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Taliban Delegation in Pakistan

Why in News Recently, a Taliban delegation visited Pakistan to discuss the way forward in the Afghan peace process. The Taliban delegation was...

29 Aug 2020 News Analysis
UAE-Israel Peace Treaty & India

This editorial analysis is based on the article “India’s geopolitical interests are in close alignment with moderate Arab centre”...

28 Aug 2020 News Editorials
World Urdu Conference 2020

Why in News The World Urdu Conference 2020 is being organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) from 27th-28th August...

28 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Sub-Classification of Reserved Classes

Why in News A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court held that States can sub-classify the list of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs),...

28 Aug 2020 News Analysis
GST Council Meet

Why in News Recently, the 41st Goods and Services Tax (GST) council meeting was held to discuss the issue of compensating states on account of...

28 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Hurricane Laura

Why in News Hurricane Laura, has made landfall in southwestern Louisiana (South Central United States) with wind speeds reaching up to 250 km (about...

28 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Indigenous People of Andaman and Nicobar

Why in News The report of Covid-19 cases among the members of the Great Andamanese tribe is a matter of concern as the total population of the tribe...

28 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Controlling Dengue Using Bacteria

Why in News Researchers from the World Mosquito Program have used mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria to successfully control dengue in...

28 Aug 2020 News Analysis
National Recruitment Agency

This editorial analysis is based on the article For employers and job aspirants, National Recruitment Agency and CET promise transparency which was...

27 Aug 2020 News Editorials
Export Preparedness Index 2020: NITI Aayog

Why in News Recently, the NITI Aayog in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) report...

27 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Integration of e-PPO with Digi Locker

Why in News The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has decided to integrate the electronic Pension Payment Order (e-PPO) with...

27 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Pulikkali Folk Art of Kerala

Why in News Pulikkali will be held online in Kerala this year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Key Points Pulikkali (Puli means Leopard/Tiger and...

27 Aug 2020 News Analysis
New Circles of Archaeological Survey of India

Why in News The Ministry of Culture has announced 7 new circles of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Key Points The step has been taken...

27 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Asteroid 2018VP1

Why In News According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an asteroid named 2018VP1 is on a collision course with...

27 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Landslide in Kodagu

Why in News Recently, due to heavy rain, numbers of landslides occurred in many parts of India. Key Points Landslides: A landslide is defined...

27 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Magnets for Manufacturing

This editorial analysis is based on the article Magnets For Manufacturing which was published in The Hindu on 26th of August 2020. It analyses the...

26 Aug 2020 News Editorials
INS Viraat

Why in News Indian Naval Ship (INS) Viraat will be scrapped at a ship breaking yard at Alang in Gujarat soon. The decision to scrap INS Viraat...

26 Aug 2020 News Analysis
National Clean Air Programme

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to modify the National Clean Air...

26 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Conflict in Libya

Why in News The internal conflict in Libya that has been running since 2011 has shown signs of de-escalation as the rival authorities in the country...

26 Aug 2020 News Analysis
China Launches Warship for Pakistan

Why In News Recently, China has launched first of the four advanced naval warships it is building for Pakistan. This is the first ship of...

