UPSC CSE Why

Indian Schools of Philosophy (good compilation graphic from drishti)

By the time you wake up in the morning, India will awake to another of FIRST from Neeraj Chopra Guy just hustles away from limelight Hardly anyone knew about his marriage ..and he returns! To win. Wins. Trains. Returns. Wins again. Be like Neeraj. 💪🏻♥️🔥

Pre note: Make your life easier, join @CSEWhy on YT. 🚨20th June | Friday🚨

Daily Notes🗒

1. Green India Mission (GIM) • Overview: Launched in 2014 under NAPCC, revised roadmap released on June 19, 2025, targets climate change mitigation through forest cover increase and ecological restoration up to 2030. • Focus Areas: Aims to enhance livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, focusing on ecologically critical regions like Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves. • Achievements: Facilitated afforestation across 11.22 million hectares (2015-21) and utilized Rs 575.55 crore of Rs 624.71 crore released (2019-24) for state interventions. • Revised Roadmap: Includes climate impact assessments, targeting restoration in Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves with region-specific practices. • Environmental Challenges: Addresses forest loss (e.g., 12 places in Western Ghats), landslides, dust pollution, and extensive deforestation in Aravallis. • Desertification Combat: 97.85 million hectares degraded (2018-19); GIM aims for 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 sequestration by 2030, with 1.89 billion tonnes from 15 million hectares. • Cost and Scope: Estimated Rs 16,053 crore, includes a 1 km buffer zone around Aravallis covering 6.45 million hectares. Implementation: State-specific activities based on ecological vulnerability mapping, supported by scientific institutions. 2. New FASTag Policy • FASTag Basics: Electronic toll system by NHAI & NPCI w/ ₹3,000 annual pass for non-commercial vehicles w.e.f 15/08/25 • Pass Details: 1 year validity, ₹7k saved w/ free NH passage (non transferable) • Activation: Verify vehicle/FASTag, pay ₹ 3,000 via Rajmargyatra app or NHAI website, activates on existing FASTag 3. Mount Denali (Mount McKinley) is the highest peak in North America (6,190 meters), located in the Alaska Range and central to Denali National Park. • Highest peak of N. America in Alaska Range (central to Denali National Park) • 3rd highest of 7 summits (formed due to North American Plate, uplifted 60mn years ago) • Glaciers: Kahiltna & Ruh, it was named Mt. McKinley (renamed in 2015 to honor Koyukon people) & now reverted to Mt. Mckinley in 2025 by POTUS

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations📰

Indian Express 🗞 1. Cost of pulses, oil imports (GS3: Agri & trade) 2. Just a lunch (GS2: Balanced take on Trump-Munir lunch) 3. The Missing Mining Drive (GS3: Imp. article on Critical Minerals) PS: Get yourself a space of your own among aspirants, join CSEWhy

Read this patiently, posted this on my Twitter. It will give you immense hope, courage and strength to deal with things. _______________ It’s 4:25 am I sit and stare outside my window looking at a bright skyline June 20, the phone read as I picked it to write this. “Who’d have thought?” I whisper to myself 22 June ‘22 That’s when I made this account 1094 days back. It was still called Twitter then It was diff, you know? I was not the first but among the firsts to get regular & sharing things I learnt in that UPSC journey. Got some early push and boom! In last 3 years, I’ve met all big-time ed-tech people in this country. Consistent Q: how did anyone crack ‘distribution’ on Twitter? Is there even a ‘market’ there? Market? Distribution? Eh? I wonder to myself No no, I wasn’t tweeting with this D-M agenda. I just wanted my voice I was tired of preparing in a single room living alone for over a year by then. It sucked, to say the least. To me, it wasn’t to distribute in market. To me, it was to speak. Feel heard and most importantly, feel less worthless I know it is unhealthy to be this raw. For someone like me who even started anonymously, For someone like me who’s inherently introvert, It is a big deal to be speaking too much about self sharing backstory of what went in building this. Maybe I’d want to delete it when I wake up tomorrow But hey! I’ve a small word for you. It’s been 3 years since I started CSEWhy It took me places. I mean, legit places. People I admired from a distance became friends Places that felt shiny lost the charm People I lost found their way back Places that were conspiracies turned out to be true As I look back on these 3 years, I’m a mere medium. Some supreme power is doing this all through me. Am I the chosen one, then? Neah, that’s a biggie! I think I’ve been just consistent. You know those fancy quotes about consistency? I’ve lived them. In last 3 years, I’ve been places, as I said I’ve been in middle of the sea, and air I’ve been at end of globe, and country I’ve been at a funeral, and birth I’ve been at crisis, and success I’ve been at high tables, and low streets But one thing that I chose to do irrespective of everything: TWEET DAILY Cold winds or spring breeze, Harsh summers or painful rains, Flight delayed or car malfunction, Board of metro or backseat of a bus, High up in hills or downside beaches TWEET DAILY. It’s not a mantra. I just had a passion for numbers and tracked every single analytics. I know I know some would say, mere daily tweeting won’t help. Ofc it doesn’t! Just clearing that analytics matter. Back in the day Twitter gave it for free but ah, sad they charge for it now But yeah, I’ve seen a time where I was convinced I’d die hungry in the streets. I thought I’m least capable of my lineage. Only people who kept patting my back were my mom and dad. I’ve seen them hiding tears, leaving pleasure to be with me and a lot more. Thanks to their hope, it gave me optimism. Funnily, this stupid optimism also compounds and you know what? It brings courage with it. Also comes more of irrational optimism. Today, I know I’m onto building greatness in next decade. Today, I know that ashes of my grands’ will bless me. Today, I know there’s no human off the reach and no dream distant from reality. It’s just a function of time! It’s 4:44 am now as I legit type this without any spell check. Angel number is a mirage but so is my irrational optimism. I am coming for greatness! I am coming for compounding everything that went back ‘dud’ in years that went in UPSC Prep. No! Those weren’t waste years. They brought me to speak to you, dear anon. What does it all mean, tho? Prolly nothing. Remember, I’m just a medium? 😀

