UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: CSAT Test this weekend on app.csewhy.com, download!! 🚨 01st May | Thursday 🚨 Caste Census covered on blog here

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations 📑

Indian Express 📰 1. Ready, Steady, Esports 2. Raghuji Bhonsle's Story The Hindu 🗞 1. Is natural Hydrogen the fuel of future? PS: invest your time and energy in revising ONE Previous Year Question Paper daily

It will take you JUST 3 days to go through PYQs with CSEWhy - 2009-2024 GS1 PYQs - 2015-2024 CSAT PYQs Both on video lectures w/ deep analysis & PDF notes. Waste no time in last 30 days to Pre25, get them at csewhy.com/prelims-mastery

Pre note: What can you do in 3 days to clear UPSC 2025? CSEWhy PYQs!😍 🚨 30th April  | Wednesday 🚨

Pre notes

1. Digha Jagannath Temple (📍Purba Medinipur, West Bengal) • Replicates Puri’s Jagannath Temple, linking Bengal-Odisha Vaishnava traditions • Kalingan architecture, follows Vaishnavism 2. Golconda Blue (Held by Yashwant Rao Holkar of Indore) • largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever to be offered at an auction ● Foreign travellers & diamonds • French merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605-89): "diamond mining in the Golconda district grew at an explosive rate in the mid-17th century. At the Kollur mine, 60,000 diggers and washers were employed." • French traveller Jean de Thévenot (1633-77): "noted there was no uniformity in diamond prices, and the king at the time established a monopoly in mining." • French Gabriel Dellon: "Suratte (Surat) is a place of great Commerce; Their Diamonds are brought thither out of the Kingdom of Golconda"

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰 1. The General's Gamble (GS2: Raja Mandala) The Hindu 🗞 1. Expanding tree cover is crucial (GS3: Environment & Ecology) 2. High temperature and mango production (GS3: Agri) 3. Starlink’s India struggle: spectrum, surveillance, and connectivity (GS2: Policy, GS3: S&T) PS: Get CSEWhy PYQs at Prelims Mastery Plan

Attempt this PYQ on Padma Awards :)

Pre note: AITS GS Test 7 (Full length) is live. PRACTICE on CSEWhy app. 🚨 27th April  | Sunday 🚨

Pre notes

1. India's fighter jets (Defence Sector) ● Why in News: India and France formally concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy. ● Fifth Generation Fighter Jets: India does not have any operational fifth-generation fighter jets. (CSE 2024) ● Indigenous Fighter Jet: Tejas is India’s indigenous fourth-generation light combat aircraft developed by HAL. ● Rafale Induction: The Dassault Rafale is a 4.5-generation omnirole fighter aircraft inducted from France India has inducted thirty-six Rafale jets. ● Sukhoi Su-30MKI: backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet. It is a twin-jet multirole air superiority fighter jointly developed by Russia's Sukhoi and HAL. ● Mirage-2000: acquired from France, played a key role in the Kargil War and has been upgraded with modern avionics and weapons. ● MiG-21 Bison: upgraded version of the MiG-21. Despite being old, it was operational till recent years but is now being gradually phased out. ● AMCA Project: India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is under development by DRDO and HAL. ● Air Dominance vs Multirole: Su-30MKI and MiG-29UPG are primarily air superiority fighters; Rafale, Mirage-2000, and Tejas are multirole fighters. 2. Padma Awards ● Why in News: The award ceremony for the Padma Awards 2025 took place at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan in Delhi. ● Institution and Objective: Instituted in 1954 to recognize achievements in all fields of activities where public service is involved. ● Three Categories - Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service - Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order - Padma Shri: Distinguished service ● Eligibility: All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex are eligible. Foreign nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are also eligible. ● Fields Recognized: Art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil services, trade and industry, others. ● Announcement and Conferment: Announced every year on Republic Day. Conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. ● Posthumous Awards: Can be awarded posthumously. ● No Titles: Award does not amount to a title. Use of the award name as a prefix or suffix is prohibited under Article 18(1) of the Constitution. ● Revocation and Restoration: Awards can be revoked or restored by the President of India.Based on the recommendation of the Padma Awards Committee. ● Cancellation History: Padma Awards have been cancelled and restored three times. ● Nomination Process: Open to all citizens. Anyone can nominate another person (or even self-nominate) through an online portal maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. ● Padma Awards Committee: An annual Committee is constituted by the Prime Minister. Composed of Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and eminent persons from different fields. ● Recent Trends: In recent years, focus has shifted to recognizing unsung heroes, grassroots social workers, and selfless contributors.

