2021

VOL 3

W EEKLY CURRENT AFFAI

RS
&
NEW S ANALYSI
S COM PI
LATI
ON
Dear Aspirants

Team iLearn IAS is proud to present our weekly current affairs magazine.
Keeping in tune with the dynamic demands of the civil service examination, we
bring to aspirants on-going topics that are of relevance, particularly for the
mains exam.

The objective of this magazine is to make the aspirants exam ready in an

exhaustive list of topics. To this end, we provide detailed background notes on
the topics followed by an in-depth analysis of the issues, covering aspects such
as institutional mechanisms, policies, policy gaps, areas of focus, reforms
needed, suggestions and way forward.

We have also included all relevant Prelims topics from the past week.

In order to help the aspirants in monitoring their preparation, we have

included probable question that can be expected for the mains and Prelims
examination. You may also visit our integrated current affairs platform
www.ilearncana.com for your current affairs preparation.

We wish you all the very best and welcome you on board in our endeavors.

Happy Learning!
Team iLearn
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. AVIAN INFLUENZA (Bird flu)................................................................................................. 4
1.1 WHY IN NEWS? ................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 SYLLABUS: ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 PRACTICE QUESTION: ....................................................................................................... 4
1.4 ANALYSIS: ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5. iTips: ................................................................................................................................ 6
2. MATERNAL HEALTH ............................................................................................................... 7
2.1 WHY IN NEWS? ................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 SYLLABUS: ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 PRACTICE QUESTION: ....................................................................................................... 7
2.4 ANALYSIS: ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.5. iTips: ................................................................................................................................ 9
3. INDIA JAPAN RELATIONS: AN OVERVIEW ......................................................................... 10
3.1 WHY IN NEWS? ............................................................................................................... 10
3.2 SYLLABUS: ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 PRACTICE QUESTION: ..................................................................................................... 10
3.4 ANALYSIS: ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 13
4. MARINE POLLUTION............................................................................................................ 14
4.1 WHY IN NEWS? ............................................................................................................... 14
4.2 SYLLABUS: ....................................................................................................................... 14
4.3 PRACTICE QUESTION: ..................................................................................................... 14
4.4 ANALYSIS: ....................................................................................................................... 14
4.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 18
5. BAD BANKS ......................................................................................................................... 19
5.1 WHY IN NEWS? ............................................................................................................... 19
5.2 SYLLABUS: ....................................................................................................................... 19
5.3 PRACTICE QUESTION: ..................................................................................................... 19
5.4 ANALYSIS: ....................................................................................................................... 19
5.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 22

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WEEKLY PRELIMS COMPILATION ............................................................................................ 23
• Vistadome coach ...................................................................................................... 24
• Erudhattam/Jallikattu .............................................................................................. 25
• Great Green Wall...................................................................................................... 26
• Adaptation Gap report ............................................................................................. 27
• Nile River & Lake Victoria ......................................................................................... 27
• Lithium-Ion Battery .................................................................................................. 28
• Railway Companies in India...................................................................................... 30
• Global Britain, Global Broker report and difficult four countries ............................ 31
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve ......................................................................................... 32
• Indo French Military Exercise ................................................................................... 33
• Guru Gobind Singh ................................................................................................... 33
• S-400 Triumpf ........................................................................................................... 35
• Mercy Petition .......................................................................................................... 35
• Ratle Hydroelectric project ...................................................................................... 37
• Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW)........................................................................ 38
• Shramshakti Digital Data Solution............................................................................ 39

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 1. AVIAN INFLUENZA (Bird flu)
1.1 WHY IN NEWS?
Bird flu in poultry has been confirmed in nine districts of Maharashtra, while culling
operation in poultry is underway in one district each in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
1.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 3: Economics of animal-rearing
1.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Discuss the factors that increase India’s vulnerability towards avian influenza. What
measures can be taken to minimize the threats of an avian influenza outbreak?
1.4 ANALYSIS:
WHAT IS BIRD FLU:
• Avian influenza, known informally as avian flu or bird flu, is a variety of influenza
caused by viruses adapted to birds.
• This disease is caused by Influenza Type-A virus which can have several strains. The
current outbreak has evidence of H5N1 and H8N1 strains of virus.
• These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect
domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
• Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human
infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.
INDIA’S & BIRD FLU:
• In India, bird flu is spread mainly by migratory birds coming into India during the
winter months from between September and March.
• Between 2006 and 2018, India reported a total of 225 epicenters of bird flu infection.
• Over 83.49 lakh birds were culled to curb the spread and the government offered a
compensation of Rs 26.37 crore to poultry farmers for their losses.
INDIA’S VULNERABILITY TO BIRD FLU:
• Major migration destination: Three flyways of migratory birds pass through the
country. India falls within the central Asian flyway. Major waterbodies in India are
the winter destination for several migratory birds, who are the carriers of these
viruses.
• Endemism: Avian influenzas are endemic to South and South east asia. India’s
proximity with these countries and the porous nature of the border creates
vulnerabilities.
• Large poultry population: India has a population of 851 million poultry (317.07
million backyard and 534.74 commercial poultry). Hence, there is high chance for a
rapid spread of the disease.
• Frequent contact: Poultry, especially backyard poultry, is largely at subsistence level.
Hence, there is frequent contact between man and animals.

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 • Weak veterinary system: India does not have a strong veterinary system for early
detection and monitoring viral spreads.
• Unregulated market: Poultry and meat markets in India are largely unregulated and
have inadequate sanitation. Hence, there is a high risk of infected birds being sold in
these markets.
Central Asian Flyway
The CAF comprises several important migration routes of waterbirds, most of which
extend from the northernmost breeding grounds in Siberia to the southernmost non-
breeding wintering grounds in West Asia, India, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean
Territory.

THREATS FROM BIRD FLU:

• Threat to human life: Though small, there have been cases of human illnesses and
deaths. Also, there is a high risk of pandemic posed by potentially mutated strains of
these viruses, similar in lines with the coronavirus outbreak.
• Economic loss: SARS in 2003 led to an immediate economic loss of approximately 2%
of East Asian GDP. A global pandemic from avian influenza would have a more
widespread effect, especially on meat and poultry exporting countries such as India.
• Loss of livelihood: Backyard poultry is a major source of secondary income for many
families. As Influenza forces large scale culling of these birds to prevent the spread of
the disease, it leaves many without a means of livelihood.
• Ripple effect on allied sectors: Bird flu outbreaks affects the dairy and meat
industries. The fear of the disease reduces demand for animal products, which in
turn affects the export industry.
• Impact on tourism: Avian influenzas are closely linked to large waterbodies, which
are also tourist destinations. An outbreak can detrimentally affect tourism industry
of the region.
PREVENTION, CONTROL AND CONTAINMENT:
1. All outbreaks of Avian Influenza are handled as per the guidelines in Action Plan on
“Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza”. The major activities
undertaken for control and containment are:
• Notification of Outbreak