26 Aug 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Taliban Delegation in Pakistan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a<strong> Taliban delegation visited Pakistan</strong> to discuss the way forward in the Afghan peace process.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Taliban delegation was led by their political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pakistan Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It had played a facilitating role on the Afghan issue, which led to a peace agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban.</li>
<li>The next step it seeks is intra-Afghan peace dialogue, to which Afghanistan has also agreed.</li>
<li>It has reiterated its commitment to further deepen the ties with Afghanistan and enhance cooperation in all fields.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Taliban visited Pakistan in the backdrop of stalled intra-Afghan peace dialogue over the issue of <strong>prisoners release.</strong></li>
<li>The Taliban also want to speed up the intra-Afghan peace dialogue.</li>
<li>Earlier, to resolve the issue the Afghanistan government had convened <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/loya-jirga-grand-assembly-of-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Loya Jirga (grand assembly)</strong></a>, which also approved the release of prisoners and further the peace process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> USA signed a deal with the Taliban</strong></a> that paved the way towards a full withdrawal of USA troops from Afghanistan and also represent a step towards ending the 18-year-war in Afghanistan.</li>
<li>The peace deal was expected to <strong>kick-off two processes- a phased withdrawal of US troops </strong>and<strong> an &lsquo;intra-Afghan&rsquo; dialogue.</strong></li>
<li>The deal is a fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for the Afghanistan peace process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Interests in Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has a<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indias-role-in-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> major stake</strong></a> in the stability of Afghanistan. India has invested considerable resources in Afghanistan's development. <strong>E.g.</strong> the <strong>Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway,</strong> Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam <strong>(Salma Dam)</strong> among others.</li>
<li>India favours the continuation of the current Afghanistan government in power, which it considers a strategic asset vis-&agrave;-vis Pakistan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An increased political and military role for the Taliban and the expansion of its territorial control should be of great concern to India since the Taliban is widely believed to be a prot&eacute;g&eacute; of Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Afghanistan is the <strong>gateway to Central Asia.</strong></li>
<li>Withdrawal of US troops could result in the breeding of the fertile ground for various anti-India terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598684492_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598684492_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="395" height="297" /></a></p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India should support any genuine peace process in Afghanistan. However, the peace process in Afghanistan appears to be <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>one-sided and pushed by the U.S.A. and Pakistan.</strong></a></li>
<li>India should not recognise or publicly engage the Taliban until it recognises the Afghanistan government.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/taliban-delegation-in-pakistan-for-afghanistan-peace-process/article32432161.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/taliban-delegation-in-pakistan'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'UAE-Israel Peace Treaty & India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-arab-gulf-countries-middle-east-relations-c-raja-mohan-6558876/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;India&rsquo;s geopolitical interests are in close alignment with moderate Arab centre&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in the Indian Express on 18th of August 2020. It analyses the peace pact between Israel and UAE and the Indian interest therein.</p>
</div>
<p>In a move that significantly impacts geopolitics of the world, <strong>Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that they will normalise diplomatic relations.</strong> In a joint statement released by the US, Israel and the UAE, the leaders of the three countries agreed to &ldquo;the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates&rdquo;.</p>
<p>The agreement is a historic diplomatic breakthrough that <strong>would advance peace in the Middle East region.</strong> This would not just serve the interest of the world but <strong>India too which has a huge stake in the middle east due to its cultural and trade tie-ups.</strong></p>
<h3>UAE-Israel Peace Deal &amp; Its Importance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Israel and the United Arab Emirates just agreed to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>historic deal</strong> </a>to normalize their long-strained relations.</li>
<li>This move is significant because, with the exception of Jordan and Egypt, Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Gulf Arab states owing to its long-standing conflict with Palestinians.</li>
<li>The agreement comes after Israel&rsquo;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to suspend plans to annex parts of the West Bank, one that had been bitterly criticised by these Gulf Arab states, Europe and a few other countries around the world.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arab-Israel Relation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since<strong> Israeli independence in 1948,</strong> it has fought several <strong>wars with Arab</strong> neighbouring countries.</li>
<li>The persecuted Jews saw Israel as their promised home while Arabs saw it as an occupation.</li>
<li>The Israel Arab conflict is<strong> one of the worst conflicts that has its root in the History, Religion and Geopolitics.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>West Bank</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a landlocked territory in West Asia.</li>
<li>It also contains a significant section of the western dead sea.</li>
<li>It was captured by Jordan after the Arab Israel war in 1948</li>
<li>However, Israel snatched it back during the Six-Day War of 1967 and has occupied it ever since.</li>
<li>At present, there are around 130 formal Israeli settlements along with 26 lakh Palestinians at West Bank.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Impact of the Deal</h3>
<p>The agreement could fast-track the changes that are already underway in the region.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tripolar Contest:</strong> The Saudi bloc (consisting of Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain and others) sees its interests being aligned with that of the U.S. and Israel and their support for Palestine, which Arab powers had historically upheld, is dwindling, while Turkey and Iran emerge as the strongest supporters of the Palestinians in the Muslim world.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This tripolar contest is already at work in West Asia. The UAE-Israel thaw could sharpen it further.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Setback to Palestinian Statehood:</strong> Unlike the past two Arab-Israeli peace agreements, Palestinians do not figure prominently in the current one. The Palestinians are understandably upset. They called the UAE&rsquo;s decision &ldquo;treason&rdquo;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, Israel&rsquo;s pledge not to go ahead with the annexation of one-third of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, for the time being, will be cold comfort for the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Further Deeping of Sectoral Divide:</strong> In all of this, a fault line in West Asia is likely to deepen between Sunni Muslim states and Iran, as well as that country&rsquo;s allies in Syria and in Lebanon.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These Sunni states, led by Saudi Arabia and UAE and backed by the United States in collaboration with Israel, are building a buffer against Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward: How India Should Respond?</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s geopolitical interests are in <strong>close alignment with stability in West Asia.</strong> Therefore, standing up for the region and opposing the forces of regional destabilisation should be at the very heart of India&rsquo;s foreign policy in the region. In this context, India&rsquo;s West Asia policy should adhere to following four principles.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Acting as a Peace Negotiator:</strong> India should act as a mediator to normalize the relationship between West Asian countries, especially between Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey and Iran.</li>
<li><strong>Opposing Foreign Interventions in the Region:</strong> In the past, those came from the West and Israel. Today, most Arabs see the greatest threat to their security from Turkish and Iranian interventions.</li>
<li><strong>Aiding Arab Economic Integration:</strong> India should extend support to Arab economic integration, intra-Arab political reconciliation and the strengthening of regional institutions.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Ties With All Major Players in the Region:</strong> India&rsquo;s geopolitical interests are in close alignment with those in the Arab Centre including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. Thus, India needs to make strong ties with the region.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Interest in West Asia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Geopolitically West Asia occupies an important position in international relations due to its <strong>geographical location and proximity to continents and countries</strong> South Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.</li>
<li>The region is strategically significant due to its <strong>enormous energy resources, trade route links</strong> to different parts of the world.</li>
<li>It is the world's largest oil-producing region accounting for 34% of world production, 45% of crude oil exports and 48% of oil proven reserves.</li>
<li>India has been <strong>heavily dependent on energy supplies</strong> from the region, while Indian expatriates have constituted a substantial share of the regional labour market.</li>
<li><strong>Remittances from the region</strong> constitute a major chunk of total remittances to India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598619653_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598619653_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="401" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffde3;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Analyse how the recent UAE-Israel peace deal will impact the region and India?</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQgoRLVgcJM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/ndhm-will-radically-transform-health-care/story-IMu0xWNY3uIVdVJvw7HSwO.html#:~:text=Through%20the%20adoption%20of%20digital,affordable%20prices%20as%20well%20as" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;NDHM&thinsp;will radically transform health care&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on August 27<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/uae-israel-peace-treaty-india'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'World Urdu Conference 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The World Urdu Conference 2020 is being organised by the<strong> National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL)</strong> from 27<sup>th</sup>-28<sup>th</sup> August 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong> Literally, the word Urdu (originally Turkish) means the <strong>royal camp.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Historical Background:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urdu had developed and flourished in Delhi during the period of <strong>&lsquo;Delhi Sultanate&rsquo;</strong> from 12<sup>th</sup> to 16<sup>th</sup> century and then during the period of <strong>&lsquo;Mughal Empire&rsquo;</strong> in Delhi from 16<sup>th</sup> century to 19<sup>th</sup> century when several court poets used this language in their great poetry and writings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its first major folk poet <strong>Amir Khusrau</strong> (1253-1325), composed dohas (couplets) and riddles in the newly-formed speech, then called <strong>Hindavi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spread in South India:</strong> When Delhi Sultanate and then Mughal Empire spread in the Deccan, Urdu spread in southern states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The language derived even local words from the local languages of those states and developed as a <strong>&lsquo;Dakhni&rsquo;</strong> language which was a bit distinctive of Urdu language in the North.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>divide between Urdu and Hindi </strong>occurred under the <strong>colonial impact.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hindi and Urdu got split along religious lines with Hindi in Nagari script becoming identified with Hindus, and Urdu in Persian script identified with Muslims.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contemporary Context:</strong> Urdu is a major language of South Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is spoken in countries including <strong>India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.</strong></li>
<li>It has become the <strong>culture language and lingua franca</strong> of the <strong>South Asian Muslim diaspora</strong> outside the sub-continent, especially in the Gulf and the Middle East, Western Europe, Scandinavia, USA and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relation with Hindi:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both Urdu and Hindi belong to the new <strong>Indo-Aryan group</strong> sharing the<strong> same Indic base.</strong></li>
<li>Urdu and Hindi taken together form the<strong> third largest speech community</strong> in the world today.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Status in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scheduled Language:</strong> Urdu is one of the languages mentioned in the <strong>8<sup>th</sup> Schedule</strong> to the Constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Constitutional provisions</strong> relating to the 8<sup>th</sup> Schedule are articles <strong>344(1)</strong> and <strong>351.</strong></li>
<li>Presently, 8<sup>th</sup> Schedule consists of the 22 languages namely (1) Assamese, (2) Bengali, (3) Gujarati, (4) Hindi, (5) Kannada, (6) Kashmiri, (7) Konkani, (8) Malayalam, (9) Manipuri, (10) Marathi, (11) Nepali, (12) Oriya, (13) Punjabi, (14) Sanskrit, (15) Sindhi, (16) Tamil, (17) Telugu, (18) Urdu (19) Bodo, (20) Santhali, (21) Maithili and (22) Dogri.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Official Language of Different States:</strong> It is one of the official languages in states like Kashmir, Telangana, UP, Bihar, New Delhi and West Bengal.</li>
<li><strong>Composite Culture:</strong> Urdu is a language of<strong> composite culture and interfaith bonds in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hindu-Muslim composite culture is a constructed concept of the <strong>20<sup>th</sup> century</strong> that describes <strong>amalgams of Hindu and Islamic elements</strong> in South Asian culture.</li>
<li><strong>Article 51A(f) </strong>of the Constitution declares a solemn<strong> fundamental duty</strong> of every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speaker Base:</strong> The Urdu speakers in India number almost<strong> 44 million.</strong> The largest numbers are in the state of <strong>Uttar Pradesh,</strong> followed by<strong> Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These states together account for <strong>85%</strong> of the national Urdu-speaking population.</li>
<li><strong>Delhi</strong> is the major centre of Urdu literature and publishing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NCPUL has become the<strong> biggest Urdu networking hub</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language started functioning as an <strong>autonomous body in 1996.</strong> It comes under the <strong>Ministry of Education.</strong></li>
<li>It is the National <strong>Nodal Agency</strong> for Promotion of Urdu.</li>
<li>NCPUL has also been assigned the <strong>responsibility of promotion of Arabic and Persian.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Major Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To take action for making available in Urdu language, the knowledge of <strong>scientific and technological development </strong>as well as <strong>knowledge of ideas evolved in the modern context.</strong></li>
<li>To <strong>advise the Government</strong> on issues connected with Urdu language as may be referred to it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1649090" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source PIB</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-urdu-conference-2020'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Sub-Classification of Reserved Classes',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A five-judge Bench of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong> </a>held that States can sub-classify the list of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) to provide preferential treatment to the<strong> &ldquo;weakest out of the weak&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision <strong>overruled</strong> a previous 2005 decision in<strong> E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh and Others,</strong> also by a five-judge Bench, that <strong>state governments had no power to create sub-categories of SCs</strong> for the purpose of reservation.</li>
<li>Since a Bench of equal strength cannot overrule a previous decision, the court also <strong>referred it to a 7-judge Bench.</strong></li>
<li>The judgment was on the constitutional validity of Section 4(5) of the <strong>Punjab Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) Act, 2006.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The act allows 50% of the reserved Scheduled Castes seats in the State to be allotted to Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judgment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reservation system</strong></a> has created <strong>inequalities within the reserved castes</strong> itself. There is a <strong>&ldquo;caste struggle&rdquo;</strong> within the reserved class as benefits of reservation are being usurped by a few.</li>
<li>Reservation <strong>was not contemplated for all the time</strong> by the framers of the Constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 334</strong> of the Constitution had originally required the reservation of<strong> elected seats</strong> to cease in <strong>1960,</strong> but it was extended by various amendments. The latest one being the 104<sup>th</sup> Amendment extending it to 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>If sub-classification is denied, it would <strong>defeat the right to equality</strong> by treating unequal as equal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 14</strong> guarantees everyone <strong>&ldquo;equality before law&rdquo;</strong> and<strong> &ldquo;equal protection of law&rdquo;.</strong> Equal protection of the laws means that amongst equals the law should be equal and treating unequals as equals will be violation of law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Among the SCs, there are some that remain grossly under-represented despite reservation in comparison to other SCs. This<strong> inequality within the Scheduled Castes</strong> is underlined in several reports, and special quotas have been framed to address it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Justice Ramachandra Raju Commission, 1997</strong> recommended sub-dividing the SCs into four groups and apportioning reservations separately for each. It also recommended that <strong>Creamy layer of Scheduled Castes be excluded</strong> from receiving any reservation benefits in public appointments and admission to educational institutions.</li>
<li>In Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar, <strong>special quotas</strong> were introduced for the <strong>most vulnerable Dalits.</strong> In 2007, Bihar set up the <strong>Mahadalit Commission</strong> to identify the castes within SCs that were left behind. In Tamil Nadu, a 3% quota within the SC quota is accorded to the<strong> Arundhatiyar caste.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States have the competence</strong> to grant reservation benefits to SCs and STs in terms of Articles 15(4) and 16(4), and Articles 341(1) and 342(1).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 16 (4)</strong> provides that the State can make any provision for the reservation of <strong>appointments or posts and in matters of promotion</strong> in favour of any backward class of citizens who, in the opinion of the state, are not adequately represented in the services under the State.</li>
<li><strong>Article 15(4)</strong> empowers the state to<strong> create special arrangements</strong> for promoting the interests and welfare of socially and educationally backward classes of the society such as SC and STs.</li>
<li>As per the Articles <strong>341(1) and 342(1),</strong> the President of India, after consultation with the Governor, may specify, the castes, races, tribes or parts of groups within castes or races, which shall be deemed to be Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the <strong>Indra Sawhney v. Union of India 1992</strong> case, the Supreme Court held that it would be <strong>perfectly legal for the state to categorise backward classes as backward and more backward.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also upheld the concept of &lsquo;creamy layer&rsquo; within OBC to those who have overcome their backwardness. However, the concept of creamy layer in SCs and STs has been in debate since then.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the <strong>E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh and Others 2005</strong> case, the Supreme Court ruled that only the <strong>President has the power to notify the inclusion or exclusion of a caste</strong> as a Scheduled Caste, and states cannot tinker with the list.</li>
<li>In the <strong>M.Nagaraj &amp; Others vs Union Of India, 2006</strong> case, the Supreme Court said that the government<strong> had to collect quantifiable data</strong> showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment.</li>
<li>However, in <strong>Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta, 2018</strong> Supreme Court held that the government <strong>need not collect quantifiable data</strong> to demonstrate backwardness of public employees belonging to the SC/STs to provide reservations for them in <strong>promotions.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also observed that certain caste groups or subgroups have<strong> &ldquo;come out of untouchability or backwardness</strong> by virtue of belonging to the creamy layer&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that reservation in the matter of promotions in public posts is<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reservation-not-a-right" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> not a fundamental right</strong></a>, and a state cannot be compelled to offer the quota if it chooses not to.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dr B.R. Ambedkar described the Indian society as a gradation of castes forming an <strong>ascending scale of reverence and a descending scale of contempt.</strong> As is the nature of any hierarchical structure, no two castes are equal. The ones at the bottom of the ladder, those who have been most severely ostracised and subjugated, have not yet received the benefits of reservations as a tool to ensure their representation in society and government. This judgement will help <strong>trickle down the benefits of reservation to the most needy</strong> and establishment of an equal society.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/supreme-court-sc-st-reservation-quota-6572693/" 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/sub-classification-of-reserved-classes'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'GST Council Meet',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the 41<sup>st</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-11th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST) council</strong></a> meeting was held to discuss the issue of compensating states on account of revenue loss due to <strong>implementation of GST</strong> and fall in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cess-fund-for-welfare-of-construction-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cess</strong></a> collections.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GST Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>constitutional body (Article 279A)</strong> for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Services Tax.</li>
<li>The GST Council is chaired by the <strong>Union Finance Minister</strong> and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.</li>
<li>It is considered as a<strong> federal body</strong> where both the centre and the states get due representation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shortfall in GST and Cess Collection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The economic slowdown had reduced both GST and cess collections in FY 2019-20, resulting in a 40% gap (shortfall) between the compensation paid and cess collected.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The central government paid over Rs.1.65 lakh crore in 2019-20 as GST compensation by utilising the excess cess amount collected during 2017-18 and 2018-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The state&rsquo;s GST revenue gap in 2020-21 is expected to be about Rs. 3 lakh crore, while cess collections are only projected to reach Rs. 65,000 crore, leaving a shortfall of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distinction in Shortfall:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only <strong>Rs. 97,000 crore out of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore of the shortfall is due to GST implementation itself,</strong> while the <strong>rest is due to the impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Centre <strong>distinguished the GST shortfall</strong> into two types:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to GST implementation itself.</li>
<li>Caused by the impact of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Finance Minister termed the fall of GST revenue due to Covid-19 as <strong>an act of God.</strong> However, the <strong>GST Compensation Act, 2017</strong> did not foresee an act of God.</li>
<li>The GST Compensation Act, 2017 <strong>guaranteed states that they would be compensated for any loss of revenue</strong> in the first five years of GST implementation, until 2022, using a cess levied on<strong> sin and luxury goods.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sin goods</strong> are goods which are considered harmful to society and individuals.</li>
<li><strong>Example of sin goods:</strong> Alcohol and Tobacco, Candies, Drugs, Soft drinks, Fast foods, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Offers Made by the Centre:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It offered <strong>two options</strong> for borrowing by states to meet the shortfall:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A special window could be provided, in consultation with 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>, so that the states can get Rs. 97,000 crore at a reasonable rate of interest, the amount can be repaid after five years (of GST implementation) ending 2022 from cess collection.</li>
<li>Another option is that this entire gap of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore can be met by the borrowing by the states in consultation with RBI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The states have been given seven days to decide which option they want.</li>
<li>Also, states choosing the first option would <strong>get 0.5% relaxation</strong> in states&rsquo; borrowing limits under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wma-borrowings-of-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act</a>, 2003.</strong></li>
<li>The borrowing plan is valid for FY 2020-21 only and the GST Council would review the revenue position next fiscal to decide on payments for 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The GST council can consider increasing the cess or including more products under the cess or compensation levy can be extended beyond five years, to meet this GST shortfall.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/centre-places-before-states-2-options-for-borrowing-to-meet-gst-revenue-shortfall/article32456870.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/gst-council-meet-2'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Hurricane Laura',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Hurricane Laura, has made landfall in southwestern Louisiana (South Central United States) with wind speeds reaching up to 250 km (about 150 miles) an hour.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> Hurricane Laura is a<strong> Category 4 storm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Category 4 storm has wind speeds between 130-156 mph and can uproot trees and bring down power lines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:</strong> Hurricanes are categorized on the <strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,</strong> which rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 based on wind speed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hurricanes that reach category<strong> three or higher</strong> are classified as<strong> major hurricanes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is because of their potential to cause devastating damage to property and life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603530_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603530_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650]" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Timings of Hurricane:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Two seasons of hurricanes are observed in the Atlantic and Pacific regions:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Atlantic hurricane season</strong> runs from 1<sup>st</sup> June to 30<sup>th</sup> November .</li>
<li>The <strong>Eastern Pacific hurricane season</strong> runs from 15<sup>th</sup> May to 30<sup>th</sup> November. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-hanna" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hurricane Hanna:</strong> </a>It was the last storm which made landfall on the Texan coast reaching wind speeds of up to 90 mph, and was listed as a <strong>Category 1</strong> storm.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was the <strong>first</strong> hurricane of the 2020 <strong>Atlantic hurricane season.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hurricane:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> Tropical cyclones or hurricanes use<strong> warm, moist air as fuel,</strong> and therefore <strong>form over warm Equatorial water.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Low-Pressure Creation:</strong> When the <strong>warm, moist air rises upward</strong> from the surface of the ocean, it creates an area of<strong> low air pressure below.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When this happens, the <strong>air from the surrounding areas rushes</strong> to fill this place, eventually rising when it becomes warm and moist too.</li>
<li>An <strong>eye</strong> forms in the centre. It is the calmest part of the cyclone. Before the wind reaches the centre it gets warmed up and rises upwards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When the <strong>warm air rises and cools off,</strong> the moisture forms clouds. This system of clouds and winds continues to grow and spin.</li>
<li>This disturbance is fuelled by the ocean&rsquo;s heat and the water that evaporates from its surface.</li>
<li>Such storm systems rotate faster and faster.</li>
<li>Storms that form towards the north of the equator rotate<strong> counterclockwise,</strong> while those that form to the <strong>south spin clockwise because</strong> of the rotation of the Earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Worldwide Terminology of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tropical Cyclones</a>:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603498_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603498_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Depending on where they occur, hurricanes may be called typhoons or cyclones. They are given many names in different regions of the world: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Typhoons:</strong> tropical cyclones are known as Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Hurricanes:</strong> In the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Tornados:</strong> In the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.</li>
<li><strong>Willy-willies:</strong> In north-western Australia and</li>
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclones:</strong> In the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/hurricane-laura-louisiana-category-4-storm-6571980/" 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/hurricane-laura'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Indigenous People of Andaman and Nicobar',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The report of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> cases among the members of the <strong>Great Andamanese</strong> tribe is a matter of concern as the total population of the tribe is already low.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG): Great Andamanese are one of five</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PVTGs</strong></a> that reside in <strong>Andamans archipelago.</strong> The other four are: <strong>Jarwas, Onges, Shompens </strong>and<strong> North Sentinelese.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Shompen</strong> is the only PVTG in the region with <strong>Mongoloid</strong> features. The <strong>other PVTGs</strong> have <strong>negroid</strong> features. Some of them interact with <strong>&lsquo;Great Nicobarese&rsquo; - a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes#:~:text=However%2C%20Article%20366(25),the%20purposes%20of%20this%20Constitution.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribe.</a></strong></li>
