UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: make the most of mid-week. Go for a walk, take a break or take a mock! :) 🚨 4th December | Wednesday🚨

Quotes 💭

Only that Society can be called sensitive where divyangjans have equal facilities & opportunities. Ease of living of divyangjans should be the aim - President Droupadi Murmu (GS1 Society)

Pre Facts 📝

1. Art. 72: President's Pardoning Power • Power to grand pardons, reprieves, respite or remit punishment OR to suspend, remit or commute sentence of any one • Court Martial: President can pardon court martial (Governor can't) • Death Sentence: The President can pardon death sentences, while the Governor's pardoning power does not extend to such cases 3. Extra Chromosomal DNA (ecDNA) • Formation: When DNA breaks away from chromosomes, forming circular structures • Triggered by: Smoking, Environmental Issues, DNA Damage by Chromothripsis • In News: Pivotal to understanding cancer, as they contain Oncogene, driving tumour Growth

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Santhal Tribal Community • Santhals are the 3rd largest Scheduled Tribe in India • They speak Santhali, a Munda language, written in Ol-Chiki script, recognized in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution • Santhal Rebellion (1855-56): led by Sido & Kanhu, opposing British policies like the Permanent Settlement of 1793 2. International Court of Justice (Part of UN) • Estd. 1945, based in Hague (Netherlands) • Handles contentious cases (disputes b/w states) & provides advisory opinions on legal questions for UN bodies and agencies • Judgments are binding but advisory opinions are non-binding. Comprises 15 judges elected to 9 year term by the UNGA & UNSC

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

1. The New Phase of war in Syria (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. Trump's Bargaining Chip (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 3. Demography, not politics (Editorial) (GS1: Society) The Hindu 🗞 1.Local Actions amidst Global Inertia (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) 2. The Salience of Places of Worships Act (Editorial) (GS1: Society) 3. What are the toxins of the 1984 Bhopal Disaster (Text&Context) (GS3: Environment) PS: Breathe. Life's not as tough as you think! It's a good day. :)

Pre note: CSEWhy app is now live, experience new learning here 🚨 3rd December | Tuesday🚨

Mains Keywords

1. Mutualism and Proudhon's Theory • Socio-economic theory; advocates exchange of goods/services based on mutual aid & voluntary cooperation w/o exploitation. • Similar to Gandhi's Concept of Trusteeship, envisioned in Corporate Social Responsibility. Balancing individual freedom with Collective well-being

Pre Facts 📝

1. Project-75 (I) • Involves the indigenous construction of 6 Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarines. • Equipped with advanced AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) systems for enhanced stealth & underwater endurance (up to 2 weeks submerged)

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) Platform • Launched in 2015 to enhance e-transparency and e-accountability in welfare schemes • A 3-tier system involving the PMO, Union Secretaries, and State Chief Secretaries, promoting cooperative federalism • Operates on Digital Data Management, Video-Conferencing, and Geospatial Technology. Effective public grievance redressal and program monitoring.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Fairness, Not Just Speed (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 2. The Apathy Must End (Editorial) (GS1: Society) 3. Choking on Smoke (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. Citizen with Disabilities, making their rights real (Editorial) (GS1: Society) 2. Breaking Barriers with the help of Tech (Editorial) (GS1: Society) 3. India's 'One Nation, One Subscription Plan (Text&Context) (GS2: Education) PS: New Govt. schemes launched in Nov'24

Pre note: 🚨 2nd December | Monday🚨

Quotes 💭

"When you have exhausted all possibilities, Remember this: You Haven't" - Thomas Edison

