@CSEWhy Times - Feb 22, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. Indigenous Td Vaccine under UIP

What happened
• Indigenously developed Tetanus–adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine launched at CRI, Kasauli.
• Introduced under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP); 55 lakh doses to be supplied initially.

Issue raised
• Strengthening national health security through domestic vaccine production.
• Upgradation of public sector units under GMP standards.

Current context
• India highlighted as major global vaccine manufacturer.
• UIP provides 11 vaccines against 12 diseases.

Why it matters
• Boosts self-reliance in immunisation.
• Strengthens public health infrastructure.

---

2. India–Brazil Critical Minerals & Trade Cooperation

What happened
• Agreements signed on rare earths, critical minerals and steel mining.
• Plan to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030; digital partnership action plan launched.

Issue raised
• Dependence on concentrated critical mineral supply chains.
• Trade uncertainty amid U.S. tariff measures.

Current context
• U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on India and Brazil in 2025.
• Expanded cooperation in defence, energy, healthcare and agriculture.

Why it matters
• Diversifies mineral supply chains.
• Strengthens Global South economic partnership.

---

3. AI Impact Summit & New Delhi Declaration

What happened
• 88 countries signed New Delhi Declaration at AI Impact Summit, New Delhi.
• $250 billion investment commitments; $20 billion for frontier deep tech.
• Launch of domestically trained LLM by Sarvam AI.

Issue raised
• Democratic diffusion of AI and inclusion of under-represented languages.
• Ensuring safe and trusted AI systems.

Current context
• Declaration voluntary and non-binding.
• Initiatives include Global AI Impact Commons and AI Workforce Development Playbook.

Why it matters
• Positions India in global AI governance.
• Promotes AI-driven economic and social development.

---

4. Early-Maturing Wheat Varieties in Kashmir

What happened
• SKUAST-K developed Shalimar Wheat-3 and Shalimar Wheat-4.
• Early maturity (late May–early June) aligns with paddy transplantation.

Issue raised
• Late-maturing wheat disrupted rice-wheat rotation.
• Yellow rust disease affecting yields.

Current context
• Developed through conventional breeding and multi-site trials.
• Resistant to yellow rust; SW-3 biofortified with iron and zinc.

Why it matters
• Ensures timely crop cycle and food security.
• Enhances disease resistance and farmer resilience.

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express 🗞

None today

The Hindu 📰

1. Why has eastern Nagaland got autonomy?
(Decent article to read)

2. The curious case of the star that may have swallowed itself.
(Important article for S&T)

3. Deal in deep water - Chagos Islands.
(Read it for understanding geopolitics)

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@CSEWhy Times - Feb 23, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. New CPI Base (2024) & Clearer Inflation Signal

What happened
• CPI (General Combined) base year revised to 2024 (index = 100)
• CPI at 104.46 in Jan 2026
• Basket reorganised into 12 categories (COICOP 2018)
• Food weight reduced; housing & services weight increased
• Rural housing and utilities explicitly included
• Telangana (5%) highest; followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka

Issue raised
• Earlier CPI undercaptured service and non-food inflation
• Aggregated service head reduced price visibility
• State-level consumption differences not fully reflected
• Need to separate food volatility from persistent service inflation

Current context
• Inflation measured year-on-year; CPI reflects price level vs base year
• Based on updated Household Consumption Expenditure Survey data
• Services-intensive States showing higher inflation
• Data sourced from MoSPI

Why it matters
• Clearer signal of service-driven inflation
• Better identification of persistent price pressures
• Key input for RBI’s interest-rate decisions
• Improved State-level inflation assessment

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express 🗞

1. Whole explained section.
(All articles are important read)

2. SC ruling on use of stem cells for autism sets a precedent for healthcare regulation.
(Imp article for GS-3)

The Hindu 📰

1. Complete Text and Context section.
(All articles are decent read)

2. How proteins are being tweaked to be quantum sensors inside the body.
(Imp article for S&T)

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@CSEWhy Times - Feb 24, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. National Counter Terrorism Policy (PRAHAAR)

What happened
• MHA released India’s first National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy — PRAHAAR
• Details threat profile, counter-terror strategy and roles of key agencies

Issue raised
• Sponsored terrorism from across borders
• Use of cyber-attacks, drones, encryption, dark web, crypto,by state and non-state actors
• Risk of access to CBRN(Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials
• Need for uniform anti-terror structure across States

Current context
• Drafting announced Nov 2024; released after April 2025 Pahalgam attack
• NIA coordinated with State anti-terror units
• Emphasis on national + international cooperation

Why it matters
• Aims to criminalise all terror acts; block funds, weapons, safe havens
• Protects critical sectors: power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space, atomic energy
• Focus on counter-radicalisation and legal strengthening

