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Open Sky Agreement

Why in News Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest to have an Open Sky Agreement with India. Key Points Significance of...

09 Jul 2020 News Analysis
UN Special Rapporteurs’ Communication to India

Why in News Recently, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs (SRs) have made public their third communication forwarded to India since the 5th...

09 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Payment Banks

What are Payment Banks? A payments bank (Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, etc.) is like any other bank, but operating on a smaller...

08 Jul 2020 Paper 3
Inclusive Urban Spaces For India

This editorial is based on “Rebuild cities as spaces of dignity” which was published in The Indian Express on 05/07/2020. It talks...

08 Jul 2020 News Editorials
Lithium Production in Stars

Why in News Recently, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have provided evidence for the first time that Lithium (Li)...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Golden Birdwing: India's Largest Butterfly

Why in News Recently, a Himalayan butterfly known as Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus) has been discovered as India’s largest butterfly after...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
U.S.A’s Position on CAATSA

Why in News Recently, the USA has reiterated its position and asked all its allies and partners, including India, to stop transactions with...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Hurdles for F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in USA

Why in News Recently, the USA has announced that F-1 and M-1 visa holders who are planning to take online only models will not be allowed to stay in...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
UN Report on Zoonotic Diseases

Why in News According to a report published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Livestock Research Institute...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Marmots

Why in News Recently, reports of an outbreak of bubonic plague in Mongolia, China and far east Russia have emerged, caused mainly by Tarbagan Marmot...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Virtual Climate Action Ministerial

Why in News Recently, the 4th edition of the virtual Ministerial on Climate Action was organised to advance discussions on implementation of the...

08 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Indian Railways to Use More Renewable Energy

Why in News The Indian Railways has decided to be self-reliant for its energy needs by utilizing its vacant lands for Renewable Energy (RE)...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Privatizing Indian Railways

This editorial is based on “A different track” which was published in The Indian Express on 04/07/2020. It talks about the pros and...

07 Jul 2020 News Editorials
Completion of Annual MGNREGA Work Limit

Why in News According to the central scheme database of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), at least 1.4 lakh...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
New National Logistics Law

Why in News The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is considering replacing the Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993 (MMTG) with a National...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Global Response to China's Security Law on Hong Kong

Why in News Recently, several countries have proposed measures to protect Hong Kong residents fleeing potential political persecution from China's...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Expat Quota Bill Approved in Kuwait

Why in News Recently, the legal and legislative committee of Kuwait’s National Assembly has approved the draft expat (expatriate) quota...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Performance Assessment of Highways by NHAI

Why in News Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to undertake performance assessment and ranking of the highways in...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
World Bank's Support to India for MSMEs

Why in News Recently, the World Bank (WB) and the Government of India has signed the USD 750 million agreement for an Emergency Response Programme...

07 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Non-State Actors in Nagaland

Why in News Recently, the Governor of Nagaland R.N. Ravi wrote a letter to the state's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The letter highlighted that...

