UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: Weekend is here. do you study on weekends or do you rest? 🚨 14th December | Saturday🚨

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. One Nation One Election [Updated blog] • Important for Mains, make notes from here

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Poised for quantum leap (GS2: Policy & GS3 S&T) 2. F1 learnings, beyond the grid (General awareness, Qs on sports in PYQs) 3. First 'ice free' day in Arctic could occur before 2030: why does it matter? (V. Imp read for today) The Hindu 🗞 1. Trump's return & S. Asia outlook (GS2: IR) PS: Switzerland suspended MFN status for India. What will be impact of this? Reply 👇🏻

When I first started CSEWhy, I JUST wanted a voice for myself. A voice where I am heard! ..and I was indeed heard. BUT more than that, I was made to hear.

Back story: I had never been to any coaching!

Yes, with 4 lac+ aspirants now in the community, I heard from different aspirants. Their life stories, challenges, daily problems. One thing was common in most of these stories. What, you ask? Rage against a mafia! No, this is not my word. This is exact word I hear from aspirants daily. Mafia, lootera, dhokebaaz (and a few other I’d not write here)

How did we reach here?

I don’t want to speak on answering the above question. What I want to instead talk about is problems I learnt here!

What did I learn?

Almost all aspirants problems can be solved by exposure to JUST 2 things: a) Sticking to the basics b) Forming long lasting habits In a world of quick deliveries, EVERYTHING is a way to optimize for cheap dopamine

What does that mean?

It means that in a world where attention is monetized, it is a rebellion to refuse to fall in mainstream Okay, CSEWhy! How do I be a rebel, then? Choose to do hard things. Tell yourself you are born for greater things which demand greater habits Decide to not chase short term cheap dopamine in form of coaching materials! You getting what I am saying?

Yeah, yeah! I know it is easier said than done. How to do it, but?

Look, I am not a magician. I am not writing this to sell you snake oil and make you believe in stars I am writing this to DIRECTLY speak to you about A GENUINE SOLUTION A solution to build great habits and stick to basics Start from resource Books, go on to PYQs Practice unlimited mocks, be consistent Revise from flashcards, have a 24*7 mentor who's your BhAI! Write daily answers, study EVERY single day!

Where to do all of this?

Pre note: Did you read the newspaper today? 🚨 13th December | Friday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Simlipal Tiger Reserve [Odisha] • Highest peaks are Khairiburu and Meghashini • Recognized as part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009 • Tribes: Kolha, Santhala, Khadia, and Mankadia. 2. Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 • NDMA and SDMAs to directly prepare national and state disaster management plans, bypassing NEC and SECs • Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMA): Introduced for state capitals and large cities (except Delhi and Chandigarh) • National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and High-Level Committee (HLC) granted statutory status

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Cabinet Clears One Nation One Election • Important for Mains, make notes from here 2. Places of Worship Act 1991 • Revise everything from here

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Healthcare, more responsive (Editorial) (GS2: Health) 2. The Beautiful Mind (Editorial) (GS2: Health) The Hindu 🗞 1. Pakistan at the UNSC, the points of its compass (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. The Missing Spotlight on Urban Local govt polls (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 3. Should the executive have the power to pardon (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) 4. Beijing's war against air pollution (Editorial) (GS3: Env) PS: Today's blogs links are VERY high value. expect direct Questions, don't miss.

Pre note: 1,000+ aspirants are already on CSEWhy app. Are you? Download here 🚨 12th December | Thursday🚨

Mains Keywords

1. Amici Curiae • Translates from Latin to "friend of the court." Those not party to a case but invited/permitted by the court to provide expertise, advice, or insights • Eg: Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997): NGOs & legal experts acted as amici curiae, influencing the creation of workplace harassment guidelines.

