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Major Constitutional Amendment: Part 1

Introduction Like any other written Constitution in the world, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself...

07 Mar 2020 Paper 2
Supreme Court on Cryptocurrency

This article is based on Illogical ban, Cryptocurrency: Looking ahead, Figuring out risks posed by cryptocurrencies, Digital currency is back in...

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Freedom in the World 2020 Report

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06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
New Test with Quantum Coins & Computers for Quantum Sensing

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06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
ICONSAT 2020

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06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management

Why in News The International Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad has developed Polymer Electrolyte...

06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Initiatives Launched during India Smart Utility Week 2020

Why in News Recently, the India-European Union Flagship Call on Integrated Local Energy Systems was announced at India Smart Utility Week...

06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Gender Parity Index: UNESCO

Gender Parity Index in primary, secondary and tertiary education is the ratio of the number of female students enrolled at primary, secondary and...

06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Bharatnatyam

Origin Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest (considered to be over 2000 years old) and most popular forms of classical dance that originated in...

06 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Crisis in the Telecom Sector

This article is based on India's 'self-goal' in telecom, How to untangle India’s telecom mess, A telecom crisis, once again, What new govt...

05 Mar 2020 News Editorials
Gaura Devi as Part of International Women’s Day Celebrations

Why in News The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) is celebrating Women's Week from 1st March to 8th March 2020. International Women's...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Increased Recycling of E-waste in India

Why in News Recently, the government has informed that E-waste recycling has doubled in the country compared to 2017-18. The government has...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Black Redstart

It is a small-sized bird (14-15 cms) and it breeds across the Himalayan Range. It occurs almost throughout Europe, Asia and in the portions of...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Pragyan Conclave 2020

Why in News Recently, the “Pragyan Conclave 2020”, a two-day Indian Army International Seminar was organised by Centre for Land Warfare...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
MAC Binding

Why in News The authorities have removed ban on social media and restored full internet access in Kashmir on 4th March 2020. Among various...

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Gairsain: Summer Capital of Uttarakhand

Why in News Recently, the Uttarakhand Government named Gairsain as the new summer capital of the state. A summer capital is a city used as an...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Visit of UN Delegation on Palestine to India

Why in News Recently, a UN delegation on Palestine visited New Delhi to seek India’s political and diplomatic support for a peaceful...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Ban on Cryptocurrency Trading Removed

Why in News The Supreme Court has struck down a ban on trading of Virtual Currencies (VC) in India, which was imposed by the Reserve Bank of India...

05 Mar 2020 News Analysis
Covid-19 and India’s Preparedness

This article is based on Growing numbers: On India’s COVID-19 preparedness, A COVID-19 response that is quick off the blocks, Boosting...

04 Mar 2020 News Editorials
Rules for Filing Complaints with Lokpal Notified

Why in News The Department of Personnel and Training has issued a notification providing the rules and prescribed format for filing complaints...

