@CSEWhy Times – Dec 21, 2025
spend time with today's Science & Explained in The Hindu. no particular notes, read the articles by self :)
spend time with today's Science & Explained in The Hindu. no particular notes, read the articles by self :)
Species in the News.
Very important topic,
UPSC asks questions from this area every year.
Don't miss these easy marks in the exam,save it.😊
Very important topic,
UPSC asks questions from this area every year.
Don't miss these easy marks in the exam,save it.😊
❤24
@CSEWhy Times – Dec 22, 2025
1. Superkilonova: double whammy
What happened
Astronomers identified evidence of a rare cosmic event called a superkilonova, observed about 1.3 billion light-years away.
What is it
A superkilonova occurs when a massive star explodes into two neutron stars (supernova), which later merge to produce a kilonova.
Why it is different
Unlike a normal kilonova, additional energy comes from fallback material heating the ejecta, making it brighter, bluer, and longer-lasting.
Why it matters
Such events help explain the origin of heavy elements like gold and platinum and improve understanding of extreme stellar evolution.
2. Curbing elephant deaths on railway tracks
What happened
A passenger train hit and killed elephants in Assam, renewing focus on wildlife deaths caused by rail infrastructure.
The scale of the problem
Train collisions are a leading cause of elephant deaths in India, alongside electrocution and habitat fragmentation.
Current solutions
AI-based early warning systems, camera traps, GPS telemetry, and sensor-based alerts are being piloted in several railway zones.
What works best
Well-designed wildlife crossings (underpasses, overpasses) combined with fencing can reduce mortality by up to 98%.
Why it matters
Balancing infrastructure expansion with biodiversity protection is critical in elephant corridors and forest landscapes.
Indian Express🗞
1. GDP is growing why isn’t private capex?
2. Reforming fertilizer subsidy demands political courage, offer high rewards
3. Not English, neglect of rich bhashas is the problem
The Hindu 📰
1. Unlocking the potential of India-Africa economic ties
2. What is Aland voter fraud case?
Pre & Mains Notes
1. Superkilonova: double whammy
What happened
Astronomers identified evidence of a rare cosmic event called a superkilonova, observed about 1.3 billion light-years away.
What is it
A superkilonova occurs when a massive star explodes into two neutron stars (supernova), which later merge to produce a kilonova.
Why it is different
Unlike a normal kilonova, additional energy comes from fallback material heating the ejecta, making it brighter, bluer, and longer-lasting.
Why it matters
Such events help explain the origin of heavy elements like gold and platinum and improve understanding of extreme stellar evolution.
2. Curbing elephant deaths on railway tracks
What happened
A passenger train hit and killed elephants in Assam, renewing focus on wildlife deaths caused by rail infrastructure.
The scale of the problem
Train collisions are a leading cause of elephant deaths in India, alongside electrocution and habitat fragmentation.
Current solutions
AI-based early warning systems, camera traps, GPS telemetry, and sensor-based alerts are being piloted in several railway zones.
What works best
Well-designed wildlife crossings (underpasses, overpasses) combined with fencing can reduce mortality by up to 98%.
Why it matters
Balancing infrastructure expansion with biodiversity protection is critical in elephant corridors and forest landscapes.
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express🗞
1. GDP is growing why isn’t private capex?
2. Reforming fertilizer subsidy demands political courage, offer high rewards
3. Not English, neglect of rich bhashas is the problem
The Hindu 📰
1. Unlocking the potential of India-Africa economic ties
2. What is Aland voter fraud case?
❤5👍2🐳1
@CSEWhy Times – Dec 23, 2025
Indian Express🗞
1. In Bangladesh, fake promises and a false enemy
(read for awareness)
2. Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining
(just read for basic awareness)
The Hindu 📰
1. Putin’s visit to India and the aftermath
(don't be worried if you don't understand this)
2. On the right to a healthy environment
(imp read)
3. How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris?
(fun read on upcoming industry)
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express🗞
1. In Bangladesh, fake promises and a false enemy
(read for awareness)
2. Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining
(just read for basic awareness)
The Hindu 📰
1. Putin’s visit to India and the aftermath
(don't be worried if you don't understand this)
2. On the right to a healthy environment
(imp read)
3. How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris?
(fun read on upcoming industry)
❤8😘1
Pre & Mains Notes
1) Maternal mortality declined with rise in institutional deliveries
What happened
• Institutional deliveries increased to 89%, contributing to a significant decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
Key facts / concepts
• Institutional delivery means childbirth conducted in health facilities under trained medical personnel.
• Expansion of healthcare infrastructure includes medical colleges and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• Two new medical colleges in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, are being set up under PPP model.
UPSC angles
• Prelims: institutional delivery as a key public health indicator.
• Mains: linkage between healthcare infrastructure and maternal health outcomes.
---
2) Need to tackle misinformation and digital fraud
What happened
• President of India called for addressing misinformation and digital fraud at individual, institutional, and community levels.
Key facts / concepts
• Digital fraud includes phishing, online abuse, and misuse of digital platforms.
