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The Big Picture: Visakhapatnam Gas Leak

A major leak from a polymer plant LG Polymers near Visakhapatnam impacted villages in a five-km radius, leaving at least 9 people dead and...

19 May 2020 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Objections to Etalin Hydroelectric Project

Why in News Recently, some conservationists and former members of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) have sought rejection of approval for the...

19 May 2020 News Analysis
Aksai Chin

Why in News Recently, Chinese media has accused India of building defence facilities in the Galwan Valley region of the contested Aksai Chin...

19 May 2020 News Analysis
New Super-Earth Planet

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19 May 2020 News Analysis
International Museum Day

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Ashwagandha and Anti-Covid-19 Drug

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A Rare Palm from Andamans

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Aarogya Setu App: A Technological Solutionism

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18 May 2020 News Editorials
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18 May 2020 News Analysis
Statehood Day of Sikkim

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Economic Stimulus-IV

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Role of Rajya Sabha

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ICGS Sachet

Why in News Recently, the Defence Minister of India has commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet and two Interceptor Boats (IBs) C-450 and...

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Endemic Disease

Why in News Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicted that novel coronavirus could become endemic to the world. The rapid spread of...

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International Day of Families

Why in News The International Day of Families is observed on 15 May every year. Key Points In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly...

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Fibroin-based Hydrogel for Insulin

Why in News Recently, Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), have developed an injectable silk...