04 Mar 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Major Constitutional Amendment: Part 1',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Like any other written Constitution in the world, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself according to the changing conditions and needs.</li>
<li>Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure. It states that the Parliament may amend the Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.</li>
<li>However, the Parliament cannot amend those provisions which form the &lsquo;basic structure&rsquo; of the Constitution. This was ruled by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Amendments</h3>
<p><strong>First Amendment Act, 1951</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To remove certain practical difficulties created by the court's decision in several cases such as Kameshwar Singh Case, Romesh Thapar Case, etc.</li>
<li>Issues involved in the cases included freedom of speech, acquisition of the Zamindari land, State monopoly of trade, etc</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Empowered the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes.</li>
<li>Provided for the saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates, etc.</li>
<li>Added Ninth Schedule to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.</li>
<li>Added three more grounds of restrictions on freedom of speech and expression: public order, friendly relations with foreign states and incitement to an offence. Also, it made the restrictions &lsquo;reasonable&rsquo; and thus, justiciable in nature.</li>
<li>Provided that state trading and nationalisation of any trade or business by the state is not to be invalid on the ground of violation of the right to trade or business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourth Amendment Act, 1955</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made the scale of compensation given in lieu of compulsory acquisition of private property beyond the scrutiny of courts.</li>
<li>Authorised the state to nationalise any trade.</li>
<li>Included some more Acts in the Ninth Schedule.</li>
<li>Extended the scope of Article 31 A (savings of laws).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Seventh Amendment Act, 1956</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To implement the recommendations of the State Reorganization Committee and to implement the State Reorganization Act, 1956.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Second and Seventh Schedules were amended</li>
<li>Abolished the existing classification of states into four categories i.e., Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D states, and reorganised them into 14 states and 6 union territories.</li>
<li>Extended the jurisdiction of high courts to union territories.</li>
<li>Provided for the establishment of a common high court for two or more states.</li>
<li>Provided for the appointment of additional and acting judges of the high court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ninth Amendment Act, 1960</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After the Nehru-Noon agreement was signed between India and Pakistan to divide the territory of Berubari Union, the Government of West Bengal opposed it. After this Union referred the matter to SC which held that the power of Parliament to diminish the area of a state (under Article 3) does not cover cession of Indian territory to a foreign country. Hence, Indian territory can be ceded to a foreign state only by amending the Constitution under Article 368. Consequently, the 9th Constitutional Amendment Act (1960) was enacted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitated the cession of the Indian territory of Berubari Union (located in West Bengal) to Pakistan as provided in the Indo-Pakistan Agreement (1958).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tenth Amendment Act, 1961</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incorporation of Dadra, Nagar and Haveli as a Union Territory, consequent to acquisition from Portugal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Eleventh Amendment Act, 1961</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Changed the procedure of election of the vice president by providing for an electoral college instead of a joint meeting of the two Houses of the Parliament.</li>
<li>Provided that the election of the President or vice president cannot be challenged on the ground of any vacancy in the appropriate electoral college.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twelfth Amendment Act, 1962</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incorporated Goa, Daman and Diu in the Indian Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirteenth Amendment Act, 1962</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gave the status of a state to Nagaland and made special provisions for it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Amendment Act, 1962</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incorporated Puducherry in the Indian Union.</li>
<li>Provided for the creation of legislatures and council of ministers for the Union Territories of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Goa, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Seventeenth Amendment Act, 1964</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prohibited the acquisition of land under personal cultivation unless the market value of the land is paid as compensation.</li>
<li>Included 44 more Acts in the Ninth Schedule</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Eighteenth Amendment Act, 1966</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made it clear that the power of Parliament to form a new state also includes a power to form a new state or union territory by uniting a part of a state or a union territory to another state or union territory.</li>
<li>It created new states namely, Punjab and Haryana</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty First Amendment Act, 1967</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Included Sindhi as the 15<sup>th</sup> language in the Eighth Schedule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty Fourth Amendment Act, 1971</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Twenty Fourth Constitutional Amendment Act was brought in response to the Golaknath ruling (1967) of the Supreme Court which held that the Parliament does not have the power to take away any fundamental rights through amendment to the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Affirmed the power of Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution including fundamental rights by amending Article 13 and 368.</li>
<li>Made it compulsory for the President to give his assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty-Fifth Amendment Act, 1971</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Curtailed the fundamental right to property.</li>
<li>Provided that any law made to give effect to the Directive Principles contained in Article 39 (b) or (c) cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of the rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19 and 31.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty-Sixth Amendment Act, 1971</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Abolished the privy purses and privileges of the former rulers of princely states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty First Amendment Act, 1973</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An increase in the population of India revealed in the Census of 1971.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increased the number of Lok Sabha seats from 525 to 545.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty Third Amendment Act, 1974</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Amended Articles 101 and 190 and provided that the resignation of the members of Parliament and the state legislatures may be accepted by the Speaker/Chairman only if he is satisfied that the resignation is voluntary or genuine</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty-Fifth Amendment Act, 1974</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Terminated the protectorate status of Sikkim and conferred the status of an associate state of the Indian Union. The Tenth Schedule was added laying down the terms and conditions of association of Sikkim with the Indian Union</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty Sixth Amendment Act, 1975</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made Sikkim a full-fledged State of the Indian Union and omitted the Tenth Schedule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty-Eighth Amendment Act, 1975</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made the declaration of emergency by the President non-justiciable.</li>
<li>Made the promulgation of ordinances by the President, governors and administrators of Union territories non-justiciable.</li>
<li>Empowered the President to declare different proclamations of national emergency on different grounds simultaneously</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Supreme Court on Cryptocurrency',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/illogical-ban-120030501764_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Illogical ban</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/cryptocurrency-looking-ahead-120030501588_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cryptocurrency: Looking ahead</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/figuring-out-risks-posed-by-cryptocurrencies/article30974793.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Figuring out risks posed by cryptocurrencies</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/digital-currency-is-back-in-the-indian-market/article30993004.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital currency is back in the Indian market</a></strong>. It talks about the implications of the recent Supreme Court&rsquo;s order on Cryptocurrency.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court <strong>struck down</strong> a circular of Reserve Bank of India, which bans financial institutions from enabling deals in digital or cryptocurrencies. The ban that came into force in April 2018, had crippled the Indian cryptocurrency industry.</p>
<p>This ban was challenged by the <strong>Internet &amp; Mobile Association of India (IAMA)</strong> in the Supreme Court, the IAMA pleaded that dealing and trading in cryptocurrency was a legitimate business activity and that the RBI did not have jurisdiction over it <strong>as these assets could be classified as commodities rather than currency.</strong></p>
<h3>CryptoCurrency or Crypto-Assets</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The money that we use (fiat currency) is a product of lending by institutions (commercial banks).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its credibility comes from the backing given by the central bank of a country.</li>
<li>Its ubiquitous usage is because of a law passed by the legislature, which establishes that taxes can only be paid in state-issued fiat currency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although cryptocurrencies are intended to function as a means of payment, unlike fiat currencies, they lack a sovereign guarantee and their source of value is not quite clear.</li>
<li>They are more like investment instruments like shares in the equity market and that's why they can be better-called <strong>Crypto-Assets.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>What did the judgment hold?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic Dimension:</strong> The judgment holds that while the RBI had the power to take note of and deal with virtual currencies, the prohibition was excessive since it cut off the lifeline of otherwise legitimate trade.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also holds the RBI did not show any harm to its regulated entities as a result of their facilitating virtual currency trade or any defects in the functioning of virtual currency exchanges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administrative Aspect:</strong> The Supreme Court held that an outright ban on virtual currencies would be a <strong>disproportionate measure</strong> by the government since ma&shy;ny less intrusive measures are available.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is worth remembering that virtual currency transactions do not operate in a complete regulatory vacuum.</li>
<li>Several existing laws such as the Consumer Protection Act, Information Technology Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act, PMLA, besides tax, deposit-related and criminal laws apply to the virtual currency domain just as they apply to any other economic activity.</li>
<li>In fact, action has already been taken in India under many of these laws against errant persons and entities operating in the virtual currency domain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Aspect:</strong> The Supreme Court also held that the ban was unconstitutional. It is in violation of the<strong> freedom to carry on trade guaranteed by Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Why had RBI banned cryptocurrencies in 2018?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Cryptocurrencies are a poor unit of account, as demonstrated by their <strong>frequent and high fluctuation in value.</strong></li>
<li>They pose several risks, including <strong>anti-money laundering and terrorism financing</strong> concerns (AML/CFT) for the state and liquidity, credit, and operational risks for users.</li>
<li>On the perspective of consumers, issues linked to cryptocurrencies are <strong>heightened by the striking paucity of information on their design, use and operation and indications of market manipulation.</strong></li>
<li>It is possible that the <strong>business models of commercial banks may be seriously disrupted.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Effects of lifting this ban on Cryptocurrency</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This lifting of the ban will help in <strong>incorporation of blockchain technology.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Blockchain technology is the underpinning technology behind many cryptocurrencies.</li>
<li>Blockchain, which was conceptualised for the verification of anonymous peer-to-peer transactions in bitcoin, has since been adapted for many other purposes.</li>
<li>It creates electronic ledgers, where every transaction is recorded and is open to verification by many persons while maintaining confidentiality.</li>
<li>It quickly detects fakes and disallows duplicate transactions.</li>
<li>Blockchain technology forms a crucial part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial revolution 4.0.</strong></a></li>
<li>It is also estimated that blockchain will generate $3.1 trillion in new business value by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cryptocurrencies act as alternative investments.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These currencies may enable savvy traders to hedge global volatility, as it did during the financial turmoil of 2012-13.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There is a <strong>worldwide proposal for central-bank digital currencies,</strong> which could allow for money to be transferred between users without the involvement of a third-party (commercial bank). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Allowing cryptocurrency will enable India to be part of this global deal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For India, aiming to be a <strong>digital economy powerhouse,</strong> embracing emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain is a must.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Rather than impose bans, it would be more pragmatic to institute awareness campaigns to alert investors to specific risks, and to monitor trades for fraud and scams. Fintech industry needs to jointly with the RBI and the government on a constructive policy framework for cryptocurrencies in India. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need for RBI to formulate a <strong>detailed regulatory framework</strong> to license virtual currency intermediaries like exchanges.</li>
<li>These local cryptocurrency exchanges could be asked to adhere to the <strong>KYC norms</strong> followed by stock exchanges.</li>
<li>There is a need for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/daily-updates-news-editorials-the-challenges-for-fintech-adoption-in-India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fintech Industry</strong></a> to show that virtual currency trade can be carried on in a safe and responsible ma&shy;nner with self-imposed safeguards, such as adequate customer due diligence.</li>
<li>One im&shy;mediate step that could be taken by the government is to designate virtual currency intermediaries as reporting en&shy;tities under the <strong>Prevention of Mo&shy;ney Laundering Act (PMLA).</strong></li>
<li>These steps should ideally be done by a <strong>new expert regulatory body</strong> with capability in technology, economics and fi&shy;nance.</li>
</ul>
<p>A vibrant cryptocurrency segment could add value to India&rsquo;s financial sector. Thus, in the face of growing technological innovation in the financial sector, it is critical to strengthen the supporting regulatory frameworks of India that operate regardless of the nature of an instrument.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #e6f2cb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>A vibrant cryptocurrency segment could add value to India&rsquo;s financial sector. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-cryptocurrency'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Freedom in the World 2020 Report',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Freedom in the World 2020 report</strong> has ranked<strong> India at the 83<sup>rd</sup> position</strong> along with <strong>Timor-Leste</strong> and <strong>Senegal.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report is released by <strong>Freedom House, a U.S.-based watchdog,</strong> which has been <strong>tracking global political and civil liberties</strong> for almost half a century.</li>
<li>The report derives its methodology from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Declaration of Human Rights</strong></a>, adopted by the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations General Assembly</a> (UNGA)</strong> in <strong>1948.</strong></li>
<li>It covers 195 countries, awarding <strong>scores based on-</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Political rights indicators</strong> such as the electoral process, political pluralism and participation and government functioning.</li>
<li><strong>Civil liberties</strong> indicators related to freedom of expression and belief, associational and organisational rights, the rule of law and personal autonomy and individual rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583486774_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583486774_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="313" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Highlights of the Report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>score fell by four points to 71,</strong> the worst decline among the world&rsquo;s 25 largest democracies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India scored<strong> 34 out of 40 points</strong> in the <strong>political rights category,</strong> but only <strong>37 out of 60</strong> in the <strong>civil liberties category,</strong> for a total score of 71,<strong> a drop from last year&rsquo;s score of 75.</strong></li>
<li>India is near the bottom of the pile among the countries categorised as<strong> &ldquo;Free&rdquo;,</strong> with only Tunisia receiving a lower score.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>scrapping of Article 370,&nbsp;</strong></a>the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC)</strong> and the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019</a> (CAA),</strong> as well as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/communal-violence-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>crackdown on mass protests</strong></a> have been listed as the main signs of declining freedom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report criticised the internet blackout in Kashmir, terming it the longest shutdown ever imposed by a democracy.</li>
<li>It highlighted that <strong>freedom of expression (Article 19)</strong> is under threat in India, with journalists, academics and others facing harassment and intimidation when addressing politically sensitive topics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The report noted that India has long been seen as a <strong>democratic counterweight to China</strong> and hence a <strong>strategic partner for the United States</strong> in the region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, that view is changing, with India attracting criticism similar to that levied against China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/freedom-in-the-world-2020-report-ranks-india-among-least-free-democracies/article30988277.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/freedom-in-the-world-2020-report'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'New Test with Quantum Coins & Computers for Quantum Sensing',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Researchers from the <strong>Raman Research Institute (RRI)</strong> (autonomous institution under the Department of Science &amp; Technology) have devised a new test for fairness of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quantum-supremacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>quantum coin or qubit using entanglement theory.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The test uses <strong>entanglement</strong> to test the fairness of the quantum coin. Their strategy enables <strong>better discrimination between quantum states.</strong> Such an advantage is valuable in quantum sensors</li>
<li>This is a significant contribution to quantum state discrimination and an essential aspect of quantum information science which is expected to influence quantum sensing.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Quantum Information and Quantum Computing Technology</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The domain of Quantum Information and Quantum Computing Technology is a growing area of research which is expected to influence <strong>Data Processing,</strong> which in turn, plays a central role in our lives in this Information Age.</li>
<li>For instance, bank transactions, online shopping and so on crucially depend on the efficiency of information transfer.</li>
<li>Thus the work on quantum state discrimination is expected to be valuable in people&rsquo;s lives in the current era.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Qubit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A quantum bit, or qubit, is the<strong> basic unit of information for a quantum computer,</strong> analogous to a bit in ordinary machines.</li>
<li>But unlike a bit, which can have the value 0 or 1, a qubit can take on an infinite number of values.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Quantum computer</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A quantum computer is any device for computation that makes direct use of distinctively <strong>quantum mechanical phenomena,</strong> such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data.</li>
<li><strong>Superposition</strong> means that each qubit can <strong>represent both a &lsquo;1&rsquo; and a &lsquo;0&rsquo; at the same time</strong></li>
<li><strong>Quantum entanglement</strong> occurs when <strong>two particles become inextricably linked,</strong> and whatever happens to one immediately affects the other, regardless of how far apart they are. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Entanglement is a special type of correlation that exists in the quantum world with<strong> no classical counterpart.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=199798" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-test-with-quantum-coins-computers-for-quantum-sensing'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'ICONSAT 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>International Conference on NanoScience and NanoTechnology (ICONSAT) 2020</strong> is being organized during 5<sup>th</sup>-7<sup>th</sup> March at<strong> Kolkata (West Bengal).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ICONSAT is the series of <strong>biennial</strong> international conferences held in India<strong> under the aegis of Nano Mission, Department of Science and Technology (DST).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conference intends to bring out<strong> cutting-edge developments</strong> in the domain of physical, chemical, materials as well as biological sciences with the help of nanotechnology.</li>