• Social media has both constructive and destructive potential for national security.
• Fundamental Duties assign responsibility to citizens for safeguarding national unity and integrity.
UPSC angles
• Mains: misinformation as a non-traditional internal security challenge.
• Prelims: citizen duties related to national security.
---
3) Critical minerals essential for national security and technological sovereignty
What happened
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals for defence and technology.
Key facts / concepts
• Modern defence systems depend on minerals for missiles, radars, satellites, batteries, and semiconductors.
• Critical mineral supply chains are highly concentrated and geopolitically vulnerable.
• India has launched initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission.
UPSC angles
• Prelims: examples and uses of critical minerals.
• Mains: mineral security and strategic autonomy.
---
4) 100 years of Radio Ceylon and regional broadcasting
What happened
• Radio Ceylon completed 100 years since beginning broadcasts in December 1925.
Key facts / concepts
• One of the world’s oldest radio broadcasters and the first in Asia.
• Operated as Radio SEAC during World War II; reverted to Radio Ceylon after Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948.
• Broadcast multilingual content across South Asia, creating a shared cultural space.
UPSC angles
• Prelims: early broadcasting history in South Asia.
• Mains: role of media in cultural integration across regions.
❤5🐳5
India's Rice line is interesting BUT do you know Premium rice quality?
See😉👇
These are traditional varieties mentioned by PM Modi in his blog.
Mapillai Samba
• Traditional rice of Tamil Nadu
• High nutritional value
• Linked with strength & stamina
• Symbol of agrobiodiversity conservation
Karuppu Kavuni
• Traditional rice of Tamil Nadu
• Indigenous black rice variety
• Rich in anthocyanins (antioxidants)
• Used in nutraceutical & health foods
Save this post for UPSC😊
See😉👇
These are traditional varieties mentioned by PM Modi in his blog.
Mapillai Samba
• Traditional rice of Tamil Nadu
• High nutritional value
• Linked with strength & stamina
• Symbol of agrobiodiversity conservation
Karuppu Kavuni
• Traditional rice of Tamil Nadu
• Indigenous black rice variety
• Rich in anthocyanins (antioxidants)
• Used in nutraceutical & health foods
Save this post for UPSC😊
❤15
@CSEWhy Times – Dec 26, 2025
(see next text)
Indian Express🗞
1. Japan to test mine rare-earth mud from deep seabed.
2.The good news is,lower-income states are catching up(Editorial)
3.In Indian ocean region,100 villages to be tsunami-ready.
4.In HC suspension of Sengar sentence,the key role of 'public servant' definition.
The Hindu 📰
1.A year of dissipating promises for Indian foreign policy(Editorial)
2.The urban future with cities as dynamic ecosystems(Editorial)
Pre & Mains Notes
(see next text)
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express🗞
1. Japan to test mine rare-earth mud from deep seabed.
2.The good news is,lower-income states are catching up(Editorial)
3.In Indian ocean region,100 villages to be tsunami-ready.
4.In HC suspension of Sengar sentence,the key role of 'public servant' definition.
The Hindu 📰
1.A year of dissipating promises for Indian foreign policy(Editorial)
2.The urban future with cities as dynamic ecosystems(Editorial)
❤2
1) Indian Army Social Media Policy Revision
Key Points
• Indian Army revised its social media guidelines to allow passive participation by personnel.
• Access permitted only for viewing and monitoring content, not interaction.
• Platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube allowed only in restricted-use mode.
• Active engagement including posting, commenting, sharing, messaging remains prohibited.
• Limited use of messaging apps allowed only for unclassified information with known individuals.
• Policy issued by Army HQ through the Directorate General of Military Intelligence (DGMI).
Why in News?
• Indian Army relaxed earlier blanket restrictions on social media usage for its personnel.
Mains Relevance
• GS3: Balancing operational security with controlled use of digital platforms in armed forces.
• GS3: Cyber security and information warfare concerns in defence institutions.
Prelims Pointers
• Passive participation means viewing content without interaction.
• DGMI functions under Army Headquarters.
• Active social media engagement remains prohibited.
2) ISRO’s Expanding Launch Capabilities
Key Points
• ISRO launched LVM3-M6 carrying a 6,100 kg commercial satellite.
• Demonstrated heavy-lift capability for low Earth and geosynchronous orbits.
• Achieved satellite docking and undocking through SpaDeX mission.
• Conducted NISAR, a joint India–US Earth observation mission.
• Targeting multiple launches including uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.
Why in News?
• ISRO concluded the year with milestone launches showcasing new technological capabilities.
Mains Relevance
• GS3: Advancement of indigenous space technology and strategic autonomy.
• GS2: International collaboration in space science and commercial space economy.
Prelims Pointers
• LVM3 is India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.
• NISAR uses dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar.
• Gaganyaan is India’s human spaceflight programme.
3) Judicial Review of Special Marriage Act Provisions
Key Points
• Delhi High Court can test constitutional validity of Special Marriage Act provisions.
• Challenge concerns mandatory 30-day public notice under Sections 6 and 7.