Pre Facts 📝

1. Diamond Market • Highest Reserves: Russia & is also the largest producer of it • India: processes over 90% of the world’s diamonds & contributes 19% of total global diamond exports • Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGD): Diamond Seed (A slice of a single crystal), about as thick as a human hair, is used to grow LGD under high pressure, high temperature 2. Gene Therapy to cure Haemophilia • A rare genetic disorder impairing blood clotting due to insufficient clotting factor VIII • Nature: A sex-linked disorder carried on the X chromosome; primarily affects males. • Gene Therapy: A technique modifying genes to treat or cure disease, Replacing a faulty gene with a healthy one or editing faulty gene 3. Vaikom Satyagraha • First Temple Entry movement in India • Led by Ezhava leader T.K. Madhavan, editor of Deshabhimani paper • Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha & Leaders like Periyar & C. Rajagopalachari 4. Mount Spurr • A Stratovolcano in the Aleutian Arc of Alaska, U.S.A • Located on the Volcanic Ring of Fire, is one of 53 volcanoes in Alaska that have been active within the last 250 years.

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) • Purpose: Largest and most powerful space telescope for observing the universe primarily in the infrared spectrum • Development: Jointly built by NASA, ESA, and CSA as the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope • Objectives: Study galaxies formed post-Big Bang. Explore star formation. Investigate exoplanets' physical & chemical properties for habitability 2. Expunging in Parliament • The Presiding Officer of the House decides what parts of a speech to expunge • U/Article 105(2): MPs have immunity for statements but are subject to parliamentary rules & Speaker's discretion. • Rule 380: Allows the Speaker to expunge words considered defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified • Expunged parts are erased from official records & cannot be quoted by media, though they may remain on live telecasts

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. The Young may not adapt (Editorial) (GS1: Society) 2. Raise the Guardrails (Editorial) (GS3: SnT) 3. Impeachment of Judges (Explained) (GS2: Polity) The Hindu 🗞 1. Climate Impact of exploring space passing below the radar (Editorial) (GS3: SnT) 2. Has the govt clarified its stance on ONOS (Text&Context) (GS3: SnT) 3. The long and complex road to assisted dying (Editorial) (GS4: Ethics) PS: CSEWhy app will take your UPSC prep to next level with ease. COME!

Friends, I have a BIG news to share😍 Been working on developing CSEWhy App for last 4 months😅 Fine tuned everything to ensure that all that's needed for an aspirant is held in one place Be it Basic Books or habit formation, Be it PYQs or Unlimited Mocks & PYQs, Be it real time mentorship or PDF notes, All of it is here! Download CSEWhy app now and do share your experiences!! Link: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=csewhy&c=apps&hl=en_IN

Pre note: important news coming today :) 🚨 11th December | Wednesday🚨

Mains Keywords

1. The Lipstick Effect • Economic phenomenon: Prioritizing small luxuries during economic downturns over expensive purchase • Linked to higher financial independence among women underscoring their resilience

Pre Facts 📝

1. New RBI Governor (Sanjay Malhotra, 26th Governor) • Appointment: Governed by RBI Act, 1934, - Recommendations by the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committee • Final approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. PM-JANMAN Scheme [U/Ministry of Tribal Affairs] • Objective: To integrate tribal communities, especially Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), into mainstream. • Focus Areas: Safe housing under PM-AWAS, Road & telecommunication, Access to Healthcare, safe water & Education • Sustainable livelihood: like Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for forest produce trade. Provision of off-grid solar power systems and solar street lights.