Pre note: Subscribe to free CSEWhy blog with your email at blog.csewhy.com 🚨19th June | Thursday🚨

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations📰

Indian Express 🗞 1. Playing with fire (GS2: Nuclear Plants in Iran & Ukraine) 2. Revising the GDP base year (GS3: Economy) PS: Get yourself a space of your own among aspirants, join CSEWhy

Pre note: Starting Mains prep? Find GS resources & strategy in this playlist 🚨18th June | Tuesday🚨

Daily Notes🗒

1. G7; an overview • Overview: Group of seven advanced economies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA) formed in 1975 to address economic stability post-oil crisis. • Evolution: Expanded from G6 to G7 with Canada in 1976; became G8 with Russia (1997-2014), reverting to G7 after Crimea annexation. • 2025 Summit: Hosted by Canada (June 15-17, Kananaskis, Alberta), marking 50th anniversary, focusing on peace, economic stability, and digital transition. • India’s Role: Invited as Outreach Country, participates since 2019, advocating for Global South, enhancing economic and strategic ties. • Significance for India: Boosts trade, counters China’s influence, and positions India as a global mediator in multilateral forums.

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations📰

Indian Express 🗞 1. A time to look outward (GS3: Supply Chains, Forward/Backward Linkages) 2. Why war hasn't hit markets (Read for the interlinkage) PS: Notes on initiatives of Gandhi & Bose for Independence here

Kya khoya kya paya, Saal bhar ka hisaab ab tareeke se karna hoga Fir himmat se ab aage badhna hoga Samay hai, tareekh hai, kitaabein hai Chalo, mehnat karte hai. Ek aakhri koshish karte hai!

Pre note: Starting Mains prep? Find GS resources & strategy in this playlist 🚨17th June | Monday🚨

Daily Notes🗒

1. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) • Constituted: u/ MoCivil Aviation; cancelled Cochin Aviation’s license (Turkish firm) citing national security due to Turkey’s support for Pakistan post India’s Operation Sindoori. • Legal Framework: Aircraft Rules, 1937 (Bhartiya Vayun Adhiniyam, 2024), Rule 92 mandates clearance; Aircraft Security Rules, 2022 (Rules 11 & 12) allow suspension for non-compliance or security concerns. • Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) - National regulator for civil aviation security, HQ Delhi, led by Director General of Police rank officer. - Estd. 1978 (Pande Committee recommendations), reorganized 1987 under Ministry of Civil Aviation. - Regulates air transport, enforces safety, and aligns with ICAO Annex 17 standards; conducts security checks and drills. • International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO - a UN agency, estd. 1944 via Chicago Convention, regulates global civil aviation. - Sets standards for safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability; defines airspace sovereignty and air freedoms. - HQ: Montreal, Canada; India is one of 193 member states. • State of India's Aviation Sector - 3rd largest domestic market globally, 69% of South Asia’s air traffic; projected 3rd largest passenger market by 2030. - Airports increased from 74 (2014) to 157 (2024), target 350-400 by 2047 2. Quantum entanglement based communication • Overview: Possible to send secure info. over 1km+ w/o wires but by JUST light through open space (free space optical link); an IIT-D & DRDO collab • Importance: Quantum entanglement is powerful connection b/w tiny particles like photon where changing one particle instantly affects the other (even if they are apart) • Use case: Exchanging messages which are impossible to hack; use in ultra secure communication • CSEWhy Note: This also lays foundation for quantum based internet in the future 3. Shipki La Pass Shipki La Pass Opening: Reopened in 2025, boosts tourism and trade in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Historical Significance: Ancient trade route, 3,930m pass, shaped geopolitical tensions with Tibet. Economic Impact: Enhances commerce, strengthens India-Tibet relations, supports local economy. Cultural Exchange: Revives trade of goods, crafts, and traditions between India and Tibet; road to Mansarovar