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 • Demarcation of culling and surveillance zones
• launch of control & containment operations by Rapid Response Teams (RRTs),
• culling of birds and disposal of Dead Birds
• absolute Ban on Movement of Poultry and products from the zones
• Instant Compensation for Culling, clean-up and Disinfection
• Post Operation Surveillance
• declaration of Freedom from Disease
2. Biosafety labs: To strengthen the diagnosis of Avian Influenza, under World Bank
assisted project on Avian Influenza, four pre-fabricated Bio-Safety Level-III (BSL-III)
laboratories have been established at Jalandhar, Kolkata, Bangalore and Bareilly.
3. Capacity building: Sensitization of general public through Information, Education
and Communication (IEC) campaigns.
4. Vaccination programmes are available against the major poultry diseases in India.
WAY FORWARD:
• Influenza viruses, with the vast silent reservoir in aquatic birds, are impossible to
eradicate. However, their impact can be minimized.
• To minimize public health risk, quality surveillance in both animal and human
populations, thorough investigation of every human infection and risk-based
pandemic planning are essential.
• A possible strategy in this regard can be the adoption of one health approach.
One Health approach:
One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach to
achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes recognizing the interconnections between
people, animals, plants and their shared environment.

1.5. iTips:
• For Prelims, For Prelims, questions on basic facts on influenza, migratory routes etc.
can be asked.
• For mains, the content can also be used in questions related to animal husbandry,
food security and biological hazards.

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 2. MATERNAL HEALTH
2.1 WHY IN NEWS?
India registers a steep decline in maternal mortality ratio (MMR). As per the report
released by the Office of the Registrar General’s Sample Registration System (SRS), MMR in
India has declined to 113 in 2016-18.
2.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 2: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to
Health, Education, Human Resources.
2.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health
care policies are needed particularly in the fields of maternal health care. Discuss
2.4 ANALYSIS:
STATISTICS
• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), institutional deliveries
have increased from 39% in 2005-06 to 79% in 2015-16.
• The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has declined to 113 in 2016-18 from
122 in 2015-17 and 130 in 2014-2016, according to Sample Registration System
(SRS).
• The target 3.1 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is to reduce the global MMR
to less than 70 per 1,00,000 live births.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MATERNAL HEALTH:

• Better human capital and labour productivity:
o Epidemiological evidence suggests that a mother’s health significantly affect
the biological development of the foetus
o Events which occur while a child is in utero (in the womb) cast a long shadow
over cognitive development and health status even in adulthood >>
Therefore improved maternal health gives better human capital >> which in
turn results in better labour productivity
• For better outcome in schooling:
o A healthy mother is more likely to give birth to a healthy baby who learns
better and stays on in school longer as a result
• Tackling neo-natal and infant mortality:
o A leading cause of neonatal mortality is low birth weight >> Women who
begin pregnancy too thin and who do not gain enough weight during
pregnancy are far more likely to have low birth weight babies
• Nutritional security of children:
o Maternal care and institutional delivery >> has direct implication on the
nutritional intake and its absorption in child

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CHALLENGES
• Malnutrition among women:
o 42.2 per cent of Indian women are underweight at the beginning of
pregnancy.
o 50.4% of pregnant women were found to be anaemic in 2016, as per the
NFHS 4
• Low weight gain during pregnancy:
o Women in India gain only about 7 kilograms during pregnancy, which is
substantially less than the 12 kg gain that the WHO recommends for
underweight women
• Social norms:
o Social norms accord young women low status in joint households >> results
in low intake of nutrition
• Lack of resources within public sector facilities:
o Public health care systems lacks equipment and technical competence to
provide comprehensive maternity care
• Unsafe abortions:
o More than 10 women die every day due to unsafe abortions in India
o Stricter provisions under The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act
contribute to women seeking illegal and unsafe options
• Lack of institutional delivery:
o Over the past two decades, India has made progress in increasing the number
of institutional deliveries. But 21% of births still happens outside the
institutional setup (NFHS 4)

INITIATIVES
• LaQshya (Labour room Quality Improvement Initiative):
o It aims to improve the quality of care in the labour room and maternity
operation theatres in public health facilities.
o A comprehensive strategy has been adopted that includes infrastructure up-
gradation, ensuring the availability of vital equipment, improved and
adequate human resources and improving skills of healthcare workers.
o The quality of the labour rooms and maternity operation theatres will be
assessed through the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).
• POSHAN Abhiyaan - National Nutrition Mission
o It aims to improve nutritional outcomes among pregnant women, lactating
mothers and children by reducing the level of stunting, underweight,
anaemia and low birth weight by 2022.
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY):

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 o It integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care to reduce
the maternal and neonatal mortality rate and promote institutional delivery
of the pregnant women, especially with weak socio-economic status.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakhit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA):
o It aims to provide free comprehensive and quality antenatal checkups for
pregnant women across the country.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandhana Yojana (PMMVY):
o It provides a cash benefit to the pregnant women in their bank account
directly to address their nutritional needs and compensate for their wage
loss.
• Surakhit Matritva Aashwasan Initiative (SUMAN)
o It aims to provide free quality healthcare to all pregnant women, mothers
up to 6 months after delivery and all sick newborns who are visiting a public
health facility.
• The National Food Security Act of 2013
o It has provisions for universal cash entitlement for pregnant women of at
least 6,000 rupees.

BEST PRACTICE:
• Kangaroo mother care (KMC):
o The intervention where babies are placed in skin-to-skin contact with their
mothers and exclusively breast fed has been recommended worldwide for
stable low-birthweight newborns
• The maternal and child health care service (MCHS) in Norway
o MCHS offers all pregnant women and children free health care services

2.5. iTips:
• For prelims, questions are expected on LaQshya (Labour room Quality Improvement
Initiative), Surakhit Matritva Aashwasan Initiative (SUMAN), POSHAN Abhiyaan -
National Nutrition Mission etc.
• For mains, questions can be asked on significance of maternal health care, issues
with maternal care in India, steps taken to improve the sector