<li>The event emphasised on <strong>5Ms &ndash; Mechanical, Material, Machines, Manufacturing and Manpower,</strong> and integration of these 5 Ms with nano-science and technology.</li>
<li>It also aimed to <strong>integrate nanotechnology with sustainable development and new technology</strong> (machine learning, artificial intelligence and so on).</li>
<li>It emphasized the need to <strong>create a network of experts in nano-science and to collaborate the knowledge across sectors</strong> like energy, agriculture, transport, health and so on.</li>
<li>It also aims to provide a <strong>potential platform</strong> for <strong>young researchers and students</strong> from <strong>within the country and abroad</strong> to keep pace with the latest development in the emerging areas of Nano Science and Technology.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nano Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India launched the Nano Mission in <strong>2007</strong> as an <strong>"umbrella capacity-building programme".</strong></li>
<li>It is being implemented by <strong>the Department of Science and Technology (DST)</strong> under the Ministry of Science and Technology.</li>
<li>The objectives of the mission are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Basic research promotion</li>
<li>Infrastructure development</li>
<li>Nano applications and technology development</li>
<li>Human Resource development</li>
<li>International collaborations</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As a result of the efforts led by the Nano Mission, today, India is amongst the <strong>top five nations in the world</strong> in terms of <strong>scientific publications in nanoscience and technology</strong> (moving from 4<sup>th</sup> to the 3<sup>rd</sup> position).</li>
<li>The Nano Mission has established national dialogues to promote R&amp;D in the development of standards for nanotechnology and for laying down a <strong>National Regulatory Framework Road-Map for Nanotechnology (NRFR-Nanotech).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605449" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iconsat-2020'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>International Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy &amp; New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad</strong> has developed <strong>Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ARCI is an <strong>autonomous Research and Development (R&amp;D) Centre</strong> of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PEMFC convert the <strong>chemical energy stored in hydrogen fuel directly and efficiently to electrical</strong> energy with <strong>water as the only byproduct</strong> without the need for grid power as required by conventional battery backup systems.</li>
<li><strong>Potential:</strong> To reduce energy use, pollutant emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and providing sustainable electricity.</li>
<li><strong>Advantage:</strong> Operational capability at low-temperatures with applications in decentralised power generation systems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ARCI has developed in-house PEMFC systems in the <strong>power range of 1 to 20 kiloWatt (kW)</strong> at its <strong>Centre for Fuel Cell Technology, Chennai.</strong></li>
<li>ARCI is planning to set up a PEMFC system at <strong>Tamil Nadu State Emergency Operation Centre (TN SEOC)</strong> as a disaster management measure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tamil Nadu is generally affected by five to six cyclones every year, of which two to three are severe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In general,<strong> Emergency Operation Centres (EOC)</strong> backed with a <strong>10 kW system</strong> along with <strong>fuel cell stack,</strong> air moving subsystems, power control devices and control and monitoring system is being planned as a natural disaster management measure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>EOCs have been set up in the states as per the <strong>National disaster Management Guidelines.</strong></li>
<li>An EOC is the hub to coordinate various activities during emergencies. The basic functions of the EOC includes collection and dissemination of early warnings on disaster, ensuring administrative and community preparedness and coordinating with all emergency support functions.</li>
<li>Fuel cell systems in EOCs offer a potential benefit in terms of providing sustainable electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India is <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/disaster-management-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vulnerable to a large number of disasters.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disaster risks in India are further compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization, development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics.</li>
<li>There has been a<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/disaster-management-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> paradigm shift in the focus of Disaster Management</strong></a>, from response-centric (rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction) to laying greater emphasis on the other elements of disaster management cycle (prevention, mitigation, and preparedness) as a means to avert the impact of future emergencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605429" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fuel-cell-technology-for-disaster-management'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Initiatives Launched during India Smart Utility Week 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>India-European Union Flagship Call on Integrated Local Energy Systems</strong> was announced at <strong>India Smart Utility Week 2020.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Additionally, <strong>Sweden and India</strong> have also announced the <strong>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme</strong> during the event.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India Smart Utility Week 2020</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India Smart Grid Forum (ISFG) has been organising its flagship <strong>annual</strong> event, India Smart Grid Week (ISGW) <strong>since 2015.</strong> It has been renamed as <strong>India Smart Utility Week (ISUW) in 2019.</strong></li>
<li>It is considered as <strong>one of the top five international events on Smart Grids and Smart Cities.</strong></li>
<li>ISUW 2020 will be organised as an International Conference and Exhibition on Smart Energy and Water for Smarter Cities.</li>
<li>It will bring together the world&rsquo;s leading smart energy experts and researchers to discuss trends, share best practices and showcase next-generation technologies and products in smart energy and smart cities domains.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India-European Union Flagship Call on Integrated Local Energy Systems</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The partnership between Indian and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> will help to <strong>strengthen cooperation in energy research and innovation,</strong> mainly in <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>renewable energy</strong></a> and its integration in the energy system.</li>
<li>It will also help to find solutions encompassing local integration across various energy vectors and increase the share of renewables in the energy mix and high energy efficiency.</li>
<li>The programme is in line with both the European Union&rsquo;s and India&rsquo;s involvement in<strong> Mission Innovation (MI).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mission Innovation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mission Innovation (MI) is a <strong>global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission</strong> (on behalf of the European Union) working to reinvigorate and accelerate <strong>global clean energy innovation</strong> with the objective to<strong> make clean energy widely affordable.</strong></li>
<li>MI was announced at <strong>COP21</strong> on November 30, 2015, as world leaders came together in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris to commit to ambitious efforts to combat climate change.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583480335_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583480335_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme is a <strong>collaborative programme on Smart Grids</strong> at a collective investment of <strong>5 Million US $</strong> which will help to transform the clean energy sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable and digitally-enabled ecosystem and provide reliable and quality energy for all.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> joint Programme,</strong> co-funded by the Indian Department of Science &amp; Technology (DST) and the Swedish Energy Agency.</li>
<li>It aims to bring together world-class expertise of Sweden and India to <strong>address challenges in the area of Smart Grids.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A smart grid is an electrical grid which includes a variety of operation and energy measures including smart meters, smart appliances, renewable energy resources, and energy-efficient resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The project also aims <strong>to develop technologies that can be commercialized after two years</strong> through cooperation between India and Sweden.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605428" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-launched-during-india-smart-utility-week-2020'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Gender Parity Index: UNESCO',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Gender Parity Index</strong> in primary, secondary and tertiary education is the ratio of the number of female students enrolled at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education to the number of male students in each level.</li>
<li>In short, GPI at various levels<strong> reflect equitable participation of girls</strong> in the School system.</li>
<li>GPI is <strong>released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</strong> as a part of its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-education-monitoring-report-2019-unesco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Education Monitoring Report.</strong></a></li>
<li>A<strong> GPI of 1 indicates parity</strong> between the sexes; a GPI that varies between 0 and 1 typically means a disparity in favour of males; whereas a GPI greater than 1 indicates a disparity in favour of females.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s GPI for the year 2018-19</strong> at different levels of School Education is as under:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Primary Education: 1.03</li>
<li>Upper Primary Education: 1.12</li>
<li>Secondary Education: 1.04</li>
<li>Higher Secondary Education: 1.04</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s GPI indicates that the <strong>number of girls is more than the number of boys</strong> at all levels of school Education.</li>
<li>In 2018-19, the Ministry of Human Resource Development launched the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/samagra-shiksha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Samagra Shiksha&rsquo;</strong></a> scheme. It is a <strong>Centrally Sponsored Scheme.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class XII and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education.</li>
<li>One of its objectives is to bridge social and gender gaps in school education.</li>
<li>To provide quality education to girls from disadvantaged groups, <strong>Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalayas (KGBVs)</strong> have been sanctioned in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) under SamagraShiksha.</li>
<li>KGBVs are residential schools from class VI to XII for girls belonging to disadvantaged groups such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority and Below Poverty Line (BPL).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong> <strong>Educationally Backward Blocks</strong> are drawn on the basis of <strong>twin criteria</strong> of Female Literacy Rate and Gender Gap in Literacy. However, some blocks have been identified only on the basis of Female Literacy Rate also.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1605422" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gender-parity-index-unesco'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Bharatnatyam',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Origin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bharatanatyam</strong> is one of the <strong>oldest (considered to be over 2000 years old) and most popular forms</strong> of classical dance that originated in<strong> Tanjore district in Tamil Nadu, India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Bharatnatyam is one among the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indian-classical-dances" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eight classical dances of India.</a></strong></li>
<li>The origin of this dance can be traced to the sage <strong>Bharata Muni's Natyashastra.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Abhinaya Darpana</strong> by <strong>Nandikesvara</strong> is one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.</li>
<li>The style was kept alive by the <strong>devadasis,</strong> the young girls <strong>'gifted' by their parents to the temples and married to the gods.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bharatnatyam dance is known to be<strong> ekaharya,</strong> where <strong>one dancer takes on many roles in a single performance.</strong></li>
<li>The dance involves transitional movements of the<strong> leg, hip and arm. Expressive eye movements</strong> and <strong>hand gestures</strong> are used to <strong>convey emotions.</strong> It encompasses <strong>Bhav, Rag, Ras and Taal.</strong></li>
<li>This form of dance is <strong>slow and moving,</strong> but at times <strong>fast and fluid</strong> and hence is also called <strong>Fire Dance.</strong></li>
<li>The accompanying orchestra consists of a <strong>vocalist, a mridangam player, violinist</strong> or <strong>veena player, a flautist</strong> and <strong>a cymbal player.</strong> The person who conducts the dance recitation is the <strong>Nattuvanar.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583477683_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583477683_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatnatyam'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Crisis in the Telecom Sector',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/india-s-self-goal-in-telecom-120030500019_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's 'self-goal' in telecom</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/thomas-k-thomas/how-to-untangle-indias-telecom-mess/article29974184.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to untangle India&rsquo;s telecom mess</a></strong>, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-telecom-crisis-once-again-120030201638_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A telecom crisis, once again</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-new-govt-order-changes-in-agr-crisis-6232416/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>What new govt order changes in AGR crisis</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-royal-mess/article30844777.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A royal mess: on the turmoil in telecom industry</a></strong>. It talks about the current crisis in the telecom sector in India.</p>
</div>
<p>On October 24 2019, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Department of Telecom (DoT)'s interpretation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-telecom-sector-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Adjusted Gross revenue (AGR)</strong></a>. This meant a huge blow to telecom service providers, as the telcos had to pay an estimated ₹1.4 lakh crore to the government.</p>
<p>The definition of AGR has been such a contentious issue because it has huge financial implications for not only telcos, government but on the Indian economy at large.</p>
<h3>Significance of the Telecom Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Telecom sector forms a key part of the infrastructure of any economy as it provides Information and Communication Technology.</li>
<li>Services sector forms the lion's share of India's economy, the whole services sector heavily relies on ICT.</li>
<li>It plays the role of key enabler in several welfare schemes related to health, education, agriculture, transport, energy and financial inclusion.</li>
<li>Apart from it, the Telecom sector provides these services in a cost-effective and environment-friendly way.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is AGR issue?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The telecom sector was liberalised under the <strong>National Telecom Policy, 1994</strong> after which licenses were issued to companies in return for a fixed license fee.</li>
<li>To provide relief from the steep fixed license fee, the government in 1999 gave an option to the licensees to migrate to the revenue sharing fee model.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this, mobile telephone operators were required to share a percentage of their AGR with the government as <strong>annual license fee</strong> (LF) and <strong>spectrum usage charges (SUC).</strong></li>
<li>License agreements between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the telecom companies define the gross revenues of the latter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The definition of AGR has been under litigation for 14 years. In 2005, <strong>Cellular Operators Association of India</strong> (COAI) challenged the government&rsquo;s definition for AGR calculation.</li>
<li>However, DoT argued that AGR includes <strong>all revenues from both telecom and non-telecom services.</strong></li>
<li>The companies claimed that <strong>AGR should comprise just the revenue accrued from core services</strong> and not dividend, interest income or profit on the sale of any investment or fixed assets.</li>
<li>In 2015, the <strong>TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal)</strong> stayed the case in favour of telecom companies and held that AGR includes all receipts except capital receipts and revenue from non-core sources such as rent, profit on the sale of fixed assets, dividend, interest and miscellaneous income.</li>
<li>However, setting aside TDSAT&rsquo;s order, Supreme Court on October 24, 2019, upheld the definition of AGR as stipulated by the DoT.</li>
<li>Given the slowdown in the Indian economy and this huge financial liability under AGR rules, many telcos are on the verge of collapse. This may have far-reaching ramifications for various stakeholders.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact on the various stakeholders</h3>
<p><strong>Telecom Sector</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When the AGR issue, first went under litigation there were about 15 operators. However, until now 10 of them have either closed operations or are undergoing insolvency proceedings in the last 14 years.</li>
<li>Further, at the current juncture, profits for telcos are under pressure from severe competition and the falling ARPUs (Average Revenue Per User). Given this, AGR due will seriously hurt financial stability of whatever telecom companies are doing business in the Indian market.</li>
<li>Also, Telecom equipment suppliers may also go down as their dues will not be paid.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Consumers</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The failure of a few large players could lead to one or two players emerging near-monopolies. This may leave the Indian consumer vulnerable to high pricing, sub-standard products and lack of options.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Banks</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The AGR issue has triggered panic in the banking industry, given that the telecom sector is highly leveraged.</li>
<li>Failure of the cascading effect will be felt across the economy as banks face the consequences of the company going bankrupt (non-performing assets will rise).</li>
<li>The AGR issue may add to the vulnerability of an already fragile banking system.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Economy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from impacting the banking sector, the collapse of the telecom sector may increase unemployment, and reduce investment, adding to our economic and social problems.</li>
<li>The Telecom industry is critical to the government&rsquo;s plans for a digital economy, including from the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>5G forms the part of critical infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On the positive note, If companies are ready to pay AGR dues, it will lead to a higher contribution to the public exchequer. This could help bridge gaps in the fiscal deficit and bolster government revenues to rescue the slowing economy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>In response to save stressed telecom sector, DoT has directed all government departments to not take any action against telecom operators if they failed to clear AGR-related dues as per the Supreme Court&rsquo;s order. While there was no change in the amount they had to pay, it did buy them time as they hoped for relief from the Supreme Court.</p>
<p>In this context, there is a need for a holistic set of reforms to save the telecom sector from this crisis.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government should give up demanding AGR as a lump-sum amount, rather, it can be broken in instalments to be paid over the period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, penalty and interest on penalty can be waived, as the Supreme Court recognises that there was no willful defiance of the law that is an essential ingredient to attract the levy of penalty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As this is a commercial matter, the government and telcos should also explore <strong>Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)</strong> mechanism.</li>
<li>Since the telecom industry is crucial to India&rsquo;s next wave of growth through digitalisation and the government should not be blinded by short-term revenue considerations that imperil long-term prospects.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this light, the Government should consider accepting the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) ruling of 2015 on AGR.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the government needs to actively facilitate shared infrastructure with policies and legislation. One way is through consortiums for network development and management, charging for usage by authorised operators.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5e9ce;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The telecom industry is crucial to India&rsquo;s next wave of growth through digitalisation and the government should not be blinded by short-term revenue considerations that imperil long-term prospects. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/crisis-in-the-telecom-sector'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Gaura Devi as Part of International Women’s Day Celebrations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) is celebrating Women's Week from 1<sup>st</sup> March to 8<sup>th</sup> March 2020.</li>
<li>International Women's Day is observed on 8<sup>th</sup> March every year.</li>
<li>MHRD remembered the women of history who have made significant contributions in the past and planted a sapling in memory of Gaura Devi, a <strong>Chipko Activist.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>The Chipko Movement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Chipko movement was a <strong>non-violent agitation in 1973.</strong></li>
<li>It is best remembered for the <strong>collective mobilisation of women</strong> for the cause of preserving forests, which also brought about a change in attitude regarding their own status in society.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gaura Devi<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583402263_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583402263_image5.jpg" style="float: right;" width="200" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The movement was led by Gaura Devi, who saved their communal forest from clear felling, beginning a decade of Chipko direct actions by women throughout the Uttarakhand region.</li>
