ILearnCANA - February Vol 2

2021
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y
VOL2
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. OVER-THE-TOP PLATFORMS .......................................................................................... 4
1.1 WHY IN NEWS? ................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 SYLLABUS: ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:....................................................................................................... 4
1.4 ANALYSIS: ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5. iTips: ................................................................................................................................ 8
2. AGEING DAMS IN INDIA ............................................................................................... 9
2.1 WHY IN NEWS? ................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 SYLLABUS: ........................................................................................................................ 9
2.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:....................................................................................................... 9
2.4 ANALYSIS: ......................................................................................................................... 9
2.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 12
3. SURVEILLANCE STATE ................................................................................................. 13
3.1 WHY IN NEWS? .............................................................................................................. 13
3.2 SYLLABUS: ...................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:..................................................................................................... 13
3.4 ANALYSIS: ....................................................................................................................... 13
3.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 17
4. UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL..................................................................................... 18
4.1 WHY IN NEWS? .............................................................................................................. 18
4.2 SYLLABUS: ...................................................................................................................... 18
4.4 ANALYSIS: ....................................................................................................................... 18
4.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 21
5. DNA TECHNOLOGY REGULATION BILL ......................................................................... 22
5.1 WHY IN NEWS? .............................................................................................................. 22
5.2 SYLLABUS: ...................................................................................................................... 22
5.4 ANALYSIS: ....................................................................................................................... 22
5.5. iTips: .............................................................................................................................. 24
WEEKLY PRELIMS COMPILATION..................................................................................... 25
Places in news ................................................................................................................ 26
Dhauliganga River and Uttarakhand Floods ........................................................................ 26
Hindu Kush ........................................................................................................................... 27
Paracel Islands...................................................................................................................... 28
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Farakka Barrage And Hilsa ................................................................................................... 29
Chilika Lake........................................................................................................................... 30
Environment and Ecology ............................................................................................... 31
Biological Diversity Act, 2002 ............................................................................................... 31
Eco-Sensitive Zones.............................................................................................................. 33
Pangolin................................................................................................................................ 33
Economics ...................................................................................................................... 35
India Post Payments Bank .................................................................................................... 35
Bank Boards Bureau ............................................................................................................. 36
National Skill Qualification Framework ............................................................................... 37
New Models Of Trains.......................................................................................................... 38
Science and Technology .................................................................................................. 39
CATS Warrior Drones ........................................................................................................... 39
Art & Culture and History ............................................................................................... 40
Lingayatism .......................................................................................................................... 40
Shree Jagannath Temple ...................................................................................................... 41
Reports and indices ........................................................................................................ 42
Democracy Index ................................................................................................................. 42
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1. OVER-THE-TOP PLATFORMS
1.1 WHY IN NEWS?
Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on 11th Feb 2021 said major OTT
platforms have adopted a ‘toolkit’ for effective implementation of the self-regulation code
introduced in 2020.
1.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 2: Important aspects of Governance
GS 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth,
Development and Employment.
1.3 PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Discuss the need for a separate legal framework to regulate the online news and OTT
platforms?
1.4 ANALYSIS:
WHAT IS OTT PLATFORMS?
• OTT or Over-the-Top platforms are audio and video hosting and streaming services
such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar etc, which started out as content
hosting platforms but soon branched out into the production and release of short
movies, feature films, documentaries and web series themselves
• These media services can easily be accessed through mobile phones, laptops, smart
TV, and other audio-visual devices with an internet connection.
• Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly
subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere.
• One of the biggest boosts that the OTT platforms achieved was during the
pandemic period of COVID-19, where this industry flourished many folds
OTT PLATFORMS IN INDIA:
• India is currently the world’s fastest growing OTT (over-the-top streaming) market,
and is all set to emerge as the world’s sixth-largest by 2024.
• At present, the OTT platform’s valuation stands at 35 billion INR, with nearly 500
million internet users, expected to grow at 8% per year.
SELF-REGULATORY CODE
• In 2020, major OTT platforms had adopted a Universal Self-Regulation Code for
OCCPs that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms
which prohibited five types of content.
• This includes:
o Content that deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or
national flag.
o Any visual or story line that promotes child pornography.
o Any content that “maliciously” intends to outrage religious sentiments.
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o Content that “deliberately and maliciously” promotes or encourages
terrorism.
o Any content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by law or
court.
• In February 2021, 17 platforms, including Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime
Video, have adopted a ‘toolkit’ for effective implementation of the self-regulation
code introduced in 2020.
IAMAI Secretariat for the Code:
ISSUES WITH OTT PLATFORMS Major OTT platforms and Internet and
Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) set
• Lack of regulation:
up an ‘IAMAI Secretariat for the Code’
o While traditional media in India to administer the implementation of
are regulated under specific laws the self-regulatory code and the
such as: toolkit.
▪ Films are regulated under the Cinematograph Act of 1952 - which
provides for the certification of cinematograph films for public
exhibition.
▪ The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 - that applies
to content appearing on cable televisions.
o However, there is no such specific law for regulation of content over OTT
platforms.
• Ineffectiveness of self-regulatory mechanism:
o Self- regulatory mechanism proposed by IAMAI did not give adequate
cognizance to content prohibited under law and there were issues of conflict
of interest
• Threat to social harmony:
o However, due to the lack of censorship, content on OTT platforms can disrupt
social harmony and moral fabric of society.
• Cultural homogenization:
o Contents from the western world with better technical quality and reach
dominates the OTT platforms >> sidelines locally produced contents >> paves
way for cultural imperialism.
• Adverse effect of regulation:
o Government is planning for establishing a regulatory code on the content of
OTT platforms >> these regulations could also mean that these platforms
would have to apply for certification and approval of the content they wish to
stream >> this could give rise to issues such as cultural conservatism,
curbing the voice against the government etc.
• Burden to judiciary:
o Because of the policy vacuum in online content regulation, people resort to
the judiciary when they have concerns related to vulgar content on online
media.
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BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH OTT PLATFORMS
• Cost effective:
o Anyone can easily register themselves and pay a subscription amount which
makes it cost-effective, as compared to tradition cinema theatres
• Easy access:
o One can log in to these OTT platforms through mobile applications, smart TV,
etc.>> the only requirement is an internet connection
• Creative use of media:
o As OTT platforms are relatively less subjected to censorship, it helps bring
socio-political content or matters to a common man, which otherwise are
censored in mainstream media.
• An open platform for entertainment industry:
o The biggest advantage of this platform is that it has provided a medium for
new talent to get more opportunities as the number of projects are much
higher in comparison to television or films
• Platform for international content:
o Any Indian content uploaded on these platforms can be viewed
internationally. This gives a broader outreach of content and talent
• On- demand media consumption:
o The OTT services have a hybrid character as they combine the passive
consumption mode of television and the consumer choice of the web. Thus,
OTT platforms' advantage of playing media anywhere and anytime has
created a massive demand for it.
• Sustenance of entertainment industry:
o The future of traditional media platforms such as cinema, live events is in
jeopardy >> This is even applicable post-Covid era, due to social distancing
becoming a norm in the society.
• Democratization of media:
o OTT industry is benefiting numerous content producers and artists.
o It also helps in accessing regional films around the country as well as globally.
NEED FOR REGULATION OF OTT PLATFORMS:

• Increasing consumer base:
o With the increasing usage of the internet each day and multiple genres of
media and content being released, the Government had to maintain the
standards of traditional and digital/online content
• To ensure public order and security:
o Multiple complaints and issues had been raised by the people concerning the
contents being shown online – such as contents promoting violence, abuse,
vulgarity and disrespect to religious sentiments
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• Level playing field:
o In India, OTT is the only platform that was self-regulatory, thus to make it
equivalent to similar platforms like television and radio, the OTTs must be
brought under regulatory ambit
REGULATION OF OTT CONTENT

• Brought under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting:
o Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms under the
ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 2020.
o It will give the government control over these platforms, which were
unregulated till now as there is no law or autonomous body governing digital
content.
o Earlier it was under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology.
• Online content providers comes under the legal framework of the Information
Technology Act 2000
• In 2015, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation
paper on regulation of OTT services
OTHER MEDIA REGULATORY BODIES IN INDIA:

• Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)
o Aims at expanding the online value-added service sector. It is registered
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
• Digital Curated Content Complaints Council (DCCC)
o Launched in February 2020 and aims at providing a better online viewing
experience for the viewers and also open up a complaint mechanism for their
assistance
• Press Council of India
o Maintains the print media
• Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
o It is the censor board for the Indian film industry
• News Broadcasting Standards Authority:
o Body responsible to manage the content on television
WAY FORWARD
• Digital awareness:
o Consumers should be made aware of the issues associated with online video
streaming; and the rights and duties they have as a consumer of such services
• Community led approach:
o Government could set up a committee involving the public to look into
complaints regarding contents in OTT platforms
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• Viewers’ responsibility:
o Bring legal provisions that makes the viewers/users responsible for the
content they watch in online platforms
• We need a more liberal form of content regulation:
o As the Khosla Committee pointed out India had one of the strictest models
of censorship in the world and that there was need for a more liberal form
of content regulation
• Government interferences may kill innovation:
o Government can’t maintain its paternalistic role in technology if they want
the society to benefit from technological development
• A technology-centric approach:
o Such an approach allows policymakers to properly assess the economic
conditions of the industry’s new business models, the changes in consumer
behavior and the influence of distribution platforms.
o The government should treat the internet as a marketplace of ideas that
transgresses geopolitical considerations, and therefore, should adopt
policies anchored and following the logic of the technological change
• Respecting the freedom of expression:
o The government should also take into account the future of free speech
regime in India, which will play a major role in the impact of content
regulation.
o Any kind of content regulation on OTT platforms is likely to directly affect
the power of the states to regulate other forms of content generation.
• Self-regulation as an alternative:
o Given the nature of OTT services and their growing reach, self-regulation
presents itself as a strong alternative to state censorship
1.5. iTips:
• For prelims, questions are expected on Digital Curated Content Complaints Council,
Press Council of India, News Broadcasting Standards Authority etc.
• For mains, questions are expected on the prospects and challenges of OTT platforms,
need for regulation of such platforms etc.
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2. AGEING DAMS IN INDIA
2.1 WHY IN NEWS?
Over a thousand large dams in India will be roughly 50 years old in 2025 and such
aging embankments across the world pose a growing threat, according to a United Nations
(UN) report “Ageing water infrastructure: An emerging global risk”.
2.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 3: Disaster and disaster management
Q. Ageing dams are posing a growing threat to India. In this context, critically analyse the
need of large hydro projects in India?
2.4 ANALYSIS:
DAMS IN INDIA:
• As on June 2019, India ranks third globally with 5,745 large dams (includes dams
under construction).
o Of these, 5,675 large dams are operated by states, 40 by central public sector
undertakings, and five by private agencies. Most of these large dams are in
Maharashtra (2394), Madhya Pradesh (906), and Gujarat (632).
o Over 75% of these dams are more than 20 years old and about 220 dams are
more than 100 years old.
• According to the UN report In India, over 1,115 large dams will be at roughly 50
years mark by 2025.
• The report also finds that India's current dam construction rate is among the world's
highest.
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WHY INDIA NEED DAMS:
• For water security: Due to the large physiographic diversity of the country, there is a
significant variation in water availability, both spatially and temporally. Hence, dams
are crucial for ensuring the water security of the Country.
• Irrigation: Large dams are vital in providing year-round irrigation to farm fields. For
eg: Bhakra Nangal, Beas projects and Indira Gandhi canal played a major role in the
success of green revolution in the Punjab plains.
• Hydropower: Dams provide cheap hydroelectric projects, which in turn sustain
industrial growth and domestic power consumption. Eg: The Mettur dam in Tamil
nadu is a major contributor to the development of Aluminum industries in Salem .
• Flood control: Large dams are a crucial component of all flood control projects in
India. For eg: The Damodar valley project, completed in 1948, still plays a crucial in
controlling the floods along Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Ecological regulation: Dams and barrages are used to control the salinity and
ecological balance of delta regions. For eg: One of the objectives of the Farakka
barrage is the reduction in salinity of water and thus improvement in availability of
potable water to Kolkata and surrounding areas.
• Inland navigation: Dams help maintain a steady flow in the rivers, which in turn
promotes inland water transport. For Eg: The Farakka barrage forms a major part of
the National Waterway 1.
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• Recreation & income source: Dams and reservoirs are popular tourist attractions in
India. They also provide income sources to local population via inland fisheries,
boating and hospitality services.
THREATS POSED BY AGEING DAMS:
• Enhances vulnerability to disasters:
o The older a dam, the more vulnerable it becomes to collapse due to
structural decay, earthquakes, hydrostatic pressure etc.
o The longer a reservoir lasts, the chances of reservoir-induced earthquakes in
the region increase.
o The lower reaches of all major dams are densely populated. For eg: Three
million people live downriver of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam.
• Enhances threat from climate change: Old dams were designed and built on the
basis of hydrological records in a pre-climate change era. With climate change
bringing more extreme floods, aging dams threaten to become lethal.
• Alters ecological stability: Prolonged damming of rivers affects the fauna and flora in
the river basins. They can lead to increased land degradation and encroachment by
new invasive species. Eg: Damming the river, coupled with water intensive
agriculture, diversion of land and climate change has led the Kaveri delta to shrink by
20%.
• Creates recurring conflicts: Increasing concerns over dam safety has been the root
cause of river water disputes in India. The most notable is the Mullaperiyar dispute
between Kerala, the state under threat, and Tamil Nadu, the state upstream that
operates the dam.
• Increases cost of maintenance: Ageing dams require expensive repairs. Also,
siltation reduces the capacity of dams. Hence, the net return from large dams
diminishes in the long run.
GOVERNMENT EFFORTS:
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP):
• The project aims to improve safety and operational performance of selected dams,
along with institutional strengthening the institutional mechanisms.
• The six-year Project is implemented by Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development & Ganga Rejuvenation through Central Water Commission, with World
Bank assistance.
• Under the project, presently 198 dam projects are being rehabilitated.
The Dam Safety Bill, 2019
• The Bill provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all
specified dams across the country.
• It constitutes two national bodies:
1. National Committee on Dam Safety, whose functions include evolving
policies and recommending regulations regarding dam safety standards
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2. National Dam Safety Authority, whose functions include implementing
policies of the National Committee and providing technical assistance.
• It also constitutes two state bodies responsible for the surveillance, inspection, and
monitoring the operation and maintenance of dams within their jurisdiction, namely:
1. State Committee on Dam Safety
2. State Dam Safety Organisation
• The bill is yet to be passed because of concerns from States. As per the Constitution,
states can make laws on water including water storage and water power. However,
Parliament may regulate and develop inter-state river valleys if it deems it necessary
in public interest. The question is whether Parliament has the jurisdiction to regulate
dams on rivers flowing entirely within a state.
WAY FORWARD:
• Reassess the feasibility of dams, both existing and planned ones, with special
emphasis on the rising demand for water and the possible impacts of climate
change.
• Replace hydropower with alternative sources of energy, such as decentralized
renewable power.
• Promote sub-surface dams: Unlike a surface dam, water loss by evaporation is
minimal in underground dams. In a country like India, where evaporation rates are
very high, this can be the game changer. Countries like Japan that have created
multiple sub-surface dams.
• Increase water use efficiency, by promoting micro irrigation techniques, mandatory