Pre Facts 📝

1. UN Relief & Works Agency for Palestinians Refugees in Near East [UNRWA] • Founded: 1949 after 1948 Arab-Israeli War • 📍 Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan • Funds: Voluntary contributions by donor states like US 2. IndiaAI Mission [Vision: "Making AI in India" & "Making AI Work for India"] • IndiaAI Compute Capacity: Establishes a scalable AI computing ecosystem with over 10,000 GPUs via PPPs. • IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Develops indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and sector-specific AI models. • IndiaAI Startup Financing: Supports deep-tech AI startups with funding for futuristic projects 3. Vadhavan Port, India’s first Mega Port • Location: Vadhavan, Maharashtra, on the Arabian Sea coast. • Alignment: Part of the PM Gati Shakti Program, aiming to enhance multimodal infrastructure. • Increased Capacity: capable of accommodating large vessels such as Cape-size ships • Reduced Congestion: Helps decongest existing ports, especially Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) 4. Shock Diamonds (Mach Diamonds) •Visible, diamond-shaped patterns in the exhaust of supersonic jets or rockets • Caused by alternating shock waves (compression) and expansion fans (rarefaction) as exhaust gases adjust to atmospheric pressure.

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Enforcement Directorate [ED] • Specialized Agency: Financial law enforcement and economic intelligence agency under the Ministry of Finance. • Leadership: Director appointed under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 • Defn of Money Laundering (Sec. 3): Involves directly/indirectly concealing, possessing, or projecting proceeds of crime as untainted property • Sec. 50(2): ED can summon any person to give evidence/produce documents. Summoned individuals are bound to attend 2. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) • Created under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934, as amended by the Finance Act, 2016. • Tasked with fixing the benchmark policy rate (repo rate) to maintain inflation within a specified target • 6 Members: RBI governor, RBI Dpt Gov of monetary policy, RBI Board-nominated official + 3 GoI nominated external members • Decisions made by majority vote. Casting Vote with RBI Governor. MPC’s decisions are binding on the RBI.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. A Push for Growth (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) 2. We dont breathe the same air (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) 3. Why MPC is likely to keep the repo rate unchanged? (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞 1. Research Security should be a national priority (Editorial) (GS3: Internal Security) 2. India cities their non-communicable disease burden (Editorial) (GS2: Health) 3. In our Fight against Climate Change, could the seas turn the tide (Science) (GS3: Environment) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB, new opportunities coming your way today eve :)

Pre note: Did you talk to your parents today? 🚨 1st December | Sunday 🚨

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 3. Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 • Aim: Celebrated 8 NE States festivals; symbolizes prosperity • Objectives: Bridge cultural and economic gaps between Northeast India and the rest of the nation. • Highlights: Pavilions showcasing Muga and Eri Silk, GI products, and live craft demonstrations

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Exchange-Traded Funds [ETFs] • What? ETFs are investment funds that track an index and are traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks • Flexibility: Can be bought and sold throughout the trading day at market prices, unlike mutual funds. • Features: Lower fees & expenses as they are passively managed, Offer exposure to a basket of assets with a single investment

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

The Hindu 🗞 1. Emerging H5N1 Mutations raise risk of human infections (Editorial) (GS2: Health) PS: Easier newspaper today; spend time revising CA on blog.csewhy.com

Pre note: Weekends is here, grind 2x harder than your competition! 🚨 30th November | Saturday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Cyclone Fengal [Bay of Bengal - TN] • Name Origin: Proposed by Saudi Arabia, rooted in Arabic language • Typhoons: Found in the China Sea & Pacific Ocean • Hurricanes: Found in the Caribbean & Atlantic Ocean • Tornadoes: Occur in West Africa & the Southern USA • Willy-Willies: Cyclones in Northwestern Australia

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Competition Commission of India [u/Competition Act, 2002] • Replaced: Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission. [MRTP] • Investigation: Can investigate anti-competitive behavior suo moto or based on complaints • Purpose: Prevent anti-competitive practices, promote competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure market freedom 2. Asiatic Lion [IUCN: EN] • Smaller than African lions, with a distinct fold of skin along the belly • Current range: Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat (only habitat) • Maldharis: Religious pastoral communities living in Gir, symbiotic relation with Lions, Canine Distemper virus threat to them

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. The Slowdown (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) 2. Everywhere the same song (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. India need to share contraceptive responsibility (Editorial) (GS2: Health) PS: New updates on @CSEWhyPlanB starting soon. Get yourself active there!

Open invite🚨 Been an aspirant who likes to curate UPSC content? Come, work with me! Best pay in the industry + great learning opportunity as we build a new-age digital content brand How to apply? Just write me an email to whycse@gmail.com answering "Why you are right person for this?"