06 Jul 2020 News Analysis

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		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Open Sky Agreement',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest to have an Open Sky Agreement with India.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594279695_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594279695_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of the Open Sky Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Open Sky Agreements are <strong>bilateral agreements</strong> that the two countries negotiate to provide <strong>rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services.</strong> It <strong>expands</strong> international passenger and cargo flights.</li>
<li>India has Air Service Agreements (ASA) with 109 countries including UAE covering aspects relating to the number of flights, seats, landing points and code-share. But does not allow unlimited number of flights between two countries.</li>
<li>Open skies between India and UAE will allow unlimited number of flights to the selected cities of each other's countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Open Sky Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>National Civil Aviation Policy (2016)</strong> allows the government to enter into an 'open sky' air services agreement on a reciprocal basis with<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</strong></a> nations as well as countries <strong>beyond a 5,000 kilometre radius from New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li>It implies that <strong>nations within 5,000 kilometer of distance</strong> need to enter into a bilateral agreement and mutually determine the number of flights that their airlines can operate between the two countries.</li>
<li>India has open sky agreements with Greece, Jamaica, Guyana, Finland, USA, Japan, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fifth and Sixth Freedom of Air:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UAE also mentioned that it <strong>does not intend to implement fifth and six freedoms of air,</strong> and where the interest of Indian airlines will be threatened by other air carriers.</li>
<li>The Freedom of air was formulated as a result of <strong>disagreements over the extent of aviation liberalisation</strong> in the Convention on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-civil-aviation-organisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Civil Aviation</strong></a> of 1944, known as the <strong>Chicago Convention.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The freedoms of the air are a <strong>set of commercial aviation rights</strong> granting a country's airlines the privilege to enter and land in another country's airspace.</li>
<li>The<strong> fifth freedom of air</strong> includes the right to fly between two foreign countries on a flight originating or ending in one's own country.</li>
<li>The <strong>sixth freedom of air</strong> includes the right to fly from a foreign country to another while stopping in one's own country for non-technical reasons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, about 1,068 flights a week are operated between India and the UAE under the bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA). India and UAE need to have an open sky policy which in turn will help India to become a commercial hub in the future.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uae-in-support-of-open-skies-agreement-with-india/article32024879.ece#:~:text=The%20UAE%20is%20keen%20to,Albanna%20said%20on%20Wednesday.&amp;text=%E2%80%9CYou%20need%20to%20have%20an%20open%20sky%20policy.&amp;text=Open%20sky%20policy%20and%20fifth,Chamber%20of%20Commerce%20and%20Industry." 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/open-sky-agreement'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'UN Special Rapporteurs’ Communication to India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong></a> <strong>Special Rapporteurs (SRs)</strong> have made public their third communication forwarded to India since the 5<sup>th</sup> August, 2019 decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revoke Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s special status (under Article 370)</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Four UN SRs on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions; on minority issues; and on freedom of religion or belief &mdash; forwarded a joint communication to India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Third Communication:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It highlighted continued deterioration of human rights conditions in J&amp;K following severe restrictions imposed after 5<sup>th</sup> August 2019.</li>
<li>The UN has urged the Indian government &ldquo;to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, if it has not done so already, into the allegations of arbitrary killings, torture and ill-treatment and to prosecute suspected perpetrators under Article 6 of the <strong>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),</strong> and Articles 7 and 12 of the <strong>Committee Against Torture (CAT).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>ICCPR (1976)</strong> compels countries that have ratified it to protect and preserve basic human rights such as the right to life and human dignity, equality before the law etc. <strong>India is a party to the Treaty and has issued a declaration.</strong></li>
<li><strong>CAT</strong> is the body of 10 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1987) by its State parties.<strong> India is not a state party but signatory to the Convention.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Second Communication:</strong> It was forwarded on 27<sup>th</sup> February, 2020 on alleged mass crackdown, targeting those expressing dissent against the decision taken&rdquo; by the Central government.</li>
<li><strong>First Communication:</strong> It was forwarded to India by the UN on 16<sup>th</sup> August, 2019 on &ldquo;restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Response:</strong> According to the UN SRs,<strong> no response has been received from India</strong> to any of the communication forwarded.</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Recent Judgement:</strong> It needs to be noted that the Supreme Court on 11<sup>th</sup> May 2020 had ordered the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-refuses-to-restore-4g-services-in-j-k" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>constitution of a Special Committee</strong></a> to determine the necessity of the continuation of limiting mobile internet to 2G speed in the Union territory of J&amp;K.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, it declined pleas for restoration of 4G internet services and held that peculiar circumstances in the Union Territory require <strong>delicate balancing of national security concerns and human rights.</strong></li>
<li>The mobile internet has been restricted to low-speed 2G services since the government eases a communication blackout imposed in August 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UN Special Rapporteur</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Special Procedures of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Council</strong></a> are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights (civil, cultural, economic, political, and social) from a thematic or country-specific perspective. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Human Rights Council is an <strong>inter-governmental body</strong> within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.</li>
<li><strong>Universal Periodic Review</strong> happens under the aegis of the Human Rights Council.</li>
<li><strong>Current membership</strong> of the Council includes <strong>India.</strong></li>
<li>It meets at the UN Office at <strong>Geneva (Switzerland).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Special procedures are either an individual (called "Special Rapporteur" or "Independent Expert") or a working group composed of five members, one from each of the five United Nations regional groupings: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Western group.</li>
<li>They are <strong>not United Nations staff members</strong> and<strong> do not receive financial remuneration.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The independent status of the Special Procedures mandate-holders is crucial for them to be able to fulfil their functions in all impartiality. <strong>A mandate-holder&rsquo;s tenure</strong> in a given function, whether it is a thematic or country mandate, is limited to a maximum of <strong>six years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most Special Procedures receive information on specific allegations of human rights violations and <strong>send communications (urgent appeals and other letters) to States,</strong> and occasionally to non-State actors, asking for clarification and action.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/un-makes-its-third-communication-on-jk-public/article32024205.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Payment Banks',
			'catname' => 'Paper 3',
			'desc' => '<h3>What are Payment Banks?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A payments bank (Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, etc.) is like any other bank, but operating on a smaller or restricted scale.</li>
<li>Credit risk is not involved with the Payments Bank. It can carry out most banking operations but cannot advance loans or issue credit cards.</li>
<li>It can accept demand deposits only i.e. savings and current accounts, not time deposits.</li>
<li>The Payment Banks cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial services activities.</li>
<li>A committee headed by Dr. Nachiket Mor recommended setting up of 'Payments Bank' to cater to the lower income groups and small businesses.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> Expansion of rural banking, access to diversified services, social &amp; financial inclusion are some of the benefits.</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> Lack of customer awareness, lack of incentives for agents, lack of infrastructure, technological issues are some of the challenges.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are two kinds of banking licences that are granted by the Reserve Bank of India - universal bank licence and differentiated bank licence.</li>
<li>Payments bank comes under a differentiated bank licence since it cannot offer all the services that a commercial bank offers. In particular, a payments bank cannot lend.</li>
<li>It can take deposits upto ₹1 lakh per account and it can issue debit cards but not credit cards.</li>
<li>Commercial banks in India like State Bank of India or ICICI Bank, do not have any such restrictions.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Objectives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The objectives of setting up of a payments bank is to further financial inclusion by providing small savings accounts and payments/remittance services to migrant labour workforce, low income households, small businesses, other unorganised sector entities and other users.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Scope of Activities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Acceptance of demand deposits, initially restricted to holding a maximum balance of Rs 100,000 per individual customer.</li>
<li>Issuance of ATM/debit cards.</li>
<li>They cannot issue credit cards.</li>
<li>They are not allowed to give loans.</li>
<li>Payments and remittance services through various channels.</li>
<li>Distribution of non-risk sharing simple financial products like mutual fund units and insurance products, etc.</li>
<li>They are only allowed to invest the money received from customers' deposits into government securities.</li>
<li>They cannot accept NRI deposits.</li>
<li>A payments bank account holder would be able to deposit and withdraw money through any ATM or other service providers.</li>
<li>Payments licensees would be granted to mobile firms, supermarket chains and others to cater to individuals and small businesses.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Eligible Promoters</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Existing non-bank Pre-paid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers;</li>
<li>Other entities such as <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>individuals/professionals;</li>
<li>Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs),</li>
<li>Corporate Business Correspondents (BCs), mobile telephone companies,</li>
<li>Supermarket chains, companies, real sector cooperatives; that are owned and controlled by residents; and</li>
<li>Public sector entities may apply to set up payments banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A promoter/promoter group can have a joint venture with an existing scheduled commercial bank to set up a payments bank.</li>
<li>Scheduled commercial banks can take equity stake in a payments bank to the extent permitted under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regulation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Payments Bank will be registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. It is governed by the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, other relevant Statutes and Directives.</li>
<li>They need to maintain a Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).</li>
<li>Required to invest a minimum 75% of its "demand deposit balances" in Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) eligible Government securities/treasury bills with maturity up to one year.</li>
<li>Need to hold maximum 25% in current and time/fixed deposits with other scheduled commercial banks for operational purposes and liquidity management.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Important Provisions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Capital requirement:</strong> The minimum paid-up capital for payments bank is Rs 100 crore.</li>
<li><strong>Promoter's contribution:</strong> Minimum initial contribution to the paid-up equity capital shall at least be 40% for the first five years from the commencement of its business.</li>
<li><strong>Foreign shareholding:</strong> The foreign shareholding in the payments bank would be as per the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for private sector banks as amended from time to time.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Terms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Promoter:</strong> A person involved in setting up and funding a new company.</li>
<li><strong>Credit Risk:</strong> Risk of loss or default which arises from the debtor being unlikely to repay the loan amount.</li>
<li><strong>Paid-up Capital:</strong> Amount of money for which shares of the Company were issued to the shareholders and payment was made by the shareholders.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/india-post-payment-bank-ippb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read TTP on India Post Payment Bank</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/payment-banks'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Inclusive Urban Spaces For India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/web-edits/covid-19-pandemic-inequality-poverty-urban-areas-migrant-labourers-6491234/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Rebuild cities as spaces of dignity&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 05/07/2020. It talks about the need for making Indian urban spaces more inclusive for migrant labours.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-indian-federalism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has proved that the Indian cities are overburdened and underprepared to provide guaranteed social protection to millions of migrant workers. Due to denial of access to adequate food and nutrition, livelihood, housing and basic amenities like water and sanitation facilities, there has been an exodus of migrant labourers from urban to rural areas.</p>
<p>Further, with over 90% of the population working in the informal economy, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-labour-organization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the International Labour Organization (ILO)</strong></a> has predicted that as a result of the crisis and subsequent lockdown, about 400 million workers will fall deeper into poverty.</p>
<p>Given the significance of these labourers to urban development, there is a need to address the stark inequalities and make urban spaces in India more socially and financially inclusive.</p>
<h3>Issues Faced by Migrant Workers in Urban Areas</h3>
<p><strong>Lack of Basic Amenities:</strong> According to the recent <strong>&ldquo;Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition&rdquo; survey</strong> by the government, there continue to be glaring gaps in water access in urban and rural India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also, migrant labourers are likely to have relied more on public amenities such as hand pumps and public taps or standpipes which are connected to a municipal connection.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These sources are generally unreliable &mdash; hand pumps and municipal pipes, for example, do not always supply water of potable quality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Given the importance of washing hands in combating the infection, the lack of<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/who-wash-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)</strong></a> makes migrant labourers subject to work in an unsafe work environment</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Huge Gap in Data About Migrants:</strong> Though the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-labour-and-employment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008</strong></a> has specified the role of urban local bodies in registering numbers of migrant worker and disseminating information regarding welfare schemes to them, these provisions are not obligatory.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to this, there is lack of any credible data on how many migrants enter and leave our states and cities.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Challenge of Informalisation:</strong> According to the Economic Survey of India 2019, about 90% of India&rsquo;s total workforce of about 500 million workers is engaged in the informal sector. This made them more vulnerable to the economic crisis induced by Covid-19.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Some of the major challenges due to the informalisation of the workforce include lack of job security, limited or no access to banking and insurance channels, a generally under-developed public health system.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps For Making Urban Spaces More Inclusive</h3>
<p><strong>Creation of a Database of Migrant Workers:</strong> Recognition and identification of migrants is the first step towards a more enhanced framework to provide basic amenities. To begin with, an effort to create a database of migrant workers is most necessary.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This could be a game-changer by creating a digital Pan-India database to ensure coordination with their home districts and respective states.</li>
<li>Eventually, convergence around this could create a framework of health, banking, microfinance and insurance networks centred around workers and migrants in urban areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Labour Migration Governance System:</strong> A fair and effective labour migration governance system for workers within the country is an urgent need of the hour.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is necessary for the realisation of decent work opportunities for all migrant workers while respecting fundamental human rights.</li>
<li>Also, there is a need to ensure the protection of the labour rights of workers while taking into account the views of the employers to foster innovation in business and enterprises.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Formalisation of Economy:</strong> The central and state governments need to continue their efforts to address the informality of the Indian economy, the rural-urban divide, the uneven growth within states and between regions in the country, and the social and economic inequalities associated with the poorest and vulnerable.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In this context, the migrants need to be supported with relevant information and counselling for job search and employment opportunities based on their skills and previous experience through their local governance and panchayat structures.</li>
<li>Also, recently proposed <strong>Unorganised Worker Index Number Card</strong> by the Labour Ministry would also help in formalisation of the workforce.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Focusing on Public Health Infrastructure:</strong> Smart cities project does well by focusing on creation of hard infrastructure for urban renewal.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>However, there is a need to strengthen the public health emergency infrastructure also. This social and financial inclusion would make the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-cities-command-centres#:~:text=Smart%20City%20Mission,create%20smart%20outcomes%20for%20citizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Smart Cities Mission</strong></a> truly holistic.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Supporting Financially:</strong> There is a need to expedite the proposed Social Security Fund under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-occupational-safety-health-and-working-conditions-code-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Code on Social Security, 2019.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This could go a long way to provide a sense of financial security and act as a tool to monitor this segment of the population better.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The global experience shows that migration will continue as long as there is hope, aspiration, and an alternative livelihood option better than those available at home. In this context, the government has the task to build back better urban spaces in India, with a human-centred approach at its core.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594205235_image.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594205235_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #f70000; background-color: #fff9eb;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;For truly holistic urban development in India, there is a need to provide informal workers and migrant populations with a socio-economic niche&rdquo;. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EhUCMMZXEpI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/revise-the-law-6493221/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Revise the law&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published on July 7<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/inclusive-urban-spaces-for-india'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Lithium Production in Stars',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists from the <strong>Indian Institute of Astrophysics</strong> (IIA) have provided evidence for the first time that <strong>Lithium (Li) production is common</strong> among <strong>low mass Sun-like stars during their Helium (He) core burning phase.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IIA is an <strong>autonomous institute</strong> of the <strong>Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings of the Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists performed a large-scale systematic investigation of the<strong> &lsquo;He-flash&rsquo; (on-set of He-ignition at the star's core via violent eruption),</strong> at the <strong>end of the star&rsquo;s core hydrogen-burning phase.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hydrogen burning is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into a helium nucleus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This <strong>He-flash</strong> has been identified as the <strong>source of Li production</strong> suggesting that<strong> all low-mass stars undergo Li production.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Our <strong>Sun</strong> will reach this phase in about <strong>6-7 billion years</strong> and will manufacture Li.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study <strong>challenges the long-held idea that stars only destroy lithium</strong> and indicates that there is some physical process missing in <strong>stellar theory.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, it was believed that a vast majority of stars with a mass similar to that of the Sun destroy Li gradually over the course of their lives, via <strong>low-temperature nuclear burning.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study also<strong> suggests new limits</strong> (A(Li) &gt; -0.9~dex) for <strong>classifying stars as Li-rich,</strong> which is 250 times below the threshold (A(Li) &gt; 1.5~dex) used till now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin of Lithium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The origin of much of the Li can be traced to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lithium-abundance-in-interstellar-space" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Big-Bang</strong></a> that happened about 13.7 billion years ago.</li>
<li>Over the course of time, <strong>Li content</strong> in the physical universe has<strong> increased</strong> by about a factor of four, which is <strong>meagre compared to the rest of the elements</strong> which grew about a million times.</li>
<li><strong>Stars are primary contributors</strong> to the significant enhancement of heavier elements through <strong>mass ejections and stellar explosions.</strong> Li, however, was thought to be an exception till now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Usage of Lithium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lithium is a <strong>light inflammable metal</strong> which is mainly used in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increasing-imports-of-li-ion-batteries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries</strong> </a>and has brought a transformation in modern communication devices and transportation.</li>
<li>It is used in the <strong>manufacturing of aircrafts.</strong></li>
<li>It is also used in <strong>mental health. Lithium carbonate</strong> is a common treatment of bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize wild mood swings caused by the illness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1636949" 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/lithium-production-in-stars'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Golden Birdwing: India's Largest Butterfly',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a Himalayan <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-butterfly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>butterfly</strong></a> known as <strong>Golden Birdwing</strong><em> (Troides aeacus)</em> has been discovered as India&rsquo;s largest butterfly after 88 years.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has replaced an <strong>unknown specimen</strong> which a british army officer Brigadier Evans had <strong>recorded in 1932.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202460_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202460_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Discovery:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The female was recorded from <strong>Didihat in Uttarakhand,</strong> the male was from the <strong>Wankhar Butterfly Museum in Shillong,</strong> Meghalaya.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Characteristics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With a <strong>wingspan of 194 mm,</strong> the female of the species is marginally larger than the Southern Birdwing (190 mm).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, the largest Indian butterfly that was recorded in 1932 was an individual of the <strong>Southern Birdwing<em> (Troides minos)</em>,</strong> which was then treated as a subspecies of the <strong>Common Birdwing <em>(Troides helena)</em>.</strong></li>
<li>However, the specimen that Evans measured<strong> was unknown</strong> and no other <strong>butterfly measured</strong> as much as the 190 mm that he recorded.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The male Golden Birdwing is much smaller at 106 mm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measurement:</strong> The only measurement used in the study of <strong>Lepidoptera is wingspan</strong> in which butterflies are measured from the wing base to the tip.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Butterfly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Butterflies are insects from the <strong>order Lepidoptera of phylum Arthropoda</strong> which also includes moths.</li>
<li>Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rich Biodiversity:</strong> Abundance of butterflies in any area represents the rich biodiversity.</li>
<li><strong>Indicator Species:</strong> The butterfly acts as an indicator species.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An indicator species provides information on the <strong>overall condition of the ecosystem</strong> and of other species in that ecosystem. They reflect the quality and changes in environmental conditions as well as aspects of community composition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollinator:</strong> It acts as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pollinator-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pollinator</strong></a> by helping in pollination and conserving several species of plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Southern Birdwing<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202440_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202440_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Troides minos</li>
<li><strong>Description:</strong> It is a large and striking butterfly <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/endemic-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">endemic</a> to south India.</strong></li>
<li>With a wingspan of 140&ndash;190 mm, it is considered as one of the largest butterflies of India.</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong> Least Concern in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list#:~:text=IUCN%20is%20a%20membership%20union,It%20is%20headquartered%20in%20Switzerland." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/himalayan-butterfly-is-indias-largest-after-88-years/article32012652.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/golden-birdwing-india-s-largest-butterfly'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'U.S.A’s Position on CAATSA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the USA has reiterated its position and asked all its allies and partners, including India, to stop transactions with Russia. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can risk triggering sanctions under the <strong>Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CAATSA is a United States federal law that imposed sanctions on <strong>Iran, North Korea, and Russia.</strong></li>