<li>Gaura Devi led the first all-women action to save their community forest and mobilised the women of this region to protect their natural heritage.</li>
<li>During the activist phase of Chipko in the1970s, the courage and vigilance of Uttarakhandi women saved many forests and earned them a hallowed place in the history of the global environmental movement.</li>
<li>From this action, Chipko was to emerge as a peasant movement in defence of traditional forest rights, continuing a century-long tradition of resistance to state encroachment.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605294" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gaura-devi-as-part-of-international-women-s-day-celebrations'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Increased Recycling of E-waste in India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government has informed that <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ngt-asks-for-action-plan-on-e-waste-in-three-months" target="_blank" rel="noopener">E-waste</a> recycling has doubled</strong> in the country compared to 2017-18.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has reported that the <strong>recycling rate of 10% in 2017-18 has risen to 20% in 2018-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>E-waste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>E-Waste is short for Electronic-Waste. It is the term used to describe old, end-of-life or discarded electronic appliances. It includes computers, mobiles, consumer electronics etc.</li>
<li>It majorly includes electronic equipment, completely or in part discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer as well as rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why should E-waste be managed properly?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>E-waste consists of toxic elements such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium, Polybrominated biphenyls and Polybrominated diphenyl.</li>
<li>Non-Disposal and burning of e-waste can have serious implications on human health and can cause air, soil pollution and groundwater contamination.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Production of E-waste in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>Global E-Waste Monitor 2017,</strong> India generates about <strong>2 million tonnes (MT)</strong> of E-waste <strong>annually.</strong></li>
<li>India ranks<strong> fifth among E-waste producing countries,</strong> after the US, China, Japan and Germany.</li>
<li>But the government has stated that the <strong>E-waste produced in India is lower than estimates by international agencies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Management of E-waste:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Producers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has implemented the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ineffective-ewaste-recycle-firms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>E-waste (Management) Rules (2016)</strong></a> which enforces the <strong>Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).</strong></li>
<li>Under EPR principle the producers have been made responsible to collect a certain percentage of E-waste generated from their goods once they have reached their <strong>&ldquo;end-of-life&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Governments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They have been entrusted with the responsibility for maintaining industrial space for e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities.</li>
<li>They are also expected to establish measures for protecting the health and safety of workers engaged in the dismantling and recycling facilities for e-waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recycling of E-waste:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ineffective-ewaste-recycle-firms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-waste is recycled by the informal sector and under hazardous conditions.</strong></a></li>
<li>A report by the Union Environment Ministry in 2018 found that many of India&rsquo;s e-waste recyclers didn't have the capacity to <strong>handle a large quantity of waste.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-first-e-waste-clinic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s first e-waste clinic</strong></a> for segregating, processing and disposal of waste from household and commercial units will soon be set-up in<strong> Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> notified the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 in supersession of the e-waste (Management &amp; Handling) Rules, 2011.</li>
<li>The new E-waste rules included Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamps, as well as other such equipment.</li>
<li>For the first time, the rules brought the producers under <strong>Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),</strong> along with targets. Producers have been made responsible for the collection of E-waste and for its exchange.</li>
<li>Various producers can have a separate Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) and ensure collection of E-waste, as well as its disposal in an environmentally sound manner.</li>
<li><strong>Deposit Refund Scheme</strong> has been introduced as an additional economic instrument wherein the producer charges an additional amount as a deposit at the time of sale of the electrical and electronic equipment and returns it to the consumer along with interest when the end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment is returned.</li>
<li>The<strong> role of State Governments</strong> has been also introduced to ensure safety, health and skill development of the workers involved in dismantling and recycling operations.</li>
<li><strong>A provision of penalty for violation of rules</strong> has also been introduced.</li>
<li>Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Committee/Council/Corporation) has been assigned the duty to collect and channelize the <strong>orphan products</strong> to authorized dismantler or recycler.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/e-waste-recycling-has-doubled-says-centre/article30983383.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-recycling-of-e-waste-in-india'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Black Redstart',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>small-sized bird</strong> (14-15 cms) and it<strong> breeds across the Himalayan Range.</strong></li>
<li>It occurs almost throughout <strong>Europe, Asia</strong> and in the <strong>portions of Africa</strong> and breed in the high altitude areas of<strong> Kashmir, Ladakh, Tibet</strong> and the <strong>Central Himalayan Range.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, the bird sticks to areas near wetlands, open cultivation, scrubs, gardens and orchards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The bird has <strong>two races:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583400980_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583400980_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>P. phoenicuroides</strong> (in Western Himalayas)</li>
<li><strong>P. Rufiventris</strong> (in Central and Eastern Himalayas)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>primary difference</strong> between them is that the male of the former has a grey crown, nape and lower back while the latter ones are much darker.</li>
<li>Both sexes display a<strong> bright rufous-orange tail</strong> which is best seen when they fly or flash it open while shivering their tails, justifying the name Redstart (<strong>steort</strong> means <strong>&lsquo;tail&rsquo;</strong> in proto-Germanic language).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a> status-<strong> Least Concerned.</strong></li>
<li>It is protected under the <strong>Schedule IV of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/black-redstart'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Pragyan Conclave 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> &ldquo;Pragyan Conclave 2020&rdquo;,</strong> a two-day <strong>Indian Army International Seminar</strong> was organised by <strong>Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)</strong> at New Delhi.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The event brings together cross-domain national and international experts to deliberate on the complex subject of <strong>&lsquo;Changing Characteristics of Land Warfare and its Impact on the Military&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The seminar provided a platform for deliberations on emerging ideas, perspectives and narratives that define the<strong> &lsquo;New Age Warfare&rsquo;</strong> which is increasingly witnessing a change in its character as well as battlespace with the <strong>usage of new &lsquo;means&rsquo; to pursue the &lsquo;ends&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Centre for Land Warfare Studies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) is an <strong>autonomous think tank</strong> on strategic studies and land warfare in the Indian context.</li>
<li>CLAWS aims to develop and promote strategic culture and futuristic thinking on security issues across the continuum of conflict affecting Land Warfare.</li>
<li>It is located in<strong> New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li>CLAWS is registered under the <strong>Societies Registration Act, 1860</strong> and is a membership-based organisation. It is governed by a Board of Governors and an Executive Council.</li>
<li>CLAWS organises seminars and conferences, round-table discussions, workshops and guest lectures and undertakes research projects on national security related issues, especially those pertaining to land warfare.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605204" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pragyan-conclave-2020'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'MAC Binding',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The authorities have removed ban on social media and restored full internet access in Kashmir on 4<sup>th</sup> March 2020.</li>
<li>Among various conditions, the Internet connectivity will be made available <strong>&ldquo;with mac-binding&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Every device has a <strong>Media Access Control (MAC) address,</strong> a hardware identification number that is unique to it. While accessing the Internet, every device is assigned an <strong>Internet Protocol (IP) address.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This <strong>forces a particular device to access the internet from a specific IP address.</strong></li>
<li>If either the MAC (Media Access Control) address or the IP address changes, the device will not be able to access the internet.</li>
<li>MAC-binding will also enable authorities to <strong>trace a device on the basis of its online activity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Media Access Control (MAC) address</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Address that <strong>uniquely defines a hardware interface</strong> is called MAC (Media Access Control) Address.</li>
<li>It identifies the <strong>physical address</strong> of a computer on the internet.</li>
<li>It is <strong>48 bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address.</strong></li>
<li>MAC Address of each computer on a network is unique.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Internet Protocol (IP) address</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The address provided to a <strong>connection in a network</strong> is called IP (Internet Protocol) address.</li>
<li>It identifies the connection of a computer on the internet.</li>
<li><strong>IPv4 is a 32-bit (4 bytes)</strong> address, and <strong>IPv6 is a 128-bits (16 bytes)</strong> address.</li>
<li>IP address <strong>does not uniquely identify a device on a network</strong> but, it specifies a particular connection in a network.</li>
<li>IP address <strong>changes each time a device is connected</strong> to the network as it is dynamically allocated to the device when it participates in the network.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mobile internet services too will be available <strong>only on postpaid connections.</strong> Prepaid connections will not have access to the internet "unless verified as per the norms applicable to postpaid connections," the order said.</li>
<li>Further, internet speed is restricted to second generation 2G networks, while the high-speed 4G networks will remain blocked.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-mac-binding-the-condition-specified-for-using-the-internet-in-jk-6299406/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mac-binding'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Gairsain: Summer Capital of Uttarakhand',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Uttarakhand Government named <strong>Gairsain as the new summer capital</strong> of the state.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>summer capital</strong> is a city used as an administrative capital during extended periods of particularly hot weather.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Uttarakhand <strong>(earlier known as Uttranchal)</strong> was <strong>carved out as a separate state from Uttar Pradesh in 1998.</strong> Those who spearheaded the movement for statehood to Uttarakhand wanted Gairsain to be made its permanent capital.</li>
<li>However, <strong>Dehradun has been the temporary capital</strong> of the state since it attained statehood and still houses the chief minister&rsquo;s residence, Raj Bhavan and MLA residences.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The state Assembly is located in Dehradun but sessions are held in Gairsain as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Statehood activists had long contended that Gairsain, a <strong>tehsil in Chamoli district,</strong> was best suited to be the capital of the mountainous state as it was a hilly region falling on the <strong>border of Kumaon and Garhwal regions.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It covers a large area <strong>suitable for the construction</strong> of the capital and accommodating people.</li>
<li>It is emerging as a <strong>tourist place</strong> and it is also a part of the <strong>major route</strong> connecting Garhwal with the Kumaon region.</li>
<li>It is the site of the source of the <strong>Ramganga River</strong> which rises near the <strong>Dudhatoli Parvat.</strong></li>
<li>The famous tourist attractions are the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(UNESCO World Heritage Site)</strong></a>, Badrinath, Vasundhara Falls etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the fresh announcement, there is no clarity whether Dehradun&rsquo;s current status will remain the same or it will be considered the new winter capital.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583403331_Uttarakhand%20Map (Gairsain).jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583403331_Uttarakhand Map (Gairsain).jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="694" height="370" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-govt-names-gairsain-as-new-summer-capital-of-state-6299725/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gairsain-summer-capital-of-uttarakhand'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Visit of UN Delegation on Palestine to India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a&nbsp;<strong>UN delegation on Palestine</strong> visited New Delhi to seek India&rsquo;s political and diplomatic support for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The delegation of the <strong>United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) </strong>intends <strong>to engage India in the settling of the question of Palestine.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the visit of the UN delegation on Palestine, <strong>India has reiterated its stand and supported the Two-State solution</strong> for the <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine"><strong>Israel-Palestine issue.</strong></a></li>
<li>The visit aimed <strong>to enhance the political and diplomatic support of India for a peaceful solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict</strong> and engaging Indian counterparts on synergies in capacity building for staff and institutions of Palestine.</li>
<li>The delegation intends to involve countries like India as it <strong>shares good relations with both Israel and Palestine,</strong> and are <strong>also attached to multilateral principles,</strong> to play a bigger role in the resolution of the issue.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Two-State Solution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The &ldquo;two-state solution&rdquo; is based on a <strong>UN resolution of 1947</strong> which proposed two states - one would be a state where Zionist Jews constituted a majority, the other where the Palestinian Arabs would be a majority of the population. The idea was however rejected by the Arabs.</li>
<li>For decades, it has been held by the international community as the only realistic deal to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.</li>
<li>India has consistently voted in favour of those resolutions that<strong> promote the two-state solution</strong> with a Palestinian claim to East Jerusalem.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Stand on Israel-Palestine Issue</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>In June 2019,</strong> India voted in<strong> favour of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1"><strong>UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)</strong></a> that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
<li><strong>In June 2018,</strong> India had <strong>voted in favour of Palestine</strong> on the <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1"><strong>UN General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA) resolution to investigate an indiscriminate force usage by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.</li>
<li>As a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li><strong>In December 2017,</strong> India had<strong> criticised the United States</strong> vote for recognising <strong>Jerusalem as the Israeli capital</strong> at the UNGA vote.</li>
<li><strong>In 2014,</strong> India favoured <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc"><strong>UNHRC&rsquo;s</strong></a> resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel</strong> in <strong>UNHRC in 2015.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396761_image2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396761_image2.jpg" class="content-img" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>CEIRPP</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) was founded in 1975 by the United Nations General Assembly.</li>
<li>It aims to formulate a programme to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, to national independence and sovereignty, and the right of Palestine refugees to return.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-dilution-in-indias-support-to-palestinian-cause-un-committee-on-palestine/article30983836.ece"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Ban on Cryptocurrency Trading Removed',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Supreme Court has <strong>struck down a ban on trading of Virtual Currencies (VC) in India,</strong> which was imposed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> in April 2018.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RBI order prohibited banks and entities regulated by it from dealing in VCs or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with or settling VCs.</li>
<li>Such services include maintaining accounts, registering, trading, settling, clearing, giving loans against virtual tokens, accepting them as collateral, opening accounts of exchanges dealing with them and transfer/receipt of money in accounts relating to purchase/ sale of VCs.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Virtual Currencies<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396022_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396022_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="220" caption="false" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is no globally accepted definition of what exactly is virtual currency. Basically, virtual currency is the larger umbrella term for<strong> all forms of non-fiat currency being traded online.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fiat Money is a kind of currency, issued by the government and regulated by a central authority such as a central bank. Such currencies act like legal tender and are not necessarily backed by a physical commodity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Virtual currencies are mostly created, distributed and accepted in local virtual networks. Virtual Currencies <strong>also includes cryptocurrencies.</strong></li>
<li>Cryptocurrencies have an extra layer of security, in the form of encryption algorithms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most cryptocurrencies now operate on the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/centre-of-excellence-in-blockchain-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> blockchain or distributed ledger technology</strong></a>, which allows everyone on the network to keep track of the transactions occurring globally.</li>
<li><strong>Popular forms of cryptocurrencies</strong> include Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Satoshi Nakamoto,</strong> widely regarded as the founder of the modern virtual currency <strong>bitcoin</strong> and the underlying technology called blockchain, defines bitcoins as &ldquo;a new electronic cash system that&rsquo;s fully peer-to-peer, with no trusted third party (central regulator)&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Reasons Behind Banning Virtual Currencies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lack of any underlying fiat, episodes of excessive volatility in their value, and their anonymous nature which <strong>goes against global money-laundering rules.</strong></li>
<li>Risks and concerns about data security and consumer protection.</li>
<li>Potential impact on the effectiveness of monetary policy.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Arguments in Support of Use of Virtual Currencies in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Digital/virtual currencies (both private or government backed) are integral part of digital economy and digital countries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>5 million Indians are engaged in virtual currency activities.</li>
<li>India is the second largest user of Pundi X&rsquo;s blockchain wallet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is at the forefront of all things digital and an inspiration to the world. Its balanced approach between risk and innovation can become a role model for the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Highlights of the Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Test of Proportionality</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ban did not pass the &ldquo;proportionality&rdquo; test. The test of proportionality of any action by the government must pass the test of <strong>Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution,</strong> which states that all citizens of the country will have the right to practise any profession, or carry on any occupation or trade and business.</li>
<li>Till date, the RBI has <strong>not come out with a stand</strong> that any of the entities regulated by it have suffered any loss or adverse effect directly or indirectly, on account of VC exchanges.</li>
<li>Besides, the court found that the RBI <strong>did not consider the availability of alternatives</strong> before issuing the order i.e. achieving the same objective by imposing a less drastic restraint.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inconsistent with the RBI&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The RBI&rsquo;s order was disproportionate&rdquo; with an otherwise consistent stand taken by the central bank that VCs are not prohibited in the country.</li>
<li><strong>Referred to the Global Approach:</strong> Organisations across the globe have called for caution while dealing with virtual currencies, while also warning that a blanket ban of any sort could push the entire system underground, which in turn would mean no regulation.</li>