recycling of industrial wastewater and community-led management of water
resources.
• Promote academic research and development: Some dams are so big it is difficult to
even approach the problem of their decommission. Hence, there is a need to foster
research and technological development to decommission them.
2.5. iTips:
• For Prelims, Questions can be asked on Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
(DRIP), geographical distribution of dams and reservoirs in India etc.
• For Mains, Questions can be asked on significance and issues of dams in India,
government initiatives to improve dam safety etc.
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3. SURVEILLANCE STATE
3.1 WHY IN NEWS?
The Centre Government on 4th February 14, 2021 denied granting blanket
permission to any government agency for interception or monitoring of any messages or
information under its surveillance programmes such as Centralized Monitoring System
(CMS) and National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).
3.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 2: Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
GS 3: Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and
Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges
Q. “Surveillance is indispensable in the age of cyber warfare, but it must be carried out in a
transparent and systematic manner” Comment.
3.4 ANALYSIS:
WHAT IS SURVEILLANCE STATE?
• A surveillance state is defined as a state which legally surveils all actions, locations,
and friends of its citizens, in order to prevent crimes or in order to solve them
faster.
• When a state takes measures to ensure security, it simultaneously restricts liberty of
people also. Hence there should be balance between security and liberty.
NEED OF SURVEILLANCE BY STATE:

• Prevent organized crime:
o Social media has become a tool for facilitating organized crime i.e. to commit
and provoke extremism, money laundering, violence and crime.
• Curb on fake news and misinformation:
o Fake news is a new challenge for law enforcement agencies as it may trigger
mob violence, influence elections etc.
• Misuse of privacy clause:
o Many of the online service providers such as Whatsapp has privacy
commitments to its users >> such privacy settings of companies can be
easily misused by criminals to act anonymously
• Unregulated domain:
o Social media platforms are self-regulated as government does not regulate
content appearing on social network platforms; hence due diligence is need
of the hour for social media.
• Neutralizing emerging threats:
o Surveillance would help in countering threats such as terrorist activities,
cyber-attacks etc. by offering better information on potential attacks.
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• Enforces Supreme Court’s advisory:
o The SC in Tehseen Poonawalla case and Prajwala Letter Case > asked
government to frame guidelines or a standard operating procedure (SOP) to
deal with the publication and proliferation of unlawful content through
social media intermediaries like Google, YouTube, Facebook etc.
• Role of state and non-state actors:
o Enemy countries may make use of mass media to create chaos and
disruptions in society >> to take advantage of the weakened state
establishment
• To ensure rights of citizens:
o State establishments are obliged to protect its citizen’s rights. Hence state
need to check unlawful activities that may pose a threat to citizen’s rights
such as cyber-bullying, defamation etc.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK:
• The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885:
o Section 5 of the Act allows both central and state governments to intercept
messages in:
▪ Public emergency or in the interest of public safety
▪ Interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State,
public order, and prevention of incitement to the commission of
offence
▪ Interest of friendly relations with foreign states.
• The Indian Post Office Act, 1898:
o It allows the Centre and state to intercept postal articles in public
emergencies or in the interest of public safety or tranquility.
• The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967:
o It allows the information that was intercepted in the Telegraph Act to be
used as evidence.
• The Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000:
o It is one of the primary laws regulating interception, monitoring, decryption,
and collection of digital communications and information
o In 2018 MeitY has prepared the Information Technology (Intermediary
Guidelines) Rules 2018 which would replace the rules notified in 2011.
• Aadhar Act, 2016:
o In the interest of national security central government may issue a direction
for revealing information from Aadhar database.
MASS SURVEILLANCE PROJECTS IN INDIA:
• Central Monitoring System Project:
o Government has set up the CMS to automate the process of lawful
interception and monitoring of mobile phones, landlines and the internet in
the country.
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• Network Traffic Analysis (NETRA):
o It has been developed by the Center for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
(CAIR) laboratory under DRDO.
o The system could detect selective words like “bomb”, “blast”, “attack” or
“kill” within seconds from emails, instant messages, status updates and
tweets.
• National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID):
o NATGRID was proposed just after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
o It is essentially an intelligence grid that links all the stored data from different
government and intelligence entities, which enables it to analyse data
gathered by the linked agencies.
• Lawful Interception and Monitoring Project (LIM):
o The LIM works in a similar way to NETRA.
o It is a program for surveillance of Internet traffic in India, allowing the
monitoring of all traffic (text and audio) passing through Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) without the ISP’s knowledge.
COURT VERDICTS ON STATE SURVEILLANCE

