Pre note: Subscribe to my free blog here & receive Current Affairs on your email

🚨 7th August | Wednesday 🚨

Mains facts

1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• Chair: PM, formed in 2006 u/ DM Act 2005

• Comprises a National Executive Committee to assist in its functions

• Role: coordinate responses to natural/man-made disasters, ensuring effective disaster management

• Approves the National Disaster Plan, lays down policies, and provides guidelines for state authorities and ministries

Pre facts

1. Cryoconite

• Powdery dust on glaciers comprising of small rock particles, soot & microbes

• Accumulates on snow & absorbs solar radiation → melting underlying ice

2. Revise Ayushman Bharat and other flagship schemes here

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. Govt. Spent 14% of funds under Ayushman Bharat on those over 70 years (Express network)
(GS2: Schemes)

2. Realpolitik can be green (The ideas page)
(GS3: Renewable energy)

3. The Rawalpindi factor (The ideas page)
(GS2: IR)

4. GST on health insurance (Explained page)
(GS3: Budget and Tax)

5. In water starved Punjab, plans for new canal....(Explained page)
(GS3: Development)

The Hindu 📰

1. Powering up to get to the $30 trillion economy point (Editorial)
(GS3: Economics)

2. Counting the 'poor' having nutritional deficiency (Opinion page)
(GS2: Social issues)

3. On U.P's strict anti-conversion law (Text&Context)
(GS2: Acts and Policies)

4. Earthquake 2,500 years ago abruptly changed Ganga river's course (Science page)
(GS1: Geography)

PS: Avoid any form of stress that eats you up! Your mind over anything. :)

Pre note: Get started for UPSC 2025 with CSEWhy Pre Mastery Kit here

🚨 8th August | Thursday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Rashtriya Vigyan Awards

• Vigyan Ratna
Life time achievements & contributions made in science

• Vigyan Shree
Distinguished contributions in science

• Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
Encourage young scientists who’ve made distinguished contribution

• Vigyan Team
Scientific team of 3 or more who’ve made exceptional contributions

Mains notes

1. Pyrocumulonimbus cloud

• Thunderstorm clouds resulting from intense heat of large wildfires & volcanic eruptions

• Hot air rises rapidly in atmosphere and cools leading to condensation of vapor forming a cloud

• If this updraft is strong w/ strong moisture, cloud can develop into pyrocumulonimbus

Environmental Impact:

1. Aerosol pollution

Presence of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere, which can originate from both natural and anthropogenic (human-made) sources

Reading recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. Policing piety (Editorial)
(GS2: Policies)

2. A crime against Women (Opinions page)
(GS2: Social issues)

The Hindu 📰

1. A close look at beefing of Jammu’s counter-terror grid (Editorial)
(GS3: Internal security)

2. Court shifts the tide on stray dogs policy (Ideas page)
(GS2: SC Judgement)

PS: Keep smiling. Keep your morale high.

Pre note: Today's IE's 'The Explained page' is a gem-mine. Dig it hard.

🚨 9th August | Friday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Kantaji Temple ( Kantajew Temple)

• Built by Maharaja Pran Nath (1704 AD to 1752 AD) and completed by his adopted son Ram Nath, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his wife, Rukmini.

• It reflects the artistic creativity of Bengal's late-medieval period

• It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005

Mains related terms

1. Just transition

• A framework for securing workers' rights during shifts to sustainable production

• In respect to climate change: It refers to a framework aimed at ensuring that the shift from a high-carbon economy to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive, particularly for workers and communities affected by this transition

Reading recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Doing well on well being (The Ideas page)
(GS2/GS3: Social issues and Budget)

2. Govt's proposed curbs on online content....(The explained page)
(GS2: Policies)

3. Proposed changes to Waqf law (The explained page)
(GS2: Laws and acts)

4. What's causing Antarctica's deep water heatwave...(The explained page)
(GS3: Climate)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. A moment for just transition litigation to take wing (Editorial)
(GS2/GS3: Policies and Climate change)

2. Change in Bangladesh, the challenges for India (Editorial)
(GS2: IR)

3. On monetary policy and financial markets (Text&Context)
(GS3: Economy)

4. Why Himalayan towns need a different kind of development (Text&Context)
(GS3: Development)

P.S: New to prep? DM me on Instagram with your queries 😉

Pre note: Light Newspaper today! Focus on revision!

