UPSC CSE Why

Pre note: Deri ke liye maafi. Revision toh chal hi rahi hogi? 🚨 14th January  | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Rajasthan’s River-Link Lifeline Project • Project: Part of the ILR program, impacting Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve • ILR: Transfer surplus water to deficit basins for irrigation, water supply, and flood control • Proposed Plan: - Himalayan Rivers: Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga, Kosi-Mechi, Ganga-Damodar-Subarnarekha - Peninsular Rivers: Ken-Betwa, Par-Tapi-Narmada, Krishna-Godavari • Legal Context: Article 262 empowers Parliament to resolve inter-state river disputes 2. Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat • Haryana was the first state to adopt it in 2018 • ₹5L health cover per family, targeting 500M people 3. Diego Garcia [Chagos Islands Central Indian Ocean] Key Factors: • Largest island in the Chagos Islands • Sovereignty disputed; Mauritius claims the territory • Part of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), a UK overseas territory • Hosts a major U.S. base, key for Indian Ocean operations 4. Makaravilakku [festival at Sabarimala Temple, Kerala] • Celebrated on Makara Sankranti, marking Sun’s transition to Capricorn • Features the divine sighting of Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu • Includes Makarasamkrama Pooja w/ Thiruvabharanam adorning Lord Ayyappa • Fuses tribal & Hindu traditions 5.Nag-Mk2 (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) • Advanced ATGM developed u/ DRDO’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) • WHY? Designed to destroy modern armoured tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor Variants: A. NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) B. Helina C. Man-Portable Nag 6. Sadas Habitats [Northern Western Ghats] • A Westland found in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg is a Threatened ecosystem Key Feature: • Plant species- Dipcadi concanensis (Konkan Dipcadi) and Iphigenia ratnagirica, both endangered found here • Species like the Amboli Toad (critically endangered) and white-striped viper gecko are endemic here • Threatened by mining and proposed refinery projects

Mains notes 📄

1.  PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry 🗓️ 1905, its a leading industry association in India WHY? To promote business + economic growth, advocate policy reforms & foster trade and investment Key Functions: • Acts as a bridge between businesses & government • Provides research-based policy suggestions • Supports MSMEs, startups, and large enterprises with business facilitation • Organizes trade expos, B2B meetings, and conferences

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. How, not Why MSP (The Idea Page) (GS3: Economy) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. The way forward for PM-KISAN (Opinion) (GS3: Economy) PS: PYQs practice karne kaa isse aasan tarika kya hoga?🤔

Pre Note - Current affairs ka daily dose, concise and impactful! 🚀

Pre Notes 📔

1. California Wildfires and Santa Ana Winds • Santa Ana Winds: Strong, dry winds from deserts to California’s coast. • Pink Fire Retardant: Chemical spray dropped from planes to create fire-resistant barriers and slow wildfires • Global Winds: Chinook (North America), Mistral (Mediterranean), and Harmattan (West Africa). • Indian Winds: Loo (hot summer winds) and Monsoon winds shape India's climate and ecology

Mains Notes 📄

1. Kerala's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) Doubled • MMR: Maternal deaths per 1 Lakh live births • Why Important: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) target MMR below 72 by 2030. • State Comparison: Assam has the highest MMR at 195; India’s average is 97

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Sariska Tiger Reserve [Alwar district, Rajasthan] Key points: • Known for successful tiger reintroduction in 2004. • Features historical landmarks like Kankwari Fort and Pandupol Temple. Other Important Tiger Reserves: • Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (AP-Telangana): Largest by area. • Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (WB): Famous for Royal Bengal tigers in mangrove habitat. • Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve (UT): Oldest tiger reserve in India.

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) • Place: Ladakh, Tso Moriri, Changthang; also in Tibet and Bhutan. • Role: Wetland health indicator, signals biodiversity. • Status: Near Threatened (IUCN), protected under the Wildlife Act, 1972.

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Kumbh Origin, history, appeal (Explained) (GS:1, Art & Culture) The Hindu🗞️ 1. India’s data protection rules need some Fine-tuning (Editorial) (GS3: Sc & Tech) PS: Love YT shorts? Explore informative shorts on the CSEWhy App.