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations📰

Indian Express 🗞 1. Engaging a divided west (GS2: G7 centric Indian relations) 2. MI6 gets first woman chief (Read diff secret agencies of UK) 3. How India will conduct census? (GS2: Census of India, Policy) PS: Notes on initiatives of Gandhi & Bose for Independence here

yeh jo delhi mein Prelims clear kiye bina 3-4 saal rehte hai, kya padhte hai exactly

For those writing MAINS, UPSC Mains 2025 DAF is out: https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/index.php - Login via OTR details to find latest notification - Fill DAF-I before June 25, 2025

It took a lot of time to sort today's CA since a lot is happening in the world at this point Pay close attention, read every point carefully & be a good friend to share @CSEWhy CA Note with more of your friends

1. Native Indian Bees summarized in one graphic note(s) 2. Benthic & Pelagic Zones (Note for deep sea exploration)

Pre note: New things coming on CSEWhy Instagram, follow here 🚨16th June | Monday🚨

Daily Notes🗒

1. PM Modi in Cyprus, why? • Age-old dispute w/ Turkiye (known to support Pak during Op Sindoor) • Cyprus consistently backs India on Kashmir & cross border terror stance • To-be-President of EU Council aligning w/ Indian efforts to strengthen EU ties 2. Environmental Pollution and Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) • Flue Gas Composition: byproduct of fossil fuel combustion having CO₂, SO₂, NOx, PM etc. • SO₂ Impact: Major GHG causing global warming & respiratory issues in humans. • FGD Installation: Costly affair; Central Electricity Authority estimates approximately ₹1.2 crore per MW to install. • Environmental Concern: Highlights the need for pollution control measures in industrial emissions. 3. Relaxation of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules i) Background and Rationale • SEZ rules relaxed to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing, crucial for the digital ecosystem. • Government initiative (T.C.A. Sharad Raghavan) to reduce import dependency. ii) Economic Impact • Pre-2022: Imported semiconductors; 2022 programme (₹76,000 crore) launched. • Post-relaxation: Aims to attract global players, enhance export share. iii) Key Steps and Policies • June 9, 2024: Ministry of Commerce modified SEZ Rules, 2006. • Board of Approval (BoA) can relax conditions, e.g., land reduced to 10 hectares. iv) Manufacturing and Incentives • Minimum land: 10 hectares; tax exemptions, duty-free imports. • Players: Micron (Gujarat, 73.64 hectares), Hubbali Durabable Goods Cluster. v) Challenges and Modifications • Eased land/ownership rules to encourage investment amid global supply shifts. vi) Strategic Importance • Vital for AI, electronics; promotes self-reliance in semiconductors. • These notes retain all key points for UPSC, focusing on policy and economic strategy. 4. DNA Analysis Methods | CSEWhy Explained blog

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations📰

Indian Express 🗞 1. Centre's rationale behind MGNREGS spending cap, the concerns with it (GS2: MGNREGA, Policy & Social Justice) 2. Why Punjab is struggling to diversify from paddy farming (GS3: Agriculture) 3. Infrastructure of dignity (GS3: Inclusive growth) 4. An alternative nationalism (GS1: Indian Society) 5. After Op Sindoor, a collective duty (GS2 & GS3: Global trade, IR, Infra) 6. The rearming of Europe (GS2: India Europe relations) PS: Starting Mains prep? Find GS resources & strategy in this playlist

Too much chaos in the world How’s your emotional being? Are you stable? Mann pareshaan toh nahi?