• Kharak Singh v/s UP, 1962:
o Supreme Court strikes down certain UP Police Regulations that allowed for
home visits to “habitual criminals” or those who were likely to become
habitual criminals.
• Union for Civil Liberties v/s Union of India, 1996
o Supreme Court gives guidelines for interception of telecommunications,
specifying who can issue interception orders, on other alternatives, on the
duration of the order, and on the specific nature of the order.
• K.S. Puttaswamy v/s Union of India, 2017:
o SC ruled that privacy is a fundamental right. But this right is not unbridled or
absolute.
ISSUES:
• Against freedom of speech:
o Excessive surveillance restricts citizen’s freedom of speech as enshrined in
Article 19(2).
• Against right to privacy:
o Tapping of private messages, calls and mails on the basis of vague and
arbitrary provisions is against individual’s right to privacy under Article 21
• Arbitrary application:
o A blanket approval to certain security agencies for carrying out surveillance
is arbitrary and against SC’s 2017 judgment in ‘the right to privacy case’
where SC made mandatory for government to answer the questions of ‘how,
when, and what kind’ while impinging on citizen’s right to privacy.
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• Lack of review
o Decisions about surveillance are taken by the executive branch, with no
parliamentary or judicial supervision.
• Lack of safeguards:
o An individual will almost never know that she/he is being under surveillance
due to clandestine nature of the act, hence challenging it before a court is a
near-impossibility.
• Vague and ambiguous:
o As per many of our laws grounds of surveillance is vague such as ‘friendly
relations with foreign States’ or protecting ‘sovereignty and integrity of India’
>> which have higher scope of misuse
• Opaque and liable to be misused:
o There is almost no information available about the bases on which
surveillance decisions are taken, and how the legal standards are applied,
turning it into a tool in the hands of politicians for misuse.
WAY FORWARD:
• Parliamentary and judicial oversight:
o There must be parliamentary oversight over the agencies that conduct
surveillance and all surveillance requests must necessarily go before a judicial
authority to evaluate the merits of surveillance request.
• Independent review committee:
o Instituting an independent review committee or a ‘Privacy Commission’
comprising of retired civil servants, retired judges and civil society
representatives to oversee the surveillance requests of government.
• Applying surveillance more objectively:
o In place of using terms like ‘national sovereignty’ or ‘public security’,
situations attracting surveillance by the state should be made more precise
and objective.
o Every surveillance request must mandatorily specify a probable cause for
suspicion.
• Reforms in criminal justice system:
o Evidence obtained through unconstitutional surveillance must be
statutorily stipulated to be inadmissible in court.
• Private initiatives:
o Citizens’ initiatives such as the Indian Privacy Code have also proposed
legislative models for surveillance reform, which could be used by the
parliament to take this forward.
BEST PRACTICE:
• PRISM:
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o It is a code name for a program under which the United States National
Security Agency (NSA) collects internet communications from various U.S.
internet companies
• The Investigatory Powers Act of UK:
o It is UK’s new surveillance law. The Act creates a new framework of oversight
intended to prevent abuse, which includes setting up an independent body
tasked with reviewing and reporting on the government’s surveillance
activities.
3.5. iTips:
• For prelims, questions are expected on important provisions of Indian Telegraph Act,
1885, Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000, Aadhar Act 2016 etc.
• For mains, questions can be asked on the need for state surveillance, issues
associated with it, legal measures regarding surveillance in India etc.
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4. UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
4.1 WHY IN NEWS?
• The USA has announced that it will return to the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
as an observer, after quitting it in 2018.
4.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Q. Give an account of the structure and mandate of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Has the council lived up to its objectives. Substantiate your views?
4.4 ANALYSIS:
UN HRC:
• The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations.
• It is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights
around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make
recommendations on them.
• The UNHRC was established by the UN General Assembly on 15 March 2006 to
replace the UN Commission on Human Rights.
STRUCTURE:
• The headquarters of UNHRC is in Geneva, Switzerland and meets for three or more
sessions per year.
• The Council will have a President and four vice presidents representing regional
groups in the Council. They are responsible for all procedural and organizational
matters related to the Council.
COMPOSITION:
• The Council is made up of 47 UN member states, which are elected by the UN
General Assembly for a staggered three-year term.
• No member can occupy a seat for more than two consecutive terms.
• Election is on a regional group basis: 13 for Africa, 13 for Asia, 6 for Eastern Europe, 8
for Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and 7 for the Western European and
Others Group (WEOG).
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ADVISORY COMMITTEES:
• To do its work, the Human Rights Council gets help from groups of experts. They are
called ‘Advisory Committees’.
• Sometimes, the Human Rights Council also works with other experts who have
knowledge about a particular right or a particular country, called ‘Special
Procedures’.
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW (UPR):
• All Council members and U.N. member states are required to undergo a Universal
Periodic Review (UPR).
• It examines a member’s fulfillment of its human rights obligations and commitments.
• The review is an intergovernmental process that facilitates an interactive dialogue
between the country under review and the UPR working group
SUCCESSES OF UN HRC:
• Took human rights to the forefront: As a fairly high-profile forum, it ensures that
human rights remain visible among UN activities.
• Adaptability to change: The council has adopted several mandates and policies that
uphold human rights in today’s dynamic world.
o New mandates have been created to address important issues such as the
right to privacy and the elimination of discrimination against women.
o Important new standards have been adopted and are starting to be used,
such as the “Guiding Principles on business and human rights”.
o Special sessions are often held to address emergencies.
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• Held countries accountable: Council initiatives have contributed to accountability
efforts in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Sri Lanka and North Korea.
• Effective review mechanism: The council’s Universal Periodic Review process has
become a useful means for addressing and reviewing human rights issues. The
Special Procedures have also grown in strength and influence.
CRITICISM OF UN HRC:
• Continuing crisis: The council has failed to successfully address some of the long
standing human rights violations, such as those in Syria, Yemen and Palestine.
• Questionable effectiveness: The Council's ability to act effectively and quickly is
overly dependent on the political will of its members. The Council's credibility is also
being undermined by those states which have chosen not to join the body, especially
USA.
• Politicization of the council: Throughout its years, it has become a highly politicised
body, dependent upon the political will of its members to act. Eg: Its limited impact
on the Russian annexation of Crimea, largely due to Russia’s dominant presence in
the Council.
• Involvement of questionable members: Critics are concerned that countries widely
perceived as human rights abusers, such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and
Venezuela, have served (or are serving) as Council members.
• Over emphasis on Israel: Some criticize the inclusion of the human rights situation in
Palestine and Israel as a permanent item on the Council’s agenda, called ‘Agenda
item 7’. Out of the six special sessions called since its inception, the Council has
devoted four to Israel.
• Financial dependency on US: The Human Rights Council is funded primarily through
the U.N. regular budget, of which the United States is assessed 22%. Hence, the US
holds a de-facto control over the council’s affairs.
• Opaque election process: The Council adopts a closed ballot system for elections in
the General Assembly. This makes it easier for countries with questionable human
rights records to be elected to the Council.
WAY FORWARD:
• Transparent elections: Some experts and policymakers have proposed open ballots
in Council elections to hold countries publicly accountable for their votes and
lowering the two-third vote threshold to make it easier to remove a Council
member.
• Enhance cooperation with USA: American acquiescence and cooperation is vital to
the success of the Council as the Council needs the US for funding, support, and its
power in influencing other states to comply with human rights norms.
• Ensure consistency: In order to prevent accusations of selectivity and politicization,
the Council must respond to human rights issues consistently and not be dependent
on the ideological, political or economic alliances of its members.
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4.5. iTips:
• For Prelims, questions on the features of UN HRC can be asked.
• For Mains, direct questions on the structure, mandate and election process of
UNHRC can be expected. The content can also be used in questions related to the
need to reform the UN
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5. DNA TECHNOLOGY REGULATION BILL
5.1 WHY IN NEWS?
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, recently, in a draft
report, pointed out that some of the provisions in the DNA Technology Bill could be misused
in different ways.
5.2 SYLLABUS:
GS 2: Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Q. Discuss the challenges associated with the use of technology in criminal justice system
with special reference to the provisions of DNA Technology Regulation Bill?
5.4 ANALYSIS:
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
• The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in
the Lok Sabha.
• The bill which is also known as the DNA profiling bill, tries to check use of DNA
technology to establish the identity of a person.
• According to the government, the DNA technology bill aims to establish the identity
of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased
persons.
PROVISIONS:
• Use of DNA Data:
o Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only in respect of matters listed in the
Schedule to the Bill.
o These include offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and for civil
matters such as paternity suits.
o Further, the Schedule includes DNA testing for matters related to
establishment of individual identity.
• Collection of DNA:
o While preparing a DNA profile, bodily substances of persons may be collected
by the investigating authorities.
o Authorities are required to obtain consent for collection in certain situations.
• Removal of DNA profiles:
o It also provides for the removal of DNA profiles of suspects on the filing of a
police report or court order, and of undertrials on the basis of a court order
• DNA Data Bank:
o The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and
Regional DNA Data Banks, for every state, or two or more states.
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o DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data prepared by them with the
National and Regional DNA Data Banks.
• DNA Regulatory Board:
o The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will
supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories.
o The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, will be the ex officio
Chairperson of the Board.
o The Board will comprise additional members from NIA, CBI etc.
• Functions of the Board:
o Advising governments on all issues related to establishing DNA laboratories
or Data Banks
o Granting accreditation to DNA laboratories.
o Ensuring that all information relating to DNA profiles with the Data Banks,
laboratories, and other persons are kept confidential.
• Offences:
o The Bill specifies penalties for various offences, including for disclosure of
DNA information or using DNA sample without authorization
CONCERNS:
• Violation of fundamental rights:
o DNA profiling bill is a violation of human rights as it could compromise with
the privacy of the individuals
• Misuse of sensitive information:
o The DNA profiles can reveal extremely sensitive information of an individual
such as family ancestry, skin colour, behaviour, illness, health status and
susceptibility to diseases.
• Target certain communities:
o It could even be used to incorrectly link a particular caste/community to
criminal activities.
• Storage of DNA Profiles of un-convicted Persons:
o The Bill proposes to store DNA profiles of suspects, undertrials, victims and
their relatives for future investigations.
o The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology has
questioned the necessity for storage of such DNA profiles, pointing out that
this violates the fundamental right to privacy and does not serve any public
purpose.
• Perfunctory consent:
o The bill refers to consent in several provisions, but in each of those, a
magistrate can easily override consent, thereby in effect, making consent
perfunctory.
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o There is also no guidance in the Bill on the grounds and reasons of when the
magistrate can override consent.
• Removal of DNA Profiles of accused:
o The Bill permits retention of DNA found at a crime scene in perpetuity, even
if conviction of the offender has been overturned.
• Absence of data protection framework:
questioned the security of a huge number of DNA profiles that will be
placed with the National DNA Data bank and its regional centers.
WAY FORWARD:
• Independent scrutiny:
recommended that independent scrutiny must be done of the proposals to
destroy biological samples and remove DNA profiles from the database.
• Adoption of data protection legislation:
o Prior adoption of a privacy or data protection bill would allow individuals
some recourse if their rights were not protected
• Need for a cost-benefit analysis:
o The government also needs to do a cost-benefit analysis as creating large
databases is often not a cost-effective way to solve more crimes, and limited
resources must be targeted effectively.
• Prerequisites:
o Using DNA effectively during criminal investigations requires proper crime
scene examination, trained and reliable policing, a trusted chain of custody of
samples, reliable analysis, and proper use of expert evidence in court.
o Without these prerequisites, a DNA database will exacerbate rather than
solve problems in the criminal justice system
• Privacy protection:
o The Act need provisions to restrict DNA profiling so that it uses only non-
coding DNA, a commonly used international standard for one, which
prevents the use of parts of the DNA which code for personal characteristics,
including medical conditions.
• Separation of data banks:
o Separate data banks have to maintained for civil and criminal matters
5.5. iTips:
• For prelims, questions can be asked on the rights under Article 19, 20 and 22 of the
Constitution
• For mains, questions can be asked on the prospects and challenges of DNA profiling
bill, suggestions to improve criminal justice system etc.
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IGNITE 2021
WEEKLY PRELIMS COMPILATION
Contact- ilearnias@gmail.com/8089166792
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NOTE:
In the February 2021 Vol. 1 compilation, the answer for Prelims question related to
‘Patharughat uprising’ was incorrectly given as Option a (Maharashtra). However,
the correct answer is Option D (Bengal). The mistake is regretted.
NOTE:
In the February 2021 Vol. 1 compilation, the answer for Prelims question related
Neo Metro Neo was incorrectly given as Option a. However, the correct answer is
Option D (Both the statements are incorrect). The mistake is regretted.
Places in news
DHAULIGANGA RIVER AND UTTARAKHAND FLOODS
Why in news?
o A glacial burst in Uttarakhand took a heavy toll on the National Thermal Power
Corporation's under-construction Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower plant project
in Chamoli district as nearly 150 of its workers went missing and its main dam
washed away.
o Over 22 workers of Rishiganga hydro power projects (another power project)
have gone missing.
How did the disaster happen?
o The flooding is believed to have caused when a portion of the Nanda Devi
glacier broke off early on 7 February, releasing the water trapped behind the ice
in a glacial lake outburst flood.
o This lead to leading to flooding in the Chamoli district, most notably in the
Rishiganga river, the Dhauliganga river, and in turn the Alaknanda—the major
headstream of the Ganges.
About Dhauliganga river:
o Dhauliganga is a left tributary of the Alaknanda, the left headwater of the
Ganges, in the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
o The river Ganges begins at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
rivers.
o Dhauliganga arises on the Raikana glacier at an altitude of 4700 m.
o It flows mainly in a southerly direction through the Chamoli district and turns
west for the last 20 km.
o At Reni, Dhauliganga takes the Rishiganga river from the left.
o Just before the estuary is the small town of Jyotirmath on the river bank.
o Dhauliganga finally flows into the Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag. It has a length of
82 km.
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Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Plant