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 3. INDIA JAPAN RELATIONS: AN OVERVIEW
3.1 WHY IN NEWS?
• Japan will provide 30 billion yen (over Rs 2,100 crore) as loan to India to fight the
socio-economic impact of COVID-19.
• India and Japan recently signed an agreement to boost the mobility of skilled Indian
workers in 14 fields, including nursing, industrial machinery, shipbuilding, aviation,
agriculture and the food services industry.
3.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 3: Effect of policies & politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests:
3.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Amidst the pandemic and global turmoil, attaining the true potential of India-Japan
relationship is essential for maintaining stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Examine?
3.4 ANALYSIS:
HISTORY:
• Exchange between Japan and India is said to have begun in the 6th century when
Buddhism was introduced to Japan.
• Japan and India signed a peace treaty and established diplomatic relations on in
1952. This treaty was one of the first peace treaties Japan signed after World War II.
• Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have enjoyed
cordial relations.
AREAS OF COOPERATION:
• Economic assistance: India has been the largest recipient of Japanese Official
Development Assistance (ODA) Loan for the past decades. Delhi Metro is one of the
most successful examples of Japanese cooperation.
• Trade relations: India was the 21st largest trading partner for Japan, and Japan was
the 12th largest trading partner for India in 2019. India's primary imports from Japan
are machinery, electrical machinery and parts of motor vehicles. Exports include
petroleum products, chemicals, fish, metalliferous ores and textile yarn.
• Commercial relations: Japan was the 4th largest investor for India in FY2019.
Japanese private-sector's interest in India is rising, and, currently, about 1,454
Japanese companies have branches in India.
• Connectivity: Within India, Japan is supporting the development of major projects
like Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor and Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail
project. Outside India, Japan and India are collaborating on enhancing connectivity
along South and South East Asia.
• Energy: India has a civil nuclear deal with Japan, which provides for the development
of nuclear power projects in India. They also cooperate in areas like supply of
electricity and renewable energy.

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 • Defence: India and Japan defence forces organize several bilateral exercises namely,
JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. They also participate in Malabar
exercise with USA.
• Strategic: Japan is prospecting the development of Asia Africa growth corridor and
the idea of Quad, involving India, USA and Australia, to counter china’s aggressive
strategies. Japan also investing in India’s rare earth mineral explorations to
overcome its severe import dependency on China.
The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is an economic partnership agreement between
India and Japan. The AAGC has been characterized as a response to China's Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI). The AAGC intends to improve infrastructure and digital connectivity in Africa
within Indo-Japan collaboration.

• Cultural: Today, Yoga is very popular in Japan. Also, there are agreements to
promote bilateral partnership in Indian traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda.
• Technology and manpower: Bilateral S&T cooperation began in 1993 with the
establishment of the India-Japan Science Council (IJSC). Today they cooperate in
areas of in the areas of skill enhancement, Material Sciences, Healthcare, Methane
Hydrate, Robotics, Peaceful uses of Outer Space etc.
SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA-JAPAN RELATIONS:
• Countering China: Japan has the resources- financial, technological and diplomatic-
to counter China’s monopolistic growth. The recurring tensions in South China sea
also demand Japan to have close relations with a strong naval ally like India.
• Development of North East: Japan has decided to invest an amount Rs.13,000 crore
in several ongoing as well as new projects in different states of India's North- Eastern
region. This will be vital for the region’s development.
• Success of India’s Asian ambitions: Japan cooperates in supporting strategic
connectivity linking South Asia to Southeast Asia through the synergy between Act
East policy and Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.

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Partnership for Quality Infrastructure:
An initiative by the Japanese Government, in collaboration with the Asian
Development Bank, other international organizations and other countries. It aims to provide
approximately US$110 billion for "quality infrastructure investment" in Asia from 2016 to
2020.
• Infrastructural development: Japan is actively exporting its technology under
Partnership for Quality Infrastructure. Given its large market, demography and
growth potential, India stands to reap the most from this.
• Maritime cooperation: Maritime security is an important subject on which both
India and Japan have convergent interests. Both countries depend critically on sea-
borne trade for sustaining their economies.
• Export of workforce and import of tech: Japan has the oldest median age of
population (Almost a third of its population is over 65) in the world, but has
technological superiority. India has a young population but is technologically
deficient. Hence, technology-manpower exchanges will benefit both nations equally.
• For success of Indian efforts: Japan is a major manufacturing hub and has extended
its support to the Make in India initiative. Also, with the Pandemic triggering an
exodus of Japanese industries from China, India stands to gain.
• Maintain global order: Both nations share several common ideals like democracy,
the rule of law, and human rights, which are vital in a rapidly deglobalizing world.
• Climatic vulnerabilities: Both countries are acutely vulnerable to climate change
impacts and hence require synergised actions at the global and bilateral level.
AREAS OF CONCERN:
• China’s dominance: Though they share a complicated relationship, China is Japan’s
largest trading partner and Japan is China's third-largest trading partner. On
comparison, India-Japan trade relations are sub-optimal.
• India’s RCEP exit: With India no longer in the mix, RCEP has become a significantly
weak bloc. Hence, Tokyo faces a major conundrum with the free trade agreement.
• Future of Nuclear energy: Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, there has been
a global aversion towards nuclear power and this is dominant in Japan itself. This has
been a major impediment in the full realisation of the Indo-japan civil nuclear deal.
• COVID-19 crisis: The pandemic has strained the economies of all countries’, which is
inhibiting cordial expansion of relations.
• Slow progress: The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) was announced in 2017.
However, the actual progress has been slow. This is questioning its relevance as a
counterweight to Belt and Road initiative.
WHAT NEXT?
• Expand economic ties: India offers a sound manufacturing base and market for
Japanese. India should leverage this opportunity by looking at what India’s
competitors such as ASEAN countries are doing to attract Japanese investment and
attract investments through strong infrastructure and efficient regulatory systems.

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 • Energy cooperation: India’s energy demands and imports are increasing and Japan,
post-Fukushima, is heavily reliant on imported energy.
• Long term climate plan: Both countries are acutely vulnerable to climate change
impacts. Hence, long-term energy strategy necessitates a shift towards actions that
limit their greenhouse gas emissions.
• Enhance People to people cooperation: Diaspora has been a major tool in India’s
soft power diplomacy. But the true potential of India’s relatively small Japanese
diaspora remains under-utilised and should be explored.
3.5. iTips:
• For Prelims, questions on features of AAGC and map-based questions on regional
seas around Japan can be asked.
• For mains, questions on Indo-Japan cooperation in security, energy, technology,
export of human resource etc. can also be asked.

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 4. MARINE POLLUTION
4.1 WHY IN NEWS?
In August 2020, a Japanese bulk-carrier ship carrying fuel oil struck a coral reef
resulting in an oil spill into the Indian Ocean, near the coast of Mauritius
4.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact
Assessment.
4.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Explain the major anthropogenic causes of marine pollution and analyse the efficacy of
international efforts to control such pollution?
4.4 ANALYSIS:

BACKGROUND
• Ocean pollution, also known as marine pollution, is the spreading of harmful
substances such as oil, plastic, industrial and agricultural waste and chemical
particles into the ocean.
• About eight million metric tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year,
according to EcoWatch
• While in the 1970s there were 24 large oil spills per year, in the 2010s the average
number of large oil spills decreased to 1.7 oil spills per year.