<li>The <strong>population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands&rsquo; primitive tribes has rapidly declined</strong> over the years. The <strong>epidemics</strong> and <strong>crippling health crises</strong> of the past have been seen to disproportionately impact these indigenous tribal groups.</li>
<li><strong>75 tribal groups</strong> have been <strong>categorised by the Ministry of Home Affairs</strong> as PVTGs. The<strong> Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> implements the <strong>Scheme of &lsquo;Development of PVTGs&rsquo;</strong> exclusively for them.</li>
<li><strong>Article 366 (25)</strong> of the Constitution provides a process to define <strong>Scheduled Tribes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Great Andamanese Tribe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The tribe is based in <strong>&lsquo;Strait Island&rsquo;</strong> of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</li>
<li>The members speak<strong> Jeru dialect</strong> among themselves and their <strong>number stands at 51</strong> as per the last study carried out by Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti in 2012.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than 5,000 Great Andamanese lived in the Islands before British settlers arrived in the 19<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li>However, hundreds were killed in conflict as they defended their territories from British invasion, and thousands more were wiped out in epidemics of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measles-and-rubella-in-who-sear" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> measles</strong></a>, influenza and syphilis (a bacterial infection).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598601394_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598601394_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/covid-19-reaches-remote-great-andamanese-tribe-five-members-test-positive/article32453913.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/indigenous-people-of-andaman-and-nicobar'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Controlling Dengue Using Bacteria',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers from the<strong> World Mosquito Program</strong> have used <strong>mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria</strong> to successfully control dengue in Yogyakarta city of <strong>Indonesia.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Mosquito Program is an Australia-based not-for-profit initiative that exists to protect the global community from mosquito-borne diseases.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wolbachia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Wolbachia are natural bacteria present in up to 60% of insect species, including some mosquitoes.</li>
<li>However, Wolbachia is <strong>not</strong> usually found in the <em>Aedes aegypti</em> mosquito, the primary species responsible for transmitting human viruses such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.</li>
<li>Wolbachia is<strong> safe</strong> for humans, animals and the environment.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> The Aedes aegypti mosquito, that spreads <strong>Dengue</strong> and other diseases such as <strong>chikungunya, Zika</strong> and <strong>yellow fever</strong> cannot do so when they are artificially infected with a bacterium, Wolbachia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bacteria Wolbachia<strong> &ldquo;inhibits&rdquo; viral infection,</strong> that is, even if people encounter mosquito bite, they will not be infected. This happens because bacteria does not allow the virus to <strong>replicate</strong> in the mosquito thereby minimising its number within the mosquito.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Method:</strong> The scientists<strong> infected some mosquitoes with Wolbachia</strong> and then <strong>released</strong> these in the city where they <strong>bred with local mosquitoes,</strong> until nearly all mosquitoes in the area were carrying Wolbachia bacteria. This is called the<strong> Population Replacement Strategy.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of 27 months, the researchers found that the <strong>incidence of dengue was 77% lower</strong> in areas where Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes had been released, as compared to areas without such deployments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This method does not only block Dengue Virus but also <strong>many other viruses</strong> present in mosquitoes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass Production:</strong> A French company InnovaFeed, which produces insects to feed livestock, is partnering with WMP to develop the first industrial-level production of Dengue- controlling mosquitoes.</li>
<li><strong>Other Developments:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-recommends-use-of-hydroxy-chloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)</strong></a> also has been working on a similar project developing a strain of Aedes aegypti containing Wolbachia, known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/controlling-chikungunya-and-dengue-through-bacteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Puducherry Strain.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The strain was developed at the <strong>Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC),</strong> Puducherry in collaboration with Monash University in Australia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dengue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dengue is a<strong> mosquito-borne tropical disease</strong> caused by the <strong>dengue virus</strong> (Genus <em>Flavivirus</em>), transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus <em><strong>Aedes,</strong></em> principally <em>Aedes aegypti.</em></li>
<li>Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.</li>
<li>There are four strains from Type I-IV, of which <strong>Type-II and IV</strong> are considered more severe.</li>
<li>Incidence of dengue has <strong>grown dramatically</strong> around the world in recent decades, with a vast majority of cases <strong>under-reported,</strong> according to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO).</strong> </a></li>
<li>WHO estimates 39 crore dengue virus infections per year, of which 9.6 crore show symptoms.</li>
<li>India registered over 1 lakh dengue cases in 2018 and over 1.5 lakh cases in 2019, according to the <strong>National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NVBDCP</strong> is the central nodal agency for prevention and control of six vector borne diseases i.e. Malaria, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya in India. It works under the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The dengue vaccine <strong>CYD-TDV</strong> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/approval-of-dengue-vaccine-by-usfda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dengvaxia</strong></a> was approved by the<strong> US Food &amp; Drug Administration</strong> in <strong>2019,</strong> the first dengue vaccine to get the regulatory nod in the US.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dengvaxia is basically a <strong>live, attenuated dengue virus</strong> which has to be administered in people of ages 9 to 16 who have laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection and who live in <strong>endemic areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mosquitoes-dengue-indonesia-experiment-6572699/" 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/controlling-dengue-using-bacteria'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'National Recruitment Agency',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/modi-national-recruitment-agency-nra-jobs-6571275/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For employers and job aspirants, National Recruitment Agency and CET promise transparency</a> which was published in the Indian Express on 27th of August 2020. It analyses the newly announced body National Recruitment Agency and its consequences for the students in India.</p>
</div>
<p>The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi has decided to set up a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-recruitment-agency-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Recruitment Agency (NRA)</a>. The proposed NRA will conduct a common preliminary examination for various recruitments in the central government.</p>
<p>At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts. After the advent of the NRA, the whole process would be unified and will make the cumbersome process easy for students and the agencies.</p>
<h3>National Recruitment Agency (NRA)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NRA is a testing agency which would conduct the Common Eligibility Examination (CET) for non-gazetted Group B and C posts.</li>
<li>Initially it will conduct the recruitment examinations for Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and Staff Selection Commission(SSC) and would gradually expand its operations.</li>
<li>National Recruitment Agency will be a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act,1860.</li>
<li>The NRA will be a specialist body bringing the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment.</li>
<li>However, the present recruitment agencies i.e, IBPS, RRB and SSC will remain in place.</li>
<li>Based on the screening done at the CET score level, final selection for recruitment shall be made through separate specialised Tiers (II, III, etc.) of examination which shall be conducted by these respective recruitment agencies.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Composition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will be headed by a Chairman of the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India.</li>
<li>The NRA will have representatives from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>The Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The examinations will be conducted in 12 languages and will be based on a common curriculum.</li>
<li>There will be a common registration, single fee and gradually the candidates need not travel outside the district to appear for the examination.</li>
<li>There will be a special focus on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aspirational Districts</a>.</li>
<li>A standardised question bank with multiple questions of similar difficulty levels will be created in a central server.</li>
<li>An algorithm will be used to jumble and dole out different questions, so that each candidate receives a different question paper, reducing the chances of cheating and paper leakage.</li>
<li>Scores will be generated quickly, delivered online and be valid for a three-year period.</li>
<li>Students can write the test multiple times as long as they are within the eligible age limit, with their best score being taken into account.</li>
<li>The test will be conducted for three levels i.e, graduate, higher secondary (12<sup>th</sup> pass) and the matriculate (10<sup>th</sup> pass) candidates.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Need</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As of now, aspirants have to take different exams that are conducted by various agencies for central government jobs.</li>
<li>According to the Department of Personnel and Training, on an average 2.5 crore to 3 crore aspirants appear for about 1.25 lakh vacancies in the central government every year.</li>
<li>At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts.</li>
<li>Candidates have to pay fees to multiple recruiting agencies and also have to travel long distances for appearing in various exams.</li>
<li>Women candidates especially from rural areas face constraints in appearing in multiple examinations as they have to arrange for transportation and places to stay in places that are far away.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Aspirants <strong>do not have to apply and appear separately for multiple recruitment</strong> exams. They will be able to apply once for a single or multiple recruitment exams in various departments and take the Common Eligibility Test (CET).</li>
<li>CET would significantly <strong>reduce the lengthy recruitment cycle</strong> as some of the recruitment departments might decide to skip their tier 2 or second level test and go ahead with the recruitment based on CET score followed by physical tests and medical examination. This will reduce the time taken by the agencies to hire the candidates.</li>
<li>Candidates who clear CET once, will be eligible to attempt for the second level exam thrice (once every year).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, those who pass the PT and fail in Main exam (tier 2) have to again appear for the PT next year and start afresh. This way, CET will <strong>save their time and energy and will also improve their quality</strong> as they would devote their time for mains exam and not screening exam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Candidates will have the facility to give a <strong>choice of centres</strong> and they would be allotted the chosen centres, based on availability. They will be given an option to schedule their own tests at their choice centres.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ultimate aim is to reach a stage wherein candidates can schedule their own tests at Centres of their choice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 1517.57 crore for the NRA. The expenditure will be undertaken over a period of three years. The cost will also be incurred for setting up exam infrastructure in 117 districts with large numbers of aspirants. The proposal is expected to ease the access to aspirants residing in rural areas.</li>
<li>Candidates especially residing in <strong>hilly and rural areas</strong> will not have to incur additional expenses for travel, boarding, lodging to reach their exam centres that are usually far from their hometown. Single exam will reduce the financial burden on candidates.</li>
<li>Girls generally depend on a guardian (father/brother/ husband) to accompany them in reaching their exam centres if it is far away from their hometown. The location of test centres in every district <strong>would benefit the candidates, particularly women</strong>.</li>
<li>CET would be <strong>available in a number of languages,</strong> benefitting aspirants from different regions of the country. Presently, most of the exams are conducted in English and Hindi languages.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With growing emphasis on transferring services to the private sector, there may be fewer government jobs on offer in the future.</li>
<li>Only 14% of public employment comes under the purview of the Centre (predominantly in railways &amp; defence), with the rest falling within the purview of States. Similar reform is needed at State level.</li>
<li>The long-term relevance of such reforms will depend on the commitment of governments to raise the level of public employment and expand services to the public.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NRA stands out as a unique model as it marks a paradigm shift in the government recruitment process.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s also in tune with the Modi government&rsquo;s mantra of <strong>&ldquo;Ease of Living for the Young Job Aspirants&rdquo;</strong> by facilitating ease of recruitment, selection and job placement.</li>
<li>The NRA is a combination of convenience and cost-effectiveness for candidates.</li>
<li>Moreover, the multiple recruitment examinations are a burden on the candidates, as also on the respective recruitment agencies, involving avoidable/repetitive expenditure, law and order, security related issues and venue-related problems.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598532021_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598532021_image1.png" width="814" height="458" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #d4fcfa; border-color: #069e97;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;">
<p><strong><span style="color: #08a39b;">Drishti Mains Question</span><br /><br /></strong>Analyse the need of a National Recruitment Agency in India. Can it bring transformation in the public sector recruitment process.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tladIhkTUzU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/down-but-not-out-the-hindu-editorial-on-islamic-state-presence-in-west-asia-and-north-africa/article32440692.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Down, but not out: On Islamic State&rdquo;</a> which was published on August 26<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/national-recruitment-agency-2'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Export Preparedness Index 2020: NITI Aayog',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> <strong>in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness</strong> released the <strong>Export Preparedness Index (EPI)</strong> report 2020.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523440_image5.JPG" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523440_image5.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>EPI 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To <strong>identify challenges and opportunities,</strong> enhance the effectiveness of government policies and <strong>encourage a facilitative regulatory framework for export.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ranking Parameter:</strong> The index ranked states on <strong>four key pillars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Policy:</strong> A comprehensive trade policy providing a strategic direction for exports and&nbsp; imports.</li>
<li><strong>Business Ecosystem:</strong> An efficient business ecosystem helping states attract investments and create an enabling infrastructure for individuals to initiate start-ups.</li>
<li><strong>Export Ecosystem:</strong> Assess the business environment, which is specific to exports.</li>
<li><strong>Export Performance:</strong> This is the only output-based parameter and examines the reach ofexport footprints of States and Union Territories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sub-pillars:</strong> The index also took into consideration <strong>11 sub-pillars</strong> - export promotion policy; institutional framework; business environment; infrastructure; transport connectivity; access to finance; export infrastructure; trade support; R&amp;D infrastructure; export diversification; and growth orientation.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The EPI is a data-driven effort to identify the core areas crucial for export promotion at the <strong>sub-national level (states and union territories). </strong></li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> The Index would be a<strong> helpful guide for the state governments</strong> to <strong>benchmark regional performance with respect to export promotion</strong> and thus deliver key policy insights on how to improve and enhance the exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gujarat has topped the overall EPI 2020</strong> followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li><strong>Among the landlocked states, Rajasthan</strong> has topped the index, followed by Telangana and Haryana.</li>
<li><strong>Among the Himalayan states, Uttarakhand</strong> topped the index, followed by Tripura and Himachal Pradesh.</li>
<li>Across <strong>Union Territories, Delhi</strong> has performed the best.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523618_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523618_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Exports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s<strong> merchandise exports have witnessed growth</strong> from USD 275.9 billion in 2016-17 to USD 331.0 billion in 2019-20. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the Covid-19 crisis gave a major blow to the current fiscal. Consequently, India&rsquo;s exports shrank by 60% in April 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This consistent positive growth has been a result of<strong> key measures</strong> adopted by the government post-2016 for the promotion of merchandise exports. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>mid-term review of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20</a></strong> was conducted in 2017 to assess the policy interventions required to boost the export levels.</li>
<li>A <strong>new Logistics Division</strong> was established in the Department of Commerce to organize the integrated development of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-national-logistics-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>logistics sector.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/trade-infrastructure-for-export-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme</a> (TIES)</strong> was launched in 2017 to address the existing export infrastructure gaps.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agriculture-export-policy-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Export Policy</strong></a> was rolled out to target export contribution at a micro-level.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/transport-and-marketing-assistance-tma-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transport and Marketing Assistance</a> (TMA) scheme</strong> was also introduced for the export of specified agriculture products to mitigate the disadvantage of the higher cost of transportation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> The export promotion in India faces <strong>three fundamental challenges:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intra- and inter-<strong>regional disparities</strong> in export infrastructure.</li>
<li><strong>Poor trade support and growth orientation</strong> among states.</li>
<li><strong>Poor research &amp; development infrastructure</strong> to promote complex and unique exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The per capita exports in India stood at about USD 241, as compared to USD 11,900 in South Korea and USD 18,000 in China. Therefore, <strong>Indian economy has a huge potential to become a strong exporter on the world stage.</strong> This can be achieved by making <strong>India&rsquo;s states and union territories</strong> active participants in the country's export efforts. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, 70% of India&rsquo;s export has been dominated by five states- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emphasis on key strategies</strong> like a development of<strong> export infrastructure, strengthening industry-academia linkages</strong> and creating <strong>state-level engagements for economic diplomacy</strong> to address the challenges in exports.</li>
<li>The<strong> private sector</strong> can also play an important role in export promotion.</li>
<li>Increase in exports can help India to achieve the target of making India a developed economy by focusing on<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Atma Nirbhar Bharat&rsquo;.</strong> </a>The exports can also<strong> help generate employment in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1648679" 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/export-preparedness-index-2020-niti-aayog'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Integration of e-PPO with Digi Locker',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances &amp; Pensions</strong> has decided to <strong>integrate the electronic Pension Payment Order (e-PPO) with Digi Locker.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision has been taken to <strong>enhance ease of living of central government civil pensioners.</strong></li>
<li>e-PPO is generated through the <strong>Public Finance Management System (PFMS).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits of the Decision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This initiative will create a <strong>permanent record</strong> of pensioners' respective PPO in their Digi Locker and <strong>eliminate the necessity of handing over a physical copy.</strong></li>
<li>Further, it will <strong>eliminate delays</strong> in reaching the PPO to new Pensioners</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Process:</strong> The integration facility has been created with<strong><em> &lsquo;Bhavishya&rsquo;</em> software.</strong> Bhavishya will provide <strong>an option</strong> to retiring employees, to link their Digi-locker account with their <em>&ldquo;Bhavishya&rdquo;</em> account and obtain their e-PPO in a seamless manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em>Bhavishya</em> is an <strong>online Pension Sanction and Payment Tracking System</strong> implemented by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances &amp; Pensions.</li>
<li><strong>Pension tracking</strong> can be done by the individual as well as the administrative authorities for all actions preparatory to grant of pension and other retirement benefits as well as monthly pension paid after retirement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Public Financial Management System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Public Financial Management System (PFMS), earlier known as Central Plan Schemes Monitoring System (CPSMS), is a<strong> web-based online software</strong> application developed and implemented by the Office of <strong>Controller General of Accounts (CGA),</strong> Ministry of Finance.</li>
<li>PFMS was initially started during <strong>2009</strong> as a Central Sector Scheme of Planning Commission.</li>
<li>The <strong>primary objective</strong> of PFMS is to facilitate a sound Public Financial Management System for the Government of India (GoI) by establishing an <strong>efficient fund flow system</strong> as well as a<strong> payment cum accounting network.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Digi Locker</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics &amp; IT (MeitY) under the Digital India programme. It is the national <strong>Digital Locker System.</strong></li>
<li>It aims at &lsquo;Digital Empowerment&rsquo; of citizens by providing access to authentic digital documents to citizen&rsquo;s digital document wallet.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1648707" 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/integration-of-e-ppo-with-digi-locker'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Pulikkali Folk Art of Kerala',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Pulikkali will be held online in <strong>Kerala</strong> this year due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598517433_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598517433_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pulikkali (Puli means Leopard/Tiger and Kali means Play in Malayalam) is a<strong> recreational <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/behrupiya-folk-artiste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">street folk art</a></strong> performed on the<strong> fourth day of Onam</strong> celebrations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Onam (August&ndash;September)</strong> is a Hindu rice harvest festival of Kerala celebrated to commemorate King <strong>Mahabali.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The folk art is mainly practiced in <strong>Thrissur</strong> district of Kerala.</li>
<li>The main theme of this folk art is <strong>tiger hunting</strong> with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.</li>
<li>Performers <strong>paint their bodies</strong> like<strong> tigers and hunters</strong> and<strong> dance</strong> on streets to the beats of <strong>traditional percussion instruments</strong> such as<em> thakil, udukku</em> and <em>chenda.</em></li>
<li>It was introduced by <strong>Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran,</strong> the then Maharaja of <strong>Cochin.</strong></li>
<li>Another key event which takes place during Onam is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-30th-august-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aranmula Boat Race</strong></a>, the oldest river boat festival in Kerala.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It takes place at Aranmula in Pampa river, near a Sree Parthasarathy temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Other Art Forms of Kerala:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ottam-thullal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ottam Thullal</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/talamaddale" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Talamaddale</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kalaripayattu" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalaripayattu</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indian-classical-dances" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kathakali</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indian-classical-dances" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mohiniyattam</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navroz" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mudiyettu</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pulikkali-to-go-online-this-onam/article32444321.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/pulikkali-folk-art-of-kerala'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'New Circles of Archaeological Survey of India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Culture has announced <strong>7 new circles</strong> of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The step has been taken in accordance with the Prime Minister&rsquo;s call to<strong> facilitate and strengthen the process of preservation and registration of archaeological monuments.</strong></li>
<li>New circles in <strong>Jabalpur</strong> (Madhya Pradesh), <strong>Trichy</strong> (Tamil Nadu), <strong>Jhansi</strong> and <strong>Meerut</strong> (Uttar Pradesh), <strong>Hampi</strong> (Karnataka), <strong>Raiganj</strong> (West Bengal) and<strong> Rajkot</strong> (Gujarat) have been created.</li>
<li>The Hampi circle has been upgraded from the previous Hampi mini circle, and the Delhi mini circle has been merged with the Delhi circle.</li>
<li><strong>ASI Circles:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance the entire country is divided into <strong>36 Circles.</strong></li>
<li>These carry out archaeological fieldwork, research activities and implement the various provisions of the <strong>Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958</strong> and Antiquities and <strong>Art Treasures Act 1972.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ASI, under the <strong>Ministry of Culture,</strong> is the premier organization for the <strong>archaeological research and protection of</strong> the cultural heritage of the nation.</li>
<li>It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.</li>
<li>Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, <strong>exploration</strong> and <strong>excavation</strong> of archaeological sites, <strong>conservation</strong> and <strong>maintenance</strong> of protected monuments etc.</li>
<li>It was founded in 1861 by <strong>Alexander Cunningham-</strong> the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the<strong> &ldquo;Father of Indian Archaeology&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/archaeological-survey-of-india-creates-seven-new-circles-for-better-upkeep-of-monuments/article32450018.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/new-circles-of-archaeological-survey-of-india'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Asteroid 2018VP1',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</strong></a>, an asteroid named <strong>2018VP1</strong> is on a collision course with Earth.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Asteroid 2018VP1:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Asteroid 2018VP1 has a diameter of about <strong>2 metres,</strong> around the size of a small automobile.</li>
<li>Only <strong>1 in 240</strong> chance that 2018VP1 would impact the Earth. It would <strong>likely burn up into a fireball</strong> after entering the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere before reaching the ground.</li>
<li>According to NASA, such an event happens about once every year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asteroids</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asteroids are also known as minor planets.</li>
<li>They are <strong>rocky remnants</strong> left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago.</li>
<li>Most asteroids are<strong> irregularly shaped,</strong> though a few are nearly spherical.</li>
<li>Many asteroids are known to have a <strong>small companion moon</strong> (some have two moons).</li>
<li>There are also<strong> binary</strong> (double) asteroids, in which two rocky bodies of roughly equal size orbit each other, as well as <strong>triple</strong> asteroid systems.</li>
<li><strong>Classification of Asteroids:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Main Asteroid Belt:</strong> The majority of known asteroids orbit within the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dwarf-planet-ceres" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asteroid belt</a> between Mars and Jupiter.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Trojans:</strong> These asteroids share an<strong> orbit with a larger planet, but do not collide with it</strong> because they gather around two special places in the orbit (called the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points). There, the gravitational pull from the sun and the planet are balanced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Lagrange Points</strong> are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two body system like the Sun and the Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion. These can be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Near-Earth Asteroids:</strong> These objects have orbits that pass close by that of Earth. Asteroids that actually cross Earth's orbital path are known as <strong>Earth-crossers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Asteroid Collision with Earth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cut-off Size:</strong> Objects that can cause significant damage upon impact are larger than 30 metres.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per NASA&rsquo;s <strong>Near-Earth Object Observations Programme,</strong> asteroids that are <strong>140 metres or larger</strong> (bigger than a small football stadium) are of<strong> &ldquo;the greatest concern&rdquo;</strong> due to the level of devastation their impact is capable of causing.</li>