o It is a 520 MW run-of-river hydroelectric project being constructed on
Dhauliganga River
o It is located in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.
o The plant was expected to generate over 2.5k GWh of electricity annually.
o Tapovan Vishnugad is NTPC's second hydro power project since its foray into the
hydropower sector.
PRELIMS QUESTION
1.Consider the following pairs of Rivers and the Glaciers of origin:
1. Bhagirathi : Gangotri
2. Alakananda : Satopanth
3. Yamuna : Zemu
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer: C
HINDU KUSH
Why in news?
o Snowfall over the higher reaches of the Hindukush Himalayan mountain ranges
has been increasing in recent decades, which has shielded the region from
glacier shrinkage, the Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region
report has stated.
About Hindu Kush mountain ranges:
o The Hindu Kush is an 800-kilometre-long mountain range that stretches
through Afghanistan, from its centre to Northern Pakistan and into Tajikistan.
o The range forms the western section of the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region
(HKH) and is the westernmost extension of the Pamir Mountains, the
Karakoram and the Himalayas.
o It divides the valley of the Amu Darya (the ancient Oxus) to the north from the
Indus River valley to the south.
o To the north, near its northeastern end, the Hindu Kush buttresses the Pamir
Mountains near the point where the borders of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan
meet, after which it runs southwest through Pakistan and into Afghanistan near
their border.
o The eastern end of the Hindu Kush in the north merges with the Karakoram
Range.
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History:
o The Hindu Kush range region was a historically significant centre of Buddhism
with sites such as the Bamiyan Buddhas.
o The range and communities settled in it hosted ancient monasteries, important
trade networks and travellers between Central Asia and South Asia.
o The Hindu Kush range has also been the passageway during the invasions of
the Indian subcontinent and continues to be important during modern-era
warfare in Afghanistan.
o Well-known passes of the range include the Khyber Pass which saw the
invasions by Cyrus, Darius I, Mahmud Ghaznavi, Afghan Muhammad Ghori and
the Mughals.
PRELIMS QUESTION
2.Consider the following statements:
1. Himalayan ranges are broader in the west than in the east.
2. Bolan pass is a pass connecting the Indian subcontinent with West Asia.
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
PARACEL ISLANDS
Why in news?
o A US warship has sailed near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in the
disputed South China Sea in a freedom of navigation operation.
About the islands:
o The Paracel Islands are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea
consisting about 130 small coral islands and reefs.
o The archipelago is approximately equidistant from the coastlines of the People's
Republic of China (PRC) and Vietnam
o The archipelago includes Dragon Hole, the deepest underwater sinkhole in the
world.
o The archipelago is surrounded by productive
fishing grounds and a seabed with potential,
but as yet unexplored, oil and gas reserves.
o The ownership of the islands remains hotly
contested with China, Vietnam, and Taiwan all
claim de jure sovereignty, although the China
(PRC) has de facto control of the islands.
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PRELIMS QUESTION
3.Paracel islands are located in:
(a) North Pacific Ocean
(b) South Atlantic Ocean
(c) Andaman Sea
(d) South China sea
Answer: D
FARAKKA BARRAGE AND HILSA
Why in news?
o An old project to facilitate the movement of hilsa upstream along the Ganga to
its spawning grounds of yore may come to fruition this year.
o February 2019, the government had unveiled a project to redesign the
navigation lock at the Farakka Barrage at a cost of Rs 360 crore to create a “fish
pass” for the hilsa.
o Historical records also show that until the 1970s, the hilsa would swim the
Ganga upstream to Allahabad — and even to Agra. But the Farakka Barrage,
which became operational on the Ganga in 1975, disrupted the westward
movement of the hilsa.
About the barrage:
o Farakka Barrage is a barrage across the Ganga river located in Murshidabad
district in the Indian state of West Bengal, roughly 18 kilometres from the
border with Bangladesh.
o The purpose of the barrage is to divert 1,800 cubic metres per second of water
from the Ganges to the Hooghly River for flushing out the sediment
deposition from the Kolkata harbour without the need of regular mechanical
dredging.
o Construction of the Farakka barrage started in 1962, was completed in 1970 at
a cost of $208 million.
o The barrage is about 2,304 metres long.
o The Ganges river splits into two rivers - Bhagirathi-Hooghly River and Padma
River, a little after Farakka Barrage and both flow into the Bay of Bengal.
Problems of the barrage:
o After commissioning the project, it was found that the diverted water flow
from the Farakka barrage was not adequate to flush the sediment from the
river satisfactorily.
o In addition, there are regular land/bank collapses into the Ganga river due to
the high-level back waters of the Farakka barrage.
o Farakka barrage has been criticized for the floods in Bihar as it is causing
excessive siltation in the Ganga.
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About Hilsa:
o The hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is an anadromous fish.
o That is, it lives most of its life in the ocean, but during the rainy season, when it
is time to spawn, the hilsa moves towards the estuary.
o The adult hilsa swims several kilometres upstream to freshwater from the sea
for spawning and returns to saline water after that.
o Hilsa's peculiar habitat makes it impossible to breed it artificially through
aquaculture, unlike other fish.
o The eggs hatch in freshwater and the sub-adult hilsa, called jatka, flows back
downstream into the sea, a process that takes a few months.
o Two varieties of hilsa -- Tenualosa ilisha and Tenualosa toli ilisha -- are found in
the marine and fresh waters of Bangladesh.
o Heavy fishing, Pollution and construction of dams has restricted the population
of fishes and its ability to breed.
o Hilsa is a culinary item in Bangladesh and West Bengal.
PRELIMS QUESTION
4.Farakka Barrage is located in:
(a) Bihar
(b) Tripura
(c) West Bengal
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: C
CHILIKA LAKE
About Chilika lake:
o Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over three districts of Odisha at
the mouth of the Daya River.
o It flows into the Bay of Bengal.
o It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in
the world.
Migratory birds
o The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season.
o Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote
parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia and Ladakh come here.
Conservation
o In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention due to its rich biodiversity.
o The Government of Odisha had set up Chilika Development Authority (CDA) for
restoration and overall development of the lake under the Indian Societies
Registration Act.
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Fauna:
The rare and threatened animal species identified are:
o Green sea turtle (Endangered)
o Dugong (Vulnerable)
o Irrawaddy dolphin (Endangered)
PRELIMS QUESTION
1. Ashtamudi lake is the largest fresh water lake in India.
2. Rudrasagar lake is located in Assam.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
Environment and Ecology