CAUSES:
• Land runoff:
o Land-based sources (such as agricultural run-off, discharge of nutrients and
pesticides and untreated sewage including plastics) account for
approximately 80% of marine pollution.
• Intentional discharge
o Toxic waste, including mercury, released by manufacturing plants enters the
sea and the food chain, making its way up to larger species consumed by
humans.
o Agricultural toxins can be direct biological hazards and raise ocean
temperatures, which can be deadly for some animals and plants.
• Atmospheric pollutants
o Various types of pollutants can get in the water through rain.
o A particular menace is carbon dioxide, which has built up with climate
change. The oceans are absorbing the excess and becoming more acidic.
o This has been particularly troublesome for calcium carbonate structures
such as corals, which cannot regenerate or regrow.

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• Oil spills:
o Pollution caused by ships, is a huge source of ocean pollution, the most
devastating effect of which is oil spills.
o Crude oil lasts for years in the sea and is extremely toxic to marine life
• Ocean mining:
o The ocean floor is a valuable source of gold, silver, copper, and zinc, but
mining under the sea is a major source of pollution.
o Sulfide deposits created when these substances are drilled can have
environmental impacts.
o Material leaks and corrosion of equipment only exacerbate the problem.
• Plastic pollution:
o In 2006, the United Nations Environment Programme estimated that every
square mile of ocean contains 46,000 pieces of floating plastic.
o Once discarded, plastics are weathered and eroded into very small
fragments known as micro-plastics.
o Plastic materials and other litter can become concentrated in certain areas
called gyres as a result of marine pollution gathered by oceanic currents.
o For example, the North Pacific Gyre is now referred to as the Great Pacific
Garbage Patch, where waste material from across the North Pacific Ocean,
including coastal waters off North America and Japan, are drawn together.
• Developmental activities and tourism:
o Coastal tourism, port and harbour developments, damming of rivers, urban
development and construction, mining, fisheries, aquaculture etc., are all
sources of marine pollution threatening coastal and marine habitats.
• Poor waste management system:
o Much of the plastic that gets washed into oceans is from countries with large
populations and poor waste management.
• Alien species:
o Several thousand per day transported in ballast water; also spread through
canals linking bodies of water and fishery enhancement projects.
• Noise pollution:
o Super-tankers, other large vessels and machinery causes noise pollution >>
may stress and disrupt marine life.
• Radioactive waste:
o Discharge of radioactive substances from discarded nuclear submarine and
military waste
• Rapid urbanisation along the coastlines:
o In 2012, thirteen of the world’s 20 megacities were situated along coasts.
o Many of these populations put pressure on infrastructure where urban
waste and sewage management is poor

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EFFECTS:
• Eutrophication:
o When a water body becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients
which induce excessive growth of algae or algal bloom. This process also
results in oxygen depletion of the water body.
• Effect of toxic wastes on marine animals:
o The long-term effect on marine life can include failure in the reproductive
system, behavioural changes, and even extinction of species.
• Depletes oxygen content in water:
o Most of the debris in the ocean does not decompose and remain in the ocean
for years. Due to this, oxygen levels go down, as a result, the chances of
survival of marine animals also goes down.
• Formation of dead zones:
o Excessive nutrients from sewage and agricultural runoff have contributed to
the number of low oxygen (hypoxic) areas known as dead zones, where
most marine life cannot survive, resulting in the collapse of some ecosystems.
o There are now close to 500 dead zones covering more than 245,000 km²
globally, equivalent to the surface of the United Kingdom.
• Effect of alien species:
o Outcompete native species and reduce biological diversity.
o Also, they introduce new marine diseases and are associated with increased
incidence of red tides and other algal blooms
• Disruption to the cycle of coral reefs:
o Oil spill floats on the surface of the water and prevents sunlight from
reaching marine plants and affects the process of photosynthesis.
• Effect on food chain:
o Small animals ingest the discharged chemicals and are later eaten by large
animals, which then affects the whole food chain.
• Affects human health:
o Animals from impacted food chain are then eaten by humans which affects
their health as toxins from these contaminated animals get deposited in the
tissues of people
• Economic impacts:
o Depletion of fishing resource >> affect huge number of people dependant on
fishing sector

GLOBAL INITIATIVES:
• The Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based Activities:

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 o The GPA is the only global intergovernmental mechanism directly addressing
the connectivity between terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine
ecosystems.
• International conventions:
o MARPOL convention (1973) - It covers pollution of the marine environment
by ships from operational or accidental causes.
o The London Convention (1972) - Its objective is to promote the effective
control of all sources of marine pollution and to take all practicable steps to
prevent pollution of the sea by dumping of wastes and other matter.
o UNCLOS prescribes the responsibility on the Coastal States in preserving and
protecting the marine environment and associated resources
• The Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region was
adopted by leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations

INDIAN INITIATIVES
• India ratified Bunker Convention:
o In 2015, India ratified the International Convention on Civil Liability for
Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (Bunker Convention)
o Bunker convention ensures adequate, prompt, and effective compensation
for damage caused by oil spills.
• The Coast Guard Act,1978
o It states that the preservation and protection of marine environment and
control of marine pollution is the function of the Indian Coast Guard
• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP)
o Government prepared the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-
DCP) in 1993 and designated the Indian Coast Guard as the Central
Coordinating Authority.
• Online Oil Spill Advisory system
o Online Oil Spill Advisory system is established by Coast Guard in 2015.
• BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services)
o India has launched India’s own eco-label BEAMS under ICZM (Integrated
Coastal Zone Management) project.
o It aims to abate pollution in coastal waters and protect and conserve coastal
ecosystems and natural resources.
WAY FORWARD
• Limit off-shore drilling:
o Focus on renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to limit off-
shore drilling.
• Encourage organic farming:
o Limit agricultural pesticides and encourage organic farming and eco-friendly
pesticide use.

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 • Waste water treatment:
o Proper sewage treatment and exploration of eco-friendly wastewater
treatment options.
• Reduce industrial waste:
o Cut down on the industry and manufacturing waste and contain it into
landfills to avoid spillage.
• Use of biotechnology:
o Bioremediation (use of specific microorganisms to metabolize and remove
harmful substances) to treat oil spills.
• Adopt a green lifestyle:
o At individual level reduce carbon footprint by adopting a "green" lifestyle.
• Adopt a Montreal like global treaty on marine pollution
o To ensure collaborated effort to clean up the ocean.

4.5. iTips:
• For prelims, questions are expected on MARPOL convention, The London
convention, Bunker convention and process such Bio-remediation etc.
• For mains, questions are expected on causes and effects of marine pollution,
initiatives taken to curb marine pollution etc.