<li>No asteroid larger than 140 metres has a &ldquo;significant&rdquo; chance of hitting the Earth for the <strong>next 100 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Chicxulub Impactor:</strong> It was an asteroid that caused the sudden <strong>extinction</strong> of most<strong> dinosaur</strong> species <strong>66 million years ago,</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It had a diameter of over 10 kilometres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deflecting Asteroids:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Methods to Deflect:</strong> Over the years, scientists have suggested different ways to ward off threats of more serious impact events, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Blowing up</strong> the asteroid before it reaches Earth, or</li>
<li><strong>Deflecting it off its Earth-bound course</strong> by hitting it with a spacecraft.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA):</strong> It is the most drastic measure undertaken so far, which includes NASA&rsquo;s <strong>Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission</strong> and the<strong> European Space Agency&rsquo;s (ESA) Hera.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Target:</strong> The target is <strong>Didymos, a binary near-Earth asteroid,</strong> one of whose bodies is of the size that could pose the most likely significant threat to Earth.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Didymos is in orbit between Earth and Mars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART):</strong> The construction of DART began in 2018, which is scheduled to launch in <strong>2021.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aim is to <strong>slam into the smaller asteroid of the Didymos system</strong> at around<strong> 6 km per second i</strong>n 2022.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hera:</strong> It is scheduled to launch in <strong>2024,</strong> will arrive at the Didymos system in 2027.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aim is <strong>to measure the impact crater</strong> produced by the DART collision and study the change in the asteroid&rsquo;s orbital trajectory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-asteroid-2018vp1-6568690/" 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/asteroid-2018vp1'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Landslide in Kodagu',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, due to heavy rain, numbers of landslides occurred in many parts of India.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Landslides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A landslide is defined as the <strong>movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.</strong></li>
<li>They are a type of <strong>mass wasting,</strong> which denotes any downward movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.</li>
<li>The term landslide encompasses <strong>five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598514735_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598514735_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="283" height="250" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Slope movement occurs when <strong>forces acting downward (mainly due to gravity) exceed the strength of the earth materials</strong> that compose the slope.</li>
<li>Landslides are caused due to<strong> three major factors: geology, morphology, and human activity.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Geology</strong> refers to characteristics of the material. The earth or rock might be weak or fractured, or different layers may have different strengths and stiffness.</li>
<li><strong>Morphology</strong> refers to the structure of the land. For example, slopes that lose their vegetation to fire or drought are more vulnerable to landslides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vegetation holds soil in place, and without the root systems of trees, bushes, and other plants, the land is more likely to slide away.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Human activity</strong> which include agriculture and construction increase the risk of a landslide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Region:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Continent-wise, <strong>Asia suffers the maximum damages/losses</strong> due to landslides and within that, South-Asian nations are the worst sufferers <strong>including India</strong> which is one of the worst affected by landslides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mitigation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Restriction on the construction and other developmental activities</strong> such as roads and dams in the areas prone to landslides.</li>
<li><strong>Limiting agriculture</strong> to valleys and areas with moderate slopes.</li>
<li><strong>Control</strong> on the development of large settlements in the high vulnerability zones.</li>
<li><strong>Promoting large-scale afforestation</strong> programmes and <strong>construction of bunds</strong> to reduce the flow of water.</li>
<li><strong>Terrace farming</strong> should be encouraged in the northeastern hill states where Jhumming (Slash and Burn/Shifting Cultivation) is still prevalent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/landslips-galore-as-rain-batters-kodagu/article32300020.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/landslide-in-kodagu'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Magnets for Manufacturing',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/magnets-for-manufacturing/article32440463.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Magnets For Manufacturing</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 26<sup>th</sup> of August 2020. It analyses the prospects of several manufacturing companies moving out of China and shifting to India.</p>
</div>
<p>Many American, Japanese, and South Korean manufacturing companies operating from China are planning to relocate their manufacturing bases to other destinations among which India is one of the destinations.</p>
<p>The real question now for India is, can it succeed in attracting manufacturing firms and jobs from China? This article analyses the prospects and challenges of the manufacturing Industries in India and the role of states in this regard.</p>
<h3>Reasons For Moving Out</h3>
<p>These companies are planning to exit China due to three primary reasons.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Supply Chain Disruptions:</strong> There is a realisation that relying heavily on China for building capacities and sourcing manufacturing goods is not an ideal business strategy due to supply chain disruptions in the country caused by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Decline in production and trade seen in China will have a strong impact on countries further up and down the supply chain since most of the countries have now imposed restrictions on movements to combat the spread of the virus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Dominance Over Essential Goods:</strong> There is a fear of Chinese dominance over the supply of essential industrial goods. This is an alarming situation for any country and its industry as this puts their independence and autonomy in peril.</li>
<li><strong>Trade War:</strong> The growing risk and uncertainty involved in operating from or dealing with China in the light of geopolitical and trade conflicts between China and other countries, particularly the U.S. has further eroded Chinese potential.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indian Situation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India lags far behind China in manufacturing prowess. China ranks first in contribution to world manufacturing output, while India ranks sixth.</li>
<li>Against India&rsquo;s target of pulling up the share of manufacturing in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25% by 2022, its share stood at 15% in 2018, only half of China&rsquo;s fi&shy;gure.</li>
<li>Industry value added grew at an average annual rate of 10.68% since China opened up its economy in 1978. In contrast, against the target of 12%, the manufacturing sector has grown at 7% after India opened up its economy.</li>
<li>Next to the European Union, China was the largest exporter of manufactured goods in 2018, with an 18% world share. India is not a part of the top 10 exporters who accounted for 83% of world manufacturing exports in 2018.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues With Indian Manufacturing Industries</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Stringent Labor Laws:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/labour-laws-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>labour laws</strong> </a>in India are extremely complicated. e.g, Industrial Disputes Act-1947 provides that if you are a manufacturing firm with 100 workers or more, you cannot dismiss any of them under any circumstances unless you get prior approval from the government which is rarely given.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The law is mandated even if the industry is going bankrupt. Thus, the investors are not willing to enter into this sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Skilled Workforce:</strong> The manufacturing sector, for it to grow, requires an educated workforce with the necessary skills and training. India&rsquo;s skill ecosystem needs to be fixed.</li>
<li><strong>Basic Infrastructure:</strong> Roads, connectivity and transportation are slow and costly when compared to developed nations which is a huge deterrence to Industries. Uninterrupted power supply is another challenge.</li>
<li><strong>Small Size:</strong> Small enterprises, because of their smaller size, suffer from low productivity, preventing them from achieving economies of scale.</li>
<li><strong>Low Spending On R&amp;D:</strong> Currently, India spends about 0.7% of GDP on research and development, a considerably small amount when compared with other developed nations. This prevents the sector to evolve, innovate and grow.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of states</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Policy Coordination:</strong> Since India follows a federal government system, a lasting solution to these constraints cannot be possible without the active participation of State governments and effective policy coordination between the Centre and the States.</li>
<li><strong>State Specific Plans:</strong> Currently, manufacturing is mainly concentrated in few states like Maharashtra and Gujarat which cover a substantial portion of India&rsquo;s geographical area.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>States like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal also have large land areas that can contribute to the success stories of Indian Manufacturing.</li>
<li>The reasons for less manufacturing activity in these States have to be carefully examined, and based on this, state specific industrialisation strategies need to be devised and implemented in a mission mode with active hand &shy;holding by the Central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong> Strong and carefully designed policy implementation on the part of individual States would improve India&rsquo;s overall investment climate, thereby boosting investments, jobs, and economic growth.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reforming Labor Laws:</strong> Reforming of the existing labour laws must be prioritised to make them simplified and flexible. They must be reformed in a way that will promote investment and ease of doing business within the sector.</li>
<li><strong>Imparting Skill:</strong> The quality of teaching in schools and colleges must be improved. The high-quality vocational training must be provided within the education system.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s labour productivity, though increased in the last decade, is lower than that of China. This should be addressed to compete in the global market. Introduction of vocational courses under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Education Policy 2020</strong></a> is a welcome step.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stable Power Supply:</strong> Stable, low cost and uninterrupted power is vital to promote the growth of the industries. Though the availability of Power has improved to a great extent but India must ensure this as soon as possible on industrial level to reap the benefits of manufacturing growth.</li>
<li><strong>Reducing Logistic Cost:</strong> The logistics cost in India is estimated to be almost double of the developed countries. In India, nearly 60% of cargo travels by road.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is because of the overconsumption of the railway networks, high rail freights, long transit times, inadequate port depths, high turnaround time at ports and poor warehousing facilities. Addressing these issues can promote the growth of the manufacturing sector.</li>
<li>Cheap, fast and easy transportation is the basic requirement for booming industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Spending On R&amp;D:</strong> As India is spending very less on Research &amp; Development, it must improve its spending on it. India&rsquo;s spending is much less than the developed nations which spent between 3-4% of their GDPs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The policy actions of the Centre and the States must be well coordinated.</li>
<li>In this context, a suggestion put forth by the Union Minister is worth attempting. To promote electronic manufacturing, he suggested forming a Strategy Group consisting of representatives from the Central and State governments along with top industry executives.</li>
<li>The purpose is to instil teamwork and leverage ideas through sharing the best practices of the Centre and States. A similar approach is needed for developing the whole manufacturing sector.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598443744_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598443744_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edffde;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Critically analyse the prospects of India becoming the new manufacturing hub of the world and the role of states in this regard.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C69UAs7hZio" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <strong><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/announce-another-fiscal-stimulus/story-rojRt2LO5F5J8er2uO4RXL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Announce another fiscal stimulus&rdquo;</a> </strong>which was published in The Hindustan Times on August 24<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/magnets-for-manufacturing'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'INS Viraat',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Viraat<strong> will be scrapped</strong> at a ship breaking yard at Alang in Gujarat soon.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>decision</strong> to scrap INS Viraat was taken in <strong>2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>INS Viraat holds the <strong>Guinness World Record</strong> for being the <strong>longest serving warship of the world.</strong></li>
<li>Viraat, a <strong>Centaur class aircraft carrier</strong> weighing 27,800 tonnes, served in the <strong>British Navy</strong> as <strong>HMS Hermes for 25 years</strong> from November 1959 to April 1984. It was <strong>commissioned into the Indian Navy in May 1987</strong> after refurbishment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centaur class of aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy was the<strong> last of the light fleet carrier designs</strong> started during the closing years of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-war-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World War II</strong> </a><strong>(1939-45).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Viraat played a major role in <strong>Operation Jupiter</strong> in 1989 during the Sri Lankan Peacekeeping operation. It also saw action during<strong> Op Parakram</strong> in 2001-2002, post the terrorist attack on Parliament.</li>
<li>The indigenous Advance Light Helicopters <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apache-helicopters-for-indian-army" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Dhruv&rsquo;</strong> </a>and the Russian twin rotor<strong> Kamov-31</strong> have also operated from the ship.</li>
<li>It was <strong>decommissioned in March 2017,</strong> and the<strong> Navy had been incurring expenditure</strong> since then on its upkeep, such as the provision of electricity and water, and repairs. It was also<strong> taking up space in the crowded Naval dockyard.</strong></li>
<li>There had been demands from various quarters to not let Viraat go the way of <strong>Vikrant, India&rsquo;s first carrier</strong> that was eventually scrapped.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2014, <strong>INS Vikrant,</strong> which played a role in the 1971 war with Pakistan was broken down in Mumbai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, several attempts by the Navy to preserve the carrier, by converting it into a museum or by other means, failed. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>vessel could not be handed over to any state government</strong> because of lack of &ldquo;self-sustaining financially complete&rdquo; proposal to preserve it. The state governments of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh had planned to preserve the aircraft carrier (in the form of a museum).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is currently doing with only the<strong> 44,500-tonne INS Vikramaditya,</strong> the refurbished Admiral Gorshkov inducted from Russia in November 2013. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trials of the first indigenous aircraft carrier <strong>(IAC-I, to be named as INS Vikrant)</strong> being built at the Cochin Shipyard have been derailed by the pandemic.</li>
<li>The government&rsquo;s approvals for a third carrier, the 65,000-tonne <strong>IAC-II (tentatively christened INS Vishal)</strong> has been pending since May 2015.</li>
<li>India needs aircraft carriers to secure the seas of the Indo-Pacific, to maintain peace, secure trade routes, and provide security to the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-viraat-to-be-dismantled-at-alang-in-gujarat/article32436701.ece#:~:text=Decommissioned%20aircraft%20carrier%20Viraat%2C%20which,at%20Alang%20in%20Gujarat%20soon." 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/ins-viraat-1'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'National Clean Air Programme',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a> has directed the<strong> Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> to modify the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/govt-launches-mission-to-fight-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a> which proposes 20-30% reduction of air pollution by 2024.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>NCAP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched by the MoEFCC in<strong> January 2019.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.</strong></li>
<li>It seeks to <strong>cut the concentration of coarse</strong> (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or <strong>PM10</strong>) and <strong>fine particles</strong> (particulate matter of diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or <strong>PM2.5) by at least 20%</strong> in the <strong>next five years,</strong> with <strong>2017 as the base year</strong> for comparison.</li>
<li><strong>The plan includes 102 non-attainment cities,</strong> across 23 states and Union territories, which were identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the basis of their ambient air quality data between 2011 and 2015.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Non-attainment cities:</strong> These are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NGT&rsquo;s View:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The enforcement of the <strong>&lsquo;Sustainable Development&rsquo; principle</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;Public Trust Doctrine&rsquo;</strong> require stern measures to be adopted to give effect to the mandate of international obligations related to environmental quality, for which the <strong>Environment (Protection) Act, 1986</strong> was enacted.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Public Trust Doctrine:</strong> It states that the sovereign, or state, holds the trust of people to manage the designated resources for the benefit of the people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Right to Clean Air</strong> stood recognized as part of Right to Life and failure to address air pollution is a denial of Right to Life under <strong>Article 21.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NGT&rsquo;s Directions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> timeline</strong> to reduce air pollution by 20-30% by 2024 needs to be<strong> reduced.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>target</strong> of reduction needs to be <strong>increased.</strong></li>
<li>It suggested the Ministry to review and action in terms of <strong>shift to e-vehicles and CNG vehicles,</strong> intensifying public transport system, mechanical cleaning of roads, enhancement of public parking facilities, improvement in fuel quality, and traffic management.</li>
<li>It directed the state pollution control boards to ensure the<strong> assessment and installation</strong> of the requisite number of real-time online continuous <strong>Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems within six months.</strong></li>
<li>It also directed an expert team of the <strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong> to <strong>design a model</strong> for source apportionment and carrying capacity assessment within two months which may be replicated for all the non-attainment cities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Source Apportionment:</strong> It is the practice of deriving information about pollution sources and the amount they contribute to ambient air pollution levels.</li>
<li><strong>Carrying Capacity:</strong> The concept of &ldquo;carrying capacity&rdquo; addresses the question as to how many people can be permitted into any area without the risk of degrading the environment there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a specialised body set up under the <strong>National Green Tribunal Act, 2010</strong> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.</li>
<li>It draws inspiration from India&rsquo;s constitutional provision of<strong> Article 21,</strong> which assures the citizens of India the<strong> right to a healthy environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Original Jurisdiction:</strong> It is related to matters of &ldquo;substantial question relating to the environment&rdquo; and &ldquo;damage to the environment due to specific activity&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It follows<strong> principles of Natural Justice.</strong></li>
<li>NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally<strong> within 6 months</strong> of filing the same.</li>
<li>The NGT has<strong> five places</strong> of sittings,<strong> New Delhi is the Principal</strong> place of sitting and <strong>Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata </strong>and<strong> Chennai</strong> are the other four.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ngt-slams-ministrys-report-on-clean-air-programme/article32440795.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source TH</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Conflict in Libya',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The internal conflict in Libya that has been running since 2011 has shown signs of de-escalation as the rival authorities in the country have called for a ceasefire.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598434219_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598434219_image3.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rival Forces:</strong> The Self-proclaimed<strong> Libyan National Army (LNA)</strong> led by <strong>Khalifa Haftar</strong> has been battling forces aligned with the <strong>Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides are formed from <strong>local armed factions,</strong> whose <strong>shifting loyalties</strong> have steered the course of the conflict.</li>
<li>LNA has long enjoyed backing from countries including the<strong> United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia and Jordan. </strong></li>
<li><strong>The USA, Turkey and Qatar</strong> support the GNA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ceasefire:</strong> The ceasefire call by GNA head proposed<strong> demilitarising Sirte city and resumption of oil production</strong> until a political deal is reached. It has also called for elections in March 2021.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The LNA dismissed this proposal, but a <strong>parallel ceasefire call</strong> by the LNA-aligned parliament has proposed<strong> Sirte</strong> as the seat of a new government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Libya was ruled by <strong>Muammar Gaddafi</strong> for 42 years from 1969 to 2011 after he overturned the previous monarchy and proclaimed the new<strong> Libyan Arab Republic.</strong></li>
<li>In 2011, the<strong> first civil war</strong> broke out in Libya against the regime of Gaddafi. This war was a part of a series of anti-dictatorial protests in countries of Arab world like Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan etc, known as the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-syria-crisis-us-backs-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arab Spring.</strong></a></li>
<li>In response to the civil war, a <strong>multi-state <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-minimises-its-share-in-nato-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NATO</a>-led coalition</strong> began a military intervention in Libya in March 2011, aimed at protecting civilians and providing cover for a rebel advance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NATO intervention was backed by a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong> </a><strong>resolution 1973</strong> which was supported by 10 countries. 5 countries viz.<strong> India,</strong> Brazil, Germany, Russia and China abstained from voting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A UN-backed internationally recognized government was put in place called the Government of National Accord (GNA) which was supposed to bring out a democratic transition.</li>
<li>However, GNA <strong>failed to provide political stability</strong> to the country.</li>
<li>LNA captured the East of Libya and has been running long campaign against Islamist groups and other opponents since then.</li>
<li>Libya has no single government currently, with<strong> LNA backing the Tobruk-based parliament which governs East of Libya,</strong> and the <strong>GNA which controls Libya's western parts fromTripoli.</strong></li>
<li>Both sides have been in constant conflict since 2014, in what has been termed as the second Libyan Civil War. In addition to these, there are also<strong> smaller rival groups</strong> in the country like the <strong>Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nearly 4,00,000 Libyans have been <strong>displaced</strong> over the past nine years. Thousands more have <strong>died.</strong></li>
<li>The conflict has cost tens of <strong>billions of dollars in lost oil revenue,</strong> damaged infrastructure, and sharply reduced living standards.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> infections have started to surge.</li>
<li>The collapse of public services and corruption has fuelled protests in western Libya against the political elite.</li>
<li>Libya, a member of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/talks-on-oil-cut-deal-at-g-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>OPEC</strong></a>, holds Africa<strong>&rsquo;s largest oil reserves,</strong> producing 1.6 million barrels per day before 2011. Blockades and presence of military forces have caused <strong>output to fluctuate</strong> sharply since then, affecting the <strong>oil prices.</strong></li>
<li><strong>International Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>International Berlin conference,</strong> held on 19<sup>th</sup> January 2020, was attended by Libyan parties and other concerned countries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a result of this conference, the UN Security Council endorsed a<strong> 55-point road map</strong> for ending the war in Libya in February 2020.</li>
<li>The resolution demands that all countries refrain from interfering in Libya&rsquo;s conflict and its internal affairs and observe a <strong>UN arms embargo,</strong> including ceasing all support for and withdrawing all armed mercenary personnel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Egypt, in association with LNA, proposed the <strong>Cairo Declaration</strong> on 6<sup>th</sup> June, 2020, for the Second Libyan Civil War ceasefire.</li>
<li>The USA has ordered <strong>evacuation of its troops</strong> stationed in<strong> Tripoli.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India evacuated</strong> its contingent of peacekeeping forces consisting of 15<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/central-reserve-police-force" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> CRPF</strong></a> personnel from Tripoli. India has also asked its citizens there to exercise extreme caution.</li>
<li>Foreign powers officially back the process of restoring peace in the country, but have <strong>also shipped arms</strong> to their allies, undercutting diplomatic efforts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>expressed concern</strong> over continuing conflict and instability in Libya and said it <strong>supports</strong> efforts towards<strong> immediate cessation of all hostilities</strong> in the country.</li>
<li>Although India has been critical of the USA military intervention in Libya on the ground that civilians would be affected, its stand on Libya has been more of a <strong>realistic one</strong> as it has many <strong>vested interests</strong> in LIbya. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Economic :</strong> The regime in Libya needs to be a friendly one since Libya is an oil rich country and political instability could affect Indian <strong>industrial investments and energy security interests</strong> there. Indian companies, especially in the hydrocarbon, power, construction and IT sector, have several ongoing projects in Libya.</li>
<li><strong>Diaspora:</strong> Considering an estimated <strong>18,000 Indians</strong> who work in Libya, it is a considerable contribution to the remittance economy and adds to India&rsquo;s foreign exchange</li>
<li><strong>Foreign Policy:</strong> Supporting western intrusion into sovereignty of a country will not set a good precedent for other third-world countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Achieving peace in Libya is crucial not just for the country itself but also for stabilizing the global oil market and set a precedent for other such war-torn countries. However, a lasting deal will require <strong>political and economic agreements</strong> that have proved elusive for years, and <strong>cooperation from foreign powers.</strong></li>
<li>The western wishful thinking that the exogenous establishment of human rights democracy is possible through expeditionary intervention in domestic affairs of a country needs to end to give way to a more<strong> organic building up of trust in democratic institutions and sovereign control.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/libya-conflict-explained-6568862/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'China Launches Warship for Pakistan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>Recently, China has launched <strong>first of the four advanced naval warships</strong> it is building for Pakistan.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first ship of <strong>Type-054 class frigate.</strong></li>
<li>The Type-054A is<strong> roughly the same size</strong> as the Indian Navy's existing <strong>Talwar class</strong> of frigates, purchased from Russia</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Comparing with Talwar Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Size and Dimensions:</strong> The Type-054A and Talwar class <strong>displace approximately 4,000 tonnes</strong> and have a length of around<strong> 130 metres.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Stealth Level:</strong> Both classes, designed the 1990s, have features<strong> to reduce their radar and infra-red signatures.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Missile System:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Type-054A uses a <strong>surface-to-air missile</strong> system called the<strong> HQ-16,</strong> which experts claim is derived from the <strong>Russian Shtil missile,</strong> already in service on the Talwar class frigates.</li>
<li>Type-054A has an <strong>advantage over the existing Talwar class</strong> ships as the former uses a <strong>vertical launch system</strong> (VLS).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> vertical launch system</strong> allows the launch of<strong> multiple missiles simultaneously.</strong></li>
<li>Talwar class frigates use an <strong>older 'single-arm' launcher</strong> that can fire only<strong> one missile at a time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Talwar class ships use the <strong>supersonic Klub and Brahmos missiles,</strong> and are regarded to have better anti-ship capabilities than the Type-054A class.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Radar:</strong> The HQ-16, which relies on<strong> 'passive' radar</strong> to detect targets, is considered <strong>inferior to the new Indo-Israeli Barak-8 missile.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The relatively small size of the Type-054AP frigates means there is<strong> little scope to mount</strong> heavier radars and longer-range anti-aircraft or anti-ship weapons.</li>
<li>While the new Type-054AP frigates will be the most capable ships in the Pakistan Navy, they are<strong> not expected to significantly alter the balance of power in the region,</strong> given Pakistan's limitations in airborne anti-submarine capabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-launches-warship-for-pakistan-navy/article32432221.ece#:~:text=the%20Pakistan%20Navy.-,Pakistan%2DChina%20defence%20ties%20turn%20a%20new%20chapter%20with%20the,the%20two%20all%2Dweather%20allies." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Taliban Delegation in Pakistan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a<strong> Taliban delegation visited Pakistan</strong> to discuss the way forward in the Afghan peace process.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Taliban delegation was led by their political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pakistan Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It had played a facilitating role on the Afghan issue, which led to a peace agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban.</li>
