Pre note: This is how toppers are decoding PYQs

🚨 11th September | Wednesday 🚨

Mains notes

1. Revise Polaris Dawn

2. NBWL

• Formed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Statutory body under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

• Advisory body for national policies

• Roles:

--> Approves projects impacting PAs;

--> Reviews developmental projects to assess their impact on wildlife habitats;

--> Recommends measures for the protection of endangered species and ecosystems

3. Hema Panel Report

• Formed: 2017 by Kerala govt, chaired by Justice Hema (Retd.), to investigate gender discrimination & harassment in Malayalam film industry

• Revealed widespread gender bias, sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions, and pay disparity for women in the industry.

• Called for equal pay, strict enforcement of workplace safety laws, creation of a grievance redressal body, and improved professional opportunities for women

• Full report remains unpublished, and there have been demands from women's groups like WCC for implementation

• Significance: Highlights systemic gender issues in India's film industry and underscores the need for institutional reforms to ensure women's safety and equality

Pre facts

1. National Research Foundation

• Objective: Boost research & innovation in STEM, social sciences, and humanities in India

• Operates under the Ministry of Education, coordinating with bodies like DST and UGC

• Funding: Centralized body providing significant financial support for research projects

• Focus: Promotes interdisciplinary research and industry-academia collaboration

• NEP 2020: Key part of NEP 2020, aimed at enhancing research capabilities in Indian universities

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Peace and its possibilities (Ideas page)
(GS2: IR)

2. The grave threat from AMR (Explained page)
(GS3: Snt)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. A panoramic view of 2024 China-Africa Summit (Editorial)
(GS2: Multilateralism)

2. Montelukast: Overused and dangerous (Opinions page)

3. On ANI’s defamation case against Wikipedia (Text&Context)
(GS2: Judgements)

P.S: How about getting current affairs update when others scroll? Join here

Pre note: Light newspaper today, revise from blog.csewhy.com

🚨 12th September | Thursday 🚨

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. The Start-Up Nation (Ideas page)
(GS3: Economy)

The Hindu 🗞

1. Perils of decentralisation with Chinese characteristics (Editorial)
(GS2: Governance)

2. India’s sickle cell challenge (Opinion’s page)

PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Pre note: Want to memorize all maps for UPSC? Here's the best way to do it.

🚨 13th September | Friday 🚨

Pre facts

1. Sanchi Stupa

• Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE

• Designated as UNESCO heritage site in 1989

• Major center for Buddhist learning and pilgrimage until the 12th century

• Rediscovered in 1818 by General Taylor, leading to archaeological excavations

Learn more about other UNESCO heritage sites

Mains notes

1. Universal Basic Income

• A social security program where all citizens receive a regular cash payment from the govt

Arguments For UBI

• Reduces poverty and income inequality

• Provides economic security and a safety net

• Encourages education, entrepreneurship, and creativity

Arguments Against UBI

• High fiscal cost for governments

• Potential reduction in work incentives

• Perceived unfairness in taxing workers to support non-workers

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Health cover for elderly (Explained page)
(GS2: Policies)

2. Recalling epic last stand of Saragarhi, 1897 (Explained page)
(GS1: History)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. What does dissolution of SCoS entail (Text&Context)
(GS2)

PS: Its last weekday!! How the last 5 days were for you?? LMK HERE

Pre note: Afternoon Newspaper sessions are the best ;)

🚨 14th September | Saturday 🚨

Mains notes

1. Helium in rockets

• Second lightest element; atomic number = 2; is inert, meaning it does not react or combust.

• These properties make helium ideal for rockets

5 key reasons for its use:

• It pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring a consistent flow of fuel to the engines

• It is crucial in cooling systems, particularly for storing rocket fuel and oxidizer at extremely low temperatures due to its low boiling point of -268.9°C

• As fuel is consumed, it fills empty space, keeping pressure inside the tanks stable

• It second lightest element. It helps keep rocket's weight low

2. Port Blair and historical context

• Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is being renamed Sri Vijaya Puram to honor its historical connection to the Chola Empire's maritime activities, particularly the conquest of Srivijaya in 1025 CE.

• Emperor Rajendra Chola I launched naval raids against Srivijaya, a powerful maritime kingdom in Southeast Asia, to expand trade routes and assert dominance over the region, which was critical for controlling maritime trade.