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT, 2002
About the Act
o It is an act to provide for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of
its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the
use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.
o It was enacted to meet the obligations under Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD).
o The Act has created an authority - The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has
been set up in October 2003 in Chennai as per the Act. It performs the following
functions: -
o Regulation of acts prohibited under the Act.
o Advise the Government on conservation of biodiversity.
o Advise the Government on selection of biological heritage sites.
o Take appropriate steps to oppose grant of intellectual property rights in
foreign countries, arising from the use of biological resources or
associated traditional knowledge.
The Act introduces the following regulations:-
o A foreigner needs to take permission from the NBA before obtaining any
biological resources or associated knowledge from India.
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o Indian citizens or corporates need to take permission from the concerned State
Biodiversity Board. (vaidyas and hakkims who are practicing indigenous
medicines are exempted).
o No person should apply for any form of intellectual property protection based
on the research arising out of biological resources without the permission of the
NBA.
o Result of research using biological resources from India cannot be transferred to
a non-citizen or a foreign company without the permission of NBA. (Unless for
publication of the research in a journal or seminar, or collaborative research
made by institutions approved by Central Government.)
Benefit sharing out of usage of biological resources can be done in following
manner:
o Joint ownership of intellectual property rights
o Transfer of technology.
o Location of production, research development units in the area of source
o Payment of monetary and non-monetary compensation
o Setting up of venture capital fund for aiding the cause of benefit claimer.
Note:
o Indigenous and local communities, who either grow the biological resources or
have a traditional knowledge of these resources, are the beneficiaries under the
Biological Diversity Act.
PRELIMS QUESTION
6.Consider the following statements regarding Biological diversity act,2002:
1. Act was enacted to meet India’s obligations under convention on
Biodiversity(CBD).
2. It makes mandatory for all individuals including Indians to get permission
from National Biodiversity authority while using biological resources for
commercial purposes.
3. Benefit sharing under the act can be done by payment of either monetary
or non-monetary compensation.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer: B
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ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES
What are eco-sensitive zones?
o Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified
by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around
Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
What is the purpose of establishing ESZs?
o The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to
the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such
areas.
o They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas
involving lesser protection.
Statutory backing for ESZs
o Eventhough Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word
“Eco-Sensitive Zones”, it enables government to identify areas around Protected
Areas and Wildlife Corridors to be declared as ecologically fragile under the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.This provides the legal backing for ESZs.
Regulations inside an ESZ
o The extent of regulation inside an ESZ may not be uniform all around and it
could be of variable width and extent.
o Regulations inside ESZs are more relaxed than that of National Parks or Wildlife
Sanctuaries.
About Elephant corridors
o Elephant corridors are narrow strips of land that allow elephants to move from
one habitat patch to another. There are 88 identified elephant corridors in India.
o Of the 88 elephant corridors identified, 12 are in northwestern India, 20 in
central India, 14 in northern West Bengal, 22 in northeastern India and 20 in
southern India.
PRELIMS QUESTION
7.”Eco-sensitive Zones” are created in India using the provisions of:
(a) Wildlife protection act, 1972
(b) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(c) Forest Act, 1927
(d) None of the above
Answer: B
PANGOLIN
Why in news?
o Many cases of Pangolin smuggling have come to light recently.
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About the Pangolin:

o Pangolins or scaly anteaters are mammals
of the order Pholidota.
o They are the only mammals wholly-
covered in scales and they use those
scales to protect themselves from
predators in the wild.
o They eat ants, termites and larvae. Because
they have no teeth, Pangolins pick up food with their sticky tongues.
o If under threat, a Pangolin will immediately curl into a tight ball and will use
their sharp-scaled tails to defend themselves.
Variants:
o Eight species of Pangolins are found on two continents - Africa and Asia.
o Four species found in Asia include Indian Pangolin, Philippine Pangolin, Sunda
Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin.
o Of the eight extant species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and Chinese
Pangolin occur in India.
Threats:
o They are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia and Africa.
o Their meat is considered a delicacy and Pangolin scales are used in traditional
medicine and folk remedies - in China and Vietnam.
o This, coupled with deforestation, has led to a large decrease in the numbers of
Pangolins.
Conservation:
o All 8 species of Pangolin are placed in the Appendix I of CITES, reserved for the
strictest prohibitions on animals threatened with extinction.
o They are also listed on the IUCN Red List, all with decreasing populations and
designations ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.
On the Indian Pangolin:
o The Indian Pangolin, thick-tailed Pangolin, or scaly anteater is a Pangolin
found on the Indian subcontinent.
o The animal can be found in grasslands and secondary forests, desert regions but
prefers more barren, hilly regions.
o It is distributed throughout India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka and South
Asia.
o IUCN Status: Endangered
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PRELIMS QUESTION
1. Of the eight extant species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and Chinese
Pangolin occur in India.
2. The Indian Pangolin is classified as Endangered on IUCN Red List
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Economics
INDIA POST PAYMENTS BANK
Why in news?
o Government-owned India Post Payments Bank Ltd., once seen as a possible
game changer for financial inclusion, has run into one trouble after another
with rapidly changing technology making payments banks less relevant, and a
shortage of funds that has led to a tussle between its management and
employees.
What is the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)?
o IPPB is a Public Sector Bank established with the objective of being present in
all corners of India.
o It has been incorporated under the Department of Posts (Ministry of
Communication & Technology) with 100% equity with Government of India.
Objectives:
o Make banking a simple, affordable and convenient experience for Indians
across the nation.
o Inclusive banking - promote smart saving and investment habits.
o Efficient banking services through digital channels like mobile, UPI, debit cards
which can be used at ATMs, PoS and mobile-PoS.
Services offered:
o Banking Services through both Current and Savings Accounts.
o Domestic Remittance Services via NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer),
IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System),
UPI (Unified Payment Interface) and USSD Payments.
o Direct Benefits Transfer.
o Doorstep Banking with the wide network of post offices and postal employees.
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o Third party financial services like insurance, mutual funds, pension, credit
products, forex etc.
o Being a payment bank IPPB cannot issue credit cards and cannot grant loan/
credit out of their own books of accounts.
What is a Payment Bank?
o Payments banks are a type of differentiated bank introduced by the RBI for
promoting financial inclusion and facilitating payments and remittance flows.
o Payments banks can concentrate in only two types of activities – accepting
demand deposits and facilitating payments.
o They operates on a smaller scale without involving any credit risk.
o They can provide payments and remittance services through various channels,
issue ATM and Debit cards, net banking, third party fund transfers and
distribute non-risk sharing simple financial products like mutual fund units and
insurance products, etc.
o Payments bank cannot undertake lending activities - cannot issue loans and
credit cards.
o 25% of its branches must be in the unbanked rural area.
o They also need to maintain Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity
Ratio (SLR) (75%) requirements.
o Foreign shareholding will be allowed in these banks as per the rules for FDI in
private banks.
o It cannot form subsidiaries to undertake non-banking activities.
PRELIMS QUESTION
9.Consider the following statements about India Post Payment Bank (IPPB):
1. India Post Payments Bank has been incorporated as a public sector company
under the department of posts.
2. It will issue credit cards, debit cards and insurance products.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
BANK BOARDS BUREAU
Context:
o Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance said the government should fully
clarify the functioning of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB), and the BBB should
assist PSBs in acquiring and retaining specialised talent needed to guide the
current merger process.
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What is the Bank Boards Bureau (BBB)?

o BBB is an autonomous body created to improve the Governance of Public
Sector Banks (PSBs).
o It was announced by Union Government in 2015 as part of seven point
Indradhanush Mission to revamp PSBs.
Mandate:
o Advising government on top-level appointments in PSBs
o Assisting banks with capital-raising plans through innovative financial
methods.
o Strategies to deal with issues of stressed assets or bad loans.
o Advise the Government on the formulation and enforcement of a code of
conduct and ethics for managerial personal in PSBs.
o Build a data bank containing data relating to the performance of PSBs and share
it with the Government.
Composition:
o BBB will have three ex-officio members and three expert members in addition
to Chairman. All the Members and Chairman will be part time.
o Two of the three expert members are from the private sector.
Add ons:
o Formation of BBB was recommended by P.J. Nayak Committee and is a part of
Indradhanush Plan of government to revamp banking in India.
PRELIMS QUESTION
10.Consider the following statements regarding Bank Boards Bureau:
1. It advises government on top-level appointments in Public sector Banks
2. Formation of BBB was recommended by P.J. Nayak Committee
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
NATIONAL SKILL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (NSQF)
What is NSQF?
o The National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) was introduced in 2013 as a
single unified framework for all qualifications.
o NSQF organizes qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills
and aptitude.
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o These levels are defined in terms of learning outcomes which the learner must
possess regardless of whether they were acquired through formal, non-formal
or informal learning.
How it works?
o Under NSQF, the learner can acquire the certification for competency needed at
any level through formal, non-formal or informal learning. In that sense, the
NSQF is a quality assurance framework.
o This will enable a person to acquire desired competency levels, transit to the
job market and return for acquiring additional skills to further upgrade their
competencies.
Operationalized by:
o NSQF is anchored in National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) and is
operationalized through the National Skills Qualification Committee (NSQC).
o NSQC is chaired by chairman of National Skill Development Agency (NSDA)
PRELIMS QUESTION
11.Consider the following regarding National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF):
1. Under NSQF, the learner can acquire the certification for competency
needed at any level through formal, non-formal or informal learning.
2. It is operationalized through the National Skills Qualification Committee
(NSQC).
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
NEW MODELS OF TRAINS
About Tejas express:
o Tejas Express is India's first semi-high speed fully air-conditioned train
introduced by Indian Railways.
o In 2019, Tejas express in Lucknow – New Delhi route became India's first train
operated by private operators.
o These trains are among the fastest trains in India along with Rajdhani Express,
Gatimaan Express etc
o The trains have features like energy-efficient LED lights, adjustable head-rests,
bio-vacuum toilets, water level indicators, integrated braille displays, LED TV
for each passenger with phone sockets, Wi-Fi, tea & coffee vending machines
etc.
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o The trains are manufactured at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai and

manufactured at Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
Other Train models in news:
o About Train 18:
o Driven by a self-propulsion module rather than a separate locomotive, it
is also known as the country’s first engine-less train and was designed
and built by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Perambur, Chennai
o It is capable of running at a speed of up to 160 kmph and service
operated using Train 18 was named Vande Bharat Express.
o Gatimaan Express:
o Gatimaan Express is India's first semi-high-speed train that runs
between Delhi and Jhansi.
o The train has train hostesses for service, similar to airlines and the
passengers get access to free Wi-Fi and multimedia content.
PRELIMS QUESTION
12.Consider the following statements regarding Tejas express:
1. They are first semi-high speed fully air-conditioned train.
2. They are manufactured at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Science and Technology