16 May 2020 News Analysis

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		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Visakhapatnam Gas Leak',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOc0JZFGbpU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>A major leak from a polymer plant LG Polymers near Visakhapatnam impacted villages in a five-km radius, leaving at least 9 people dead and thousands of citizens suffering from breathlessness and other problems in an early morning mishap that <strong>raised fears of a serious industrial disaster.</strong></p>
<p>The leak occurred early morning on May 7, 2020, at a private plastic making plant owned by LG Polymers Pvt Ltd, a part of South Korean conglomerate LG Corp. The chemical plant was closed due to the lockdown for a long time and attempts were made to restart the operation. During this course, some chemical activity got started in the tank and <strong>a large amount of Styrene gas was leaked in surroundings.</strong> The exact cause of this incident is still unknown and further investigations are going on.</p>
<p>Fire engines, the police, and ambulances reached the area to control the situation.The trained chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense team of NDRF rushed to the spot and evacuated 1,200 families to safe locations, and about 400 people were admitted to the hospital.</p>
<p>The National Human Rights Commission of India issued a notice to the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre following the leakage of poisonous gas.</p>
<h3>Styrene and Its Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vizag-gas-leak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Styrene</strong></a> is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex.</li>
<li>It is also found in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and in natural foods like fruits and vegetables.</li>
<li>A short-term exposure to the substance can result in respiratory problems, irritation in the eyes, irritation in the mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal issues.</li>
<li>Long-term exposure could drastically affect the central nervous system and lead to other related problems like peripheral neuropathy.</li>
<li>It could also lead to cancer and depression in some cases, though there isn&rsquo;t much evidence to indicate there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia.</li>
<li>Styrene is included in the schedule of the <strong>Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989.</strong> The rules lay down strict norms on how it should be handled and stored.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of NGT</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Green Tribunal slapped an interim penalty of Rs 50 crore on LG Polymers India, and sought response from the Centre and others for the &ldquo;damage to life, public health, and environment&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo-motu cognizance of the matter</li>
<li>It formed a committee under a retired judge of the Andhra Pradesh high court to inspect the site and determine the cause of the incident, the damage caused to life, environment and health, and steps to compensate victims.</li>
<li>In its order, the NGT directed the application of a <strong>strict liability principle</strong> for damage to the people and the environment.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Strict Liability Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The principle of strict liability evolved in the case of Rylands v Fletcher in the year 1868.</li>
<li>It states that &ldquo;the person who, for purposes of his own, brings on his land, and collects and keeps there anything likely to do mischief if it escapes, must keep it in at his peril, and, if he does not do so, he is prima facie answerable for all the damage which is the natural consequence of its escape.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Essentials of Strict Liability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dangerous Substances: The defendant will be held strictly liable only if a &ldquo;dangerous&rdquo; substance escapes from his premises.</li>
<li>Escape: The material should escape from the premises and shouldn&rsquo;t be within the reach of the defendant after its escape.</li>
<li>Non-natural Use: To constitute a strict liability, there should be a non-natural use of the land.</li>
</ul>
<p>These three conditions need to be satisfied simultaneously to constitute a strict liability.</p>
</div>
<h3>Laws to Protect Against Chemical Disasters in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Laws Before and During Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the time of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bhopal-gas-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhopal gas tragedy</strong></a>, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was the only relevant law specifying criminal liability for such incidents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Laws After Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985:</strong> It gives powers to the central government to secure the claims arising out of or connected with the Bhopal gas tragedy.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the provisions of this Act, such claims are dealt with speedily and equitably.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Environment Protection Act, 1986:</strong> It gives powers to the central government to undertake measures for improving the environment and set standards and inspect industrial units.</li>
<li><strong>The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991:</strong> It is an insurance meant to provide relief to persons affected by accidents that occur while handling hazardous substances.</li>
<li><strong>The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997:</strong> Under this Act, the National Environment Appellate Authority can hear appeals regarding the restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</li>
<li><strong>National Green Tribunal, 2010:</strong> It provided for the establishment of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></a> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The Andhra Pradesh government must focus immediately on the medical needs of those who have been grievously affected by the gas leak, which has inevitably led to comparisons with the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Access to health care:</strong> Solatium payments and compensation for the victims and families are important, but so is access to the highest quality of health care for the victims. The incident is also a warning for industries across India.</li>
<li><strong>Develop safety culture:</strong> There&rsquo;s a need to adopt proper safety measures following the best international standards. Three-tier measures are required, which involves
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Passive safety measures like having a green belt of trees around the periphery of industries should be adopted;</li>
<li>Industries should pre-announce to the local people if they use hazardous chemicals;</li>
<li>Precautionary drills must be conducted by industries as a part of their CSR programs;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plant Inspection:</strong> Proper plant inspection should be done even during the closure
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A proper audit of all plants must take place as prevention is better than cure and in this case, it is life-saving.</li>
<li>Monitor the health of cattle by bringing in teams of veterinary doctors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fix Accountability:</strong> Maintenance of Hazardous Chemicals; Have strict legal actions and fix accountability after having a thorough investigation; State government should keep a check on the number of people living near hazardous industries and proper disaster planning must be adopted.</li>
</ul>
<p>Authorities must look at the safety aspects and take all precautionary measures beforehand, as the lockdown starts being gradually lifted. As India aims for a wider manufacturing base, it needs to strengthen its approach to public and occupational safety. Transparent oversight is not a hurdle to industrial growth. It advances sustainable development by eliminating terrible mistakes.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UF7ixCcKiHA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Learn more:</strong> Editorial analysis on Vizag Gas Leak.</p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Objections to Etalin Hydroelectric Project',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, some conservationists and former members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wildlife-panel-holds-virtual-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Board of Wildlife</strong></a> (NBWL) have sought rejection of approval for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/etalin-hydroelectric-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Etalin Hydroelectric Project</strong></a> in the <strong>Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Project is based on the river <strong>Dibang</strong> and is proposed to be <strong>completed in 7 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dibang is a<strong> tributary of the Brahmaputra</strong> river which flows through the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>envisages construction of two dams</strong> over the tributaries of Dibang: <strong>Dir</strong> and <strong>Tangon.</strong></li>
<li>The Project falls<strong> under the richest bio-geographical province of the Himalayan zone</strong> and would be located at the junction of major <strong>biogeographic</strong> zones like Palaearctic Zone and Indo-Malayan Zone.</li>
<li>It is expected to be <strong>one of the biggest hydropower projects in India</strong> in terms of <strong>installed capacity.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biogeographic Regions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are the large distinctive units of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species.</li>
<li>Originally,<strong> six biogeographic regions</strong> were identified:<strong> Palearctic</strong> (Europe and Asia), <strong>Nearctic</strong> (North America), <strong>Neotropical</strong> (Mexico, Central and South America), <strong>Ethiopian/Afrotropic</strong> (Africa), <strong>Oriental/Indo-Malayan</strong> (Southeast Asia, Indonesia) and <strong>Australian</strong> (Australia and New Guinea). <strong>Currently, eight are recognised</strong> since the addition of <strong>Oceania</strong> (Polynesia, Fiji and Micronesia) and <strong>Antarctica.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589884643_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589884643_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Palaearctic Zone</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This includes arctic and temperate Eurasia and all islands surrounding the continent in the Arctic, in the sea of Japan and the eastern half of the North Atlantic.</li>
<li>It also includes the Macaronesian islands, Mediterranean North Africa and Arabia.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indo-Malayan Zone</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Its natural boundaries contain tropical Asia from the Balochistan mountains of Pakistan eastward to the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayan crest, including the tropical southern fringe of China with Taiwan, the whole of Southeast Asia and the Philippines.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panel-approves-scheme-to-trade-in-forests" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Forest Advisory Committee</strong></a> (FAC) of the <strong>Ministry of Environment Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> (MoEFCC) highlighted that the project will <strong>clear 2.7 lakh trees</strong> in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest and subtropical rainforests.</li>
<li>According to a sub-committee of FAC, the project <strong>may be allowed subject to the condition</strong> that the financial outlay of Wildlife Conservation Plan be deposited to the Forest Department by user agency on the basis of a study done by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sal-forest-tortoise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India</strong></a> (WII).</li>
<li>However, there were protests by green groups due to which MoEFCC <strong>transferred the project</strong> to the Union <strong>Power Ministry.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Criticism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Conservationists highlighted that the FAC sub-committee <strong>ignored established tenets of forest conservation and related legal issues</strong> while recommending the proposal.</li>
<li>FAC <strong>ignored the threat of forest fragmentation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Forest fragmentation</strong> results from ill-planned intrusion of developmental projects into contiguous landscapes with natural forests and threatens rare floral and faunal species in a biodiversity hotspot.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FAC&rsquo;s <strong>site inspection report was also questioned for leaving out key details</strong> like number of grids across an altitudinal range inspected and the status of vegetation there, direct and indirect signs of wild animals listed in the various <strong>schedules of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</a></strong> and overall appreciation of the ecological value of the area.</li>
<li>The <strong>inadequacy of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-suspended-ec-for-airport-in-goa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Environment Impact Assessment</a> report</strong> on Etalin was also highlighted.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Wildlife officials ignored observations which include the threat to 25 globally endangered mammal and bird species in the area to be affected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The proposed <strong>mitigation measures</strong> like setting up butterfly and reptile parks are <strong>inadequate and insufficient.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/scrap-disastrous-arunachal-mega-dam-project-say-activists/article31616024.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Aksai Chin',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Chinese media has accused India of building defence facilities in the <strong>Galwan Valley region</strong> of the contested Aksai Chin area.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China controls Aksai Chin area, while India claims that it is part of Indian territory</strong> (Union territory of Ladakh).</li>
<li>Chinese media claims that the actions by the Indian side have seriously violated China and India&rsquo;s agreements on border issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also claims that India has violated China&rsquo;s territorial sovereignty and harmed military relations between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has not responded to the accusation yet.</li>
<li>The latest round of conflict comes days after Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/face-off-between-india-and-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NakuLa area in north Sikkim and Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh</strong></a>.</li>
<li>India and China have an <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/disputed-territories-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>unresolved 3488 km long border dispute</strong></a> that has cast a shadow on ties for decades.</li>
<li>Prolonged rounds of negotiations have failed to resolve the dispute between the two neighbours.</li>
<li>However, in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-china-ties-marching-on" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wuhan</strong></a> <strong>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-2nd-informal-summit-mamallapuram-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahabalipuram</a> summits</strong>, both China and India had reaffirmed that they will make efforts to<strong> &ldquo;ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Also, on 1<sup>st</sup> April, 2020 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China completed their 70 years of diplomatic relations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Dispute over Aksai Chin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the time of British rule in India, two borders between India and China were proposed-<strong> Johnson&rsquo;s Line</strong> and <strong>McDonald Line.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Johnson&rsquo;s line (proposed in 1865) shows Aksai Chin in erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir</strong> (now Ladakh) i.e. under India&rsquo;s control <strong>whereas McDonald Line (proposed in 1893) places it under China&rsquo;s control.</strong></li>
<li>India considers Johnson Line as a correct, rightful national border with China, while on the other hand, China considers the McDonald Line as the correct border with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At present, Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the line separating Indian areas of Ladakh from Aksai Chin. It is concurrent with the Chinese Aksai Chin claim line.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589883064_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589883064_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-building-facilities-in-aksai-chin-china-daily-6416390/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'New Super-Earth Planet',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists have discovered a rare new <strong>Super-Earth planet.</strong> It is among only a handful of<strong> extra-solar planets</strong> that have been detected with <strong>both sizes and orbits close to that of Earth.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589880801_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589880801_image4.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mass :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Host Star:</strong> The host star of the Super-Earth&rsquo;s system has about <strong>10% the mass</strong> of the Sun. The <strong>lower mass of the host star</strong> makes a<strong> &lsquo;year&rsquo;</strong> on the planet of approximately <strong>617 days.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Super-Earth Planet:</strong> The planet is expected to have a <strong>mass between the Earth&rsquo;s mass and that of Neptune.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Orbit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With reference to the Solar system, the Super-Earth planet would orbit at a radius anywhere between that of Venus and Earth in our solar system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Planet Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Super-Earth planet has been discovered using the <strong>gravitational microlensing technique.</strong></li>
<li>Gravitational microlensing is an astronomical phenomenon due to the gravitational lens effect. It can be used to detect objects that <strong>range from the mass of a planet to the mass of a star,</strong> regardless of the light they emit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The microlensing effect is rare, with only about one in a million stars in the galaxy being affected at any given time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Furthermore, such type of observation <strong>does not repeat,</strong> and the probabilities of catching a planet <strong>at the same time are extremely low.</strong></li>
<li>The other methods for exoplanets discovery include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Radial Velocity Method:</strong> The planet causes the<strong> parent star to wobble around in its orbit,</strong> and as the planet moves to and fro, it changes the color of the light we see.</li>
<li><strong>Transit Method:</strong> When an exoplanet passes in front of its star, some of the starlight passes <strong>through its atmosphere.</strong> Scientists can analyze the<strong> colors of this light</strong> in order to get valuable clues about its composition.</li>
<li><strong>Direct Image Method :</strong> The <strong>direct image can take pictures of exoplanets</strong> by removing the glare of the stars they orbit.</li>
<li><strong>Astrometry:</strong> The orbit of the planet can cause a star to wobble around in spaces in relation to nearby stars in the sky. This method is quite similar to the Radial Velocity method. However, here scientists take a<strong> series of images of a star</strong> and some of the other stars that are near it in the sky. In each picture, they <strong>compare the distances between these reference stars</strong> and the star they're checking for exoplanets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Exoplanet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System. The first confirmation of detection of exoplanets occurred in 1992.</li>
<li>Exoplanets are very hard to see directly with telescopes. They are <strong>hidden by the bright glare of the stars</strong> they orbit. So, astronomers use other ways to detect and study exoplanets such as looking at the effects these planets have on the stars they orbit.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/astronomers-discover-one-in-a-million-super-earth-6408529/" 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/new-super-earth-planet'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'International Museum Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Culture hosted a webinar on &ldquo;Revitalising Museums and Cultural Spaces&rdquo; to</strong> celebrate the International Museum Day.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) created by the Ministry of Electronics &amp; Information Technology (MeitY) provided technical assistance for conducting the Webinar.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> International Museum Day</strong> is celebrated every year on <strong>18 May</strong> to raise awareness about the fact that &ldquo;museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The International Museum Day <strong>2020</strong> was celebrated with the <strong>theme &ldquo;Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>International Museum Day was <strong>instituted in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Council of Museum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ICOM is the main and only organisation of museums and museum professionals with global scope, committed to promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible.</li>
<li>It was created in 1946 and is <strong>headquartered in Paris, France.</strong> It serves as a network of museum professionals (35,000 members in 137 countries) acting in a wide range of museum- and heritage-related disciplines.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Administration of Museums in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Multiple ministries hold charges of various Museums.</li>
<li>Not all Museums are administered by the <strong>Ministry of Culture.</strong></li>
<li>Some are run without government support by a handful of people <strong>under a Board of Trustees.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Budget 2020</strong> proposed the setting up of an Indian <strong>Institute of Heritage and Conservation</strong> with the status of a deemed university under the Ministry of Culture.</li>
<li><strong>The National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums</strong> (under the Ministry of Culture) have been launched for digitisation of the collections of the Museums.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Notable Museums in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Museum, New Delhi (Subordinate Office under the Ministry of Culture)</li>
<li>National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru</li>
<li>Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH), Kolkata</li>
<li>Asiatic Society, Kolkata</li>
<li>National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), New Delhi</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624938" 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/international-museum-day'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Travel Bubble',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/baltic-nations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Baltic countries</strong></a><strong> of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania</strong> started a <strong>travel bubble</strong> to help put their economies back on track after <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/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdowns</a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All three have been <strong>fairly successful at managing the Covid-19 outbreak</strong> and remaining comparatively safe.</li>
<li>In the Estonia-Latvia-Lithuania travel bubble, residents would be able to<strong> travel freely by rail, air and sea without quarantine measures.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Baltic Countries</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877211_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877211_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="567" height="612" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Baltic countries, the<strong> northeastern region of Europe,</strong> include the countries of <strong>Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania,</strong> on the<strong> eastern shores of the Baltic Sea.</strong></li>
<li>The Baltic states are bounded on the <strong>west and north</strong> by the <strong>Baltic Sea,</strong> which gives the region its name, on the <strong>east</strong> by<strong> Russia,</strong> on the <strong>southeast</strong> by <strong>Belarus</strong> and on the <strong>southwest</strong> by <strong>Poland</strong> and an <strong>exclave of Russia.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>1991,</strong> their then popularly elected governments declared <strong>independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics</strong> (USSR) with overwhelming support.</li>
<li>All three of them are <strong>members</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) and are sparsely populated (Lithuania-28 lakh, Latvia-19.2 lakh, Estonia-13.3 lakh people).</li>
<li><strong>India and Baltic countries</strong> have<strong> historical connect and common linguistic roots.</strong> The cutting edge <strong>technology and innovation ecosystems</strong> of the Baltic countries complement India&rsquo;s huge market and appetite for these technologies.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Travel Bubble:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creating a travel bubble involves <strong>reconnecting countries or states</strong> which have shown a<strong> good level of success in containing the Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a> domestically.</strong></li>
<li>Such a bubble would allow the members of the group to <strong>restart trade ties</strong> with each other and <strong>open travel and tourism.</strong></li>
<li>According to a report, potential travel bubbles among better-performing countries around the world would <strong>account for around 35% of the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a></strong> (GDP).</li>
<li>Travel bubbles are<strong> favoured by smaller countries</strong> because they are likely to benefit after being able to trade again with larger partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criteria for Entering the Travel Bubble:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>People from the outside countries, willing to join the bubble corridor, will have to go into isolation for 14 days.</li>
<li>One should not have travelled outside the member countries of the travel bubble, in the past 14 days.</li>
<li>One should not be infected with coronavirus and should not have come in contact with anyone who has been coronavirus infected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Countries to Start:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pitch-black" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Australia</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-new-zealand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Zealand</strong></a> reached an agreement to form a travel bubble, once it becomes safe to operate flights between them. Once it opens, the <strong>trans-Tasman zone</strong> (around <strong>Tasman Sea</strong>) will allow travel without a quarantine period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Trans-Tasman Zone:</strong> Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement is an <strong>arrangement between Australia and New Zealand</strong> which allows for the<strong> free movement of citizens</strong> of one of these countries to the other. The arrangement <strong>came into effect in 1973</strong> and allows citizens of each country<strong> to reside and work</strong> in the other country, <strong>with some restrictions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877137_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877137_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prime-ministers-visit-to-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Korea</strong> </a>have launched a fast track channel for business travellers.</li>
<li>In the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-us-relations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA</strong></a>, travel bubbles are being suggested to group states who are doing well against the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-travel-bubble-idea-that-many-are-pinning-hopes-on-6416715/" 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/travel-bubble'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Possibility of Covid-19 being Syndemic',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The possibilities of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> being<strong> syndemic</strong> have been raised in the backdrop of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)</strong></a> announcement that Covid-19 <strong>less likely to be eliminated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/endemic-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(i.e. may become endemic)</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the world has been characterised as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Pandemic&rsquo;</strong></a> by the WHO.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pandemic:</strong> A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations.</li>