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰 1. The Pahalgam Moment... (The Editorial Page) (GS3: Internal Security) 2. Emissions intensity targets... (Explained) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional...(Editorial) (GS2: Polity and Governance) 2. Role in a risk society: how women bear a disproportionate burden .... (Text and Context) (GS1: Indian Society) PS: Clear Prelims basics with Prelims Mastery Plan

Pre note: Clear CSAT basics with Prelims Mastery Plan 🏆 🚨 28th April  | Monday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. GLOBAL PANDEMIC TREATY (World Health Organisation) • Why in NEWS: WHO member states agreed on a draft of a legally binding treaty for global preparedness to future pandemics. • Legal Nature: proposed to be a legally binding agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. • Key Objective: strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response with a focus on equity. • Equitable Access Clause: mandates that WHO should hold 20% of pandemic-related products like vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for global equitable distribution. • Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) System: for timely sharing of pathogens and fair distribution of benefits arising from their use. • Dispute Settlement Mechanism: An arbitration and mediation framework included to resolve disputes arising from treaty obligations. • Withdrawal by Some Countries: United States and Argentina withdrawn from WHO and not participating in the treaty. • Importance for India: to support equitable vaccine distribution and resilience in health systems.

Mains Notes 📔

Solar Energy Sector in India • Potential: around 748 GWp, based on three percent of the available wasteland area. • Installed Capacity: As of March 2025, installed solar capacity stands at 105.65 GW, contributing about 22 percent of total power capacity. • Key Segments: Ground-mounted installations form 81 GW, rooftop solar 17 GW, hybrid projects 2.87 GW, and off-grid systems 4.74 GW. • 2030 Target: aims to achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, with solar contributing about 280 GW. • PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Targets rooftop solar systems for 10 million households with free electricity provisions. • Production Linked Incentive Scheme: domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules. • PM-KUSUM Scheme: installation of solar pumps and small solar power plants for farmers. • International Solar Alliance: India-led alliance with 105 countries to mobilize USD 1000 billion in solar investments by 2030; OSOWOG Initiative: global interconnected solar power grid across countries. • Challenges: Delays in project execution due to land acquisition issues, tender delays, supply chain constraints, and financing gaps.

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. A volatile standoff...(The Editorial Page) (GS3: Internal Security) 2. A revolution of clean energy .. (The Ideas Page) (GS3: Environment) The Hindu 🗞 1. The Trump turmoil in bond markets...(Text & Context) (GS3: Economy) 2. India’s AI compute conundrum (Opinion) (GS3: Science and Technology) PS: Jitna revise karoge, utna yaad rahega - simple! Revise CA here

CSE 2024 marksheets are now live Check your score 👇🏼 https://upsconline.gov.in/marksheet/exam/marksheet_system/

Pre note: AITS GS Test 7 (Full length) is live. PRACTICE on CSEWhy app. 🚨 27th April  | Sunday 🚨

Pre notes

1. KAILASH MANSAROVAR ● Why in News: Six years after the pilgrimage was last flagged off, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will restart with about 750 pilgrims travelling to Tibet. ● Sacred Geography: Mount Kailash (6,638 m) in southwestern Tibet Trans-Himalayan Region; source of Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo), Karnali rivers. ● Religious Significance: Sacred to Hindus (Lord Shiva's abode), Jains (Rishabhadeva’s nirvana), Buddhists (Buddha Demchok's home), Bon followers. ● Mansarovar Lake: Altitude 4,590 m; one of the highest freshwater lakes; created by Brahma (mythology); near Rakshastal. ● Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Conducted via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim); under Indian government suervision. 2. UN Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) • Why in News: India increased its claim in the central Arabian Sea, as part of its “extended continental shelf” at UN CLCS. ● Establishment: Under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 to define states’ extended continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles. ● Composition: Consists of 21 experts elected by State Parties to UNCLOS for five-year terms. ● Functions: Examines submissions by coastal states on limits of continental shelf; ensures scientific validity. ● Legal Nature: Recommendations are final and binding if accepted; but CLCS decisions do not settle territorial disputes. ● India's Involvement: India filed its extended continental shelf submission in 2009; actively participates through nominated members.