• The Chola navy executed a surprise attack from the south, targeting the capital Palembang, which caught Srivijaya off guard as their defenses were focused on expected northern assaults.

• Aftermath: The invasion led to the capture of King Sangrama Vijayottunggavarman and significant plunder, effectively ending Srivijaya's dominance in the region and marking a shift in power dynamics in Southeast Asia.

• Cultural Impact: The Chola invasion facilitated increased Tamil influence in Southeast Asia and established a legacy of maritime prowess that shaped trade and cultural exchanges in the region for centuries.

3. Open AI 01

• Enhances reasoning capabilities, achieving an 83% success rate in complex math problems

• Features advanced safety training, resulting in higher compliance with safety protocols

@CSEWhy Recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. The UN the World needs (Explained page)
(GS2: IR)

The Hindu 🗞️

1. The shock of crumbling infrastructure and its solution (Editorial)

PS: Do you favour changes in name of different places? Lmk here

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_5poVPtX8P/?igsh=d3UwM2VqcHlicG5y

Must watch video for all!!! 🙃😉

Pre note: Preparing PYQs + Constitution + Maps with ease?
NO!? THEN DO IT!!

🚨 15th September | Sunday 🚨

Mains Notes

1. Mission Mausam

• Launch & Budget: September 12, 2024; with ₹2,000 crore over two years

• Implementing Agencies: IMD, IITM and NCMRWF

• Aim: Enhance India's capacity in weather & climate science; focused on improving weather forecasting

Key Features

• Integration of next-generation radars & satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors

• Utilisation of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, & machine learning for accurate weather predictions

• Development of a GIS-based automated decision support system for real-time data dissemination

@CSEWhy recommendations

The Hindu 🗞️

1. What are the issues faced by EPFO pensioners? (FAQ page)
(GS2: Policies)

P.S: How do you plan to tackle the hurdles you faced this week? LMK here

Pre note: Start PYQs today, get the video classes & PDF notes for both Mains & Prelims here

🚨 16th September | Sunday 🚨

Pre Notes📝

1. Punganur Cow

• Smallest cattle breeds from Chittoor, AP
• Integral to local culture such as that of Ksheeraabhishekam at the Tirupati Thirumala Temple

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express

1. Powering ahead with competition
(GS2 & GS3: Constitution x Power)

2. Giving farms their due
(GS3: Agriculture)

3. A new dilemma: Food v/s Cars
(GS3: Agriculture & Industries)

4. Why Commons matter, how community is key to their well being?
(GS2: Forest Rights & related legislations)

The Hindu

1. The AM, FM & signal modulation [pg9]
(GS3: S&T)

2. Active noise control: destroying the din
(Learn for understanding)


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Hosting a giveaway on my Instagram

Participate here to get Free Books 😍👇🏼

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Pre note: Light newspaper day today!! Revise CAs here

🚨 17th September | Tuesday 🚨

Mains notes

1. The PM SHRI Scheme

@CSEWhy Recommendations

The Hindu 🗞️

1. How do emergency provisions impact centre state relations? (Text&Context)
(GS2: Law and governance)

PS: Want a FREE copy of 10 Judgements that changed India?? Participate here

Pre note: WHYPower?

🚨 18th September | Wednesday 🚨

Mains Notes

1. Portugal wildfire

• Location: Central and northern Portugal, mainly in forested areas


• 2017 Disaster: Over 100 deaths, especially in Pedrógão Grande due to heatwaves and winds


• 2022 Fires: Affected over 30,000 hectares in regions like Leiria and Caldas da Rainha


• Causes: Climate change (droughts, heatwaves) and human activity (arson, poor land management)


• Impact: Environmental damage (deforestation, biodiversity loss), economic losses, and public health issues (respiratory problems)


• Response: Improved fire prevention, better forest management, and international aid (EU support)

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Reaping the silver dividend (Editorial)
(GS2: Policies)

2. Nature of J&K assembly (Explained page)
(GS2: Laws and Acts)

The Hindu 🗞

1. Demographic advantage, Indian economy’s sweet spot (Editorial)
(GS3: Economy)

PS: Win free copy of 10 judgements that changed India in this CSEWhy giveaway

Friends, I have made your life easier by compiling notes on One Nation One Election on my blog

Visit, revise & subscribe for FREE with your email

https://blog.csewhy.com/p/278-one-nation-one-election

Shukrayaan

Aim:
Study Venus's atmosphere, surface, & geological activity

Scientific Objectives:

• Surface & Subsurface Studies
Stratigraphy & Geological activities

• Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics
Composition, dynamics & processes of atmosphere

• Interaction with Solar Wind
Behavior of Venus's ionosphere towards solar wind

Other details

• Budget: ₹1236 crore

• Timeline: Expected launch March 2028

Conclusion

Shukrayaan underscores India's growing role in planetary science

Mission represents blend of pride, scientific curiosity & int'l collab in space exploration with France playing a crucial role in navigation & aerobraking tech

Pre note: ONOE is here, read the blog here

🚨 19th September | Thursday 🚨

Pre Notes

1. Blue renewable energy sources

• Refers to energy harnessed from aquatic ecosystems. eg: Tidal energy, wave energy, etc.

2. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

• Estd 1999; in Hyd u/ Ministry of Earth Sciences

• Provides ocean information & advisory services to various stakeholders using oceanographic data and technology

• It is part of India's Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to explore the deep-sea resources of the Indian Ocean and develop related technologies.

Mains Notes

1. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan

• Launch: 2018 to ensure remunerative prices to farmers for their produce & protect them from price fluctuations

• Key Focus: Price support, price deficiency payment, and private procurement.

• Three Schemes under PM-AASHA:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Government agencies procure crops directly from farmers at MSP (Minimum Support Price)

2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Farmers are paid the difference between MSP and market price if the latter is lower

3. Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS): Encourages private sector participation in procurement when market prices fall below MSP

• Target Crops: Oilseeds, pulses, and copra.

• Implementation: Through states and central nodal agencies like NAFED.

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Why India wants ‘Review & Modification’ of Indus Water Treaty (Explained page)
(GS2: International treaties)

2. Earth to temporarily get a mini moon (Explained page)
(GS3: Space)

The Hindu 🗞

1. In wilmington, juxtaposing immediacy with legacy (Editorial)
(GS2: IR)

2. Can Sheikh Hasina be extradited (Text&Context)
(GS2: Treaties)

3. Superfast lasers open shortcut to hard drives of the future (Science page)
(GS3: SnT)

PS: need any help? write to me at whycse@gmail.com

@CSEWhy

Essay Paper 2024 Mains

SECTION A

1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.

2. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.

3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.

4. The doubter is a true man of science.

SECTION B

5. Social media is triggering 'Fear of Missing Out' amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.

6. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.

7. All ideas having large consequences are always simple.

8. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.

Which two would you write?

Drop in replies 👇🏼

@CSEWhy

Join https://t.me/csewhychat to interact on posts in this group

21 days PYQ challenge will be up through this group :)

Pre note: 21 day PYQs challenge starts today on Telegram too, join CSEWhyChat Group

🚨 20th September | Friday 🚨

Pre Notes

1. Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis)

• Breed in SE Siberia, north China & Mongolia

• Known for longest migration journeys migrating as far as Southern Africa in winters; crossing India on the way

• Nagaland is a significant stopover w/ Doyang Lake seeing thousands of these during Oct-Nov

• Hunted in Nagaland seeing massive prevention campaign to reduce hunting

• Protection Status: Listed u/ Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in India,

Conservation Concerns:

- IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC), but they face threats due to habitat destruction and hunting in certain regions

- Community Participation: The success story of Nagaland has become an example of community-led wildlife conservation

- Ecological Importance: Amur falcons play a vital role in controlling insect populations (especially termites) during their migration across continents

@CSEWhy recommendations

Indian Express 📰

1. Disagree column (Explained page)
(GS2: Policies)

2. Why US Fed cut interest rates, how India could be impacted (Explained page)
(GS3: Economy)

The Hindu 🗞

1. India’s place in Russia-Ukraine peacemaking (Editorial)
(GS2: IR)

2. Harappan civilization: enigma remains even after 10 years of exploration (PG: 15)
(GS1: History)

PS: Join @CSEWhyPlanB

Day 1 | 21 Days PYQ Challenge

This Q was asked thrice in UPSC PYQs

1. Attempt with Answer

2. Share your knowledge about
a) CO:
b) NO:
c) O3:
d) SO2:

Will share answers to both 1 & 2 in eve.

But the catch is this!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

Same Q asked in 1988-2010-2013-2022

See for yourself how PYQs benefit you

(Get 16 year PYQs notes + Video explanations & a lot more at master.csewhy.com/whypower)