<li><strong>Epidemic:</strong> An epidemic is a large outbreak, one that spreads among a population or region. It is less severe than pandemic due to a limited area of spread.</li>
<li><strong>Endemic:</strong> A disease is called endemic when the presence or usual prevalence of its infectious agent is constant within a given geographical area or population group.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A syndemic is a situation when <strong>two or more epidemics interact synergistically</strong> to produce an increased burden of disease in a population.</li>
<li>A situation of syndemic was first described by medical anthropologist <strong>Merrill Singer in the mid-1990s.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possibility of Syndemic in the Current Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Covid-19 Pandemic and Presence of Dengue, Malaria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The least possibility of elimination of Covid-19 pandemic and warning about the second wave of Covid-19 infections worldwide have reinforced the presence of Covid-19 for the long term.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, the alarm is being raised about diseases like dengue and malaria emerging with the upcoming <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>monsoon season</strong></a> in tropical South Asia.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a possibility that the world will face increased burden of the diseases and thus the situation of syndemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Presence of Antibiotic Resistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The second wave of infection due to Covid-19 is suspected to be seen in those with <strong>weakened immunity.</strong></li>
<li>At the same time, the world already faces antibiotic resistance and if Covid-19 deepens as a syndemic in populations with antibiotic resistance, the world will face comorbidities.</li>
<li>Comorbidity is the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Antibiotic resistance</strong></a> is the ability of bacteria or other microbes to resist the effects of an antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Past Instances of Syndemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 1957 Asian influenza pandemic observed deaths not only due to the primary viral infection, but also due to secondary bacterial infections among influenza patients. In short, it was a viral/bacterial syndemic.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, researchers have shown that in Kenya, 5% of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections</strong> </a>are due to higher HIV infectiousness of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malaria</strong></a>-infected HIV patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possible Solutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Whole world will need to implement <strong>large-scale population testing</strong> for Covid-19 (such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/antibody-kits-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PCR and antibody testing</strong></a>) to contain it at its base level.</li>
<li>The societies around the world will also have to consider<strong> innovations in population health surveillance technology</strong> and develop creative business models at a scale.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/preparing-for-a-syndemic/article31617304.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/possibility-of-covid-19-being-syndemic'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Ashwagandha and Anti-Covid-19 Drug',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers of IIT-Delhi in collaboration with Japan&rsquo;s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have found that the ayurvedic herb <strong>Ashwagandha has &ldquo;therapeutic and preventive value&rdquo; against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> infection.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The publication of the coronavirus genome and structure have triggered drug designing, devising and development using informatics and experimental tools across the world.</li>
<li>Researchers from IIT-Delhi and AIST have used <strong>Ashwagandha and propolis based compounds</strong> to target the <strong>main coronavirus&rsquo;s enzyme, known as the Main protease or Mpro.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mpro plays a key role in mediating <strong>viral replication. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Enzymes</strong> are biological molecules (typically proteins) that regulate the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within living organisms. E.g digestion.</li>
<li><strong>Replication</strong> is the process by which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In replication whenever a cell divides, the two new daughter cells contain the same genetic information, or DNA, as the parent cell.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The researchers have found that <strong>Withanone (Wi-N), a natural compound derived from Ashwagandha</strong> and <strong>Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), an active ingredient of New Zealand propolis,</strong> have the potential to interact with and <strong>block the activity of Mpro.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, the Indian government has also set up a task force to launch its clinical research studies on some Ayurvedic medicines that can be used to boost the immune system and control coronavirus.</li>
<li>The government has also launched the<strong> &lsquo;AYUSH Sanjivani&rsquo; App.</strong></li>
<li>The app intends to generate data on usage of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-system-of-medicine-bill-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga &amp; Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa and Homoeopathy)</strong></a> advocacies and measures among the population and its impact in prevention of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ashwagandha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ashwagandha (scientific name- <strong>Withania somnifera</strong>) is a <strong>medicinal herb.</strong> It is reputed as an <strong>immunity enhancer.</strong></li>
<li>It is classified as an <strong>adaptogen,</strong> which means that it can help the body to manage stress.</li>
<li>Ashwagandha also <strong>boosts brain function and lowers blood sugar,</strong> and helps <strong>fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.</strong></li>
<li>Ashwagandha has shown clinical success in <strong>treating both acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an <strong>autoimmune disease</strong> that can cause<strong> joint pain</strong> and damage throughout your body.</li>
<li>An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Propolis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Propolis or bee glue is a <strong>resinous mixture</strong> (a sticky chemical compound)<strong> that honey bees produce</strong> by mixing saliva and beeswax with gums gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources.</li>
<li>Propolis is used against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus etc.</li>
<li>It is used for boosting the immune system and for treating gastrointestinal problems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ashwagandha-compound-may-be-effective-anti-covid-drug-study-by-iit-d-japans-aist-6416445/" 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/ashwagandha-and-anti-covid-19-drug'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'A Rare Palm from Andamans',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a rare palm, <strong>Pinanga andamanensis</strong>, has been successfully cultivated at <strong>Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) based at Palode, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pinanga andamanensis</strong><em><strong>:</strong></em><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a rare palm endemic to South Andaman Island. Its entire population of some 600 specimens naturally occurs only in a tiny, evergreen forest pocket in South Andaman&rsquo;s <strong>Mount Harriet National Park.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Endemic</strong> species are those plants and animals that exist only in one geographical region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The name is derived from <strong>&lsquo;Penang&rsquo;,</strong> the modern-day Malaysian state. Penang itself has its origins in Pulau Pinang which <strong>means Island of the Areca Nut Palm.</strong></li>
<li>It has strong <strong>resemblance with the areca palm tree</strong> (widely used for bright interiors).</li>
<li>It has a <strong>small gene pool</strong> which means the species is vulnerable to natural calamities such as cyclones, earthquakes.</li>
<li>JNTBGRI scientists term it a critically endangered species and one of the least known among the endemic palms of the Andaman Islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultivation at JNTBGRI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Thiruvananthapuram</strong> has been referred as its<strong> second home</strong> as the species has started flowering in this Institute.</li>
<li>JNTBGRI will <strong>resume seed germination experiments</strong> for<strong> mass multiplication</strong> as part of the conservation strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mount Harriet National Park</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is located in the south of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.</li>
<li>Mount Harriet is the <strong>third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar</strong> archipelago next to<strong> Saddle Peak</strong> in North Andaman and<strong> Mount Thuillier</strong> in Great Nicobar.</li>
<li>The park is covered with evergreen forest pockets.</li>
<li>It is rich in flora and faunal species like <strong>andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles, butterflies and palm trees.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rare-palm-from-andamans-gets-second-home/article31618844.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/a-rare-palm-from-andamans'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Aarogya Setu App: A Technological Solutionism',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/aarogya-setu-is-open-to-state-abuse/article31595027.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Aarogya Setu is open to state abuse&rdquo;</a> which was published on The Hindu Business Line on 16/05/2020. It talks about the various issues pertaining to Aarogya Setu App.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India's first contact tracing app called Aarogya Setu was launched. The app seeks continuous access to location information (through GPS and Bluetooth technologies) to alert people to follow social distancing protocols and avoid Covid-19 hotspots.</p>
<p>Arogya Setu app is based on the idea of <strong>&lsquo;technological solutionism&rsquo;</strong> (technology providing an impartial solution to complex social problems).</p>
<p>However, concerns over the Aarogya Setu App were raised when a French 'ethical hacker' claimed to have access to the users' data and highlighted security bugs within the app which could have privacy ramifications.</p>
<h3>Advantages of Aarogya Setu App</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Through this app individual as well as authorities can be informed in case they have crossed paths with someone who has tested positive for the virus, to prevent further spread.</li>
<li>As economies open up and normal life resumes, this app may enable governments to detect outbreaks and prevent community transmission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This app assumes more significance, as of now, there is no vaccine for Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The app will also serve as e-passes and health certificates, necessary for workers to commute. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thereby, an e-pass could be the key for starting the engine of growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, the app will be very useful for services based on the Gig economy (Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, etc.) and thereby may provide much-needed employment prospects in urban centres.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Pertaining to the App</h3>
<p><strong>Privacy Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The app doesn&rsquo;t provide any concrete assurance from the Centre that the centralised data would not be used for other purposes.</li>
<li>The data-sharing and knowledge-sharing protocol for the Aarogya Setu is prone to misuse, considering that India still doesn&rsquo;t have data protection laws.</li>
<li>The fear of privacy regarding Aarogya Setu app has exacerbated due to issues pertaining to Aadhar.</li>
<li>Technologies such as real-time big data analytics, hold immense potential for furthering the needs of the <strong>surveillance state.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Against Government&rsquo;s Policy of Open Source Software</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Policy on Adoption of Open Source Software for Government of India was launched in 2014.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The thrust of the <strong>policy</strong> requires the various ministries of the Government of India to prefer <strong>Open Source Software</strong> in all e-Governance systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the Aarogya Setu app is not an open-source application which means the app doesn't allow the entire developer community to take a deeper look into its inner workings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it cannot be audited for security flaws by independent coders and researchers.</li>
<li>This led experts to question its hidden surveillance motives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Concerning the Fundamental Right to Privacy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Government has issued guidelines to the employers to ensure that all their employees must mandatory install this app.</li>
<li>This violates the right to privacy, which is a fundamental right as held by the Supreme court in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privacy-judgement-and-the-aftermath" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Puttaswamy case 2017</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Further, any restriction on this right can only be placed in accordance with the procedure established by the law. However, there is no act passed by the parliament, which authorises making this app mandatory.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna</strong></a> held the drive to make people use the app was "utterly illegal".</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This marks a dramatic shift from a model of &lsquo;encouragement&rsquo; and trust to one of coercion and compulsion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Discriminatory Nature of App</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Aarogya Setu inadvertently differentiate against regions which have smaller number concentrations of smartphones or low-income non-smartphone users.&rsquo;</li>
<li>Also, vulnerable sections like migrant workers can&rsquo;t afford the smartphone and the internet.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One of the main demands by privacy as well as cybersecurity experts is to throw open the source code of Aarogya Setu app. So that they can be audited for design and programming flaws.</li>
<li>The government must ensure that the use of any privacy infringing technology must satisfy five criteria viz. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>First, it must have a legislative basis.</li>
<li>Second, it must pursue a legitimate aim.</li>
<li>Third, it should be a rational method to achieve the intended aim.</li>
<li>Fourth, there must not be any alternatives which can also achieve the intended aim.</li>
<li>Fifth, the benefits must outweigh the harm caused to the right holder.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Legal experts have stressed the need for a personal data protection law to back the government&rsquo;s decision to make the app mandatory for everyone.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Technology can help us to be safe, but it must not infringe people&rsquo;s right to privacy. In this context, India must seriously contemplate legislation (which incorporates the principles of data protection as highlighted by BN Srikrishna committee) around the app, which strikes a balance between disease containment and privacy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589804368_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589804368_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="335" height="393" /></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: #fff9e6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Technology can help us to be safe, but it must not infringe people&rsquo;s right to privacy&rdquo;. Analyse this statement in the context of issues pertaining to Aarogya Setu app.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbFkB823lE0" 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/fm-nirmala-sitharaman-covid-economic-package-agriculture-6411949/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Freeing The Farm&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on May 16<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aarogya-setu-app-a-technological-solutionism'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Economic Stimulus-V',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced the measures for providing employment and support to businesses, state governments as well sectors such as education and health as part of the <strong>fifth and final tranche</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced measures also form a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package to deal with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Earlier, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Economic Stimulus-I</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-II</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-III</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-IV</strong></a> were announced.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589799855_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589799855_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increase in Allocation for MGNREGA</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government will allocate an<strong> additional Rs.40,000 crore</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mgnrega-trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act</strong></a>, <strong>2005</strong> (MGNREGA).</li>
<li>It will help <strong>generate nearly 300 crore person days</strong> in total, addressing the need for more work by the migrants who are returning to their hometowns due to the pandemic and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Creation</strong> of a larger number of <strong>durable and livelihood assets</strong> including <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/water-conservation-traditional-approach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">water conservation</a> assets</strong> which will boost the rural economy through higher production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health Reforms and Initiatives</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public expenditure</strong> on health will be <strong>increased</strong> by investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up health and wellness centres in rural and urban areas.</li>
<li><strong>Preparing India for future pandemics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Setting up of<strong> Infectious Diseases Hospital Blocks</strong> in all districts.</li>
<li>Strengthening of lab networks and surveillance (<strong>Integrated Public Health Labs</strong> in all districts and blocks)</li>
<li>The <strong>National Institutional Platform for One Health</strong> by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-recommends-use-of-hydroxy-chloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong></a> (ICMR) will encourage research.</li>
<li>Implementation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-digital-health-blueprint" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Digital Health Blueprint</strong></a> under the <strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong> (NDHM).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NDHM was recommended to be established as a purely government organization with complete functional autonomy on the lines of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aadhar-and-its-voluntary-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unique Identification Authority of India</strong> </a>(UIDAI) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-27th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Network GSTN.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology Driven Education with Equity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government will launch <strong>PM eVIDYA,</strong> a programme for multi-mode access to digital/online education with immediate effect. It<strong> consists</strong> of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-human-resource-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DIKSHA</strong></a> <strong>for school education in States/UTs:</strong> e-content and QR coded Energized Textbooks for all grades (one nation, one digital platform)</li>
<li>One earmarked TV channel per class from 1 to 12 <strong>(One class, One channel)</strong></li>
<li>Extensive <strong>use of Radio,</strong> Community radio and Podcasts.</li>
<li><strong>Special e-content for visually and hearing impaired.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Top 100 universities</strong> will be permitted to automatically start <strong>online courses</strong> by 30<sup>th</sup> May, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Manodarpan,</strong> an initiative for <strong>psycho-social support</strong> for students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well-being will be launched.</li>
<li><strong>New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework</strong> for school, early childhood and teachers will be launched.</li>
<li><strong>National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission</strong> for ensuring that every child attains learning levels and outcomes in grade 5 by 2025 <strong>will be launched by December 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Related to IBC</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Minimum threshold</strong> to initiate insolvency proceedings has been <strong>raised to Rs.1 crore</strong> (from Rs.1 lakh, which largely insulates <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a>-MSMEs).</li>
<li><strong>Special insolvency resolution framework</strong> for MSMEs under <strong>Section 240A of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code</a></strong> (IBC) will be notified.</li>
<li>Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year, depending upon the <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>Empowering the Central Government to <strong>exclude Covid-19 related debt</strong> from the definition of &ldquo;default&rdquo; under the IBC for the purpose of triggering insolvency proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Related to the Companies Act</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Decriminalisation of Companies Act, 2013<strong> violations involving minor technical and procedural defaults</strong> (shortcomings in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Corporate Social Responsibility</strong></a> (CSR) reporting, inadequacies in Board report, filing defaults, etc).</li>
<li>Majority of the compoundable offences sections to be shifted to<strong> Internal Adjudication Mechanism</strong> (IAM).</li>
<li>The amendments will<strong> de-clog the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-road-map-for-criminal-justice-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criminal courts</a> and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-fact-for-prelims-4th-march-2019-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> National Company Law Tribunal</a></strong> (NCLT).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ease of Doing Business for Corporates</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Key reforms include:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions.</li>
<li>Private companies which list <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-30th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Convertible Debentures</a></strong> (NCDs) on<strong> stock exchanges</strong> not to be regarded as listed companies.</li>
<li>Including the provisions of<strong> Part IXA (Producer Companies)</strong> of <strong>Companies Act, 1956</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/committee-to-review-the-offences-under-the-companies-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Companies Act, 2013</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Power to create additional/specialized benches for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-company-law-appellate-tribunal-nclat-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Company Law Appellate Tribunal</strong> </a>(NCLAT).</li>
<li><strong>Lower penalties for all defaults</strong> for Small Companies, One-person Companies, Producer Companies and StartUps.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public Sector Enterprise Policy for a New, Self-reliant India</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government will announce a <strong>new policy</strong> whereby:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>List of strategic sectors requiring the presence of <strong>Public Sector Enterprises</strong> (PSEs) in public interest will be notified.</li>
<li>In strategic sectors, at least <strong>one enterprise will remain in the public sector</strong> but <strong>private sector</strong> will also be<strong> allowed.</strong></li>
<li>In other sectors,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatisation-of-pses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> PSEs will be privatized</strong></a> (timing to be based on feasibility etc.).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Support to State Governments</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre has decided to<strong> increase borrowing limits of States from 3% to 5% for 2020-21 only</strong> which will give States extra resources of Rs.4.28 lakh crore.</li>
<li>Part of the borrowing will be linked to <strong>specific reforms</strong> (including recommendations of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-k-and-15th-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Finance Commission</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Reform linkage will be in four areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Universalisation of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-ration-card-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;One Nation One Ration card&rsquo;</a></strong>.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business.</strong></a></li>
<li>Power distribution.</li>
<li>Urban Local Body revenues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States can borrow more</strong> in the following pattern, notified by the Department of Expenditure:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The first 0.5% will be an unconditional increase.</li>
<li>Next 1% in 4 tranches of 0.25%, with each tranche linked to clearly specified, measurable and feasible reform actions.</li>
<li>The last 0.50% if milestones are achieved in at least three out of four reform areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Increase in Allocation for MGNREGA</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The step to<strong> allocate more resources to MGNREGA</strong> was <strong>widely welcomed</strong> as it will support rural livelihoods in the time of crisis.</li>
<li>However, given that <strong>States account for 40% of MGNREGA expenditure,</strong> including most upfront costs, they will also have to spend on the scheme.</li>
<li>Demand for work under MGNREGA had surged to a<strong> nine-year high in 2019-20</strong> as 5.47 crore households availed of the scheme, the highest since 2010-11.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On Support to State Governments</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> expansion of the fiscal deficit</strong> has been <strong>welcomed by the states</strong> because <strong>GSDPs (Gross State Domestic Product) are likely to contract</strong> and further shrink the possible borrowing at a time when States are at the frontline of containment and relief operations.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>conditions on additional loans have been criticised</strong> on the grounds that in future, severe conditions may be imposed on even normal loans.</li>
<li>The <strong>utilisation of additional 2%</strong> borrowing by states <strong>can be lower because states</strong> may settle on borrowing less <strong>to avoid undertaking politically difficult reforms.</strong></li>
<li>A likely increase in borrowing cost due to the<strong> emerging gap between total <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/need-to-set-up-state-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Sector Borrowing Requirement</a></strong> (PSBR) and <strong>available resources</strong> will also lead to states not opting for the increased borrowing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On Public Sector Enterprise Policy</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was criticised on the grounds that privatising PSUs would <strong>find fewer buyers at a time of global recession,</strong> while any potential buyer would be spending money which could have gone into fresh investment on a financial transfer instead, <strong>effectively contracting demand.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624661" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a>/<strong><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/with-migrants-headed-home-65-hike-in-mnrega-funds-6414954/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IE</a></strong>/<strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/coronavirus-package-centre-throws-open-all-sectors-to-private-players/article31610628.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TH</a></strong></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-v'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Statehood Day of Sikkim',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On the <strong>Statehood Day of Sikkim</strong> (16<sup>th</sup> May), the Prime Minister greeted the people of the state and praised the traditions and culture of the state highlighting its contributions to the national progress.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sikkim is located in the <strong>northeastern part</strong> of the country, in the <strong>eastern Himalayas</strong> and is <strong>one of the smallest states</strong> in India.</li>