<li>It includes sanctions against countries that engage in <strong>significant transactions</strong> with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>USA&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The USA has reiterated its position on CAATSA in the context of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-defence-weapons-approved" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s planned jet fighter deal with Russia</strong></a> at an estimated Rs. 18,148 crore.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defence-acquisition-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Acquisition Council</strong> </a>had <strong>approved the procurement</strong> of 21 MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), an upgrade for 59 of these Russian aircraft and the acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft.</li>
<li>India could also face USA sanctions for purchasing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-going-ahead-with-purchase-of-S-400-air-defence-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>S-400 Triumf missile defense system</strong></a> from Russia under the CAATSA. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>USA suspended Turkey from its F-35 aircraft programme</strong> and barred it from purchasing the jet, following Turkey&rsquo;s purchase of the S-400 from Russia.</li>
<li>However, this was done without invoking CAATSA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Defence Partner:</strong> The USA recognised India as a <strong>Major Defence Partner</strong> in 2016.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The designation allows India to buy more advanced and sensitive technologies from America at par with that of the USA&rsquo;s closest allies and partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with Purchase from Adversary:</strong> The USA fears that acquisitions by countries like India on significant systems would either <strong>expose or put at risk platforms and its technologies to an adversary.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has declared that the S-400 purchase by Turkey from Russia has put a risk to its F-35 aircraft system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Waiver Criteria under CAATSA:</strong> The USA President was given the authority in 2018 to waive CAATSA sanctions on a <strong>case-by-case basis.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the USA has repeatedly stated that India should not assume it will get a waiver.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The S-400 is known as Russia&rsquo;s most advanced <strong>long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.</strong> China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 for the system.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The defence procurement for India has become significant amid deadly clashes with China on Line of Actual Control (LAC). Russia is an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/russia-an-all-weather-defence-partner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>all weather defence partner</strong></a> of India.</li>
<li>However, India needs to balance its relation with both Russia and USA, so that its national interest is not compromised.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-position-on-caatsa-unchanged-despite-chinas-actions-in-neighbourhood/article32010144.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/u-s-a-s-position-on-caatsa'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Hurdles for F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in USA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the USA has announced that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/visa-crackdown-on-indian-students-arrest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>F-1 and M-1 visa holders</strong></a> who are <strong>planning to take online only models will not be allowed to stay</strong> in the USA.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many universities in the USA are planning<strong> to shift all their classes online</strong> for the fall semester due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fall semester starts in late August and ends in late December or early January whereas the Spring semester begins in January and ends in early May.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>F-1 visas</strong> are issued to study in the USA for<strong> full-time students</strong> whereas <strong>M-1 visas</strong> are issued to students engaging in<strong> vocational or non-academic studies.</strong></li>
<li>The announcement comes weeks after the USA President <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-extends-ban-on-work-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>suspended H1-B</strong></a> highly skilled worker visas through the end of the year. Most of these visas go to Indian citizens each year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Announcements Made:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The students outside the USA <strong>planning to take all courses online</strong> in the fall semester would not be <strong>permitted entry</strong> into the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>USA would not issue visas</strong> to students who are going to take all their classes online due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also stated that the active students under F-1 and M-1 visas in such programs<strong> must depart the country or take other measures,</strong> such as <strong>transferring to a school with in-person instruction</strong> to remain in lawful status.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The USA regulations <strong>do not allow students in F-1 status to be in online classes</strong> but normally F-1 students are allowed to take one class or three credit hours online.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affected Population:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There were<strong> more than one million international students</strong> in the United States for the 2018-19 academic year. That accounted for <strong>5.5%</strong> of the total USA&rsquo;s higher education population. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, international students contributed <strong>$44.7 billion</strong> to the USA&rsquo;s economy in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is the<strong> second largest source of the foreign students in the USA</strong> after China.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The largest number of international students come from China, followed by India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If alternative measures are <strong>not opted</strong> then these students may face <strong>immigration consequences</strong> including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.</li>
<li>It is a difficult situation for students as international travel already faces disruption due to Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Available Alternatives :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Affected students may <strong>switch to visitor status</strong> but it is <strong>not a long term</strong> solution as visitor status is short term and there is <strong>no guarantee that it will be approved.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Considering the unprecedented pandemic scenario, the USA can amend the regulation for F-1 and M-1 students.</li>
<li>The one-size-fits-all approach will create more havoc and complexities not only in USA administration but also in diplomatic relations with countries like India and China.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-to-withdraw-visas-for-foreign-students-whose-classes-move-online/article32008911.ece#:~:text=%E2%80%9CNonimmigrant%20F%2D1%20and%20M,%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20ICE%20statement%20said.&amp;text=If%20not%2C%20they%20may%20face,removal%20proceedings%2C%E2%80%9D%20ICE%20said." 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/hurdles-for-f-1-and-m-1-visa-holders-in-usa'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'UN Report on Zoonotic Diseases',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a report published by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emission-gap-report-by-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</strong> </a>and the <strong>International<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/20th-livestock-census" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Livestock</a> Research Institute (ILRI)</strong>, about 60% of known infectious diseases in humans and 75% of all emerging infectious diseases are <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>zoonotic.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was released on <strong>6<sup>th</sup> July 2020,</strong> observed as <strong>&lsquo;World Zoonoses Day&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It focuses on the<strong> context and nature</strong> of potential future zoonotic disease outbreaks, during the <strong>Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a></strong> by identifying the <strong>anthropogenic</strong> (changes in environment due to human activity) factors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Zoonoses or Zoonotic Disease:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a disease that passes into <strong>the human population from an animal source</strong> directly or through an intermediary species.</li>
<li>Zoonotic infections can be<strong> bacterial, viral, or parasitic in nature,</strong> with animals playing a vital role in maintaining such infections.</li>
<li>Examples of zoonoses include <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HIV-AIDS</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ebola-global-health-emergency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ebola</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malaria</strong></a>, and the current <a href="/pdf/1585092248-coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 disease.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anthropogenic Factors:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Use of Wildlife:</strong> Exploitation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-wildlife-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>wildlife</strong></a> for hunting, harvesting of wild animals for meat and research or medical purposes can bring humans in closer contact with wild animals, thus increasing the risk of zoonotic disease emergence.</li>
<li><strong>Changes in Food Supply Chains:</strong> The popularity of food products with <strong>animal source</strong> and the need for immediate delivery to consumers is driving major changes in the food supply chain.</li>
<li><strong>Increased Demand for Animal Protein:</strong> This has encouraged the <strong>intensification and industrialisation of animal production,</strong> wherein a large number of genetically similar animals are bred in for higher productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Intense and Unsustainable Farming:</strong> Intensive farm settings cause <strong>animals to be raised in close proximity</strong> to each other characterised by poor waste management. This makes them more vulnerable to infections, which can further lead to emergence of zoonotic diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Use of Antimicrobials:</strong> High <strong>use of antimicrobials</strong> in farm settings is contributing to the burden of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Antimicrobial resistance</strong> is the <strong>resistance acquired</strong> by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.</li>
<li>As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One Health Approach: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/onehealth-approach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One Health</a></strong> is a<strong> multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach</strong> with the goal of achieving <strong>optimal health outcomes</strong> by recognizing the interconnection between<strong> people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aids a coordinated response to future pandemics and is a key to zoonoses risk reduction and control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expanding Scientific Enquiry:</strong> This is a crucial element of AMR containment efforts since waste from <strong>intensive farms using antimicrobials</strong> paves way for AMR determinants <strong>(e.g. antibiotic residues, resistant bacteria)</strong> in the environment.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Monitoring:</strong> It would help in regulating practices associated with zoonotic diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Land Management Practices:</strong> It would help in developing alternatives for food security and livelihoods that do not rely on the destruction of habitats and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-biodiversity-warning-bells" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biodiversity.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It would also enhance sustainable co-existence of agriculture and wildlife.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Identifying Key Drivers:</strong> It would encourage management and control measures for emerging zoonotic diseases in animal husbandry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> june 1972.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It sets the<strong> global environmental agenda,</strong> promotes the sustainable development within the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> system,</strong> and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.</li>
<li><strong>Major Reports:</strong> Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.</li>
<li><strong>Major Campaigns:</strong> Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Nairobi, Kenya</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>International Livestock Research Institute</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ILRI is an<strong> international agricultural research institute</strong> formed in 1994 through the merger of the International Livestock Centre for Africa and the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases situated in Nairobi, Kenya.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It focuses on<strong> building sustainable livestock</strong> pathways out of poverty in low-income countries.</li>
<li>It works with partners worldwide to help poor people keep their farm animals alive and productive and find profitable markets for their animal products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Nairobi, Kenya</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report is one of the first to focus on the environmental side of the zoonotic dimension of disease outbreaks during the Covid-19.</li>
<li>There is an <strong>immediate need to invest in in-depth understanding of environmental linkages with zoonotic diseases</strong> and monitoring of such diseases in human-dominated environments.</li>
<li>There is an urgency for adoption of sustainable <strong>methods of food production</strong> and to <strong>reduce dependence on intensive systems</strong> to preserve health and ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/75-emerging-infectious-diseases-zoonotic-un-report-72173" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-zoonotic-diseases'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Marmots',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, reports of an outbreak of <strong>bubonic plague</strong> in Mongolia, China and far east Russia have emerged, caused mainly by <strong>Tarbagan Marmot</strong> (a <strong>species of Marmot</strong>).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been compared to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a> which was apparently spread by the consumption of <strong>bat</strong> meat.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594195919_Image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594195919_Image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>General Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Marmot <em><strong>(genus Marmota)</strong> </em>belongs to the<strong> squirrel family</strong> <em><strong>(Sciuridae)</strong></em> within the <strong>order Rodentia.</strong></li>
<li>These have<strong> almost 15 species</strong> and the closest living relatives of marmots are<strong> ground squirrels and prairie dogs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Prairie dogs are<strong> herbivorous burrowing rodents native</strong> to the grasslands of<strong> North America.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marmots are well suited for life in <strong>cold environments</strong> and have<strong> small fur-covered ears, short, stocky legs, and strong claws</strong> for digging.</li>
<li>Marmots are <strong>diurnal</strong> (active during the day) and are almost<strong> entirely vegetarian.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are found primarily in the continents of <strong>Europe, Asia and North America.</strong></li>
<li><strong>South Asia or the Indian Subcontinent</strong> is home to the <strong>Himalayan Marmot and the Long-tailed Marmot</strong> (both are <strong>Least Concerned</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Tarbagan or Mongolian Marmot (Endangered)</strong> is found in Mongolia, China and parts of Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>While digging burrows, marmots increase aeration in the soil which</strong> increases <strong>nutrient circulation</strong> and helps <strong>different plants to propagate.</strong></li>
<li>Marmots also play a very important role in <strong>Himalayan ecology.</strong> They are<strong> prey species for predators</strong> including the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-snow-leopard-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>snow leopard</strong></a>, red fox, hawks, eagles, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Marmots are <strong>hunted for their meat in China and Mongolia.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>High altitude regions lack proteins. Pastoral nomads usually eat these when they do not have any other means of sustenance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marmots are <strong>also hunted for their fur.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Plague</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Plague is caused by the <strong>bacteria<em> Yersinia pestis</em></strong> usually found in<strong> small mammals and their fleas.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is transmitted between animals and humans by the <strong>bite of infected fleas, direct contact</strong> with infected tissues and <strong>inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is one of the examples of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bacterial zoonoses.</strong></a></li>
<li>There are<strong> two main clinical forms</strong> of plague infection:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bubonic plague</strong> is the most common form and is characterized by painful<strong> swollen lymph nodes</strong> or<strong> 'buboes'.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Highly infectious bubonic plague killed about 50 million people across <strong>Africa, Asia and Europe in the 14<sup>th</sup> century.</strong></li>
<li>Over 3,200 people were infected worldwide between 2000-15, resulting in 584 deaths.</li>
<li>The bacterial disease was named the <strong>Black Death</strong> after the dark swellings or buboes that victims suffered.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pneumonic plague</strong> is a form of severe lung infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Antibiotic treatment is effective</strong> against plague bacteria, so<strong> early diagnosis and early treatment can save</strong> lives. However,<strong> if left untreated, the fever can kill</strong> a victim in a very short time.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/young/after-bats-do-not-make-marmots-into-villains-expert-72167" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/marmots'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Virtual Climate Action Ministerial',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the 4<sup>th</sup> edition of the virtual Ministerial on Climate Action was organised to advance discussions on implementation of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a> under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Ministerial:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>co-chaired by</strong> European Union, China and Canada.</li>
<li>The participating countries <strong>exchanged their views on how they are aligning economic recovery plans amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>, with the Paris Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>India highlighted that <strong>developed country parties have not fulfilled their promise for extending financial and technological support to developing countries</strong> as envisaged under UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India hopes that in the remaining 5 months of 2020, the promised amount will be mobilized and delivered, for further strengthening climate actions in developing countries.</li>
<li>The developed countries had promised to provide USD 1 trillion by 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India’s Efforts in Combating Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>provided 80 million LPG connections</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</strong></a> in rural areas, providing the people with clean cooking fuel and a healthy environment.</li>
<li>It has <strong>distributed more than 360 million LED bulbs</strong> under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UJALA scheme</strong></a>, which has led to energy saving of about 47 billion units of electricity per year and reduction of 38 million tonnes of CO2 per year.</li>
<li>India has also <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shifted from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms</strong> </a>from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2020 which was earlier to be adopted by 2024.</li>
<li>It <strong>had levied a coal cess</strong> as part of one of the most explicit green initiatives.</li>
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-cities-command-centres" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Smart Cities Mission</strong></a>, <strong>Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2019 has been launched</strong> which intends to provide a clear roadmap for cities and urban India towards combating climate change through adoption of both mitigation and adaptation measures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achievements of India in Combating Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>achieved a reduction of 21% in emission intensity of its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a> between 2005 and 2014,</strong> thereby on its way to achieving its voluntary target under its <strong>Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India had pledged to cut emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 below 2005 levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its <strong>renewable energy installed capacity has increased</strong> by 226% in the last 5 years and stands more than 87 gigawatts (GW).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has a target of installing 175 GW of renewable power capacity by 2022 under its INDC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>share of non-fossil sources</strong> in installed capacity of electricity generation <strong>increased</strong> from 30.5% in March 2015 to 37.7% in May 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has further announced the aspirational target of increasing its renewable energy capacity to 450 GW.</li>
<li>India has pledged to increase the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030 under INDC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India’s total forest and tree cover is 8,07,276 sq. km. which is 24.56% of the total geographical area of the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has agreed to enhance its forest cover which will absorb 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Agreement- COP 21</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Conference of Parties (COP) 21, also known as the<strong> Paris Climate Conference</strong> is a landmark environmental accord that was adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts.</li>
<li>It aims to <strong>reduce global greenhouse gas emissions</strong> in an effort<strong> to limit the global temperature increase in this century to well below 2°C</strong> above pre industrial levels, while pursuing means to limit the increase to 1.5°C.</li>
<li>Countries have <strong>promised to try to bring global emissions down from peak levels as soon as possible.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the USA has withdrawn from the agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The deal includes<strong> loss and damage,</strong> a mechanism for addressing the financial losses vulnerable countries face from climate impacts such as extreme weather.</li>
<li><strong>Raising money to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy</strong> was an important point in the agreement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This part of the deal has been made<strong> non-legally binding on developed countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Before the conference started, more than 180 countries had submitted pledges to cut their carbon emissions <strong>(Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, or INDCs).</strong> The <strong>INDCs were recognized under the agreement,</strong> but are not legally binding.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has to make a huge effort to achieve its target of 175 GW of renewable power capacity by 2022. It is way behind its target.</li>
<li>The funding commitment made by developed countries has become more important due to the economic challenge posed by Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1637044" 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/virtual-climate-action-ministerial'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Indian Railways to Use More Renewable Energy',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Indian Railways has decided to be <strong>self-reliant for its energy needs</strong> by utilizing its vacant lands for <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Renewable Energy</strong></a> (RE) projects.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will <strong>utilize <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solar energy</a></strong> for meeting its<strong> traction (action of drawing or pulling something over a surface) power</strong> requirements.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In January 2020, it was announced that the <strong>entire network</strong> of the Indian Railways will run on <strong>electricity by 2024</strong> and become a <strong>net-zero emission network by 2030.</strong></li>
<li>Indian Railways is adopting an <strong>innovative concept of installation of solar projects along operational railway lines.</strong> This will help in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Preventing encroachment.</li>
<li>Enhancing the speed and safety of trains.</li>
<li>Reduction of infrastructure costs due to direct injection of solar power into the traction network.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Railway Energy Management Company Limited</strong> (REMCL) is working continuously to further proliferate the use of solar energy on mega-scale.</li>
<li>With these mega initiatives, Indian Railways is leading <strong>India&rsquo;s fight against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-in-climate-change-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climate challenge</a></strong> and is taking significant steps towards meeting its ambitious goal of being a net-zero <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-india-s-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>carbon emissions</strong></a> organisation and meeting India&rsquo;s <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/11-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) targets.</strong></a></li>
<li>This would also help in making Indian Railways a <strong>complete &lsquo;Green mode&rsquo; of transportation</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar</strong></a> <strong>(energy self-sufficient transport organisation)&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Achievements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Energy procurement from various solar projects like<strong> 3 MWp solar plant</strong> set up at Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh).</li>
<li>About 100 MWp <strong>rooftop solar systems</strong> on various stations and buildings of Railways.</li>
<li>A <strong>project of 1.7 MWp</strong> near Bina Traction Sub Station, Bina (Madhya Pradesh) connected directly to <strong>Overhead Traction System</strong> (OTS) will be commissioned shortly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the <strong>first of its kind project in the world</strong> authorised by Indian Railways in collaboration with <strong>Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited</strong> (BHEL).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BHEL is one of the seven <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sectors-of-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maharatna</strong></a> companies.</li>
<li>The project was undertaken by BHEL under its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/companies-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility</strong></a> (CSR) scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It involves the adoption of innovative technology for<strong> converting Direct Current (DC) to single-phase Alternating Current (AC)</strong> for feeding directly to Railway&rsquo;s overhead traction system.</li>
<li>It can produce approximately 25 lakh units of energy annually and will save around Rs. 1.37 crore for Railways every year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Overhead Traction System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Traction system</strong> causes the propulsion of a vehicle in which tractive or driving force is obtained from various devices such as diesel engine drives, steam engine drives, electric motors, etc.</li>
<li>When this<strong> power supply is drawn from an overhead line system,</strong> it is called an Overhead Traction System.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Railway Energy Management Company Limited</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was incorporated on <strong>16<sup>th</sup> August 2013</strong> under the <strong>Companies Act 1956</strong> as a<strong> joint venture company</strong> of Ministry of Railways.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To tap the business potential in the energy sector including green energy, power trading etc. by setting up renewable energy wind power projects, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=209926#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Railways%20has,Net%20Zero'%20Carbon%20Emission%20Railway." 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/indian-railways-to-use-more-renewable-energy'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Privatizing Indian Railways',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/indian-railways-privatisation-trains-6489000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;A different track&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 04/07/2020. It talks about the pros and cons related to privatisation of Indian railways.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Indian Railways initiated the process to allow private firms to operate passenger trains on its network through 151 new trains. While these trains will form a minuscule portion of the entire railway network, this marks the beginning of private sector participation in passenger train operations.</p>