Pre note: Sunday reads, pay attention to hyperlinks! 🚨15th June '25 | Sunday🚨

Daily Notes🗒

1. Ship Sinks, International politics, & India • Recent Accidents: MV Wan Hai 503 (Singapore) off Beypore; MSC Elza 3 (Liberian) sank off Kochi. • Bill of Lading: Legal doc issues by carrier to shipper to serve as receipt/contract for transportation • IMO Role: Regulates global chipping, enforcing conventions like SOLAS (safety) & HNS (Hazardous Substances Liability) • India’s Compliance: As IMO signatory, India adheres to conventions (e.g., 2004 Ballast Water, 2010 HNS) via Directorate General of Shipping. • Liability: Ship owner liable for cargo loss and environmental damage; HNS Convention ensures compensation. • Salvage Responsibility: Nairobi Convention (2007) mandates ship owner to salvage sunk vessels; state may intervene if risks persist. • Sinking Causes: Human errors, structural failures, or natural disasters; IMO standards aim to mitigate risks. 2. Vegetable oil to recover silver from e-waste • Silver Recovery from E-waste: Cooking oils (e.g., sunflower, groundnut) used to extract silver from mobile phones (100-200 mg) and laptops (350 mg), reducing reliance on strong acids. • Usage & Demand: Silver is critical in clean energy (10% from coal, 1.4 billion phones), with demand rising due to rooftop solar (GW) and electric vehicles. • Innovation: Finnish researchers (Smirnova, Repo) developed a solvent-free method, potentially increasing silver recovery by 170% and avoiding toxic waste. • Environmental Impact: Method uses organic fatty acids from daily oils, offering an efficient, eco-friendly alternative for urban mining of electronic waste. 3. Mallakhamb • Origin: blends aerial yoga and gymnastics on a pole, cane, or rope; from "malla" (wrestler) and "khamb" (pole). • History: Traced to 2nd century BCE pottery and Xuanzhang’s records; revived by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar in 19th century for Peshwa army. • Types: Pole (sheesham wood), rope, and hanging versions; pole debuted in competitions 1937, nationals since 1962. • Significance: Madhya Pradesh state sport (2013); Maharashtra hub; World Championship 2019, U.S. centers established. • Modern Era: Featured in Khelo India (2021) and National Games (2022); U.S. coaches target 2028 Olympics inclusion. 4. Soft Matter • Definition: Branch of science studying materials w/ weak forces, enabling shape changes & energy absorption • Examples: Includes building blocks of soft matter like: - heating can easily displace - nanoparticles in milk staying evenly mixed. - long polymer chains becoming entangled to make plastic flexible • Applications: To design better bike helmets w/ energy-absorbing foams, control ice cream crystals, air bubbles & stronger but light materials like aerogel nanolattices 5. Jumping Spider (Spartaeus karkiqi) • New Species Discovery: Identified in Karnataka, previously known only in SE Asia & Africa • Habitat: Spotted in rocky outcrops and egg clutch sites in Naduvilpuram (Tamil Nadu) and Karnataka. PS: Be a good friend, share these notes with a friend @CSEWhy

Pre note: Today is an auspicious day, start new things if you wish to! 🚨14th June '25 | Friday🚨

Daily Notes🗒

1. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) • Role & Structure: u/ Mo-Civil Aviation & a statutory body w/ 14 regional offices • Functions: Oversees aviation safety, licenses pilots and engineers, certifies aircraft, enforces Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs), regulates air transport, and coordinates with ICAO for global standards. • Recent Developments: Improved ICAO safety score (85.49%, 2022), issued drone certifications (e.g., Kisan Drones), fined Air India (Rs 90 lakh, 2024), and launched eGCA platform for efficient services. • Proposal: Plans to replace DGCA with a financially autonomous Civil Aviation Authority to enhance staffing, efficiency, and alignment with global standards, pending implementation. 2. Passage Exercise (PASSEX) • Event & Purpose: India & UK Navy exercise in North Arabian Sea to enhance interoperability, communication, and strategic collaboration for Indo-Pacific maritime security. • Key assets: INS Tabar (Talwar-class stealth frigate with BrahMos missiles) & P-8I (long-range patrol aircraft with a 1,200+ nautical mile range) showcasing advances naval capabilities (see above image for all major Indian exercises) 3. CSEWhy Blog on Global Gender Report

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recommendations📰

Indian Express 🗞 1. Old Conflict, new front (GS2: Iran-Israel nuclear run) PS: It's an auspicious day today, start new things if you wish to!

India has joined Khaan Quest exercise in Mongolia (22nd edition) of what started as a US-Mongolia and is now a multination activity. Compiled list of Indian Joint Military Exercises now that UPSC is asking Qs on it :)