UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: Sirf headlines nahi, samajhna bhi zaroori hai! 🚨 25th February  | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. HC ruling Pilot’s rest hours High Court's Ruling: • New norms for pilots' duty & rest, introduced in Jan 2024, were upheld • Duty hours increased from 30 to 48 hours per week • Airlines must submit quarterly fatigue reports • Rederfined "night duty" as 00:00 - 06:00 instead of 00:00 - 05:00 • Consecutive night flying limited to 2 shifts 2. Mesni Zagovezni [‘Meat Abstinence’ in Bulgarian] • Orthodox Christian festival marking the start of fasting from meat • Observed 8 weeks before Easter (Sunday before Cheesefare) • Last day to eat meat before Great Lent 3. Comptroller and Auditor General [CAG] • CAG gave reports on Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi, 2021 • CAG (Article 148), heads the Indian Audit &Accounts Department (IA-AD) • CAG can be removed by the President w/ process same SC judge. • CAG audits the accounts related to the Consolidated Fund of India and state funds.

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Three Low-hanging reforms (The Editorial Page) (GS1: Indian Society) 2. From Bihar to the world (The Editorial Page) (GS3: Agriculture) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. The RTI is now the ‘right to deny information’ (Editorial) (GS2: Laws) 2. Scientists propose tabletop test to check quantumness of gravity (Science page) (GS3: SnT) PS: Padhai ho gayi ya distractions zyada ho rahe hain?

Pre note: This week, start tough! 🚨 24th February | Monday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. HIV Self-Testing in Mizoram • Mizoram has highest HIV prevalence in India • Benefits: - Intact privacy; Easy access • HIV stats in Mizoram - 2.73% of Mizoram's adult population is infected - 13x of national average - High rates among injecting drug users (19.8%) and female sex workers (24.7%) • Impact? - In 6 months, 2.1k youths in Aizawl took HIV tests - 84% were first-time testers - 85% of positive cases in the 18-24 age group proceeded with confirmatory tests and ART 2. Glacier Melting • Melting glaciers have raised 2 cm sea levels this century • Globally, glaciers lost ~5% of their ice since 2000 • Why Sea Levels Are Rising? - Glacial melting; Thermal expansion (causes 1/3rd to half of sea level rise) • IOR sea levels rising at 2.5 mm/year; faster than the global average • Consequences of Rising Sea Levels: Flood risk; Coastal erosion; Stronger storm surges; Displacement risk 3. PM Kissan Samman Nidhi Scheme • 🗓 24 Feb 2019 • Ministry: MoAFW • Objective: Income support to small & marginal farmers Key Features • ₹6,000/yr in 3 equal instalments (₹2,000 each) via DBT • Beneficiaries: All landholding farmers in India • Exclusion: Institutional landholders, income taxpayers, professionals, govt employees & pensioners (>₹10,000 pension) • Funding: 100% by GoI 4. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. • Estd Nov '12 after India ratified the UN Child Rights Convention( 1992) • Special law, to address offences of sexual exploitation & abuse of children (<18yo) • Features: Gender-Neutral Nature, Ease in Reporting Cases, Explicit Definition of Terms. • POCSO Rules 2020 - Interim Compensation and Special Relief to abused child - Can use funds from District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or Juvenile Justice Act 2015. • 2019, the Department of Justice launched 389 POCSO Fast Track Courts (2018 Amendment Act) 5. AMRSense [Antimicrobial Resistance Sense] •An AI initiative by IIIT-Delhi, CHRI-PATH, Tata 1mg, and ICMR. • Analyzes hospital data to predict antibiotic resistance trends & track changes over time. • AMROrbit Scorecard: Provides a visual representation of resistance trends for hospital

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. Doing the right thing (Ideas page) (GS2: Laws and policies) 2. Why Microsoft’s of quantum computing can be a breakthrough (Explained page) (GS3: SnT) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Necessary infusion (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) 2. A new age of imperialism (Opinion) (GS2: Intl Relations) PS: Practice level mocks on CSEWhy App, daily!

Pre note: One Mantra: Daily current affairs = Prelims ka strong base! 🚨 23rd February  | Sunday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Colossal Buddha head [Ratnagiri, Odisha] • ASI's found Odisha’s largest 1.4m Buddha head, stupas, and ancient tablets. • Ratnagiri (Hills of Jewel) part of Odisha’s Diamond Triangle (Udaygiri & Lalitgiri); lies between Birupa & Brahmani rivers • 5th-13th centuries, Ratnagiri emerged a hub for Mahayana & Tantrayana (Vajrayana) sects of Buddhism. 2. DRDO’s submarine plan under Project 76 • P-76: Warship Design Bureau (Indian Navy) to develop indigenously diesel-electric submarine. • Combination of French tech - Project 75 & German/Spanish expertise from Project 751 (India) 3. CAR-T-cell therapy [Living drugs] • Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy - immunotherapy, uses a patient's immune system to fight cancer. • T cells, a type  white blood cell, extracted from patient's blood via Apheresis. • NexCAR19 (India) is the first CAR-T cell therapy to get CDSCO approval