Pre note: Every day is a missed opportunity if you waste it delaying your success! 🚨 29th November | Friday 🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. World Craft Council • Purpose: Recognize role of local authorities, craftspeople, & communities in cultural, economic, and social development. • India's Craft Cities: Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mammalapuram (Tamil Nadu), Mysore (Karnataka) & Srinagar

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Collegium System: Learn or revise on CSEWhy blog here 2. Vizhinjam Trans-shipment Port: Revise from here 3. Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 • Authority: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change • Waste Reclassification: Segregation simplified into 4 categories instead of 10. • Proximity Regulation: On-site treatment not allowed if a common facility exists within 75 kilometers • Phase-Out Mandate: Chlorinated plastic bags, gloves, and blood bags to be phased out within two years

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. What is Centre's new mission to promote natural farming (Explained) (GS3: Agri) 2. Socialist, Secular in Preamble (Explained) (GS2: Polity) The Hindu 🗞 1. Census 2025 as a comprehensive citizen registry (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) PS: If you are in delhi, do you wanna attend CSEWhy offline meetups to meet other aspirants and have good fun?

Pre note: If you are new or veteran to prep, get your Pre/Mains PYQs here 🚨 28th November | Thursday🚨

Mains Keywords

1. Charm Diplomacy [type of soft power] • Refers to a strategic approach where a country uses cultural influence, personal charisma, persuasive rhetoric & P2P connect to build goodwill • Eg: India- Afghanistan Relations, Nurturing Afg Cricket, Salma Dam (Friendship Dam), Cultural & Education Exchange Programmes

Pre Facts 📝

1. One Nation One Subscription • 3 yr scheme for nationwide access to scholarly research & journals • Coordination: Managed by Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) u/ the University Grants Commission (UGC) 2. UN Resolution 1701 • Hezbollah to be north of Litani River & Israel to the south of Blue Line • Allowed Only the Lebanese Army in buffer zone.

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Business Advisory Committee [Both LS & RS] • Members: 15 LS (chaired by Speaker) & 11 in RS (chaired by VP) • Purpose: Recommends time for discussion on bills and other matters referred by the Speaker/Chairman 2. Moire & Superconductors • Moiré: Formed by stacking & twisting layers of 2D materials like graphene or tungsten diselenide. Twisting = altering electronic properties • Superconductivity: A state when a material can conduct electricity w/o any resistance. Observed when materials are cooled below a critical temperature • Recent findings: show semiconductor moiré materials, like twisted bilayer tungsten, can exhibit superconductivity.

Mains notes 📙

1. Elections & Electoral Profile Key Judgements: • "Democracy cannot survive without free and fair elections" (Union of India vs. ADR, 2003) • "Free and fair elections are the basic structure of the Constitution" (PUCL vs. Union of India, 2003) • "The heart of the parliamentary system is free and fair elections" (Mohinder Singh Gill vs. CEC of India, 1977). • In Feb 2024, SC struck down electoral bonds as “unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary.” LS 2024 elections data • In 19/36 states & UT, more women voted than men in 2024 • Gender gap in voter turnout has now disappeared (once at 10%) • The gender ratio of registered voters improved to 948 women per 1,000 men, up from 928 in 2019

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Israel Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal (Explained) (GS2: IR) 2. Greatest Show must go on (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 3. In Defence of India (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. The Right to Work Deleted (Explained) (GS3: Economy) PS: What did you study yesterday?

Pre note: What will you do if not for UPSC prep? 🚨 27th November | Wednesday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Ocean of Water in Uranus & Neptune • The planets may have distinct layers: water above and hydrocarbons below, preventing particle mixing unlike Earth's core • Magnetic Fields: This separation may explain Uranus and Neptune's irregular magnetic fields, as observed by Voyager 2 • NASA Mission: A proposed Uranus mission could confirm the theory using Doppler imaging and study its moons, like Miranda.