Mains Notes 📔

3. BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR IN INDIA ● Growth of India’s Bioeconomy: Expanded from $10 billion (2014) to $165.7 billion (2024), contributing 4.25% to GDP,aims to reach $300 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 17.9%.​ ● Key Government Initiatives: BioE3 Policy (2024), National Biopharma Mission: $250 million initiative supporting over 100 projects and 30 MSMEs, BioSaarthi (2025): Mentorship program to support biotech startups with global outreach. ​ ● Expanding Startup Ecosystem: Over 8,500 biotech startups and 600+ biotech companies operating across India. ● India Innovations: India developed the world’s first DNA COVID-19 vaccine,Genome India Project. ● Policy Support: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS)

@CSEWhy recommendation

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Indian Express 📰 1. Between Scylla and Charybdis... (Opinion) (GS2: Neighbourhood Relations) The Hindu 🗞 1. Assessing temperature-related deaths in urban heat islands...(Science) (GS3: Science and Technology) 2.How did WHO nations strike a pandemic deal? .... (FAQ) (GS2: International Organisations) PS: Clear Prelims basics with Prelims Mastery Plan 🏆

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Important Straits: Dardanelles Strait, Bosporus Strait, Kerch Strait.

Pre note: AITS GS Test 6 (Full length) is live. PRACTICE on CSEWhy app. 🚨 26th April  | Saturday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. CRIMEA PENINSULA • Why in News: US President has claimed that Crimea would stay with Russia, as a new pressure tactic on Ukraine to make concessions to end the war. • Location: Located on the northern coast of the Black Sea, almost entirely surrounded by water. (Map attached in next Image) • Strategic Importance: It controls access to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, making it a crucial naval hub. • Annexation by Russia: In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, leading to widespread international condemnation. • Demographics: Major ethnic groups include Russians, Ukrainians, and Crimean Tatars. • Geography: The peninsula is connected to mainland Ukraine via the Isthmus of Perekop and to Russia via the Crimean Bridge (built in 2018). 2. World Food Programme (WFP) (HQ: Rome,Italy) • Why in News: WFP has run out of food in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to block the entry of all humanitarian aid. • Establishment: Founded in 1961 by the United Nations and FAO as an experiment, became a permanent program in 1965. • Mandate: Its primary aim is to combat hunger and achieve food security globally, especially during emergencies. • Nobel Peace Prize: WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and promote peace. • Funding: WFP is entirely funded by voluntary donations from governments, companies, and individuals.

Mains Notes 📔

3. CYBERSECURITY IN INDIA • Data: Cyberattacks on India are projected to rise to a staggering 1 trillion per annum by 2033, reaching 17 trillion by 2047 • Definition: technologies, processes, and rules that protect systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and misuse. • Recent events: Aadhar data leak (2018), Air India passenger data breach (2021), AIIMS Delhi ransomware attack disrupting servers and data (2022). • Steps taken: CERT-In (MHA), National Cyber Security Policy 2013, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023

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@CSEWhy recommendation

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Indian Express 📰 1. The implosion next door... (The Editorial Page) (GS2: Neighbourhood Relations) 2. IWT,Simla Agreement 'in abeyance'......(Explained) (GS2: International Relations) The Hindu 🗞 1. A gathering storm...(Editorial) (GS2: India and its neighbourhood) 2. A chance for India's creative ecosystem to make waves.... (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) PS: Clear Prelims basics with Prelims Mastery Plan 🏆

Pre note: Clear CSAT basics with Prelims Mastery Plan 🏆 🚨 25th April  | Friday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 • Why in News: Issue abround mandatory reporting of voluntary sexual activity under POCSO leading to the criminalisation. • When: Nov '12 after India ratified the UN Child Rights Convention( 1992) • Objective: 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) 2. SIMLA Agreement,1972 • Why in NEWS: Pakistan suspended Simla Agreement as reaction against measures taken by India over terrorist attack in Pahalgam. • When: 2nd July 1972, after the Indo-Pak War of 1971. • Between Whom: Indira Gandhi (India) and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistan). • Objectives: Establish peace and resolve disputes through bilateral dialogue only. • Key Provisions: -Both countries to respect each other’s territorial integrity. -All issues, including Kashmir, to be solved bilaterally. -Ceasefire Line became Line of Control (LoC) post-war. -Resume diplomatic ties, trade, communications, and people-to-people contact. -India agreed to release 93,000 Pakistani war prisoners.