Mains Notes 📗

1. Solar Energy Report - International Solar Alliance • Solar Capacity Surged from 1.22GW in 2000 to 1,419GW in 2023 • Quantum Dot Solar cells achieved record breaking efficiency of 18% • Employment in Solar rose to 7 Million Jobs in 2023 from 5 Milllion in 2022 • Globally PV prices decreased, India tops the chart in PV Capacity granted via auctions • Investment in Solar is expected to surpass the 500 Billion$ by 2024. Expected to grow CAGR at 6% till 2030

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Making her Work Count (Editorial) (GS3: Eco) 2. Prelude to unfriending (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 3. Engaging with Bangladesh (Explained) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1.Deepening India's Steps as a key space faring nation (Editorial) (GS3: SnT) 2. The significance of ANI v/s OpenAI (GS2: Policy) PS: Looking to learn making money on side with UPSC prep? Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Keep Hustling, You got this :) 🚨 10th December | Tuesday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. INS Tushil Commissioned • Class: Multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, upgraded Krivak III-class • 26% indigenization with over 33 systems developed in India. • INS Tushil is the first of two upgraded frigates under a 2016 contract with Russia 2. Antimatter • Similar to matter but with opposite electric charge, often called "mirror matter." • Positron: Antiparticle of an electron (positive charge); Antiprotons & Antineutrons • Formed during the Big Bang; matter-antimatter imbalance led to the survival of matter

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Process of Removal of the Vice President • Removal does not require formal impeachment. • Initiation: The resolution can only be initiated in the Rajya Sabha • Majority: The resolution must be passed by an effective majority in the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by a simple majority in the Lok Sabha • Notice: At least 14 days advance notice must be given to the Vice President before the resolution can be moved

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Dignity at the End (Editorial) (GS2: Health) 2. A Point of no return (Editorial) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. Under Trump 2.0, the world and the India outlook (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. In Energy-Dependent world, the issue of food security (Editorial) (GS3: Env) PS: blog.csewhy.com has new updates for you! :)

This is one of toughest days in journey of any aspirant. Made it? Congrats. Put your head down! Didn’t make it? Breathe. It’s hard. Take time off with yourself

Pre note: New work opportunities listed for UPSC aspirants here 🚨 9th December | Monday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Char Dham • Gangotri Dham: Situated in Uttarkashi, devoted to Goddess Ganga, the holiest river in India. • Badrinath Dham: Located in Chamoli, home to Badrinarayan Temple, sacred to Vaishnavites. • Kedarnath Dham: Found in Rudraprayag, dedicated to Lord Shiva, near the Mandakini River; one of the 12 Jyotirlingas • Yamunotri Dham: Located in Uttarkashi, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the second-most sacred river after Ganga 2. Oilfields (Regulation &Development) Amendment Bill,2024 • Expanded Mineral Oil Definition: Now includes hydrocarbons like coal bed methane and shale gas/oil (excludes coal, lignite, helium). • Petroleum Lease: Replaces mining lease, covering exploration to disposal of mineral oils, without altering existing leases • Decriminalization: Replaces imprisonment with fines (₹25 lakh and ₹10 lakh per day for continued violations).

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Indian star tortoise [IUCN: Vulnerable] • Found in Central & Southern India, West Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. • CITES: Appendix I (highest protection under international trade laws) • Loss of genetic diversity due to hybridization. 90% of trade occurs in the international pet market (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau)

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Unfreezing Ties (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. All is not well with soil (Editorial) (GS3: Agri) 3. FDI flows, forex reserves (Editorial) (GS3: Eco) The Hindu 🗞 1. A good beginning but China negotiations must continue (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions (Editorial) (GS3: Env) PS: blog.csewhy.com has new updates for you! :)

Pre note: blog.csewhy.com 🚨 8th December | Sunday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Andaman Nicobar PVTGs Tribe • Onges: Semi-nomadic tribe on Little Andaman, stable population, supported with resources • Jarawas: Hunter-gatherers in Andamans, protected by expanded reserves & healthcare • Sentinelese: Negrito tribe Isolated & hostile, numbers are believed to be less than 150 • Shompens: Shy Great Nicobar tribe, declining due to disease, slowly engaging with settlers