<li>It derives its name from the <strong>Limbu</strong> (a tribe) <strong>words</strong><em> su him</em>, meaning <strong>&lsquo;new house&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Capital: Gangtok.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Borders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tibet Autonomous Region of China</strong> to the north and northeast, <strong>Bhutan</strong> to the southeast, Indian state of <strong>West Bengal</strong> to the south and <strong>Nepal</strong> to the west.</li>
<li>Sikkim is of<strong> great political and strategic importance</strong> for India because of its location along several international boundaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sikkim became a <strong>protectorate of India in 1950</strong> following the <strong>Indo-Sikkimese Treaty,</strong> with India assuming responsibility for the external relations, defense and strategic communications of Sikkim.</li>
<li>Sikkim became the<strong> 22<sup>nd</sup> state</strong> of India on<strong> 16<sup>th</sup> May 1975,</strong> following a <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/statehood-demand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>statehood demand</strong></a> from the political leaders.</li>
<li>The <strong>Namgyal dynasty</strong> ruled Sikkim <strong>until 1975.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Geography:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mount Kanchenjunga,</strong> India&rsquo;s highest peak and the world&rsquo;s third highest mountain <strong>lies in Sikkim.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/khangchendzonga-to-be-included-in-the-world-network-of-biosphere-reserves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Kanchenjunga National Park</strong> </a>(KNP) (established in<strong> 1977</strong>), near the peak is among the largest of India&rsquo;s high-elevation conservation areas.</li>
<li>KNP was designated a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Heritage Site</strong></a> in <strong>2016</strong> under the<strong> &lsquo;mixed&rsquo; category</strong> (sites containing elements of both natural and cultural significance).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Sikkim is drained by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/teesta-river" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teesta river</a> and its tributaries</strong> such as the Rangit, Lhonak, Talung and Lachung.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/trans-boundary-water-conflicts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Teesta river water conflict</strong></a> is one of the most contentious issues between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh.</strong></a></li>
<li>Teesta river is<strong> a tributary of Brahmaputra river.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589798394_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589798394_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=204034" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Economic Stimulus-IV',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced the fourth tranche of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> targeted towards<strong> fast track investments</strong> in the <strong>eight sectors.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fourth tranche focuses on <strong>eight sectors</strong> namely, coal, minerals, defence production, civil aviation, power distribution, social infrastructure, space and atomic energy.</li>
<li>The announced measures also form a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package to deal with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The government has already announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-I</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-II</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-III</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Basis of Policy Reforms for Fast-track Investments</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fast tracking of investment clearance</strong> through the Empowered Group of Secretaries.</li>
<li><strong>Establishment of Project Development Cell</strong> in each Ministry to prepare a list of investable projects and also to coordinate with investors and Central/State Governments.</li>
<li><strong>Ranking of States on investment attractiveness</strong> to compete for new investment.</li>
<li>Incentive schemes for promotion of<strong> new champion sectors</strong> such as solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) manufacturing; advanced cell battery storage etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794261_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794261_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="463" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Coal Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Commercial Mining:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The introduction of commercial mining will <strong>remove the government monopoly</strong> in coal mining. India has the third-largest coal availability within its untapped mines and yet India still imports coal.</li>
<li>Commercial mining will be introduced on the basis of a<strong> revenue-sharing mechanism.</strong> The government will receive a share of the gross revenue from the sale of coal but will not be involved with the cost incurred.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coal Gasification/Liquefaction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be <strong>incentivised</strong> through rebate (partial refund) in revenue share to lower the environmental impact. It is also expected to assist India in switching to a gas-based economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure Investment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The infrastructure development worth of <strong>Rs. 50,000 crores</strong> will be done to achieve the Coal India Limited&rsquo;s (CIL) target of 1 billion tons coal production by 2023-24 plus coal production from private blocks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Extraction :</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These extraction rights to be auctioned from Coal India Limited&rsquo;s (CIL) coal mines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mining Plan Simplification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ease of Doing Business measures, such as Mining Plan simplification, will be considered. It is expected to increase annual production by 40%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mineral Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exploration-cum-Mining-cum-Production Regime:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>500 mining blocks would be offered through an open and transparent auction process under this composite regime.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joint Auction of Bauxite and Coal Mineral Blocks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aims to enhance the aluminium industry&rsquo;s competitiveness by reducing the cost of electricity generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Captive and Non-captive Mines:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has decided<strong> to remove the distinction between captive and non-captive mines</strong> to allow the transfer of mining leases and the sale of surplus unused minerals, leading to better efficiency in mining and production.</li>
<li>The captive mines are that produce minerals for use by the same company.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Revision of FDI Limit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route will be <strong>raised from 49% to 74%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Project Management Unit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to support contract management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Defence Import Bill:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for imports and thus such items can only be purchased from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Civil Aviation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Efficient Airspace Management:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The restrictions on the utilisation of Indian airspace will be eased so that the flying of civilian aircraft becomes more efficient. Such utilisation is expected to bring in <strong>benefits of nearly Rs 1,000 crore per year.</strong></li>
<li>It will also lead to optimal utilization of airspace, reduction in fuel use, time and will have positive environmental impact.</li>
<li>Currently,<strong> only 60% of India&rsquo;s airspace is freely available</strong> and thus airplanes have been flying to most destinations through longer routes hence more fuel is used in the process and the customers end up paying more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Airports Development through PPP :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In addition to the existing ones,six more airports will be auctioned under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model for its development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India- a global hub for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The aircraft component repairs and airframe maintenance is intended to increase from <strong>Rs 800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore in three years.</strong></li>
<li>The convergence between the Defence sector and the civil MROs will be established to bring down the maintenance cost of airlines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Power Distribution Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tariff Policy Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The tariff policy reforms will be announced in the future. The reforms are expected to focus on the consumer rights, promotion of industry and sustainability of the sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Privatization of Distribution in UTs :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The power departments/utilities in Union Territories will be privatised.</li>
<li>It is expected to improve the operational and financial efficiency in Distribution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Infrastructure Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Investments through Viability Gap Funding:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government is expected to invest Rs 8,100 crores through Viability Gap Funding (VGF).</li>
<li>Currently, most of the projects are supported by centre/states/statutory bodies <strong>with 20% as VGF.</strong> But the Centre will be<strong> increasing</strong> its share in VGF to<strong> 30% in the future.</strong></li>
<li>The above benefits will be provided if the projects will be proposed by Central Ministries/ State Government/ Statutory entities.</li>
<li>Viability Gap Funding (VGF) signifies a grant, one-time or deferred, provided to support infrastructure projects that are economically justified but fall short of financial viability. The lack of financial viability usually arises from long gestation periods and the inability to increase user charges to commercial levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Space Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Participation of the Private Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government will be providing a level playing field for private companies in satellites, planetary exploration, outer space travel, launches and space-based services.</li>
<li>Such private players will also be allowed to use ISRO&rsquo;s facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liberal Geo-spatial Data Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There will also be a liberal geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to tech-entrepreneurs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atomic Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Research Reactor in PPP Mode:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will help to produce medical isotopes for affordable treatment of cancer and other diseases.</li>
<li>It will also generate facilities to use <strong>irradiation technology for food preservation.</strong> This will complement agricultural reforms and assist farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology Development cum Incubation Centres :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These centres will be set up to act as a link between India&rsquo;s robust start-up ecosystem to the nuclear sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Criticism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is considered to be less of a stimulus and <strong>more of industrial reforms,</strong> which could have been announced at any time.</li>
<li>It has been also observed that the only direct budgetary cost in this tranche was the Rs. 8,100 crore to be provided as a raised 30% viability gap funding to boost private investment in social sector infrastructure.</li>
<li>The fourth tranche covered sectors of strategic importance but these policies will be rolled out over a 3-6 month period, and any implication for supporting or reviving the economy as it comes out of lockdown is missing.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-fourth-tranche-economic-package-announcements-6412870/" 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/economic-stimulus-iv'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'National Migrant Information System',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority</strong></a> (NDMA) has developed an online dashboard called<strong> &lsquo;National Migrant Information System (NMIS)&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The online portal (NMIS) would <strong>maintain a central repository of migrant workers</strong> and help in<strong> speedy inter-state communication</strong> to facilitate the smooth movement of migrant workers to their native places.</li>
<li>The<strong> key data</strong> pertaining to the persons migrating <strong>has been standardized for uploading</strong> such as name, age, mobile no., originating and destination district, date of travel etc.</li>
<li>States will be able to visualize how many people are going out from where and how many are reaching their destination States.</li>
<li>It has additional advantages like<strong> contact tracing,</strong> which may be useful in overall Covid-19 response work.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mobile numbers of people can be used for contact tracing and movement monitoring during <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Contact tracing</strong> is the process of identification of persons who may have come into contact with an infected person and subsequent collection of further information about these contacts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government of India has allowed the movement of migrant workers by buses and <strong>&lsquo;Shramik&rsquo; special trains</strong> to enable them to travel to their native places.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Disaster Management Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the<strong> apex statutory body for disaster management in India.</strong></li>
<li>It was constituted in accordance with the <strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005</strong> with the <strong>Prime Minister as its Chairperson</strong> and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice-Chairperson.</li>
<li><strong>Mandate:</strong> Its primary purpose is to coordinate response to natural or man-made disasters and for capacity-building in disaster resiliency and crisis response.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is also the<strong> apex body to lay down policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management</strong> to ensure timely and effective response to disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vision:</strong> To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, proactive, technology driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624540" 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/national-migrant-information-system'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Afghanistan’s Power Sharing Deal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Afghanistan&rsquo;s President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah have signed a power-sharing agreement.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Power-sharing deal</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the deal, Mr. Ghani will remain as president while both Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah will choose an equal number of ministers in the cabinet.</li>
<li>The deal calls for Abdullah to lead the country&rsquo;s <strong>National Reconciliation High Council.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Reconciliation Council</strong> has been given the authority to handle and approve all <strong>affairs related to Afghanistan&rsquo;s peace process including the peace talks with the Taliban.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The deal has been signed two months <strong>after the presidential election dispute</strong> that arose in September 2019 between Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah.</li>
<li>The Election Commission<strong> declared Mr. Ghani to be the winner</strong> of the presidential election, <strong>but Mr. Abdullah</strong> and the Elections Complaint Commission<strong> charged widespread voting irregularities</strong> in the election.</li>
<li>Following which, both declared themselves the winner of the presidential election and have been locked in a power struggle since then.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>U.S.- Taliban peace deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>peace deal between the U.S. Government and the Taliban</strong> </a>was signed on 29 February, 2020. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The deal calls for<strong> U.S. and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-minimises-its-share-in-nato-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</a> troops to leave Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The U.S.-Taliban peace deal is seen as Afghanistan&rsquo;s<strong> best chance to come at peace in decades of war.</strong></li>
<li>Since then, the U.S. has been trying to get the <strong>Taliban and the Afghan government to begin intra-Afghan negotiations,</strong> but the political turmoil and personal hostility between Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah has impeded talks.</li>
<li>This prompted the U.S. Government to announce that it would cut $1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan if the two weren&rsquo;t able to work out their differences.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has welcomed the power-sharing deal between President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah.</li>
<li>It hope that the <strong>power-sharing deal</strong> will result in renewed efforts for <strong>establishing enduring peace and stability,</strong> and <strong>putting an end to externally-sponsored terrorism </strong>and <strong>violence in Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Afghanistan for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Afghanistan's main advantage is its geography.</li>
<li>Anyone who controls Afghanistan controls the land routes between the Indian subcontinent, Iran, and resource-rich Central Asia.</li>
<li>Economically, it is a gateway to the oil and mineral-rich Central Asian republics.</li>
<li>Afghanistan has become the second-largest recipient of Indian foreign aid over the last five years.</li>
<li>India has become more and more popular in Afghanistan, not only because of its soft power, but also by setting up infrastructure, including hospitals, roads and dams, and contributing to the fabric of a democratic nation-state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794853_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794853_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/afghan-president-and-rival-sign-power-sharing-deal/article31609012.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/afghanistan-s-power-sharing-deal'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Role of Rajya Sabha',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-need-for-a-second-chamber/article31560028.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The need for a second chamber&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 11/05/2020. It talks about the role and issues pertaining to Rajya Sabha.</p>
</div>
<p>Rajya Sabha&rsquo; or the &lsquo;Council of States&rsquo; is the second chamber of the Indian parliament, which traces its origin to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919.</p>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/250th-session-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajya Sabha as the second chamber of the parliament</strong></a> intended to play certain roles as a <strong>permanent house</strong> (it never dissolves like Lok sabha and one-third of its members retire every two years), <strong>revisionary house</strong> (reconsidering bills passed by the Lok Sabha) and offers a <strong>degree of continuity</strong> in the underlying policies of laws passed by parliament.</p>
<p>Along with this, Rajya Sabha also acts as a means to <strong>institutionalise the federal principle</strong> of power-sharing between the Centre and states.</p>
<p>However, the role and relevance of Rajya Sabha have been a matter of debate which can be traced from discussions in constituent assembly to recent times.</p>
<h3>Constituent Assembly Debates Regarding Rajya Sabha</h3>
<p><strong>Against the Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The section in the constituent assembly who was opposed to the idea of Rajya sabha held that an Upper House was not essential and opinionated that such a chamber can prove to be a &ldquo;clog in the wheel of progress&rdquo; of the nation, by delaying the legislative process.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In favour of Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Proponents of the Rajya Sabha held that an upper chamber would lend a voice to the states in the legislative scheme of things and check the legislation passed in haste.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of Rajya Sabha</h3>
<p><strong>Safety Valve of India&rsquo;s Federal Polity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bicameralism is necessary for a federal constitution to give representation to the units of the federation.</li>
<li>While checks and balances usually operate between the executive, legislature and judiciary, the Council of States acts as a safety valve within the legislature itself, easing federal tensions.</li>
<li>Rajya Sabha thus represents a crucial component of the constitutional checks and balances scheme, in addition to the commonly identified examples of responsible government and judicial review.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Review and Revaluation Role</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian constitution framers wanted to create a house that would act as a<strong> revisionary house</strong> to keep a check on the hasty legislation that could be passed by the lower house under populist pressures.</li>
<li>Also, when the ruling dispensation has a brute majority in the Lok Sabha, Rajya sabha can prevent the government of the day exercising authoritarianism.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A Deliberative Body</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Parliament is not only a legislative body but also a deliberative one which enables the members to debate major issues of public importance.</li>
<li>Thus, the role of the Upper House is to be a deliberative body besides balancing the &ldquo;fickleness and passion&rdquo; of the Lok Sabha.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Representing the Vulnerable Sections</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Women, religious, ethnic and linguistic minority groups are not adequately represented in the Lok Sabha (due to<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/parliamentary-reforms-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> first past the post-election system</strong></a>).</li>
<li>An indirect form of election (<strong>through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener">propositional representation</a></strong>) to the Rajya Sabha, therefore, would give them a chance to get involved in the nation&rsquo;s law-making process.</li>
<li>Thus, Rajya Sabha can make a place for people who may not be able to win a popular mandate.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Special Powers of Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Upper House also has some special powers, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Power to transfer a subject from the State List to Union List for a specified period (Article 249).</li>
<li>To create additional All-India Services (Article 312).</li>
<li>To endorse Emergency under Article 352 for a limited period when the Lok Sabha remains dissolved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Rajya Sabha</h3>
<p><strong>No equal Representation of states</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Federal countries like US, Australia, institutionalise the principle of federalism more strongly than India, by providing equal representation to all states in their upper houses.</li>
<li>This is in contrast with the Rajya Sabha, where states are represented proportionally to their relative populations.</li>
<li>For example, the number of seats allocated in Rajya Sabha to Uttar Pradesh alone is significantly higher than that of combined north-eastern states.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Bypassing the Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In some cases, ordinary bills are being passed in the form of a Money Bill, circumventing the Rajya Sabha and giving rise to the question about the very efficacy of the upper house of Parliament.</li>
<li>This can be seen recently in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/misuse-of-money-bills-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>controversy related to Aadhar Act</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Undermining of Federal character of Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>By way of the Representation of People (Amendment) Act, 2003, parliament has removed the word &lsquo;domicile&rsquo; from Section 3 of Representation of People Act, 1951.</li>
<li>This essentially means that a person who does not belong to a state can contest the Rajya Sabha elections from that state of which they are neither a resident nor a domicile.</li>
<li>After the amendment, the seats in the Rajya Sabha have been used by the ruling party to get their defeated candidate in Lok Sabha, elected in Rajya Sabha.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Low Participation of Nominated Members</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More recently, the sincerity of nominated members has been questioned in multiple instances.</li>
<li>Nominations are made by the government to satisfy the sentiments of the followers of certain personalities.</li>
<li>Once nominated, they rarely participate in the working of the house. Sachin Tendulkar was appointed in 2012 and the House has met 374 days since then, but the attendance of Sachin Tendulkar is a meagre 24 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To preserve the federal character of Rajya Sabha, one step would be to have members of the Rajya Sabha be directly elected by the citizens of a state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will reduce cronyism and patronage appointments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, a federal arrangement can be devised to enable equal representation for each state, so that large states do not dominate the proceedings in the House.</li>
<li>There is a need for a better procedure of nomination to improve the quality of discussion in the House. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A cue in this regard can be taken from the UK.</li>
<li>The House of Lords Act, 1999 has led to the introduction of the Appointments Commission in 2000 with the primary function of making recommendations for the appointment of non-party-political members to the House of Lords.</li>
<li>This commission can recommend nomination to Rajya Sabha from groups under-represented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Even though the ups and downs of Indian politics, the Rajya Sabha has remained a vanguard for political and social values, a melting pot of cultural diversity. Also, along with Lok sabha, it is a flag-bearer of the sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic called India.</p>
<p>Thus, Rajya sabha should not be seen as a &lsquo;disruptive&rsquo; wing of the legislation and efforts should be made to enable Rajya Sabha to retain its significant role in Indian democracy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589630927_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589630927_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" 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: #edf0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Critically analyse the significance of Rajya Sabha as the federal chamber of Indian democracy.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJt7FjZ-aJ4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bhupendrasinh-chudasama-gujarat-governement-supreme-court-election-commission-6410304/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In EC&rsquo;s Court</strong></a>&rdquo; which was published in The Indian Express on May 15th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'ICGS Sachet',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Defence Minister of India has commissioned <strong>Indian Coast Guard Ship</strong> (ICGS)<strong> Sachet</strong> and <strong>two Interceptor Boats</strong> (IBs) <strong>C-450</strong> and <strong>C-451</strong> in Goa via video conference.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>ICGS Sachet</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>‘Sachet’ means <strong>alert.</strong></li>