Pre Note- Sunday is Funday, but pahle Current Affairs ho jaye! 🚨 12th January  | Sunday 🚨

Pre Notes 📔

1. SpaDeX [ISRO Satellite] • Purpose: Demonstrates autonomous docking in space. • Launch: December 30, 2024, from Sriharikota. • Significance: Future human spaceflight, satellite servicing, and space station operations.

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. White Rhinoceros [African Origin Critically Endangered Species] • Critically Endangered: Highest risk of extinction in the wild. • Few Indian CE Species: Ganges River Dolphin, One-horned Rhinoceros, Snow Leopard, Indian Bison. • Constitution: Article 48A (State duty), 51A(g) (Citizen compassion)

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Z-Morh Tunnel [Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir] • Importance: All-weather connectivity to Sonamarg; boosts tourism and economy. • Few Himalayan Tunnels: - Atal Tunnel [Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh] - Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel [Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir] - Rohtang Tunnel [Kullu, Himachal Pradesh]

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

The Hindu🗞️ 1. Putting the gene editing tool to use  (Science) (GS3: Sc and Tech) PS: Love audiobooks? 🎧 Now enjoy Spectrum, Laxmikanth, and more on our APP - Download Now!

Pre note: Tayaar ho jao!

Pre Notes 📔

1. SC Upholds Women’s Reservation in Lok Sabha [106th Amendment, 2023] Related Amendments • 73rd, 74th Amendments (1993): Women’s representation in local bodies • 77th Amendment: Reservation for SCs/STs in promotions. • 103rd Amendment: 10% EWS reservation 2. 2024 Breaches Global Warming Limit • 1.5°C above Pre Industrial Years (1850-1900 as reference) Climate-Related Agreements • Paris Agreement (COP21): 2015, Paris, limits warming to below 2°C. • Kyoto Protocol: 1997, Kyoto, binds developed nations to cut emissions

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. Screw-pine (Pandanus) • Place: Kerala’s coastal backwaters and rivers. • Significance: 800-year-old craft empowering women with eco-friendly products

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. The Kumbh Currency (Big Pictures) (GS3: Economics) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. India’s journey so far on the AI military bandwagon (Editorial) (GS3: Internet Security/Sci & Tech) PS: From basic books to PYQs. Get everything in one subscription!

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Pre Note: UPSC se related agar koi dukh, dard, duvidha ho toh mujhe batao. Waqt din par din khatam horha hai. 🚨 10th January  | Friday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Genome India Project, Faridabad [Genetic Material Blueprint] • What? Database of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups. • Significance: Boosts research, medicine, and biotech. • Key Insights: 27M rare genetic variants found, 7M unique globally 2. Same-Sex Marriage [SC rejected review of 2023] • SC decriminalized homosexuality in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) but did not legalize • Right to Equality (Art 14-18) & Freedom (Art 19-22) protects it

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Dhauli, Odisha [Near Daya River] • Significance: Site where Ashoka embraced peace post-Kalinga War. • Features: Shanti Stupa, Ashokan edicts promoting Dhamma (Belief in Buddhism)

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Add a new layer to MSP (The Idea Page) (GS3: Agriculture) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Section 152 of BNS should not become a proxy for sedition (Editorial) (GS3: Internal Security) 2. Is India open to the idea of dual citizenship? (Opinion) (GS2: Polity/InnRelation) PS: What is your optional and why?

Pre note: New year resolution toh thik hai. Execution kaisa chal rha hai? 🚨 9th January  | Thursday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) • Spanish surrealist artist, famed for dream-like, bizarre visuals • Famous for The Persistence of Memory (melting clocks, 1931) • Explored subconscious/dreams via psychoanalysis-inspired works • Fascinated with Indian mysticism, designed for Indian clients 2. Cryogenic Technology [Study of low-temperature tech (<−150°C)] • USES? Space tech (rocket fuels), healthcare (cryopreservation, MRI), energy (LNG storage), research (CERN), biodiversity • Imp for India: A. ISRO's cryogenic engines (GSLV Mk II & III) critical for space missions B. Used in Gaganyaan mission & LNG storage globally C. Indigenous tech development by ISRO for autonomy 3. Soapstone • Metamorphic rock made primarily of talc w/ chlorite, pyroxenes, micas, amphiboles, carbonates, etc • Found in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Rajasthan is a major producer 4. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) What is it? • Set of batteries charge from grid or renewable sources • 1st Commercial Application in India from March 2025 NEED? • Reliable Security power during peak demand • Efficiently stores & uses surplus renewable energy