<li><strong>On RBI&rsquo;s Power:</strong> The Court held that the RBI has powers to regulate any currencies in the system.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Possible Impact of the Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With the order, resumption of operations at cryptocurrency exchanges and backward linkages with the banking sector are expected. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even as virtual currency investors and businesses will welcome the Supreme Court&rsquo;s order on cryptocurrency, the relief for such players may be only temporary given that the Centre, in a draft law, has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-banning-cryptocurrency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>proposed to ban all private cryptocurrencies.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Supreme Court&rsquo;s judgment could lead to the RBI rethinking its policies surrounding virtual currencies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-sets-aside-rbi-ban-on-cryptocurrency-transactions/article30979301.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Covid-19 and India’s Preparedness',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/growing-numbers-the-hindu-editorial-on-indias-covid-19-preparedness/article30975709.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Growing numbers: On India&rsquo;s COVID-19 preparedness</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-covid-19-response-that-is-quick-off-the-blocks/article30975752.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A COVID-19 response that is quick off the blocks</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/pm-narendra-modi-on-coronavirus-infection-public-health-infrastructure-covid-19-6297775/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Boosting immunity</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/how-india-must-fight-coronavirus-ht-editorial/story-6U2w5dtE5PYEILH1SJJRDI.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>How India must fight coronavirus</strong></a>. It talks about steps that should be taken by India to combat the global health emergency of Covid-19.</p>
</div>
<p>The rapid spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> across the world shows that a networked world has to face networked risks. As of March 2, 2020, according to the World Health Organisation, there are around 89,000 confirmed cases from 65 countries of Covid19, with 27 countries have reported local transmission.</p>
<p>India's inadequate health infrastructure accompanied by factors like population density, poverty and illiteracy makes India highly vulnerable to Covid-19. India now has reported 6 cases of possible COVID-19 infection. The Health Ministry through its <strong>Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network</strong> sought to trace people who have come in contact with the six people whose samples have been sent for confirmation.</p>
<p>However, since Covid-19 is a respiratory pathogen, it can spread and turn into an epidemic in no time. In this context, India needs to be adequately prepared to deal with this global emergency.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak came to light when on December 31, 2019, China informed the World Health Organisation of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of an unknown cause in Wuhan City in Hubei province.</li>
<li>Subsequently, the disease spread to more provinces of China and to the rest of the world, with the WHO declaring it a global health emergency. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease is now called COVID-19.</li>
<li><strong>Test for Covid-19:</strong> The first test that samples of all suspected patients are sent for is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If that is positive, the sample is sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, which is the only government laboratory currently doing genome sequencing, for final confirmation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India's Vulnerability vis-&agrave;-vis Covid-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With large numbers of people coming to India from across the world, <strong>airports are always a hotspot,</strong> the virus&rsquo;s footprint has to over 70 countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, a major section of India&rsquo;s population uses public transport which can further accelerate the spread of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Infected people<strong> do not show symptoms during the incubation period</strong> (14 days or even greater than that) and hence thermal screening at airports and seaports will be unable to detect such cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the molecular testing does not have very high sensitivity and hence may turn up false negatives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/combating-epidemics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Healthcare infrastructure in India</strong></a> suffers from inadequacies at the physical and human resource level.</li>
<li>Rumours can spread fear and misinformation which can be damaging, stigmatising to the public interest.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What steps India should take?</h3>
<p>Until now, there is no definitive cure or a vaccine against Covid-19. Therefore, the response plan undoubtedly relies on basic measures such as risk communication, health education, social distancing, and home isolation to reduce the speed at which the outbreak might spread.</p>
<p><strong>Immediate steps that should be taken</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>National Crisis Management Committee</strong> (NCMC) which was designed to be set up in situations of large natural calamities, should be leveraged. Also, NCMC should coordinate across ministries and departments.</li>
<li>A <strong>dedicated web portal</strong> should be set up, which includes a dashboard with key indicators, current case definitions, guidelines, risk communication materials and micro plans.</li>
<li>Strict norms to be followed for people who are<strong> quarantined.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> response plan</strong> should be able to maintain ongoing regular health programmes while at the same time devoting adequate resources to the response.</li>
<li>It is essential that at least two negative tests are obtained before a person is certified as being uninfected.</li>
<li>India must also <strong>rapidly increase its operational labs for rapid diagnosis,</strong> equip hospitals, and train medical staff for isolation and treatment of those infected.</li>
<li>While India should focus on containment, it must be ready for mitigation.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long term remedies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Preparedness</strong> is neither the sole domain nor the prerogative of government; all institutions, entities, firms both private and public and even individuals and households should make contingency and advance preparedness plans.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Preparedness allows a health system to take proactive steps to mitigate or lessen the adverse impacts of an outbreak.</li>
<li>Outbreak preparedness should be seen as an investment which will pay dividends in the medium to long term.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There is a need to continue to develop and maintain infrastructure to respond to new novel infectious agents capable of rapid spread.</li>
<li><strong>Large-scale behaviour change</strong> will be the cornerstone of a successful response. It requires proper risk communication and adoption of an integrated approach towards <strong>WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), Cough hygiene (proposed by WHO) and community health programs.</strong></li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f0d2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Combating coronavirus requires getting basics right, creating awareness, investing in public health infrastructure. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Rules for Filing Complaints with Lokpal Notified',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Department of Personnel and Training</strong> has issued a notification providing the rules and prescribed format for filing complaints with the Lokpal.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The notification, under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/lokpal-lokayukta-ombudsman-upsc-governance-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokpal and Lokayuktas</strong></a> <strong>Act,</strong> lays down the rules called <strong>the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Identity Proof:</strong> According to the complaint form, a complainant has to give a valid proof of identity, as specified therein.</li>
<li><strong>Foreign nationals</strong> can also lodge complaints.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only a <strong>copy of their passports</strong> will be accepted as proof of identity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mode of Complaint:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The complaint can be filed <strong>electronically, by post or in person.</strong></li>
<li>In case the complaint is filed electronically, it's hard copy has to be submitted to the Lokpal within 15 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No complaints</strong> can be filed against a public servant <strong>under the Army Act, Navy Act, Air Force Act and the Coast Guard Act.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Language:</strong> A complaint may ordinarily be made in English, provided that the Lokpal may also entertain a complaint in any of the languages referred to in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.</li>
<li>The complaints, whose contents are illegible, vague or ambiguous, which are trivial or frivolous, do not contain any allegation, are not filed within the limitation period of seven years, or are pending before any other court, tribunal or authority, will have to be disposed of within 30 days.</li>
<li><strong>Protection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The identity of the complainant or the accused official <strong>will be protected by the Lokpal till the conclusion of inquiry or investigation.</strong></li>
<li>However, the protection will not be applicable in cases where the complainant herself reveals her identity to any other office or authority while making the complaint to Lokpal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Lokpal Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This Act provides for the establishment of a body of <strong>Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States</strong> to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.</li>
<li>It was passed in <strong>2013.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lokpal is an apex body</strong> to deal with cases of corruption at the national level. It has to enquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries of the central government in a time bound manner.</li>
<li><strong>Jurisdiction:</strong> The Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament and officers and officials of the Central Government.</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Lokpal consists of a <strong>Chairperson with a maximum of 8 members of which 50% shall be judicial members.</strong></li>
<li>50% of the members of the Lokpal shall come from amongst the <strong>SCs, the STs, the OBCs, minorities and women.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The selection of the Chairperson and the members of Lokpal shall be through a <strong>Selection Committee</strong> consisting of the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court Judge nominated by the Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India on the basis of recommendations of the first four members of the selection committee.</li>
<li><strong>A Search Committee</strong> will assist the Selection Committee in the process of selection. 50% of the members of the Search Committee shall also be from amongst the SCs, the STs, the OBCs, minorities and women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Prime Minister</strong> has been brought under the purview of the Lokpal with subject matter exclusions and specific process for handling complaints against the Prime Minister.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rules-and-format-for-filing-complaints-with-lokpal-issued/article30972414.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source :TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Major Constitutional Amendment: Part 1',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Like any other written Constitution in the world, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself according to the changing conditions and needs.</li>
<li>Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure. It states that the Parliament may amend the Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.</li>
<li>However, the Parliament cannot amend those provisions which form the &lsquo;basic structure&rsquo; of the Constitution. This was ruled by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Amendments</h3>
<p><strong>First Amendment Act, 1951</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To remove certain practical difficulties created by the court's decision in several cases such as Kameshwar Singh Case, Romesh Thapar Case, etc.</li>
<li>Issues involved in the cases included freedom of speech, acquisition of the Zamindari land, State monopoly of trade, etc</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Empowered the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes.</li>
<li>Provided for the saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates, etc.</li>
<li>Added Ninth Schedule to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.</li>
<li>Added three more grounds of restrictions on freedom of speech and expression: public order, friendly relations with foreign states and incitement to an offence. Also, it made the restrictions &lsquo;reasonable&rsquo; and thus, justiciable in nature.</li>
<li>Provided that state trading and nationalisation of any trade or business by the state is not to be invalid on the ground of violation of the right to trade or business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourth Amendment Act, 1955</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made the scale of compensation given in lieu of compulsory acquisition of private property beyond the scrutiny of courts.</li>
<li>Authorised the state to nationalise any trade.</li>
<li>Included some more Acts in the Ninth Schedule.</li>
<li>Extended the scope of Article 31 A (savings of laws).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Seventh Amendment Act, 1956</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To implement the recommendations of the State Reorganization Committee and to implement the State Reorganization Act, 1956.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Second and Seventh Schedules were amended</li>
<li>Abolished the existing classification of states into four categories i.e., Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D states, and reorganised them into 14 states and 6 union territories.</li>
<li>Extended the jurisdiction of high courts to union territories.</li>
<li>Provided for the establishment of a common high court for two or more states.</li>
<li>Provided for the appointment of additional and acting judges of the high court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ninth Amendment Act, 1960</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After the Nehru-Noon agreement was signed between India and Pakistan to divide the territory of Berubari Union, the Government of West Bengal opposed it. After this Union referred the matter to SC which held that the power of Parliament to diminish the area of a state (under Article 3) does not cover cession of Indian territory to a foreign country. Hence, Indian territory can be ceded to a foreign state only by amending the Constitution under Article 368. Consequently, the 9th Constitutional Amendment Act (1960) was enacted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitated the cession of the Indian territory of Berubari Union (located in West Bengal) to Pakistan as provided in the Indo-Pakistan Agreement (1958).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tenth Amendment Act, 1961</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incorporation of Dadra, Nagar and Haveli as a Union Territory, consequent to acquisition from Portugal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Eleventh Amendment Act, 1961</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Changed the procedure of election of the vice president by providing for an electoral college instead of a joint meeting of the two Houses of the Parliament.</li>
<li>Provided that the election of the President or vice president cannot be challenged on the ground of any vacancy in the appropriate electoral college.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twelfth Amendment Act, 1962</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incorporated Goa, Daman and Diu in the Indian Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirteenth Amendment Act, 1962</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gave the status of a state to Nagaland and made special provisions for it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Amendment Act, 1962</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incorporated Puducherry in the Indian Union.</li>
<li>Provided for the creation of legislatures and council of ministers for the Union Territories of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Goa, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Seventeenth Amendment Act, 1964</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prohibited the acquisition of land under personal cultivation unless the market value of the land is paid as compensation.</li>
<li>Included 44 more Acts in the Ninth Schedule</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Eighteenth Amendment Act, 1966</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made it clear that the power of Parliament to form a new state also includes a power to form a new state or union territory by uniting a part of a state or a union territory to another state or union territory.</li>
<li>It created new states namely, Punjab and Haryana</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty First Amendment Act, 1967</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Included Sindhi as the 15<sup>th</sup> language in the Eighth Schedule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty Fourth Amendment Act, 1971</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Twenty Fourth Constitutional Amendment Act was brought in response to the Golaknath ruling (1967) of the Supreme Court which held that the Parliament does not have the power to take away any fundamental rights through amendment to the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Affirmed the power of Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution including fundamental rights by amending Article 13 and 368.</li>
<li>Made it compulsory for the President to give his assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty-Fifth Amendment Act, 1971</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Curtailed the fundamental right to property.</li>
<li>Provided that any law made to give effect to the Directive Principles contained in Article 39 (b) or (c) cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of the rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19 and 31.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Twenty-Sixth Amendment Act, 1971</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Abolished the privy purses and privileges of the former rulers of princely states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty First Amendment Act, 1973</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An increase in the population of India revealed in the Census of 1971.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increased the number of Lok Sabha seats from 525 to 545.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty Third Amendment Act, 1974</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Amended Articles 101 and 190 and provided that the resignation of the members of Parliament and the state legislatures may be accepted by the Speaker/Chairman only if he is satisfied that the resignation is voluntary or genuine</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty-Fifth Amendment Act, 1974</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Terminated the protectorate status of Sikkim and conferred the status of an associate state of the Indian Union. The Tenth Schedule was added laying down the terms and conditions of association of Sikkim with the Indian Union</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty Sixth Amendment Act, 1975</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made Sikkim a full-fledged State of the Indian Union and omitted the Tenth Schedule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thirty-Eighth Amendment Act, 1975</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Amendments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Made the declaration of emergency by the President non-justiciable.</li>
<li>Made the promulgation of ordinances by the President, governors and administrators of Union territories non-justiciable.</li>
<li>Empowered the President to declare different proclamations of national emergency on different grounds simultaneously</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendment-part-1'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Supreme Court on Cryptocurrency',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/illogical-ban-120030501764_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Illogical ban</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/cryptocurrency-looking-ahead-120030501588_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cryptocurrency: Looking ahead</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/figuring-out-risks-posed-by-cryptocurrencies/article30974793.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Figuring out risks posed by cryptocurrencies</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/digital-currency-is-back-in-the-indian-market/article30993004.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital currency is back in the Indian market</a></strong>. It talks about the implications of the recent Supreme Court&rsquo;s order on Cryptocurrency.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court <strong>struck down</strong> a circular of Reserve Bank of India, which bans financial institutions from enabling deals in digital or cryptocurrencies. The ban that came into force in April 2018, had crippled the Indian cryptocurrency industry.</p>
<p>This ban was challenged by the <strong>Internet &amp; Mobile Association of India (IAMA)</strong> in the Supreme Court, the IAMA pleaded that dealing and trading in cryptocurrency was a legitimate business activity and that the RBI did not have jurisdiction over it <strong>as these assets could be classified as commodities rather than currency.</strong></p>
<h3>CryptoCurrency or Crypto-Assets</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The money that we use (fiat currency) is a product of lending by institutions (commercial banks).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its credibility comes from the backing given by the central bank of a country.</li>
<li>Its ubiquitous usage is because of a law passed by the legislature, which establishes that taxes can only be paid in state-issued fiat currency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although cryptocurrencies are intended to function as a means of payment, unlike fiat currencies, they lack a sovereign guarantee and their source of value is not quite clear.</li>
<li>They are more like investment instruments like shares in the equity market and that's why they can be better-called <strong>Crypto-Assets.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>What did the judgment hold?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic Dimension:</strong> The judgment holds that while the RBI had the power to take note of and deal with virtual currencies, the prohibition was excessive since it cut off the lifeline of otherwise legitimate trade.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also holds the RBI did not show any harm to its regulated entities as a result of their facilitating virtual currency trade or any defects in the functioning of virtual currency exchanges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administrative Aspect:</strong> The Supreme Court held that an outright ban on virtual currencies would be a <strong>disproportionate measure</strong> by the government since ma&shy;ny less intrusive measures are available.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is worth remembering that virtual currency transactions do not operate in a complete regulatory vacuum.</li>