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

The Hindu 🗞️ 1. How glacier ice algae accelerate Greenland ice sheet melting (Science page) (GS3: Sc & Tech) 2. What is India’s dilemma over Fighter jets? (FAQ Page) (GS3: Security) PS: Jo revise karoge, wahi yaad rahega! Spectrum ho ya Laxmikanth, revise from Audiobooks on CSEWhy App par

Pre note: Revision ho raha hai ya bas naye naye topics padh rahe ho? 🚨 22nd February  | Saturday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE) index • Released by RBI, highlighting improvements in govt spending efficiency since 1991. • Includes- Capital Expenditure (Capex): Revenue Expenditure, Development Expenditure, Interest Payments, Subsidies • Revenue/Capex ratio: 8:1 (2000) → 5:1 (2023) • FRBM Act (2003) reduced fiscal deficits, stabilizing debt-to-GDP ratios.

Mains Keywords 🖋️

1. Ex Gratia vs. Compensation • Ex gratia (Latin for “by favour”) is a goodwill payment without legal obligation • Compensation is legally mandated for damages or losses

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. The missing growth strategy (Ideas page) (GS3: Economy) 2. AIndia (Big Picture) (GS3: SnT) 3. How the government spends (Explained page) (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Judges’ dilemma (Editorial) (GS2: Polity) PS: Koi tricky topic samajh nahi aaya? CSEWhy App par BhAI se puch ke dekho

Pre note: 🚨 22nd February | Saturday 🚨

Mains Keywords 🖋️

1. Ex Gratia vs. Compensation • Ex gratia (Latin for “by favour”) is a goodwill payment without legal obligation • Compensation is legally mandated for damages or losses

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. The missing growth strategy (Ideas page) (GS3: Economy) 2. AIndia (Big picture) (GS3: SnT) 3. How the government spends (Explained page) (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞️ PS:

Been talking to a lot of CSEWhy app users these days Yesterday, talked to an aspirant each from Dwarka & Dimapur Two of India's extreme corners, extreme stories!🤯 Blessed to be able to make real impact in real lives. (Checked map to reflect on distance :)) (Download app: app.csewhy.com)

Pre note: Good evening, Doston! 🚨 21st February | Friday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Majorana 1 [Quantum chip by Microsoft] • IBM Heron & Google's Willow are developed prior to Majorana 1. • Its field of study that uses quantum theory to create computer technology • Qubits can exist in multiple states (0~1) unlike classical bits • Qubit (quantum bit) is the unit of info in quantum computing 2. Sant Shiromani Ravidas [657th Birth Anniversary] • Associated with Bhakti movement; considered an icon of Scheduled Castes (SCs). • Meera Bai, is said to have considered Guru Ravidas as her spiritual Guru. 3. Soil Health Cards [Rajasthan, Completed 10yr] • Informs farmers about their soil's nutrient status, recommends optimal nutrient application. • Soil Health Card 12 parameters: - Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulfur (S). - Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo). - pH level (Acidity or Basicity of soil), Electrical Conductivity 4. GYAN Economic Model • Proposed economic model to leverage youth potential • Key Features: - Tech-driven growth - Investing in human capital - Entrepreneurship ecosystem - Public-Private Partnership (PPP) - Job creation through gig & green economy - Focus on rural industrialization & agri-based entrepreneurship 5. Article 101(4) • States: MP is absent for 60 days w/o permission, their seat may be declared vacant • Amritpal Singh, detained under the NSA, has attendance of 2% in 2024 LS session • 60-day period excludes prorogued or adjourned sessions > 4 days • MPs can seek leave by writing to the 'Committee on Absence of Members’ • Vacancy declaration requires approval of house

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. Remission without applications (Explained page) (GS2: SC Judgements) 2. Trump’s European turn (Explained page) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Is there a right to take offence? (Opinion) (GS2: Polity) 2. Is consumption enough to drive growth? (Text & Context) (GS3: Economy) PS: The weekend is almost there. What's your revision plan?

Consider the following statements : 1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF. 2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. Which of the above statement is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 only C) Both 1 & 2 D) Neither 1 or 2

Kitkat has 27 locations on its chocolate wrapper🍫 UPSC asked Qs on 13 of them🤯 All 27 summarized here for your revision Subscribe to CSEWhy blog for FREE with your email: blog.csewhy.com

Last date to apply for UPSC 2025 today till 6pm, act accordingly if not already! :)

Pre note: Prelims are closer than ever. Stay calm. Stay focused. 🚨 20th February | Thursday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Bhoo Kanoon (Land Laws) [Uttarakhand] • To limit max land purchase of 250 sq. m. • Past Changes- From 500 sq.m (pre-2002) to 250 sq.m (2007), them max capping was removed in 2018. • Right to Own Land in India - Not a Fundamental Right, but a Constitutional Right under Article 300A. - 44th Amendment Act, 1978 removed the Right to Property from Fundamental Rights. - The government can acquire land legally with compensation. - Other ownership laws: Transfer of Property Act (1882), Land Acquisition Act (2013), and Registration Act (1908) 2. Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors Act, 1999 • Allows quick sale of assets seized from fraud • Enacted to protect investors from fraudulent schemes Key Provisions: • Establishments can be held liable for defaulting on promised returns • Guilty individuals face up to 6 YRS imprisonment + ₹1 lakh fine • Govt can attach money & property acquired