Mains notes 📄

1. Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 • To prevent activities that threaten security of India • Anti-terror law empowering GoI to declare anyone as terrorist & curb activities • Key Provisions A. Investigation Period: Permits detention of up to 180 days w/o charges B. Jurisdiction: Applies across India, including citizens abroad 2. Bharatpol [ 🗓️7th Jan 2025 by MHA] • Online platform by CBI for coordination b/w Indian law enforcement agencies & Interpol • WHY? A. Access to Interpol Databases B. Provides a unified platform for handling requests, including Interpol notices C. Replaces traditional methods with secure digital channels for faster processing D. Real-time information sharing + international cooperation

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. How the polar vortex caused a massive winter storm in the US (Explained page) (GS3: Climate) 2. Security forces Vs Maoists (Explained page) (GS3: Internal security) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. River interlinking, the fount of environmental disaster (Editorial) (GS2/GS3: Social issues and climate) 2. The right to food and the struggle with the PDS (Editorial) (GS2: Social issues) 3. Why is deciphering the Indus script important? (Text&Context) (GS1: History) PS: Make BhAI your study partner. Get your work done easily :)

CSEWhy app iOS is now live iOS Download: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/csewhy/id6737231064 [any queries? Reply here] Android download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.csewhy.app1

Pre note: Shaam. Chai. Khabar. WHY NOT?

Pre Notes 📔

1. Delhi Assembly Special Provisions a) Under Article 239AA • President appoints Delhi CM • Special status to Delhi except on Police, Public order & land 2. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Begins in Odisha

Species in the news 🐵🌍

1. Caenorhabditis elegans • What? Tiny nematode contributing to Nobel discoveries of 2002/06/15/24 • 1st multicellular organism to have its entire genome sequenced (1998)

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica [Doomsday Glacier] • Its melting & its impact on global sea-level rise made a key area for climate change research

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian Express 📰 1. Atomic Power Equation…(Ideas page) (GS2: IR) The Hindu 🗞 1. Maoist strongholds are shrinking, but deadly threats persist (Opinion Page) (GS3: Internal Security) PS: Do you want daily telegram news on the app for FREE?

Pre note: Are you taking advantage of all app features properly? 🚨 7th January  | Tuesday 🚨

Pre facts 📃

1. Leaves flutter in space: ISRO’s experiment reaches milestone (Read on The Hindu pg:12)

Pre notes 📔

1. Artesian Well • Well where water naturally flows to the surface without the need for pumping, due to pressure in a confined aquifer • Mechanism: A. Formed in confined aquifer, where permeable rock  is sandwiched b/w 2 impermeable layers B. Water trapped u/ pressure flows upward when the well penetrates the aquifer • Key Components: Confined Aquifer; Hydrostatic Pressure; Recharge Zone 2. Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

Mains notes 📄

1. Twigstats • Computational method that enhances genetic ancestry analysis • It focuses on recent mutations within genetic family trees • It improves differentiation b/w closely related populations, aiding in the detection of fine-scale population changes & migrations

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Pench Tiger Reserve [MP (Chhindwara) and MH (Nagpur)] • Named after Pench River • Declared a tiger reserve in 1992 u/ Project Tiger; also a national park in 1975 • Flora: Dry deciduous forest, teak, bamboo, and mahua trees • Fauna: Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaurs, sambar & 285+ bird species • Inspired Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book", based on W.W. Sleeman’s writings about this region • Key Features: A. Pench River ensures perennial water availability B. High prey density supports a significant tiger population • Conservation Importance: A. Vital corridor in the Satpura-Maikal Tiger Landscape B. Part of India's "Tiger Conservation Unit 31" for maintaining genetic flow