<p>The privatization of Indian railways has been recommended for many decades, by the erstwhile Planning Commission of India and now by Niti Aayog.</p>
<p>Liberalising the entry of new operators in the public transport that remains a government monopoly, may be the path for improving services, and facilitating growth of the sector. However, the idea of privatisation has its own merits and demerits.</p>
<h3>Pros of Privatization of Indian Railways</h3>
<p><strong>Improved Infrastructure</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/strategy-for-new-india-at-75#:~:text=NITI%20Aayog%20has%20released%20'Strategy,23%20across%20forty%2Done%20areas." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Niti Aayog&rsquo;s strategy for New India @75</strong></a> envisages many targets in railway infrastructure such as increasing the speed of infrastructure creation from the present 7 km/day to 19 km/day, 100% electrification of broad gauge track by 2022-23.</li>
<li>Given this, a strong argument in favour of privatization is that it will lead to better infrastructure which in turn would lead to improved safety, reduction in travel time, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Improved Quality of Services</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian Railway services are marred by issues like lack of punctuality, mismanagement in the form of stinking washrooms, lack of water supply and dirty platforms.</li>
<li>Privatisation may solve these issues, as the move would foster competition and hence lead to overall betterment in the quality of services.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Technology Infusion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The privatization will also help in accommodating the latest technology in railways coaches, safety and travelling experience. Thereby, it may help Indian Railways to become a world-class network.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cons Related to Privatization of Indian Railways</h3>
<p><strong>Coverage Limited to Lucrative Sectors</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An advantage of Indian Railways being government- owned is that it provides nation-wide connectivity to bring regional development.</li>
<li>This would not be possible with privatisation since routes which are less popular may be neglected, thus having a negative impact on connectivity.</li>
<li>It may also render some parts of the country virtually inaccessible and omit them from the process of development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, regions with rugged terrain and low population density like Himalayan states and North eastern states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increased Fares</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Given that a private enterprise runs on profit, thus it may be assumed that the easiest way of accruing profits in Indian Railways would be to hike fares.</li>
<li>This would render the service out of reach for lower income groups.</li>
<li>Also, this would defeat the purpose of the Indian railways which is meant to serve the entire population of the country irrespective of the level of income.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issue of Cross-Subsidisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian Railways tend to cross-subsidise passenger fares through freight revenue.</li>
<li>This translates to below cost pricing, which will make it difficult for private players to compete.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, the Ministry of Railways is effectively the policy maker, regulator and service provider.</li>
<li>This, as the Bibek Debroy committee pointed out, is a clear conflict of interest and would undermine the fair competition between private and government railway operations and impede the efficient privatisation process of Indian Railways.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Social Welfare Concerns</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As the Indian Railways plays a vital role in transportation of goods in the country, it provides a low cost of transportation of many final and intermediate goods.</li>
<li>Thus, the privatization of the system motivated by profit making, will have an inflationary effect and thereby affect the common people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sustainable Pricing:</strong> There is a need to revisit Indian Railways pricing model to make the passenger and freight segments sustainable. The tariffs should be competitive with the cost of road transportation.</li>
<li><strong>Independent Regulator:</strong> Setting up an independent regulator will be critical for creating a level playing field for private players.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this pursuit, there is a need to expedite the process of establishing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/railway-development-authority" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rail Development Authority</strong></a>, as it is already approved by the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Modernization of Railways:</strong> There is a need to implement the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatisation-of-indian-railways" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recommendations of the Bibek Debroy committee</strong></a>, such as expansion of Indian Railways manufacturing company, Corporatization of core functions of railways, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The need of the hour is to find a balanced solution that would incorporate the pros of both private and government enterprises and enhance the image of Indian Railways as it continues to serve the world&rsquo;s largest democracy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594117785_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594117785_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" 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: #f0f3ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;India should have a rail network that is not only efficient, reliable and safe, but is also cost-effective and accessible&rdquo;. Critically analyse the statement in the context of privatisation of railways.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KQmDJW1q8Rs" 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/lessons-for-india-the-hindu-editorial-on-italian-marines-case/article31984135.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Lessons for India: On Italian marines case&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on July 4<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/privatizing-indian-railways'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Completion of Annual MGNREGA Work Limit',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the central scheme database of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA)</a></strong>, at<strong> least 1.4 lakh poor rural households</strong> have completed their quota of 100 days of work for the first three months of the year.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Therefore, they will not be eligible for further benefits under the rural employment guarantee scheme for the rest of the year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Related Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overall, <strong>23 lakh households</strong> have already completed 60 days of work.</li>
<li>Another<strong> seven lakh households</strong> have completed 80 days and are on the verge of running out of work.</li>
<li>With almost 60,000 households which have completed 100 days of work, <strong>Chhattisgarh</strong> has the <strong>highest rate</strong> among States, followed by <strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong> with almost 24,500 households in this category.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, Andhra Pradesh maintains its own database showing that 8.6% of all beneficiary households in the State have already completed 100 days of work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 pandemic:</strong> Due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>nationwide lockdown</strong></a> has resulted in thousands of unemployed migrant workers returning to their villages and now dependent on MGNREGA wages.</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Demand for Work:</strong> The demand for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mgnrega-trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong> </a>work almost <strong>doubled</strong> in June as there is no other work available for many people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Construction sector, which usually absorbs a large number of workers, has also collapsed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monsoon Season:</strong> In many areas, <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>monsoon</strong></a> is the hungry season and many people are desperate for work and dependent on MGNREGA wages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also expected that in December the situation would be worse especially for <a href="/tags/issues-related-to-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>women</strong></a>, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/elderly-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>elderly</strong></a> and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/issues-related-to-persons-with-disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disabled</strong> </a>and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-for-tribal-communities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> tribals</strong></a> when agriculture work is over and there will be no work from MGNREGA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Expansion of the Scheme:</strong> The MGNREGA scheme contains a provision for an <strong>expansion of the scheme</strong> to allow for <strong>150 days of work</strong> per household for districts affected by drought or other natural disaster.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given that Covid-19 was declared a national disaster, this provision may be implemented immediately across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Change in limit:</strong> The limit should be <strong>imposed per adult individual</strong> rather than per household.</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Wage:</strong> There is a demand for an increase to 200 days per individual at a daily wage rate of ₹600. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current wage rate of Rs. 200 per day does not even match up to minimum wage rates in most States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Farming:</strong> Getting employment from the Agriculture and farms is an option which can be provided to the migrants.Eg. Migrants workers being deployed in the Litchi farms of Bihar.</li>
<li><strong>Government Initiatives:</strong> It was announced in March that the workers under the MGNREGA would get a hike of <strong>Rs. 2000</strong> each on an average.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan</strong> was started to provide employment to migrant labourers who returned home during the lockdown. The scheme covers six states &mdash; Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha.</li>
<li>It has as a provision to grant 125 days of employment to migrants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>MGNREGA</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,</strong> earlier known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed in 2005 to augment employment generation and social security in India.</li>
<li>It functions under the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> The primary objective of the scheme is to guarantee <strong>100 days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household</strong> willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.</li>
<li>It covers all districts of India except the <strong>ones with 100% urban population.</strong></li>
<li>It is one of the<strong> largest work guarantee programmes</strong> in the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>MGNREGA has come to the nation&rsquo;s aid in combating growing poverty. Even programmes like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swacchh Bharat</strong> </a>and <a href="/printpdf/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-grameen-behind-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana</strong></a> are being merged to leverage its utility, reach and value.</li>
<li>Therefore, it needs an urgent extension for those who have already completed the work limits.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/skilling-under-mgnrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Initiatives must be taken to impart skills</strong></a> in the workers so that they can take alternative livelihoods during such situations.</li>
<li>Gram panchayats need to be provided with adequate resources, powers, and responsibilities to sanction works, provide work on demand, and authorise wage payments to tackle the crisis of the migrant workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-demand-surge-14-lakh-families-have-reached-annual-mgnrega-work-limit/article32006305.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/completion-of-annual-mgnrega-work-limit'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'New National Logistics Law ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is considering replacing the <strong>Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993 (MMTG)</strong> with a <strong>National Logistics Efficiency and Advancement Predictability and Safety Act (NLEAPS).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>MMTG provides for the<strong> regulation</strong> of multimodal transportation of goods from any place in India to any place outside India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Multimodal transportation refers to a combination of more than one mode of movement, such as rail, road or sea, for end-to-end delivery of goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was introduced <strong>to facilitate the exporters</strong> and give them a sense of security in transporting their goods.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NLEAPS aims to<strong> streamline the logistics ecosystem</strong> in the country, with a view to promote growth of the sector.</li>
<li><strong>Modernise and formalise</strong> the logistics services and<strong> promote digitisation</strong> in the sector, which is key for the smooth movement of goods.</li>
<li>To <strong>reduce the logistics cost</strong> from the present 14% of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</strong></a> to less than 10% of GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason Behind New Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new law tends to <strong>define various participants</strong> of the logistics sector and <strong>create a light regulatory ecosystem.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is no clear definition of the logistics sector in the MMTG.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The logistics sector with a market size of USD 160 billion is complex, with more than 20 government agencies, 40 partnering agencies, 37 export promotion councils, 500 certifications and 10,000 commodities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Effective implementation of the Act would help provide an impetus to trade, enhance export competitiveness, and improve India&rsquo;s ranking in the <strong>Logistics Performance Index and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-banks-ease-of-doing-business-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Doing Business.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Logistics Performance Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Logistics Performance Index (LPI), <strong>developed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank Group</a></strong>, is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.</li>
<li>The logistics performance (LPI) is the weighted average of the country's scores on the <strong>six key dimensions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Efficiency of the<strong> clearance</strong> process (i.e., speed, simplicity and predictability of formalities) by border control agencies, including customs.</li>
<li><strong>Quality of trade</strong> and transport related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information technology).</li>
<li>Ease of <strong>arranging competitively priced shipments.</strong></li>
<li>Competence and quality of <strong>logistics services</strong> (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers).</li>
<li>Ability to<strong> track and trace consignments.</strong></li>
<li>Timeliness of shipments in reaching destinations within the scheduled or expected <strong>delivery time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India ranked 44<sup>th</sup></strong> on the<strong> LPI in 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/considering-to-replace-multi-modal-transportation-of-goods-act-with-national-logistics-law-commerce-ministry/article31991787.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-national-logistics-law'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Global Response to China's Security Law on Hong Kong',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, several countries have proposed measures to protect Hong Kong residents fleeing potential political persecution from China's new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-security-law-in-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Security Law.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>China&rsquo;s new security law criminalizes what it deems secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with a foreign country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594115421_Image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594115421_Image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>United Kingdom&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has described the security law as a clear and serious violation of the <strong>1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration</strong> under which it handed back its colony to China in 1997.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Joint Declaration, China had promised to maintain Hong Kong&rsquo;s capitalist and more open political system for 50 years under <strong>"one country, two systems".</strong></li>
<li>Since the handover, Hong Kong residents have accused China of <strong>overstepping its authority.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Umbrella Movement</strong> was a series of protests in 2014 that called for more transparent elections for the city&rsquo;s chief executive.</li>
<li>In 2019 protests erupted in Hong Kong over a proposed bill to allow <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-treaty-between-india-and-belgium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extradition</strong></a> to mainland China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has <strong>decided to offer British citizenship</strong> to around three million <strong>residents of Hong Kong.</strong></li>
<li>It is also <strong>rethinking its provisional decision to allow Huawei (China&rsquo;s Company)</strong> to be involved in the development of Britain's 5G infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taiwan&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has opened the <strong>Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchange Office</strong> in order to help facilitate asylum for people fleeing Hong Kong.</li>
<li>Taiwan <strong>was the first state which pledged to support Hong Kong</strong> residents seeking asylum, in May 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China also<strong> claims Taiwan to be part of China</strong> and threatens to use force to take over the island.</li>
<li>China has proposed to Taiwan that it follow the <strong>&ldquo;one country, two systems&rdquo;</strong> model to unite with China. But the Taiwanese reject any idea of uniting with mainland China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Country&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The USA</strong> has passed a<strong> Bipartisan Bill</strong> to sanction Chinese officials who violate Hong Kong's freedoms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also planning to bring the <strong>Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act,</strong> which would open up a route for asylum for Hong Kong&rsquo;s frontline activists in immediate danger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Australia</strong> is considering offering Hong Kong residents <strong>temporary protection visas</strong> that will allow refugees to live in the country for up to three years.</li>
<li><strong>Japan</strong> said that it is <strong>seriously concerned</strong> about China&rsquo;s decision toward Hong Kong.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has been keeping a close watch on recent developments in Hong Kong.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Reaction to Global Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has said that the <strong>security law issue is purely China's internal affairs,</strong> and no foreign country has the right to interfere.</li>
<li>It has condemned the UK&rsquo;s citizenship offer to Hong Kongers and <strong>warned the UK for serious consequences.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It considers all residents living in Hong Kong, including those with British National Overseas passports, as Chinese nationals.</li>
<li>It has said that the UK's U-turn on its <strong>Huawei decision would damage the UK's image as an open, business-friendly environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has <strong>accused Taiwan administration</strong> of nurturing a separatist plot in Hong Kong and warned for a <strong>military response.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-rebukes-britain-over-gross-interference-in-hong-kong/article32006205.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/global-response-to-china-s-security-law-on-hong-kong'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Expat Quota Bill Approved in Kuwait',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the legal and legislative committee of <strong>Kuwait&rsquo;s National Assembly</strong> has <strong>approved </strong>the<strong> draft expat (expatriate) quota bill.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the bill, <strong>Indians should not exceed 15% of the population</strong> and if it is enacted into law, over 8 lakh Indians could be forced out of Kuwait.</li>
<li>Kuwait is a country located in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/persian-gulf-region" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Persian Gulf region.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The draft expat quota bill has been <strong>deemed constitutional</strong> and will be transferred to the respective committee so that a comprehensive plan is created.</li>
<li>Lawmakers and government officials including the Prime Minister of Kuwait have been calling to <strong>reduce the number of expats from 70% to 30%</strong> of the population.</li>
<li>The draft law will <strong>impose a cap on the number of expats and gradually reduce</strong> them by almost 5% on a yearly basis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, if expats constitute 70% of the population this year, next year it will 65% and 60% in the following year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons Behind the Move:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Anti-expat aspirations have been rising in Kuwait since the beginning of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong> </a><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Foreigners have accounted for the majority of Kuwait&rsquo;s virus cases</strong> as the disease spread among migrant workers living in overcrowded housing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kuwait has been working to<strong> reduce its dependence on foreign workers.</strong> It no longer wants to remain an expat-majority nation with its own citizens turning into a minority.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This move is similar to the <strong>USA&rsquo;s decision</strong> to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-extends-ban-on-work-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extend the 60-day ban on immigrant and non-immigrant worker visas</strong> </a>till the <strong>end of 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kuwait faces problems in its <strong>population structure</strong> due to huge numbers of expats.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Almost <strong>one-third of the expats are either illiterate or can merely read and write.</strong> They do not contribute to the country&rsquo;s growth and hence, are not needed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/oil-prices-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>oil-price crash</strong></a> has also affected the country's economic conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In Kuwait, expats account for 3 million out of the total population of 4.3 million.</li>
<li><strong>Indians constitute the largest expat community</strong> in Kuwait, totalling 1.45 million.</li>
<li>About 28,000 Indians work in <strong>various government jobs</strong> like nurses, engineers in national oil companies and as scientists.</li>
<li>Majority of Indians (around 5 lakh) work in the <strong>private sector.</strong></li>
<li>There are about 1.16 lakh dependents out of which about 60,000 are students studying in various Indian schools in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Perspective</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian community in Kuwait has always played an <strong>important factor in bilateral ties.</strong></li>
<li>Indians are present in <strong>all segments of society</strong> in Kuwait and are largely <strong>considered disciplined, hardworking and law-abiding.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Kuwait is a top source of remittances for India.</strong> In 2018, India received nearly USD 4.8 billion from Kuwait as remittances.</li>
<li>The Indian embassy has been closely following developments related to the proposed legislation. However, <strong>India has so far not made any statement</strong> on the issue.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Persian Gulf Region</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The lands around the Persian Gulf are shared by <strong>eight countries</strong> namely, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).</li>
<li>These all eight countries are members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait are members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-11th-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong> </a>(GCC).</li>
<li>Out of the Persian Gulf countries, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia are members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries</strong></a> (OPEC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Being <strong>major producers of crude oil and natural gas,</strong> there is a commonality of interest among these countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This commonality of interest has given rise to their own prosperity and subsequently, economic-political entanglements among them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594111753_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594111753_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-8-lakh-indians-may-be-forced-to-leave-as-kuwait-approves-expat-quota-bill-6492287/" 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/expat-quota-bill-approved-in-kuwait'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Performance Assessment of Highways by NHAI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-highways-authority-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)</strong></a> has decided to undertake <strong>performance assessment and ranking of the highways</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The assessment activity majorly intended to <strong>improve the quality of roads</strong> in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Parameters for Assessment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The criteria for the assessment have been broadly categorised in three main heads namely, <strong>Highway Efficiency (45%), Highway Safety (35%) and User Services (20%).</strong></li>
<li>Additionally, important parameters like operating speed, time taken at toll plaza, road signages, road markings, accident rate,illumination, availability of Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), functionality of structures, cleanliness, plantation, wayside amenities and customer satisfaction will also be considered while conducting the assessment.</li>
<li>Apart from overall ranking of all the corridors, <strong>separate ranking for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revisit-ppps-to-revive-investments#:~:text=Engineering%2C%20Procurement%2C%20and%20Construction%20(,completely%20borne%20by%20the%20government.&amp;text=As%20per%20the%20design%2C%20the,through%20annual%20payments%20(annuity)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)</a> projects </strong>will also be done..<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>BOT</strong> is a <strong>conventional PPP model</strong> in which a private partner is responsible to design, build, operate (during the contracted period) and transfer back the facility to the public sector.</li>
<li>In the case of<strong> HAM,</strong> the central government bears 40% of the project cost and the remaining amount is arranged by the developer.</li>
<li>Under the <strong>EPC model,</strong> the cost is completely borne by the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ranking of the corridors will be<strong> dynamic</strong> and the operators will get the <strong>opportunity to improve upon their ranking</strong> by improving the services on that corridor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The score obtained by each Corridor in each of the parameters will provide <strong>feedback and corrective recourse</strong> for <strong>higher standards of operation, better safety and user experience</strong> to improve existing highways.</li>
<li>It will also help in<strong> identifying and filling gaps of design, standards, practices, guidelines and contract agreements</strong> for other NHAI projects.</li>
<li>The ranking for BOT, HAM and EPC projects is expected to bring out <strong>operational efficiency and ensure high quality maintenance</strong> of roads.</li>
<li>On the basis of outcome of the assessment, the authority will undertake a <strong>comprehensive analysis</strong> and decide on the <strong>level of intervention required</strong> to enhance the overall service quality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Highway Authority of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was set up under <strong>NHAI Act, 1988.</strong></li>
<li>It is under the administrative control of the<strong> Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</strong></li>
<li>It has been entrusted with the <strong>National Highways Development Project,</strong> along with other minor projects for development, maintenance and management.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is a project to upgrade, rehabilitate and widen major highways in India to a higher standard.</li>