<li>It is the first in the series of five <strong>Offshore Patrol Vessels</strong> (OPVs) and has been designed and built <strong>indigenously</strong> by <strong>Goa Shipyard Limited</strong> (GSL) and is fitted with <strong>state-of-the-art navigation</strong> and <strong>communication equipment.</strong></li>
<li>The 105 metre long ship is designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter, four high speed boats, one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search and rescue operations.</li>
<li>The ship is also <strong>capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment</strong> to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.</li>
<li>It is for the <strong>first time in Indian maritime history</strong> that a <strong>ship was commissioned through digital medium,</strong> maintaining strict protocol of social distancing in the backdrop of<strong> Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>IBs C-450 and C-451</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are <strong>indigenously</strong> designed and built by<strong> Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, Hazira</strong> and fitted with the <strong>latest navigation and communication equipment.</strong></li>
<li>The two 30 metre long boats are <strong>designed for</strong> high speed interception, close coast patrol and low intensity maritime operations.</li>
<li>The<strong> quick response capability</strong> of the IBs makes it an ideal platform to respond and thwart any emerging maritime situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ICG, which is the<strong> fourth largest Coast Guard in the world,</strong> has established itself as a reliable force in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/indias-coastal-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coastal security</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The ICG along with Indian Shipyards plays a major role in realising India's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAGAR Vision</strong></a> <strong>(Security and Growth for All in the Region)</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Self-reliant India Mission</strong></a> <strong>(Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Coast Guard</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established on <strong>18<sup>th</sup> August 1978</strong> by the <strong>Coast Guard Act, 1978</strong> of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India.</li>
<li>It operates under the <strong>Ministry of Defence.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> New Delhi.</li>
<li>It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India including<strong> contiguous zone and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive economic zone</a></strong> (EEZ).</li>
<li>It is <strong>responsible</strong> for marine environment protection in maritime zones of India and is coordinating authority for response to oil spills in Indian waters.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=204015" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Endemic Disease',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> predicted that novel coronavirus could become <strong>endemic to the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The rapid spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> across the world has been characterised as <strong>Pandemic</strong> by the WHO.</li>
<li>Though India has made great efforts in containing the spread of the virus, the probability of its conversion into the category of endemic would be a great vulnerability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Endemic Disease:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A disease is called <strong>endemic</strong> when the presence or <strong>usual prevalence of its infectious agent is constant</strong> within a <strong>given geographical area or population group.</strong></li>
<li>When the<strong> cases begin to rise,</strong> it is classified as an <strong>epidemic.</strong> If this epidemic has been <strong>recorded in several countries and areas,</strong> it is called a <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>Some<strong> examples</strong> of endemics include chicken pox and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-malaria-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malaria</strong></a>, where there are a predictable number of cases every year in certain parts of the world.</li>
<li>According to the WHO, the<strong> novel coronavirus may become just another endemic virus in communities,</strong> and may never go away.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>R0 and Spread of the Disease:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mathematical figure<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/science-of-covid-19-spread" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;R0&rsquo;(pronounced &ldquo;R-naught&rdquo;)</strong></a> indicates <strong>how fast an infection is spreading.</strong></li>
<li>It is called the<strong> basic reproduction number</strong> and indicates the average number of people who will contract the virus from a person who has already been infected, in a population that does not have immunity for the said disease.</li>
<li>If<strong> R0=1,</strong> then the disease is endemic.</li>
<li>When<strong> R0&gt;1,</strong> it implies that the cases are increasing and that the disease will eventually become an epidemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>When a Disease Becomes Epidemic</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Disease becomes <strong>&ldquo;increasingly tolerated&rdquo;</strong> and the responsibility of protecting against it shifts from the government to the individual. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This means, rather than government agencies actively engaging in tracking and identifying cases, the individuals themselves will be responsible for managing risk from the disease and seeking care.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The sociopolitical response to the disease may also change, with investment in the disease becoming institutionalised along with the <strong>disease-inducing behavioural changes in people. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Epidemic diseases typically have higher mortality and morbidity than the diseases which have become endemic,</strong> owing to lack of clinical experience and knowledge. Over time, effective prevention and treatment interventions emerge for the disease that has become endemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Types of Endemic Diseases</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Holoendemic Diseases:</strong> This kind of endemic disease affects mostly children. This infection is highly prevalent in the early years of life. The adult population do not show traces of diseases as much as children do. <strong>Malaria</strong> is a type of holoendemic disease.</li>
<li><strong>Hyperendemic Diseases:</strong> These types of endemic diseases are constantly present at a high rate and are found among all age groups equally. <strong>E.g. African Sleeping Sickness and Chicken Pox.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-endemic-disease-meaning-6411740/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'International Day of Families',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Day of Families is observed on <strong>15 May</strong> every year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589617340_Image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589617340_Image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="200" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 1993, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations</strong></a> General Assembly passed a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> It provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.</li>
<li><strong>Theme:</strong> The theme for 2020 is<strong> Families in Development: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-consultation-on-the-review-of-beijing-25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copenhagen &amp; Beijing+25</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The theme changes every year depending on the developmental endeavours ahead of the organisations working towards the welfare of families.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps to promote healthy families:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Healthy familial bonds</strong> are some of the greatest boons that parents and elders in the family can pass on their children and family youngsters.</li>
<li><strong>A nurturing environment</strong> promoted with love and care helps the children grow up into well-balanced, happy adults.</li>
<li><strong>Communication, quality time, appreciation, respect</strong> are some of the essentials towards building a strong and supportive family.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Copenhagen &amp; Beijing+25</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Copenhagen &amp; Beijing+25 signifies the <strong>World Conferences on Women (WCW)</strong> organised by the United Nations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The United Nations has organized four world conferences on women.</li>
<li>These took place in <strong>Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, Nairobi in 1985 and Beijing in 1995. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WCW, Copenhagen:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this a<strong> Programme of Action</strong> called for stronger national measures to ensure women&rsquo;s ownership and control of property, as well as improvements in protecting women&rsquo;s rights to inheritance, child custody and nationality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WCW, Beijing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It marked a significant turning point for the global agenda for gender equality. The Beijing Declaration was adopted unanimously by the UN at the end of the 4<sup>th</sup> WCW.</li>
<li>2020 marks the<strong> 25<sup>th</sup></strong> anniversary of the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> World Conference on Women (WCW)</strong> and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). Hence, it is referred to as Beijing + 25.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-families" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Fibroin-based Hydrogel for Insulin',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), have developed an <strong>injectable silk fibroin-based hydrogel (or iSFH)</strong> for sustained<strong> insulin</strong> <strong>delivery</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetic</strong></a> patients.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>JNCASR is an autonomous research institute under the <strong>Department of Science and Technology.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Diabetes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It results from <strong>inadequate production of insulin</strong> due to loss of <strong>beta cells</strong> (found in pancreas, make insulin)<strong> or insulin resistance</strong> within the body. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Insulin helps glucose from food get into cells to be used for energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The inadequate production of insulin does not convert glucose into energy which leads to an abrupt<strong> increase of blood glucose level.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is home to more than 70 million diabetes people, it is the second-highest in the world after China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The conventional and last resort of treatment involves<strong> repeated subcutaneous insulin injections</strong> to maintain the physiological glucose balance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Subcutaneous means under the skin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues in Treatment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> multiple subcutaneous insulin</strong> injections are associated with pain, local tissue necrosis (death of tissues), infection, nerve damage, and locally concentrated insulin amyloidosis responsible for inability to achieve physiological glucose balance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Amyloidosis is a phenomenon that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in organs and interferes with their normal function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>One of the Solutions:</strong> Controlled and sustained insulin delivery.</li>
<li><strong>iSFH:</strong> The<strong> injectable Silk Fibroin Hydrogel (iSFH)</strong> can<strong> ease insulin delivery in diabetic patients.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The iSFH has successfully delivered active insulin in rats.</li>
<li>The subcutaneous injection of insulin with-iSFH in diabetic rats formed an<strong> active</strong> <strong>depot</strong> under the skin from which <strong>insulin trickled out slowly</strong> and restored the physiological glucose balance for a prolonged period of 4 days.</li>
<li>The<strong> porous form of iSFH</strong> allowed the <strong>encapsulation</strong> of <strong>recombinant</strong> insulin (identical to human insulin) in its active form in diabetic rats.</li>
<li>It has proved to be an effective insulin delivery tool with excellent <strong>mechanical strength, biocompatibility, encapsulation, storage,</strong> and demonstration of its <strong>sustained delivery of active insulin</strong> in the diabetic animal.</li>
<li>The <strong>active encapsulation and delivery of insulin by iSFH</strong> may also have implications for the future development of formulations for <strong>oral insulin delivery. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Silk Fibroin</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Silk fibroins are the unique <strong>proteins of silkworm fibers.</strong></li>
<li>Researchers have found fibroin as the<strong> promising resources of biotechnology and biomedical materials.</strong></li>
<li>They have unique properties which include<strong> biocompatibility (i.e. compatible with living tissue), favorable oxygen permeability, and biodegradability.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> degradation product also can be readily absorbed by the body</strong> with minimal inflammatory reaction.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hydrogel</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A hydrogel is a three-dimensional network of<strong> hydrophilic polymers</strong> that can swell in water and hold a large amount of water while maintaining the structure due to chemical or physical cross-linking of individual polymer chains.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1624008" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Visakhapatnam Gas Leak',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOc0JZFGbpU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>A major leak from a polymer plant LG Polymers near Visakhapatnam impacted villages in a five-km radius, leaving at least 9 people dead and thousands of citizens suffering from breathlessness and other problems in an early morning mishap that <strong>raised fears of a serious industrial disaster.</strong></p>
<p>The leak occurred early morning on May 7, 2020, at a private plastic making plant owned by LG Polymers Pvt Ltd, a part of South Korean conglomerate LG Corp. The chemical plant was closed due to the lockdown for a long time and attempts were made to restart the operation. During this course, some chemical activity got started in the tank and <strong>a large amount of Styrene gas was leaked in surroundings.</strong> The exact cause of this incident is still unknown and further investigations are going on.</p>
<p>Fire engines, the police, and ambulances reached the area to control the situation.The trained chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense team of NDRF rushed to the spot and evacuated 1,200 families to safe locations, and about 400 people were admitted to the hospital.</p>
<p>The National Human Rights Commission of India issued a notice to the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre following the leakage of poisonous gas.</p>
<h3>Styrene and Its Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vizag-gas-leak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Styrene</strong></a> is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex.</li>
<li>It is also found in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and in natural foods like fruits and vegetables.</li>
<li>A short-term exposure to the substance can result in respiratory problems, irritation in the eyes, irritation in the mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal issues.</li>
<li>Long-term exposure could drastically affect the central nervous system and lead to other related problems like peripheral neuropathy.</li>
<li>It could also lead to cancer and depression in some cases, though there isn&rsquo;t much evidence to indicate there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia.</li>
<li>Styrene is included in the schedule of the <strong>Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989.</strong> The rules lay down strict norms on how it should be handled and stored.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of NGT</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Green Tribunal slapped an interim penalty of Rs 50 crore on LG Polymers India, and sought response from the Centre and others for the &ldquo;damage to life, public health, and environment&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo-motu cognizance of the matter</li>
<li>It formed a committee under a retired judge of the Andhra Pradesh high court to inspect the site and determine the cause of the incident, the damage caused to life, environment and health, and steps to compensate victims.</li>
<li>In its order, the NGT directed the application of a <strong>strict liability principle</strong> for damage to the people and the environment.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Strict Liability Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The principle of strict liability evolved in the case of Rylands v Fletcher in the year 1868.</li>
<li>It states that &ldquo;the person who, for purposes of his own, brings on his land, and collects and keeps there anything likely to do mischief if it escapes, must keep it in at his peril, and, if he does not do so, he is prima facie answerable for all the damage which is the natural consequence of its escape.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Essentials of Strict Liability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dangerous Substances: The defendant will be held strictly liable only if a &ldquo;dangerous&rdquo; substance escapes from his premises.</li>
<li>Escape: The material should escape from the premises and shouldn&rsquo;t be within the reach of the defendant after its escape.</li>
<li>Non-natural Use: To constitute a strict liability, there should be a non-natural use of the land.</li>
</ul>
<p>These three conditions need to be satisfied simultaneously to constitute a strict liability.</p>
</div>
<h3>Laws to Protect Against Chemical Disasters in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Laws Before and During Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the time of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bhopal-gas-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhopal gas tragedy</strong></a>, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was the only relevant law specifying criminal liability for such incidents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Laws After Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985:</strong> It gives powers to the central government to secure the claims arising out of or connected with the Bhopal gas tragedy.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the provisions of this Act, such claims are dealt with speedily and equitably.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Environment Protection Act, 1986:</strong> It gives powers to the central government to undertake measures for improving the environment and set standards and inspect industrial units.</li>
<li><strong>The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991:</strong> It is an insurance meant to provide relief to persons affected by accidents that occur while handling hazardous substances.</li>
<li><strong>The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997:</strong> Under this Act, the National Environment Appellate Authority can hear appeals regarding the restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</li>
<li><strong>National Green Tribunal, 2010:</strong> It provided for the establishment of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></a> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The Andhra Pradesh government must focus immediately on the medical needs of those who have been grievously affected by the gas leak, which has inevitably led to comparisons with the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Access to health care:</strong> Solatium payments and compensation for the victims and families are important, but so is access to the highest quality of health care for the victims. The incident is also a warning for industries across India.</li>
<li><strong>Develop safety culture:</strong> There&rsquo;s a need to adopt proper safety measures following the best international standards. Three-tier measures are required, which involves
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Passive safety measures like having a green belt of trees around the periphery of industries should be adopted;</li>
<li>Industries should pre-announce to the local people if they use hazardous chemicals;</li>
<li>Precautionary drills must be conducted by industries as a part of their CSR programs;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plant Inspection:</strong> Proper plant inspection should be done even during the closure
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A proper audit of all plants must take place as prevention is better than cure and in this case, it is life-saving.</li>
<li>Monitor the health of cattle by bringing in teams of veterinary doctors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fix Accountability:</strong> Maintenance of Hazardous Chemicals; Have strict legal actions and fix accountability after having a thorough investigation; State government should keep a check on the number of people living near hazardous industries and proper disaster planning must be adopted.</li>
</ul>
<p>Authorities must look at the safety aspects and take all precautionary measures beforehand, as the lockdown starts being gradually lifted. As India aims for a wider manufacturing base, it needs to strengthen its approach to public and occupational safety. Transparent oversight is not a hurdle to industrial growth. It advances sustainable development by eliminating terrible mistakes.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UF7ixCcKiHA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Learn more:</strong> Editorial analysis on Vizag Gas Leak.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-visakhapatnam-gas-leak'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Objections to Etalin Hydroelectric Project',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, some conservationists and former members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wildlife-panel-holds-virtual-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Board of Wildlife</strong></a> (NBWL) have sought rejection of approval for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/etalin-hydroelectric-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Etalin Hydroelectric Project</strong></a> in the <strong>Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Project is based on the river <strong>Dibang</strong> and is proposed to be <strong>completed in 7 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dibang is a<strong> tributary of the Brahmaputra</strong> river which flows through the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>envisages construction of two dams</strong> over the tributaries of Dibang: <strong>Dir</strong> and <strong>Tangon.</strong></li>
<li>The Project falls<strong> under the richest bio-geographical province of the Himalayan zone</strong> and would be located at the junction of major <strong>biogeographic</strong> zones like Palaearctic Zone and Indo-Malayan Zone.</li>
<li>It is expected to be <strong>one of the biggest hydropower projects in India</strong> in terms of <strong>installed capacity.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biogeographic Regions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are the large distinctive units of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species.</li>
<li>Originally,<strong> six biogeographic regions</strong> were identified:<strong> Palearctic</strong> (Europe and Asia), <strong>Nearctic</strong> (North America), <strong>Neotropical</strong> (Mexico, Central and South America), <strong>Ethiopian/Afrotropic</strong> (Africa), <strong>Oriental/Indo-Malayan</strong> (Southeast Asia, Indonesia) and <strong>Australian</strong> (Australia and New Guinea). <strong>Currently, eight are recognised</strong> since the addition of <strong>Oceania</strong> (Polynesia, Fiji and Micronesia) and <strong>Antarctica.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589884643_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589884643_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Palaearctic Zone</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This includes arctic and temperate Eurasia and all islands surrounding the continent in the Arctic, in the sea of Japan and the eastern half of the North Atlantic.</li>
<li>It also includes the Macaronesian islands, Mediterranean North Africa and Arabia.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indo-Malayan Zone</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Its natural boundaries contain tropical Asia from the Balochistan mountains of Pakistan eastward to the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayan crest, including the tropical southern fringe of China with Taiwan, the whole of Southeast Asia and the Philippines.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panel-approves-scheme-to-trade-in-forests" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Forest Advisory Committee</strong></a> (FAC) of the <strong>Ministry of Environment Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> (MoEFCC) highlighted that the project will <strong>clear 2.7 lakh trees</strong> in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest and subtropical rainforests.</li>
<li>According to a sub-committee of FAC, the project <strong>may be allowed subject to the condition</strong> that the financial outlay of Wildlife Conservation Plan be deposited to the Forest Department by user agency on the basis of a study done by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sal-forest-tortoise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India</strong></a> (WII).</li>
<li>However, there were protests by green groups due to which MoEFCC <strong>transferred the project</strong> to the Union <strong>Power Ministry.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Criticism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Conservationists highlighted that the FAC sub-committee <strong>ignored established tenets of forest conservation and related legal issues</strong> while recommending the proposal.</li>
<li>FAC <strong>ignored the threat of forest fragmentation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Forest fragmentation</strong> results from ill-planned intrusion of developmental projects into contiguous landscapes with natural forests and threatens rare floral and faunal species in a biodiversity hotspot.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FAC&rsquo;s <strong>site inspection report was also questioned for leaving out key details</strong> like number of grids across an altitudinal range inspected and the status of vegetation there, direct and indirect signs of wild animals listed in the various <strong>schedules of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</a></strong> and overall appreciation of the ecological value of the area.</li>
<li>The <strong>inadequacy of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-suspended-ec-for-airport-in-goa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Environment Impact Assessment</a> report</strong> on Etalin was also highlighted.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Wildlife officials ignored observations which include the threat to 25 globally endangered mammal and bird species in the area to be affected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The proposed <strong>mitigation measures</strong> like setting up butterfly and reptile parks are <strong>inadequate and insufficient.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/scrap-disastrous-arunachal-mega-dam-project-say-activists/article31616024.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/objections-to-etalin-hydroelectric-project'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Aksai Chin',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Chinese media has accused India of building defence facilities in the <strong>Galwan Valley region</strong> of the contested Aksai Chin area.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China controls Aksai Chin area, while India claims that it is part of Indian territory</strong> (Union territory of Ladakh).</li>
<li>Chinese media claims that the actions by the Indian side have seriously violated China and India&rsquo;s agreements on border issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also claims that India has violated China&rsquo;s territorial sovereignty and harmed military relations between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has not responded to the accusation yet.</li>
<li>The latest round of conflict comes days after Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/face-off-between-india-and-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NakuLa area in north Sikkim and Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh</strong></a>.</li>
<li>India and China have an <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/disputed-territories-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>unresolved 3488 km long border dispute</strong></a> that has cast a shadow on ties for decades.</li>