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. Mystery of the Indus script (Explained page) (GS1: History) 2. HMPV, the old ‘new’ virus that has affected…. (Explained page) (GS3: Health) The Hindu 🗞️ 1. The Collegium and changes — it may still be early days (Editorial) (GS2: Judiciary) 2. The end of global climate policy (Ideas page) (GS3: Climate) 3. Decoding the National Anthem controversy (Text&Context) (GS2: Governance) PS: Agar saare haalat sahi hote, toh tum din mei kitni der padh skte the? Kaun rok raha hai tumhe?

Pre note: Get everything on CSEWhy app now for JUST ₹79/-. Download here 🚨 6th January | Monday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. e-Shram Portal [ 🗓 Aug 2021 by MoL] • Targets unorganized workers (~38 cr) • Provides a Universal Account Number post-registration • Focuses on policy-making and welfare for informal workforce What does it do? • Offers ₹2L insurance u/ PMSBY; enables DBT & access to schemes • Database aids in skill development + employment opportunities • Over 28 cr workers registered as of Jan 2025 2. Badge engineering • Marketing identical vehicles u/ different brand names • Involves minor cosmetic changes like logos, badges, trims • Reduces R&D + production costs; leverages economies of scale • E.G: Baleno-Glanza, Duster-Terrano, Vento-Rapid

Mains notes 📄

1. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas [ 🗓 Jan 9; marks return of M. Gandhi from SA] • Recognizes contributions of Indian diaspora to India’s development • Organized by MEA; biennial • Purpose: Foster relations; leverage expertise • ⏱️First PBD 2003, conceptualized by L.M. Singhvi Committee Key Components: • PBSA: Conferred by the President to exceptional overseas Indians • PBD Convention: Platform for discussions on policy recommendations, business partnerships 2. Anti-Conversion Law, 1978 [Freedom of Religion Bill, 1978] • Sought to regulate religious conversions in India via force, fraud, or inducement • Bill was lapsed Key Provisions: • Required individuals and organizations to report conversions to DM • Exempted voluntary and genuine conversions for personal faith reasons 3. Toda tribe • PVTG community in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu; population ~2,000–3,000 • Traditionally pastoralists, dependent on buffalo rearing • Famous for GI-tagged Toda embroidery and unique "Toda huts" architecture • Speak Toda language, part of Dravidian family • Nature worship and sacred buffalo rituals integral to culture 4. Shompen tribe • Indigenous, semi-nomadic tribe in Great Nicobar Island; part of PVTGs • Population ~200–300; reliant on hunting, fishing, and forest resources • Speak Shompenic language; practice animism • Governed under ANPATR, 1956, limiting outsider access.

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Dinosaur Highway [Oxfordshire, UK] • Fossilized dinosaur tracks; from Middle Jurassic (~166M years) • Tracks made by sauropods (herbivores) and theropods (carnivores) • Evidence of herding and social behavior among dinosaurs • Tracks up to 1m wide; linked to an ancient tropical coastline

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. A happy new year to farmers (Ideas page) (GS2/GS3: Agriculture) 2. Moving past uncertainty (Ideas page) (GS3: Climate and renewable energy) The Hindu 🗞 1. The outlook for India in the year ahead (Editorial) (GS2: IR) 2. India needs to prioritise preventive care (Opinion page) (GS3: Health) 3. Implications of China’s mega-dam project (Text&Context) (GS2: IR) 4. Moving away from coal a must: South African court upholds ‘Cancel Coal’ case (Science page) (GS3: Climate) PS: Took longer today for heavy newspaper. Drop a ❤️ to appreciate the effort! :)

