Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

US-Israel Talks on West Bank Annexation

Why in News Recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Israel's plans to annex parts of...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Direct Seeding of Rice

Why in News Due to labour shortage in two granary states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers are now being encouraged to adopt ‘Direct Seeding of...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The...

13 May 2020 Paper 2
Revival of Non-Alignment Movement

This article is based on “What’s in a NAM?” which was published in The Indian Express on 11/05/2020. It talks about the relevance...

13 May 2020 News Editorials
PRS Capsule March 2020

Key Highlights of PRS COVID-19 Lockdown notified in the country Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19 RBI Announces...

13 May 2020 PRS Capsule
Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued ‘Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
Global Nutrition Report 2020

Why in News The Global Nutrition Report 2020 stated that India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025. It...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
“RESTART” Conference

Why in News A digital conference on ‘Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology, and Research Translations (RESTART)’ was...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus

Why in News Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)’ with an economic...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
GI Tag to Two Products

Why in News Recently, Jharkhand’s Sohrai Khovar painting and Telangana’s Telia Rumal have been given the Geographical Indication (GI)...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
Labour Laws and Covid-19

This article is based on “Contempt for labour: On dilution of labour laws” which was published in The Hindu on 08/05/2020. It talks...

12 May 2020 News Editorials
Mandis Under e-NAM Increased

According to the recent data, the number of connected mandis, or wholesale markets under e-NAM has increased upto 65%. This increase is because of...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
Gandhi Peace Prize

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Culture extended the nomination period for the Gandhi Peace Prize from 30th April to 15th June 2020, due to...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
Helpline “Bharosa”

Why In News To relieve the distress of the student community during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has launched Central University of Odisha...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
A Study on Sal Forest Tortoise

Why in News A recent study by ecologists in the Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun), finds that over 90% of the potential distribution of the Sal...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
BiPAP Ventilator “SwasthVayu”

Why in News Recently, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore has developed BiPAP ventilator named SwasthVayu, a non-invasive (involves...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
Ultraviolet Light and Viruses

Why in News As nations begin relaxing restrictions, scientists are studying the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to detect the virus...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
SC Refuses to Restore 4G Services in J&K

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court refused to restore 4G services in Jammu & Kashmir and ordered setting up of a high-powered committee to...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
Use of TB Drugs on Crops

Why in News Recently, the Registration Committee (RC) under the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) has recommended to ban...

12 May 2020 News Analysis
Atal Pension Yojana

Why in News The flagship social security scheme of the Government of India - ‘Atal Pension Yojana’ (APY) - has completed five years of...

12 May 2020 News Analysis

Warning (2): count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable [ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp, line 100]