<li>The next step it seeks is intra-Afghan peace dialogue, to which Afghanistan has also agreed.</li>
<li>It has reiterated its commitment to further deepen the ties with Afghanistan and enhance cooperation in all fields.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Taliban visited Pakistan in the backdrop of stalled intra-Afghan peace dialogue over the issue of <strong>prisoners release.</strong></li>
<li>The Taliban also want to speed up the intra-Afghan peace dialogue.</li>
<li>Earlier, to resolve the issue the Afghanistan government had convened <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/loya-jirga-grand-assembly-of-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Loya Jirga (grand assembly)</strong></a>, which also approved the release of prisoners and further the peace process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> USA signed a deal with the Taliban</strong></a> that paved the way towards a full withdrawal of USA troops from Afghanistan and also represent a step towards ending the 18-year-war in Afghanistan.</li>
<li>The peace deal was expected to <strong>kick-off two processes- a phased withdrawal of US troops </strong>and<strong> an &lsquo;intra-Afghan&rsquo; dialogue.</strong></li>
<li>The deal is a fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for the Afghanistan peace process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Interests in Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has a<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indias-role-in-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> major stake</strong></a> in the stability of Afghanistan. India has invested considerable resources in Afghanistan's development. <strong>E.g.</strong> the <strong>Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway,</strong> Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam <strong>(Salma Dam)</strong> among others.</li>
<li>India favours the continuation of the current Afghanistan government in power, which it considers a strategic asset vis-&agrave;-vis Pakistan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An increased political and military role for the Taliban and the expansion of its territorial control should be of great concern to India since the Taliban is widely believed to be a prot&eacute;g&eacute; of Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Afghanistan is the <strong>gateway to Central Asia.</strong></li>
<li>Withdrawal of US troops could result in the breeding of the fertile ground for various anti-India terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598684492_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598684492_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="395" height="297" /></a></p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India should support any genuine peace process in Afghanistan. However, the peace process in Afghanistan appears to be <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>one-sided and pushed by the U.S.A. and Pakistan.</strong></a></li>
<li>India should not recognise or publicly engage the Taliban until it recognises the Afghanistan government.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/taliban-delegation-in-pakistan-for-afghanistan-peace-process/article32432161.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
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	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'UAE-Israel Peace Treaty & India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-arab-gulf-countries-middle-east-relations-c-raja-mohan-6558876/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;India&rsquo;s geopolitical interests are in close alignment with moderate Arab centre&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in the Indian Express on 18th of August 2020. It analyses the peace pact between Israel and UAE and the Indian interest therein.</p>
</div>
<p>In a move that significantly impacts geopolitics of the world, <strong>Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that they will normalise diplomatic relations.</strong> In a joint statement released by the US, Israel and the UAE, the leaders of the three countries agreed to &ldquo;the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates&rdquo;.</p>
<p>The agreement is a historic diplomatic breakthrough that <strong>would advance peace in the Middle East region.</strong> This would not just serve the interest of the world but <strong>India too which has a huge stake in the middle east due to its cultural and trade tie-ups.</strong></p>
<h3>UAE-Israel Peace Deal &amp; Its Importance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Israel and the United Arab Emirates just agreed to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>historic deal</strong> </a>to normalize their long-strained relations.</li>
<li>This move is significant because, with the exception of Jordan and Egypt, Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Gulf Arab states owing to its long-standing conflict with Palestinians.</li>
<li>The agreement comes after Israel&rsquo;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to suspend plans to annex parts of the West Bank, one that had been bitterly criticised by these Gulf Arab states, Europe and a few other countries around the world.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arab-Israel Relation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since<strong> Israeli independence in 1948,</strong> it has fought several <strong>wars with Arab</strong> neighbouring countries.</li>
<li>The persecuted Jews saw Israel as their promised home while Arabs saw it as an occupation.</li>
<li>The Israel Arab conflict is<strong> one of the worst conflicts that has its root in the History, Religion and Geopolitics.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>West Bank</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a landlocked territory in West Asia.</li>
<li>It also contains a significant section of the western dead sea.</li>
<li>It was captured by Jordan after the Arab Israel war in 1948</li>
<li>However, Israel snatched it back during the Six-Day War of 1967 and has occupied it ever since.</li>
<li>At present, there are around 130 formal Israeli settlements along with 26 lakh Palestinians at West Bank.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Impact of the Deal</h3>
<p>The agreement could fast-track the changes that are already underway in the region.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tripolar Contest:</strong> The Saudi bloc (consisting of Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain and others) sees its interests being aligned with that of the U.S. and Israel and their support for Palestine, which Arab powers had historically upheld, is dwindling, while Turkey and Iran emerge as the strongest supporters of the Palestinians in the Muslim world.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This tripolar contest is already at work in West Asia. The UAE-Israel thaw could sharpen it further.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Setback to Palestinian Statehood:</strong> Unlike the past two Arab-Israeli peace agreements, Palestinians do not figure prominently in the current one. The Palestinians are understandably upset. They called the UAE&rsquo;s decision &ldquo;treason&rdquo;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, Israel&rsquo;s pledge not to go ahead with the annexation of one-third of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, for the time being, will be cold comfort for the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Further Deeping of Sectoral Divide:</strong> In all of this, a fault line in West Asia is likely to deepen between Sunni Muslim states and Iran, as well as that country&rsquo;s allies in Syria and in Lebanon.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These Sunni states, led by Saudi Arabia and UAE and backed by the United States in collaboration with Israel, are building a buffer against Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward: How India Should Respond?</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s geopolitical interests are in <strong>close alignment with stability in West Asia.</strong> Therefore, standing up for the region and opposing the forces of regional destabilisation should be at the very heart of India&rsquo;s foreign policy in the region. In this context, India&rsquo;s West Asia policy should adhere to following four principles.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Acting as a Peace Negotiator:</strong> India should act as a mediator to normalize the relationship between West Asian countries, especially between Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey and Iran.</li>
<li><strong>Opposing Foreign Interventions in the Region:</strong> In the past, those came from the West and Israel. Today, most Arabs see the greatest threat to their security from Turkish and Iranian interventions.</li>
<li><strong>Aiding Arab Economic Integration:</strong> India should extend support to Arab economic integration, intra-Arab political reconciliation and the strengthening of regional institutions.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Ties With All Major Players in the Region:</strong> India&rsquo;s geopolitical interests are in close alignment with those in the Arab Centre including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. Thus, India needs to make strong ties with the region.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Interest in West Asia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Geopolitically West Asia occupies an important position in international relations due to its <strong>geographical location and proximity to continents and countries</strong> South Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.</li>
<li>The region is strategically significant due to its <strong>enormous energy resources, trade route links</strong> to different parts of the world.</li>
<li>It is the world's largest oil-producing region accounting for 34% of world production, 45% of crude oil exports and 48% of oil proven reserves.</li>
<li>India has been <strong>heavily dependent on energy supplies</strong> from the region, while Indian expatriates have constituted a substantial share of the regional labour market.</li>
<li><strong>Remittances from the region</strong> constitute a major chunk of total remittances to India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598619653_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598619653_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="401" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffde3;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Analyse how the recent UAE-Israel peace deal will impact the region and India?</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQgoRLVgcJM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/ndhm-will-radically-transform-health-care/story-IMu0xWNY3uIVdVJvw7HSwO.html#:~:text=Through%20the%20adoption%20of%20digital,affordable%20prices%20as%20well%20as" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;NDHM&thinsp;will radically transform health care&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on August 27<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/uae-israel-peace-treaty-india'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'World Urdu Conference 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The World Urdu Conference 2020 is being organised by the<strong> National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL)</strong> from 27<sup>th</sup>-28<sup>th</sup> August 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong> Literally, the word Urdu (originally Turkish) means the <strong>royal camp.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Historical Background:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urdu had developed and flourished in Delhi during the period of <strong>&lsquo;Delhi Sultanate&rsquo;</strong> from 12<sup>th</sup> to 16<sup>th</sup> century and then during the period of <strong>&lsquo;Mughal Empire&rsquo;</strong> in Delhi from 16<sup>th</sup> century to 19<sup>th</sup> century when several court poets used this language in their great poetry and writings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its first major folk poet <strong>Amir Khusrau</strong> (1253-1325), composed dohas (couplets) and riddles in the newly-formed speech, then called <strong>Hindavi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spread in South India:</strong> When Delhi Sultanate and then Mughal Empire spread in the Deccan, Urdu spread in southern states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The language derived even local words from the local languages of those states and developed as a <strong>&lsquo;Dakhni&rsquo;</strong> language which was a bit distinctive of Urdu language in the North.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>divide between Urdu and Hindi </strong>occurred under the <strong>colonial impact.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hindi and Urdu got split along religious lines with Hindi in Nagari script becoming identified with Hindus, and Urdu in Persian script identified with Muslims.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contemporary Context:</strong> Urdu is a major language of South Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is spoken in countries including <strong>India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.</strong></li>
<li>It has become the <strong>culture language and lingua franca</strong> of the <strong>South Asian Muslim diaspora</strong> outside the sub-continent, especially in the Gulf and the Middle East, Western Europe, Scandinavia, USA and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relation with Hindi:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both Urdu and Hindi belong to the new <strong>Indo-Aryan group</strong> sharing the<strong> same Indic base.</strong></li>
<li>Urdu and Hindi taken together form the<strong> third largest speech community</strong> in the world today.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Status in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scheduled Language:</strong> Urdu is one of the languages mentioned in the <strong>8<sup>th</sup> Schedule</strong> to the Constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Constitutional provisions</strong> relating to the 8<sup>th</sup> Schedule are articles <strong>344(1)</strong> and <strong>351.</strong></li>
<li>Presently, 8<sup>th</sup> Schedule consists of the 22 languages namely (1) Assamese, (2) Bengali, (3) Gujarati, (4) Hindi, (5) Kannada, (6) Kashmiri, (7) Konkani, (8) Malayalam, (9) Manipuri, (10) Marathi, (11) Nepali, (12) Oriya, (13) Punjabi, (14) Sanskrit, (15) Sindhi, (16) Tamil, (17) Telugu, (18) Urdu (19) Bodo, (20) Santhali, (21) Maithili and (22) Dogri.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Official Language of Different States:</strong> It is one of the official languages in states like Kashmir, Telangana, UP, Bihar, New Delhi and West Bengal.</li>
<li><strong>Composite Culture:</strong> Urdu is a language of<strong> composite culture and interfaith bonds in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hindu-Muslim composite culture is a constructed concept of the <strong>20<sup>th</sup> century</strong> that describes <strong>amalgams of Hindu and Islamic elements</strong> in South Asian culture.</li>
<li><strong>Article 51A(f) </strong>of the Constitution declares a solemn<strong> fundamental duty</strong> of every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speaker Base:</strong> The Urdu speakers in India number almost<strong> 44 million.</strong> The largest numbers are in the state of <strong>Uttar Pradesh,</strong> followed by<strong> Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These states together account for <strong>85%</strong> of the national Urdu-speaking population.</li>
<li><strong>Delhi</strong> is the major centre of Urdu literature and publishing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NCPUL has become the<strong> biggest Urdu networking hub</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language started functioning as an <strong>autonomous body in 1996.</strong> It comes under the <strong>Ministry of Education.</strong></li>
<li>It is the National <strong>Nodal Agency</strong> for Promotion of Urdu.</li>
<li>NCPUL has also been assigned the <strong>responsibility of promotion of Arabic and Persian.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Major Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To take action for making available in Urdu language, the knowledge of <strong>scientific and technological development </strong>as well as <strong>knowledge of ideas evolved in the modern context.</strong></li>
<li>To <strong>advise the Government</strong> on issues connected with Urdu language as may be referred to it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1649090" 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/world-urdu-conference-2020'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Sub-Classification of Reserved Classes',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A five-judge Bench of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong> </a>held that States can sub-classify the list of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) to provide preferential treatment to the<strong> &ldquo;weakest out of the weak&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision <strong>overruled</strong> a previous 2005 decision in<strong> E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh and Others,</strong> also by a five-judge Bench, that <strong>state governments had no power to create sub-categories of SCs</strong> for the purpose of reservation.</li>
<li>Since a Bench of equal strength cannot overrule a previous decision, the court also <strong>referred it to a 7-judge Bench.</strong></li>
<li>The judgment was on the constitutional validity of Section 4(5) of the <strong>Punjab Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) Act, 2006.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The act allows 50% of the reserved Scheduled Castes seats in the State to be allotted to Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judgment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reservation system</strong></a> has created <strong>inequalities within the reserved castes</strong> itself. There is a <strong>&ldquo;caste struggle&rdquo;</strong> within the reserved class as benefits of reservation are being usurped by a few.</li>
<li>Reservation <strong>was not contemplated for all the time</strong> by the framers of the Constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 334</strong> of the Constitution had originally required the reservation of<strong> elected seats</strong> to cease in <strong>1960,</strong> but it was extended by various amendments. The latest one being the 104<sup>th</sup> Amendment extending it to 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>If sub-classification is denied, it would <strong>defeat the right to equality</strong> by treating unequal as equal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 14</strong> guarantees everyone <strong>&ldquo;equality before law&rdquo;</strong> and<strong> &ldquo;equal protection of law&rdquo;.</strong> Equal protection of the laws means that amongst equals the law should be equal and treating unequals as equals will be violation of law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Among the SCs, there are some that remain grossly under-represented despite reservation in comparison to other SCs. This<strong> inequality within the Scheduled Castes</strong> is underlined in several reports, and special quotas have been framed to address it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Justice Ramachandra Raju Commission, 1997</strong> recommended sub-dividing the SCs into four groups and apportioning reservations separately for each. It also recommended that <strong>Creamy layer of Scheduled Castes be excluded</strong> from receiving any reservation benefits in public appointments and admission to educational institutions.</li>
<li>In Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar, <strong>special quotas</strong> were introduced for the <strong>most vulnerable Dalits.</strong> In 2007, Bihar set up the <strong>Mahadalit Commission</strong> to identify the castes within SCs that were left behind. In Tamil Nadu, a 3% quota within the SC quota is accorded to the<strong> Arundhatiyar caste.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States have the competence</strong> to grant reservation benefits to SCs and STs in terms of Articles 15(4) and 16(4), and Articles 341(1) and 342(1).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 16 (4)</strong> provides that the State can make any provision for the reservation of <strong>appointments or posts and in matters of promotion</strong> in favour of any backward class of citizens who, in the opinion of the state, are not adequately represented in the services under the State.</li>
<li><strong>Article 15(4)</strong> empowers the state to<strong> create special arrangements</strong> for promoting the interests and welfare of socially and educationally backward classes of the society such as SC and STs.</li>
<li>As per the Articles <strong>341(1) and 342(1),</strong> the President of India, after consultation with the Governor, may specify, the castes, races, tribes or parts of groups within castes or races, which shall be deemed to be Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the <strong>Indra Sawhney v. Union of India 1992</strong> case, the Supreme Court held that it would be <strong>perfectly legal for the state to categorise backward classes as backward and more backward.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also upheld the concept of &lsquo;creamy layer&rsquo; within OBC to those who have overcome their backwardness. However, the concept of creamy layer in SCs and STs has been in debate since then.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the <strong>E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh and Others 2005</strong> case, the Supreme Court ruled that only the <strong>President has the power to notify the inclusion or exclusion of a caste</strong> as a Scheduled Caste, and states cannot tinker with the list.</li>
<li>In the <strong>M.Nagaraj &amp; Others vs Union Of India, 2006</strong> case, the Supreme Court said that the government<strong> had to collect quantifiable data</strong> showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment.</li>
<li>However, in <strong>Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta, 2018</strong> Supreme Court held that the government <strong>need not collect quantifiable data</strong> to demonstrate backwardness of public employees belonging to the SC/STs to provide reservations for them in <strong>promotions.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also observed that certain caste groups or subgroups have<strong> &ldquo;come out of untouchability or backwardness</strong> by virtue of belonging to the creamy layer&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that reservation in the matter of promotions in public posts is<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reservation-not-a-right" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> not a fundamental right</strong></a>, and a state cannot be compelled to offer the quota if it chooses not to.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dr B.R. Ambedkar described the Indian society as a gradation of castes forming an <strong>ascending scale of reverence and a descending scale of contempt.</strong> As is the nature of any hierarchical structure, no two castes are equal. The ones at the bottom of the ladder, those who have been most severely ostracised and subjugated, have not yet received the benefits of reservations as a tool to ensure their representation in society and government. This judgement will help <strong>trickle down the benefits of reservation to the most needy</strong> and establishment of an equal society.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/supreme-court-sc-st-reservation-quota-6572693/" 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/sub-classification-of-reserved-classes'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'GST Council Meet',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the 41<sup>st</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-11th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST) council</strong></a> meeting was held to discuss the issue of compensating states on account of revenue loss due to <strong>implementation of GST</strong> and fall in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cess-fund-for-welfare-of-construction-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cess</strong></a> collections.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GST Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>constitutional body (Article 279A)</strong> for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Services Tax.</li>
<li>The GST Council is chaired by the <strong>Union Finance Minister</strong> and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.</li>
<li>It is considered as a<strong> federal body</strong> where both the centre and the states get due representation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shortfall in GST and Cess Collection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The economic slowdown had reduced both GST and cess collections in FY 2019-20, resulting in a 40% gap (shortfall) between the compensation paid and cess collected.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The central government paid over Rs.1.65 lakh crore in 2019-20 as GST compensation by utilising the excess cess amount collected during 2017-18 and 2018-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The state&rsquo;s GST revenue gap in 2020-21 is expected to be about Rs. 3 lakh crore, while cess collections are only projected to reach Rs. 65,000 crore, leaving a shortfall of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distinction in Shortfall:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only <strong>Rs. 97,000 crore out of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore of the shortfall is due to GST implementation itself,</strong> while the <strong>rest is due to the impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Centre <strong>distinguished the GST shortfall</strong> into two types:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to GST implementation itself.</li>
<li>Caused by the impact of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Finance Minister termed the fall of GST revenue due to Covid-19 as <strong>an act of God.</strong> However, the <strong>GST Compensation Act, 2017</strong> did not foresee an act of God.</li>
<li>The GST Compensation Act, 2017 <strong>guaranteed states that they would be compensated for any loss of revenue</strong> in the first five years of GST implementation, until 2022, using a cess levied on<strong> sin and luxury goods.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sin goods</strong> are goods which are considered harmful to society and individuals.</li>
<li><strong>Example of sin goods:</strong> Alcohol and Tobacco, Candies, Drugs, Soft drinks, Fast foods, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Offers Made by the Centre:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It offered <strong>two options</strong> for borrowing by states to meet the shortfall:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A special window could be provided, in consultation with 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>, so that the states can get Rs. 97,000 crore at a reasonable rate of interest, the amount can be repaid after five years (of GST implementation) ending 2022 from cess collection.</li>
<li>Another option is that this entire gap of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore can be met by the borrowing by the states in consultation with RBI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The states have been given seven days to decide which option they want.</li>
<li>Also, states choosing the first option would <strong>get 0.5% relaxation</strong> in states&rsquo; borrowing limits under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wma-borrowings-of-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act</a>, 2003.</strong></li>
<li>The borrowing plan is valid for FY 2020-21 only and the GST Council would review the revenue position next fiscal to decide on payments for 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The GST council can consider increasing the cess or including more products under the cess or compensation levy can be extended beyond five years, to meet this GST shortfall.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/centre-places-before-states-2-options-for-borrowing-to-meet-gst-revenue-shortfall/article32456870.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/gst-council-meet-2'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Hurricane Laura',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Hurricane Laura, has made landfall in southwestern Louisiana (South Central United States) with wind speeds reaching up to 250 km (about 150 miles) an hour.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> Hurricane Laura is a<strong> Category 4 storm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Category 4 storm has wind speeds between 130-156 mph and can uproot trees and bring down power lines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:</strong> Hurricanes are categorized on the <strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,</strong> which rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 based on wind speed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hurricanes that reach category<strong> three or higher</strong> are classified as<strong> major hurricanes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is because of their potential to cause devastating damage to property and life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603530_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603530_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650]" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Timings of Hurricane:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Two seasons of hurricanes are observed in the Atlantic and Pacific regions:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Atlantic hurricane season</strong> runs from 1<sup>st</sup> June to 30<sup>th</sup> November .</li>
<li>The <strong>Eastern Pacific hurricane season</strong> runs from 15<sup>th</sup> May to 30<sup>th</sup> November. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-hanna" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hurricane Hanna:</strong> </a>It was the last storm which made landfall on the Texan coast reaching wind speeds of up to 90 mph, and was listed as a <strong>Category 1</strong> storm.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was the <strong>first</strong> hurricane of the 2020 <strong>Atlantic hurricane season.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hurricane:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> Tropical cyclones or hurricanes use<strong> warm, moist air as fuel,</strong> and therefore <strong>form over warm Equatorial water.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Low-Pressure Creation:</strong> When the <strong>warm, moist air rises upward</strong> from the surface of the ocean, it creates an area of<strong> low air pressure below.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When this happens, the <strong>air from the surrounding areas rushes</strong> to fill this place, eventually rising when it becomes warm and moist too.</li>
<li>An <strong>eye</strong> forms in the centre. It is the calmest part of the cyclone. Before the wind reaches the centre it gets warmed up and rises upwards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When the <strong>warm air rises and cools off,</strong> the moisture forms clouds. This system of clouds and winds continues to grow and spin.</li>
<li>This disturbance is fuelled by the ocean&rsquo;s heat and the water that evaporates from its surface.</li>
<li>Such storm systems rotate faster and faster.</li>
<li>Storms that form towards the north of the equator rotate<strong> counterclockwise,</strong> while those that form to the <strong>south spin clockwise because</strong> of the rotation of the Earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Worldwide Terminology of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tropical Cyclones</a>:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603498_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598603498_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Depending on where they occur, hurricanes may be called typhoons or cyclones. They are given many names in different regions of the world: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Typhoons:</strong> tropical cyclones are known as Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Hurricanes:</strong> In the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Tornados:</strong> In the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.</li>
<li><strong>Willy-willies:</strong> In north-western Australia and</li>
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclones:</strong> In the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/hurricane-laura-louisiana-category-4-storm-6571980/" 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/hurricane-laura'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Indigenous People of Andaman and Nicobar',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The report of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> cases among the members of the <strong>Great Andamanese</strong> tribe is a matter of concern as the total population of the tribe is already low.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG): Great Andamanese are one of five</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PVTGs</strong></a> that reside in <strong>Andamans archipelago.</strong> The other four are: <strong>Jarwas, Onges, Shompens </strong>and<strong> North Sentinelese.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Shompen</strong> is the only PVTG in the region with <strong>Mongoloid</strong> features. The <strong>other PVTGs</strong> have <strong>negroid</strong> features. Some of them interact with <strong>&lsquo;Great Nicobarese&rsquo; - a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes#:~:text=However%2C%20Article%20366(25),the%20purposes%20of%20this%20Constitution.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribe.</a></strong></li>