---

2. India & Global Pesticide Toxicity

What happened
• Study (Science) finds India among four countries contributing ~70% of global pesticide toxicity (TAT)
• 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference target: 50% pesticide risk reduction by 2030

Issue raised
• Rising global toxicity (2013–2019)
• Major impact on terrestrial arthropods, soil organisms, aquatic life
• Misuse/overuse; outdated regulation (Insecticides Act, 1968)

Current context
• India, China, Brazil, U.S. are largest contributors
• Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 to replace 1968 Act
• Push for biological and traditional-knowledge-based pesticides

Why it matters
• Biodiversity and ecosystem risks
• Need for regulatory reform and liability framework
• Importance of monitoring and reporting pesticide use

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express 🗞

1. All articles of Explained section.
(Important articles for exam)

The Hindu 📰

1. India’s Energy Shift Through the Green Ammonia Route.
(Important article for GS-3)

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@CSEWhy Times – Feb 25, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. Human–Elephant Conflict in Central India

What happened


* Rising elephant attacks in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
* Elephant population increasing while forest habitats shrink.


Issue raised

* Habitat fragmentation due to mining, reservoirs, and droughts.
* Elephants moving into crop fields; rise in human–wildlife conflict.

Current context

* Migration routes disrupted; herds entering human settlements more often.

Why it matters

* Human–wildlife conflict and conservation challenges.
* Land-use change vs ecological sustainability.
* Environment & Ecology (UPSC GS).

---

2. C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) – Legacy Debate

What happened

* Statue unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan; renewed discussion on Rajaji’s legacy.

Issue raised

* Differing views on his ideology: nationalist leader but critic of Congress centralism.

Current context

* Political reinterpretation of historical figures.
* Role in Quit India, first Indian Governor-General, founder of Swatantra Party.

Why it matters

* Modern Indian history personalities.
* Post-independence political and economic debates.
* Language politics and federalism.

---

3. DPDP Act and RTI Act Debate

What happened

* DPDP Act amendment affecting RTI provisions challenged in Supreme Court.

Issue raised

* Blanket exemption for personal information may limit transparency.
* Balance between privacy and right to information.

Current context

* Linked to Puttaswamy (2017) privacy judgment.
* Concerns over reduced accountability in public institutions.

Why it matters

* Fundamental rights: privacy vs transparency.
* Governance, accountability, and constitutional interpretation.

---

4. Historical Evolution of the Colour Blue

What happened

* Article traces cultural and scientific evolution of the colour blue.

Issue raised

* Shift from sacred and symbolic meanings to scientific classification.

Current context

* Role of trade (lapis lazuli), art, and Newton’s spectrum in shaping colour understanding.

Why it matters

* Art & Culture and history of science.
* Cultural symbolism and knowledge systems.

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express

1. With Israel and broader Middle East, a diplomacy less offensive, more realist
(read for India-Israel & Mid east)

2. As PM visits Israel, ties over the years
(read to India-Israel relations)


The Hindu 📰

1. India's trade strategy in a multipolar world
(GS3 Global Trade)

2. The evolving nature of trade agreements
(India-US in question)

@CSEWhy Times – Feb 26, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. Digital Twin Technology in Power Grids (BRPL)

What happened

* BRPL deployed a real-time “digital twin” of the power grid in Delhi (Janakpuri division).

Issue raised

* Need for reliable power supply amid rising electricity demand and renewable integration.
* Conventional systems react after faults occur.

Current context

* Digital twin integrates real-time data from SCADA, GIS maps, IoT sensors, and smart meters.
* AI detects anomalies, predicts failures, and enables preventive action.

Why it matters

* Energy infrastructure modernisation.
* AI and digital governance in utilities.
* Grid efficiency, outage reduction, and renewable energy integration.

---

2. US IEEPA Tariffs and Refund Debate

What happened

* US Supreme Court struck down Trump-era tariffs; questions raised on refunding importers.

Issue raised

* Uncertainty over who can claim refunds and how the process will work.
* Legal and procedural complexity for importers.

Current context

* Importers may need individual lawsuits for refunds.
* Tariff burden largely passed on to US consumers through higher prices.

Why it matters

* Global trade policy and tariff impacts.
* Trade law and economic consequences of protectionism.
* Implications for international supply chains.

---

3. Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Technologies

What happened

* Discussion on CCU technologies and India’s roadmap for scaling them.

Issue raised

* High emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and chemicals.
* CCU remains energy-intensive and costly.

Current context

* CCU captures industrial CO₂ and converts it into fuels, chemicals, or construction materials.
* India has policy roadmaps; private sector pilots underway.
* Global examples include EU and industrial trials abroad.