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🚨 5th January | Sunday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. National Security Act [🗓️ Passed on 23 Sept 1980] • Provides preventive detention for 3 months (extendable up to 12) • Applicable across India (except J&K; until 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated) • Central and State Govts empowered to issue detention orders Key Criticisms: Lack of Judicial Review; Vague Grounds; Potential for Abuse 2. Jallikattu • Bull-taming sport, part of Tamil Nadu’s Pongal celebrations • Historical Roots: 2,000+ yrs old, linked to Tamil Sangam literature • Native Breeds: Helps conserve cattle breeds like Kangayam • SC Ban (🗓️ 2014): Cited animal cruelty under PCA Act, 1960 • Mass Protests (🗓️ 2017) led to TN amending PCA to allow Jallikattu 3. Polavaram Project What is it? • A multi-purpose irrigation project on Godavari River in A.P • Declared a National Project u/ Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 Objectives: • Provide water to 7+ lakh hectares • 960 MW power generation • Supply water to 540 villages & Visakhapatnam • Mitigate flooding in the Godavari basin 4. Dr. R. Chidambaram [1936-2025] • Prominent nuclear scientist; key architect of Pokhran-II (1998) • Former AEC Chairman (1993–2000); ex-Director, BARC • Designed India’s thermonuclear weapon • Principal Scientific Adviser (2001–2018) • Awards: Padma Shri (1975), Padma Vibushan (1999) 5. Ebola Virus Disease [Severe illness caused by Ebolavirus] 🗓️ 1976, near Ebola River, DRC • Transmission: Animal-to-human (fruit bats), human-to-human (bodily fluids) • Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, vomiting, bleeding in severe cases • Fatality Rate: 25%–90%, depending on strain and healthcare

Mains notes 📄

1. INSV Tarini [Indian Navy's sailing vessel] • Part of the Navy's Ocean Sailing Node initiative • Named after Tara-Tarini, the goddess of Odisha (symbolizing strength & courage) • 2nd in the series after INSV Mhadei Key Achievements: A. Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017-2018): First Indian all-women naval crew completed a circumnavigation of the globe

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Nilgiri Hills [📍Junction of T.N, KL, KA] • Part of Western Ghats: Biodiversity hotspot, UNESCO-listed • Elevation: Avg. 2,000–2,600m; highest peak is Doddabetta (2,637m) • Rivers💧: Bhavani, Moyar, Kabini originate here • Flora & Fauna🌼: Shola forests, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque • Tribal Groups🧔: Todas, Kotas, Irulas; unique culture

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

The Hindu 🗞️ 1. Why public health nutrition policies need precise targeting (Science page) (GS2/GS3: Policies and Health) 2. Why is rupee weakening against dollar? (FAQ Page) (GS3: Economics) 3. Is India’s forest cover growing enough? (FAQ Page) (GS3: Climate) 4. Why was the no-detention policy rolled back? (FAQ Page) (GS2: Policies)

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Pre note: Sunday toh fir se aagya. Revision kaisi chal rhi hai? 🚨 4th January  | Saturday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. What is HMPV? • Respiratory virus in the Paramyxoviridae family, related to RSV • Identified in 2001 in the Netherlands • Transmission: Respiratory droplets, contact w/ infected surfaces Indian Context: • Surveillance under ICMR to monitor respiratory pathogens • Testing protocols include RT-PCR for HMP 2. Exercise Varuna What is it? • Indo-French bilateral naval exercise; started in 1993 • FOR? To Boost interoperability, maritime security, and strategic ties • 2023: Held in the Arabian Sea; 25th anniversary of the partnership • It Focuses on: ASW, air defense, live-fire drills, and maritime interdiction ops • Assets: Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft, Rafale-M jets, and warships involved 3. RoDTEP • Introduced in 2021 to refund unrebated taxes on exports • Replaces the MEIS • Covers taxes like mandi tax, electricity duty, and fuel taxes • Benefits provided via transferable duty credit e-scrips

Mains notes 📄

1. Shree Narayan Guru (1855-1928) • Kerala-based social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader • Advocated “One caste, one religion, one God for mankind.” • Fought casteism, untouchability, and promoted education for marginalized communities • Founded SNDP Yogam in 1903 for Ezhava upliftment 2. French Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Centered around France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle Charles de Gaulle: • France’s only aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2001 • Displacement: 42,000 tons; Speed: 27 knots • Aircraft: Operates Rafale-M jets, E-2C Hawkeye AWACS, and helicopters • Europe's only nuclear-powered carrier Recent Deployment: • Exercise Varuna (India-France Naval Drills) • NATO missions in the Mediterranean and Black Sea • Anti-terrorism missions u/ Operation Chammal (Middle East)