<li>The <strong>population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands&rsquo; primitive tribes has rapidly declined</strong> over the years. The <strong>epidemics</strong> and <strong>crippling health crises</strong> of the past have been seen to disproportionately impact these indigenous tribal groups.</li>
<li><strong>75 tribal groups</strong> have been <strong>categorised by the Ministry of Home Affairs</strong> as PVTGs. The<strong> Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> implements the <strong>Scheme of &lsquo;Development of PVTGs&rsquo;</strong> exclusively for them.</li>
<li><strong>Article 366 (25)</strong> of the Constitution provides a process to define <strong>Scheduled Tribes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Great Andamanese Tribe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The tribe is based in <strong>&lsquo;Strait Island&rsquo;</strong> of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</li>
<li>The members speak<strong> Jeru dialect</strong> among themselves and their <strong>number stands at 51</strong> as per the last study carried out by Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti in 2012.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than 5,000 Great Andamanese lived in the Islands before British settlers arrived in the 19<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li>However, hundreds were killed in conflict as they defended their territories from British invasion, and thousands more were wiped out in epidemics of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measles-and-rubella-in-who-sear" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> measles</strong></a>, influenza and syphilis (a bacterial infection).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598601394_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598601394_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/covid-19-reaches-remote-great-andamanese-tribe-five-members-test-positive/article32453913.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/indigenous-people-of-andaman-and-nicobar'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Controlling Dengue Using Bacteria',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers from the<strong> World Mosquito Program</strong> have used <strong>mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria</strong> to successfully control dengue in Yogyakarta city of <strong>Indonesia.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Mosquito Program is an Australia-based not-for-profit initiative that exists to protect the global community from mosquito-borne diseases.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wolbachia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Wolbachia are natural bacteria present in up to 60% of insect species, including some mosquitoes.</li>
<li>However, Wolbachia is <strong>not</strong> usually found in the <em>Aedes aegypti</em> mosquito, the primary species responsible for transmitting human viruses such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.</li>
<li>Wolbachia is<strong> safe</strong> for humans, animals and the environment.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> The Aedes aegypti mosquito, that spreads <strong>Dengue</strong> and other diseases such as <strong>chikungunya, Zika</strong> and <strong>yellow fever</strong> cannot do so when they are artificially infected with a bacterium, Wolbachia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bacteria Wolbachia<strong> &ldquo;inhibits&rdquo; viral infection,</strong> that is, even if people encounter mosquito bite, they will not be infected. This happens because bacteria does not allow the virus to <strong>replicate</strong> in the mosquito thereby minimising its number within the mosquito.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Method:</strong> The scientists<strong> infected some mosquitoes with Wolbachia</strong> and then <strong>released</strong> these in the city where they <strong>bred with local mosquitoes,</strong> until nearly all mosquitoes in the area were carrying Wolbachia bacteria. This is called the<strong> Population Replacement Strategy.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of 27 months, the researchers found that the <strong>incidence of dengue was 77% lower</strong> in areas where Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes had been released, as compared to areas without such deployments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This method does not only block Dengue Virus but also <strong>many other viruses</strong> present in mosquitoes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass Production:</strong> A French company InnovaFeed, which produces insects to feed livestock, is partnering with WMP to develop the first industrial-level production of Dengue- controlling mosquitoes.</li>
<li><strong>Other Developments:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-recommends-use-of-hydroxy-chloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)</strong></a> also has been working on a similar project developing a strain of Aedes aegypti containing Wolbachia, known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/controlling-chikungunya-and-dengue-through-bacteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Puducherry Strain.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The strain was developed at the <strong>Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC),</strong> Puducherry in collaboration with Monash University in Australia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dengue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dengue is a<strong> mosquito-borne tropical disease</strong> caused by the <strong>dengue virus</strong> (Genus <em>Flavivirus</em>), transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus <em><strong>Aedes,</strong></em> principally <em>Aedes aegypti.</em></li>
<li>Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.</li>
<li>There are four strains from Type I-IV, of which <strong>Type-II and IV</strong> are considered more severe.</li>
<li>Incidence of dengue has <strong>grown dramatically</strong> around the world in recent decades, with a vast majority of cases <strong>under-reported,</strong> according to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO).</strong> </a></li>
<li>WHO estimates 39 crore dengue virus infections per year, of which 9.6 crore show symptoms.</li>
<li>India registered over 1 lakh dengue cases in 2018 and over 1.5 lakh cases in 2019, according to the <strong>National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NVBDCP</strong> is the central nodal agency for prevention and control of six vector borne diseases i.e. Malaria, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya in India. It works under the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The dengue vaccine <strong>CYD-TDV</strong> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/approval-of-dengue-vaccine-by-usfda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dengvaxia</strong></a> was approved by the<strong> US Food &amp; Drug Administration</strong> in <strong>2019,</strong> the first dengue vaccine to get the regulatory nod in the US.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dengvaxia is basically a <strong>live, attenuated dengue virus</strong> which has to be administered in people of ages 9 to 16 who have laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection and who live in <strong>endemic areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mosquitoes-dengue-indonesia-experiment-6572699/" 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/controlling-dengue-using-bacteria'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'National Recruitment Agency',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/modi-national-recruitment-agency-nra-jobs-6571275/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For employers and job aspirants, National Recruitment Agency and CET promise transparency</a> which was published in the Indian Express on 27th of August 2020. It analyses the newly announced body National Recruitment Agency and its consequences for the students in India.</p>
</div>
<p>The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi has decided to set up a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-recruitment-agency-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Recruitment Agency (NRA)</a>. The proposed NRA will conduct a common preliminary examination for various recruitments in the central government.</p>
<p>At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts. After the advent of the NRA, the whole process would be unified and will make the cumbersome process easy for students and the agencies.</p>
<h3>National Recruitment Agency (NRA)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NRA is a testing agency which would conduct the Common Eligibility Examination (CET) for non-gazetted Group B and C posts.</li>
<li>Initially it will conduct the recruitment examinations for Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and Staff Selection Commission(SSC) and would gradually expand its operations.</li>
<li>National Recruitment Agency will be a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act,1860.</li>
<li>The NRA will be a specialist body bringing the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment.</li>
<li>However, the present recruitment agencies i.e, IBPS, RRB and SSC will remain in place.</li>
<li>Based on the screening done at the CET score level, final selection for recruitment shall be made through separate specialised Tiers (II, III, etc.) of examination which shall be conducted by these respective recruitment agencies.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Composition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will be headed by a Chairman of the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India.</li>
<li>The NRA will have representatives from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>The Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The examinations will be conducted in 12 languages and will be based on a common curriculum.</li>
<li>There will be a common registration, single fee and gradually the candidates need not travel outside the district to appear for the examination.</li>
<li>There will be a special focus on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aspirational Districts</a>.</li>
<li>A standardised question bank with multiple questions of similar difficulty levels will be created in a central server.</li>
<li>An algorithm will be used to jumble and dole out different questions, so that each candidate receives a different question paper, reducing the chances of cheating and paper leakage.</li>
<li>Scores will be generated quickly, delivered online and be valid for a three-year period.</li>
<li>Students can write the test multiple times as long as they are within the eligible age limit, with their best score being taken into account.</li>
<li>The test will be conducted for three levels i.e, graduate, higher secondary (12<sup>th</sup> pass) and the matriculate (10<sup>th</sup> pass) candidates.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Need</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As of now, aspirants have to take different exams that are conducted by various agencies for central government jobs.</li>
<li>According to the Department of Personnel and Training, on an average 2.5 crore to 3 crore aspirants appear for about 1.25 lakh vacancies in the central government every year.</li>
<li>At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts.</li>
<li>Candidates have to pay fees to multiple recruiting agencies and also have to travel long distances for appearing in various exams.</li>
<li>Women candidates especially from rural areas face constraints in appearing in multiple examinations as they have to arrange for transportation and places to stay in places that are far away.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Aspirants <strong>do not have to apply and appear separately for multiple recruitment</strong> exams. They will be able to apply once for a single or multiple recruitment exams in various departments and take the Common Eligibility Test (CET).</li>
<li>CET would significantly <strong>reduce the lengthy recruitment cycle</strong> as some of the recruitment departments might decide to skip their tier 2 or second level test and go ahead with the recruitment based on CET score followed by physical tests and medical examination. This will reduce the time taken by the agencies to hire the candidates.</li>
<li>Candidates who clear CET once, will be eligible to attempt for the second level exam thrice (once every year).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, those who pass the PT and fail in Main exam (tier 2) have to again appear for the PT next year and start afresh. This way, CET will <strong>save their time and energy and will also improve their quality</strong> as they would devote their time for mains exam and not screening exam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Candidates will have the facility to give a <strong>choice of centres</strong> and they would be allotted the chosen centres, based on availability. They will be given an option to schedule their own tests at their choice centres.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ultimate aim is to reach a stage wherein candidates can schedule their own tests at Centres of their choice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 1517.57 crore for the NRA. The expenditure will be undertaken over a period of three years. The cost will also be incurred for setting up exam infrastructure in 117 districts with large numbers of aspirants. The proposal is expected to ease the access to aspirants residing in rural areas.</li>
<li>Candidates especially residing in <strong>hilly and rural areas</strong> will not have to incur additional expenses for travel, boarding, lodging to reach their exam centres that are usually far from their hometown. Single exam will reduce the financial burden on candidates.</li>
<li>Girls generally depend on a guardian (father/brother/ husband) to accompany them in reaching their exam centres if it is far away from their hometown. The location of test centres in every district <strong>would benefit the candidates, particularly women</strong>.</li>
<li>CET would be <strong>available in a number of languages,</strong> benefitting aspirants from different regions of the country. Presently, most of the exams are conducted in English and Hindi languages.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With growing emphasis on transferring services to the private sector, there may be fewer government jobs on offer in the future.</li>
<li>Only 14% of public employment comes under the purview of the Centre (predominantly in railways &amp; defence), with the rest falling within the purview of States. Similar reform is needed at State level.</li>
<li>The long-term relevance of such reforms will depend on the commitment of governments to raise the level of public employment and expand services to the public.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NRA stands out as a unique model as it marks a paradigm shift in the government recruitment process.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s also in tune with the Modi government&rsquo;s mantra of <strong>&ldquo;Ease of Living for the Young Job Aspirants&rdquo;</strong> by facilitating ease of recruitment, selection and job placement.</li>
<li>The NRA is a combination of convenience and cost-effectiveness for candidates.</li>
<li>Moreover, the multiple recruitment examinations are a burden on the candidates, as also on the respective recruitment agencies, involving avoidable/repetitive expenditure, law and order, security related issues and venue-related problems.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598532021_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598532021_image1.png" width="814" height="458" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #d4fcfa; border-color: #069e97;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;">
<p><strong><span style="color: #08a39b;">Drishti Mains Question</span><br /><br /></strong>Analyse the need of a National Recruitment Agency in India. Can it bring transformation in the public sector recruitment process.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tladIhkTUzU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/down-but-not-out-the-hindu-editorial-on-islamic-state-presence-in-west-asia-and-north-africa/article32440692.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Down, but not out: On Islamic State&rdquo;</a> which was published on August 26<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/national-recruitment-agency-2'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Export Preparedness Index 2020: NITI Aayog',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> <strong>in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness</strong> released the <strong>Export Preparedness Index (EPI)</strong> report 2020.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523440_image5.JPG" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523440_image5.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>EPI 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To <strong>identify challenges and opportunities,</strong> enhance the effectiveness of government policies and <strong>encourage a facilitative regulatory framework for export.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ranking Parameter:</strong> The index ranked states on <strong>four key pillars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Policy:</strong> A comprehensive trade policy providing a strategic direction for exports and&nbsp; imports.</li>
<li><strong>Business Ecosystem:</strong> An efficient business ecosystem helping states attract investments and create an enabling infrastructure for individuals to initiate start-ups.</li>
<li><strong>Export Ecosystem:</strong> Assess the business environment, which is specific to exports.</li>
<li><strong>Export Performance:</strong> This is the only output-based parameter and examines the reach ofexport footprints of States and Union Territories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sub-pillars:</strong> The index also took into consideration <strong>11 sub-pillars</strong> - export promotion policy; institutional framework; business environment; infrastructure; transport connectivity; access to finance; export infrastructure; trade support; R&amp;D infrastructure; export diversification; and growth orientation.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The EPI is a data-driven effort to identify the core areas crucial for export promotion at the <strong>sub-national level (states and union territories). </strong></li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> The Index would be a<strong> helpful guide for the state governments</strong> to <strong>benchmark regional performance with respect to export promotion</strong> and thus deliver key policy insights on how to improve and enhance the exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gujarat has topped the overall EPI 2020</strong> followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li><strong>Among the landlocked states, Rajasthan</strong> has topped the index, followed by Telangana and Haryana.</li>
<li><strong>Among the Himalayan states, Uttarakhand</strong> topped the index, followed by Tripura and Himachal Pradesh.</li>
<li>Across <strong>Union Territories, Delhi</strong> has performed the best.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523618_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598523618_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Exports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s<strong> merchandise exports have witnessed growth</strong> from USD 275.9 billion in 2016-17 to USD 331.0 billion in 2019-20. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the Covid-19 crisis gave a major blow to the current fiscal. Consequently, India&rsquo;s exports shrank by 60% in April 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This consistent positive growth has been a result of<strong> key measures</strong> adopted by the government post-2016 for the promotion of merchandise exports. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>mid-term review of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20</a></strong> was conducted in 2017 to assess the policy interventions required to boost the export levels.</li>
<li>A <strong>new Logistics Division</strong> was established in the Department of Commerce to organize the integrated development of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-national-logistics-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>logistics sector.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/trade-infrastructure-for-export-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme</a> (TIES)</strong> was launched in 2017 to address the existing export infrastructure gaps.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agriculture-export-policy-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Export Policy</strong></a> was rolled out to target export contribution at a micro-level.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/transport-and-marketing-assistance-tma-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transport and Marketing Assistance</a> (TMA) scheme</strong> was also introduced for the export of specified agriculture products to mitigate the disadvantage of the higher cost of transportation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> The export promotion in India faces <strong>three fundamental challenges:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intra- and inter-<strong>regional disparities</strong> in export infrastructure.</li>
<li><strong>Poor trade support and growth orientation</strong> among states.</li>
<li><strong>Poor research &amp; development infrastructure</strong> to promote complex and unique exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The per capita exports in India stood at about USD 241, as compared to USD 11,900 in South Korea and USD 18,000 in China. Therefore, <strong>Indian economy has a huge potential to become a strong exporter on the world stage.</strong> This can be achieved by making <strong>India&rsquo;s states and union territories</strong> active participants in the country's export efforts. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, 70% of India&rsquo;s export has been dominated by five states- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emphasis on key strategies</strong> like a development of<strong> export infrastructure, strengthening industry-academia linkages</strong> and creating <strong>state-level engagements for economic diplomacy</strong> to address the challenges in exports.</li>
<li>The<strong> private sector</strong> can also play an important role in export promotion.</li>
<li>Increase in exports can help India to achieve the target of making India a developed economy by focusing on<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Atma Nirbhar Bharat&rsquo;.</strong> </a>The exports can also<strong> help generate employment in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1648679" 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/export-preparedness-index-2020-niti-aayog'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Integration of e-PPO with Digi Locker',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances &amp; Pensions</strong> has decided to <strong>integrate the electronic Pension Payment Order (e-PPO) with Digi Locker.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision has been taken to <strong>enhance ease of living of central government civil pensioners.</strong></li>
<li>e-PPO is generated through the <strong>Public Finance Management System (PFMS).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits of the Decision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This initiative will create a <strong>permanent record</strong> of pensioners' respective PPO in their Digi Locker and <strong>eliminate the necessity of handing over a physical copy.</strong></li>
<li>Further, it will <strong>eliminate delays</strong> in reaching the PPO to new Pensioners</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Process:</strong> The integration facility has been created with<strong><em> &lsquo;Bhavishya&rsquo;</em> software.</strong> Bhavishya will provide <strong>an option</strong> to retiring employees, to link their Digi-locker account with their <em>&ldquo;Bhavishya&rdquo;</em> account and obtain their e-PPO in a seamless manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em>Bhavishya</em> is an <strong>online Pension Sanction and Payment Tracking System</strong> implemented by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances &amp; Pensions.</li>
<li><strong>Pension tracking</strong> can be done by the individual as well as the administrative authorities for all actions preparatory to grant of pension and other retirement benefits as well as monthly pension paid after retirement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Public Financial Management System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Public Financial Management System (PFMS), earlier known as Central Plan Schemes Monitoring System (CPSMS), is a<strong> web-based online software</strong> application developed and implemented by the Office of <strong>Controller General of Accounts (CGA),</strong> Ministry of Finance.</li>
<li>PFMS was initially started during <strong>2009</strong> as a Central Sector Scheme of Planning Commission.</li>
<li>The <strong>primary objective</strong> of PFMS is to facilitate a sound Public Financial Management System for the Government of India (GoI) by establishing an <strong>efficient fund flow system</strong> as well as a<strong> payment cum accounting network.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Digi Locker</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics &amp; IT (MeitY) under the Digital India programme. It is the national <strong>Digital Locker System.</strong></li>
<li>It aims at &lsquo;Digital Empowerment&rsquo; of citizens by providing access to authentic digital documents to citizen&rsquo;s digital document wallet.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1648707" 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/integration-of-e-ppo-with-digi-locker'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Pulikkali Folk Art of Kerala',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Pulikkali will be held online in <strong>Kerala</strong> this year due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598517433_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598517433_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pulikkali (Puli means Leopard/Tiger and Kali means Play in Malayalam) is a<strong> recreational <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/behrupiya-folk-artiste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">street folk art</a></strong> performed on the<strong> fourth day of Onam</strong> celebrations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Onam (August&ndash;September)</strong> is a Hindu rice harvest festival of Kerala celebrated to commemorate King <strong>Mahabali.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The folk art is mainly practiced in <strong>Thrissur</strong> district of Kerala.</li>
<li>The main theme of this folk art is <strong>tiger hunting</strong> with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.</li>
<li>Performers <strong>paint their bodies</strong> like<strong> tigers and hunters</strong> and<strong> dance</strong> on streets to the beats of <strong>traditional percussion instruments</strong> such as<em> thakil, udukku</em> and <em>chenda.</em></li>
<li>It was introduced by <strong>Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran,</strong> the then Maharaja of <strong>Cochin.</strong></li>
<li>Another key event which takes place during Onam is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-30th-august-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aranmula Boat Race</strong></a>, the oldest river boat festival in Kerala.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It takes place at Aranmula in Pampa river, near a Sree Parthasarathy temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Other Art Forms of Kerala:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ottam-thullal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ottam Thullal</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/talamaddale" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Talamaddale</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kalaripayattu" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalaripayattu</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indian-classical-dances" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kathakali</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indian-classical-dances" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mohiniyattam</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navroz" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mudiyettu</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pulikkali-to-go-online-this-onam/article32444321.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/pulikkali-folk-art-of-kerala'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'New Circles of Archaeological Survey of India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Culture has announced <strong>7 new circles</strong> of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The step has been taken in accordance with the Prime Minister&rsquo;s call to<strong> facilitate and strengthen the process of preservation and registration of archaeological monuments.</strong></li>
<li>New circles in <strong>Jabalpur</strong> (Madhya Pradesh), <strong>Trichy</strong> (Tamil Nadu), <strong>Jhansi</strong> and <strong>Meerut</strong> (Uttar Pradesh), <strong>Hampi</strong> (Karnataka), <strong>Raiganj</strong> (West Bengal) and<strong> Rajkot</strong> (Gujarat) have been created.</li>
<li>The Hampi circle has been upgraded from the previous Hampi mini circle, and the Delhi mini circle has been merged with the Delhi circle.</li>
<li><strong>ASI Circles:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance the entire country is divided into <strong>36 Circles.</strong></li>
<li>These carry out archaeological fieldwork, research activities and implement the various provisions of the <strong>Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958</strong> and Antiquities and <strong>Art Treasures Act 1972.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ASI, under the <strong>Ministry of Culture,</strong> is the premier organization for the <strong>archaeological research and protection of</strong> the cultural heritage of the nation.</li>
<li>It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.</li>
<li>Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, <strong>exploration</strong> and <strong>excavation</strong> of archaeological sites, <strong>conservation</strong> and <strong>maintenance</strong> of protected monuments etc.</li>
<li>It was founded in 1861 by <strong>Alexander Cunningham-</strong> the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the<strong> &ldquo;Father of Indian Archaeology&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/archaeological-survey-of-india-creates-seven-new-circles-for-better-upkeep-of-monuments/article32450018.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/new-circles-of-archaeological-survey-of-india'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Asteroid 2018VP1',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</strong></a>, an asteroid named <strong>2018VP1</strong> is on a collision course with Earth.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Asteroid 2018VP1:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Asteroid 2018VP1 has a diameter of about <strong>2 metres,</strong> around the size of a small automobile.</li>
<li>Only <strong>1 in 240</strong> chance that 2018VP1 would impact the Earth. It would <strong>likely burn up into a fireball</strong> after entering the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere before reaching the ground.</li>
<li>According to NASA, such an event happens about once every year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asteroids</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asteroids are also known as minor planets.</li>
<li>They are <strong>rocky remnants</strong> left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago.</li>
<li>Most asteroids are<strong> irregularly shaped,</strong> though a few are nearly spherical.</li>
<li>Many asteroids are known to have a <strong>small companion moon</strong> (some have two moons).</li>
<li>There are also<strong> binary</strong> (double) asteroids, in which two rocky bodies of roughly equal size orbit each other, as well as <strong>triple</strong> asteroid systems.</li>
<li><strong>Classification of Asteroids:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Main Asteroid Belt:</strong> The majority of known asteroids orbit within the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dwarf-planet-ceres" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asteroid belt</a> between Mars and Jupiter.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Trojans:</strong> These asteroids share an<strong> orbit with a larger planet, but do not collide with it</strong> because they gather around two special places in the orbit (called the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points). There, the gravitational pull from the sun and the planet are balanced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Lagrange Points</strong> are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two body system like the Sun and the Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion. These can be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Near-Earth Asteroids:</strong> These objects have orbits that pass close by that of Earth. Asteroids that actually cross Earth's orbital path are known as <strong>Earth-crossers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Asteroid Collision with Earth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cut-off Size:</strong> Objects that can cause significant damage upon impact are larger than 30 metres.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per NASA&rsquo;s <strong>Near-Earth Object Observations Programme,</strong> asteroids that are <strong>140 metres or larger</strong> (bigger than a small football stadium) are of<strong> &ldquo;the greatest concern&rdquo;</strong> due to the level of devastation their impact is capable of causing.</li>