Code Context


<?php if(count($updates)>0){?>
  <div class="updates">

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'US-Israel Talks on West Bank Annexation',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss<strong> Israel's plans to annex parts of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-bank-settlements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Bank</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pompeo&rsquo;s visit was exempted from <strong>Israel&rsquo;s mandatory two-week quarantine</strong> for arrivals and shut borders due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</li>
<li>For Israel, this visit was an <strong>indication of the strength of its alliance with the USA</strong> and the talks focused on discussions on <strong>annexation, shared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-to-pull-out-of-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns about Iran</a></strong>, the<strong> battle against the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronavirus</a>, Israel&rsquo;s incoming government</strong> and <strong>threats from Israel&rsquo;s ties with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israel-China Ties:</strong> The<strong> US</strong> has reportedly been <strong>pressuring Israel to rethink</strong> a bid by a <strong>Hong Kong company to build a massive desalination facility.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plans for Annexation of West Bank</strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="715" height="900" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israeli hard-liners</strong> are eager to unilaterally redraw the <strong>Mideast map</strong> before November&rsquo;s US Presidential Election.</li>
<li>The<strong> presumptive Democratic nominee,</strong> Joe Biden, is in the<strong> opposition of unilateral annexation plans</strong> by Israel.</li>
<li>Annexation would <strong>give Donald Trump an accomplishment</strong> to shore up his <strong>pro-Israel base,</strong> particularly politically influential <strong>pro-Israel evangelical</strong> (of or according to the teaching of the gospel or the Christianity) <strong>Christian voters</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These voters <strong>believe in the notion that God promised the land to Jews</strong> and it <strong>should be returned</strong> to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine Conflict</strong></a> can be traced back to <strong>1917.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast War, 1967:</strong> It is also known as the <strong>six-day war</strong> or <strong>Third Arab-Israeli war. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip</strong> in the war. The Palestinians seek these territories for a future independent state. In the decades since, Israel has built settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem that now house nearly 700,000 Israelis. Most of the <strong>international communities</strong> consider these settlements a <strong>violation of international law and obstacles to peace.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast Plan or Middle East Peace Plan:</strong> It was <strong>unveiled by Trump</strong> in January, 2020. Under it, the <strong>Palestinians</strong> would have a <strong>limited statehood contingent on a list of stringent requirements</strong> while <strong>Israel would annex some 30% of the West Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The Palestinians rejected the plan and <strong>threatened to withdraw</strong> <strong>from</strong> key provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oslo-peace-accords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oslo Peace Accords</strong></a>, which are a <strong>series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians </strong>signed in the<strong> 1990s.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Trump administration believes</strong> that Israel&rsquo;s West Bank settlements are <strong>consistent with international law</strong> and <strong>supports the annexation</strong> of West Bank territory, as long as Israel agrees to enter peace talks with the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The annexation will trigger widespread <strong>international condemnation</strong> because it will <strong>crush already faint Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable state</strong> on the lands captured by Israel in the Mideast war.</li>
<li>The <strong>Arab League</strong> has mentioned the annexation as a <strong>war crime.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) and other individual member states, have warned of tough consequences if Israel moves forward in the annexation process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India was one of the few countries to<strong> oppose the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a>&rsquo; partition plan in November 1947,</strong> echoing its own experience during independence a few months earlier.</li>
<li>India <strong>recognised Israel in 1950</strong> but it is also the <strong>first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation</strong> (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinians. India is also one of the first countries to <strong>recognise</strong> the <strong>statehood of Palestine in 1988.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2014,</strong> India favored the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Human Rights Council&rsquo;s</strong></a> (UNHRC) resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel</strong> in UNHRC in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
<li>As a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li>In <strong>June 2019,</strong> India <strong>voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <strong>UN Economic and Social Council</strong> (ECOSOC) that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/despite-virus-pompeo-talks-west-bank-annexation-in-israel-6408956/" 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/us-israel-talks-on-west-bank-annexation'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Direct Seeding of Rice',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Due to labour shortage in two granary states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers are now being encouraged to adopt<strong> &lsquo;Direct Seeding of Rice&rsquo; (DSR)</strong> in place of <strong>conventional transplanting.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic has led the labourers to reverse migrate to their villages, which has created a shortage of labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Normal Transplanting of Paddy vs Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Paddy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In transplanting paddy, <strong>farmers prepare nurseries</strong> where the paddy seeds are first sown and raised into young plants.</li>
<li>The nursery seed bed is 5-10% of the area to be transplanted.</li>
<li>These <strong>seedlings are then uprooted and replanted</strong> 25-35 days later in the puddled field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In DSR, the pre-germinated seeds are directly drilled into the field by a tractor-powered machine.</li>
<li>There is no nursery preparation or transplantation involved in this method.</li>