🚨 10th August | Saturday🚨

Pre facts

1. Govt: ‘creamy layer’ not applicable to SC, ST quota

Reading recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Sub-Quota red hearings (Editorial)
(GS2: SC Judgement and reservation)

The Hindu 🗞

1. Refugee rights, the gendered nature of displacement (Editorial)
(GS2: Social issues)

2. India to roll out new treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB (PG: 10)

P.S: Which book do you think is a must read for aspirants (other than UPSC centric)? LMK on my Instagram :)

Pre note: A good Sunday morning; plan tight; prepare best!

🚨 11th August | Sunday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Vishalgad fort

• Built in 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh and was initially known as Khilgil

• In 1209, the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri defeated Shilaharas and captured the fort

• Allauddin Khilji defeated King Ramchandra of the Seuna Yadavas in 1309 and the fort came under the Khilji dynasty

Reading recommendations

The Hindu 🗞️

1. Glacial lakes multiply in Himachal and Tibet, poses threat to lives and infra downstream (PG: 8)
(GS3: Climate change)

2. Why are India’s ‘Gaganyatris’ going to the ISS? (Editorial)
(GS3: SnT)

3. How will Sheikh Hasina’s exit impact India? (Editorial)
(GS2: IR, Understand complete story here)

P.S: Did you plan your next week? Here’s the perfect time-table template to plan your week.

Pre note: Still waiting for your chance to get Mentorship? Apply here

🚨 12th August | Monday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Megaquake advisory by Japan

• An earthquake with magnitude > 8 is Megaquake

• Nankai trough has produced a megaquake every 100-150 years

• Japan is predicting another megaquake in next 30 years

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. Modi releases 109 high yield, climate resilient crop varieties (Govt&Politics)
(GS3: Climate change and SnT)

2. Provision to keep local trials for certain drugs: regulator's rationale (Explained)

3. How centre's clean plant programmes plans to boost production of fruits (Explained page)
(GS2: Policies)

The Hindu 📰

1. On amendments to the Waqf act (Text&Context)
(GS2: Acts and Laws)

PS: What challenge are you facing regarding your UPSC prep? Help me help you

Pre note: if you think you can, you can. if you can't, you can't.

🚨 13th August | Tuesday 🚨

Mains facts

1. Collision avoidance system

• Collection of technologies which coordinate together to clear the path of vehicle

• They calculate the distance b/w two moving bodies and their speed. If it anticipates sudden drop in the distance b/w two bodies, it automatically deploys emergency brakes

• Kavach is an Indian CAS. It has 3 xomponents i.e Computer, Communication and Control

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. After Olympics, a question (The ideas page)

2. How Tungabhadra dam swept away, why farmers are fearful (Explained page)
(GS3: Infra development)

The Hindu 📰

1. Disinformation, AI and ‘cyber chakravyuh’ (Editorial)
(GS2/GS3: IRs and internal security)

PS: Did you join @CSEWhyPlanB?

Pre note: Big news coming today! 😄

🚨 14th August | Wednesday 🚨

Pre facts

1. DDoS attack

• Distributed Denial of Service attack
• Artificially flooding mass users on online server to fulfill maligned intentions

Mains facts

1. Ballast Water (BW)

• Water that ships use to maintain balance while loading/off-loading cargo
• In news: Reported to transport invasive species
• BW Management convention of IMO governs it
• India isn't a signatory to this convention

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. A caveat in the jobs data (The ideas page)

The Hindu 📰

1. The shock effect of south asia tumult (Editorial)
(GS2: IR)

2. An overview of governance in Delhi (Text&Context)
(GS2: Governance)

3. The melting of polar ice due to climate change...(Science page)
(GS3: Climate change)

PS: Maps, Pre & Mains PYQs in one place. Coming soon!

Opportunity for those who have given a UPSC CSE interview

• Short term paid project (7-10 days)
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78th Independence Day 🇮🇳

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Pre note: Make most of the Independence Day Sale 😁🫰🏻

🚨 15th August | Thursday 🚨

Pre facts

1. SC allowed states to collect Mineral Tax dues from April 1, 2005

2. WHO: Monkeypox is now a global public health emergency

3. City of Pompeii

• It is an ancient Roman city near Naples, Italy, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE

• The city, home to 10,000-20,000 inhabitants, was remarkably preserved under volcanic ash, revealing insights into Roman life, architecture, and culture.