<li>No asteroid larger than 140 metres has a &ldquo;significant&rdquo; chance of hitting the Earth for the <strong>next 100 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Chicxulub Impactor:</strong> It was an asteroid that caused the sudden <strong>extinction</strong> of most<strong> dinosaur</strong> species <strong>66 million years ago,</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It had a diameter of over 10 kilometres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deflecting Asteroids:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Methods to Deflect:</strong> Over the years, scientists have suggested different ways to ward off threats of more serious impact events, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Blowing up</strong> the asteroid before it reaches Earth, or</li>
<li><strong>Deflecting it off its Earth-bound course</strong> by hitting it with a spacecraft.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA):</strong> It is the most drastic measure undertaken so far, which includes NASA&rsquo;s <strong>Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission</strong> and the<strong> European Space Agency&rsquo;s (ESA) Hera.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Target:</strong> The target is <strong>Didymos, a binary near-Earth asteroid,</strong> one of whose bodies is of the size that could pose the most likely significant threat to Earth.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Didymos is in orbit between Earth and Mars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART):</strong> The construction of DART began in 2018, which is scheduled to launch in <strong>2021.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aim is to <strong>slam into the smaller asteroid of the Didymos system</strong> at around<strong> 6 km per second i</strong>n 2022.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hera:</strong> It is scheduled to launch in <strong>2024,</strong> will arrive at the Didymos system in 2027.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aim is <strong>to measure the impact crater</strong> produced by the DART collision and study the change in the asteroid&rsquo;s orbital trajectory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-asteroid-2018vp1-6568690/" 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/asteroid-2018vp1'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Landslide in Kodagu',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, due to heavy rain, numbers of landslides occurred in many parts of India.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Landslides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A landslide is defined as the <strong>movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.</strong></li>
<li>They are a type of <strong>mass wasting,</strong> which denotes any downward movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.</li>
<li>The term landslide encompasses <strong>five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598514735_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598514735_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="283" height="250" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Slope movement occurs when <strong>forces acting downward (mainly due to gravity) exceed the strength of the earth materials</strong> that compose the slope.</li>
<li>Landslides are caused due to<strong> three major factors: geology, morphology, and human activity.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Geology</strong> refers to characteristics of the material. The earth or rock might be weak or fractured, or different layers may have different strengths and stiffness.</li>
<li><strong>Morphology</strong> refers to the structure of the land. For example, slopes that lose their vegetation to fire or drought are more vulnerable to landslides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vegetation holds soil in place, and without the root systems of trees, bushes, and other plants, the land is more likely to slide away.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Human activity</strong> which include agriculture and construction increase the risk of a landslide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Region:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Continent-wise, <strong>Asia suffers the maximum damages/losses</strong> due to landslides and within that, South-Asian nations are the worst sufferers <strong>including India</strong> which is one of the worst affected by landslides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mitigation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Restriction on the construction and other developmental activities</strong> such as roads and dams in the areas prone to landslides.</li>
<li><strong>Limiting agriculture</strong> to valleys and areas with moderate slopes.</li>
<li><strong>Control</strong> on the development of large settlements in the high vulnerability zones.</li>
<li><strong>Promoting large-scale afforestation</strong> programmes and <strong>construction of bunds</strong> to reduce the flow of water.</li>
<li><strong>Terrace farming</strong> should be encouraged in the northeastern hill states where Jhumming (Slash and Burn/Shifting Cultivation) is still prevalent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/landslips-galore-as-rain-batters-kodagu/article32300020.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/landslide-in-kodagu'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Magnets for Manufacturing',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/magnets-for-manufacturing/article32440463.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Magnets For Manufacturing</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 26<sup>th</sup> of August 2020. It analyses the prospects of several manufacturing companies moving out of China and shifting to India.</p>
</div>
<p>Many American, Japanese, and South Korean manufacturing companies operating from China are planning to relocate their manufacturing bases to other destinations among which India is one of the destinations.</p>
<p>The real question now for India is, can it succeed in attracting manufacturing firms and jobs from China? This article analyses the prospects and challenges of the manufacturing Industries in India and the role of states in this regard.</p>
<h3>Reasons For Moving Out</h3>
<p>These companies are planning to exit China due to three primary reasons.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Supply Chain Disruptions:</strong> There is a realisation that relying heavily on China for building capacities and sourcing manufacturing goods is not an ideal business strategy due to supply chain disruptions in the country caused by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Decline in production and trade seen in China will have a strong impact on countries further up and down the supply chain since most of the countries have now imposed restrictions on movements to combat the spread of the virus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Dominance Over Essential Goods:</strong> There is a fear of Chinese dominance over the supply of essential industrial goods. This is an alarming situation for any country and its industry as this puts their independence and autonomy in peril.</li>
<li><strong>Trade War:</strong> The growing risk and uncertainty involved in operating from or dealing with China in the light of geopolitical and trade conflicts between China and other countries, particularly the U.S. has further eroded Chinese potential.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indian Situation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India lags far behind China in manufacturing prowess. China ranks first in contribution to world manufacturing output, while India ranks sixth.</li>
<li>Against India&rsquo;s target of pulling up the share of manufacturing in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25% by 2022, its share stood at 15% in 2018, only half of China&rsquo;s fi&shy;gure.</li>
<li>Industry value added grew at an average annual rate of 10.68% since China opened up its economy in 1978. In contrast, against the target of 12%, the manufacturing sector has grown at 7% after India opened up its economy.</li>
<li>Next to the European Union, China was the largest exporter of manufactured goods in 2018, with an 18% world share. India is not a part of the top 10 exporters who accounted for 83% of world manufacturing exports in 2018.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues With Indian Manufacturing Industries</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Stringent Labor Laws:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/labour-laws-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>labour laws</strong> </a>in India are extremely complicated. e.g, Industrial Disputes Act-1947 provides that if you are a manufacturing firm with 100 workers or more, you cannot dismiss any of them under any circumstances unless you get prior approval from the government which is rarely given.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The law is mandated even if the industry is going bankrupt. Thus, the investors are not willing to enter into this sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Skilled Workforce:</strong> The manufacturing sector, for it to grow, requires an educated workforce with the necessary skills and training. India&rsquo;s skill ecosystem needs to be fixed.</li>
<li><strong>Basic Infrastructure:</strong> Roads, connectivity and transportation are slow and costly when compared to developed nations which is a huge deterrence to Industries. Uninterrupted power supply is another challenge.</li>
<li><strong>Small Size:</strong> Small enterprises, because of their smaller size, suffer from low productivity, preventing them from achieving economies of scale.</li>
<li><strong>Low Spending On R&amp;D:</strong> Currently, India spends about 0.7% of GDP on research and development, a considerably small amount when compared with other developed nations. This prevents the sector to evolve, innovate and grow.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of states</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Policy Coordination:</strong> Since India follows a federal government system, a lasting solution to these constraints cannot be possible without the active participation of State governments and effective policy coordination between the Centre and the States.</li>
<li><strong>State Specific Plans:</strong> Currently, manufacturing is mainly concentrated in few states like Maharashtra and Gujarat which cover a substantial portion of India&rsquo;s geographical area.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>States like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal also have large land areas that can contribute to the success stories of Indian Manufacturing.</li>
<li>The reasons for less manufacturing activity in these States have to be carefully examined, and based on this, state specific industrialisation strategies need to be devised and implemented in a mission mode with active hand &shy;holding by the Central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong> Strong and carefully designed policy implementation on the part of individual States would improve India&rsquo;s overall investment climate, thereby boosting investments, jobs, and economic growth.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reforming Labor Laws:</strong> Reforming of the existing labour laws must be prioritised to make them simplified and flexible. They must be reformed in a way that will promote investment and ease of doing business within the sector.</li>
<li><strong>Imparting Skill:</strong> The quality of teaching in schools and colleges must be improved. The high-quality vocational training must be provided within the education system.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s labour productivity, though increased in the last decade, is lower than that of China. This should be addressed to compete in the global market. Introduction of vocational courses under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Education Policy 2020</strong></a> is a welcome step.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stable Power Supply:</strong> Stable, low cost and uninterrupted power is vital to promote the growth of the industries. Though the availability of Power has improved to a great extent but India must ensure this as soon as possible on industrial level to reap the benefits of manufacturing growth.</li>
<li><strong>Reducing Logistic Cost:</strong> The logistics cost in India is estimated to be almost double of the developed countries. In India, nearly 60% of cargo travels by road.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is because of the overconsumption of the railway networks, high rail freights, long transit times, inadequate port depths, high turnaround time at ports and poor warehousing facilities. Addressing these issues can promote the growth of the manufacturing sector.</li>
<li>Cheap, fast and easy transportation is the basic requirement for booming industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Spending On R&amp;D:</strong> As India is spending very less on Research &amp; Development, it must improve its spending on it. India&rsquo;s spending is much less than the developed nations which spent between 3-4% of their GDPs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The policy actions of the Centre and the States must be well coordinated.</li>
<li>In this context, a suggestion put forth by the Union Minister is worth attempting. To promote electronic manufacturing, he suggested forming a Strategy Group consisting of representatives from the Central and State governments along with top industry executives.</li>
<li>The purpose is to instil teamwork and leverage ideas through sharing the best practices of the Centre and States. A similar approach is needed for developing the whole manufacturing sector.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598443744_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598443744_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edffde;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Critically analyse the prospects of India becoming the new manufacturing hub of the world and the role of states in this regard.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C69UAs7hZio" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <strong><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/announce-another-fiscal-stimulus/story-rojRt2LO5F5J8er2uO4RXL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Announce another fiscal stimulus&rdquo;</a> </strong>which was published in The Hindustan Times on August 24<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/magnets-for-manufacturing'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'INS Viraat',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Viraat<strong> will be scrapped</strong> at a ship breaking yard at Alang in Gujarat soon.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>decision</strong> to scrap INS Viraat was taken in <strong>2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>INS Viraat holds the <strong>Guinness World Record</strong> for being the <strong>longest serving warship of the world.</strong></li>
<li>Viraat, a <strong>Centaur class aircraft carrier</strong> weighing 27,800 tonnes, served in the <strong>British Navy</strong> as <strong>HMS Hermes for 25 years</strong> from November 1959 to April 1984. It was <strong>commissioned into the Indian Navy in May 1987</strong> after refurbishment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centaur class of aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy was the<strong> last of the light fleet carrier designs</strong> started during the closing years of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-war-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World War II</strong> </a><strong>(1939-45).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Viraat played a major role in <strong>Operation Jupiter</strong> in 1989 during the Sri Lankan Peacekeeping operation. It also saw action during<strong> Op Parakram</strong> in 2001-2002, post the terrorist attack on Parliament.</li>
<li>The indigenous Advance Light Helicopters <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apache-helicopters-for-indian-army" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Dhruv&rsquo;</strong> </a>and the Russian twin rotor<strong> Kamov-31</strong> have also operated from the ship.</li>
<li>It was <strong>decommissioned in March 2017,</strong> and the<strong> Navy had been incurring expenditure</strong> since then on its upkeep, such as the provision of electricity and water, and repairs. It was also<strong> taking up space in the crowded Naval dockyard.</strong></li>
<li>There had been demands from various quarters to not let Viraat go the way of <strong>Vikrant, India&rsquo;s first carrier</strong> that was eventually scrapped.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2014, <strong>INS Vikrant,</strong> which played a role in the 1971 war with Pakistan was broken down in Mumbai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, several attempts by the Navy to preserve the carrier, by converting it into a museum or by other means, failed. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>vessel could not be handed over to any state government</strong> because of lack of &ldquo;self-sustaining financially complete&rdquo; proposal to preserve it. The state governments of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh had planned to preserve the aircraft carrier (in the form of a museum).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is currently doing with only the<strong> 44,500-tonne INS Vikramaditya,</strong> the refurbished Admiral Gorshkov inducted from Russia in November 2013. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trials of the first indigenous aircraft carrier <strong>(IAC-I, to be named as INS Vikrant)</strong> being built at the Cochin Shipyard have been derailed by the pandemic.</li>
<li>The government&rsquo;s approvals for a third carrier, the 65,000-tonne <strong>IAC-II (tentatively christened INS Vishal)</strong> has been pending since May 2015.</li>
<li>India needs aircraft carriers to secure the seas of the Indo-Pacific, to maintain peace, secure trade routes, and provide security to the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-viraat-to-be-dismantled-at-alang-in-gujarat/article32436701.ece#:~:text=Decommissioned%20aircraft%20carrier%20Viraat%2C%20which,at%20Alang%20in%20Gujarat%20soon." 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/ins-viraat-1'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'National Clean Air Programme',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a> has directed the<strong> Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> to modify the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/govt-launches-mission-to-fight-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a> which proposes 20-30% reduction of air pollution by 2024.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>NCAP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched by the MoEFCC in<strong> January 2019.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.</strong></li>
<li>It seeks to <strong>cut the concentration of coarse</strong> (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or <strong>PM10</strong>) and <strong>fine particles</strong> (particulate matter of diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or <strong>PM2.5) by at least 20%</strong> in the <strong>next five years,</strong> with <strong>2017 as the base year</strong> for comparison.</li>
<li><strong>The plan includes 102 non-attainment cities,</strong> across 23 states and Union territories, which were identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the basis of their ambient air quality data between 2011 and 2015.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Non-attainment cities:</strong> These are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NGT&rsquo;s View:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The enforcement of the <strong>&lsquo;Sustainable Development&rsquo; principle</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;Public Trust Doctrine&rsquo;</strong> require stern measures to be adopted to give effect to the mandate of international obligations related to environmental quality, for which the <strong>Environment (Protection) Act, 1986</strong> was enacted.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Public Trust Doctrine:</strong> It states that the sovereign, or state, holds the trust of people to manage the designated resources for the benefit of the people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Right to Clean Air</strong> stood recognized as part of Right to Life and failure to address air pollution is a denial of Right to Life under <strong>Article 21.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NGT&rsquo;s Directions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> timeline</strong> to reduce air pollution by 20-30% by 2024 needs to be<strong> reduced.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>target</strong> of reduction needs to be <strong>increased.</strong></li>
<li>It suggested the Ministry to review and action in terms of <strong>shift to e-vehicles and CNG vehicles,</strong> intensifying public transport system, mechanical cleaning of roads, enhancement of public parking facilities, improvement in fuel quality, and traffic management.</li>
<li>It directed the state pollution control boards to ensure the<strong> assessment and installation</strong> of the requisite number of real-time online continuous <strong>Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems within six months.</strong></li>
<li>It also directed an expert team of the <strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong> to <strong>design a model</strong> for source apportionment and carrying capacity assessment within two months which may be replicated for all the non-attainment cities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Source Apportionment:</strong> It is the practice of deriving information about pollution sources and the amount they contribute to ambient air pollution levels.</li>
<li><strong>Carrying Capacity:</strong> The concept of &ldquo;carrying capacity&rdquo; addresses the question as to how many people can be permitted into any area without the risk of degrading the environment there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a specialised body set up under the <strong>National Green Tribunal Act, 2010</strong> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.</li>
<li>It draws inspiration from India&rsquo;s constitutional provision of<strong> Article 21,</strong> which assures the citizens of India the<strong> right to a healthy environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Original Jurisdiction:</strong> It is related to matters of &ldquo;substantial question relating to the environment&rdquo; and &ldquo;damage to the environment due to specific activity&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It follows<strong> principles of Natural Justice.</strong></li>
<li>NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally<strong> within 6 months</strong> of filing the same.</li>
<li>The NGT has<strong> five places</strong> of sittings,<strong> New Delhi is the Principal</strong> place of sitting and <strong>Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata </strong>and<strong> Chennai</strong> are the other four.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ngt-slams-ministrys-report-on-clean-air-programme/article32440795.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/national-clean-air-programme'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Conflict in Libya',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The internal conflict in Libya that has been running since 2011 has shown signs of de-escalation as the rival authorities in the country have called for a ceasefire.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598434219_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1598434219_image3.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rival Forces:</strong> The Self-proclaimed<strong> Libyan National Army (LNA)</strong> led by <strong>Khalifa Haftar</strong> has been battling forces aligned with the <strong>Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides are formed from <strong>local armed factions,</strong> whose <strong>shifting loyalties</strong> have steered the course of the conflict.</li>
<li>LNA has long enjoyed backing from countries including the<strong> United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia and Jordan. </strong></li>
<li><strong>The USA, Turkey and Qatar</strong> support the GNA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ceasefire:</strong> The ceasefire call by GNA head proposed<strong> demilitarising Sirte city and resumption of oil production</strong> until a political deal is reached. It has also called for elections in March 2021.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The LNA dismissed this proposal, but a <strong>parallel ceasefire call</strong> by the LNA-aligned parliament has proposed<strong> Sirte</strong> as the seat of a new government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Libya was ruled by <strong>Muammar Gaddafi</strong> for 42 years from 1969 to 2011 after he overturned the previous monarchy and proclaimed the new<strong> Libyan Arab Republic.</strong></li>
<li>In 2011, the<strong> first civil war</strong> broke out in Libya against the regime of Gaddafi. This war was a part of a series of anti-dictatorial protests in countries of Arab world like Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan etc, known as the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-syria-crisis-us-backs-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arab Spring.</strong></a></li>
<li>In response to the civil war, a <strong>multi-state <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-minimises-its-share-in-nato-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NATO</a>-led coalition</strong> began a military intervention in Libya in March 2011, aimed at protecting civilians and providing cover for a rebel advance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NATO intervention was backed by a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong> </a><strong>resolution 1973</strong> which was supported by 10 countries. 5 countries viz.<strong> India,</strong> Brazil, Germany, Russia and China abstained from voting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A UN-backed internationally recognized government was put in place called the Government of National Accord (GNA) which was supposed to bring out a democratic transition.</li>
<li>However, GNA <strong>failed to provide political stability</strong> to the country.</li>
<li>LNA captured the East of Libya and has been running long campaign against Islamist groups and other opponents since then.</li>
<li>Libya has no single government currently, with<strong> LNA backing the Tobruk-based parliament which governs East of Libya,</strong> and the <strong>GNA which controls Libya's western parts fromTripoli.</strong></li>
<li>Both sides have been in constant conflict since 2014, in what has been termed as the second Libyan Civil War. In addition to these, there are also<strong> smaller rival groups</strong> in the country like the <strong>Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nearly 4,00,000 Libyans have been <strong>displaced</strong> over the past nine years. Thousands more have <strong>died.</strong></li>
<li>The conflict has cost tens of <strong>billions of dollars in lost oil revenue,</strong> damaged infrastructure, and sharply reduced living standards.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> infections have started to surge.</li>
<li>The collapse of public services and corruption has fuelled protests in western Libya against the political elite.</li>
<li>Libya, a member of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/talks-on-oil-cut-deal-at-g-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>OPEC</strong></a>, holds Africa<strong>&rsquo;s largest oil reserves,</strong> producing 1.6 million barrels per day before 2011. Blockades and presence of military forces have caused <strong>output to fluctuate</strong> sharply since then, affecting the <strong>oil prices.</strong></li>
<li><strong>International Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>International Berlin conference,</strong> held on 19<sup>th</sup> January 2020, was attended by Libyan parties and other concerned countries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a result of this conference, the UN Security Council endorsed a<strong> 55-point road map</strong> for ending the war in Libya in February 2020.</li>
<li>The resolution demands that all countries refrain from interfering in Libya&rsquo;s conflict and its internal affairs and observe a <strong>UN arms embargo,</strong> including ceasing all support for and withdrawing all armed mercenary personnel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Egypt, in association with LNA, proposed the <strong>Cairo Declaration</strong> on 6<sup>th</sup> June, 2020, for the Second Libyan Civil War ceasefire.</li>
<li>The USA has ordered <strong>evacuation of its troops</strong> stationed in<strong> Tripoli.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India evacuated</strong> its contingent of peacekeeping forces consisting of 15<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/central-reserve-police-force" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> CRPF</strong></a> personnel from Tripoli. India has also asked its citizens there to exercise extreme caution.</li>
<li>Foreign powers officially back the process of restoring peace in the country, but have <strong>also shipped arms</strong> to their allies, undercutting diplomatic efforts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>expressed concern</strong> over continuing conflict and instability in Libya and said it <strong>supports</strong> efforts towards<strong> immediate cessation of all hostilities</strong> in the country.</li>
<li>Although India has been critical of the USA military intervention in Libya on the ground that civilians would be affected, its stand on Libya has been more of a <strong>realistic one</strong> as it has many <strong>vested interests</strong> in LIbya. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Economic :</strong> The regime in Libya needs to be a friendly one since Libya is an oil rich country and political instability could affect Indian <strong>industrial investments and energy security interests</strong> there. Indian companies, especially in the hydrocarbon, power, construction and IT sector, have several ongoing projects in Libya.</li>
<li><strong>Diaspora:</strong> Considering an estimated <strong>18,000 Indians</strong> who work in Libya, it is a considerable contribution to the remittance economy and adds to India&rsquo;s foreign exchange</li>
<li><strong>Foreign Policy:</strong> Supporting western intrusion into sovereignty of a country will not set a good precedent for other third-world countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Achieving peace in Libya is crucial not just for the country itself but also for stabilizing the global oil market and set a precedent for other such war-torn countries. However, a lasting deal will require <strong>political and economic agreements</strong> that have proved elusive for years, and <strong>cooperation from foreign powers.</strong></li>
<li>The western wishful thinking that the exogenous establishment of human rights democracy is possible through expeditionary intervention in domestic affairs of a country needs to end to give way to a more<strong> organic building up of trust in democratic institutions and sovereign control.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/libya-conflict-explained-6568862/" 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/conflict-in-libya'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'China Launches Warship for Pakistan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>Recently, China has launched <strong>first of the four advanced naval warships</strong> it is building for Pakistan.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first ship of <strong>Type-054 class frigate.</strong></li>
<li>The Type-054A is<strong> roughly the same size</strong> as the Indian Navy's existing <strong>Talwar class</strong> of frigates, purchased from Russia</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Comparing with Talwar Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Size and Dimensions:</strong> The Type-054A and Talwar class <strong>displace approximately 4,000 tonnes</strong> and have a length of around<strong> 130 metres.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Stealth Level:</strong> Both classes, designed the 1990s, have features<strong> to reduce their radar and infra-red signatures.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Missile System:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Type-054A uses a <strong>surface-to-air missile</strong> system called the<strong> HQ-16,</strong> which experts claim is derived from the <strong>Russian Shtil missile,</strong> already in service on the Talwar class frigates.</li>
<li>Type-054A has an <strong>advantage over the existing Talwar class</strong> ships as the former uses a <strong>vertical launch system</strong> (VLS).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> vertical launch system</strong> allows the launch of<strong> multiple missiles simultaneously.</strong></li>
<li>Talwar class frigates use an <strong>older 'single-arm' launcher</strong> that can fire only<strong> one missile at a time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Talwar class ships use the <strong>supersonic Klub and Brahmos missiles,</strong> and are regarded to have better anti-ship capabilities than the Type-054A class.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Radar:</strong> The HQ-16, which relies on<strong> 'passive' radar</strong> to detect targets, is considered <strong>inferior to the new Indo-Israeli Barak-8 missile.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The relatively small size of the Type-054AP frigates means there is<strong> little scope to mount</strong> heavier radars and longer-range anti-aircraft or anti-ship weapons.</li>
<li>While the new Type-054AP frigates will be the most capable ships in the Pakistan Navy, they are<strong> not expected to significantly alter the balance of power in the region,</strong> given Pakistan's limitations in airborne anti-submarine capabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-launches-warship-for-pakistan-navy/article32432221.ece#:~:text=the%20Pakistan%20Navy.-,Pakistan%2DChina%20defence%20ties%20turn%20a%20new%20chapter%20with%20the,the%20two%20all%2Dweather%20allies." 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/china-launches-warship-for-pakistan'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