Mains Notes

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1. Horticulture Sector in India: • Output: Horticulture production in 2024–25 estimated at 362.09 million tonnes. • Land Efficiency: Uses 13.1% of cropped area but gives 33% agri GVA. • Global Rank: India leads in banana, mango, papaya; second in total produce. • Infra Push: 20,000+ AIF projects sanctioned in Punjab for post-harvest infra,National Horticulture Mission 2005

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recommendations 🧑‍🏫I

Indian Express 📰 1. The Pahalgam Abyss...(The Editorial Page) (GS3: Security) 2.Remake the government school (The Ideas Page) (GS2: Education) The Hindu 🗞 1. Is the WTO still relevant?...(Opinion) (GS3: Economy) 2. The chaos of Karnataka's caste suvey? (Text an Context) (GS1: Indian Society) PS: Jitna revise karoge, utna yaad rahega - simple! Revise CA here

Image1: Indus Water Treaty 1960 explained

Pre note: CSEWhy Subject wise tests are Live. ↗️ 🚨 24th April  | THURSDAY 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Indus Water Treaty,1960 • Why in News: Indian Government announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following recent Baisaran Valley Terrorist Attack. • What: Refer next image1 to understand IWT, 1960 • IWT Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Permanent Indus Commission-->Neutral expert appointed by the World Bank-->  Forum of arbitrators 2. SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) • Why in News:  Indian government has announced that Pakistan nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). • What:  Refer • SAARC group: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. • Member Nations: See the map in next image2. 3. SVAMITVA Scheme • Why in News: SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme completed its first 5 years today on National Panchayati Raj Day. • Objective: legal ownership of rural residential land using drone-based surveys, empower rural citizens with property cards, enabling access to credit and dispute resolution. • Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj with Survey of India and National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI).

@CSEWhy

recommendations

The Indian Express 🗞 1. A turning point in Valley.....(Editorial Page) (GS3: Security) 2. Hard to Stomach......(Editorial Page) (GS2: Health) 3. The right price.....(The Ideas Page) (GS3: Economy and Infrastructure) The Hindu 🗞 1. Talking Mode...(Editorial) (GS2: International Relations) 2. Is India witnessing judicial despotism? (Text & Context) (GS2: Polity and Governance ) PS: Only One Mantra for All- PRACTICE! PRACTICE! & PRACTICE!

Imp. pointers on SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for UPSC ALL SVES now cancelled by India, read what do they mean & their history here

Indus Water Treaty is kept in abeyance by India :)

Pre note: CSEWhy Subject wise tests are Live. ↗️ 🚨 23rd April  | WEDNESDAY 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Arctic Council • What: intergovernmental body set up in 1996 by the Ottawa declaration. • Objective: promoting cooperation and interaction among Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants. • Members: Image attached (Mnemonic->CURD-FINS) 2. Three Language Formula • Why in News: Maharashtra government rolls back order making Hindi compulsory third language in schools. • What: language learning policy introduced in 1968 National Policy on Education which mandated that students across India learn three languages: their regional language (mother tongue), Hindi, and English. • Constitution Article: Article 351 makes the Union duty bound to promote the spread of the Hindi language. • NEP 2020: retained formula with difference- it doesn't impose any language on any State. Languages to be learnt will be the choice of States, regions and the students, so long as at least two of the three languages are native to India.

Mains Notes 📔

3.

Research and Development Sector in India

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Low Budget Allocation: India’s R&D expenditure is among the lowest globally, at just 0.6%-0.7% of GDP.

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This is significantly lower than major economies such as the U.S. (2.8%), China (2.1%), Israel (4.3%), and South Korea (4.2%), limiting large-scale innovation.

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In 2020, India had only 260 researchers per million inhabitants, compared to 1,602 in China, highlighting a significant gap in scientific manpower.

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In 2021-22, total Ph.D. enrollment stood at only 2.12 lakh, reflecting limited participation in high-level research.

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recommendations

The Indian Express 🗞 1. A Global Trade Reset.....(Editorial Page) (GS3:Economy) 2. Not without the factory......(Editorial Page) (GS3:Economy) 3. Partners for present and future.....(The Ideas Page) (GS2: International Relations) The Hindu 🗞 1. Matters that count...(Editorial) (GS2: Polity and Governance) 2. India's political infodemic: notes from five State elections (Text & Context) (GS2: Governance ) PS: Only One Mantra for All- PRACTICE! PRACTICE! & PRACTICE!