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 5. BAD BANKS
5.1 WHY IN NEWS?
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das recently agreed to look at the
proposal for the creation of a bad bank to tackle the Non-performing assets (NPA) crisis.
5.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment.
5.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, critically examine the need of Bad banks in resolving
the issue of Non-Performing assets (NPA) in India?
5.4 ANALYSIS:
NON-PERFORMING ASSETS (NPA):
• A non-performing asset (NPA) is a classification used by financial institutions for
loans and advances on which the principal is past due and on which no interest
payments have been made for a period of time. In general, loans become NPAs
when they are outstanding for 90 days or more.
• Lenders usually provide a grace period before classifying an asset as non-performing.
Afterward, Banks are required to classify NPAs further into:
1. Substandard assets: Assets which has remained NPA for a period less than or
equal to 12 months.
2. Doubtful assets: An asset would be classified as doubtful if it has remained in
the substandard category for a period of 12 months.
3. Loss assets: Loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value that
its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted, although there may be
some salvage or recovery value.
INDIA’S NPA SCENARIO:
• Bad loans in the system are expected to balloon in the wake of contraction in the
economy and the problems being faced by many sectors.
• A stress test conducted by the Reserve Bank of India suggests that the Covid-19 crisis
could push Indian banks’ gross bad loans to their highest in nearly two decades.
• According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report for January 2021, Gross Non-
Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio declined to 7.5% in September, 2020.
• However, due to the pandemic, it may rise to 13.5% to 14.8 % by September 2021
depending on the stress on macroeconomic environment.

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WHAT IS A BAD BANK?
• A bad bank is an institution that takes over the bad loans of commercial banks,
manages them and recovers the money over a period of time.
• The bank’s only function will be to try to recover, rephase, or convert the Non-
performing assets to performing assets.
• US-based Mellon Bank created the first bad bank in 1988, after which the concept
has been implemented in other countries including Sweden, Finland, France, Ireland
and Germany.
• Bad banks found resonance during the global financial crisis of 2007-09. Citigroup
moved loans worth about $900 billion to its bad-bank unit Citi Holdings.
Bad Bank Vs Asset Reconstruction Company:
When a Bank incurs an NPA, it can utilise the help of an ARC or a bad bank. In case of
ARC, banks sell its NPAs on a high discount. This involves a significant amount of loss for the
banks. In case of bad banks, instead of selling, the bank can transfer the NPAs.
Also, an ARC is usually private-run, whereas a bad bank is funded by the government
initially, with banks and other investors co-investing in due course.
ARGUMENTS FAVOURING BAD BANKS:
• Strengthen banks’ lending capacity: Such a mechanism helps a bank segregate its
good assets from bad ones, making it easier for it to raise capital by issuing equity or
debt or both.
• Specialisation: A bad bank can act as an aggregator of all stressed assets in the
system and work towards the resolution of these assets whereas banks can focus on
business. By transferring NPAs to a bad bank, lenders can prioritize financing
businesses, while letting a specialized institution focus on maximizing loan recovery.
• Reinvigorates investments: The segregation of toxic assets helps generate
confidence among potential investors who can then examine the financial health of
the lender with greater clarity.
• The COVID-19 crisis: With the pandemic hitting the banking sector, the RBI fears a
spike in bad loans in the wake of a six-month moratorium it has announced to tackle

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 the economic slowdown. In this situation, a professionally-run bad bank, funded by
the private lenders and supported the government, can be an effective mechanism
to deal with the NPAs.
• Limited success of alternatives: Despite a series of measures by the RBI for better
recognition and provisioning against NPAs and massive doses of capitalisation of
public sector banks by the government, the problem continues in the banking sector.
• Global success stories: Many other countries had set up institutional mechanisms
such as the Troubled Asset Relief Programme (TARP) in the US to deal with a
problem of stress in the financial system.
• Timely disposal: Bad banks will ensure that the NPAs are cleaned up in a timely
manner. Also, the presence of the government means that the process will be more
accountable and judicious.
• Reduce unnecessary scrutiny: Bad banks can eliminate the undue scrutiny by the
4Cs - Courts, CVC, CBI, CAG and thereby foster ease of doing business in the country.
• Minimum government, maximum governance: As India seeks the interest of global
investors to partner it in its economic growth, the country needs to demonstrate its
non-interference-led-markets-philosophy.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST BAD BANKS:
• Multiple mechanisms: Presently, there exist several private asset reconstruction
firms that buy bad loans at a discount. Also, the Bankruptcy Code, though not
perfect, has helped in higher recoveries.
• Initial investments: Large financial resources are essential for buying the NPAs from
banks. But India’s corporate bond market is not developed enough to cater to such
demands.
• Moral hazard: A government-funded bad bank will allow the reckless lending by
banks to continue. There is also the fear that it will end up as another case of
throwing public money to fund corporate mismanagement.
• Mere shifting of loans: It is poor governance to move a bad loan from one account
to another entity, which is owned by the same bank or the original shareholders.
There is no surety that it will improve the situation.
WAY FORWARD:
• Banks and other financial institutions are the key drivers of economic growth and
their strength is vital for India to attain its ambition of $5 trillion economy. Hence,
solving the NPA crisis is urgent.
• Moral hazarding has no place in the high-pressure banking sector, especially in the
midst of an economic whirlwind. Hence, strong measures like Bad banks can be
looked into.
• Also, long term solutions, as opposed to knee-jerk reactions, are essential. A well-
developed corporate bond market is indispensable for the sustainable and ‘inclusive’
growth of India.

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 • However, the ultimate objective should be to stop the creation of bad debt. This
requires strong banking regulators, transparent auditing and a stable resolution
mechanism.
5.5. iTips:
• For Prelims, questions on basics of NPA, various government efforts etc. can be
asked.
• For Mains, questions on the issue of NPA, its reasons, impact etc. can be asked.

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WEEKLY PRELIMS COMPILATION

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 Vistadome coach
Why in news?
o Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off eight trains from different parts of
the country to Kevadia in Narmada district, where the Statue of Unity is
located.
o Out of these eight trains, the Janshatabdi Express from Ahmedabad-has a
Vistadome coach, which is gaining a lot of attention.
What is a Vistadome coach?
o The Vistadome coach is a state-of-the-art coach made by Indian Railways,
designed to provide passengers with travel comfort as well as an enhanced
viewing experience of their surroundings.
o Some of the features of the Vistadome coach are an observation lounge with a
large window for passengers to experience scenic routes to tourist places
along with glass rooftops that offer a panoramic view.
o The seats are recliner model rotatable seats and ensure people can enjoy the
view from both windows to their right and left and there are automatic sliding
doors at both gates of the coach.
o The coach also has foldable snack tables, seat numbers with Braille language,
an in-built entertainment along with a GPS-based public-address-cum
passenger information system, access to ‘content on demand’ for passengers
through Wi Fi facility on their personal gadgets, a mini pantry with coffee
maker, water cooler, hot oven and refrigerator, separate multi-tier luggage
compartment, along with a separate cabin for train staff who will brief
passengers regarding the coach in each ride.
o The coach will also have CCTV surveillance, fire alarm system and an LED
destination board.
About the new coaches:
o Vistadome coach in the Janshatabdi Express has been manufactured at the
Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
o It is for the first time that the Vistadome coach has been made on the Linke
Hofmann Busch (LHB) platform, made for passenger coaches for trains in India.
PRELIMS QUESTION
1.Consider the following statements regarding Vista dome coaches of Indian
railways:
1. These coaches are manufactured in India.
2. They are primarily intended to promote tourism sites.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
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 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C