	'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
	'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive`, articles.star_rating AS `articles__star_rating`, articles.display_in_states AS `articles__display_in_states` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
	'params' => [
		':c0' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		]
	],
	'defaultTypes' => [
		'articles__article_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.article_id' => 'integer',
		'article_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__category_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.category_id' => 'integer',
		'category_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__title' => 'string',
		'articles.title' => 'string',
		'title' => 'string',
		'articles__description' => 'text',
		'articles.description' => 'text',
		'description' => 'text',
		'articles__shortdescription' => 'string',
		'articles.shortdescription' => 'string',
		'shortdescription' => 'string',
		'articles__featuredimage' => 'string',
		'articles.featuredimage' => 'string',
		'featuredimage' => 'string',
		'articles__tag_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.tag_id' => 'integer',
		'tag_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'articles.secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'articles__type' => 'integer',
		'articles.type' => 'integer',
		'type' => 'integer',
		'articles__publishon' => 'datetime',
		'articles.publishon' => 'datetime',
		'publishon' => 'datetime',
		'articles__posturl' => 'string',
		'articles.posturl' => 'string',
		'posturl' => 'string',
		'articles__metatitle' => 'string',
		'articles.metatitle' => 'string',
		'metatitle' => 'string',
		'articles__metadescription' => 'string',
		'articles.metadescription' => 'string',
		'metadescription' => 'string',
		'articles__metakeyword' => 'text',
		'articles.metakeyword' => 'text',
		'metakeyword' => 'text',
		'articles__status' => 'integer',
		'articles.status' => 'integer',
		'status' => 'integer',
		'articles__sort_order' => 'integer',
		'articles.sort_order' => 'integer',
		'sort_order' => 'integer',
		'articles__addedby' => 'integer',
		'articles.addedby' => 'integer',
		'addedby' => 'integer',
		'articles__updatedby' => 'integer',
		'articles.updatedby' => 'integer',
		'updatedby' => 'integer',
		'articles__added' => 'timestamp',
		'articles.added' => 'timestamp',
		'added' => 'timestamp',
		'articles__modified' => 'timestamp',
		'articles.modified' => 'timestamp',
		'modified' => 'timestamp',
		'articles__whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'articles.whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_comments' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_comments' => 'integer',
		'display_comments' => 'integer',
		'articles__pdf_name' => 'string',
		'articles.pdf_name' => 'string',
		'pdf_name' => 'string',
		'articles__display_archive' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_archive' => 'integer',
		'display_archive' => 'integer',
		'articles__star_rating' => 'integer',
		'articles.star_rating' => 'integer',
		'star_rating' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_in_states' => 'string',
		'articles.display_in_states' => 'string',
		'display_in_states' => 'string'
	],
	'decorators' => (int) 0,
	'executed' => false,
	'hydrate' => true,
	'buffered' => true,
	'formatters' => (int) 0,
	'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
	'contain' => [],
	'matching' => [],
	'extraOptions' => [],
	'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}

}
$page = (int) 103
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 336
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp, line 100
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/articlebox.ctp, line 5
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Search/index.ctp, line 85
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93

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