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Pennaiyar River [KRN & TN dispute] • Originates in the Nandi Hills in the Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka • Also known as the South Pennar River, Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada & Thenpennai or Ponnaiyar Tamil • 2nd longest river in Tamil Nadu, after Kaveri. East flowing River 2. GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) • Successfully launched onboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. • Developed By: New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, under the Department of Space. • High-throughput communication satellite operating in the Ka-band will provide data and internet services to remote regions • Distinction: India’s highest throughput satellite and the only one exclusively operating in the Ka-band

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Dismantling of Climate Talks (Explained) (GS3: Environment) 2. An Article of Faith (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 3. Significance of European Solar Mission, which Isro will launch (GS3: SnT) The Hindu 🗞 1. Constitution still thrives, let it show India the way (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 2. Between Hope & Hurdles on the High Sea (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 3. SC Ruling on Socialism & Secularism (Text&Context) (GS2: Polity) PS: Keep moving, study hard and keep yourself fit. life is good!

Pre note: Mains & Prelims PYQs video explanations & PDF notes/model answer here 🚨 26th November | Tuesday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Cabinet approved the PAN 2.0 project • New PAN cards to now have QR codes; eases taxpayer registration services • PAN: now "single source of truth & data consistency” 2. International Cooperative Alliance's (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 • ICA: Estd. 1895 during at 1st Cooperative Congress in London, England [HQ: Brussels, Belgium] • Host: India, for the first time in ICA’s 130-year history • Theme: “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All.” • Aim: Launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives-2025. 3. Mediterranean Dialogue [NATO initiative] • Enhance security and stability in the Mediterranean region • Dialogue b/w NATO & 7 Non-Nato countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia • India & MED: Diaspora of 460K, Annual Trade of USD 80 Billion, IMEC important for Trade & Energy Security 4. MACE Observatory [Hanle, Ladakh] • Asia’s largest & world’s highest Imaging Cherenkov Telescope • Purpose: Observes high-energy gamma rays to study phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts • Cherenkov radiation: blue glow emitted when charged particles travel faster than the speed of light in a medium

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. 42nd Constitutional Ammendment • Added "socialist," "secular," and "integrity" to the Preamble. • Introduced Part IV-A, adding 10 Fundamental Duties • Provided for administrative tribunals & tribunals for other matters (Added Part XIV A). • The amendment stated that the President shall act in accordance to the council of ministers. • Shifted 5 subjects from state to concurrent list, viz, Edu, Forests, protection of animals, weights/measures & Adm of justice of all courts except the SC & HC 2. Refugee Camps & Location • Jordan: Azraq, Baqaa, Zaa'tari Camps • Kenya: Kakuma, Dadaab & Turkana Camps • Bangladesh: Kutupalong [Rohingyas] Largest Refugee Camp • Gaza: Jabalia, Khan Younis, Nuseirat, Al-Shati/Beach Camp • Um Rakuba Camp [Sudan], Bidibidi Camp [Uganda]

Mains notes 📙

1. National Mission on Natural Farming Focus: Shift farmers from chemical inputs to cow-based & locally produced inputs through awareness, training, and capacity building Features: • Excludes chemical fertilizers & pesticides • Biomass recycling, mulching, and cow dung-urine formulations • Improves natural nutrient cycling and enhances soil organic matter for climate resilience & carbon sequestration. Challenges: • May lead to reduced yields, impacting farmer income • Relies heavily on local inputs which may not be readily accessible for all farmers • Limited demand and lack of premium pricing for natural produce in mainstream markets

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. The consensus document (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 2. The Baku Betrayal (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) 3. Significance of European Solar Mission, which Isro will launch (GS3: SnT) The Hindu 🗞 1. Constitution still thrives, let it show India the way (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 2. Feminist Ideology in India's Constitutional Discourse (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 3. On Stubble burning & Satellite Data (Text&Context) (GS2: Health) PS: Are you reading newspaper daily?

Pre note: Are you running in right direction for UPSC Prelims? test here! 🚨 25th November | Monday🚨

Mains Keywords

1. Exported Emissions • Emissions generated in one country during production but "exported" when those are consumed in another country • A developing country produces goods for export to wealthier nations. The emissions from production occur in the exporting country but are driven by demand in the importing country.