Erudhattam/Jallikattu
Why in news?
o A 24-year-old man, who had been gored by his friend’s bull at a jallikattu event
held in Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu, succumbed to his injuries.
About Erudhattam/Jallikattu
o Jallikattu, also known as eru thazhuvuthal, is a traditional event in which a bull
(Bos indicus) is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human
participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms
and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.
o Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull
to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on
the bull's horns.
o Jallikattu is typically practised in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on
Mattu Pongal day, which occurs annually in January.
o Erudhattam (bull run) is a a form of Jallikattu, which is also popular in parts of
Tamil Nadu.
Issues and controversy
o On 7 May 2014, the Supreme Court of India had banned jallikattu in Tamil Nadu
altogether.
o The Supreme Court noted that any flouting of the ban should result in penalties
for cruelty to animals under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
o On 8 January 2016, the Ministry of Environment and Forests permitted the
continuation of the tradition under certain conditions, effectively ending the
ban.
o However, on 14 January 2016, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on this
order, upholding the ban, after a petition filed by the Animal Welfare Board of
India and PETA India, leading to protests all over Tamil Nadu.
o In January 2017 the Tamil Nadu legislature passed a bipartisan bill, with the
accession of the Prime Minister, exempting jallikattu from the Prevention of
Cruelity to Animals Act (1960).
Other Animal Sports- Kambala
o Kambala is an annual buffalo race held in the southwestern Indian state of
Karnataka.
o Traditionally, it is sponsored by local Tuluva landlords and households in the
coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, a region collectively known as
Tulu Nadu.

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 PRELIMS QUESTION
2.Consider the following statements:
1. Kambala is an annual buffalo race from Andhra Pradesh.
2. Jallikattu competitions are held in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal
celebrations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B

Great Green Wall

Why in news?
o More than 13 years after the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative was started by
the African Union, the project has stalled due to funds crunch.
About the Great Green Wall:
o The Great Green Wall or Great Green Wall of the Sahara and the Sahel is
Africa's flagship initiative to combat the increasing desertification.
o Led by the African Union, the initiative aims to transform the lives of millions
of people by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes across
North Africa.
o The Great Green Wall is now being implemented in more than 20 countries
across Africa and the ambition of the initiative is to restore 100 million ha of
currently degraded land by 2030.
o Once complete, the Wall will be the largest living structure on the planet – an
8,000 km natural wonder of the world stretching across the entire width of
the continent.
o It aims to restore Africa’s degraded landscapes and transform millions of lives
in one of the world’s poorest regions, the Sahel.
o It is designed as a mosaic of interventions addressing the challenges facing the
people in the Sahel and the Sahara which aims to strengthen regional resilience
and natural systems with sound ecosystem management, protection of rural
heritage, and improved living conditions.
o UNCCD is supporting the initiative through its FLEUVE Project.
PRELIMS QUESTION
3.Consider the following statements regarding the Great green wall project:
1. It aims to combat desertification in South American countries.
2. It is supported by UN Convention to combat desertification.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
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 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B

Adaptation Gap report

Why in news?
o UNEP has published the adaptation gap report.
About the report:
o It is published by UN environment program (UNEP).
o The annual cost of adaptation to the effects of climate change for developing
countries is estimated to at least quadruple by 2050, as per the report.
o The currest cost for these countries is in the range of $70 billion (Rs 5.1 lakh
crore) and may rise to $140-300 billion in 2030 and $280-500 billion in 2050.
o Adaptation cost includes costs of planning, preparing for, facilitating and
implementing adaptation measures.
o 72 per cent of countries have adopted at least one national-level adaptation
planning instrument.
o Most developing countries are preparing National Adaptation Plans. However,
the finance needed to implement these plans is not growing fast enough.
PRELIMS QUESTION
4.Which of the following organisations publishes adaptation gap report:
(a) UN environment program
(b) Green Peace
(c) Climate action network
(d) World Bank
Answer: A

Nile River & Lake Victoria

Why in news?
o The Chinese-financed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on river nile is
increasing rivalry between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.
About Nile River
o Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa, and is the longest
river in the world.
o It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa
to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.
o The river passes through 11 countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi,
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan,
Sudan and Egypt.

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 o The Nile is formed by three principal streams: The Blue Nile and the Atbara,
which flow from the highlands of Ethiopia, and the White Nile, the
headstreams of which flow into Lakes Victoria and Albert.
o Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
is a gravity dam on the Blue Nile
River in Ethiopia which once
completed will be the largest
hydroelectric power plant in Africa.
About Lake Victoria
o Lake Victoria, is the largest lake in
Africa and chief reservoir of the
Nile, lying mainly in Tanzania and
Uganda but bordering on Kenya.
o Among the freshwater lakes of the
world, it is exceeded in size
(surface area) only by Lake
Superior in North America.
PRELIMS QUESTION
5.Consider the following statements regarding Lake Victoria:
1. It is the largest freshwater lake in Africa.
2. It is a major reservoir for Nile river.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C

Lithium-Ion Battery
Why in News?
o The Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India has declared that
Mandla district in Karnataka has 1600kg Lithium.
o India has been dependent on Lithium imports for a long time. 97% of the
materials used in the batteries are imported from different countries like the
USA, China, etc that leaves a high pressure of 149-Billion-dollar USD on Indian
Economy.
Lithium metal and its production
o It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element.
o The world's top four lithium-producing countries from 2019, as reported by the
US Geological Survey are Australia, Chile, China and Argentina.

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o The intersection of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina make up the region known as
the Lithium Triangle, believed to contain over 75% of existing known lithium
reserves.
Li-ion Batteries
o The most widespread and well-known use of Lithium is in the Lithium-ion (Li-
ion) battery.
o A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which
, lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the
positive electrode during discharge, and back when charging.
o Portable electronics, Power tools, military, battery electric vehicle and
aerospace applications etc.
Advantages of Li-Ion Battery
o The energy density of lithium-ion is typically twice that of the standard nickel-
cadmium.
o Lithium-ion is a low maintenance battery.
o The self-discharge is less than half compared to nickel-cadmium.
o A lithium-ion battery pack loses only about 5 percent of its charge per
month, compared to a 20 percent loss per month for NiMH batteries.
o Lithium-ion cells cause little harm when disposed.
o Since Li-ion batteries contain less of toxic metals than other types of
batteries which may contain lead or cadmium.
o Specialty cells can provide very high current to applications such as power
tools.
o They're generally much lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries of
the same size.
o They have no memory effect, which means that you do not have to completely
discharge them before recharging.
Disadvantages
o It is fragile and requires a protection circuit to maintain safe operation.
o Lithium-ion batteries can be a safety hazard since they contain a
flammable electrolyte and may be kept pressurized.
o Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percent higher in cost than nickel-
cadmium.
o Subject to aging, even if not in use.
o They will only last two or three years from the date of manufacture
whether you use them or not.
o Transportation restrictions - shipment of larger quantities may be subject to
regulatory control.
o They are extremely sensitive to high temperatures.