CATS WARRIOR DRONES
Why in news?
o HAL has started work on an ambitious project called CATS that will allow
teaming up of unmanned aircraft and vehicles with manned jets.
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About the project:

o Combined Air Teaming System or CATS will have a mother vehicle -- a fighter jet
operating 700km away and strike enemy targets through unmanned warriors.
o The fighter jets guiding the unmanned drones can remain 150km behind and
control and give directions to four unmanned vehicles called the CATS Warriors.
o The drones are expected to be integrated on Tejas and Jaguar fighter jets.
o The first prototypes are expected to fly in the next three to four years. Capable
of evading radar detection, its stealth capacities will make it even more potent.
o It is modeled on US project Skyborg,
o The project will help reduce battle casualties as the manned aircraft will
operate within the boundary and the unmanned aircraft will enter the enemy
zone and carry out strikes deep inside the enemy territory.
o It can straightway hit the target at a distance of 700 kilometres or can go to 350
kilometres and come back.
The Drones:
o Other than the unmanned combat vehicle, the main fighter aircraft will be
integrated with armed drones -- CATS Hunter and CATS Alpha.
o CATS Alpha is a glider and will be able to carry four, eight, 16, or 24 swarm
drones. Alpha can glide 50 to 100km into the enemy territory and carry out a
swarm drone attack.
o Drones being unleashed in a bunch is a tactic called swarm drone technology.
Not only are these drones light weighted and low cost, but the high-tech
artificial intelligence enables these to be crucial in future warfare.
o Swarm drones can create havoc as it is part of deception warfare with radars or
air defence systems often unable to pick up the multiple UAVs.
PRELIMS QUESTION
13.”CATS project” recently in news is related to:
(a) Air to Air Missiles
(b) Combat drones
(c) Battle Tanks
(d) Frigate Ships
Answer: B
Art & Culture and History

Lingayatism
Why in news?
o A a sub-sect of the Lingayat community called the Panchamasali Lingayats –
who constitute 70 per cent of the community – have launched a campaign
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demanding 15 per cent reservation under the backward classes quota in

Karnataka
About Lingayatism:
o Lingayatism is a Shaivite Hindu religious tradition in India.
o Initially known as Veerashaivas, since the 12th century adherents of this faith
are known as Lingayats.
o Lingayatism was founded or revived by the 12th-century philosopher and
statesman Basava in Karnataka.
o Lingayat scholars thrived in northern Karnataka during the Vijayanagara
Empire (14th-18th century).
Beliefs:
o Worship is centered on Shiva as the universal god in the iconographic form of
Ishtalinga.
o Lingayatism emphasises qualified monism similar to upanishadic thoughts but
rejected the unquestionablity of Vedas.
o Lingayatism rejects any form of social discrimination including the caste
system.
o Lingayats are not cremated, but are buried in a sitting, meditative position,
holding their personal linga in the right hand.
o Several works called Vachanas are attributed to the founder of Basava, and
these texts are revered in the Lingayat community.
PRELIMS QUESTION
1. Lingayatism was founded by Basavanna in present day Karnataka.
2. They rejected ritualism and supremacy of Vedas.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
SHREE JAGANNATH TEMPLE
Why in news?
o Union Ministry of Culture and announced the withdrawal of the draft Heritage
bylaws for Shri Jagannath Temple, Odisha, issued by National Monuments
Authority (NMA).
o The NMA guidelines proposed to restrict constructions which did not confirm
with heritage zone conditions.
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o The State government objected as it considered that the bye-laws would have
hampered the grand infrastructure development planned around 12th-century
Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri.
About the temple:
o The Shree Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to
Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, in Puri in Odisha.
o The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of
an earlier temple, and begun by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first of
the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
o The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha yatra, or chariot festival, in
which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated
temple cars.
o Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of
Jagannath is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or
nineteen years by an exact replica.
o It is one of the Char Dham temples along with Dwarka, Badrinath and
Rameswaram.
o The places is home to the Adi Shankaracharya established Govardhana Mutt,
which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas.
PRELIMS QUESTION
15.Which of the following monuments was referred to as the ‘Black Pagoda’?
(a) Jagannath Temple, Puri
(b) Sun Temple, Konark
(c) Kandariya Mahadev Temple
(d) Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Answer: B
Reports and indices

Democracy Index
Why in news?
o India slipped two places to 53rd position in the 2020 Democracy Index's global
ranking,
About Democracy Index
o The EIU Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of world democracy
for 165 independent states and two territories.
o The Democracy Index is based on 60 indicators in five categories:
o electoral process and pluralism
o civil liberties
o the functioning of government
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o political participation
o political culture
o Based on their scores on 60 indicators within these categories, each country is
then itself classified as one of four types of regime:
o full democracy
o flawed democracy
o hybrid regime
o authoritarian regime
2020 Democracy Index
o Norway topped The Economist Intelligence Unit's latest Democracy Index

report titled "Democracy in sickness and in health?", with Iceland, Sweden, New
Zealand and Canada making up the top five.
o Out of 167 countries, the Democracy Index classifies 23 countries as full
democracies, 52 as flawed democracies, 35 as hybrid regimes and 57 as
authoritarian regimes.
o India has been ranked 53rd and classified as a 'flawed democracy' along with
countries such as the U.S., France, Belgium and Brazil.
o India was ranked 51st in the 2019 Democracy Index.
o Among India's neighbours, while Sri Lanka, at 68th rank, is classified as a
flawed democracy, Bangladesh (76), Bhutan (84) and Pakistan (105) are
classified in the 'hybrid regime' category.
o India’s score fell from a peak of 7.92 in 2014 to 6.61 in 2020 and its global
ranking slipped from 27th (in 2014) to 53rd as a result of democratic
backsliding.
o Afghanistan is ranked 139th and classified as an 'authoritarian regime' in the
index.
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PRELIMS QUESTION
16.’Democracy Index’ 2020 is published by:
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
(c) Reporters Without Borders
(d) Advocates for Human Rights
Answer: B
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2021

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

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

NEED FOR REGULATION OF OTT PLATFORMS:

REGULATION OF OTT CONTENT

OTHER MEDIA REGULATORY BODIES IN INDIA:

• Increase water use efficiency, by promoting micro irrigation techniques, mandatory

NEED OF SURVEILLANCE BY STATE:

COURT VERDICTS ON STATE SURVEILLANCE

WEEKLY PRELIMS COMPILATION

Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Plant

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Environment and Ecology

About the Pangolin:

What is the Bank Boards Bureau (BBB)?

o The trains are manufactured at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai and

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Science and Technology

About the project:

Art & Culture and History

demanding 15 per cent reservation under the backward classes quota in

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Reports and indices

o Norway topped The Economist Intelligence Unit's latest Democracy Index

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