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Credit Information Companies [CICs] • Regulation: Licensed by RBI under CICRA; banks must be members of at least 1 CIC. • Function: Collect & compile credit data from banks & FIs to provide credit reports for assessing borrower creditworthiness. • Credit Information Bureau Limited (CIBIL): Leading credit bureau & CIC licensed by RBI 2. Tungsten [Critical Mineral] • Naturally occurs in minerals like wolframite & scheelite but not as a pure metal • Tungsten has the highest melting point (3410 °C), highest tensile strength, & lowest vapor pressure among all metals • Uses: Employed in x-ray tubes, light bulbs, tools, turbine blades, catalysts, ceramic pigments etc • Highest Reserve: KRNT > RAJ > Andhra, Globally: China Dominates

Mains Notes 📗

1. India - Qatar Relations • Defence Cooperation: Qatar’s DIMDEX maritime defence exhibition, bilateral naval exercise Zair-Al-Bahr • Trade and Commerce: Bilateral trade in 2022-23 was $18.77 billion. India is a top-3 trade partner; Qatar supplies 48% of India’s LNG imports • Cultural Ties: 2019 celebrated as India-Qatar Year of Culture. Ayurveda recognized as alternative medicine in Qatar. • Indian Diaspora: Over 800,000 Indians reside in Qatar, Over 15,000 Indian companies operate in Qatar

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

The Hindu 🗞 1. Why can't the world agree on a plastic ban (Editorial) (GS3: Env) PS: Get yourself a better self, do workout daily.

Pre note: blog.csewhy.com 🚨 7th December | Saturday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Farmer ID [Kisan Pehchaan Patra] • Objective: Provide a unique digital identity for farmers to digitize agricultural data and enhance access to government schemes • Integration: Linked with Aadhaar & state land records; forms the Farmers’ Registry under the AgriStack initiative • Targets: Digital identities for 11 crore farmers over three years. Gujarat first to hit 25% mark 2. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development • Award Given for: Promoting international peace, development. Applying scientific discoveries for the greater good of humanity. • Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet will receive the award & includes a cash award of Rs 25 lakh 3. Silicosis: Respiratory disease • Cause: Inhalation of silica dust or crystals found in soil • Exposure Time: Typically develops after 10-20 years of occupational silica exposure • Silicosis has NO cure & progressively worsens over time

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Hornbill Festival [Festival of Festivals] • Purpose: Promotes inter-tribal interaction, preserves Nagaland's heritage, and blends tradition with modernity • Celebrated annually: from December 1-10 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima, Nagaland • Showcases traditional arts, crafts, food, music, and games, including Naga wrestling and archery 2. Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) Deposits • Allow NRIs to maintain fixed deposits in foreign currency in India. It is exempted from income tax • Currencies Supported: US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, and Canadian Dollars • Not a savings account; operates as a fixed-term deposit. Early withdrawal allowed without charges, but no interest paid if withdrawn before a year.

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Another Step against TB (Editorial) (GS2: Health) 2. Holding Steady (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) 3. Platform like Pragati (Editorial) (GS2: Governance) The Hindu 🗞 1. Building on the revival of Manufacturing sector (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) 2. Public Health - Insights from the 1896 Bombay Plague (Editorial) (GS2: Health) PS: Need any help? Write to me directly at whycse@gmail.com

Pre note: Reply to this text with your biggest problem in UPSC prep right now. I will solve it for you!! 🚨 6th December | Friday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Engineering Exports Promotion Council [u/Min of Commerce & Industry] • EEPC India is a trade and investment promotion body for the engineering sector • Role: Acts as an advisory body to the GoI & a bridge between the government and the engineering industry • Hosts: India Engineering Exhibition (INDEE) and India Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS) 2. Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 • Streamlining Certification: Transfers Radio Telephone Operator Restricted (RTR) certification from DoT to DGCA for unified pilot certification • Redefined Aircraft: Excludes balloons and gliders from the definition of aircraft • Expanded DGCA Powers to Includes Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau for ensuring aviation safety 3. Central Water Commission [U/Min of Jal Shakti] • Premier technical organization for water resource management in India • Divided into three wings: Designs & Research (D&R), River Management (RM), Water Planning & Projects (WP&P) • The National Water Academy, Pune, offers training for central and state in-service engineers under the Chairman’s guidance 4. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [OSCE] • Began with the Helsinki Final Act (1975) & the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) • Largest regional security organization globally. Comprises 57 participating States. India not a member, but Russia Ukraine both are • Focuses on conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. Builds stability, peace, and democracy.