• Petitioners cite violation of privacy, liberty, and personal autonomy.
• Supreme Court declined transfer of case from Delhi High Court.
• Similar issue pending before Supreme Court in another petition.
Why in News?
• Delhi High Court resumed hearing after Supreme Court rejected Centre’s transfer plea.
Mains Relevance
• GS2: Judicial review of legislation vis-à-vis fundamental rights.
• GS2: Tension between individual privacy and state regulation of marriage.
Prelims Pointers
• Special Marriage Act enacted in 1954.
• Section 6 mandates public notice of intended marriage.
• Section 7 deals with objections to marriage.
4) Rabies as a Public Health Challenge in India
Key Points
• India accounts for nearly 20,000 rabies deaths annually, the highest globally.
• Rabies is endemic in India and dogs are the primary reservoir.
• Poor access and affordability of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Acute shortage of rabies immunoglobulin.
• Control requires dog vaccination, sterilisation, and public awareness.
Why in News?
• Reports highlighted India’s high rabies burden and healthcare gaps.
Mains Relevance
• GS2: Public health governance and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
• GS2: Role of local bodies in animal control and disease prevention.
Prelims Pointers
• Rabies is caused by a Lyssavirus.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis includes wound washing, vaccine, and immunoglobulin.
• Rabies is 100 percent fatal but preventable.
Key Points
• Indian Army revised its social media guidelines to allow passive participation by personnel.
• Access permitted only for viewing and monitoring content, not interaction.
• Platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube allowed only in restricted-use mode.
• Active engagement including posting, commenting, sharing, messaging remains prohibited.
• Limited use of messaging apps allowed only for unclassified information with known individuals.
• Policy issued by Army HQ through the Directorate General of Military Intelligence (DGMI).
Why in News?
• Indian Army relaxed earlier blanket restrictions on social media usage for its personnel.
Mains Relevance
• GS3: Balancing operational security with controlled use of digital platforms in armed forces.
• GS3: Cyber security and information warfare concerns in defence institutions.
Prelims Pointers
• Passive participation means viewing content without interaction.
• DGMI functions under Army Headquarters.
• Active social media engagement remains prohibited.
2) ISRO’s Expanding Launch Capabilities
Key Points
• ISRO launched LVM3-M6 carrying a 6,100 kg commercial satellite.
• Demonstrated heavy-lift capability for low Earth and geosynchronous orbits.
• Achieved satellite docking and undocking through SpaDeX mission.
• Conducted NISAR, a joint India–US Earth observation mission.
• Targeting multiple launches including uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.
Why in News?
• ISRO concluded the year with milestone launches showcasing new technological capabilities.
Mains Relevance
• GS3: Advancement of indigenous space technology and strategic autonomy.
• GS2: International collaboration in space science and commercial space economy.
Prelims Pointers
• LVM3 is India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.
• NISAR uses dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar.
• Gaganyaan is India’s human spaceflight programme.
3) Judicial Review of Special Marriage Act Provisions
Key Points
• Delhi High Court can test constitutional validity of Special Marriage Act provisions.
• Challenge concerns mandatory 30-day public notice under Sections 6 and 7.
• Petitioners cite violation of privacy, liberty, and personal autonomy.
• Supreme Court declined transfer of case from Delhi High Court.
• Similar issue pending before Supreme Court in another petition.
Why in News?
• Delhi High Court resumed hearing after Supreme Court rejected Centre’s transfer plea.
Mains Relevance
• GS2: Judicial review of legislation vis-à-vis fundamental rights.
• GS2: Tension between individual privacy and state regulation of marriage.
Prelims Pointers
• Special Marriage Act enacted in 1954.
• Section 6 mandates public notice of intended marriage.
• Section 7 deals with objections to marriage.
4) Rabies as a Public Health Challenge in India
Key Points
• India accounts for nearly 20,000 rabies deaths annually, the highest globally.
• Rabies is endemic in India and dogs are the primary reservoir.
• Poor access and affordability of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Acute shortage of rabies immunoglobulin.
• Control requires dog vaccination, sterilisation, and public awareness.
Why in News?
• Reports highlighted India’s high rabies burden and healthcare gaps.
Mains Relevance
• GS2: Public health governance and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
• GS2: Role of local bodies in animal control and disease prevention.
Prelims Pointers
• Rabies is caused by a Lyssavirus.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis includes wound washing, vaccine, and immunoglobulin.
• Rabies is 100 percent fatal but preventable.
❤19
This question on languages was asked in UPSC Prelims 2024,
How to remember the languages added later via CAAs?
Trick:-
Sindhi Konkan MaN BDSM
Sindhi - 21st CAA
Konkani,Manipuri,Nepali - 71st CAA
Bodo,Dongri,Santhali,Maithili - 92nd CAA
Save this post and revise😊
How to remember the languages added later via CAAs?
Trick:-
Sindhi Konkan MaN BDSM
Sindhi - 21st CAA
Konkani,Manipuri,Nepali - 71st CAA
Bodo,Dongri,Santhali,Maithili - 92nd CAA
Save this post and revise😊
❤25😍3