<li>Farmers have to only level their land and give one pre-sowing irrigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection against the weeds</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Method:</strong> In transplanting for the first three weeks or so, the plants have to be irrigated almost daily to maintain a water depth of 4-5 cm. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Water prevents growth of weeds by denying them oxygen in the submerged stage, whereas the soft <strong>&lsquo;aerenchyma tissues&rsquo;</strong> in paddy plants allow air to penetrate through their roots. Water, thus, acts as a herbicide for paddy.</li>
<li><strong>DSR Method:</strong> In DSR as flooding of fields is not done during sowing, chemical herbicides are used to kill weeds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage with Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Water savings. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Less numbers of labourers</strong> required.</li>
<li><strong>Saves labour cost.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reduce methane emissions</strong> due to a shorter flooding period and decreased soil disturbance compared to transplanting rice seedlings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks of Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Non-availability of herbicides.</li>
<li>The <strong>seed requirement for DSR is also high,</strong> 8-10 kg/acre, compared to 4-5 kg/acre in transplanting.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>laser land levelling is</strong> compulsory in DSR. This is not so in transplanting.</li>
<li>The <strong>sowing needs to be done timely</strong> so that the plants have come out properly before the monsoon rains arrive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Rice</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rice is a staple food for the overwhelming majority of the population in India.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>kharif crop</strong> which requires<strong> high temperature, (above 25&deg;C)</strong> and<strong> high humidity</strong> with annual <strong>rainfall above 100 cm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>areas of less rainfall, it is grown with the help of irrigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>southern states and West Bengal the climatic conditions allow the cultivation of two or three crops</strong> of rice in an agricultural year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In West Bengal farmers grow three crops of rice called<strong> &lsquo;aus&rsquo;, &lsquo;aman&rsquo; and &lsquo;boro&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>About <strong>one-fourth of the total cropped area in India is under rice cultivation. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leading producer states:</strong> West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.</li>
<li><strong>High Yielding States:</strong> Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Punjab and Haryana are <strong>not traditional rice growing areas.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rice Cultivation in the irrigated areas of Punjab and Haryana was introduced in the 1970s following the <strong>Green Revolution.</strong></li>
<li>Almost the entire land under rice cultivation in Punjab and Haryana is irrigated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India contributes 21.6% of rice production in the world and <strong>ranked second after China</strong> in 2016.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/labour-short-can-direct-seeding-be-alternative-to-paddy-transplanting-6408653/" 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/direct-seeding-of-rice'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment.</li>
<li>The role of the MoPR involves strengthening the administrative infrastructure, basic services etc. by leveraging technology and capacity building of the functionaries of Rural Local Body (RLB).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Schemes and Policies</h3>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Grants</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ministry monitors the effective utilization of FFC Grants by the Gram Panchayats (GPs) through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/public-financial-management-system-pfms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Financial Management System</strong></a> (PFMS).</li>
<li>Around 5.5 Lakhs assets created by using FFC grants in GPs have been geo-tagged to give thrust to the digital monitoring system.</li>
<li>A majority of Gram Panchayats are on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS and a lot of them are already doing digital payments through PRIASoft -PFMS.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Panchayat Enterprise Suite Application</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has conceived a software viz, <strong>PlanPlus,</strong> the software application facilitates the consolidation and integration of all plans of all planning units.</li>
<li>The Gram Panchayat development plans (GPDPs) prepared by the panchayats are uploaded on the software and the citizens can also view the activities being planned in their respective areas.</li>
<li>Currently, generation of plans through PlanPlus has been prescribed as one of the necessary conditions for release of performance grants.</li>
<li>Action Soft is another Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Application which works in collaboration with Plan-Plus and captures the work execution flow, converges and keeps track of flow of funds from different source s during implementation and brings about total transparency in the reporting of physical and financial progress of works.</li>
<li>PRIA Soft is another PES application developed for managing receipts and expenditure of approved list of works through voucher entries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission Recommendations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Fourteenth Finance Commission recommendations are path breaking to strengthen local governments.</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal decentralization</strong> and the <strong>trust-based approach</strong> have empowered our Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to address the local needs.</li>
<li>The <strong>devolution of funds</strong> has also had an impact on the effectiveness, responsiveness and quality of the public services delivered in rural areas.</li>
<li>The <strong>formulation of GPDPs and digitization of Panchayat records</strong> through PES applications has made the system more transparent, accountable and effective.</li>
<li>Through proper planning at the local level, the funds devolved can be effectively utilized for more inclusive development.</li>
<li>The State Governments should trust the village Panchayats and provide them flexibility to utilize the untied funds to meet the local needs.</li>
<li><strong>Decentralized planning</strong> will be a motivating exercise for the citizens if their demands are heard, accepted and fulfilled.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Panchayati Raj: Background</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Panchayati Raj, the institutional manifestation of democratic decentralization in India, became an integral part of the Indian Constitution only after five decades of independence in the year 1993 after the enactment of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act.</li>