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 o A lithium-ion battery pack must have an on-board computer to manage the
battery.
Add on:
o India's first Lithium refinery is soon going to be set up in Gujarat.
o Manikaran Power Limited, one of the country's largest power trading and
renewable energy company will invest around Rs 1,000 crore to set up this
refinery.
o The refinery will process Lithium ore to produce battery-grade material.
PRELIMS QUESTION
6.Consider the following statements regarding Lithium-Ion Battery:
1. They are highly prone to memory effect when charging.
2. They are sensitive to high temperatures.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B

Railway Companies in India

Why in news?
o The Rs 4,633-crore IPO of Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) got fully
subscribed on the second day of the bidding process
About Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC):
o Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) is a finance arm of the Indian
Railways.
o It raises financial resources for expansion and running through capital markets
and other borrowings.
o IRFC raises money through financial bonds and from banks and financial
institutions.
Other Railway companies:
o Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC): It is an Indian
public sector undertaking that provides ticketing, catering, and tourism
services to the Indian Railways. It has been listed on the National Stock
Exchange since 2019, with the Government continuing to hold majority
ownership.
o Rail Vikas Nigam Limited: It is involved in building rail infrastructure required
by the railways and is a 100% owned PSU of the Ministry of Railway.
o Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited: A company with majority
shares owned by government of India, it provides consultancy services in rail
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 transport management to operators in India and abroad as also planning and
consulting services for other infrastructure, including airports, ports, highways
and urban planning.
o Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is a Union Government Company
that operates Konkan Railway and also undertakes other railway-related
projects.
PRELIMS QUESTION
7.Consider the following statements regarding railways in India:
1. India has the second largest railway network in India by size.
2. More than 90% of broad-Gauge routes in India are electrified.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B

Global Britain, Global Broker report and difficult four

countries
Why in news?
o The report titled “Global Britain, Global Broker” has put India in a list of difficult
four countries vis a vis British diplomacy.
About the report:
o The report is published by Chatham House, a century-old UK-based policy
institute also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs.
o The main purpose of the report is to propose a blueprint for Britain’s future
foreign policy after Brexit.
o Concerningly, in the Chatham House report India is classed as one of the
“difficult four” countries, along with Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, where
citizens are denied the capacity to fight for their rights.
o Part of the justification for labelling India ‘difficult’ centres on a critique of
India’s domestic political developments.
o The report notes that Hindu nationalism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is
weakening the rights of Muslims and other minority religious groups.
PRELIMS QUESTION
8. The “Global Britain, Global Broker” report has been published by:
(a) Brookings Institution
(b) World Economic Forum
(c) Royal Institute of International Affairs
(d) Foreign policy research institute

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Answer: C

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Why in news?
o An expert appraisal committee (EAC) of Union Environment Ministry had
recently deferred granting environmental clearance for the 500-MW Kundah
hydroelectric project inside the buffer zone of ecologically sensitive Nilgiris
biosphere reserve forest.
About Nilgiri Biosphere reserve:
o The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the
Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills ranges of South India.
o Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve was included by UNESCO in September 1986 in its
Man and Biosphere Programme.
o The Nilgiri Sub-Cluster is a part of the Western Ghats, which was declared a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012.
o It includes the Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Silent Valley
national parks, as well as the Aralam, Wayanad, Karimpuzha, and
Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuaries.
o The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve has Moist evergreen, Semi evergreen, Thorn,
Savannah woodland and Sholas & grasslands.
o The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is one of the critical catchment areas of
peninsular India.
o Tribal groups like the Todas, Kotas, Irullas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Adiyans,
Edanadan Chettis, Cholanaickens, Allar,Malayan, etc., are native to the reserve.
Features of Major constituent protected areas:
o Mukurthi National Park: It is a protected area created to protect its keystone
species, the Nilgiri Tahr.
o Bandipur National Park: First established in 1974 as a tiger reserve, it was
earlier a private hunting reserve of Mysore Maharajas. It has third highest
number of tigers in India (126) after Jim Corbett national park (231) and the
adjacent Nagarhole national park (127).
o The Sathyamangalam Wildlife sanctuary: These forests link the Eastern Ghats
and Western Ghats allowing gene flow between diverse fauna populations of
the two eco-regions
o Silent Valley National Park : The national park is one of the last undisturbed
tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and tropical moist
evergreen forest in India. It is home to the largest population of lion-tailed
macaques, an endangered species of primate.

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 PRELIMS QUESTION
9.Consider the following protected areas:
1. Mukurti national Park
2. Anamalai Tiger Reserve
3. Silent Valley national park
4. Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary
5. Mudumalai National Park
Which of the above given are established under the provisions of Wildlife
Protection Act?
(a) 1,2 and 3 only
(b) 2,4 and 5 only
(c) 1,3,4 and 5 only
(d) 1,2,3,4 and 5
Answer: C

Indo French Military Exercise

Why in news?
o Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force is going to conduct a
bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 soon.
About Desert Knight-21
o It is a four-day drill which starts from Jan 20-24, 2021 at the Air Force Station
Jodhpur
o IAF is sending in the French Mirage 2000, Rafale, the Russian Su-30 MKI, IL-78
Flight Refuelling Aircraft, as well as the AWACS and AEW&C aircraft and from
the French side Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-
400M Tactical Transport aircraft.
Other exercises between India and France:
o Exercise SHAKTI: Between the armies of the two countries.
o Exercise Garuda: Another exercise between the air forces of the two countries.
o Exercise Varuna : It started in 1983 between the navies of India & France.
PRELIMS QUESTION
10.Desert Knight-21 is a military exercise between India and:
(a) USA
(b) France
(c) Oman
(d) Australia
Answer: B

Guru Gobind Singh

Why in news?
o Prime minister Narendra modi paid homage to Guru Gobind Singh.
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 About Guru Gobind Singh:
o Guru Gobind Singh born Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru.
o He became the Guru after his father Guru Tegh Bahadur, was executed by
Aurangzeb.
o Guru Gobind Singh was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs at the age
of nine, becoming the tenth and final human Sikh Guru.
o His four sons died during his lifetime – two in battle, two executed by the
Mughal army.
o Among his notable contributions to Sikhism are founding the Sikh warrior
community called Khalsa in 1699 and introducing the Five Ks, the five articles
of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times.
o Guru Gobind Singh is credited with the Dasam Granth whose hymns are a
sacred part of Sikh prayers and Khalsa rituals.
o He is also credited as the one who finalized and enshrined the Guru Granth
Sahib as Sikhism's primary scripture and eternal Guru.
o He is also famous for the Zafarnāma, a spiritual victory letter sent by Sri Guru
Gobind Singh Ji in 1705 to the Mughal Emperor of India, Aurangzeb and in
which he rebuked Aurangzeb for his weaknesses as a human being and for
excesses as a leader.