<li>Prolonged rounds of negotiations have failed to resolve the dispute between the two neighbours.</li>
<li>However, in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-china-ties-marching-on" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wuhan</strong></a> <strong>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-2nd-informal-summit-mamallapuram-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahabalipuram</a> summits</strong>, both China and India had reaffirmed that they will make efforts to<strong> &ldquo;ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Also, on 1<sup>st</sup> April, 2020 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China completed their 70 years of diplomatic relations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Dispute over Aksai Chin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the time of British rule in India, two borders between India and China were proposed-<strong> Johnson&rsquo;s Line</strong> and <strong>McDonald Line.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Johnson&rsquo;s line (proposed in 1865) shows Aksai Chin in erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir</strong> (now Ladakh) i.e. under India&rsquo;s control <strong>whereas McDonald Line (proposed in 1893) places it under China&rsquo;s control.</strong></li>
<li>India considers Johnson Line as a correct, rightful national border with China, while on the other hand, China considers the McDonald Line as the correct border with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At present, Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the line separating Indian areas of Ladakh from Aksai Chin. It is concurrent with the Chinese Aksai Chin claim line.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589883064_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589883064_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-building-facilities-in-aksai-chin-china-daily-6416390/" 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/aksai-chin'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'New Super-Earth Planet',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists have discovered a rare new <strong>Super-Earth planet.</strong> It is among only a handful of<strong> extra-solar planets</strong> that have been detected with <strong>both sizes and orbits close to that of Earth.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589880801_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589880801_image4.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mass :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Host Star:</strong> The host star of the Super-Earth&rsquo;s system has about <strong>10% the mass</strong> of the Sun. The <strong>lower mass of the host star</strong> makes a<strong> &lsquo;year&rsquo;</strong> on the planet of approximately <strong>617 days.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Super-Earth Planet:</strong> The planet is expected to have a <strong>mass between the Earth&rsquo;s mass and that of Neptune.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Orbit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With reference to the Solar system, the Super-Earth planet would orbit at a radius anywhere between that of Venus and Earth in our solar system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Planet Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Super-Earth planet has been discovered using the <strong>gravitational microlensing technique.</strong></li>
<li>Gravitational microlensing is an astronomical phenomenon due to the gravitational lens effect. It can be used to detect objects that <strong>range from the mass of a planet to the mass of a star,</strong> regardless of the light they emit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The microlensing effect is rare, with only about one in a million stars in the galaxy being affected at any given time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Furthermore, such type of observation <strong>does not repeat,</strong> and the probabilities of catching a planet <strong>at the same time are extremely low.</strong></li>
<li>The other methods for exoplanets discovery include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Radial Velocity Method:</strong> The planet causes the<strong> parent star to wobble around in its orbit,</strong> and as the planet moves to and fro, it changes the color of the light we see.</li>
<li><strong>Transit Method:</strong> When an exoplanet passes in front of its star, some of the starlight passes <strong>through its atmosphere.</strong> Scientists can analyze the<strong> colors of this light</strong> in order to get valuable clues about its composition.</li>
<li><strong>Direct Image Method :</strong> The <strong>direct image can take pictures of exoplanets</strong> by removing the glare of the stars they orbit.</li>
<li><strong>Astrometry:</strong> The orbit of the planet can cause a star to wobble around in spaces in relation to nearby stars in the sky. This method is quite similar to the Radial Velocity method. However, here scientists take a<strong> series of images of a star</strong> and some of the other stars that are near it in the sky. In each picture, they <strong>compare the distances between these reference stars</strong> and the star they're checking for exoplanets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Exoplanet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System. The first confirmation of detection of exoplanets occurred in 1992.</li>
<li>Exoplanets are very hard to see directly with telescopes. They are <strong>hidden by the bright glare of the stars</strong> they orbit. So, astronomers use other ways to detect and study exoplanets such as looking at the effects these planets have on the stars they orbit.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/astronomers-discover-one-in-a-million-super-earth-6408529/" 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/new-super-earth-planet'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'International Museum Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Culture hosted a webinar on &ldquo;Revitalising Museums and Cultural Spaces&rdquo; to</strong> celebrate the International Museum Day.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) created by the Ministry of Electronics &amp; Information Technology (MeitY) provided technical assistance for conducting the Webinar.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> International Museum Day</strong> is celebrated every year on <strong>18 May</strong> to raise awareness about the fact that &ldquo;museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The International Museum Day <strong>2020</strong> was celebrated with the <strong>theme &ldquo;Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>International Museum Day was <strong>instituted in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Council of Museum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ICOM is the main and only organisation of museums and museum professionals with global scope, committed to promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible.</li>
<li>It was created in 1946 and is <strong>headquartered in Paris, France.</strong> It serves as a network of museum professionals (35,000 members in 137 countries) acting in a wide range of museum- and heritage-related disciplines.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Administration of Museums in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Multiple ministries hold charges of various Museums.</li>
<li>Not all Museums are administered by the <strong>Ministry of Culture.</strong></li>
<li>Some are run without government support by a handful of people <strong>under a Board of Trustees.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Budget 2020</strong> proposed the setting up of an Indian <strong>Institute of Heritage and Conservation</strong> with the status of a deemed university under the Ministry of Culture.</li>
<li><strong>The National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums</strong> (under the Ministry of Culture) have been launched for digitisation of the collections of the Museums.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Notable Museums in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Museum, New Delhi (Subordinate Office under the Ministry of Culture)</li>
<li>National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru</li>
<li>Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH), Kolkata</li>
<li>Asiatic Society, Kolkata</li>
<li>National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), New Delhi</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624938" 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/international-museum-day'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Travel Bubble',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/baltic-nations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Baltic countries</strong></a><strong> of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania</strong> started a <strong>travel bubble</strong> to help put their economies back on track after <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/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdowns</a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All three have been <strong>fairly successful at managing the Covid-19 outbreak</strong> and remaining comparatively safe.</li>
<li>In the Estonia-Latvia-Lithuania travel bubble, residents would be able to<strong> travel freely by rail, air and sea without quarantine measures.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Baltic Countries</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877211_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877211_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="567" height="612" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Baltic countries, the<strong> northeastern region of Europe,</strong> include the countries of <strong>Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania,</strong> on the<strong> eastern shores of the Baltic Sea.</strong></li>
<li>The Baltic states are bounded on the <strong>west and north</strong> by the <strong>Baltic Sea,</strong> which gives the region its name, on the <strong>east</strong> by<strong> Russia,</strong> on the <strong>southeast</strong> by <strong>Belarus</strong> and on the <strong>southwest</strong> by <strong>Poland</strong> and an <strong>exclave of Russia.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>1991,</strong> their then popularly elected governments declared <strong>independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics</strong> (USSR) with overwhelming support.</li>
<li>All three of them are <strong>members</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) and are sparsely populated (Lithuania-28 lakh, Latvia-19.2 lakh, Estonia-13.3 lakh people).</li>
<li><strong>India and Baltic countries</strong> have<strong> historical connect and common linguistic roots.</strong> The cutting edge <strong>technology and innovation ecosystems</strong> of the Baltic countries complement India&rsquo;s huge market and appetite for these technologies.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Travel Bubble:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creating a travel bubble involves <strong>reconnecting countries or states</strong> which have shown a<strong> good level of success in containing the Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a> domestically.</strong></li>
<li>Such a bubble would allow the members of the group to <strong>restart trade ties</strong> with each other and <strong>open travel and tourism.</strong></li>
<li>According to a report, potential travel bubbles among better-performing countries around the world would <strong>account for around 35% of the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a></strong> (GDP).</li>
<li>Travel bubbles are<strong> favoured by smaller countries</strong> because they are likely to benefit after being able to trade again with larger partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criteria for Entering the Travel Bubble:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>People from the outside countries, willing to join the bubble corridor, will have to go into isolation for 14 days.</li>
<li>One should not have travelled outside the member countries of the travel bubble, in the past 14 days.</li>
<li>One should not be infected with coronavirus and should not have come in contact with anyone who has been coronavirus infected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Countries to Start:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pitch-black" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Australia</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-new-zealand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Zealand</strong></a> reached an agreement to form a travel bubble, once it becomes safe to operate flights between them. Once it opens, the <strong>trans-Tasman zone</strong> (around <strong>Tasman Sea</strong>) will allow travel without a quarantine period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Trans-Tasman Zone:</strong> Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement is an <strong>arrangement between Australia and New Zealand</strong> which allows for the<strong> free movement of citizens</strong> of one of these countries to the other. The arrangement <strong>came into effect in 1973</strong> and allows citizens of each country<strong> to reside and work</strong> in the other country, <strong>with some restrictions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877137_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589877137_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prime-ministers-visit-to-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Korea</strong> </a>have launched a fast track channel for business travellers.</li>
<li>In the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-us-relations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA</strong></a>, travel bubbles are being suggested to group states who are doing well against the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-travel-bubble-idea-that-many-are-pinning-hopes-on-6416715/" 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/travel-bubble'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Possibility of Covid-19 being Syndemic',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The possibilities of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> being<strong> syndemic</strong> have been raised in the backdrop of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)</strong></a> announcement that Covid-19 <strong>less likely to be eliminated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/endemic-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(i.e. may become endemic)</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the world has been characterised as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Pandemic&rsquo;</strong></a> by the WHO.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pandemic:</strong> A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations.</li>
<li><strong>Epidemic:</strong> An epidemic is a large outbreak, one that spreads among a population or region. It is less severe than pandemic due to a limited area of spread.</li>
<li><strong>Endemic:</strong> A disease is called endemic when the presence or usual prevalence of its infectious agent is constant within a given geographical area or population group.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A syndemic is a situation when <strong>two or more epidemics interact synergistically</strong> to produce an increased burden of disease in a population.</li>
<li>A situation of syndemic was first described by medical anthropologist <strong>Merrill Singer in the mid-1990s.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possibility of Syndemic in the Current Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Covid-19 Pandemic and Presence of Dengue, Malaria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The least possibility of elimination of Covid-19 pandemic and warning about the second wave of Covid-19 infections worldwide have reinforced the presence of Covid-19 for the long term.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, the alarm is being raised about diseases like dengue and malaria emerging with the upcoming <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>monsoon season</strong></a> in tropical South Asia.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a possibility that the world will face increased burden of the diseases and thus the situation of syndemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Presence of Antibiotic Resistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The second wave of infection due to Covid-19 is suspected to be seen in those with <strong>weakened immunity.</strong></li>
<li>At the same time, the world already faces antibiotic resistance and if Covid-19 deepens as a syndemic in populations with antibiotic resistance, the world will face comorbidities.</li>
<li>Comorbidity is the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Antibiotic resistance</strong></a> is the ability of bacteria or other microbes to resist the effects of an antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Past Instances of Syndemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 1957 Asian influenza pandemic observed deaths not only due to the primary viral infection, but also due to secondary bacterial infections among influenza patients. In short, it was a viral/bacterial syndemic.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, researchers have shown that in Kenya, 5% of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections</strong> </a>are due to higher HIV infectiousness of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malaria</strong></a>-infected HIV patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possible Solutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Whole world will need to implement <strong>large-scale population testing</strong> for Covid-19 (such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/antibody-kits-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PCR and antibody testing</strong></a>) to contain it at its base level.</li>
<li>The societies around the world will also have to consider<strong> innovations in population health surveillance technology</strong> and develop creative business models at a scale.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/preparing-for-a-syndemic/article31617304.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/possibility-of-covid-19-being-syndemic'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Ashwagandha and Anti-Covid-19 Drug',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers of IIT-Delhi in collaboration with Japan&rsquo;s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have found that the ayurvedic herb <strong>Ashwagandha has &ldquo;therapeutic and preventive value&rdquo; against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> infection.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The publication of the coronavirus genome and structure have triggered drug designing, devising and development using informatics and experimental tools across the world.</li>
<li>Researchers from IIT-Delhi and AIST have used <strong>Ashwagandha and propolis based compounds</strong> to target the <strong>main coronavirus&rsquo;s enzyme, known as the Main protease or Mpro.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mpro plays a key role in mediating <strong>viral replication. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Enzymes</strong> are biological molecules (typically proteins) that regulate the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within living organisms. E.g digestion.</li>
<li><strong>Replication</strong> is the process by which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In replication whenever a cell divides, the two new daughter cells contain the same genetic information, or DNA, as the parent cell.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The researchers have found that <strong>Withanone (Wi-N), a natural compound derived from Ashwagandha</strong> and <strong>Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), an active ingredient of New Zealand propolis,</strong> have the potential to interact with and <strong>block the activity of Mpro.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, the Indian government has also set up a task force to launch its clinical research studies on some Ayurvedic medicines that can be used to boost the immune system and control coronavirus.</li>
<li>The government has also launched the<strong> &lsquo;AYUSH Sanjivani&rsquo; App.</strong></li>
<li>The app intends to generate data on usage of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-system-of-medicine-bill-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga &amp; Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa and Homoeopathy)</strong></a> advocacies and measures among the population and its impact in prevention of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ashwagandha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ashwagandha (scientific name- <strong>Withania somnifera</strong>) is a <strong>medicinal herb.</strong> It is reputed as an <strong>immunity enhancer.</strong></li>
<li>It is classified as an <strong>adaptogen,</strong> which means that it can help the body to manage stress.</li>
<li>Ashwagandha also <strong>boosts brain function and lowers blood sugar,</strong> and helps <strong>fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.</strong></li>
<li>Ashwagandha has shown clinical success in <strong>treating both acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an <strong>autoimmune disease</strong> that can cause<strong> joint pain</strong> and damage throughout your body.</li>
<li>An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Propolis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Propolis or bee glue is a <strong>resinous mixture</strong> (a sticky chemical compound)<strong> that honey bees produce</strong> by mixing saliva and beeswax with gums gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources.</li>
<li>Propolis is used against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus etc.</li>
<li>It is used for boosting the immune system and for treating gastrointestinal problems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ashwagandha-compound-may-be-effective-anti-covid-drug-study-by-iit-d-japans-aist-6416445/" 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/ashwagandha-and-anti-covid-19-drug'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'A Rare Palm from Andamans',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a rare palm, <strong>Pinanga andamanensis</strong>, has been successfully cultivated at <strong>Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) based at Palode, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pinanga andamanensis</strong><em><strong>:</strong></em><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a rare palm endemic to South Andaman Island. Its entire population of some 600 specimens naturally occurs only in a tiny, evergreen forest pocket in South Andaman&rsquo;s <strong>Mount Harriet National Park.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Endemic</strong> species are those plants and animals that exist only in one geographical region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The name is derived from <strong>&lsquo;Penang&rsquo;,</strong> the modern-day Malaysian state. Penang itself has its origins in Pulau Pinang which <strong>means Island of the Areca Nut Palm.</strong></li>
<li>It has strong <strong>resemblance with the areca palm tree</strong> (widely used for bright interiors).</li>
<li>It has a <strong>small gene pool</strong> which means the species is vulnerable to natural calamities such as cyclones, earthquakes.</li>
<li>JNTBGRI scientists term it a critically endangered species and one of the least known among the endemic palms of the Andaman Islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultivation at JNTBGRI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Thiruvananthapuram</strong> has been referred as its<strong> second home</strong> as the species has started flowering in this Institute.</li>
<li>JNTBGRI will <strong>resume seed germination experiments</strong> for<strong> mass multiplication</strong> as part of the conservation strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mount Harriet National Park</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is located in the south of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.</li>
<li>Mount Harriet is the <strong>third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar</strong> archipelago next to<strong> Saddle Peak</strong> in North Andaman and<strong> Mount Thuillier</strong> in Great Nicobar.</li>
<li>The park is covered with evergreen forest pockets.</li>
<li>It is rich in flora and faunal species like <strong>andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles, butterflies and palm trees.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rare-palm-from-andamans-gets-second-home/article31618844.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/a-rare-palm-from-andamans'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Aarogya Setu App: A Technological Solutionism',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/aarogya-setu-is-open-to-state-abuse/article31595027.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Aarogya Setu is open to state abuse&rdquo;</a> which was published on The Hindu Business Line on 16/05/2020. It talks about the various issues pertaining to Aarogya Setu App.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India's first contact tracing app called Aarogya Setu was launched. The app seeks continuous access to location information (through GPS and Bluetooth technologies) to alert people to follow social distancing protocols and avoid Covid-19 hotspots.</p>
<p>Arogya Setu app is based on the idea of <strong>&lsquo;technological solutionism&rsquo;</strong> (technology providing an impartial solution to complex social problems).</p>
<p>However, concerns over the Aarogya Setu App were raised when a French 'ethical hacker' claimed to have access to the users' data and highlighted security bugs within the app which could have privacy ramifications.</p>
<h3>Advantages of Aarogya Setu App</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Through this app individual as well as authorities can be informed in case they have crossed paths with someone who has tested positive for the virus, to prevent further spread.</li>
<li>As economies open up and normal life resumes, this app may enable governments to detect outbreaks and prevent community transmission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This app assumes more significance, as of now, there is no vaccine for Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The app will also serve as e-passes and health certificates, necessary for workers to commute. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thereby, an e-pass could be the key for starting the engine of growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, the app will be very useful for services based on the Gig economy (Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, etc.) and thereby may provide much-needed employment prospects in urban centres.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Pertaining to the App</h3>
<p><strong>Privacy Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The app doesn&rsquo;t provide any concrete assurance from the Centre that the centralised data would not be used for other purposes.</li>
<li>The data-sharing and knowledge-sharing protocol for the Aarogya Setu is prone to misuse, considering that India still doesn&rsquo;t have data protection laws.</li>
<li>The fear of privacy regarding Aarogya Setu app has exacerbated due to issues pertaining to Aadhar.</li>
<li>Technologies such as real-time big data analytics, hold immense potential for furthering the needs of the <strong>surveillance state.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Against Government&rsquo;s Policy of Open Source Software</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Policy on Adoption of Open Source Software for Government of India was launched in 2014.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The thrust of the <strong>policy</strong> requires the various ministries of the Government of India to prefer <strong>Open Source Software</strong> in all e-Governance systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the Aarogya Setu app is not an open-source application which means the app doesn't allow the entire developer community to take a deeper look into its inner workings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it cannot be audited for security flaws by independent coders and researchers.</li>
<li>This led experts to question its hidden surveillance motives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Concerning the Fundamental Right to Privacy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Government has issued guidelines to the employers to ensure that all their employees must mandatory install this app.</li>
<li>This violates the right to privacy, which is a fundamental right as held by the Supreme court in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privacy-judgement-and-the-aftermath" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Puttaswamy case 2017</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Further, any restriction on this right can only be placed in accordance with the procedure established by the law. However, there is no act passed by the parliament, which authorises making this app mandatory.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna</strong></a> held the drive to make people use the app was "utterly illegal".</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This marks a dramatic shift from a model of &lsquo;encouragement&rsquo; and trust to one of coercion and compulsion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Discriminatory Nature of App</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Aarogya Setu inadvertently differentiate against regions which have smaller number concentrations of smartphones or low-income non-smartphone users.&rsquo;</li>
<li>Also, vulnerable sections like migrant workers can&rsquo;t afford the smartphone and the internet.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One of the main demands by privacy as well as cybersecurity experts is to throw open the source code of Aarogya Setu app. So that they can be audited for design and programming flaws.</li>