<li>Post Independence, the <strong>first major Community Development Programme was launched in 1952</strong> with the aim of bringing about overall development of rural areas through people&rsquo;s participation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This programme was formulated to provide an administrative framework through which the government could reach to the district, tehsil/taluka and village level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Later in 1957, the Planning Commission appointed a <strong>committee headed by Balwantrai Mehta in 1957 to study the Community Development Programmes and National Extension Services Programme</strong> especially to assess the extent of people&rsquo;s participation and to recommend ways to ensure this.</li>
<li>The committee recommended three-tier panchayati raj system in the country viz Zila Parishad at the District Level, Panchayat Samiti at the Block/ Tehsil/ Taluka Level and Gram Panchayat at the Village Level.</li>
<li>Though the committee did not recommend a rigid frame work for the same, the seeds were sown for the birth of contemporary Panchayati Raj.</li>
<li>Subsequently<strong> the Ashok Mehta Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> in 1978 for a two-tier system with Zilla Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat as the base and <strong>L. M. Singhvi Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> that the PRIs should be enshrined in the Constitution and &lsquo;Gram Sabha&rsquo; should be the base for decentralised democracy, bore fruits in the form of the 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993.</li>
<li>This became landmark development in the history of local self-government. It uniformly introduced a three-tier Panchayati Raj system throughout the country and provided them with necessary powers and authority to help them to function as units of self-government. Panchayati Raj was started in India on the premise that at the local level there should be some kind of democracy which would involve people in the process of governance. If the people are to be involved they have to be given responsibilities in the functioning of the institutions and development programmes of the government. This is the only way democracy reaches the masses.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Mission Mode Project (MMP) on e-Panchayat</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the e-Panchayat MMP, a suite of Core Common Applications has been developed collectively called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications. Following are some of the key activities undertaken under the e-Panchayat MMP during the year:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unified portal focusing on Work Based Accounting:</strong> It will bring in a more user-friendly interface with ease of navigation that would make it hassle-free for the GPs to track, monitor and modify their Action Plan.</li>
<li><strong>On-boarding of schemes on PRIASoft-PFMS integration for real time payments by GPs:</strong> The Ministry, in the current year, has put in place a robust mechanism capturing the entire gamut of activity right from the stage of planning to monitor the various stages of work, recording the expenditure incurred for the works to providing complete detail of the asset created.</li>
<li><strong>Gram Manchitra:</strong> It is a Spatial Planning Application provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the 29 sectors and provide a decision support system for GPDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Launched in 2018, this centrally sponsored scheme is an effort in the direction of achieving &ldquo;Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The RGSA helps more than 2.55 lakh <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions</strong></a> (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.</li>
<li>The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials.</li>
<li>Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc.</li>
<li>The implementation and monitoring of the activities of the scheme are broadly aligned for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on Panchayats identified under Mission Antyodaya and Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog.</li>
<li>This scheme extends to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.</li>
<li>The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups.</li>
<li>It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.</li>
<li>Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sabki-yojana-sabka-vikas-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>People&rsquo;s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government&rsquo;s flagship schemes.</li>
<li>To provide sustainability to the GPDP formulation process into a participative and transparent exercise,<strong> the process of GPDP preparation for the financial year 2020-21 again started in a Campaign mode from 2nd October, 2019 as PPC-2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Panchayat Day:</strong> It is celebrated on 24 April every year. It was on this day in 1993, that the 73<sup>rd</sup> amendment act had come into force.</li>
<li><strong>Panchayati Raj:</strong> The term was coined by PM Nehru who inaugurated the 3-tier Panchayati Raj in Nagaur (Rajasthan, 2 October 1959).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Incentivization of Panchayats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry has been incentivizing the Panchayats/ States/ Union Territories (UTs) under the scheme of Incentivization of Panchayats, one of the central components of the restructured scheme of RGSA, in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services &amp; public goods and to encourage a spirit of competition.</li>
<li>Awards, including financial incentives are given annually to best performing Panchayats/States/UTs under various categories namely, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) for Gram/ Block/ District Panchayats;</li>
<li>Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP) for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA) for Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar for States/UTs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-panchayati-raj'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Revival of Non-Alignment Movement',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/narendra-modi-video-address-nam-summit-6403546/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;What&rsquo;s in a NAM?&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 11/05/2020. It talks about the relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in present times.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India hosted a video conference that addresses a summit of the Non-aligned nations. This is in concurrence of India&rsquo;s efforts of promoting global cooperation in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>In the domain of foreign policy, this meeting assumes great significance, given the fact that Indian Prime Minister has skipped the last two NAM summits, at Venezuela in 2016 and Azerbaijan in 2019.</p>