Why it matters

* Climate change mitigation strategy.
* Industrial decarbonisation and net-zero pathways.
* Science & Tech + Environment (UPSC GS III).

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express

1. HPV vaccine drive is key to battling cervical cancer
(IE special for an important topic)

The Hindu 📰

1. How are Indian rms training LLMs?
(imp. read)

@CSEWhy Times – Feb 27, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. Siddi Badshah Community in Gujarat

What happened

* Article highlights the Siddi Badshah community in Jambur and Shirvan villages near Gir forest, Gujarat.

Issue raised

* African-origin community integrated into Indian society while preserving unique cultural identity.

Current context

* Descendants of Africans brought by Portuguese centuries ago.
* Known for Dhamaal dance, sports excellence, and coexistence with Asiatic lions.
* Members serve in armed forces and participate in local livelihoods.

Why it matters

* Indian society: diversity and cultural assimilation.
* Art & Culture and tribal/ethnic communities.
* Social anthropology relevance for UPSC.

---

2. Social Behaviour of Japanese Macaques

What happened

* Study of a Japanese macaque (“Punch”) highlights primate social hierarchy and group dynamics.

Issue raised

* Impact of maternal rejection and stress on primate behaviour.
* Strict hierarchy and social integration challenges in primate groups.

Current context

* Primates depend on social bonding and rank structures.
* Aggression and exclusion used to maintain hierarchy.

Why it matters

* Wildlife behaviour and animal ecology.
* Behavioural science and conservation understanding.
* Environment & Ecology (GS III).

---

3. PRAHAAR Counter-Terror Strategy

What happened

* Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled PRAHAAR, India’s publicly articulated national counter-terror strategy.

Issue raised

* Need for coordinated, intelligence-led and multi-agency approach to evolving terrorism threats.

Current context

* Seven-pillar framework includes prevention, preparedness, protection, and response.
* Focus on technology, inter-agency coordination, de-radicalisation, and community outreach.
* Compared with US and UK counter-terror strategies.

Why it matters

* Internal security architecture of India.
* Counter-terrorism policy and governance.
* GS III Security syllabus.

---

4. Hong Kong after National Security Law (NSL)

What happened

* Analysis of political and social changes in Hong Kong after China’s National Security Law (2020).

Issue raised

* Erosion of “one country, two systems” framework.
* Restrictions on dissent, media freedom, and political opposition.

Current context

* Protests in 2014 and 2019 followed by legal crackdown.
* Arrests under NSL and shrinking space for independent media and civil society.

Why it matters

* International relations: China–Hong Kong dynamics.
* Governance, civil liberties, and state control debates.
* Global politics and comparative political systems.

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express

1. Two democracies shaped by history, a partnership that helps global stability
(PM Modi's article on India-Israel relations)

2. How India and Canada mended their frayed ties?
(Interesting article on important relationship)

The Hindu 📰

1. Analysing India’s cycle of deprivation and affluence
(rare article which makes you think, for real)

2. Why bulldozers threaten due process
(read for awareness)

@CSEWhy Times – March 02, 2026

Pre & Mains Notes

1. Coconut Cultivation: Sustainability vs Productivity

What happened

* Article argues that coconut cultivation policy should prioritise sustainability over mere productivity gains.

Issue raised

* Focus on high-yield varieties alone may not address climate risks.
* Need for climate-resilient and region-specific coconut varieties.
* Heat stress, disease, and changing climate affecting yields.

Current context

* Union Budget announced Coconut Promotion Scheme.
* Expansion of coconut cultivation beyond traditional regions.
* Concerns over water stress and long-term viability of monoculture expansion.

Why it matters

* Agriculture and climate resilience.
* Sustainable farming and crop diversification.
* Policy design for climate-adaptive agriculture (GS III Agriculture & Environment).

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express

1. AI anxiety can turn into an advantage for Atmanirbhar India
(never miss a piece from Ashok Gulati sir)

2. Entire EXPLAINED page

The Hindu 📰

1. Sixteenth Finance Commission - Misses & Blunders
(Read for awareness, don't quote it by the word)

2. Missile interceptors in U.S.-Iran war
(read for security)

3. How do astronauts return from space and survive re-entry?
(interesting read)

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@CSEWhy Times – March 03, 2026

@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos

Indian Express

1. Iran's power pyramid (read for awareness)

2. Marriage as a partnership: HC reframes role of 'homemaker'
(GS2 imp topic)

The Hindu 📰

1. Rupture along the Durand line
(fun read)

2. How landscapes’ ‘memories’ shape the way Indian cities flood?
(disaster management read + GS1 urbanization)