<li>Several existing laws such as the Consumer Protection Act, Information Technology Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act, PMLA, besides tax, deposit-related and criminal laws apply to the virtual currency domain just as they apply to any other economic activity.</li>
<li>In fact, action has already been taken in India under many of these laws against errant persons and entities operating in the virtual currency domain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Aspect:</strong> The Supreme Court also held that the ban was unconstitutional. It is in violation of the<strong> freedom to carry on trade guaranteed by Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Why had RBI banned cryptocurrencies in 2018?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Cryptocurrencies are a poor unit of account, as demonstrated by their <strong>frequent and high fluctuation in value.</strong></li>
<li>They pose several risks, including <strong>anti-money laundering and terrorism financing</strong> concerns (AML/CFT) for the state and liquidity, credit, and operational risks for users.</li>
<li>On the perspective of consumers, issues linked to cryptocurrencies are <strong>heightened by the striking paucity of information on their design, use and operation and indications of market manipulation.</strong></li>
<li>It is possible that the <strong>business models of commercial banks may be seriously disrupted.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Effects of lifting this ban on Cryptocurrency</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This lifting of the ban will help in <strong>incorporation of blockchain technology.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Blockchain technology is the underpinning technology behind many cryptocurrencies.</li>
<li>Blockchain, which was conceptualised for the verification of anonymous peer-to-peer transactions in bitcoin, has since been adapted for many other purposes.</li>
<li>It creates electronic ledgers, where every transaction is recorded and is open to verification by many persons while maintaining confidentiality.</li>
<li>It quickly detects fakes and disallows duplicate transactions.</li>
<li>Blockchain technology forms a crucial part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial revolution 4.0.</strong></a></li>
<li>It is also estimated that blockchain will generate $3.1 trillion in new business value by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cryptocurrencies act as alternative investments.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These currencies may enable savvy traders to hedge global volatility, as it did during the financial turmoil of 2012-13.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There is a <strong>worldwide proposal for central-bank digital currencies,</strong> which could allow for money to be transferred between users without the involvement of a third-party (commercial bank). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Allowing cryptocurrency will enable India to be part of this global deal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For India, aiming to be a <strong>digital economy powerhouse,</strong> embracing emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain is a must.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Rather than impose bans, it would be more pragmatic to institute awareness campaigns to alert investors to specific risks, and to monitor trades for fraud and scams. Fintech industry needs to jointly with the RBI and the government on a constructive policy framework for cryptocurrencies in India. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need for RBI to formulate a <strong>detailed regulatory framework</strong> to license virtual currency intermediaries like exchanges.</li>
<li>These local cryptocurrency exchanges could be asked to adhere to the <strong>KYC norms</strong> followed by stock exchanges.</li>
<li>There is a need for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/daily-updates-news-editorials-the-challenges-for-fintech-adoption-in-India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fintech Industry</strong></a> to show that virtual currency trade can be carried on in a safe and responsible ma&shy;nner with self-imposed safeguards, such as adequate customer due diligence.</li>
<li>One im&shy;mediate step that could be taken by the government is to designate virtual currency intermediaries as reporting en&shy;tities under the <strong>Prevention of Mo&shy;ney Laundering Act (PMLA).</strong></li>
<li>These steps should ideally be done by a <strong>new expert regulatory body</strong> with capability in technology, economics and fi&shy;nance.</li>
</ul>
<p>A vibrant cryptocurrency segment could add value to India&rsquo;s financial sector. Thus, in the face of growing technological innovation in the financial sector, it is critical to strengthen the supporting regulatory frameworks of India that operate regardless of the nature of an instrument.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #e6f2cb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>A vibrant cryptocurrency segment could add value to India&rsquo;s financial sector. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-cryptocurrency'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Freedom in the World 2020 Report',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Freedom in the World 2020 report</strong> has ranked<strong> India at the 83<sup>rd</sup> position</strong> along with <strong>Timor-Leste</strong> and <strong>Senegal.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report is released by <strong>Freedom House, a U.S.-based watchdog,</strong> which has been <strong>tracking global political and civil liberties</strong> for almost half a century.</li>
<li>The report derives its methodology from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Declaration of Human Rights</strong></a>, adopted by the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations General Assembly</a> (UNGA)</strong> in <strong>1948.</strong></li>
<li>It covers 195 countries, awarding <strong>scores based on-</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Political rights indicators</strong> such as the electoral process, political pluralism and participation and government functioning.</li>
<li><strong>Civil liberties</strong> indicators related to freedom of expression and belief, associational and organisational rights, the rule of law and personal autonomy and individual rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583486774_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583486774_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="313" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Highlights of the Report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>score fell by four points to 71,</strong> the worst decline among the world&rsquo;s 25 largest democracies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India scored<strong> 34 out of 40 points</strong> in the <strong>political rights category,</strong> but only <strong>37 out of 60</strong> in the <strong>civil liberties category,</strong> for a total score of 71,<strong> a drop from last year&rsquo;s score of 75.</strong></li>
<li>India is near the bottom of the pile among the countries categorised as<strong> &ldquo;Free&rdquo;,</strong> with only Tunisia receiving a lower score.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>scrapping of Article 370,&nbsp;</strong></a>the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC)</strong> and the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019</a> (CAA),</strong> as well as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/communal-violence-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>crackdown on mass protests</strong></a> have been listed as the main signs of declining freedom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report criticised the internet blackout in Kashmir, terming it the longest shutdown ever imposed by a democracy.</li>
<li>It highlighted that <strong>freedom of expression (Article 19)</strong> is under threat in India, with journalists, academics and others facing harassment and intimidation when addressing politically sensitive topics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The report noted that India has long been seen as a <strong>democratic counterweight to China</strong> and hence a <strong>strategic partner for the United States</strong> in the region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, that view is changing, with India attracting criticism similar to that levied against China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/freedom-in-the-world-2020-report-ranks-india-among-least-free-democracies/article30988277.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/freedom-in-the-world-2020-report'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'New Test with Quantum Coins & Computers for Quantum Sensing',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Researchers from the <strong>Raman Research Institute (RRI)</strong> (autonomous institution under the Department of Science &amp; Technology) have devised a new test for fairness of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quantum-supremacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>quantum coin or qubit using entanglement theory.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The test uses <strong>entanglement</strong> to test the fairness of the quantum coin. Their strategy enables <strong>better discrimination between quantum states.</strong> Such an advantage is valuable in quantum sensors</li>
<li>This is a significant contribution to quantum state discrimination and an essential aspect of quantum information science which is expected to influence quantum sensing.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Quantum Information and Quantum Computing Technology</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The domain of Quantum Information and Quantum Computing Technology is a growing area of research which is expected to influence <strong>Data Processing,</strong> which in turn, plays a central role in our lives in this Information Age.</li>
<li>For instance, bank transactions, online shopping and so on crucially depend on the efficiency of information transfer.</li>
<li>Thus the work on quantum state discrimination is expected to be valuable in people&rsquo;s lives in the current era.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Qubit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A quantum bit, or qubit, is the<strong> basic unit of information for a quantum computer,</strong> analogous to a bit in ordinary machines.</li>
<li>But unlike a bit, which can have the value 0 or 1, a qubit can take on an infinite number of values.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Quantum computer</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A quantum computer is any device for computation that makes direct use of distinctively <strong>quantum mechanical phenomena,</strong> such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data.</li>
<li><strong>Superposition</strong> means that each qubit can <strong>represent both a &lsquo;1&rsquo; and a &lsquo;0&rsquo; at the same time</strong></li>
<li><strong>Quantum entanglement</strong> occurs when <strong>two particles become inextricably linked,</strong> and whatever happens to one immediately affects the other, regardless of how far apart they are. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Entanglement is a special type of correlation that exists in the quantum world with<strong> no classical counterpart.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=199798" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-test-with-quantum-coins-computers-for-quantum-sensing'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'ICONSAT 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>International Conference on NanoScience and NanoTechnology (ICONSAT) 2020</strong> is being organized during 5<sup>th</sup>-7<sup>th</sup> March at<strong> Kolkata (West Bengal).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ICONSAT is the series of <strong>biennial</strong> international conferences held in India<strong> under the aegis of Nano Mission, Department of Science and Technology (DST).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conference intends to bring out<strong> cutting-edge developments</strong> in the domain of physical, chemical, materials as well as biological sciences with the help of nanotechnology.</li>
<li>The event emphasised on <strong>5Ms &ndash; Mechanical, Material, Machines, Manufacturing and Manpower,</strong> and integration of these 5 Ms with nano-science and technology.</li>
<li>It also aimed to <strong>integrate nanotechnology with sustainable development and new technology</strong> (machine learning, artificial intelligence and so on).</li>
<li>It emphasized the need to <strong>create a network of experts in nano-science and to collaborate the knowledge across sectors</strong> like energy, agriculture, transport, health and so on.</li>
<li>It also aims to provide a <strong>potential platform</strong> for <strong>young researchers and students</strong> from <strong>within the country and abroad</strong> to keep pace with the latest development in the emerging areas of Nano Science and Technology.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nano Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India launched the Nano Mission in <strong>2007</strong> as an <strong>"umbrella capacity-building programme".</strong></li>
<li>It is being implemented by <strong>the Department of Science and Technology (DST)</strong> under the Ministry of Science and Technology.</li>
<li>The objectives of the mission are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Basic research promotion</li>
<li>Infrastructure development</li>
<li>Nano applications and technology development</li>
<li>Human Resource development</li>
<li>International collaborations</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As a result of the efforts led by the Nano Mission, today, India is amongst the <strong>top five nations in the world</strong> in terms of <strong>scientific publications in nanoscience and technology</strong> (moving from 4<sup>th</sup> to the 3<sup>rd</sup> position).</li>
<li>The Nano Mission has established national dialogues to promote R&amp;D in the development of standards for nanotechnology and for laying down a <strong>National Regulatory Framework Road-Map for Nanotechnology (NRFR-Nanotech).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605449" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iconsat-2020'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>International Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy &amp; New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad</strong> has developed <strong>Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ARCI is an <strong>autonomous Research and Development (R&amp;D) Centre</strong> of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PEMFC convert the <strong>chemical energy stored in hydrogen fuel directly and efficiently to electrical</strong> energy with <strong>water as the only byproduct</strong> without the need for grid power as required by conventional battery backup systems.</li>
<li><strong>Potential:</strong> To reduce energy use, pollutant emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and providing sustainable electricity.</li>
<li><strong>Advantage:</strong> Operational capability at low-temperatures with applications in decentralised power generation systems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ARCI has developed in-house PEMFC systems in the <strong>power range of 1 to 20 kiloWatt (kW)</strong> at its <strong>Centre for Fuel Cell Technology, Chennai.</strong></li>
<li>ARCI is planning to set up a PEMFC system at <strong>Tamil Nadu State Emergency Operation Centre (TN SEOC)</strong> as a disaster management measure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tamil Nadu is generally affected by five to six cyclones every year, of which two to three are severe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In general,<strong> Emergency Operation Centres (EOC)</strong> backed with a <strong>10 kW system</strong> along with <strong>fuel cell stack,</strong> air moving subsystems, power control devices and control and monitoring system is being planned as a natural disaster management measure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>EOCs have been set up in the states as per the <strong>National disaster Management Guidelines.</strong></li>
<li>An EOC is the hub to coordinate various activities during emergencies. The basic functions of the EOC includes collection and dissemination of early warnings on disaster, ensuring administrative and community preparedness and coordinating with all emergency support functions.</li>
<li>Fuel cell systems in EOCs offer a potential benefit in terms of providing sustainable electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India is <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/disaster-management-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vulnerable to a large number of disasters.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disaster risks in India are further compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization, development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics.</li>
<li>There has been a<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/disaster-management-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> paradigm shift in the focus of Disaster Management</strong></a>, from response-centric (rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction) to laying greater emphasis on the other elements of disaster management cycle (prevention, mitigation, and preparedness) as a means to avert the impact of future emergencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605429" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fuel-cell-technology-for-disaster-management'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Initiatives Launched during India Smart Utility Week 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>India-European Union Flagship Call on Integrated Local Energy Systems</strong> was announced at <strong>India Smart Utility Week 2020.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Additionally, <strong>Sweden and India</strong> have also announced the <strong>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme</strong> during the event.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India Smart Utility Week 2020</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India Smart Grid Forum (ISFG) has been organising its flagship <strong>annual</strong> event, India Smart Grid Week (ISGW) <strong>since 2015.</strong> It has been renamed as <strong>India Smart Utility Week (ISUW) in 2019.</strong></li>
<li>It is considered as <strong>one of the top five international events on Smart Grids and Smart Cities.</strong></li>
<li>ISUW 2020 will be organised as an International Conference and Exhibition on Smart Energy and Water for Smarter Cities.</li>
<li>It will bring together the world&rsquo;s leading smart energy experts and researchers to discuss trends, share best practices and showcase next-generation technologies and products in smart energy and smart cities domains.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India-European Union Flagship Call on Integrated Local Energy Systems</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The partnership between Indian and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> will help to <strong>strengthen cooperation in energy research and innovation,</strong> mainly in <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>renewable energy</strong></a> and its integration in the energy system.</li>
<li>It will also help to find solutions encompassing local integration across various energy vectors and increase the share of renewables in the energy mix and high energy efficiency.</li>
<li>The programme is in line with both the European Union&rsquo;s and India&rsquo;s involvement in<strong> Mission Innovation (MI).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mission Innovation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mission Innovation (MI) is a <strong>global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission</strong> (on behalf of the European Union) working to reinvigorate and accelerate <strong>global clean energy innovation</strong> with the objective to<strong> make clean energy widely affordable.</strong></li>
<li>MI was announced at <strong>COP21</strong> on November 30, 2015, as world leaders came together in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris to commit to ambitious efforts to combat climate change.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583480335_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583480335_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme is a <strong>collaborative programme on Smart Grids</strong> at a collective investment of <strong>5 Million US $</strong> which will help to transform the clean energy sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable and digitally-enabled ecosystem and provide reliable and quality energy for all.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> joint Programme,</strong> co-funded by the Indian Department of Science &amp; Technology (DST) and the Swedish Energy Agency.</li>
<li>It aims to bring together world-class expertise of Sweden and India to <strong>address challenges in the area of Smart Grids.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A smart grid is an electrical grid which includes a variety of operation and energy measures including smart meters, smart appliances, renewable energy resources, and energy-efficient resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The project also aims <strong>to develop technologies that can be commercialized after two years</strong> through cooperation between India and Sweden.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605428" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-launched-during-india-smart-utility-week-2020'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Gender Parity Index: UNESCO',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Gender Parity Index</strong> in primary, secondary and tertiary education is the ratio of the number of female students enrolled at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education to the number of male students in each level.</li>
<li>In short, GPI at various levels<strong> reflect equitable participation of girls</strong> in the School system.</li>
<li>GPI is <strong>released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</strong> as a part of its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-education-monitoring-report-2019-unesco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Education Monitoring Report.</strong></a></li>
<li>A<strong> GPI of 1 indicates parity</strong> between the sexes; a GPI that varies between 0 and 1 typically means a disparity in favour of males; whereas a GPI greater than 1 indicates a disparity in favour of females.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s GPI for the year 2018-19</strong> at different levels of School Education is as under:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Primary Education: 1.03</li>
<li>Upper Primary Education: 1.12</li>
<li>Secondary Education: 1.04</li>
<li>Higher Secondary Education: 1.04</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s GPI indicates that the <strong>number of girls is more than the number of boys</strong> at all levels of school Education.</li>
<li>In 2018-19, the Ministry of Human Resource Development launched the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/samagra-shiksha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Samagra Shiksha&rsquo;</strong></a> scheme. It is a <strong>Centrally Sponsored Scheme.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class XII and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education.</li>
<li>One of its objectives is to bridge social and gender gaps in school education.</li>
<li>To provide quality education to girls from disadvantaged groups, <strong>Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalayas (KGBVs)</strong> have been sanctioned in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) under SamagraShiksha.</li>