<p>It is argued that the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)</strong> </a>was the product of certain circumstances which have undergone a sea change and thus, have become irrelevant.</p>
<p>However, the Covid-19 pandemic and India renewed interest in NAM, have earmarked the relevance of Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) to pursue effective work programmes at the international level.</p>
<h3>Why is NAM criticised?</h3>
<p>The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the superpowers: the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral. It also stands united for the decolonization of European colonies in Asia and Africa.</p>
<p>However, the world order has changed significantly in 21<sup>st</sup>-century, which has rendered the utility of the NAM doubtful:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cold war has ended with the disintegration of USSR in 1991 and subsequently:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bi-polar world is non-existent.</li>
<li>The collapse of communism and the communist bloc and thereby ending the ideological rivalry between capitalism vs communism.</li>
<li>Since the US emerged as the sole world power following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many non-aligned countries left the NAM.</li>
<li>Shifting of global politics narrative from the balance of power to economic interdependence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Decolonisation project has become redundant, as almost all major colonies have been decolonised.</li>
<li>It is argued that NAM today competes with groups like the Commonwealth. The other groups are more effective, as they deal with economic and trade issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NAM does not do that, nor does it take up any diplomatic initiative.</li>
<li>It has no position even on issues like human rights, child exploitation and gender issues. Also, most of the members of NAM are developing.</li>
<li>As a result, its members have to follow the Western dictates in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of NAM</h3>
<p>The 21<sup>st</sup>-century world order is significantly different from that of the 20<sup>th</sup>-century. Though the world has changed, the problems have remained almost the same. In this context, NAM can prove its worth by striving to work for the following contemporary issues:</p>
<p><strong>New Cold War</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Those who say the NAM is a relic of the Cold War must also acknowledge that a new Cold War is beginning to unfold, this time between the US and China.</li>
<li>This can be reflected in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade War</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad initiative</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-pacific narrative</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>emergence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a>, naval presence in the Indian ocean, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The resurgence of colonialism: Neo-colonialism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Neocolonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalisation, cultural imperialism, and conditional aid to influence a developing country instead of the previous colonial methods of direct military control (imperialism) or indirect political control (hegemony).</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s investment in Africa and Asia through its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road initiative</strong></a> is criticized for being neo-colonialism in nature whereas NAM can help in establishing the ethos of collective action.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Restructuring and democratization of the UN</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to undemocratic representation and veto power of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>permanent members in UNSC</strong></a>, the UNSC has been criticised as undemocratic. Thus, there has been a demand for reforms in the UN system for long.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Combating Global Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM becomes relevant to mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing countries in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>WTO (World Trade Organization)</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of NAM for India</h3>
<p><strong>Support for India&rsquo;s Candidature in UNSC</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM&rsquo;s total strength comprises 120 developing countries and most of them are members of the UN General Assembly.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM members act as an important group in support of India&rsquo;s candidature as a permanent member in UNSC.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global South Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India&rsquo;s engagement with NAM will further help in the rise of India&rsquo;s stature as the voice of the developing world or global south.</li>
<li>In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Strengthening of Multipolar World Order</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A multipolar world order is in concurrence with Indian forigen policy.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM can help in formation of a multipolar world with India becoming a major pole.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the relevance of NAM in present times, it remains a critical diplomatic forum for the pursuit of India&rsquo;s forign policy interests. Therefore India must refrain from treating NAM as a ritual to be performed every three years and start engaging with NAM constructively.</p>
<p>Thus, just like the start of cold war provided the ground for NAM in the 20<sup>th</sup> century, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for India to lay the foundation of NAM 2.0. In this context, the virtual NAM summit hosted by India is a step in the right direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" 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: #fffeeb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the relevance of Non-alignment movement in present times.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97hx_xhb7eI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Ease Land Markets&rdquo; which was published in The Times of India on May 12<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/revival-of-non-alignment-movement'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'PRS Capsule March 2020',
			'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
			'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">COVID-19</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Lockdown notified in the country</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Census and NPR Postponed</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#8">Finance</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#13">Health</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#16">Mining</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#18">Defence</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#20">Environment and Forests</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#22">Agriculture</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#24">New and Renewable Energy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">COVID-19</h2>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)</strong></a> is an infectious disease caused by a new type of virus.The disease originated in Wuhan, China and since then has spread globally. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 as a global pandemic.</p>