<li>The project was started in 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NHAI maintains the National Highways network to global standards and cost effective manner and promotes economic well being and quality of life of the people.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1636770#:~:text=In%20its%20effort%20to%20improve,the%20highways%20in%20the%20country." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'World Bank's Support to India for MSMEs',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Bank (WB)</strong></a> and the <strong>Government of India</strong> has signed the <strong>USD 750 million agreement</strong> for an <strong>Emergency Response Programme</strong> for <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Emergency Response Programmes are dedicated towards <strong>enhancing the resilience of communities and livelihoods</strong> in order to address fragility, poverty and vulnerability to conflict and disaster.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Financial Support:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The USD 750 million loan which is being granted from the<strong> International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD</strong> - a part of the WB group), has a maturity of 19 years including a 5-year grace period.</li>
<li>The WB groups and its private sector arm &ndash;<strong> the International Finance Corporation (IFC),</strong> will support the government&rsquo;s initiatives to protect the <strong>MSME sector</strong> which is severely impacted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong> </a>has severely impacted the MSME sector leading to loss of livelihoods and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/employed-poverty-is-india-s-employment-issue-not-unemployment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>employment</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier, the World Bank has committed to support India&rsquo;s emergency Covid-19 response, including the new MSME project with <strong>USD 2.75 billion.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The first <strong>USD 1 billion emergency support was announced in April</strong> 2020 for immediate support to <strong>India&rsquo;s health sector.</strong></li>
<li>Another <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-bank-s-support-to-india#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20World%20Bank%20has,reached%20to%20USD%202%20billion." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 1 billion project was approved in May</strong></a> to increase cash transfers and food benefits to the poor and vulnerable, including a more consolidated delivery platform &ndash; accessible to both rural and urban populations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unlocking Liquidity:</strong> Considering the current uncertainties, lenders remain concerned about borrowers&rsquo; ability to repay &ndash; resulting in limited flow of credit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, the program will support the government's efforts to channel liquidity to the MSME sector by de-risking lending from banks and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liquidity-boost-to-nbfcs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)</strong></a> to MSMEs through a range of instruments, including credit guarantees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening NBFCs and SFBs:</strong> The programme will address the urgent and varied needs of the MSMEs by <strong>improving the funding capacity</strong> of key market-oriented channels of credit, such as the <strong>NBFCs and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guidelines-for-licencing-of-small-finance-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Small Finance Bank (SFBs)</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will support the government's<strong> refinance facility for NBFCs.</strong></li>
<li>In parallel, the IFC would provide direct support to SFBs through loans and equity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enabling Financial Innovations:</strong> Currently only about 8% of MSMEs are served by formal credit channels. The program will<strong> incentivize and mainstream</strong> the use of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steering-committee-on-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fintech</strong></a> and <strong>digital financial services</strong> in MSME lending and payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Bank Group</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With 189 member countries, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership which consists of five development institutions.</li>
<li><strong>International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)</strong> provides loans, credits, and grants.</li>
<li><strong>International Development Association (IDA)</strong> provides low- or no-interest loans to low-income countries.</li>
<li><strong>The International Finance Corporation (IFC)</strong> provides investment, advice, and asset management to companies and governments.</li>
<li><strong>The Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA)</strong> insures lenders and investors against political risk such as war.</li>
<li><strong>The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)</strong> settles investment-disputes between investors and countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is not a member of ICSID.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> MSME sector is central</strong> to India&rsquo;s growth and job creation and will be key to the pace of <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shapes-of-economic-recovery#:~:text=U%2Dshaped%20recovery%3A%20It%20is,people%20fall%20upon%20their%20savings." target="_blank" rel="noopener">economic recovery</a></strong>, post Covid-19.</li>
<li>The financial support by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-covid-19-on-remittance-wb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> is a part of reforms that are needed to propel the MSME sector over time. Indian government has announced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-msmes-in-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rs.3-lakh crore collateral-free assistance or sovereign credit guarantee</strong> </a>under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a></li>
<li>However, the immediate need is to ensure that the<strong> liquidity</strong> infused into the system by the government is <strong>accessed by MSMEs.</strong></li>
<li>Equally important is to strengthen the overall financing ecosystem for MSMEs.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1636790" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Non-State Actors in Nagaland',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Governor of Nagaland R.N. Ravi</strong> wrote a letter to the state's <strong>Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The letter highlighted that the<strong> legitimacy of the constitutionally-established State government is being challenged</strong> on a daily basis by <strong>armed gangs</strong> that question the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.</li>
<li>Mr. Ravi was appointed as the <strong>Centre&rsquo;s interlocutor for the Naga peace process</strong> in August 2014 for his hold on the affairs of the northeast.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Various Taxes Imposed by Non-State Actors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The letter pointed out the<strong> issue of &lsquo;taxes&rsquo; levied by armed gangs or parallel governments</strong> as well as the <strong>cost escalation of development and infrastructure</strong> projects in the state due to the system of handing over a part of the project cost to these armed gangs for the projects to be executed.</li>
<li>The extremist groups have been collecting <strong>&lsquo;taxes&rsquo;</strong> or<strong> &lsquo;donations&rsquo;</strong> from people in their areas of operation <strong>before and after the ceasefire agreement</strong> with the NSCN (IM) in mid-1997.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reactions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Working Committee of the <strong>Naga National Political Groups</strong> (NNPGs), a <strong>conglomerate of seven extremist groups,</strong> denied indulging in extortion.</li>
<li><strong>NSCN (IM) insisted that it does not extort people</strong> but levies <strong>&lsquo;genuine taxes&rsquo;</strong> which have been the source of sustenance bringing the Naga political movement this far.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It held that it is the inherent right of any sovereign people and nation to collect taxes from the people and commercial establishments and the right was legitimately acknowledged by the earlier interlocutors and Indian authorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Chief Minister objected to the Governor&rsquo;s reminder of<strong> Article 371A (1)(b)</strong> of the Constitution. He said that <strong>terming the organisations as &lsquo;armed gangs&rsquo; may not be congenial to the achievement of lasting peace,</strong> which is the desire of both the Central and the state governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 371A</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Acts of Parliament</strong> relating to the following matters <strong>would not apply to Nagaland unless decided by the State Legislative Assembly:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Religious or social practices of the Nagas.</li>
<li>Naga customary law and procedure.</li>
<li>Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law.</li>
<li>Ownership and transfer of land and its resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 371A (1)(b):</strong> The Governor of Nagaland shall have <strong>special responsibility for law and order in the state</strong> so long as internal disturbances caused by the hostile Nagas continue. In the discharge of this responsibility, the Governor, after consulting the Council of Ministers, exercises his individual judgement and his decision is final. This special responsibility of the Governor <strong>shall cease when the President so directs.</strong></li>
<li>The Governor has to <strong>ensure that the money provided</strong> by the Central Government for any specific purpose<strong> is included in the demand for a grant relating to that purpose</strong> and not in any other demand moved in the State Legislative Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Chronology</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>1917:</strong> NSCN (IM) mostly <strong>comprises the Nagas of Manipur</strong> but it has its <strong>roots</strong> in the conscription of around<strong> 2,000 Nagas by the British as labourers and porters</strong> for salvage work and road-building in <strong>France</strong> in 1917 during the times of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-war-I-centenary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World War I</strong> </a>(1914-18).</li>
<li><strong>1918:</strong> The Nagas who returned in May-June 1918 formed the <strong>Naga Club,</strong> along with some educated locals in October that year. The club <strong>aroused a sense of Naga nationalism.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1929:</strong> The club submitted a memorandum to the <strong>Simon Commission,</strong> stating that the Nagas should be left alone to &lsquo;determine for themselves as in ancient times&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>1946:</strong> The club metamorphosed into a political organisation called the <strong>Naga National Council (NNC),</strong> which campaigned for sovereignty and secession of the Naga Hills (then a district of Assam) from India.</li>
<li><strong>1947:</strong> Nagas declared<strong> independence on 14<sup>th</sup> August 1947.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1951:</strong> A <strong>referendum</strong> organised by the NNC in May 1951 showed that<strong> 99% people had supported an independent Nagaland.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1952</strong>: The NNC&rsquo;s movement intensified after it <strong>boycotted the 1952 general election.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1956:</strong> In March 1956, it formed a<strong> parallel government</strong> and hoisted the flag of the republic.</li>
<li><strong>1960:</strong> The intensity of the armed movement lessened with the signing of the <strong>16-Point Agreement</strong> between the Centre and a group of the people&rsquo;s representatives in 1960.</li>
<li><strong>1963:</strong> Nagaland achieved <strong>statehood in December 1963.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nagaland was formed out of the <strong>Naga Hills district of Assam</strong> and the <strong>then North East Frontier Agency</strong> (NEFA) province (now Arunachal Pradesh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>1975:</strong> The movement was going on intermittently and hopes of peace were raised when the Centre signed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/naga-conundrum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shillong Agreement</strong> </a>with a moderate faction of the NNC in 1975.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, a dissident group led by Muivah, Swu and Khaplang, who had been trained in China, rejected the pact outright.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>1980:</strong> After going underground and spending their time in Myanmar, they formed the <strong>National Socialist Council of Nagaland</strong> (NSCN) in January 1980.</li>
<li><strong>1988:</strong> NSCN <strong>split into the NSCN (IM) and the NSCN (K)</strong> in April 1988 due to differences over initiating a dialogue process with the Indian government.</li>
<li><strong>1997:</strong> NSCN (IM) received a proposal from New Delhi for peace talks and a<strong> ceasefire agreement was signed.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2001: NSCN (K)</strong> also followed the suit but it <strong>unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire in 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, at least three of its breakaway factions formed the NNPGs to join the peace process in 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Demand for Greater Nagalim</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NSCN (IM), <strong>dominated by the Tankhuls of Manipur,</strong> has held more than 100 rounds of peace talks with the Centre within and outside the country.</li>
<li>One of its most contentious demands was the <strong>creation of a unified Naga homeland,</strong> called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/chasing-peace-in-nagaland" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Greater Nagalim&rsquo;</strong> </a>by integrating the Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal with Nagaland.</li>
<li>The <strong>other north-eastern States are opposed to the idea</strong> of the pan-Naga homeland and are wary of the Framework Agreement the NSCN (IM) leaders <strong>signed at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s residence in August 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The contents of the agreement have not been revealed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nagas are culturally heterogeneous groups of different communities/tribes having a different set of problems from the mainstream population.</li>
<li>In order to achieve the long-lasting solution, their cultural, historical and territorial extent must be taken into consideration.</li>
<li>Therefore, any arrangement to be worked out should lead to social and political harmony, economic prosperity and protection of the life and property of all tribes and citizens of the states.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nscn-im-reduces-its-tax-rate-from-5-to-3-in-view-of-the-prevailing-covid-19-pandemic-crisis/article31994430.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Open Sky Agreement',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest to have an Open Sky Agreement with India.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594279695_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594279695_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of the Open Sky Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Open Sky Agreements are <strong>bilateral agreements</strong> that the two countries negotiate to provide <strong>rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services.</strong> It <strong>expands</strong> international passenger and cargo flights.</li>
<li>India has Air Service Agreements (ASA) with 109 countries including UAE covering aspects relating to the number of flights, seats, landing points and code-share. But does not allow unlimited number of flights between two countries.</li>
<li>Open skies between India and UAE will allow unlimited number of flights to the selected cities of each other's countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Open Sky Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>National Civil Aviation Policy (2016)</strong> allows the government to enter into an 'open sky' air services agreement on a reciprocal basis with<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</strong></a> nations as well as countries <strong>beyond a 5,000 kilometre radius from New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li>It implies that <strong>nations within 5,000 kilometer of distance</strong> need to enter into a bilateral agreement and mutually determine the number of flights that their airlines can operate between the two countries.</li>
<li>India has open sky agreements with Greece, Jamaica, Guyana, Finland, USA, Japan, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fifth and Sixth Freedom of Air:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UAE also mentioned that it <strong>does not intend to implement fifth and six freedoms of air,</strong> and where the interest of Indian airlines will be threatened by other air carriers.</li>
<li>The Freedom of air was formulated as a result of <strong>disagreements over the extent of aviation liberalisation</strong> in the Convention on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-civil-aviation-organisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Civil Aviation</strong></a> of 1944, known as the <strong>Chicago Convention.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The freedoms of the air are a <strong>set of commercial aviation rights</strong> granting a country's airlines the privilege to enter and land in another country's airspace.</li>
<li>The<strong> fifth freedom of air</strong> includes the right to fly between two foreign countries on a flight originating or ending in one's own country.</li>
<li>The <strong>sixth freedom of air</strong> includes the right to fly from a foreign country to another while stopping in one's own country for non-technical reasons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, about 1,068 flights a week are operated between India and the UAE under the bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA). India and UAE need to have an open sky policy which in turn will help India to become a commercial hub in the future.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uae-in-support-of-open-skies-agreement-with-india/article32024879.ece#:~:text=The%20UAE%20is%20keen%20to,Albanna%20said%20on%20Wednesday.&amp;text=%E2%80%9CYou%20need%20to%20have%20an%20open%20sky%20policy.&amp;text=Open%20sky%20policy%20and%20fifth,Chamber%20of%20Commerce%20and%20Industry." 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/open-sky-agreement'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'UN Special Rapporteurs’ Communication to India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong></a> <strong>Special Rapporteurs (SRs)</strong> have made public their third communication forwarded to India since the 5<sup>th</sup> August, 2019 decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revoke Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s special status (under Article 370)</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Four UN SRs on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions; on minority issues; and on freedom of religion or belief &mdash; forwarded a joint communication to India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Third Communication:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It highlighted continued deterioration of human rights conditions in J&amp;K following severe restrictions imposed after 5<sup>th</sup> August 2019.</li>
<li>The UN has urged the Indian government &ldquo;to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, if it has not done so already, into the allegations of arbitrary killings, torture and ill-treatment and to prosecute suspected perpetrators under Article 6 of the <strong>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),</strong> and Articles 7 and 12 of the <strong>Committee Against Torture (CAT).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>ICCPR (1976)</strong> compels countries that have ratified it to protect and preserve basic human rights such as the right to life and human dignity, equality before the law etc. <strong>India is a party to the Treaty and has issued a declaration.</strong></li>
<li><strong>CAT</strong> is the body of 10 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1987) by its State parties.<strong> India is not a state party but signatory to the Convention.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Second Communication:</strong> It was forwarded on 27<sup>th</sup> February, 2020 on alleged mass crackdown, targeting those expressing dissent against the decision taken&rdquo; by the Central government.</li>
<li><strong>First Communication:</strong> It was forwarded to India by the UN on 16<sup>th</sup> August, 2019 on &ldquo;restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Response:</strong> According to the UN SRs,<strong> no response has been received from India</strong> to any of the communication forwarded.</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Recent Judgement:</strong> It needs to be noted that the Supreme Court on 11<sup>th</sup> May 2020 had ordered the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-refuses-to-restore-4g-services-in-j-k" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>constitution of a Special Committee</strong></a> to determine the necessity of the continuation of limiting mobile internet to 2G speed in the Union territory of J&amp;K.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, it declined pleas for restoration of 4G internet services and held that peculiar circumstances in the Union Territory require <strong>delicate balancing of national security concerns and human rights.</strong></li>
<li>The mobile internet has been restricted to low-speed 2G services since the government eases a communication blackout imposed in August 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UN Special Rapporteur</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Special Procedures of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Council</strong></a> are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights (civil, cultural, economic, political, and social) from a thematic or country-specific perspective. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Human Rights Council is an <strong>inter-governmental body</strong> within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.</li>
<li><strong>Universal Periodic Review</strong> happens under the aegis of the Human Rights Council.</li>
<li><strong>Current membership</strong> of the Council includes <strong>India.</strong></li>
<li>It meets at the UN Office at <strong>Geneva (Switzerland).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Special procedures are either an individual (called "Special Rapporteur" or "Independent Expert") or a working group composed of five members, one from each of the five United Nations regional groupings: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Western group.</li>
<li>They are <strong>not United Nations staff members</strong> and<strong> do not receive financial remuneration.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The independent status of the Special Procedures mandate-holders is crucial for them to be able to fulfil their functions in all impartiality. <strong>A mandate-holder&rsquo;s tenure</strong> in a given function, whether it is a thematic or country mandate, is limited to a maximum of <strong>six years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most Special Procedures receive information on specific allegations of human rights violations and <strong>send communications (urgent appeals and other letters) to States,</strong> and occasionally to non-State actors, asking for clarification and action.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/un-makes-its-third-communication-on-jk-public/article32024205.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/un-special-rapporteurs-communication-to-india'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Payment Banks',
		'catname' => 'Paper 3',
		'desc' => '<h3>What are Payment Banks?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A payments bank (Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, etc.) is like any other bank, but operating on a smaller or restricted scale.</li>
<li>Credit risk is not involved with the Payments Bank. It can carry out most banking operations but cannot advance loans or issue credit cards.</li>
<li>It can accept demand deposits only i.e. savings and current accounts, not time deposits.</li>
<li>The Payment Banks cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial services activities.</li>
<li>A committee headed by Dr. Nachiket Mor recommended setting up of 'Payments Bank' to cater to the lower income groups and small businesses.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> Expansion of rural banking, access to diversified services, social &amp; financial inclusion are some of the benefits.</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> Lack of customer awareness, lack of incentives for agents, lack of infrastructure, technological issues are some of the challenges.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are two kinds of banking licences that are granted by the Reserve Bank of India - universal bank licence and differentiated bank licence.</li>
<li>Payments bank comes under a differentiated bank licence since it cannot offer all the services that a commercial bank offers. In particular, a payments bank cannot lend.</li>
<li>It can take deposits upto ₹1 lakh per account and it can issue debit cards but not credit cards.</li>
<li>Commercial banks in India like State Bank of India or ICICI Bank, do not have any such restrictions.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Objectives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The objectives of setting up of a payments bank is to further financial inclusion by providing small savings accounts and payments/remittance services to migrant labour workforce, low income households, small businesses, other unorganised sector entities and other users.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Scope of Activities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Acceptance of demand deposits, initially restricted to holding a maximum balance of Rs 100,000 per individual customer.</li>
<li>Issuance of ATM/debit cards.</li>
<li>They cannot issue credit cards.</li>
<li>They are not allowed to give loans.</li>
<li>Payments and remittance services through various channels.</li>
<li>Distribution of non-risk sharing simple financial products like mutual fund units and insurance products, etc.</li>
<li>They are only allowed to invest the money received from customers' deposits into government securities.</li>
<li>They cannot accept NRI deposits.</li>
<li>A payments bank account holder would be able to deposit and withdraw money through any ATM or other service providers.</li>
<li>Payments licensees would be granted to mobile firms, supermarket chains and others to cater to individuals and small businesses.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Eligible Promoters</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Existing non-bank Pre-paid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers;</li>
<li>Other entities such as <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>individuals/professionals;</li>
<li>Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs),</li>
<li>Corporate Business Correspondents (BCs), mobile telephone companies,</li>
<li>Supermarket chains, companies, real sector cooperatives; that are owned and controlled by residents; and</li>
<li>Public sector entities may apply to set up payments banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A promoter/promoter group can have a joint venture with an existing scheduled commercial bank to set up a payments bank.</li>
<li>Scheduled commercial banks can take equity stake in a payments bank to the extent permitted under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regulation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Payments Bank will be registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. It is governed by the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, other relevant Statutes and Directives.</li>
<li>They need to maintain a Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).</li>
<li>Required to invest a minimum 75% of its "demand deposit balances" in Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) eligible Government securities/treasury bills with maturity up to one year.</li>
<li>Need to hold maximum 25% in current and time/fixed deposits with other scheduled commercial banks for operational purposes and liquidity management.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Important Provisions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Capital requirement:</strong> The minimum paid-up capital for payments bank is Rs 100 crore.</li>
<li><strong>Promoter's contribution:</strong> Minimum initial contribution to the paid-up equity capital shall at least be 40% for the first five years from the commencement of its business.</li>
<li><strong>Foreign shareholding:</strong> The foreign shareholding in the payments bank would be as per the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for private sector banks as amended from time to time.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Terms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Promoter:</strong> A person involved in setting up and funding a new company.</li>
<li><strong>Credit Risk:</strong> Risk of loss or default which arises from the debtor being unlikely to repay the loan amount.</li>
<li><strong>Paid-up Capital:</strong> Amount of money for which shares of the Company were issued to the shareholders and payment was made by the shareholders.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/india-post-payment-bank-ippb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read TTP on India Post Payment Bank</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/payment-banks'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Inclusive Urban Spaces For India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/web-edits/covid-19-pandemic-inequality-poverty-urban-areas-migrant-labourers-6491234/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Rebuild cities as spaces of dignity&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 05/07/2020. It talks about the need for making Indian urban spaces more inclusive for migrant labours.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-indian-federalism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has proved that the Indian cities are overburdened and underprepared to provide guaranteed social protection to millions of migrant workers. Due to denial of access to adequate food and nutrition, livelihood, housing and basic amenities like water and sanitation facilities, there has been an exodus of migrant labourers from urban to rural areas.</p>