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Tuberculosis • Cause: Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in lungs • Pulmonary TB: Contagious, affects lungs; spreads with prolonged exposure • Latent TB: No symptoms; bacteria remain dormant, non-infectious but can reactivate later • Active TB: Infection spreads; symptoms develop within weeks/months, more severe 2. Finance Commission [U/Art 280] • The most recent, 16th FC is chaired by Arvind Panagariya • Constitutional & quasi-judicial body; the first commission was formed in 1951 • Chairman: Experience in public affairs. Members: Expertise in areas such as law, finance, administration, government accounting, or economics. • Recommends vertical devolution (tax sharing between Centre and states). Suggests horizontal devolution (state-wise share distribution)

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Prospects for the Rabi Crop (Editorial) (GS3: Agriculture) 2. The State Strikes Back (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞 1.A Slow Return (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. A Three Nation Visit as a Foray into summit diplomacy (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 3. Is Isreal War in Gaza putting the global order at peril (Opinion) (GS2: Polity) PS: New opportunities posted for UPSC aspirants to make money on @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Make most of your time, revise blog.csewhy.com 🚨 5th December | Thursday🚨

Pre Facts 📝

1. Lake-Effect Snow in Great Lakes, USA • Occurs when: Cold air passes over a warmer lake surface, picking up moisture which condenses & falls as snow on the downwind shores • Seasonality: Late autumn & Early winter when lake waters remain warm & cold air masses are more frequent

Pre notes ✍🏻

1. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence [u/ Ministry of Finance] • Premier anti-smuggling agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs • Collect and analyze intelligence on smuggling, under-invoicing, and narcotics.

Mains Notes 📗

1. China Plus One Strategy • Recent News: Acc to NITI Aayog's Report - 'The Trade Watch'. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia bigger beneficiaries of China +1 than India • What? The China+1 strategy diversifies manufacturing beyond China to reduce dependency and risk • Why India couldn't Capitalise? Lack of skilled labour, complex tax & labour laws, Higher Tariffs, Geopolitical Tussles Way Forward? • Enhance infrastructure, simplify regulations & promote EODB to attract global manufacturers • Offering competitive incentives & building resilient supply chains which are Democratized, Decentralized & Diversified

@CSEWhy Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Modi-Jaishankar Doctrine (Editorial) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1.Do not write off Trump's America (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. India's Strategic Focus on West Africa (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 3. Is the caste census a useful exercise (Text&Context) (GS2: Polity) PS: Did you check out these new opportunities for UPSC aspirants?

Martial Law in news (Thanks to Korean President) Don't confuse Emergency & Martial Law!🤔 Emergency is u/A 352, 360, 365 & President' Rule 356 Martial Law on the contrary is u/A 34 • entire territory or any area, implicit power w/ no specific provision granting authority to executive • Fundamental Rights CAN be restricted giving extraordinary powers to military authorities (Habeus Corpus isn't automatically suspended with martial law) • Emergency can suspend certain constitutional rights while Martial Law implies military administration over civilian affairs in particular area • Never used in India post-Independence; AFSPA is similar to ML but not direct implementation of A34 Constitutional Limitation: No explicit framework suggesting use to be under extreme circumstances Judicial Review: Power to review actions taken u/ martial law ensuring protection of fundamental rights Conclusion Martial Law in India is effect of extreme only where significant civil liberties are broken down. However, the application is closely tied to legislative & judicial oversight as provided by Constitution and SC judgements

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!