<li>The government must ensure that the use of any privacy infringing technology must satisfy five criteria viz. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>First, it must have a legislative basis.</li>
<li>Second, it must pursue a legitimate aim.</li>
<li>Third, it should be a rational method to achieve the intended aim.</li>
<li>Fourth, there must not be any alternatives which can also achieve the intended aim.</li>
<li>Fifth, the benefits must outweigh the harm caused to the right holder.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Legal experts have stressed the need for a personal data protection law to back the government&rsquo;s decision to make the app mandatory for everyone.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Technology can help us to be safe, but it must not infringe people&rsquo;s right to privacy. In this context, India must seriously contemplate legislation (which incorporates the principles of data protection as highlighted by BN Srikrishna committee) around the app, which strikes a balance between disease containment and privacy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589804368_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589804368_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="335" height="393" /></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: #fff9e6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Technology can help us to be safe, but it must not infringe people&rsquo;s right to privacy&rdquo;. Analyse this statement in the context of issues pertaining to Aarogya Setu app.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbFkB823lE0" 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/fm-nirmala-sitharaman-covid-economic-package-agriculture-6411949/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Freeing The Farm&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on May 16<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/aarogya-setu-app-a-technological-solutionism'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Economic Stimulus-V',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced the measures for providing employment and support to businesses, state governments as well sectors such as education and health as part of the <strong>fifth and final tranche</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced measures also form a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package to deal with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Earlier, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Economic Stimulus-I</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-II</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-III</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-IV</strong></a> were announced.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589799855_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589799855_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increase in Allocation for MGNREGA</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government will allocate an<strong> additional Rs.40,000 crore</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mgnrega-trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act</strong></a>, <strong>2005</strong> (MGNREGA).</li>
<li>It will help <strong>generate nearly 300 crore person days</strong> in total, addressing the need for more work by the migrants who are returning to their hometowns due to the pandemic and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Creation</strong> of a larger number of <strong>durable and livelihood assets</strong> including <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/water-conservation-traditional-approach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">water conservation</a> assets</strong> which will boost the rural economy through higher production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health Reforms and Initiatives</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public expenditure</strong> on health will be <strong>increased</strong> by investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up health and wellness centres in rural and urban areas.</li>
<li><strong>Preparing India for future pandemics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Setting up of<strong> Infectious Diseases Hospital Blocks</strong> in all districts.</li>
<li>Strengthening of lab networks and surveillance (<strong>Integrated Public Health Labs</strong> in all districts and blocks)</li>
<li>The <strong>National Institutional Platform for One Health</strong> by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-recommends-use-of-hydroxy-chloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong></a> (ICMR) will encourage research.</li>
<li>Implementation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-digital-health-blueprint" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Digital Health Blueprint</strong></a> under the <strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong> (NDHM).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NDHM was recommended to be established as a purely government organization with complete functional autonomy on the lines of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aadhar-and-its-voluntary-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unique Identification Authority of India</strong> </a>(UIDAI) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-27th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Network GSTN.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology Driven Education with Equity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government will launch <strong>PM eVIDYA,</strong> a programme for multi-mode access to digital/online education with immediate effect. It<strong> consists</strong> of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-human-resource-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DIKSHA</strong></a> <strong>for school education in States/UTs:</strong> e-content and QR coded Energized Textbooks for all grades (one nation, one digital platform)</li>
<li>One earmarked TV channel per class from 1 to 12 <strong>(One class, One channel)</strong></li>
<li>Extensive <strong>use of Radio,</strong> Community radio and Podcasts.</li>
<li><strong>Special e-content for visually and hearing impaired.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Top 100 universities</strong> will be permitted to automatically start <strong>online courses</strong> by 30<sup>th</sup> May, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Manodarpan,</strong> an initiative for <strong>psycho-social support</strong> for students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well-being will be launched.</li>
<li><strong>New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework</strong> for school, early childhood and teachers will be launched.</li>
<li><strong>National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission</strong> for ensuring that every child attains learning levels and outcomes in grade 5 by 2025 <strong>will be launched by December 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Related to IBC</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Minimum threshold</strong> to initiate insolvency proceedings has been <strong>raised to Rs.1 crore</strong> (from Rs.1 lakh, which largely insulates <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a>-MSMEs).</li>
<li><strong>Special insolvency resolution framework</strong> for MSMEs under <strong>Section 240A of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code</a></strong> (IBC) will be notified.</li>
<li>Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year, depending upon the <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>Empowering the Central Government to <strong>exclude Covid-19 related debt</strong> from the definition of &ldquo;default&rdquo; under the IBC for the purpose of triggering insolvency proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Related to the Companies Act</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Decriminalisation of Companies Act, 2013<strong> violations involving minor technical and procedural defaults</strong> (shortcomings in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Corporate Social Responsibility</strong></a> (CSR) reporting, inadequacies in Board report, filing defaults, etc).</li>
<li>Majority of the compoundable offences sections to be shifted to<strong> Internal Adjudication Mechanism</strong> (IAM).</li>
<li>The amendments will<strong> de-clog the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-road-map-for-criminal-justice-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criminal courts</a> and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-fact-for-prelims-4th-march-2019-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> National Company Law Tribunal</a></strong> (NCLT).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ease of Doing Business for Corporates</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Key reforms include:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions.</li>
<li>Private companies which list <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-30th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Convertible Debentures</a></strong> (NCDs) on<strong> stock exchanges</strong> not to be regarded as listed companies.</li>
<li>Including the provisions of<strong> Part IXA (Producer Companies)</strong> of <strong>Companies Act, 1956</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/committee-to-review-the-offences-under-the-companies-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Companies Act, 2013</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Power to create additional/specialized benches for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-company-law-appellate-tribunal-nclat-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Company Law Appellate Tribunal</strong> </a>(NCLAT).</li>
<li><strong>Lower penalties for all defaults</strong> for Small Companies, One-person Companies, Producer Companies and StartUps.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public Sector Enterprise Policy for a New, Self-reliant India</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government will announce a <strong>new policy</strong> whereby:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>List of strategic sectors requiring the presence of <strong>Public Sector Enterprises</strong> (PSEs) in public interest will be notified.</li>
<li>In strategic sectors, at least <strong>one enterprise will remain in the public sector</strong> but <strong>private sector</strong> will also be<strong> allowed.</strong></li>
<li>In other sectors,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatisation-of-pses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> PSEs will be privatized</strong></a> (timing to be based on feasibility etc.).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Support to State Governments</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre has decided to<strong> increase borrowing limits of States from 3% to 5% for 2020-21 only</strong> which will give States extra resources of Rs.4.28 lakh crore.</li>
<li>Part of the borrowing will be linked to <strong>specific reforms</strong> (including recommendations of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-k-and-15th-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Finance Commission</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Reform linkage will be in four areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Universalisation of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-ration-card-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;One Nation One Ration card&rsquo;</a></strong>.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business.</strong></a></li>
<li>Power distribution.</li>
<li>Urban Local Body revenues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States can borrow more</strong> in the following pattern, notified by the Department of Expenditure:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The first 0.5% will be an unconditional increase.</li>
<li>Next 1% in 4 tranches of 0.25%, with each tranche linked to clearly specified, measurable and feasible reform actions.</li>
<li>The last 0.50% if milestones are achieved in at least three out of four reform areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Increase in Allocation for MGNREGA</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The step to<strong> allocate more resources to MGNREGA</strong> was <strong>widely welcomed</strong> as it will support rural livelihoods in the time of crisis.</li>
<li>However, given that <strong>States account for 40% of MGNREGA expenditure,</strong> including most upfront costs, they will also have to spend on the scheme.</li>
<li>Demand for work under MGNREGA had surged to a<strong> nine-year high in 2019-20</strong> as 5.47 crore households availed of the scheme, the highest since 2010-11.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On Support to State Governments</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> expansion of the fiscal deficit</strong> has been <strong>welcomed by the states</strong> because <strong>GSDPs (Gross State Domestic Product) are likely to contract</strong> and further shrink the possible borrowing at a time when States are at the frontline of containment and relief operations.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>conditions on additional loans have been criticised</strong> on the grounds that in future, severe conditions may be imposed on even normal loans.</li>
<li>The <strong>utilisation of additional 2%</strong> borrowing by states <strong>can be lower because states</strong> may settle on borrowing less <strong>to avoid undertaking politically difficult reforms.</strong></li>
<li>A likely increase in borrowing cost due to the<strong> emerging gap between total <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/need-to-set-up-state-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Sector Borrowing Requirement</a></strong> (PSBR) and <strong>available resources</strong> will also lead to states not opting for the increased borrowing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On Public Sector Enterprise Policy</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was criticised on the grounds that privatising PSUs would <strong>find fewer buyers at a time of global recession,</strong> while any potential buyer would be spending money which could have gone into fresh investment on a financial transfer instead, <strong>effectively contracting demand.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624661" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a>/<strong><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/with-migrants-headed-home-65-hike-in-mnrega-funds-6414954/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IE</a></strong>/<strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/coronavirus-package-centre-throws-open-all-sectors-to-private-players/article31610628.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TH</a></strong></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-v'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Statehood Day of Sikkim',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On the <strong>Statehood Day of Sikkim</strong> (16<sup>th</sup> May), the Prime Minister greeted the people of the state and praised the traditions and culture of the state highlighting its contributions to the national progress.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sikkim is located in the <strong>northeastern part</strong> of the country, in the <strong>eastern Himalayas</strong> and is <strong>one of the smallest states</strong> in India.</li>
<li>It derives its name from the <strong>Limbu</strong> (a tribe) <strong>words</strong><em> su him</em>, meaning <strong>&lsquo;new house&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Capital: Gangtok.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Borders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tibet Autonomous Region of China</strong> to the north and northeast, <strong>Bhutan</strong> to the southeast, Indian state of <strong>West Bengal</strong> to the south and <strong>Nepal</strong> to the west.</li>
<li>Sikkim is of<strong> great political and strategic importance</strong> for India because of its location along several international boundaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sikkim became a <strong>protectorate of India in 1950</strong> following the <strong>Indo-Sikkimese Treaty,</strong> with India assuming responsibility for the external relations, defense and strategic communications of Sikkim.</li>
<li>Sikkim became the<strong> 22<sup>nd</sup> state</strong> of India on<strong> 16<sup>th</sup> May 1975,</strong> following a <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/statehood-demand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>statehood demand</strong></a> from the political leaders.</li>
<li>The <strong>Namgyal dynasty</strong> ruled Sikkim <strong>until 1975.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Geography:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mount Kanchenjunga,</strong> India&rsquo;s highest peak and the world&rsquo;s third highest mountain <strong>lies in Sikkim.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/khangchendzonga-to-be-included-in-the-world-network-of-biosphere-reserves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Kanchenjunga National Park</strong> </a>(KNP) (established in<strong> 1977</strong>), near the peak is among the largest of India&rsquo;s high-elevation conservation areas.</li>
<li>KNP was designated a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Heritage Site</strong></a> in <strong>2016</strong> under the<strong> &lsquo;mixed&rsquo; category</strong> (sites containing elements of both natural and cultural significance).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Sikkim is drained by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/teesta-river" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teesta river</a> and its tributaries</strong> such as the Rangit, Lhonak, Talung and Lachung.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/trans-boundary-water-conflicts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Teesta river water conflict</strong></a> is one of the most contentious issues between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh.</strong></a></li>
<li>Teesta river is<strong> a tributary of Brahmaputra river.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589798394_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589798394_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=204034" 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/statehood-day-of-sikkim'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Economic Stimulus-IV',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced the fourth tranche of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> targeted towards<strong> fast track investments</strong> in the <strong>eight sectors.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fourth tranche focuses on <strong>eight sectors</strong> namely, coal, minerals, defence production, civil aviation, power distribution, social infrastructure, space and atomic energy.</li>
<li>The announced measures also form a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package to deal with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The government has already announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-I</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-II</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-III</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Basis of Policy Reforms for Fast-track Investments</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fast tracking of investment clearance</strong> through the Empowered Group of Secretaries.</li>
<li><strong>Establishment of Project Development Cell</strong> in each Ministry to prepare a list of investable projects and also to coordinate with investors and Central/State Governments.</li>
<li><strong>Ranking of States on investment attractiveness</strong> to compete for new investment.</li>
<li>Incentive schemes for promotion of<strong> new champion sectors</strong> such as solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) manufacturing; advanced cell battery storage etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794261_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794261_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="463" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Coal Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Commercial Mining:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The introduction of commercial mining will <strong>remove the government monopoly</strong> in coal mining. India has the third-largest coal availability within its untapped mines and yet India still imports coal.</li>
<li>Commercial mining will be introduced on the basis of a<strong> revenue-sharing mechanism.</strong> The government will receive a share of the gross revenue from the sale of coal but will not be involved with the cost incurred.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coal Gasification/Liquefaction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be <strong>incentivised</strong> through rebate (partial refund) in revenue share to lower the environmental impact. It is also expected to assist India in switching to a gas-based economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure Investment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The infrastructure development worth of <strong>Rs. 50,000 crores</strong> will be done to achieve the Coal India Limited&rsquo;s (CIL) target of 1 billion tons coal production by 2023-24 plus coal production from private blocks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Extraction :</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These extraction rights to be auctioned from Coal India Limited&rsquo;s (CIL) coal mines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mining Plan Simplification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ease of Doing Business measures, such as Mining Plan simplification, will be considered. It is expected to increase annual production by 40%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mineral Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exploration-cum-Mining-cum-Production Regime:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>500 mining blocks would be offered through an open and transparent auction process under this composite regime.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joint Auction of Bauxite and Coal Mineral Blocks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aims to enhance the aluminium industry&rsquo;s competitiveness by reducing the cost of electricity generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Captive and Non-captive Mines:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has decided<strong> to remove the distinction between captive and non-captive mines</strong> to allow the transfer of mining leases and the sale of surplus unused minerals, leading to better efficiency in mining and production.</li>
<li>The captive mines are that produce minerals for use by the same company.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Revision of FDI Limit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route will be <strong>raised from 49% to 74%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Project Management Unit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to support contract management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Defence Import Bill:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for imports and thus such items can only be purchased from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Civil Aviation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Efficient Airspace Management:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The restrictions on the utilisation of Indian airspace will be eased so that the flying of civilian aircraft becomes more efficient. Such utilisation is expected to bring in <strong>benefits of nearly Rs 1,000 crore per year.</strong></li>
<li>It will also lead to optimal utilization of airspace, reduction in fuel use, time and will have positive environmental impact.</li>
<li>Currently,<strong> only 60% of India&rsquo;s airspace is freely available</strong> and thus airplanes have been flying to most destinations through longer routes hence more fuel is used in the process and the customers end up paying more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Airports Development through PPP :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In addition to the existing ones,six more airports will be auctioned under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model for its development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India- a global hub for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The aircraft component repairs and airframe maintenance is intended to increase from <strong>Rs 800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore in three years.</strong></li>
<li>The convergence between the Defence sector and the civil MROs will be established to bring down the maintenance cost of airlines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Power Distribution Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tariff Policy Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The tariff policy reforms will be announced in the future. The reforms are expected to focus on the consumer rights, promotion of industry and sustainability of the sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Privatization of Distribution in UTs :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The power departments/utilities in Union Territories will be privatised.</li>
<li>It is expected to improve the operational and financial efficiency in Distribution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Infrastructure Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Investments through Viability Gap Funding:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government is expected to invest Rs 8,100 crores through Viability Gap Funding (VGF).</li>
<li>Currently, most of the projects are supported by centre/states/statutory bodies <strong>with 20% as VGF.</strong> But the Centre will be<strong> increasing</strong> its share in VGF to<strong> 30% in the future.</strong></li>
<li>The above benefits will be provided if the projects will be proposed by Central Ministries/ State Government/ Statutory entities.</li>
<li>Viability Gap Funding (VGF) signifies a grant, one-time or deferred, provided to support infrastructure projects that are economically justified but fall short of financial viability. The lack of financial viability usually arises from long gestation periods and the inability to increase user charges to commercial levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Space Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Participation of the Private Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government will be providing a level playing field for private companies in satellites, planetary exploration, outer space travel, launches and space-based services.</li>
<li>Such private players will also be allowed to use ISRO&rsquo;s facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liberal Geo-spatial Data Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There will also be a liberal geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to tech-entrepreneurs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atomic Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Research Reactor in PPP Mode:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will help to produce medical isotopes for affordable treatment of cancer and other diseases.</li>
<li>It will also generate facilities to use <strong>irradiation technology for food preservation.</strong> This will complement agricultural reforms and assist farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology Development cum Incubation Centres :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These centres will be set up to act as a link between India&rsquo;s robust start-up ecosystem to the nuclear sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Criticism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is considered to be less of a stimulus and <strong>more of industrial reforms,</strong> which could have been announced at any time.</li>
<li>It has been also observed that the only direct budgetary cost in this tranche was the Rs. 8,100 crore to be provided as a raised 30% viability gap funding to boost private investment in social sector infrastructure.</li>
<li>The fourth tranche covered sectors of strategic importance but these policies will be rolled out over a 3-6 month period, and any implication for supporting or reviving the economy as it comes out of lockdown is missing.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-fourth-tranche-economic-package-announcements-6412870/" 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/economic-stimulus-iv'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'National Migrant Information System',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority</strong></a> (NDMA) has developed an online dashboard called<strong> &lsquo;National Migrant Information System (NMIS)&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The online portal (NMIS) would <strong>maintain a central repository of migrant workers</strong> and help in<strong> speedy inter-state communication</strong> to facilitate the smooth movement of migrant workers to their native places.</li>
<li>The<strong> key data</strong> pertaining to the persons migrating <strong>has been standardized for uploading</strong> such as name, age, mobile no., originating and destination district, date of travel etc.</li>
<li>States will be able to visualize how many people are going out from where and how many are reaching their destination States.</li>
<li>It has additional advantages like<strong> contact tracing,</strong> which may be useful in overall Covid-19 response work.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mobile numbers of people can be used for contact tracing and movement monitoring during <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Contact tracing</strong> is the process of identification of persons who may have come into contact with an infected person and subsequent collection of further information about these contacts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government of India has allowed the movement of migrant workers by buses and <strong>&lsquo;Shramik&rsquo; special trains</strong> to enable them to travel to their native places.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Disaster Management Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the<strong> apex statutory body for disaster management in India.</strong></li>