<p>Further, with over 90% of the population working in the informal economy, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-labour-organization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the International Labour Organization (ILO)</strong></a> has predicted that as a result of the crisis and subsequent lockdown, about 400 million workers will fall deeper into poverty.</p>
<p>Given the significance of these labourers to urban development, there is a need to address the stark inequalities and make urban spaces in India more socially and financially inclusive.</p>
<h3>Issues Faced by Migrant Workers in Urban Areas</h3>
<p><strong>Lack of Basic Amenities:</strong> According to the recent <strong>&ldquo;Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition&rdquo; survey</strong> by the government, there continue to be glaring gaps in water access in urban and rural India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also, migrant labourers are likely to have relied more on public amenities such as hand pumps and public taps or standpipes which are connected to a municipal connection.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These sources are generally unreliable &mdash; hand pumps and municipal pipes, for example, do not always supply water of potable quality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Given the importance of washing hands in combating the infection, the lack of<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/who-wash-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)</strong></a> makes migrant labourers subject to work in an unsafe work environment</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Huge Gap in Data About Migrants:</strong> Though the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-labour-and-employment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008</strong></a> has specified the role of urban local bodies in registering numbers of migrant worker and disseminating information regarding welfare schemes to them, these provisions are not obligatory.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to this, there is lack of any credible data on how many migrants enter and leave our states and cities.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Challenge of Informalisation:</strong> According to the Economic Survey of India 2019, about 90% of India&rsquo;s total workforce of about 500 million workers is engaged in the informal sector. This made them more vulnerable to the economic crisis induced by Covid-19.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Some of the major challenges due to the informalisation of the workforce include lack of job security, limited or no access to banking and insurance channels, a generally under-developed public health system.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps For Making Urban Spaces More Inclusive</h3>
<p><strong>Creation of a Database of Migrant Workers:</strong> Recognition and identification of migrants is the first step towards a more enhanced framework to provide basic amenities. To begin with, an effort to create a database of migrant workers is most necessary.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This could be a game-changer by creating a digital Pan-India database to ensure coordination with their home districts and respective states.</li>
<li>Eventually, convergence around this could create a framework of health, banking, microfinance and insurance networks centred around workers and migrants in urban areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Labour Migration Governance System:</strong> A fair and effective labour migration governance system for workers within the country is an urgent need of the hour.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is necessary for the realisation of decent work opportunities for all migrant workers while respecting fundamental human rights.</li>
<li>Also, there is a need to ensure the protection of the labour rights of workers while taking into account the views of the employers to foster innovation in business and enterprises.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Formalisation of Economy:</strong> The central and state governments need to continue their efforts to address the informality of the Indian economy, the rural-urban divide, the uneven growth within states and between regions in the country, and the social and economic inequalities associated with the poorest and vulnerable.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In this context, the migrants need to be supported with relevant information and counselling for job search and employment opportunities based on their skills and previous experience through their local governance and panchayat structures.</li>
<li>Also, recently proposed <strong>Unorganised Worker Index Number Card</strong> by the Labour Ministry would also help in formalisation of the workforce.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Focusing on Public Health Infrastructure:</strong> Smart cities project does well by focusing on creation of hard infrastructure for urban renewal.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>However, there is a need to strengthen the public health emergency infrastructure also. This social and financial inclusion would make the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-cities-command-centres#:~:text=Smart%20City%20Mission,create%20smart%20outcomes%20for%20citizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Smart Cities Mission</strong></a> truly holistic.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Supporting Financially:</strong> There is a need to expedite the proposed Social Security Fund under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-occupational-safety-health-and-working-conditions-code-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Code on Social Security, 2019.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This could go a long way to provide a sense of financial security and act as a tool to monitor this segment of the population better.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The global experience shows that migration will continue as long as there is hope, aspiration, and an alternative livelihood option better than those available at home. In this context, the government has the task to build back better urban spaces in India, with a human-centred approach at its core.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594205235_image.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594205235_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #f70000; background-color: #fff9eb;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;For truly holistic urban development in India, there is a need to provide informal workers and migrant populations with a socio-economic niche&rdquo;. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EhUCMMZXEpI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/revise-the-law-6493221/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Revise the law&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published on July 7<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/inclusive-urban-spaces-for-india'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Lithium Production in Stars',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists from the <strong>Indian Institute of Astrophysics</strong> (IIA) have provided evidence for the first time that <strong>Lithium (Li) production is common</strong> among <strong>low mass Sun-like stars during their Helium (He) core burning phase.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IIA is an <strong>autonomous institute</strong> of the <strong>Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings of the Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists performed a large-scale systematic investigation of the<strong> &lsquo;He-flash&rsquo; (on-set of He-ignition at the star's core via violent eruption),</strong> at the <strong>end of the star&rsquo;s core hydrogen-burning phase.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hydrogen burning is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into a helium nucleus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This <strong>He-flash</strong> has been identified as the <strong>source of Li production</strong> suggesting that<strong> all low-mass stars undergo Li production.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Our <strong>Sun</strong> will reach this phase in about <strong>6-7 billion years</strong> and will manufacture Li.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study <strong>challenges the long-held idea that stars only destroy lithium</strong> and indicates that there is some physical process missing in <strong>stellar theory.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, it was believed that a vast majority of stars with a mass similar to that of the Sun destroy Li gradually over the course of their lives, via <strong>low-temperature nuclear burning.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study also<strong> suggests new limits</strong> (A(Li) &gt; -0.9~dex) for <strong>classifying stars as Li-rich,</strong> which is 250 times below the threshold (A(Li) &gt; 1.5~dex) used till now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin of Lithium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The origin of much of the Li can be traced to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lithium-abundance-in-interstellar-space" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Big-Bang</strong></a> that happened about 13.7 billion years ago.</li>
<li>Over the course of time, <strong>Li content</strong> in the physical universe has<strong> increased</strong> by about a factor of four, which is <strong>meagre compared to the rest of the elements</strong> which grew about a million times.</li>
<li><strong>Stars are primary contributors</strong> to the significant enhancement of heavier elements through <strong>mass ejections and stellar explosions.</strong> Li, however, was thought to be an exception till now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Usage of Lithium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lithium is a <strong>light inflammable metal</strong> which is mainly used in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increasing-imports-of-li-ion-batteries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries</strong> </a>and has brought a transformation in modern communication devices and transportation.</li>
<li>It is used in the <strong>manufacturing of aircrafts.</strong></li>
<li>It is also used in <strong>mental health. Lithium carbonate</strong> is a common treatment of bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize wild mood swings caused by the illness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1636949" 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/lithium-production-in-stars'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Golden Birdwing: India's Largest Butterfly',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a Himalayan <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-butterfly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>butterfly</strong></a> known as <strong>Golden Birdwing</strong><em> (Troides aeacus)</em> has been discovered as India&rsquo;s largest butterfly after 88 years.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has replaced an <strong>unknown specimen</strong> which a british army officer Brigadier Evans had <strong>recorded in 1932.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202460_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202460_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Discovery:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The female was recorded from <strong>Didihat in Uttarakhand,</strong> the male was from the <strong>Wankhar Butterfly Museum in Shillong,</strong> Meghalaya.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Characteristics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With a <strong>wingspan of 194 mm,</strong> the female of the species is marginally larger than the Southern Birdwing (190 mm).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, the largest Indian butterfly that was recorded in 1932 was an individual of the <strong>Southern Birdwing<em> (Troides minos)</em>,</strong> which was then treated as a subspecies of the <strong>Common Birdwing <em>(Troides helena)</em>.</strong></li>
<li>However, the specimen that Evans measured<strong> was unknown</strong> and no other <strong>butterfly measured</strong> as much as the 190 mm that he recorded.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The male Golden Birdwing is much smaller at 106 mm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measurement:</strong> The only measurement used in the study of <strong>Lepidoptera is wingspan</strong> in which butterflies are measured from the wing base to the tip.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Butterfly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Butterflies are insects from the <strong>order Lepidoptera of phylum Arthropoda</strong> which also includes moths.</li>
<li>Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rich Biodiversity:</strong> Abundance of butterflies in any area represents the rich biodiversity.</li>
<li><strong>Indicator Species:</strong> The butterfly acts as an indicator species.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An indicator species provides information on the <strong>overall condition of the ecosystem</strong> and of other species in that ecosystem. They reflect the quality and changes in environmental conditions as well as aspects of community composition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollinator:</strong> It acts as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pollinator-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pollinator</strong></a> by helping in pollination and conserving several species of plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Southern Birdwing<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202440_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594202440_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Troides minos</li>
<li><strong>Description:</strong> It is a large and striking butterfly <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/endemic-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">endemic</a> to south India.</strong></li>
<li>With a wingspan of 140&ndash;190 mm, it is considered as one of the largest butterflies of India.</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong> Least Concern in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list#:~:text=IUCN%20is%20a%20membership%20union,It%20is%20headquartered%20in%20Switzerland." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/himalayan-butterfly-is-indias-largest-after-88-years/article32012652.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/golden-birdwing-india-s-largest-butterfly'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'U.S.A’s Position on CAATSA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the USA has reiterated its position and asked all its allies and partners, including India, to stop transactions with Russia. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can risk triggering sanctions under the <strong>Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CAATSA is a United States federal law that imposed sanctions on <strong>Iran, North Korea, and Russia.</strong></li>
<li>It includes sanctions against countries that engage in <strong>significant transactions</strong> with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>USA&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The USA has reiterated its position on CAATSA in the context of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-defence-weapons-approved" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s planned jet fighter deal with Russia</strong></a> at an estimated Rs. 18,148 crore.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defence-acquisition-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Acquisition Council</strong> </a>had <strong>approved the procurement</strong> of 21 MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), an upgrade for 59 of these Russian aircraft and the acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft.</li>
<li>India could also face USA sanctions for purchasing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-going-ahead-with-purchase-of-S-400-air-defence-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>S-400 Triumf missile defense system</strong></a> from Russia under the CAATSA. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>USA suspended Turkey from its F-35 aircraft programme</strong> and barred it from purchasing the jet, following Turkey&rsquo;s purchase of the S-400 from Russia.</li>
<li>However, this was done without invoking CAATSA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Defence Partner:</strong> The USA recognised India as a <strong>Major Defence Partner</strong> in 2016.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The designation allows India to buy more advanced and sensitive technologies from America at par with that of the USA&rsquo;s closest allies and partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with Purchase from Adversary:</strong> The USA fears that acquisitions by countries like India on significant systems would either <strong>expose or put at risk platforms and its technologies to an adversary.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has declared that the S-400 purchase by Turkey from Russia has put a risk to its F-35 aircraft system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Waiver Criteria under CAATSA:</strong> The USA President was given the authority in 2018 to waive CAATSA sanctions on a <strong>case-by-case basis.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the USA has repeatedly stated that India should not assume it will get a waiver.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The S-400 is known as Russia&rsquo;s most advanced <strong>long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.</strong> China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 for the system.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The defence procurement for India has become significant amid deadly clashes with China on Line of Actual Control (LAC). Russia is an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/russia-an-all-weather-defence-partner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>all weather defence partner</strong></a> of India.</li>
<li>However, India needs to balance its relation with both Russia and USA, so that its national interest is not compromised.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-position-on-caatsa-unchanged-despite-chinas-actions-in-neighbourhood/article32010144.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/u-s-a-s-position-on-caatsa'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Hurdles for F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in USA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the USA has announced that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/visa-crackdown-on-indian-students-arrest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>F-1 and M-1 visa holders</strong></a> who are <strong>planning to take online only models will not be allowed to stay</strong> in the USA.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many universities in the USA are planning<strong> to shift all their classes online</strong> for the fall semester due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fall semester starts in late August and ends in late December or early January whereas the Spring semester begins in January and ends in early May.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>F-1 visas</strong> are issued to study in the USA for<strong> full-time students</strong> whereas <strong>M-1 visas</strong> are issued to students engaging in<strong> vocational or non-academic studies.</strong></li>
<li>The announcement comes weeks after the USA President <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-extends-ban-on-work-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>suspended H1-B</strong></a> highly skilled worker visas through the end of the year. Most of these visas go to Indian citizens each year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Announcements Made:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The students outside the USA <strong>planning to take all courses online</strong> in the fall semester would not be <strong>permitted entry</strong> into the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>USA would not issue visas</strong> to students who are going to take all their classes online due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also stated that the active students under F-1 and M-1 visas in such programs<strong> must depart the country or take other measures,</strong> such as <strong>transferring to a school with in-person instruction</strong> to remain in lawful status.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The USA regulations <strong>do not allow students in F-1 status to be in online classes</strong> but normally F-1 students are allowed to take one class or three credit hours online.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affected Population:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There were<strong> more than one million international students</strong> in the United States for the 2018-19 academic year. That accounted for <strong>5.5%</strong> of the total USA&rsquo;s higher education population. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, international students contributed <strong>$44.7 billion</strong> to the USA&rsquo;s economy in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is the<strong> second largest source of the foreign students in the USA</strong> after China.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The largest number of international students come from China, followed by India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If alternative measures are <strong>not opted</strong> then these students may face <strong>immigration consequences</strong> including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.</li>
<li>It is a difficult situation for students as international travel already faces disruption due to Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Available Alternatives :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Affected students may <strong>switch to visitor status</strong> but it is <strong>not a long term</strong> solution as visitor status is short term and there is <strong>no guarantee that it will be approved.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Considering the unprecedented pandemic scenario, the USA can amend the regulation for F-1 and M-1 students.</li>
<li>The one-size-fits-all approach will create more havoc and complexities not only in USA administration but also in diplomatic relations with countries like India and China.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-to-withdraw-visas-for-foreign-students-whose-classes-move-online/article32008911.ece#:~:text=%E2%80%9CNonimmigrant%20F%2D1%20and%20M,%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20ICE%20statement%20said.&amp;text=If%20not%2C%20they%20may%20face,removal%20proceedings%2C%E2%80%9D%20ICE%20said." 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/hurdles-for-f-1-and-m-1-visa-holders-in-usa'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'UN Report on Zoonotic Diseases',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a report published by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emission-gap-report-by-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</strong> </a>and the <strong>International<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/20th-livestock-census" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Livestock</a> Research Institute (ILRI)</strong>, about 60% of known infectious diseases in humans and 75% of all emerging infectious diseases are <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>zoonotic.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was released on <strong>6<sup>th</sup> July 2020,</strong> observed as <strong>&lsquo;World Zoonoses Day&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It focuses on the<strong> context and nature</strong> of potential future zoonotic disease outbreaks, during the <strong>Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a></strong> by identifying the <strong>anthropogenic</strong> (changes in environment due to human activity) factors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Zoonoses or Zoonotic Disease:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a disease that passes into <strong>the human population from an animal source</strong> directly or through an intermediary species.</li>
<li>Zoonotic infections can be<strong> bacterial, viral, or parasitic in nature,</strong> with animals playing a vital role in maintaining such infections.</li>
<li>Examples of zoonoses include <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HIV-AIDS</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ebola-global-health-emergency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ebola</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malaria</strong></a>, and the current <a href="/pdf/1585092248-coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 disease.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anthropogenic Factors:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Use of Wildlife:</strong> Exploitation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-wildlife-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>wildlife</strong></a> for hunting, harvesting of wild animals for meat and research or medical purposes can bring humans in closer contact with wild animals, thus increasing the risk of zoonotic disease emergence.</li>
<li><strong>Changes in Food Supply Chains:</strong> The popularity of food products with <strong>animal source</strong> and the need for immediate delivery to consumers is driving major changes in the food supply chain.</li>
<li><strong>Increased Demand for Animal Protein:</strong> This has encouraged the <strong>intensification and industrialisation of animal production,</strong> wherein a large number of genetically similar animals are bred in for higher productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Intense and Unsustainable Farming:</strong> Intensive farm settings cause <strong>animals to be raised in close proximity</strong> to each other characterised by poor waste management. This makes them more vulnerable to infections, which can further lead to emergence of zoonotic diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Use of Antimicrobials:</strong> High <strong>use of antimicrobials</strong> in farm settings is contributing to the burden of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Antimicrobial resistance</strong> is the <strong>resistance acquired</strong> by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.</li>
<li>As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One Health Approach: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/onehealth-approach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One Health</a></strong> is a<strong> multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach</strong> with the goal of achieving <strong>optimal health outcomes</strong> by recognizing the interconnection between<strong> people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aids a coordinated response to future pandemics and is a key to zoonoses risk reduction and control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expanding Scientific Enquiry:</strong> This is a crucial element of AMR containment efforts since waste from <strong>intensive farms using antimicrobials</strong> paves way for AMR determinants <strong>(e.g. antibiotic residues, resistant bacteria)</strong> in the environment.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Monitoring:</strong> It would help in regulating practices associated with zoonotic diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Land Management Practices:</strong> It would help in developing alternatives for food security and livelihoods that do not rely on the destruction of habitats and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-biodiversity-warning-bells" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biodiversity.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It would also enhance sustainable co-existence of agriculture and wildlife.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Identifying Key Drivers:</strong> It would encourage management and control measures for emerging zoonotic diseases in animal husbandry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> june 1972.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It sets the<strong> global environmental agenda,</strong> promotes the sustainable development within the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> system,</strong> and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.</li>
<li><strong>Major Reports:</strong> Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.</li>
<li><strong>Major Campaigns:</strong> Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Nairobi, Kenya</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>International Livestock Research Institute</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ILRI is an<strong> international agricultural research institute</strong> formed in 1994 through the merger of the International Livestock Centre for Africa and the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases situated in Nairobi, Kenya.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It focuses on<strong> building sustainable livestock</strong> pathways out of poverty in low-income countries.</li>
<li>It works with partners worldwide to help poor people keep their farm animals alive and productive and find profitable markets for their animal products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Nairobi, Kenya</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report is one of the first to focus on the environmental side of the zoonotic dimension of disease outbreaks during the Covid-19.</li>
<li>There is an <strong>immediate need to invest in in-depth understanding of environmental linkages with zoonotic diseases</strong> and monitoring of such diseases in human-dominated environments.</li>
<li>There is an urgency for adoption of sustainable <strong>methods of food production</strong> and to <strong>reduce dependence on intensive systems</strong> to preserve health and ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/75-emerging-infectious-diseases-zoonotic-un-report-72173" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-zoonotic-diseases'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Marmots',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, reports of an outbreak of <strong>bubonic plague</strong> in Mongolia, China and far east Russia have emerged, caused mainly by <strong>Tarbagan Marmot</strong> (a <strong>species of Marmot</strong>).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been compared to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a> which was apparently spread by the consumption of <strong>bat</strong> meat.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594195919_Image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594195919_Image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>General Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Marmot <em><strong>(genus Marmota)</strong> </em>belongs to the<strong> squirrel family</strong> <em><strong>(Sciuridae)</strong></em> within the <strong>order Rodentia.</strong></li>