Places in News 📍🌏

1. Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site • Declared TN’s 1st BHS in Nov 2022 • Established u/ the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which allows states to notify unique ecosystems Ecological Importance: • Granite-rich landscape; Hosts over 250 bird species, including critically endangered Egyptian vulture & Indian eagle owl • Known as the "water capital of Madurai," the area includes 7 waterbodies

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. How to tranquilise and capture a tiger in the wild (Explained) (A good read for GS3) 2. Tsangpo dam, India’s option (Explained) (GS2: IR) 3. How trans persons can change name, gender identity in official documents (Explained page) (GS2: Policies) 4. Year of the economy (Ideas page) (GS2: IR) PS: Why are you missing out from the growing community of CSEWHY app?

Pre note: Get yourself in right space of place(s). It's your year, you are bound to win. 🚨 3rd January | Friday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Winter Char Dham Circuit [ 📍UK] • 🗓 December 8 to boost off-season tourism Winter Seats of Char Dham: • Gangotri: Winter seat at Kharsali (Uttarkashi district) • Yamunotri: Winter seat at Mukhba (also Uttarkashi district) • Kedarnath: Winter seat at Ukhimath (Rudraprayag district) • Badrinath: Winter seat at Pandukeshwar (Chamoli district) Economics: Char Dham generates over ₹200 crore daily for the state

Mains notes 📄

1. Panama Treaty Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty (1903): Allowed U.S. to construct & control Panama Canal • U.S. controlled Panama Canal Zone • Criticized for undermining Panama’s sovereignty; signed w/o Panamanian representatives’ consent Torrijos-Carter Treaties (1977): Transferred control of the canal to Panama by 31st Dec 1999 • Symbolized end of U.S. colonial-like control

Species in news 🐵🌍

1. Pallas’s cat [Otocolobus manul, 📍Ladakh] • Native to Central Asia • Feeds on pikas, voles; active during twilight hours • Near Threatened (IUCN); faces habitat and prey loss

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

Indian express 📰 1. Dis-Agree Column (Ideas page) (GS2: Policies) 2. How in-flight internet works (Explained page) (GS3: SnT) The Hindu 🗞 1. Remembering the impactful legacy of wise leadership (Editorial) (GS3: Economy) PS: Sab theek? Kaisa raha new year?

Pre note: 1,000+ smart aspirants downloaded CSEWhy app yesterday. Have you? 🚨 02nd January | Thursday 🚨

Pre notes 📔

1. Binodini Dasi [(1862–1941), Noti Binodini, Bengali actress] • Key figure in Star Theatre; now renamed Binodini Mancha • Retired early (23); wrote Aamar Katha, first Indian woman’s autobiography 2. Sangita Kalanidhi • Prestigious Carnatic music award by Chennai's Music Academy (since 1929) • Honors excellence in vocal/instrumental/musicology • Esteemed awardees: M. S. Subbulakshmi, T. M. Krishna, Bombay Jayashri 3. Revise SpaDeX

Pre Notes 🐵🌍

1. Ultrablack Brazilian Velvet Ant • Flightless wasp, Mutillidae family; not a true ant • Absorbs 99.9% of light, aids camouflage and mimicry • Found in Brazil, parasitic, targets ground-nesting bees/wasps • Studied for bioinspired light-absorbing tech

@CSEWhy recommendations 🧑‍🏫

The Hindu 🗞 1. Tackling delimitation by reversing population control (Editorial) (GS2: Policies) 2. Four UN environmental summits fell short in 2024. What happened? (Science page) (GS2/GS3: IR and Climate) PS: Let your fears be a thing of past. Need any help? DM me here

Haan bhai, naya saal hai Aur sunn, 2025 tera hi saal hai Dum laga ke mehnat kar raha hai na? Toh tera selection ab zarur hoga Tera nahi toh kiska hoga? Almost there, ab May tak jaan laga de!