Pre Facts 📝

1. Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue [u/Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports] • The National Youth Festival, an annual event celebrating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda 2. Proba-3 Mission [European Space Agency] • 2 Satellites Involved: Coronagraph (to observe the corona) & Occulter (to block direct sunlight). • Impact: Provides insights into the origins of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that affect satellites and power grids. • Mission of ESA but PSLV [ISRO] will launch the satellites

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Space Debris • Man-made objects in Earth's orbit with no useful purpose, including defunct satellites and rocket fragments • Project NETRA: Early warning system for space hazards by ISRO • Liability Convention 1972: Launching countries are liable for damages caused by their space debris • Kessler Syndrome: When overpopulation of space debris causes cascading collisions, creating more debris, increasing risks for operational satellites & future space missions 2. Global Plastic Treaty [u/UN Environment Assembly] • Plastic Pollution Crisis: Surged from 234 MT (2000) to 460 MT (2019); expected to hit 700 MT by 2040 • India's Position: Does not support any restriction on the production of polymers. Regulation should be Nationally Determined • Person-to-person transmission is rare but High mortality in human infections

Mains notes 📙

1. Lateral Entry in Civil Services: Definition: Refers to the recruitment of pvt sector professionals, subject experts, or academicians into senior positions in the govt, bypassing traditional UPSC examinations Advantages: • Brings expertise from private and academic sectors to improve policymaking and implementation • Reduces dependency on traditional bureaucratic skill sets [Generalist] for specialized functions Criticism: • Profit vs Public Welfare & Social Responsibility • Potential issues with accountability and alignment with the ethos of public service • Resistance from career civil servants due to perceived dilution of service hierarchy

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Three Solutions for Clean Air (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. India's Urban infrastructure financing, needs and reality (Editorial) (GS2: Urban Local Bodies) 2. Climate Deal a mere illusion, says India (News) (GS3: Environment) 3. After a health emergency, toxic air foretells an economic one (Science) (GS2: Health) PS: blog.csewhy.com has new CA updates for you, go learn!

Pre note: Har din keemati hai dost, mehnat itni karo aaj se hi ki Prelims paas aate aate panic na hona pade 🚨 24th November | Sunday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. MicroRNA [miRNA]: In details post with notes here 2. Cervical Cancer: In detail notes here 3. Commission for Air Quality Management [CAQM]: Establishment: Statutory body under the CAQM Act, 2021, focusing on air quality improvement in NCR

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. India’s Coffee (🇮🇳: 6th in production; Brazil 1st) • India📍: Karnataka (70%), Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Northeast India • Varieties: Arabica (aromatic, higher altitudes) & Robusta (stronger, used in blends) • Climate: hot & humid conditions, w/ 150–250 cm rainfall • Coffee Board of India: Statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry [HQ: Bangalore] 2. Brihadeshwar Temple [Shiva temple in Thanjavur, TN] • Built: Raja Raja Chola I • Today: UNESCO World Heritage Site u/ "Great Living Chola Temples," with Gangaikonda Cholapuram & Airavatesvara Temple.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

The Hindu 🗞 1. Why is there a row over climate finance (FAQ) (GS3: Environment) 2. Why can CAQM do to improve Delhi Air (GS3: Environment) 3. How should India tackle diabetes load? (GS2: Health Policy) PS: blog.csewhy.com

🚨 23rd November | Saturday🚨

Quotes 💭

"Socialism here means that there should be equal opportunities for all; it never prevented the private sector from thriving here" - CJI Sanjiv Khanna