<li>These have<strong> almost 15 species</strong> and the closest living relatives of marmots are<strong> ground squirrels and prairie dogs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Prairie dogs are<strong> herbivorous burrowing rodents native</strong> to the grasslands of<strong> North America.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marmots are well suited for life in <strong>cold environments</strong> and have<strong> small fur-covered ears, short, stocky legs, and strong claws</strong> for digging.</li>
<li>Marmots are <strong>diurnal</strong> (active during the day) and are almost<strong> entirely vegetarian.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are found primarily in the continents of <strong>Europe, Asia and North America.</strong></li>
<li><strong>South Asia or the Indian Subcontinent</strong> is home to the <strong>Himalayan Marmot and the Long-tailed Marmot</strong> (both are <strong>Least Concerned</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Tarbagan or Mongolian Marmot (Endangered)</strong> is found in Mongolia, China and parts of Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>While digging burrows, marmots increase aeration in the soil which</strong> increases <strong>nutrient circulation</strong> and helps <strong>different plants to propagate.</strong></li>
<li>Marmots also play a very important role in <strong>Himalayan ecology.</strong> They are<strong> prey species for predators</strong> including the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-snow-leopard-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>snow leopard</strong></a>, red fox, hawks, eagles, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Marmots are <strong>hunted for their meat in China and Mongolia.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>High altitude regions lack proteins. Pastoral nomads usually eat these when they do not have any other means of sustenance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marmots are <strong>also hunted for their fur.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Plague</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Plague is caused by the <strong>bacteria<em> Yersinia pestis</em></strong> usually found in<strong> small mammals and their fleas.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is transmitted between animals and humans by the <strong>bite of infected fleas, direct contact</strong> with infected tissues and <strong>inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is one of the examples of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bacterial zoonoses.</strong></a></li>
<li>There are<strong> two main clinical forms</strong> of plague infection:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bubonic plague</strong> is the most common form and is characterized by painful<strong> swollen lymph nodes</strong> or<strong> 'buboes'.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Highly infectious bubonic plague killed about 50 million people across <strong>Africa, Asia and Europe in the 14<sup>th</sup> century.</strong></li>
<li>Over 3,200 people were infected worldwide between 2000-15, resulting in 584 deaths.</li>
<li>The bacterial disease was named the <strong>Black Death</strong> after the dark swellings or buboes that victims suffered.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pneumonic plague</strong> is a form of severe lung infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Antibiotic treatment is effective</strong> against plague bacteria, so<strong> early diagnosis and early treatment can save</strong> lives. However,<strong> if left untreated, the fever can kill</strong> a victim in a very short time.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/young/after-bats-do-not-make-marmots-into-villains-expert-72167" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/marmots'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Virtual Climate Action Ministerial',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the 4<sup>th</sup> edition of the virtual Ministerial on Climate Action was organised to advance discussions on implementation of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a> under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Ministerial:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>co-chaired by</strong> European Union, China and Canada.</li>
<li>The participating countries <strong>exchanged their views on how they are aligning economic recovery plans amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>, with the Paris Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>India highlighted that <strong>developed country parties have not fulfilled their promise for extending financial and technological support to developing countries</strong> as envisaged under UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India hopes that in the remaining 5 months of 2020, the promised amount will be mobilized and delivered, for further strengthening climate actions in developing countries.</li>
<li>The developed countries had promised to provide USD 1 trillion by 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India’s Efforts in Combating Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>provided 80 million LPG connections</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</strong></a> in rural areas, providing the people with clean cooking fuel and a healthy environment.</li>
<li>It has <strong>distributed more than 360 million LED bulbs</strong> under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UJALA scheme</strong></a>, which has led to energy saving of about 47 billion units of electricity per year and reduction of 38 million tonnes of CO2 per year.</li>
<li>India has also <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shifted from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms</strong> </a>from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2020 which was earlier to be adopted by 2024.</li>
<li>It <strong>had levied a coal cess</strong> as part of one of the most explicit green initiatives.</li>
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-cities-command-centres" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Smart Cities Mission</strong></a>, <strong>Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2019 has been launched</strong> which intends to provide a clear roadmap for cities and urban India towards combating climate change through adoption of both mitigation and adaptation measures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achievements of India in Combating Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>achieved a reduction of 21% in emission intensity of its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a> between 2005 and 2014,</strong> thereby on its way to achieving its voluntary target under its <strong>Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India had pledged to cut emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 below 2005 levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its <strong>renewable energy installed capacity has increased</strong> by 226% in the last 5 years and stands more than 87 gigawatts (GW).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has a target of installing 175 GW of renewable power capacity by 2022 under its INDC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>share of non-fossil sources</strong> in installed capacity of electricity generation <strong>increased</strong> from 30.5% in March 2015 to 37.7% in May 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has further announced the aspirational target of increasing its renewable energy capacity to 450 GW.</li>
<li>India has pledged to increase the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030 under INDC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India’s total forest and tree cover is 8,07,276 sq. km. which is 24.56% of the total geographical area of the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has agreed to enhance its forest cover which will absorb 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Agreement- COP 21</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Conference of Parties (COP) 21, also known as the<strong> Paris Climate Conference</strong> is a landmark environmental accord that was adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts.</li>
<li>It aims to <strong>reduce global greenhouse gas emissions</strong> in an effort<strong> to limit the global temperature increase in this century to well below 2°C</strong> above pre industrial levels, while pursuing means to limit the increase to 1.5°C.</li>
<li>Countries have <strong>promised to try to bring global emissions down from peak levels as soon as possible.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the USA has withdrawn from the agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The deal includes<strong> loss and damage,</strong> a mechanism for addressing the financial losses vulnerable countries face from climate impacts such as extreme weather.</li>
<li><strong>Raising money to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy</strong> was an important point in the agreement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This part of the deal has been made<strong> non-legally binding on developed countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Before the conference started, more than 180 countries had submitted pledges to cut their carbon emissions <strong>(Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, or INDCs).</strong> The <strong>INDCs were recognized under the agreement,</strong> but are not legally binding.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has to make a huge effort to achieve its target of 175 GW of renewable power capacity by 2022. It is way behind its target.</li>
<li>The funding commitment made by developed countries has become more important due to the economic challenge posed by Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1637044" 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/virtual-climate-action-ministerial'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Indian Railways to Use More Renewable Energy',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Indian Railways has decided to be <strong>self-reliant for its energy needs</strong> by utilizing its vacant lands for <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Renewable Energy</strong></a> (RE) projects.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will <strong>utilize <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solar energy</a></strong> for meeting its<strong> traction (action of drawing or pulling something over a surface) power</strong> requirements.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In January 2020, it was announced that the <strong>entire network</strong> of the Indian Railways will run on <strong>electricity by 2024</strong> and become a <strong>net-zero emission network by 2030.</strong></li>
<li>Indian Railways is adopting an <strong>innovative concept of installation of solar projects along operational railway lines.</strong> This will help in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Preventing encroachment.</li>
<li>Enhancing the speed and safety of trains.</li>
<li>Reduction of infrastructure costs due to direct injection of solar power into the traction network.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Railway Energy Management Company Limited</strong> (REMCL) is working continuously to further proliferate the use of solar energy on mega-scale.</li>
<li>With these mega initiatives, Indian Railways is leading <strong>India&rsquo;s fight against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-in-climate-change-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climate challenge</a></strong> and is taking significant steps towards meeting its ambitious goal of being a net-zero <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-india-s-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>carbon emissions</strong></a> organisation and meeting India&rsquo;s <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/11-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) targets.</strong></a></li>
<li>This would also help in making Indian Railways a <strong>complete &lsquo;Green mode&rsquo; of transportation</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar</strong></a> <strong>(energy self-sufficient transport organisation)&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Achievements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Energy procurement from various solar projects like<strong> 3 MWp solar plant</strong> set up at Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh).</li>
<li>About 100 MWp <strong>rooftop solar systems</strong> on various stations and buildings of Railways.</li>
<li>A <strong>project of 1.7 MWp</strong> near Bina Traction Sub Station, Bina (Madhya Pradesh) connected directly to <strong>Overhead Traction System</strong> (OTS) will be commissioned shortly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the <strong>first of its kind project in the world</strong> authorised by Indian Railways in collaboration with <strong>Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited</strong> (BHEL).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BHEL is one of the seven <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sectors-of-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maharatna</strong></a> companies.</li>
<li>The project was undertaken by BHEL under its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/companies-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility</strong></a> (CSR) scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It involves the adoption of innovative technology for<strong> converting Direct Current (DC) to single-phase Alternating Current (AC)</strong> for feeding directly to Railway&rsquo;s overhead traction system.</li>
<li>It can produce approximately 25 lakh units of energy annually and will save around Rs. 1.37 crore for Railways every year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Overhead Traction System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Traction system</strong> causes the propulsion of a vehicle in which tractive or driving force is obtained from various devices such as diesel engine drives, steam engine drives, electric motors, etc.</li>
<li>When this<strong> power supply is drawn from an overhead line system,</strong> it is called an Overhead Traction System.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Railway Energy Management Company Limited</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was incorporated on <strong>16<sup>th</sup> August 2013</strong> under the <strong>Companies Act 1956</strong> as a<strong> joint venture company</strong> of Ministry of Railways.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To tap the business potential in the energy sector including green energy, power trading etc. by setting up renewable energy wind power projects, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=209926#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Railways%20has,Net%20Zero'%20Carbon%20Emission%20Railway." 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/indian-railways-to-use-more-renewable-energy'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Privatizing Indian Railways',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/indian-railways-privatisation-trains-6489000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;A different track&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 04/07/2020. It talks about the pros and cons related to privatisation of Indian railways.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Indian Railways initiated the process to allow private firms to operate passenger trains on its network through 151 new trains. While these trains will form a minuscule portion of the entire railway network, this marks the beginning of private sector participation in passenger train operations.</p>
<p>The privatization of Indian railways has been recommended for many decades, by the erstwhile Planning Commission of India and now by Niti Aayog.</p>
<p>Liberalising the entry of new operators in the public transport that remains a government monopoly, may be the path for improving services, and facilitating growth of the sector. However, the idea of privatisation has its own merits and demerits.</p>
<h3>Pros of Privatization of Indian Railways</h3>
<p><strong>Improved Infrastructure</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/strategy-for-new-india-at-75#:~:text=NITI%20Aayog%20has%20released%20'Strategy,23%20across%20forty%2Done%20areas." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Niti Aayog&rsquo;s strategy for New India @75</strong></a> envisages many targets in railway infrastructure such as increasing the speed of infrastructure creation from the present 7 km/day to 19 km/day, 100% electrification of broad gauge track by 2022-23.</li>
<li>Given this, a strong argument in favour of privatization is that it will lead to better infrastructure which in turn would lead to improved safety, reduction in travel time, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Improved Quality of Services</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian Railway services are marred by issues like lack of punctuality, mismanagement in the form of stinking washrooms, lack of water supply and dirty platforms.</li>
<li>Privatisation may solve these issues, as the move would foster competition and hence lead to overall betterment in the quality of services.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Technology Infusion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The privatization will also help in accommodating the latest technology in railways coaches, safety and travelling experience. Thereby, it may help Indian Railways to become a world-class network.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cons Related to Privatization of Indian Railways</h3>
<p><strong>Coverage Limited to Lucrative Sectors</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An advantage of Indian Railways being government- owned is that it provides nation-wide connectivity to bring regional development.</li>
<li>This would not be possible with privatisation since routes which are less popular may be neglected, thus having a negative impact on connectivity.</li>
<li>It may also render some parts of the country virtually inaccessible and omit them from the process of development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, regions with rugged terrain and low population density like Himalayan states and North eastern states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increased Fares</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Given that a private enterprise runs on profit, thus it may be assumed that the easiest way of accruing profits in Indian Railways would be to hike fares.</li>
<li>This would render the service out of reach for lower income groups.</li>
<li>Also, this would defeat the purpose of the Indian railways which is meant to serve the entire population of the country irrespective of the level of income.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issue of Cross-Subsidisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian Railways tend to cross-subsidise passenger fares through freight revenue.</li>
<li>This translates to below cost pricing, which will make it difficult for private players to compete.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, the Ministry of Railways is effectively the policy maker, regulator and service provider.</li>
<li>This, as the Bibek Debroy committee pointed out, is a clear conflict of interest and would undermine the fair competition between private and government railway operations and impede the efficient privatisation process of Indian Railways.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Social Welfare Concerns</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As the Indian Railways plays a vital role in transportation of goods in the country, it provides a low cost of transportation of many final and intermediate goods.</li>
<li>Thus, the privatization of the system motivated by profit making, will have an inflationary effect and thereby affect the common people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sustainable Pricing:</strong> There is a need to revisit Indian Railways pricing model to make the passenger and freight segments sustainable. The tariffs should be competitive with the cost of road transportation.</li>
<li><strong>Independent Regulator:</strong> Setting up an independent regulator will be critical for creating a level playing field for private players.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this pursuit, there is a need to expedite the process of establishing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/railway-development-authority" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rail Development Authority</strong></a>, as it is already approved by the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Modernization of Railways:</strong> There is a need to implement the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatisation-of-indian-railways" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recommendations of the Bibek Debroy committee</strong></a>, such as expansion of Indian Railways manufacturing company, Corporatization of core functions of railways, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The need of the hour is to find a balanced solution that would incorporate the pros of both private and government enterprises and enhance the image of Indian Railways as it continues to serve the world&rsquo;s largest democracy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594117785_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594117785_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" 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: #f0f3ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;India should have a rail network that is not only efficient, reliable and safe, but is also cost-effective and accessible&rdquo;. Critically analyse the statement in the context of privatisation of railways.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KQmDJW1q8Rs" 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/lessons-for-india-the-hindu-editorial-on-italian-marines-case/article31984135.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Lessons for India: On Italian marines case&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on July 4<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/privatizing-indian-railways'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Completion of Annual MGNREGA Work Limit',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the central scheme database of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA)</a></strong>, at<strong> least 1.4 lakh poor rural households</strong> have completed their quota of 100 days of work for the first three months of the year.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Therefore, they will not be eligible for further benefits under the rural employment guarantee scheme for the rest of the year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Related Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overall, <strong>23 lakh households</strong> have already completed 60 days of work.</li>
<li>Another<strong> seven lakh households</strong> have completed 80 days and are on the verge of running out of work.</li>
<li>With almost 60,000 households which have completed 100 days of work, <strong>Chhattisgarh</strong> has the <strong>highest rate</strong> among States, followed by <strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong> with almost 24,500 households in this category.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, Andhra Pradesh maintains its own database showing that 8.6% of all beneficiary households in the State have already completed 100 days of work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 pandemic:</strong> Due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>nationwide lockdown</strong></a> has resulted in thousands of unemployed migrant workers returning to their villages and now dependent on MGNREGA wages.</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Demand for Work:</strong> The demand for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mgnrega-trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong> </a>work almost <strong>doubled</strong> in June as there is no other work available for many people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Construction sector, which usually absorbs a large number of workers, has also collapsed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monsoon Season:</strong> In many areas, <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>monsoon</strong></a> is the hungry season and many people are desperate for work and dependent on MGNREGA wages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also expected that in December the situation would be worse especially for <a href="/tags/issues-related-to-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>women</strong></a>, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/elderly-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>elderly</strong></a> and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/issues-related-to-persons-with-disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disabled</strong> </a>and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-for-tribal-communities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> tribals</strong></a> when agriculture work is over and there will be no work from MGNREGA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Expansion of the Scheme:</strong> The MGNREGA scheme contains a provision for an <strong>expansion of the scheme</strong> to allow for <strong>150 days of work</strong> per household for districts affected by drought or other natural disaster.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given that Covid-19 was declared a national disaster, this provision may be implemented immediately across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Change in limit:</strong> The limit should be <strong>imposed per adult individual</strong> rather than per household.</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Wage:</strong> There is a demand for an increase to 200 days per individual at a daily wage rate of ₹600. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current wage rate of Rs. 200 per day does not even match up to minimum wage rates in most States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Farming:</strong> Getting employment from the Agriculture and farms is an option which can be provided to the migrants.Eg. Migrants workers being deployed in the Litchi farms of Bihar.</li>
<li><strong>Government Initiatives:</strong> It was announced in March that the workers under the MGNREGA would get a hike of <strong>Rs. 2000</strong> each on an average.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan</strong> was started to provide employment to migrant labourers who returned home during the lockdown. The scheme covers six states &mdash; Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha.</li>
<li>It has as a provision to grant 125 days of employment to migrants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>MGNREGA</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,</strong> earlier known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed in 2005 to augment employment generation and social security in India.</li>
<li>It functions under the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> The primary objective of the scheme is to guarantee <strong>100 days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household</strong> willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.</li>
<li>It covers all districts of India except the <strong>ones with 100% urban population.</strong></li>
<li>It is one of the<strong> largest work guarantee programmes</strong> in the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>MGNREGA has come to the nation&rsquo;s aid in combating growing poverty. Even programmes like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swacchh Bharat</strong> </a>and <a href="/printpdf/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-grameen-behind-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana</strong></a> are being merged to leverage its utility, reach and value.</li>
<li>Therefore, it needs an urgent extension for those who have already completed the work limits.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/skilling-under-mgnrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Initiatives must be taken to impart skills</strong></a> in the workers so that they can take alternative livelihoods during such situations.</li>
<li>Gram panchayats need to be provided with adequate resources, powers, and responsibilities to sanction works, provide work on demand, and authorise wage payments to tackle the crisis of the migrant workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-demand-surge-14-lakh-families-have-reached-annual-mgnrega-work-limit/article32006305.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/completion-of-annual-mgnrega-work-limit'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'New National Logistics Law ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is considering replacing the <strong>Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993 (MMTG)</strong> with a <strong>National Logistics Efficiency and Advancement Predictability and Safety Act (NLEAPS).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>MMTG provides for the<strong> regulation</strong> of multimodal transportation of goods from any place in India to any place outside India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Multimodal transportation refers to a combination of more than one mode of movement, such as rail, road or sea, for end-to-end delivery of goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was introduced <strong>to facilitate the exporters</strong> and give them a sense of security in transporting their goods.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NLEAPS aims to<strong> streamline the logistics ecosystem</strong> in the country, with a view to promote growth of the sector.</li>
<li><strong>Modernise and formalise</strong> the logistics services and<strong> promote digitisation</strong> in the sector, which is key for the smooth movement of goods.</li>
<li>To <strong>reduce the logistics cost</strong> from the present 14% of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</strong></a> to less than 10% of GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason Behind New Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new law tends to <strong>define various participants</strong> of the logistics sector and <strong>create a light regulatory ecosystem.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is no clear definition of the logistics sector in the MMTG.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The logistics sector with a market size of USD 160 billion is complex, with more than 20 government agencies, 40 partnering agencies, 37 export promotion councils, 500 certifications and 10,000 commodities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Effective implementation of the Act would help provide an impetus to trade, enhance export competitiveness, and improve India&rsquo;s ranking in the <strong>Logistics Performance Index and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-banks-ease-of-doing-business-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Doing Business.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Logistics Performance Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Logistics Performance Index (LPI), <strong>developed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank Group</a></strong>, is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.</li>