<p>The first confirmed case in India was on January 30, 2020. Since then, there has been a consistent rise in the number of cases within the country. With the spread of COVID-19, the central government has announced several policy decisions to contain the spread, and financial measures to support citizens and businesses who would get affected.</p>
<p><strong>Key Announcements</strong></p>
<h3 id="2">Lockdown Notified in the Country</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To contain the spread of COVID-19, 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) directed the central and state governments, as well as various State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to take measures to ensure<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> social distancing.</strong></a></li>
<li>These measures were issued under the provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invocation-of-disaster-management-act-2005-to-deal-with-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act</strong></a>, 2005.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act sets up the NDMA and SMDAs and provides certain powers to these authorities for the effective management of disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the lockdown, all establishments, other than those selling or producing essential goods or providing essential services, and activities related to agricultural operations have been closed.</li>
<li>Essential goods include items such as food, medicine, and electricity. Essential services include banking services, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>Transportation of all goods (whether essential or non-essential) will continue to remain functional.</li>
<li>Further, certain bodies, such as the district administration, police, and defence services will continue to operate.</li>
<li>The Union Home Secretary further directed all state/union territory governments, as well as various State/Union Territory Disaster Management Authorities to issue orders to their District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), SP, or Deputy SP to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ensure adequate arrangements of temporary shelter and food for the needy, including stranded migrant workers,</li>
<li>Relocate migrant workers who have moved out to reach their hometown, to the nearest shelter home, and to quarantine them for at least 14 days.</li>
<li>Direct employers to pay wages during the lockdown, and to ensure landlords do not demand rent from workers for one month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finance Minister announced a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>relief package under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</strong> </a>for the poor.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 1.7 lakh crore has been allocated for the same.</li>
<li>Key features of the package under the scheme are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for public health workers (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics and ASHA workers) who are treating patients of COVID-19.</li>
<li>The scheme will cover all health workers working in government health centres, wellness centres, and hospitals of the centre and states.</li>
<li>The insurance cover will be over and above any other insurance cover being availed by the beneficiary.</li>
<li>Five kilograms of wheat or rice and one kilogram of preferred pulses will be provided for free every month to poor families for the next three months.</li>
<li>This will be over and above the current entitlements under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act.</strong></a></li>
<li>20.4 crore women account holders under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-6th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana</strong></a> will get Rs 500 per month for next three months.</li>
<li>Further, eight crore poor families will be given three gas cylinders free of cost over the next three months.</li>
<li>The first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020- 21 under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-year-of-pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-KISAN Yojana</strong></a> will be advanced and paid in April, 2020.</li>
<li>Wages under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/youngest-workers-rise-in-menrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong> </a>will be increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day.</li>
<li>Centre will direct state governments to utilise the funds available under District Mineral Fund for medical testing, screening and other requirements for treatment and prevention of spread of COVID-19.</li>
<li>Further, states will also be directed to utilise funds under the Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide assistance and support to workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> has announced several measures to address the stress in financial conditions caused by COVID-19. These include: (i)cutting policy rates, (ii) expanding liquidity in the market to ensure that financial markets and institutions are able to function normally, and (iii) relief to borrowers in repayment of loans.</li>
<li>Key measures are detailed below:</li>
<li><strong>Policy Rates:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The repo rate (the rate at which RBI lends money to banks) was reduced from 5.15% to 4.4%.</li>
<li>The reverse repo rate (the rate at which RBI borrows money from banks) was reduced from 4.9% to 4.0%.</li>
<li>The marginal standing facility rate (the rate at which banks can borrow additional money) and the bank rate (the rate at which RBI buys bills of exchange) were reduced from 5.4% to 4.65%.</li>
<li>The accommodative stance of monetary policy will be continued in order to revive growth and mitigate the impact of coronavirus on the economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liquidity management:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for all banks has been reduced from 4% to 3% till March 26, 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CRR is the amount of liquid cash that banks have to maintain with the RBI, as a percentage of their total deposits (net demand and time liabilities).</li>
<li>The daily required minimum CRR balance has been also reduced from 90% to 80%, till June 26, 2020. Further, the RBI will conduct auctions of targeted term repos of up to three years tenor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the marginal standing facility (MSF), banks can borrow overnight from RBI by dipping into their statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SLR is the ratio of liquid assets such as gold, treasury bonds and government securities to net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).</li>
<li>The borrowing limit for MSF has been increased from 2% of NDTL to 3% of NDTL till June 30, 2020.</li>