Pre Facts 📝

1. Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) • One of the world’s largest pipelines which brings oil from Kazakhstan to the Black Sea • Handles about 1% of global oil and includes US majors Chevron & Exxon • Gas Fields of Kazakhstan: Karachaganak Field, Kashagan Field, Tengiz Field 2. Paris treaty pullout [Argentina considering it] • Treaty aims to limit global warming to below 2°C, or 1.5°C, requiring countries to update their climate action plans (NDCs) every five years. • Article 28: lays down the procedure & timeline for a country’s withdrawal from the treaty • Can withdraw by: Notifying the UN Office of Legal Affairs, with the withdrawal taking effect 1 year later, during which it must fully participate in all activities. 3. Advanced centrifuges • What? Machines that separate uranium isotopes to enrich uranium • How? Centrifuges use centrifugal force to separate particles by density • The heavier gas molecules move to the outside of the cylinder, while the lighter gas molecules move to the center • Iran's use of advanced centrifuges raises concerns because they were banned by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] • What? Intergovernmental organisation to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, restricting militarization of Nuclear • HQ: UN Office at Vienna, Austria [Est independently of UN] • Additional Protocol: Increases the IAEA’s ability to verify the peaceful use of all nuclear material in States 2. Disqualification of Law Makers in India • Only resource you need to read on this topic 3. Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla [Chattisgharh] • India’s 56th Tiger reserve. • Rivers: Hasdeo, Gopad, and Baranga • Lies b/w Bandhavgarh TR [MP] and Palamau TR [JH], with Sanjay Dubri TR nearby [MP] • 3rd largest tiger reserve in the country after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam TR in Andhra Pradesh and Manas TR in Assam

@CSEWhy

Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Caribbean Connect (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. Zone of Containment (Editorial) (GS2: Health) 3. Reading the thaw (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 4. China-India state of play (Explained) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. Understanding the changing face of extremist violence (Editorial) (GS3: Internal Security) 2. Democratising AI needs a radically different approach (GS3: Science)

Pre note: Get Prelims & Mains PYQs videos explanation & PDF notes in one place for UPSC 2025 🚨 22nd November | Friday🚨

Quotes 💭

"There are some thing, that we value as a public good that the markets can't deliver, like Clean Air" - Erik Maskin

Pre Facts 📝

1. Global Alliance against Hunger & Poverty [G20] • Action: Implements Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition (2023) from the G20 Summit. • What?: A voluntary coalition targeting hunger (SDG 2), poverty (SDG 1), inequalities (SDG 10) etc. • Focus: Food assistance, school feeding, maternal nutrition & local food market promotion • Add-on: Supports smallholder farmers with finance, services, and inputs while aiding vulnerable groups with health & care. 2. Rock-cut footprints, human figure of Megalithic period unearthed at Kerala’s Kanhirapoil • Megalithic period = construction of large stone structures [megaliths], often associated with burial practices • Indicates early social structures, technological advancement & ritualistic practices in prehistoric India. 3. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve • Rivers: Boundary of Chambal River (south) & Banas River (north) • Environmental feature: Great Boundary Fault, where the Vindhyan plateau intersects the Aravalli range • Forest type: Mainly tropical dry deciduous with ‘dhak’, also called as 'Flame of forest' a drought resistant tree

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. International Criminal Court (ICC) • What?: 1st permanent international court to prosecute serious crimes under the Rome Statute • Composition: 124 members; notable non-members include India, the US, China, Russia & Israel • Binding decisions but relies on state cooperation for arrests. (issued arrest warrant against Putin & Netanyahu) 2. Comptroller and Auditor General of India [CAG- u/Art. 148] • K Sanjay Murthy new CAG, head of Indian Audit & Accounts Department • Office condition: Appointed by President by warrant u/ his hand, in office for 6 years or till 65 yrs (whichever first) • Not eligible for further office under both. Can be removed by President under the same grounds/procedure as SC judge

Mains Notes

1. World Fisheries Day Role of Fisheries Sector: • India is the 3rd largest fish producing & 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world.. • 8% of global production and contributing about 1.09% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.724% to the agricultural GVA • Supports around 50 Million People, especially PVTGs & Vulnerable communities Government Schemes to Promote Fisheries: • PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Aims to double fish production and promote sustainable aquaculture • Blue Revolution: Enhances infrastructure and modernizes fisheries to improve productivity. • Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Provides financial support for developing fishing harbors and cold storage facilities.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Leaner, Faster, Fairer (Editorial) (GS2: Judiciary) 2. Trust the Farmers (Editorial) (GS3: Agriculture) The Hindu 🗞 1. India needs a Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (Editorial) (GS3: Env) 2. Is Social Media doing more harm than good to democracy (Editorial) (GS2: Governance) 3. A Primer on how to survive the declining air quality in India (Science) (GS3: Env) PS: get your PYQs sorted today before its too late for 2025, see top of this message