<li>KGBVs are residential schools from class VI to XII for girls belonging to disadvantaged groups such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority and Below Poverty Line (BPL).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong> <strong>Educationally Backward Blocks</strong> are drawn on the basis of <strong>twin criteria</strong> of Female Literacy Rate and Gender Gap in Literacy. However, some blocks have been identified only on the basis of Female Literacy Rate also.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1605422" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gender-parity-index-unesco'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Bharatnatyam',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Origin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bharatanatyam</strong> is one of the <strong>oldest (considered to be over 2000 years old) and most popular forms</strong> of classical dance that originated in<strong> Tanjore district in Tamil Nadu, India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Bharatnatyam is one among the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indian-classical-dances" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eight classical dances of India.</a></strong></li>
<li>The origin of this dance can be traced to the sage <strong>Bharata Muni's Natyashastra.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Abhinaya Darpana</strong> by <strong>Nandikesvara</strong> is one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.</li>
<li>The style was kept alive by the <strong>devadasis,</strong> the young girls <strong>'gifted' by their parents to the temples and married to the gods.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bharatnatyam dance is known to be<strong> ekaharya,</strong> where <strong>one dancer takes on many roles in a single performance.</strong></li>
<li>The dance involves transitional movements of the<strong> leg, hip and arm. Expressive eye movements</strong> and <strong>hand gestures</strong> are used to <strong>convey emotions.</strong> It encompasses <strong>Bhav, Rag, Ras and Taal.</strong></li>
<li>This form of dance is <strong>slow and moving,</strong> but at times <strong>fast and fluid</strong> and hence is also called <strong>Fire Dance.</strong></li>
<li>The accompanying orchestra consists of a <strong>vocalist, a mridangam player, violinist</strong> or <strong>veena player, a flautist</strong> and <strong>a cymbal player.</strong> The person who conducts the dance recitation is the <strong>Nattuvanar.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583477683_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583477683_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatnatyam'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Crisis in the Telecom Sector',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/india-s-self-goal-in-telecom-120030500019_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's 'self-goal' in telecom</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/thomas-k-thomas/how-to-untangle-indias-telecom-mess/article29974184.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to untangle India&rsquo;s telecom mess</a></strong>, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-telecom-crisis-once-again-120030201638_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A telecom crisis, once again</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-new-govt-order-changes-in-agr-crisis-6232416/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>What new govt order changes in AGR crisis</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-royal-mess/article30844777.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A royal mess: on the turmoil in telecom industry</a></strong>. It talks about the current crisis in the telecom sector in India.</p>
</div>
<p>On October 24 2019, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Department of Telecom (DoT)'s interpretation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-telecom-sector-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Adjusted Gross revenue (AGR)</strong></a>. This meant a huge blow to telecom service providers, as the telcos had to pay an estimated ₹1.4 lakh crore to the government.</p>
<p>The definition of AGR has been such a contentious issue because it has huge financial implications for not only telcos, government but on the Indian economy at large.</p>
<h3>Significance of the Telecom Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Telecom sector forms a key part of the infrastructure of any economy as it provides Information and Communication Technology.</li>
<li>Services sector forms the lion's share of India's economy, the whole services sector heavily relies on ICT.</li>
<li>It plays the role of key enabler in several welfare schemes related to health, education, agriculture, transport, energy and financial inclusion.</li>
<li>Apart from it, the Telecom sector provides these services in a cost-effective and environment-friendly way.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is AGR issue?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The telecom sector was liberalised under the <strong>National Telecom Policy, 1994</strong> after which licenses were issued to companies in return for a fixed license fee.</li>
<li>To provide relief from the steep fixed license fee, the government in 1999 gave an option to the licensees to migrate to the revenue sharing fee model.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this, mobile telephone operators were required to share a percentage of their AGR with the government as <strong>annual license fee</strong> (LF) and <strong>spectrum usage charges (SUC).</strong></li>
<li>License agreements between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the telecom companies define the gross revenues of the latter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The definition of AGR has been under litigation for 14 years. In 2005, <strong>Cellular Operators Association of India</strong> (COAI) challenged the government&rsquo;s definition for AGR calculation.</li>
<li>However, DoT argued that AGR includes <strong>all revenues from both telecom and non-telecom services.</strong></li>
<li>The companies claimed that <strong>AGR should comprise just the revenue accrued from core services</strong> and not dividend, interest income or profit on the sale of any investment or fixed assets.</li>
<li>In 2015, the <strong>TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal)</strong> stayed the case in favour of telecom companies and held that AGR includes all receipts except capital receipts and revenue from non-core sources such as rent, profit on the sale of fixed assets, dividend, interest and miscellaneous income.</li>
<li>However, setting aside TDSAT&rsquo;s order, Supreme Court on October 24, 2019, upheld the definition of AGR as stipulated by the DoT.</li>
<li>Given the slowdown in the Indian economy and this huge financial liability under AGR rules, many telcos are on the verge of collapse. This may have far-reaching ramifications for various stakeholders.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact on the various stakeholders</h3>
<p><strong>Telecom Sector</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When the AGR issue, first went under litigation there were about 15 operators. However, until now 10 of them have either closed operations or are undergoing insolvency proceedings in the last 14 years.</li>
<li>Further, at the current juncture, profits for telcos are under pressure from severe competition and the falling ARPUs (Average Revenue Per User). Given this, AGR due will seriously hurt financial stability of whatever telecom companies are doing business in the Indian market.</li>
<li>Also, Telecom equipment suppliers may also go down as their dues will not be paid.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Consumers</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The failure of a few large players could lead to one or two players emerging near-monopolies. This may leave the Indian consumer vulnerable to high pricing, sub-standard products and lack of options.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Banks</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The AGR issue has triggered panic in the banking industry, given that the telecom sector is highly leveraged.</li>
<li>Failure of the cascading effect will be felt across the economy as banks face the consequences of the company going bankrupt (non-performing assets will rise).</li>
<li>The AGR issue may add to the vulnerability of an already fragile banking system.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Economy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from impacting the banking sector, the collapse of the telecom sector may increase unemployment, and reduce investment, adding to our economic and social problems.</li>
<li>The Telecom industry is critical to the government&rsquo;s plans for a digital economy, including from the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>5G forms the part of critical infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On the positive note, If companies are ready to pay AGR dues, it will lead to a higher contribution to the public exchequer. This could help bridge gaps in the fiscal deficit and bolster government revenues to rescue the slowing economy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>In response to save stressed telecom sector, DoT has directed all government departments to not take any action against telecom operators if they failed to clear AGR-related dues as per the Supreme Court&rsquo;s order. While there was no change in the amount they had to pay, it did buy them time as they hoped for relief from the Supreme Court.</p>
<p>In this context, there is a need for a holistic set of reforms to save the telecom sector from this crisis.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government should give up demanding AGR as a lump-sum amount, rather, it can be broken in instalments to be paid over the period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, penalty and interest on penalty can be waived, as the Supreme Court recognises that there was no willful defiance of the law that is an essential ingredient to attract the levy of penalty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As this is a commercial matter, the government and telcos should also explore <strong>Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)</strong> mechanism.</li>
<li>Since the telecom industry is crucial to India&rsquo;s next wave of growth through digitalisation and the government should not be blinded by short-term revenue considerations that imperil long-term prospects.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this light, the Government should consider accepting the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) ruling of 2015 on AGR.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the government needs to actively facilitate shared infrastructure with policies and legislation. One way is through consortiums for network development and management, charging for usage by authorised operators.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5e9ce;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The telecom industry is crucial to India&rsquo;s next wave of growth through digitalisation and the government should not be blinded by short-term revenue considerations that imperil long-term prospects. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/crisis-in-the-telecom-sector'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Gaura Devi as Part of International Women’s Day Celebrations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) is celebrating Women's Week from 1<sup>st</sup> March to 8<sup>th</sup> March 2020.</li>
<li>International Women's Day is observed on 8<sup>th</sup> March every year.</li>
<li>MHRD remembered the women of history who have made significant contributions in the past and planted a sapling in memory of Gaura Devi, a <strong>Chipko Activist.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>The Chipko Movement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Chipko movement was a <strong>non-violent agitation in 1973.</strong></li>
<li>It is best remembered for the <strong>collective mobilisation of women</strong> for the cause of preserving forests, which also brought about a change in attitude regarding their own status in society.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gaura Devi<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583402263_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583402263_image5.jpg" style="float: right;" width="200" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The movement was led by Gaura Devi, who saved their communal forest from clear felling, beginning a decade of Chipko direct actions by women throughout the Uttarakhand region.</li>
<li>Gaura Devi led the first all-women action to save their community forest and mobilised the women of this region to protect their natural heritage.</li>
<li>During the activist phase of Chipko in the1970s, the courage and vigilance of Uttarakhandi women saved many forests and earned them a hallowed place in the history of the global environmental movement.</li>
<li>From this action, Chipko was to emerge as a peasant movement in defence of traditional forest rights, continuing a century-long tradition of resistance to state encroachment.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605294" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gaura-devi-as-part-of-international-women-s-day-celebrations'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Increased Recycling of E-waste in India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government has informed that <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ngt-asks-for-action-plan-on-e-waste-in-three-months" target="_blank" rel="noopener">E-waste</a> recycling has doubled</strong> in the country compared to 2017-18.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has reported that the <strong>recycling rate of 10% in 2017-18 has risen to 20% in 2018-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>E-waste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>E-Waste is short for Electronic-Waste. It is the term used to describe old, end-of-life or discarded electronic appliances. It includes computers, mobiles, consumer electronics etc.</li>
<li>It majorly includes electronic equipment, completely or in part discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer as well as rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why should E-waste be managed properly?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>E-waste consists of toxic elements such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium, Polybrominated biphenyls and Polybrominated diphenyl.</li>
<li>Non-Disposal and burning of e-waste can have serious implications on human health and can cause air, soil pollution and groundwater contamination.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Production of E-waste in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>Global E-Waste Monitor 2017,</strong> India generates about <strong>2 million tonnes (MT)</strong> of E-waste <strong>annually.</strong></li>
<li>India ranks<strong> fifth among E-waste producing countries,</strong> after the US, China, Japan and Germany.</li>
<li>But the government has stated that the <strong>E-waste produced in India is lower than estimates by international agencies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Management of E-waste:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Producers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has implemented the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ineffective-ewaste-recycle-firms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>E-waste (Management) Rules (2016)</strong></a> which enforces the <strong>Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).</strong></li>
<li>Under EPR principle the producers have been made responsible to collect a certain percentage of E-waste generated from their goods once they have reached their <strong>&ldquo;end-of-life&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Governments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They have been entrusted with the responsibility for maintaining industrial space for e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities.</li>
<li>They are also expected to establish measures for protecting the health and safety of workers engaged in the dismantling and recycling facilities for e-waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recycling of E-waste:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ineffective-ewaste-recycle-firms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-waste is recycled by the informal sector and under hazardous conditions.</strong></a></li>
<li>A report by the Union Environment Ministry in 2018 found that many of India&rsquo;s e-waste recyclers didn't have the capacity to <strong>handle a large quantity of waste.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-first-e-waste-clinic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s first e-waste clinic</strong></a> for segregating, processing and disposal of waste from household and commercial units will soon be set-up in<strong> Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> notified the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 in supersession of the e-waste (Management &amp; Handling) Rules, 2011.</li>
<li>The new E-waste rules included Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamps, as well as other such equipment.</li>
<li>For the first time, the rules brought the producers under <strong>Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),</strong> along with targets. Producers have been made responsible for the collection of E-waste and for its exchange.</li>
<li>Various producers can have a separate Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) and ensure collection of E-waste, as well as its disposal in an environmentally sound manner.</li>
<li><strong>Deposit Refund Scheme</strong> has been introduced as an additional economic instrument wherein the producer charges an additional amount as a deposit at the time of sale of the electrical and electronic equipment and returns it to the consumer along with interest when the end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment is returned.</li>
<li>The<strong> role of State Governments</strong> has been also introduced to ensure safety, health and skill development of the workers involved in dismantling and recycling operations.</li>
<li><strong>A provision of penalty for violation of rules</strong> has also been introduced.</li>
<li>Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Committee/Council/Corporation) has been assigned the duty to collect and channelize the <strong>orphan products</strong> to authorized dismantler or recycler.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/e-waste-recycling-has-doubled-says-centre/article30983383.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-recycling-of-e-waste-in-india'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Black Redstart',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>small-sized bird</strong> (14-15 cms) and it<strong> breeds across the Himalayan Range.</strong></li>
<li>It occurs almost throughout <strong>Europe, Asia</strong> and in the <strong>portions of Africa</strong> and breed in the high altitude areas of<strong> Kashmir, Ladakh, Tibet</strong> and the <strong>Central Himalayan Range.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, the bird sticks to areas near wetlands, open cultivation, scrubs, gardens and orchards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The bird has <strong>two races:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583400980_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583400980_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>P. phoenicuroides</strong> (in Western Himalayas)</li>
<li><strong>P. Rufiventris</strong> (in Central and Eastern Himalayas)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>primary difference</strong> between them is that the male of the former has a grey crown, nape and lower back while the latter ones are much darker.</li>
<li>Both sexes display a<strong> bright rufous-orange tail</strong> which is best seen when they fly or flash it open while shivering their tails, justifying the name Redstart (<strong>steort</strong> means <strong>&lsquo;tail&rsquo;</strong> in proto-Germanic language).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a> status-<strong> Least Concerned.</strong></li>
<li>It is protected under the <strong>Schedule IV of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/black-redstart'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Pragyan Conclave 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> &ldquo;Pragyan Conclave 2020&rdquo;,</strong> a two-day <strong>Indian Army International Seminar</strong> was organised by <strong>Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)</strong> at New Delhi.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The event brings together cross-domain national and international experts to deliberate on the complex subject of <strong>&lsquo;Changing Characteristics of Land Warfare and its Impact on the Military&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The seminar provided a platform for deliberations on emerging ideas, perspectives and narratives that define the<strong> &lsquo;New Age Warfare&rsquo;</strong> which is increasingly witnessing a change in its character as well as battlespace with the <strong>usage of new &lsquo;means&rsquo; to pursue the &lsquo;ends&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Centre for Land Warfare Studies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) is an <strong>autonomous think tank</strong> on strategic studies and land warfare in the Indian context.</li>
<li>CLAWS aims to develop and promote strategic culture and futuristic thinking on security issues across the continuum of conflict affecting Land Warfare.</li>
<li>It is located in<strong> New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li>CLAWS is registered under the <strong>Societies Registration Act, 1860</strong> and is a membership-based organisation. It is governed by a Board of Governors and an Executive Council.</li>
<li>CLAWS organises seminars and conferences, round-table discussions, workshops and guest lectures and undertakes research projects on national security related issues, especially those pertaining to land warfare.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1605204" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pragyan-conclave-2020'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'MAC Binding',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The authorities have removed ban on social media and restored full internet access in Kashmir on 4<sup>th</sup> March 2020.</li>
<li>Among various conditions, the Internet connectivity will be made available <strong>&ldquo;with mac-binding&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Every device has a <strong>Media Access Control (MAC) address,</strong> a hardware identification number that is unique to it. While accessing the Internet, every device is assigned an <strong>Internet Protocol (IP) address.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This <strong>forces a particular device to access the internet from a specific IP address.</strong></li>
<li>If either the MAC (Media Access Control) address or the IP address changes, the device will not be able to access the internet.</li>
<li>MAC-binding will also enable authorities to <strong>trace a device on the basis of its online activity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Media Access Control (MAC) address</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Address that <strong>uniquely defines a hardware interface</strong> is called MAC (Media Access Control) Address.</li>
<li>It identifies the <strong>physical address</strong> of a computer on the internet.</li>
<li>It is <strong>48 bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address.</strong></li>
<li>MAC Address of each computer on a network is unique.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Internet Protocol (IP) address</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The address provided to a <strong>connection in a network</strong> is called IP (Internet Protocol) address.</li>
<li>It identifies the connection of a computer on the internet.</li>
<li><strong>IPv4 is a 32-bit (4 bytes)</strong> address, and <strong>IPv6 is a 128-bits (16 bytes)</strong> address.</li>
<li>IP address <strong>does not uniquely identify a device on a network</strong> but, it specifies a particular connection in a network.</li>
<li>IP address <strong>changes each time a device is connected</strong> to the network as it is dynamically allocated to the device when it participates in the network.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mobile internet services too will be available <strong>only on postpaid connections.</strong> Prepaid connections will not have access to the internet "unless verified as per the norms applicable to postpaid connections," the order said.</li>