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. India’s Qatar opportunity (Explained page) (GS2: IR) 2. Why global ice sea cover has dipped to record low - what this means (Explained page) (GS3: Climate) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Manipur’s worsening humanitarian crisis (Editorial) (GS2: Social Justice) 2. Did the iron age on Indian soil start from Tamil Nadu? (Text & Context) (GS1: Ancient History) PS: A lot more resources will be available on CSEWHy app to aid your preparation! Stay tuned for the next update.

Pre note: Kaise ho sab, Taiyari acchi chal rahi hai? 🚨 19th February  | Wednesday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) • Discussion about Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India & GCC •HQ in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the GCC was estd in 1981 • Union of 6 Gulf region counties — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain • Importance: GCC countries contribute almost 35% of India’s oil imports and 70% of its gas imports 2. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) • Statutory body under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985, under the Min. of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways • NW-1 is the longest (1,620 km), along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly from Haldia (WB) to Prayagraj (UP). • Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), Sagarmala Project, Freight Village Development are few govt initiative

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. New CEC under new law (Explained page) (GS2: Laws) 2. No, you can’t be gulped by a whale (Explained page) (GS3: SnT) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. What is the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine? (Text&Context) (GS2: Polity) 2. Agricultural protectionism pushes up India’s import tariff (Editorial) (GS3: Int Relations) PS: Agar padhna boring lag raha hai, to revision quiz lagao! CSEWhy App mil jayega

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UPSC application form date extended till 6pm on 21st Feb Note and act accordingly, if it concerns you :)

Pre note: Deep work is the only form of productivity! Rest is jargon. 🚨 18th February | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Abdul Hamid [1965 war hero] • Fought the 1965 India-Pakistan war, died in Battle of Asal Uttar. • Awarded 'Paramvir Chakra' posthumoisly; part of war memorial. • 2 books are based on him- 'Mere Papa Paramvir' & 'Bharat ka Musalman' 2. Aravali Safai Park [Haryana, Projected] • About Aravali - one of the world's oldest fold mountains, lies in northwestern India. - Spans Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, & Delhi, with Mount Abu's Guru Peak as the highest point. - It has 2 sections (Sambhar-Sirohi & Sambhar-Khetri) & gives rise Banas and Luni rivers.

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. The dawn quake in Delhi (Explained page) (GS1: Geography) 2. As US position on NATO-Ukraine shifts... (Explained page) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. How did a DDoS attack cripple Kaveri 2.0? (Text & Context) (GS3: Sc & Tech) 2. Constitutional morality: the origins and nuances of the concept (Text & Context) (GS4: Ethics) PS: Current ke saath saath static kaa revision kar rhe ho?

Friends, a friend is hiring a freelance educator for a paid gig. This is to record 10 Year PYQs of CSAT Prelims on video classes explaining every Q Criteria • minimum 1 Mains •📍Delhi-NCR (only) • Freshers are welcome If you’re interested, drop a text with your a) full name b) year of Mains c) Graduation degree + university to @okvinit

Pre note: FOMO ho raha hai? Chalo current affairs se cover karte hain! 🚨 17th February | Monday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana • Announced by FM in Budget’24 • Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme [ 🗓️2018] for developing districts; Will cover 100 districts • Objectives: Crop diversification, irrigation, post-harvest storage, credit access, and overall agricultural efficiency 2. Fighter aircraft F-35 • It is a 5-gen multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin (US) • This aircraft is equipped with stealth (anti-radar) technology. • User countries: United States, Israel, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea & Australia. • India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA, a 5th-gen fighter, is being developed by ADA, HAL, following LCA Tejas' success. 3. Chipko Movement [Chamoli, Uttarakhand] • Inspired by Chipko, a Tree-hugging protest against the Pune riverfront project. • Chipko started as rampant deforestation due to commercial activities by outside contractors. • Reni and Mandal hugged trees to protect them from commercial loggers • Led to a ban on commercial felling of trees above 30 degrees slope and above 1,000 msl (mean sea level) in 1981 • It inspired movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan (MP), Appiko (Karnataka), and Silent Valley (Kerala).

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. India’s middle class 2.0 (Explained page) (GS3: Economy) 2. Why US President can’t serve beyond 2 terms….(Explained page) (GS1: History) 3. A success story like Amul (Ideas page) (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. The panchayati raj movement is in distress (Editorial) (GS: Polity) 2. The silent crisis of rat-hole mining (Opinion) (GS3: Polity) PS: Important Update🚨 CSEWhy ka Web Version aa gaya hai, ab laptop/tablet/phone kahi se v padhe.