• Rediscovered in 1748, it earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997

• In news coz of discovery of skeletol remains of victims of destruction in 79AD

Reading recommendations

Indian Express

1. Our freedom, our constitution (The Ideas page)
(GS2: Constitution)

2. A plan for the young (The Ideas page)
(GS2: Policies)

3. Why Delhi HC is hearing plea against….(Explained page)
(GS2: Laws and acts)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. The trial that progressed rapidly towards Independence (Editorial)
(GS1: Freedom struggle)

P.S: Which freedom fighter’s ideology inspired you the most? LMK on Instagram

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Pre note: Get WHYPower to master Pre/Mains PYQs, Constitution & Mapping for UPSC25

🚨 16th August | Friday 🚨

Mains facts

1. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• It aims to replace personal laws based on religious customs with a common set of laws

• Article 44 mandates the state to secure a UCC to promote equality and justice

• It seeks to enhance gender equality, simplify legal procedures, and promote national integration by ensuring uniformity in personal laws related to marriage, inheritance, and divorce

• Implementation faces resistance due to concerns over minority rights, cultural diversity, and the patriarchal mindset prevalent in society

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. Why latest mpox outbreak is 'Emergency of International concern' (Explained page)

2. A financing challenge (Editorial)
(GS3: Economy)

The Hindu 📰

1. How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled (Text&Context)
(GS2: Social issues)

PS: Subscribe to my free CA blog: blog.csewhy.com

Pre note: Subscribe blog.csewhy.com

🚨 17th August | Saturday 🚨

Mains facts

1. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• Its a lightweight launch vehicle developed by ISRO, designed to transport satellites weighing < 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 500 km altitude

• 34m long, 2m in diameter, and weighs approximately 120 tons

• Comprises three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) for precise orbit insertion

• Efficiency: Integrates in just 72 hours with minimal personnel, compared to PSLV's 70 days

• Aims to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches, particularly from developing countries and private sectors

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. Making it right (Editorial)
(GS2: Social issues and Policies)

2. Questions in cosmic history (Explained page)
(GS3: Science and space)

The Hindu 📰

1. The essence of India's inflation problem (Editorial)
(GS3: Economics)

PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Give a headstart to your day, plan your week!!

🚨 18th August | Sunday 🚨

Mains notes

1. Mpox (Monkey Pox)

• Mpox is zoonotic (Animals → Humans)

• Monkeypox virus belongs to Orthopoxvirus genus from Poxviridae family

• Symptoms include Rashes, Blisters, Fever, Sore throat, Headache, Muscle ache, Back pain, Swollen Lymph Nodes

• No available treatment contemporarily

*In the news due to recent outbreaks in Pakistan, Sweden and Africa.

Reading recommendations

The Hindu 🗞️

1. India needs to lift job growth via reforms: IMF’s Gopinath (Business page)
(GS3: Economy)

2. Do doctors need a central protection act? (Editorial)
(GS2: Policies and Social Issues)

P.S: Follow @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Celebrate Rakhi, Gift yourself much needed UPSC 2025 mentorship 💪🏻

🚨 19th August | Monday 🚨

Mains notes

1. Lateral entry in bureaucracy

• Lateral entry into bureaucracy refers to the recruitment of specialists from outside the traditional civil services, primarily aimed at enhancing the expertise and efficiency within government departments

• It began in 2018, the current recruitment includes 10 posts for Joint Secretaries and 35 for Directors/Deputy Secretaries

• Appointments are typically for a period of three to five years

• Candidates for Joint Secretary positions must have at least 15 years of relevant work experience, while those applying for Director roles need a minimum of 10 years

• These positions are unreserved for SC, ST or OBC

Rationale Behind Lateral Entry

• Recommendations from NITI Aayog in 2017

• Fresh Talent and Expertise

• Addressing Skill Gaps

Criticisms and Challenges

• Lack of Reservation

• Transparency Issues

• Internal Resistance

• Cultural Transition

2. Hurricane Ernesto

Hurricane Ernesto, which formed in August 2024, has had significant impacts on the Caribbean and Bermuda. Here are the key facts regarding this storm:

• Ernesto was first identified as a tropical storm on August 14, 2024, and quickly intensified into a hurricane by August 16, making landfall in Bermuda early on August 16

• The storm caused significant disruptions, with over 50% of Bermuda's population (approximately 26,100 out of 36,000 customers) losing power due to the storm's intensity

• Ernesto dumped between 7 to 9 inches (175 to 225 mm) of rain on Bermuda, resulting in considerable flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas

Aftermath and Current Status

• Following its impact on Bermuda, Ernesto was downgraded to a tropical storm on August 18, 2024. However, it was expected to regain hurricane strength as it moved northeast into the Atlantic

• The National Hurricane Center warned of hazardous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, with alerts issued from Florida to Maine due to the storm's residual effects

• Prior to reaching Bermuda, Ernesto caused significant damage in Puerto Rico, where it left over 180,000 people without power and water

• The storm has been linked to at least 11 fatalities across the Caribbean

Reading recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. The path runs through field (The ideas page)

2. Why districts created in 2016 are now under spotlight in Manipur (Explained page)
(GS2: Policies)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. New migrant realities in Karnataka’s gig sector (Editorial)(GS2: Social issues and Policies)

2. How a foreign covert group was using ChatGPT to influence U.S. elections (Text&Context)
(GS3: Internal Security)

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🚨 20th August | Tuesday 🚨

Pre notes

1. Operation Parakram

Military mobilization by India responding to parliament attack on December 13, 2001

Background

• Launched in December 2001

• Aimed at demonstrating military strength & deterring Pak from supporting terrorism in Kashmir

2. Women & Child development ministry: Single parents can now foster children and adopt them after 2 years

Mains notes

1. The Banni Grasslands Reserve is an ecological area located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India

• Situated on the southern edge of the Rann of Kutch, covering 3,847 sq kms

• It comprises a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and salt flats

• The area hosts: Indian wolf, Asiatic wild ass, Indian bustard, and blackbuck

It supports over 275 bird species, including migratory birds like flamingos and cranes during the monsoon season

Historical Context

• "Banni" derives from the Hindi word "banai," meaning "made," referring to land formed from sediment deposits of the Indus River

• The region was fertile until the 1819 earthquake altered the river's course, leading to aridity

• It is home to Maldhari pastoralists, primarily from tribes like Jat, Mutwa, and Hingora

Conservation Status

• Declared a protected forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1927, legally protected since May 1955

• The Wildlife Institute of India recognizes Banni as a potential reintroduction site for the Indian cheetah

Environmental Concerns

• They face challenges from overgrazing, invasive plant species, and climate change

Reading recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Steady in the storm (Editorial)
(GS3: SnT)

2. Could Hasina be extradited (Explained page)
(GS2: IR)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. The tyranny of inequality (The opinion’s page)
(Ethics)

P.S: Click here to revise all important blogs at one place.

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Pre note: Get WHYPower (Comprehensive Mains & Pre PYQs course)

🚨 21st August | Wednesday 🚨

Mains keywords

1. Collective diplomacy

• Practice of countries working together through diplomatic means to achieve common goals

Quotes

Who rules east europe commands the heart-land; who rules the heart-land commands the world-island; who rules the world-island commands the world.
--- Halford Mackinder (20th century British geopolitical thinker)

Reading Recommendations

Indian Express 🗞

1. Delhi to Kyiv via Warsaw (Editorial)
(GS2: IR)

2. A new nasal spray to treat life threatening allergic reactions (Explained page)
(GS3: SnT)

3. New study suggests liquid water deep inside Martian rocks (Explained page)
(GS3: SnT)

The Hindu 📰

1. A ground plan for sustainable mass development (Editorial)
(GS2: Social issues and Policies)

2. West Asia crisis spells tough choices fir Russia, China (Editorial)
(GS2: IR)

3. On the ethanol blending programme (Text&Context)
(GS3: Energy)

4. How blood tests for cancer screening can save lives (Science page)
(GS3: SnT)


PS: Send your essays for Free evaluation till 24th Aug to whycse@gmail.com [Note: must be written in last 1 week]