Pre note: blog.csewhy.com 🚨 21st November | Thursday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Modi in Guyana • MoU on deployment of UPI digital payment system • Places to know: - Essequibo Conflict b/w Guyana & Venezuela - Kaieteur Falls (one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world) - Pakaraima, Kanuku & Acarai Mountains 2. Updated Russia's Nuclear Doctrine • Now: Attack by non-nuclear power + nuclear power = joint attack; warrants response • Incorporates Belarus in security sphere from entire bloc against either Russia or Belarus 3. St. Francis Xavier's Decennial Exposition [Catholic saint founded Society of Jesus] • Known as the “Apostle of the Indies” and “Apostle of Japan”, he is considered to be one of the greatest missionaries since Paul the Apostle.

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre [IN-SPACe] • Autonomous agency u/ Department of Space • Facilitates private sector participation in India's space activities 2. National Company Law Tribunal [NCLT] (quasi judicial u/ Companies Act 2013) • Composition: Includes a President (HC judge) & Judicial/Technical Members. (Central Government appoints) • Jurisdiction: Cases from Company Law Board, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code & other related claims 3. PM - Vidyalaxmi Scheme (for access to education loan) • For who?: Students in recognized courses in India & abroad; interest subsidies for E.W.S • Features: Provides Collateral Free, Guarantor Free loans. Only institutions with NIRF Rankings, 860 HEIs are eligible

Mains notes 📙

1. GM Crops & Crispr Tech Benefits of GM Crops: • Help reducing pesticide use and enhancing crop resistance to pests (e.g., Bt cotton and brinjal). • Herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops allow targeted weed removal, reducing tilling & carbon emissions • Genetic modifications can boost yields & nutritional value, reducing the need to expand farmland. Challenges and Risks: • Overuse of GM traits like Bt toxin can lead to pest & weed resistance • Monopolies by major companies limit farmer choice and charge big royalties (Monsanto) Regulation and Costs: • Developing GM traits is expensive, with regulatory costs exceeding $40 million per trait, leaving smaller players out. • Modern tools like CRISPR reduce development costs but still face high regulatory hurdles.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Don't lose Moment (Editorial) (GS3: Agriculture) 2. India's Undertrial Prisoner (Explained) (GS2: Governance) The Hindu 🗞 1. Turning Tide (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) 2. The Long Fight for Accessibility, dignity in Indian Prisons (Editorial) (GS2: Governance) PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Friends, it is high time you start winding up Mains Prep by Mid Jan, last. Switch to PYQs in full flow! 🚨 20th November | Wednesday🚨

Quotes 💭

"A Healthy Ecology is the basis for a Healthy Economy" - Claudine Schneider

Pre Facts 📝

1. Army Tactical Missile System [ATACMS] • Range: 70-300 km. Guided partially by GPS • Long-range missile system with variants capable of carrying cluster bomblets or a single high-explosive warhead • Approved by Biden govt for Ukraine due to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops 2. Teesta River • Originates in the Himalayas near Chunthang, Sikkim • A Tributary of the Brahmaputra, flowing through India & Bangladesh • The river originally flowed south into the Padma (Ganga in Bangladesh) but shifted eastward later to join the Jamuna (Brahmaputra)

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Delimitation Commission [Article 82] • To fix seats & boundaries for LS & State constituencies. Learn more here • Composition: Retired SC judge, Chief Election Commissioner, Respective State Election Commissioners 2. Air Quality Index [AQI] • Launched by Central Pollution Control Board [CPCB] in 2014. • Pollutants Covered: PM2.5, PM10. Ozone, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Lead, Ammonia • CPCB is a statutory body constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 3. Competition Commission of India [CCI] (u/ Ministry of Corporate Affairs) • Chief national competition regulator in India • Recommended by Raghavan committee: the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) replaced by the Competition Act, 2002

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. The AQI we choose (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) 2. Trump's art of the deal (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 3. The China emissions paradox (Explained) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. How India could counter the CBAM (Editorial) (GS3: Environment) 2. Is Imposing tariffs on Chinese Imports a good idea (Text&Context) (GS3: Economy) PS: Join team @CSEWhy in UPSC content creation, apply here

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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