PRELIMS QUESTION
11.Consider the following statements:
1. Gurmukhi was a script introduced in Punjab by Guru Arjan.
2. Guru Tegh Bahadur laid the foundation of Harmandir Sahib or Golden
Temple.
3. Guru Arjan was the first Sikh Guru to be martyred.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer: C

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 S-400 Triumpf
Why in news?
o As India prepares to receive the first batch of S-400 long-range air defence
system by year-end, the first group of Indian military specialists are scheduled
to depart for Moscow soon to undergo training courses on the S-400, the
Russian Embassy here said in a statement.
About S-400 Triumpf:

Why it is important for India:

o The S-400 Triumf air defence system can engage up to 36 targets at a time and
simultaneously launch 72 missiles and will help destroy air attacks, including
stealth aircraft and any other aerial targets.
o It is highly mobile-all radars, missiles and launchers are mounted on 8x8 cross-
country trucks, which makes them harder to detect and destroy.
o Acquiring the missile system will help repulse the air attacks by India's
adversaries, especially Pakistan and China.
o The deal is important as China, too, has signed a deal with Russia to procure
the same missile system.
PRELIMS QUESTION
12.S-400 Triumpf recently seen in news is a:
(a) Long Range Air Defence system
(b) Ballistic missile system
(c) Marine Reconnaissance system
(d) Multirole Combat Aircraft
Answer: A

Mercy Petition
Why in news?
o Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday told the Supreme Court
that a decision on the mercy petition of one of the convicts serving a life

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 sentence for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, AG
Perarivalan will be taken within four weeks.
o The Tamil Nadu Cabinet had, in September 2018 recommended release of all
seven convicts including Perarivalan for their involvement in the 1991
assassination.
What is mercy petition?
o As per the Constitutional framework in India, mercy petition to the President or
governor is the last constitutional resort a convict can take when he is
sentenced by the court of law.
o A convict can present a mercy petition to the President of India under Article 72
of the Constitution of India.
o Similarly, the power to grant pardon is conferred upon the Governors of States
under Article 161 of the Constitution of India. However, the Governors
pardoning power does not extend to death sentences.
o Article 72 provides that the President shall have the power to grant pardons,
reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or
commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence—
o In all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial;
o In all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against
any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union
extends;
o In all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.
o As per article 161, The Governor of a State shall have the power to grant
pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit
or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any
law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends.
Process of making a mercy petition:
o There is no statutory written procedure for dealing with mercy petitions, but in
practice, after extinguishing all the reliefs in the court of law, either the convict
in person or his relative on his behalf may submit a written petition to the
President.
o The petitions are received by the President’s secretariat on behalf of the
President, which is then forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for their
comments and recommendations.
o A convict under the sentence of death is allowed to make the petition within a
period of seven days after the date on which the Superintendent of jail
informs him about the dismissal of the appeal or special leave to appeal by
the Supreme Court.
o The Home Ministry in consultation with the concerned State Government
discusses the merits of the petition. After the consultation, recommendations

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 are made by the Home Minister and then, the petition is sent back to the
President for his decision.
o Even though the President and Governor are the executive heads, but they
cannot exercise their discretion with regard to their powers under Articles 72
and 161.
o Both the executive heads are required to act on the advice of the appropriate
government–Central and State Government. The advice of the appropriate
Government binds the Head of the state.
o The President can either accept or reject the mercy plea as per the advice by
the council of ministers.
o However, the Constitution doesn’t provide for a specified time limit to
accept/reject the mercy petition. He can keep the petition in abeyance for an
indefinite period if he wishes to.
PRELIMS QUESTION
13.In which of the situations does a governor can be said to enjoy a situational
discretion?
(a) Dissolution of state legislative assembly when no clear government
emerges.
(b) Reservation of a bill for the consideration of the President.
(c) Recommending for the President’s rule in the state.
(d) None of the above
Answer: A

Ratle Hydroelectric project

Why in news?
o Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the investment
of Rs.5281.94 crore for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric (HE) Project located on
river Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
About the project:
o The Ratle Hydroelectric Plant is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station
currently under construction on the Chenab River.
o It is located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
o The project includes a 133 m (436 ft) tall gravity dam and two power stations
adjacent to one another.
o The installed capacity of both power stations will be 850 MW.
o Pakistan has frequently alleged that it violates the Indus Water Treaty.
o It will be executed by new Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be
incorporated between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd
(JKSPDC) with equity contribution of 51% and 49% respectively.
o It shall be commissioned within a span of 60 months.
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o Other major projects in the Chenab valley include 1000 MW Pakal Dul HE
Project , 624 MW Kiru HE Project, 900 MW Baglihar Power Project etc.
o Since Chenab river waters has been awarded to Pakistan as per Indus water
agreements, there are limitations for India in exploiting the full potential of the
river.
PRELIMS QUESTION
14.Consider the following statements regarding Kishanganga project, recently in
news:
1. It is a project in the Chenab river basin.
2. It is located in Jammu and Kashmir.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B

Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW)

Why in news?
o The state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited achieved a major milestone by
successfully test-firing a Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from the Hawk-i
aircraft off the coast of Odisha.
About SAAW:
o The DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) is a long-range precision-guided
anti-airfield weapon.
o It was developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO).
o It is designed to be capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up
to a range of 100 kilometres.
o The SAAW project was approved by the Government of India in 2013.
o It is India's first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon, has deep penetration
capabilities and carries a high explosive warhead.
o It is capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers,
taxi tracks, and runways etc. up to a range of 100 kms.
o The SAAW can currently be launched from the Jaguar and Su-30MKI aircraft.
PRELIMS QUESTION
15.Consider the following statements regarding Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
(SAAW), recently in news:
1. India has a developed a fully indigenous SAAW.
2. It can be used to destroy enemy targets like Bunkers and radars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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 (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C

Shramshakti Digital Data Solution

Why in news?
o The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda virtually through Video
Conference launched “ShramShakti”.
About Shramshakti solution:
o It is a National Migration Support Portal for tribal migrant workers.
o Shram Shakti would be able to successful able to address the data gap and
empower migrant workers who generally migrate in search of employment and
income generation.
o It would also help the government for linking the migrant population with
existing Welfare Scheme- under Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
o The various data that will be recorded via Shram Shakti include
o Demographic profile
o Livelihood options
o Skill mapping
o Migration pattern.
PRELIMS QUESTION
16.Consider the following statements regarding Shram shakti portal:
1. It will primarily help tribal migrant population of India.
2. It will collect demographic and skill data related to migrant workers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C

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