<li>It was constituted in accordance with the <strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005</strong> with the <strong>Prime Minister as its Chairperson</strong> and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice-Chairperson.</li>
<li><strong>Mandate:</strong> Its primary purpose is to coordinate response to natural or man-made disasters and for capacity-building in disaster resiliency and crisis response.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is also the<strong> apex body to lay down policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management</strong> to ensure timely and effective response to disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vision:</strong> To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, proactive, technology driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624540" 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/national-migrant-information-system'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Afghanistan’s Power Sharing Deal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Afghanistan&rsquo;s President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah have signed a power-sharing agreement.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Power-sharing deal</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the deal, Mr. Ghani will remain as president while both Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah will choose an equal number of ministers in the cabinet.</li>
<li>The deal calls for Abdullah to lead the country&rsquo;s <strong>National Reconciliation High Council.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Reconciliation Council</strong> has been given the authority to handle and approve all <strong>affairs related to Afghanistan&rsquo;s peace process including the peace talks with the Taliban.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The deal has been signed two months <strong>after the presidential election dispute</strong> that arose in September 2019 between Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah.</li>
<li>The Election Commission<strong> declared Mr. Ghani to be the winner</strong> of the presidential election, <strong>but Mr. Abdullah</strong> and the Elections Complaint Commission<strong> charged widespread voting irregularities</strong> in the election.</li>
<li>Following which, both declared themselves the winner of the presidential election and have been locked in a power struggle since then.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>U.S.- Taliban peace deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>peace deal between the U.S. Government and the Taliban</strong> </a>was signed on 29 February, 2020. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The deal calls for<strong> U.S. and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-minimises-its-share-in-nato-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</a> troops to leave Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The U.S.-Taliban peace deal is seen as Afghanistan&rsquo;s<strong> best chance to come at peace in decades of war.</strong></li>
<li>Since then, the U.S. has been trying to get the <strong>Taliban and the Afghan government to begin intra-Afghan negotiations,</strong> but the political turmoil and personal hostility between Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah has impeded talks.</li>
<li>This prompted the U.S. Government to announce that it would cut $1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan if the two weren&rsquo;t able to work out their differences.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has welcomed the power-sharing deal between President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah.</li>
<li>It hope that the <strong>power-sharing deal</strong> will result in renewed efforts for <strong>establishing enduring peace and stability,</strong> and <strong>putting an end to externally-sponsored terrorism </strong>and <strong>violence in Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Afghanistan for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Afghanistan's main advantage is its geography.</li>
<li>Anyone who controls Afghanistan controls the land routes between the Indian subcontinent, Iran, and resource-rich Central Asia.</li>
<li>Economically, it is a gateway to the oil and mineral-rich Central Asian republics.</li>
<li>Afghanistan has become the second-largest recipient of Indian foreign aid over the last five years.</li>
<li>India has become more and more popular in Afghanistan, not only because of its soft power, but also by setting up infrastructure, including hospitals, roads and dams, and contributing to the fabric of a democratic nation-state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794853_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589794853_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/afghan-president-and-rival-sign-power-sharing-deal/article31609012.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/afghanistan-s-power-sharing-deal'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Role of Rajya Sabha',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-need-for-a-second-chamber/article31560028.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The need for a second chamber&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 11/05/2020. It talks about the role and issues pertaining to Rajya Sabha.</p>
</div>
<p>Rajya Sabha&rsquo; or the &lsquo;Council of States&rsquo; is the second chamber of the Indian parliament, which traces its origin to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919.</p>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/250th-session-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajya Sabha as the second chamber of the parliament</strong></a> intended to play certain roles as a <strong>permanent house</strong> (it never dissolves like Lok sabha and one-third of its members retire every two years), <strong>revisionary house</strong> (reconsidering bills passed by the Lok Sabha) and offers a <strong>degree of continuity</strong> in the underlying policies of laws passed by parliament.</p>
<p>Along with this, Rajya Sabha also acts as a means to <strong>institutionalise the federal principle</strong> of power-sharing between the Centre and states.</p>
<p>However, the role and relevance of Rajya Sabha have been a matter of debate which can be traced from discussions in constituent assembly to recent times.</p>
<h3>Constituent Assembly Debates Regarding Rajya Sabha</h3>
<p><strong>Against the Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The section in the constituent assembly who was opposed to the idea of Rajya sabha held that an Upper House was not essential and opinionated that such a chamber can prove to be a &ldquo;clog in the wheel of progress&rdquo; of the nation, by delaying the legislative process.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In favour of Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Proponents of the Rajya Sabha held that an upper chamber would lend a voice to the states in the legislative scheme of things and check the legislation passed in haste.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of Rajya Sabha</h3>
<p><strong>Safety Valve of India&rsquo;s Federal Polity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bicameralism is necessary for a federal constitution to give representation to the units of the federation.</li>
<li>While checks and balances usually operate between the executive, legislature and judiciary, the Council of States acts as a safety valve within the legislature itself, easing federal tensions.</li>
<li>Rajya Sabha thus represents a crucial component of the constitutional checks and balances scheme, in addition to the commonly identified examples of responsible government and judicial review.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Review and Revaluation Role</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian constitution framers wanted to create a house that would act as a<strong> revisionary house</strong> to keep a check on the hasty legislation that could be passed by the lower house under populist pressures.</li>
<li>Also, when the ruling dispensation has a brute majority in the Lok Sabha, Rajya sabha can prevent the government of the day exercising authoritarianism.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A Deliberative Body</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Parliament is not only a legislative body but also a deliberative one which enables the members to debate major issues of public importance.</li>
<li>Thus, the role of the Upper House is to be a deliberative body besides balancing the &ldquo;fickleness and passion&rdquo; of the Lok Sabha.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Representing the Vulnerable Sections</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Women, religious, ethnic and linguistic minority groups are not adequately represented in the Lok Sabha (due to<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/parliamentary-reforms-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> first past the post-election system</strong></a>).</li>
<li>An indirect form of election (<strong>through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener">propositional representation</a></strong>) to the Rajya Sabha, therefore, would give them a chance to get involved in the nation&rsquo;s law-making process.</li>
<li>Thus, Rajya Sabha can make a place for people who may not be able to win a popular mandate.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Special Powers of Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Upper House also has some special powers, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Power to transfer a subject from the State List to Union List for a specified period (Article 249).</li>
<li>To create additional All-India Services (Article 312).</li>
<li>To endorse Emergency under Article 352 for a limited period when the Lok Sabha remains dissolved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Rajya Sabha</h3>
<p><strong>No equal Representation of states</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Federal countries like US, Australia, institutionalise the principle of federalism more strongly than India, by providing equal representation to all states in their upper houses.</li>
<li>This is in contrast with the Rajya Sabha, where states are represented proportionally to their relative populations.</li>
<li>For example, the number of seats allocated in Rajya Sabha to Uttar Pradesh alone is significantly higher than that of combined north-eastern states.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Bypassing the Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In some cases, ordinary bills are being passed in the form of a Money Bill, circumventing the Rajya Sabha and giving rise to the question about the very efficacy of the upper house of Parliament.</li>
<li>This can be seen recently in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/misuse-of-money-bills-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>controversy related to Aadhar Act</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Undermining of Federal character of Rajya Sabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>By way of the Representation of People (Amendment) Act, 2003, parliament has removed the word &lsquo;domicile&rsquo; from Section 3 of Representation of People Act, 1951.</li>
<li>This essentially means that a person who does not belong to a state can contest the Rajya Sabha elections from that state of which they are neither a resident nor a domicile.</li>
<li>After the amendment, the seats in the Rajya Sabha have been used by the ruling party to get their defeated candidate in Lok Sabha, elected in Rajya Sabha.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Low Participation of Nominated Members</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More recently, the sincerity of nominated members has been questioned in multiple instances.</li>
<li>Nominations are made by the government to satisfy the sentiments of the followers of certain personalities.</li>
<li>Once nominated, they rarely participate in the working of the house. Sachin Tendulkar was appointed in 2012 and the House has met 374 days since then, but the attendance of Sachin Tendulkar is a meagre 24 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To preserve the federal character of Rajya Sabha, one step would be to have members of the Rajya Sabha be directly elected by the citizens of a state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will reduce cronyism and patronage appointments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, a federal arrangement can be devised to enable equal representation for each state, so that large states do not dominate the proceedings in the House.</li>
<li>There is a need for a better procedure of nomination to improve the quality of discussion in the House. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A cue in this regard can be taken from the UK.</li>
<li>The House of Lords Act, 1999 has led to the introduction of the Appointments Commission in 2000 with the primary function of making recommendations for the appointment of non-party-political members to the House of Lords.</li>
<li>This commission can recommend nomination to Rajya Sabha from groups under-represented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Even though the ups and downs of Indian politics, the Rajya Sabha has remained a vanguard for political and social values, a melting pot of cultural diversity. Also, along with Lok sabha, it is a flag-bearer of the sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic called India.</p>
<p>Thus, Rajya sabha should not be seen as a &lsquo;disruptive&rsquo; wing of the legislation and efforts should be made to enable Rajya Sabha to retain its significant role in Indian democracy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589630927_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589630927_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" 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: #edf0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Critically analyse the significance of Rajya Sabha as the federal chamber of Indian democracy.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJt7FjZ-aJ4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bhupendrasinh-chudasama-gujarat-governement-supreme-court-election-commission-6410304/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In EC&rsquo;s Court</strong></a>&rdquo; which was published in The Indian Express on May 15th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-rajya-sabha'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'ICGS Sachet',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Defence Minister of India has commissioned <strong>Indian Coast Guard Ship</strong> (ICGS)<strong> Sachet</strong> and <strong>two Interceptor Boats</strong> (IBs) <strong>C-450</strong> and <strong>C-451</strong> in Goa via video conference.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>ICGS Sachet</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>‘Sachet’ means <strong>alert.</strong></li>
<li>It is the first in the series of five <strong>Offshore Patrol Vessels</strong> (OPVs) and has been designed and built <strong>indigenously</strong> by <strong>Goa Shipyard Limited</strong> (GSL) and is fitted with <strong>state-of-the-art navigation</strong> and <strong>communication equipment.</strong></li>
<li>The 105 metre long ship is designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter, four high speed boats, one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search and rescue operations.</li>
<li>The ship is also <strong>capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment</strong> to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.</li>
<li>It is for the <strong>first time in Indian maritime history</strong> that a <strong>ship was commissioned through digital medium,</strong> maintaining strict protocol of social distancing in the backdrop of<strong> Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>IBs C-450 and C-451</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are <strong>indigenously</strong> designed and built by<strong> Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, Hazira</strong> and fitted with the <strong>latest navigation and communication equipment.</strong></li>
<li>The two 30 metre long boats are <strong>designed for</strong> high speed interception, close coast patrol and low intensity maritime operations.</li>
<li>The<strong> quick response capability</strong> of the IBs makes it an ideal platform to respond and thwart any emerging maritime situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ICG, which is the<strong> fourth largest Coast Guard in the world,</strong> has established itself as a reliable force in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/indias-coastal-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coastal security</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The ICG along with Indian Shipyards plays a major role in realising India's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAGAR Vision</strong></a> <strong>(Security and Growth for All in the Region)</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Self-reliant India Mission</strong></a> <strong>(Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Coast Guard</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established on <strong>18<sup>th</sup> August 1978</strong> by the <strong>Coast Guard Act, 1978</strong> of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India.</li>
<li>It operates under the <strong>Ministry of Defence.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> New Delhi.</li>
<li>It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India including<strong> contiguous zone and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive economic zone</a></strong> (EEZ).</li>
<li>It is <strong>responsible</strong> for marine environment protection in maritime zones of India and is coordinating authority for response to oil spills in Indian waters.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=204015" 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/icgs-sachet'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Endemic Disease',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> predicted that novel coronavirus could become <strong>endemic to the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The rapid spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> across the world has been characterised as <strong>Pandemic</strong> by the WHO.</li>
<li>Though India has made great efforts in containing the spread of the virus, the probability of its conversion into the category of endemic would be a great vulnerability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Endemic Disease:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A disease is called <strong>endemic</strong> when the presence or <strong>usual prevalence of its infectious agent is constant</strong> within a <strong>given geographical area or population group.</strong></li>
<li>When the<strong> cases begin to rise,</strong> it is classified as an <strong>epidemic.</strong> If this epidemic has been <strong>recorded in several countries and areas,</strong> it is called a <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>Some<strong> examples</strong> of endemics include chicken pox and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-malaria-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malaria</strong></a>, where there are a predictable number of cases every year in certain parts of the world.</li>
<li>According to the WHO, the<strong> novel coronavirus may become just another endemic virus in communities,</strong> and may never go away.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>R0 and Spread of the Disease:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mathematical figure<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/science-of-covid-19-spread" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;R0&rsquo;(pronounced &ldquo;R-naught&rdquo;)</strong></a> indicates <strong>how fast an infection is spreading.</strong></li>
<li>It is called the<strong> basic reproduction number</strong> and indicates the average number of people who will contract the virus from a person who has already been infected, in a population that does not have immunity for the said disease.</li>
<li>If<strong> R0=1,</strong> then the disease is endemic.</li>
<li>When<strong> R0&gt;1,</strong> it implies that the cases are increasing and that the disease will eventually become an epidemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>When a Disease Becomes Epidemic</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Disease becomes <strong>&ldquo;increasingly tolerated&rdquo;</strong> and the responsibility of protecting against it shifts from the government to the individual. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This means, rather than government agencies actively engaging in tracking and identifying cases, the individuals themselves will be responsible for managing risk from the disease and seeking care.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The sociopolitical response to the disease may also change, with investment in the disease becoming institutionalised along with the <strong>disease-inducing behavioural changes in people. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Epidemic diseases typically have higher mortality and morbidity than the diseases which have become endemic,</strong> owing to lack of clinical experience and knowledge. Over time, effective prevention and treatment interventions emerge for the disease that has become endemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Types of Endemic Diseases</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Holoendemic Diseases:</strong> This kind of endemic disease affects mostly children. This infection is highly prevalent in the early years of life. The adult population do not show traces of diseases as much as children do. <strong>Malaria</strong> is a type of holoendemic disease.</li>
<li><strong>Hyperendemic Diseases:</strong> These types of endemic diseases are constantly present at a high rate and are found among all age groups equally. <strong>E.g. African Sleeping Sickness and Chicken Pox.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-endemic-disease-meaning-6411740/" 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/endemic-disease'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'International Day of Families',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Day of Families is observed on <strong>15 May</strong> every year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589617340_Image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589617340_Image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="200" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 1993, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations</strong></a> General Assembly passed a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> It provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.</li>
<li><strong>Theme:</strong> The theme for 2020 is<strong> Families in Development: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-consultation-on-the-review-of-beijing-25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copenhagen &amp; Beijing+25</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The theme changes every year depending on the developmental endeavours ahead of the organisations working towards the welfare of families.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps to promote healthy families:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Healthy familial bonds</strong> are some of the greatest boons that parents and elders in the family can pass on their children and family youngsters.</li>
<li><strong>A nurturing environment</strong> promoted with love and care helps the children grow up into well-balanced, happy adults.</li>
<li><strong>Communication, quality time, appreciation, respect</strong> are some of the essentials towards building a strong and supportive family.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Copenhagen &amp; Beijing+25</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Copenhagen &amp; Beijing+25 signifies the <strong>World Conferences on Women (WCW)</strong> organised by the United Nations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The United Nations has organized four world conferences on women.</li>
<li>These took place in <strong>Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, Nairobi in 1985 and Beijing in 1995. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WCW, Copenhagen:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this a<strong> Programme of Action</strong> called for stronger national measures to ensure women&rsquo;s ownership and control of property, as well as improvements in protecting women&rsquo;s rights to inheritance, child custody and nationality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WCW, Beijing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It marked a significant turning point for the global agenda for gender equality. The Beijing Declaration was adopted unanimously by the UN at the end of the 4<sup>th</sup> WCW.</li>
<li>2020 marks the<strong> 25<sup>th</sup></strong> anniversary of the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> World Conference on Women (WCW)</strong> and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). Hence, it is referred to as Beijing + 25.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-families" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-of-families'
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Fibroin-based Hydrogel for Insulin',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), have developed an <strong>injectable silk fibroin-based hydrogel (or iSFH)</strong> for sustained<strong> insulin</strong> <strong>delivery</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetic</strong></a> patients.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>JNCASR is an autonomous research institute under the <strong>Department of Science and Technology.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Diabetes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It results from <strong>inadequate production of insulin</strong> due to loss of <strong>beta cells</strong> (found in pancreas, make insulin)<strong> or insulin resistance</strong> within the body. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Insulin helps glucose from food get into cells to be used for energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The inadequate production of insulin does not convert glucose into energy which leads to an abrupt<strong> increase of blood glucose level.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is home to more than 70 million diabetes people, it is the second-highest in the world after China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The conventional and last resort of treatment involves<strong> repeated subcutaneous insulin injections</strong> to maintain the physiological glucose balance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Subcutaneous means under the skin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues in Treatment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> multiple subcutaneous insulin</strong> injections are associated with pain, local tissue necrosis (death of tissues), infection, nerve damage, and locally concentrated insulin amyloidosis responsible for inability to achieve physiological glucose balance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Amyloidosis is a phenomenon that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in organs and interferes with their normal function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>One of the Solutions:</strong> Controlled and sustained insulin delivery.</li>
<li><strong>iSFH:</strong> The<strong> injectable Silk Fibroin Hydrogel (iSFH)</strong> can<strong> ease insulin delivery in diabetic patients.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The iSFH has successfully delivered active insulin in rats.</li>
<li>The subcutaneous injection of insulin with-iSFH in diabetic rats formed an<strong> active</strong> <strong>depot</strong> under the skin from which <strong>insulin trickled out slowly</strong> and restored the physiological glucose balance for a prolonged period of 4 days.</li>
<li>The<strong> porous form of iSFH</strong> allowed the <strong>encapsulation</strong> of <strong>recombinant</strong> insulin (identical to human insulin) in its active form in diabetic rats.</li>
<li>It has proved to be an effective insulin delivery tool with excellent <strong>mechanical strength, biocompatibility, encapsulation, storage,</strong> and demonstration of its <strong>sustained delivery of active insulin</strong> in the diabetic animal.</li>
<li>The <strong>active encapsulation and delivery of insulin by iSFH</strong> may also have implications for the future development of formulations for <strong>oral insulin delivery. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Silk Fibroin</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Silk fibroins are the unique <strong>proteins of silkworm fibers.</strong></li>
<li>Researchers have found fibroin as the<strong> promising resources of biotechnology and biomedical materials.</strong></li>
<li>They have unique properties which include<strong> biocompatibility (i.e. compatible with living tissue), favorable oxygen permeability, and biodegradability.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> degradation product also can be readily absorbed by the body</strong> with minimal inflammatory reaction.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hydrogel</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A hydrogel is a three-dimensional network of<strong> hydrophilic polymers</strong> that can swell in water and hold a large amount of water while maintaining the structure due to chemical or physical cross-linking of individual polymer chains.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1624008" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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