<li>The logistics performance (LPI) is the weighted average of the country's scores on the <strong>six key dimensions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Efficiency of the<strong> clearance</strong> process (i.e., speed, simplicity and predictability of formalities) by border control agencies, including customs.</li>
<li><strong>Quality of trade</strong> and transport related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information technology).</li>
<li>Ease of <strong>arranging competitively priced shipments.</strong></li>
<li>Competence and quality of <strong>logistics services</strong> (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers).</li>
<li>Ability to<strong> track and trace consignments.</strong></li>
<li>Timeliness of shipments in reaching destinations within the scheduled or expected <strong>delivery time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India ranked 44<sup>th</sup></strong> on the<strong> LPI in 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/considering-to-replace-multi-modal-transportation-of-goods-act-with-national-logistics-law-commerce-ministry/article31991787.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-national-logistics-law'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Global Response to China's Security Law on Hong Kong',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, several countries have proposed measures to protect Hong Kong residents fleeing potential political persecution from China's new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-security-law-in-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Security Law.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>China&rsquo;s new security law criminalizes what it deems secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with a foreign country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594115421_Image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594115421_Image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>United Kingdom&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has described the security law as a clear and serious violation of the <strong>1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration</strong> under which it handed back its colony to China in 1997.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Joint Declaration, China had promised to maintain Hong Kong&rsquo;s capitalist and more open political system for 50 years under <strong>"one country, two systems".</strong></li>
<li>Since the handover, Hong Kong residents have accused China of <strong>overstepping its authority.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Umbrella Movement</strong> was a series of protests in 2014 that called for more transparent elections for the city&rsquo;s chief executive.</li>
<li>In 2019 protests erupted in Hong Kong over a proposed bill to allow <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-treaty-between-india-and-belgium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extradition</strong></a> to mainland China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has <strong>decided to offer British citizenship</strong> to around three million <strong>residents of Hong Kong.</strong></li>
<li>It is also <strong>rethinking its provisional decision to allow Huawei (China&rsquo;s Company)</strong> to be involved in the development of Britain's 5G infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taiwan&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has opened the <strong>Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchange Office</strong> in order to help facilitate asylum for people fleeing Hong Kong.</li>
<li>Taiwan <strong>was the first state which pledged to support Hong Kong</strong> residents seeking asylum, in May 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China also<strong> claims Taiwan to be part of China</strong> and threatens to use force to take over the island.</li>
<li>China has proposed to Taiwan that it follow the <strong>&ldquo;one country, two systems&rdquo;</strong> model to unite with China. But the Taiwanese reject any idea of uniting with mainland China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Country&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The USA</strong> has passed a<strong> Bipartisan Bill</strong> to sanction Chinese officials who violate Hong Kong's freedoms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also planning to bring the <strong>Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act,</strong> which would open up a route for asylum for Hong Kong&rsquo;s frontline activists in immediate danger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Australia</strong> is considering offering Hong Kong residents <strong>temporary protection visas</strong> that will allow refugees to live in the country for up to three years.</li>
<li><strong>Japan</strong> said that it is <strong>seriously concerned</strong> about China&rsquo;s decision toward Hong Kong.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has been keeping a close watch on recent developments in Hong Kong.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Reaction to Global Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has said that the <strong>security law issue is purely China's internal affairs,</strong> and no foreign country has the right to interfere.</li>
<li>It has condemned the UK&rsquo;s citizenship offer to Hong Kongers and <strong>warned the UK for serious consequences.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It considers all residents living in Hong Kong, including those with British National Overseas passports, as Chinese nationals.</li>
<li>It has said that the UK's U-turn on its <strong>Huawei decision would damage the UK's image as an open, business-friendly environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has <strong>accused Taiwan administration</strong> of nurturing a separatist plot in Hong Kong and warned for a <strong>military response.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-rebukes-britain-over-gross-interference-in-hong-kong/article32006205.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/global-response-to-china-s-security-law-on-hong-kong'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Expat Quota Bill Approved in Kuwait',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the legal and legislative committee of <strong>Kuwait&rsquo;s National Assembly</strong> has <strong>approved </strong>the<strong> draft expat (expatriate) quota bill.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the bill, <strong>Indians should not exceed 15% of the population</strong> and if it is enacted into law, over 8 lakh Indians could be forced out of Kuwait.</li>
<li>Kuwait is a country located in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/persian-gulf-region" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Persian Gulf region.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The draft expat quota bill has been <strong>deemed constitutional</strong> and will be transferred to the respective committee so that a comprehensive plan is created.</li>
<li>Lawmakers and government officials including the Prime Minister of Kuwait have been calling to <strong>reduce the number of expats from 70% to 30%</strong> of the population.</li>
<li>The draft law will <strong>impose a cap on the number of expats and gradually reduce</strong> them by almost 5% on a yearly basis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, if expats constitute 70% of the population this year, next year it will 65% and 60% in the following year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons Behind the Move:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Anti-expat aspirations have been rising in Kuwait since the beginning of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong> </a><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Foreigners have accounted for the majority of Kuwait&rsquo;s virus cases</strong> as the disease spread among migrant workers living in overcrowded housing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kuwait has been working to<strong> reduce its dependence on foreign workers.</strong> It no longer wants to remain an expat-majority nation with its own citizens turning into a minority.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This move is similar to the <strong>USA&rsquo;s decision</strong> to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-extends-ban-on-work-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extend the 60-day ban on immigrant and non-immigrant worker visas</strong> </a>till the <strong>end of 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kuwait faces problems in its <strong>population structure</strong> due to huge numbers of expats.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Almost <strong>one-third of the expats are either illiterate or can merely read and write.</strong> They do not contribute to the country&rsquo;s growth and hence, are not needed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/oil-prices-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>oil-price crash</strong></a> has also affected the country's economic conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In Kuwait, expats account for 3 million out of the total population of 4.3 million.</li>
<li><strong>Indians constitute the largest expat community</strong> in Kuwait, totalling 1.45 million.</li>
<li>About 28,000 Indians work in <strong>various government jobs</strong> like nurses, engineers in national oil companies and as scientists.</li>
<li>Majority of Indians (around 5 lakh) work in the <strong>private sector.</strong></li>
<li>There are about 1.16 lakh dependents out of which about 60,000 are students studying in various Indian schools in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Perspective</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian community in Kuwait has always played an <strong>important factor in bilateral ties.</strong></li>
<li>Indians are present in <strong>all segments of society</strong> in Kuwait and are largely <strong>considered disciplined, hardworking and law-abiding.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Kuwait is a top source of remittances for India.</strong> In 2018, India received nearly USD 4.8 billion from Kuwait as remittances.</li>
<li>The Indian embassy has been closely following developments related to the proposed legislation. However, <strong>India has so far not made any statement</strong> on the issue.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Persian Gulf Region</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The lands around the Persian Gulf are shared by <strong>eight countries</strong> namely, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).</li>
<li>These all eight countries are members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait are members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-11th-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong> </a>(GCC).</li>
<li>Out of the Persian Gulf countries, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia are members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries</strong></a> (OPEC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Being <strong>major producers of crude oil and natural gas,</strong> there is a commonality of interest among these countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This commonality of interest has given rise to their own prosperity and subsequently, economic-political entanglements among them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594111753_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594111753_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-8-lakh-indians-may-be-forced-to-leave-as-kuwait-approves-expat-quota-bill-6492287/" 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/expat-quota-bill-approved-in-kuwait'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Performance Assessment of Highways by NHAI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-highways-authority-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)</strong></a> has decided to undertake <strong>performance assessment and ranking of the highways</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The assessment activity majorly intended to <strong>improve the quality of roads</strong> in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Parameters for Assessment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The criteria for the assessment have been broadly categorised in three main heads namely, <strong>Highway Efficiency (45%), Highway Safety (35%) and User Services (20%).</strong></li>
<li>Additionally, important parameters like operating speed, time taken at toll plaza, road signages, road markings, accident rate,illumination, availability of Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), functionality of structures, cleanliness, plantation, wayside amenities and customer satisfaction will also be considered while conducting the assessment.</li>
<li>Apart from overall ranking of all the corridors, <strong>separate ranking for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revisit-ppps-to-revive-investments#:~:text=Engineering%2C%20Procurement%2C%20and%20Construction%20(,completely%20borne%20by%20the%20government.&amp;text=As%20per%20the%20design%2C%20the,through%20annual%20payments%20(annuity)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)</a> projects </strong>will also be done..<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>BOT</strong> is a <strong>conventional PPP model</strong> in which a private partner is responsible to design, build, operate (during the contracted period) and transfer back the facility to the public sector.</li>
<li>In the case of<strong> HAM,</strong> the central government bears 40% of the project cost and the remaining amount is arranged by the developer.</li>
<li>Under the <strong>EPC model,</strong> the cost is completely borne by the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ranking of the corridors will be<strong> dynamic</strong> and the operators will get the <strong>opportunity to improve upon their ranking</strong> by improving the services on that corridor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The score obtained by each Corridor in each of the parameters will provide <strong>feedback and corrective recourse</strong> for <strong>higher standards of operation, better safety and user experience</strong> to improve existing highways.</li>
<li>It will also help in<strong> identifying and filling gaps of design, standards, practices, guidelines and contract agreements</strong> for other NHAI projects.</li>
<li>The ranking for BOT, HAM and EPC projects is expected to bring out <strong>operational efficiency and ensure high quality maintenance</strong> of roads.</li>
<li>On the basis of outcome of the assessment, the authority will undertake a <strong>comprehensive analysis</strong> and decide on the <strong>level of intervention required</strong> to enhance the overall service quality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Highway Authority of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was set up under <strong>NHAI Act, 1988.</strong></li>
<li>It is under the administrative control of the<strong> Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</strong></li>
<li>It has been entrusted with the <strong>National Highways Development Project,</strong> along with other minor projects for development, maintenance and management.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is a project to upgrade, rehabilitate and widen major highways in India to a higher standard.</li>
<li>The project was started in 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NHAI maintains the National Highways network to global standards and cost effective manner and promotes economic well being and quality of life of the people.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1636770#:~:text=In%20its%20effort%20to%20improve,the%20highways%20in%20the%20country." 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/performance-assessment-of-highways-by-nhai'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'World Bank's Support to India for MSMEs',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Bank (WB)</strong></a> and the <strong>Government of India</strong> has signed the <strong>USD 750 million agreement</strong> for an <strong>Emergency Response Programme</strong> for <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Emergency Response Programmes are dedicated towards <strong>enhancing the resilience of communities and livelihoods</strong> in order to address fragility, poverty and vulnerability to conflict and disaster.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Financial Support:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The USD 750 million loan which is being granted from the<strong> International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD</strong> - a part of the WB group), has a maturity of 19 years including a 5-year grace period.</li>
<li>The WB groups and its private sector arm &ndash;<strong> the International Finance Corporation (IFC),</strong> will support the government&rsquo;s initiatives to protect the <strong>MSME sector</strong> which is severely impacted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong> </a>has severely impacted the MSME sector leading to loss of livelihoods and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/employed-poverty-is-india-s-employment-issue-not-unemployment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>employment</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier, the World Bank has committed to support India&rsquo;s emergency Covid-19 response, including the new MSME project with <strong>USD 2.75 billion.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The first <strong>USD 1 billion emergency support was announced in April</strong> 2020 for immediate support to <strong>India&rsquo;s health sector.</strong></li>
<li>Another <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-bank-s-support-to-india#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20World%20Bank%20has,reached%20to%20USD%202%20billion." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 1 billion project was approved in May</strong></a> to increase cash transfers and food benefits to the poor and vulnerable, including a more consolidated delivery platform &ndash; accessible to both rural and urban populations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unlocking Liquidity:</strong> Considering the current uncertainties, lenders remain concerned about borrowers&rsquo; ability to repay &ndash; resulting in limited flow of credit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, the program will support the government's efforts to channel liquidity to the MSME sector by de-risking lending from banks and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liquidity-boost-to-nbfcs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)</strong></a> to MSMEs through a range of instruments, including credit guarantees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening NBFCs and SFBs:</strong> The programme will address the urgent and varied needs of the MSMEs by <strong>improving the funding capacity</strong> of key market-oriented channels of credit, such as the <strong>NBFCs and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guidelines-for-licencing-of-small-finance-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Small Finance Bank (SFBs)</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will support the government's<strong> refinance facility for NBFCs.</strong></li>
<li>In parallel, the IFC would provide direct support to SFBs through loans and equity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enabling Financial Innovations:</strong> Currently only about 8% of MSMEs are served by formal credit channels. The program will<strong> incentivize and mainstream</strong> the use of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steering-committee-on-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fintech</strong></a> and <strong>digital financial services</strong> in MSME lending and payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Bank Group</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With 189 member countries, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership which consists of five development institutions.</li>
<li><strong>International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)</strong> provides loans, credits, and grants.</li>
<li><strong>International Development Association (IDA)</strong> provides low- or no-interest loans to low-income countries.</li>
<li><strong>The International Finance Corporation (IFC)</strong> provides investment, advice, and asset management to companies and governments.</li>
<li><strong>The Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA)</strong> insures lenders and investors against political risk such as war.</li>
<li><strong>The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)</strong> settles investment-disputes between investors and countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is not a member of ICSID.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> MSME sector is central</strong> to India&rsquo;s growth and job creation and will be key to the pace of <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shapes-of-economic-recovery#:~:text=U%2Dshaped%20recovery%3A%20It%20is,people%20fall%20upon%20their%20savings." target="_blank" rel="noopener">economic recovery</a></strong>, post Covid-19.</li>
<li>The financial support by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-covid-19-on-remittance-wb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> is a part of reforms that are needed to propel the MSME sector over time. Indian government has announced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-msmes-in-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rs.3-lakh crore collateral-free assistance or sovereign credit guarantee</strong> </a>under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a></li>
<li>However, the immediate need is to ensure that the<strong> liquidity</strong> infused into the system by the government is <strong>accessed by MSMEs.</strong></li>
<li>Equally important is to strengthen the overall financing ecosystem for MSMEs.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1636790" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Non-State Actors in Nagaland',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Governor of Nagaland R.N. Ravi</strong> wrote a letter to the state's <strong>Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The letter highlighted that the<strong> legitimacy of the constitutionally-established State government is being challenged</strong> on a daily basis by <strong>armed gangs</strong> that question the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.</li>
<li>Mr. Ravi was appointed as the <strong>Centre&rsquo;s interlocutor for the Naga peace process</strong> in August 2014 for his hold on the affairs of the northeast.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Various Taxes Imposed by Non-State Actors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The letter pointed out the<strong> issue of &lsquo;taxes&rsquo; levied by armed gangs or parallel governments</strong> as well as the <strong>cost escalation of development and infrastructure</strong> projects in the state due to the system of handing over a part of the project cost to these armed gangs for the projects to be executed.</li>
<li>The extremist groups have been collecting <strong>&lsquo;taxes&rsquo;</strong> or<strong> &lsquo;donations&rsquo;</strong> from people in their areas of operation <strong>before and after the ceasefire agreement</strong> with the NSCN (IM) in mid-1997.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reactions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Working Committee of the <strong>Naga National Political Groups</strong> (NNPGs), a <strong>conglomerate of seven extremist groups,</strong> denied indulging in extortion.</li>
<li><strong>NSCN (IM) insisted that it does not extort people</strong> but levies <strong>&lsquo;genuine taxes&rsquo;</strong> which have been the source of sustenance bringing the Naga political movement this far.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It held that it is the inherent right of any sovereign people and nation to collect taxes from the people and commercial establishments and the right was legitimately acknowledged by the earlier interlocutors and Indian authorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Chief Minister objected to the Governor&rsquo;s reminder of<strong> Article 371A (1)(b)</strong> of the Constitution. He said that <strong>terming the organisations as &lsquo;armed gangs&rsquo; may not be congenial to the achievement of lasting peace,</strong> which is the desire of both the Central and the state governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 371A</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Acts of Parliament</strong> relating to the following matters <strong>would not apply to Nagaland unless decided by the State Legislative Assembly:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Religious or social practices of the Nagas.</li>
<li>Naga customary law and procedure.</li>
<li>Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law.</li>
<li>Ownership and transfer of land and its resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 371A (1)(b):</strong> The Governor of Nagaland shall have <strong>special responsibility for law and order in the state</strong> so long as internal disturbances caused by the hostile Nagas continue. In the discharge of this responsibility, the Governor, after consulting the Council of Ministers, exercises his individual judgement and his decision is final. This special responsibility of the Governor <strong>shall cease when the President so directs.</strong></li>
<li>The Governor has to <strong>ensure that the money provided</strong> by the Central Government for any specific purpose<strong> is included in the demand for a grant relating to that purpose</strong> and not in any other demand moved in the State Legislative Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Chronology</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>1917:</strong> NSCN (IM) mostly <strong>comprises the Nagas of Manipur</strong> but it has its <strong>roots</strong> in the conscription of around<strong> 2,000 Nagas by the British as labourers and porters</strong> for salvage work and road-building in <strong>France</strong> in 1917 during the times of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-war-I-centenary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World War I</strong> </a>(1914-18).</li>
<li><strong>1918:</strong> The Nagas who returned in May-June 1918 formed the <strong>Naga Club,</strong> along with some educated locals in October that year. The club <strong>aroused a sense of Naga nationalism.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1929:</strong> The club submitted a memorandum to the <strong>Simon Commission,</strong> stating that the Nagas should be left alone to &lsquo;determine for themselves as in ancient times&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>1946:</strong> The club metamorphosed into a political organisation called the <strong>Naga National Council (NNC),</strong> which campaigned for sovereignty and secession of the Naga Hills (then a district of Assam) from India.</li>
<li><strong>1947:</strong> Nagas declared<strong> independence on 14<sup>th</sup> August 1947.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1951:</strong> A <strong>referendum</strong> organised by the NNC in May 1951 showed that<strong> 99% people had supported an independent Nagaland.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1952</strong>: The NNC&rsquo;s movement intensified after it <strong>boycotted the 1952 general election.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1956:</strong> In March 1956, it formed a<strong> parallel government</strong> and hoisted the flag of the republic.</li>
<li><strong>1960:</strong> The intensity of the armed movement lessened with the signing of the <strong>16-Point Agreement</strong> between the Centre and a group of the people&rsquo;s representatives in 1960.</li>
<li><strong>1963:</strong> Nagaland achieved <strong>statehood in December 1963.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nagaland was formed out of the <strong>Naga Hills district of Assam</strong> and the <strong>then North East Frontier Agency</strong> (NEFA) province (now Arunachal Pradesh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>1975:</strong> The movement was going on intermittently and hopes of peace were raised when the Centre signed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/naga-conundrum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shillong Agreement</strong> </a>with a moderate faction of the NNC in 1975.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, a dissident group led by Muivah, Swu and Khaplang, who had been trained in China, rejected the pact outright.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>1980:</strong> After going underground and spending their time in Myanmar, they formed the <strong>National Socialist Council of Nagaland</strong> (NSCN) in January 1980.</li>
<li><strong>1988:</strong> NSCN <strong>split into the NSCN (IM) and the NSCN (K)</strong> in April 1988 due to differences over initiating a dialogue process with the Indian government.</li>
<li><strong>1997:</strong> NSCN (IM) received a proposal from New Delhi for peace talks and a<strong> ceasefire agreement was signed.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2001: NSCN (K)</strong> also followed the suit but it <strong>unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire in 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, at least three of its breakaway factions formed the NNPGs to join the peace process in 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Demand for Greater Nagalim</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NSCN (IM), <strong>dominated by the Tankhuls of Manipur,</strong> has held more than 100 rounds of peace talks with the Centre within and outside the country.</li>
<li>One of its most contentious demands was the <strong>creation of a unified Naga homeland,</strong> called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/chasing-peace-in-nagaland" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Greater Nagalim&rsquo;</strong> </a>by integrating the Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal with Nagaland.</li>
<li>The <strong>other north-eastern States are opposed to the idea</strong> of the pan-Naga homeland and are wary of the Framework Agreement the NSCN (IM) leaders <strong>signed at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s residence in August 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The contents of the agreement have not been revealed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nagas are culturally heterogeneous groups of different communities/tribes having a different set of problems from the mainstream population.</li>
<li>In order to achieve the long-lasting solution, their cultural, historical and territorial extent must be taken into consideration.</li>
<li>Therefore, any arrangement to be worked out should lead to social and political harmony, economic prosperity and protection of the life and property of all tribes and citizens of the states.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nscn-im-reduces-its-tax-rate-from-5-to-3-in-view-of-the-prevailing-covid-19-pandemic-crisis/article31994430.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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