC2215 = On-off switch; reacts to BS fluctuations. Glucoside holds insulin inactive when BS is low; glucose triggers activation at high BS

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian Express 📰 1. Lady justice: Roots in ancient Greece, not always blindfolded (Explained page) (GS2) 2. India and the Science Nobels (Explained page) The Hindu 🗞 1. Forecasting better in India, come rain or shine (Editorial) (GS3: SnT) PS: The week is about to end. Are you happy with your progress?

New blog details opinions and pointers on Marital Rape Read below and do subscribe for Free with your email https://open.substack.com/pub/csewhy/p/286-marital-rape?r=1prj68&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true