<li>Further, internet speed is restricted to second generation 2G networks, while the high-speed 4G networks will remain blocked.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-mac-binding-the-condition-specified-for-using-the-internet-in-jk-6299406/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mac-binding'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Gairsain: Summer Capital of Uttarakhand',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Uttarakhand Government named <strong>Gairsain as the new summer capital</strong> of the state.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>summer capital</strong> is a city used as an administrative capital during extended periods of particularly hot weather.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Uttarakhand <strong>(earlier known as Uttranchal)</strong> was <strong>carved out as a separate state from Uttar Pradesh in 1998.</strong> Those who spearheaded the movement for statehood to Uttarakhand wanted Gairsain to be made its permanent capital.</li>
<li>However, <strong>Dehradun has been the temporary capital</strong> of the state since it attained statehood and still houses the chief minister&rsquo;s residence, Raj Bhavan and MLA residences.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The state Assembly is located in Dehradun but sessions are held in Gairsain as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Statehood activists had long contended that Gairsain, a <strong>tehsil in Chamoli district,</strong> was best suited to be the capital of the mountainous state as it was a hilly region falling on the <strong>border of Kumaon and Garhwal regions.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It covers a large area <strong>suitable for the construction</strong> of the capital and accommodating people.</li>
<li>It is emerging as a <strong>tourist place</strong> and it is also a part of the <strong>major route</strong> connecting Garhwal with the Kumaon region.</li>
<li>It is the site of the source of the <strong>Ramganga River</strong> which rises near the <strong>Dudhatoli Parvat.</strong></li>
<li>The famous tourist attractions are the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(UNESCO World Heritage Site)</strong></a>, Badrinath, Vasundhara Falls etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the fresh announcement, there is no clarity whether Dehradun&rsquo;s current status will remain the same or it will be considered the new winter capital.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583403331_Uttarakhand%20Map (Gairsain).jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583403331_Uttarakhand Map (Gairsain).jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="694" height="370" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-govt-names-gairsain-as-new-summer-capital-of-state-6299725/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gairsain-summer-capital-of-uttarakhand'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Visit of UN Delegation on Palestine to India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a&nbsp;<strong>UN delegation on Palestine</strong> visited New Delhi to seek India&rsquo;s political and diplomatic support for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The delegation of the <strong>United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) </strong>intends <strong>to engage India in the settling of the question of Palestine.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the visit of the UN delegation on Palestine, <strong>India has reiterated its stand and supported the Two-State solution</strong> for the <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine"><strong>Israel-Palestine issue.</strong></a></li>
<li>The visit aimed <strong>to enhance the political and diplomatic support of India for a peaceful solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict</strong> and engaging Indian counterparts on synergies in capacity building for staff and institutions of Palestine.</li>
<li>The delegation intends to involve countries like India as it <strong>shares good relations with both Israel and Palestine,</strong> and are <strong>also attached to multilateral principles,</strong> to play a bigger role in the resolution of the issue.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Two-State Solution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The &ldquo;two-state solution&rdquo; is based on a <strong>UN resolution of 1947</strong> which proposed two states - one would be a state where Zionist Jews constituted a majority, the other where the Palestinian Arabs would be a majority of the population. The idea was however rejected by the Arabs.</li>
<li>For decades, it has been held by the international community as the only realistic deal to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.</li>
<li>India has consistently voted in favour of those resolutions that<strong> promote the two-state solution</strong> with a Palestinian claim to East Jerusalem.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Stand on Israel-Palestine Issue</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>In June 2019,</strong> India voted in<strong> favour of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1"><strong>UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)</strong></a> that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
<li><strong>In June 2018,</strong> India had <strong>voted in favour of Palestine</strong> on the <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1"><strong>UN General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA) resolution to investigate an indiscriminate force usage by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.</li>
<li>As a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li><strong>In December 2017,</strong> India had<strong> criticised the United States</strong> vote for recognising <strong>Jerusalem as the Israeli capital</strong> at the UNGA vote.</li>
<li><strong>In 2014,</strong> India favoured <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc"><strong>UNHRC&rsquo;s</strong></a> resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel</strong> in <strong>UNHRC in 2015.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396761_image2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396761_image2.jpg" class="content-img" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>CEIRPP</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) was founded in 1975 by the United Nations General Assembly.</li>
<li>It aims to formulate a programme to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, to national independence and sovereignty, and the right of Palestine refugees to return.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-dilution-in-indias-support-to-palestinian-cause-un-committee-on-palestine/article30983836.ece"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/visit-of-un-delegation-on-palestine-to-india'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Ban on Cryptocurrency Trading Removed',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Supreme Court has <strong>struck down a ban on trading of Virtual Currencies (VC) in India,</strong> which was imposed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> in April 2018.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RBI order prohibited banks and entities regulated by it from dealing in VCs or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with or settling VCs.</li>
<li>Such services include maintaining accounts, registering, trading, settling, clearing, giving loans against virtual tokens, accepting them as collateral, opening accounts of exchanges dealing with them and transfer/receipt of money in accounts relating to purchase/ sale of VCs.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Virtual Currencies<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396022_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1583396022_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="220" caption="false" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is no globally accepted definition of what exactly is virtual currency. Basically, virtual currency is the larger umbrella term for<strong> all forms of non-fiat currency being traded online.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fiat Money is a kind of currency, issued by the government and regulated by a central authority such as a central bank. Such currencies act like legal tender and are not necessarily backed by a physical commodity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Virtual currencies are mostly created, distributed and accepted in local virtual networks. Virtual Currencies <strong>also includes cryptocurrencies.</strong></li>
<li>Cryptocurrencies have an extra layer of security, in the form of encryption algorithms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most cryptocurrencies now operate on the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/centre-of-excellence-in-blockchain-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> blockchain or distributed ledger technology</strong></a>, which allows everyone on the network to keep track of the transactions occurring globally.</li>
<li><strong>Popular forms of cryptocurrencies</strong> include Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Satoshi Nakamoto,</strong> widely regarded as the founder of the modern virtual currency <strong>bitcoin</strong> and the underlying technology called blockchain, defines bitcoins as &ldquo;a new electronic cash system that&rsquo;s fully peer-to-peer, with no trusted third party (central regulator)&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Reasons Behind Banning Virtual Currencies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lack of any underlying fiat, episodes of excessive volatility in their value, and their anonymous nature which <strong>goes against global money-laundering rules.</strong></li>
<li>Risks and concerns about data security and consumer protection.</li>
<li>Potential impact on the effectiveness of monetary policy.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Arguments in Support of Use of Virtual Currencies in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Digital/virtual currencies (both private or government backed) are integral part of digital economy and digital countries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>5 million Indians are engaged in virtual currency activities.</li>
<li>India is the second largest user of Pundi X&rsquo;s blockchain wallet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is at the forefront of all things digital and an inspiration to the world. Its balanced approach between risk and innovation can become a role model for the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Highlights of the Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Test of Proportionality</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ban did not pass the &ldquo;proportionality&rdquo; test. The test of proportionality of any action by the government must pass the test of <strong>Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution,</strong> which states that all citizens of the country will have the right to practise any profession, or carry on any occupation or trade and business.</li>
<li>Till date, the RBI has <strong>not come out with a stand</strong> that any of the entities regulated by it have suffered any loss or adverse effect directly or indirectly, on account of VC exchanges.</li>
<li>Besides, the court found that the RBI <strong>did not consider the availability of alternatives</strong> before issuing the order i.e. achieving the same objective by imposing a less drastic restraint.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inconsistent with the RBI&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The RBI&rsquo;s order was disproportionate&rdquo; with an otherwise consistent stand taken by the central bank that VCs are not prohibited in the country.</li>
<li><strong>Referred to the Global Approach:</strong> Organisations across the globe have called for caution while dealing with virtual currencies, while also warning that a blanket ban of any sort could push the entire system underground, which in turn would mean no regulation.</li>
<li><strong>On RBI&rsquo;s Power:</strong> The Court held that the RBI has powers to regulate any currencies in the system.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Possible Impact of the Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With the order, resumption of operations at cryptocurrency exchanges and backward linkages with the banking sector are expected. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even as virtual currency investors and businesses will welcome the Supreme Court&rsquo;s order on cryptocurrency, the relief for such players may be only temporary given that the Centre, in a draft law, has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-banning-cryptocurrency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>proposed to ban all private cryptocurrencies.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Supreme Court&rsquo;s judgment could lead to the RBI rethinking its policies surrounding virtual currencies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-sets-aside-rbi-ban-on-cryptocurrency-transactions/article30979301.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ban-on-cryptocurrency-trading-removed'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Covid-19 and India’s Preparedness',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/growing-numbers-the-hindu-editorial-on-indias-covid-19-preparedness/article30975709.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Growing numbers: On India&rsquo;s COVID-19 preparedness</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-covid-19-response-that-is-quick-off-the-blocks/article30975752.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A COVID-19 response that is quick off the blocks</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/pm-narendra-modi-on-coronavirus-infection-public-health-infrastructure-covid-19-6297775/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Boosting immunity</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/how-india-must-fight-coronavirus-ht-editorial/story-6U2w5dtE5PYEILH1SJJRDI.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>How India must fight coronavirus</strong></a>. It talks about steps that should be taken by India to combat the global health emergency of Covid-19.</p>
</div>
<p>The rapid spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> across the world shows that a networked world has to face networked risks. As of March 2, 2020, according to the World Health Organisation, there are around 89,000 confirmed cases from 65 countries of Covid19, with 27 countries have reported local transmission.</p>
<p>India's inadequate health infrastructure accompanied by factors like population density, poverty and illiteracy makes India highly vulnerable to Covid-19. India now has reported 6 cases of possible COVID-19 infection. The Health Ministry through its <strong>Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network</strong> sought to trace people who have come in contact with the six people whose samples have been sent for confirmation.</p>
<p>However, since Covid-19 is a respiratory pathogen, it can spread and turn into an epidemic in no time. In this context, India needs to be adequately prepared to deal with this global emergency.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak came to light when on December 31, 2019, China informed the World Health Organisation of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of an unknown cause in Wuhan City in Hubei province.</li>
<li>Subsequently, the disease spread to more provinces of China and to the rest of the world, with the WHO declaring it a global health emergency. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease is now called COVID-19.</li>
<li><strong>Test for Covid-19:</strong> The first test that samples of all suspected patients are sent for is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If that is positive, the sample is sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, which is the only government laboratory currently doing genome sequencing, for final confirmation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India's Vulnerability vis-&agrave;-vis Covid-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With large numbers of people coming to India from across the world, <strong>airports are always a hotspot,</strong> the virus&rsquo;s footprint has to over 70 countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, a major section of India&rsquo;s population uses public transport which can further accelerate the spread of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Infected people<strong> do not show symptoms during the incubation period</strong> (14 days or even greater than that) and hence thermal screening at airports and seaports will be unable to detect such cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the molecular testing does not have very high sensitivity and hence may turn up false negatives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/combating-epidemics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Healthcare infrastructure in India</strong></a> suffers from inadequacies at the physical and human resource level.</li>
<li>Rumours can spread fear and misinformation which can be damaging, stigmatising to the public interest.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What steps India should take?</h3>
<p>Until now, there is no definitive cure or a vaccine against Covid-19. Therefore, the response plan undoubtedly relies on basic measures such as risk communication, health education, social distancing, and home isolation to reduce the speed at which the outbreak might spread.</p>
<p><strong>Immediate steps that should be taken</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>National Crisis Management Committee</strong> (NCMC) which was designed to be set up in situations of large natural calamities, should be leveraged. Also, NCMC should coordinate across ministries and departments.</li>
<li>A <strong>dedicated web portal</strong> should be set up, which includes a dashboard with key indicators, current case definitions, guidelines, risk communication materials and micro plans.</li>
<li>Strict norms to be followed for people who are<strong> quarantined.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> response plan</strong> should be able to maintain ongoing regular health programmes while at the same time devoting adequate resources to the response.</li>
<li>It is essential that at least two negative tests are obtained before a person is certified as being uninfected.</li>
<li>India must also <strong>rapidly increase its operational labs for rapid diagnosis,</strong> equip hospitals, and train medical staff for isolation and treatment of those infected.</li>
<li>While India should focus on containment, it must be ready for mitigation.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long term remedies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Preparedness</strong> is neither the sole domain nor the prerogative of government; all institutions, entities, firms both private and public and even individuals and households should make contingency and advance preparedness plans.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Preparedness allows a health system to take proactive steps to mitigate or lessen the adverse impacts of an outbreak.</li>
<li>Outbreak preparedness should be seen as an investment which will pay dividends in the medium to long term.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There is a need to continue to develop and maintain infrastructure to respond to new novel infectious agents capable of rapid spread.</li>
<li><strong>Large-scale behaviour change</strong> will be the cornerstone of a successful response. It requires proper risk communication and adoption of an integrated approach towards <strong>WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), Cough hygiene (proposed by WHO) and community health programs.</strong></li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f0d2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Combating coronavirus requires getting basics right, creating awareness, investing in public health infrastructure. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Rules for Filing Complaints with Lokpal Notified',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Department of Personnel and Training</strong> has issued a notification providing the rules and prescribed format for filing complaints with the Lokpal.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The notification, under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/lokpal-lokayukta-ombudsman-upsc-governance-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokpal and Lokayuktas</strong></a> <strong>Act,</strong> lays down the rules called <strong>the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Identity Proof:</strong> According to the complaint form, a complainant has to give a valid proof of identity, as specified therein.</li>
<li><strong>Foreign nationals</strong> can also lodge complaints.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only a <strong>copy of their passports</strong> will be accepted as proof of identity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mode of Complaint:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The complaint can be filed <strong>electronically, by post or in person.</strong></li>
<li>In case the complaint is filed electronically, it's hard copy has to be submitted to the Lokpal within 15 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No complaints</strong> can be filed against a public servant <strong>under the Army Act, Navy Act, Air Force Act and the Coast Guard Act.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Language:</strong> A complaint may ordinarily be made in English, provided that the Lokpal may also entertain a complaint in any of the languages referred to in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.</li>
<li>The complaints, whose contents are illegible, vague or ambiguous, which are trivial or frivolous, do not contain any allegation, are not filed within the limitation period of seven years, or are pending before any other court, tribunal or authority, will have to be disposed of within 30 days.</li>
<li><strong>Protection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The identity of the complainant or the accused official <strong>will be protected by the Lokpal till the conclusion of inquiry or investigation.</strong></li>
<li>However, the protection will not be applicable in cases where the complainant herself reveals her identity to any other office or authority while making the complaint to Lokpal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Lokpal Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This Act provides for the establishment of a body of <strong>Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States</strong> to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.</li>
<li>It was passed in <strong>2013.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lokpal is an apex body</strong> to deal with cases of corruption at the national level. It has to enquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries of the central government in a time bound manner.</li>
<li><strong>Jurisdiction:</strong> The Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament and officers and officials of the Central Government.</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Lokpal consists of a <strong>Chairperson with a maximum of 8 members of which 50% shall be judicial members.</strong></li>
<li>50% of the members of the Lokpal shall come from amongst the <strong>SCs, the STs, the OBCs, minorities and women.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The selection of the Chairperson and the members of Lokpal shall be through a <strong>Selection Committee</strong> consisting of the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court Judge nominated by the Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India on the basis of recommendations of the first four members of the selection committee.</li>
<li><strong>A Search Committee</strong> will assist the Selection Committee in the process of selection. 50% of the members of the Search Committee shall also be from amongst the SCs, the STs, the OBCs, minorities and women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Prime Minister</strong> has been brought under the purview of the Lokpal with subject matter exclusions and specific process for handling complaints against the Prime Minister.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rules-and-format-for-filing-complaints-with-lokpal-issued/article30972414.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source :TH</strong></a></p>',
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