<li>These steps are expected to inject a total liquidity of Rs 3.74 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relief to borrowers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All banks and financial institutions (including NBFCs) are permitted to grant a moratorium of three months on payment of all term loan instalments (including agricultural, retail and crop loans) and interest on working capital loans (such as overdraft facilities), which are due between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020.</li>
<li>Such deferment will not result in a downgrade in asset classification.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released several advisories and notifications addressing: (i) citizens, (ii) hospitals, (iii) state governments/ departments/ Ministries, and (iv) employees.</li>
<li>Key notifications include:</li>
<li><strong>Testing laboratories:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Council of Medical Research</strong></a> allowed for free of cost diagnosis to all individuals with COVID19 symptoms. For this purpose, the government approved certain private laboratories to test individuals for COVID-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social distancing measures:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government also proposed for certain interventions to be followed by state governments to ensure social distancing. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres.</li>
<li>Postponing of exams and ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one meter amongst students.</li>
<li>Encourage private sector organisations/ employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Census and NPR Postponed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In December 2019, the Union Cabinet had approved proposals to: (i) conduct the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India 2021</strong></a> throughout the country, and (ii) update the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-population-register" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Population Register (NPR)</strong> </a>in all parts of the country, except the state of Assam.</li>
<li>The Census was to be conducted in two phases:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A house listing and housing census between April and September 2020, and population enumeration in February 2021.</li>
<li>The NPR was to be updated along with the house listing and housing census (except in Assam).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NPR is a register of the usual residents in the country.</li>
<li>Usual residents refer to those who have either resided in a local area for the past six months or more, or intend to reside in that area for the next six months or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the census and updation of NPR have been postponed until further orders.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced an extension of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy</strong></a>, applicable for the period 2015-20, by one year, i.e, up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The extension has been announced to provide continuity in the policy regime, given the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.</li>
<li>Following are some of the key features of the Policy:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All export promotion schemes, except the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) will be available till March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>Exemption from payment of GST and compensation cess on certain imports will continue during this period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8">Finance</h2>
<h3 id="9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/direct-tax-vivad-se-vishwas-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>The Bill provides a mechanism for resolution of pending tax disputes related to income tax and corporation tax.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong></li>
<li><strong>Appellant:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill defines an appellant as the person in whose case any appeal or petition, filed by him or the income tax authority, was pending before the appellate forums as on January 31, 2020.</li>
<li>These appellate forums are the Supreme Court, the High Courts, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunals and the Commissioner (Appeals).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolution mechanism:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill proposes a mechanism under which an appellant can file a declaration to the designated authority to initiate resolution of pending direct tax disputes.</li>
<li>The designated authority will determine the amount payable by the appellant against the dispute, and grant a certificate, containing particulars of the amount payable, within 15 days.</li>
<li>The appellant must pay this amount within 15 days and inform the designated authority. The amount paid will not be refundable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amount payable for resolution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amount payable by an appellant for dispute resolution is determined based on whether the dispute relates to the payment of tax, or the payment of interest, penalty, or fee.</li>
<li>An additional amount is required to be paid if such payment is made after March 31, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet has approved the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amalgamation-of-national-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four PSBs.</strong></a></li>
<li>The amalgamation will be effective from April 1, 2020.</li>
<li>This measure was announced by the Finance Minister in August 2019 to help achieve scale and higher capacity for PSBs.</li>
<li>The banks to be merged are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Oriental Bank of Commerce and Union Bank of India to be merged into Punjab National Bank.</li>
<li>Syndicate Bank to be merged into Canara Bank.</li>
<li>Allahabad Bank to be merged into Indian Bank.</li>
<li>Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank to be merged into Union Bank of India</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-cryptocurrency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court struck down a circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> in April 2018 with respect to virtual currencies on the grounds of proportionality.</li>
<li>The circular prohibited entities regulated by the RBI from dealing in virtual currencies or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with virtual currencies.</li>
<li>A virtual currency is a digital representation of value, which can be used as a medium of exchange, a store of value or a unit of account.</li>
<li>It usually does not have the status of a legal tender.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A legal tender is guaranteed by the central government and all parties are legally bound to accept it as a mode of payment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Court held that anything which may pose a threat to the financial system of the country falls within the purview of regulatory powers of the RBI.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is irrespective of whether the activity forms part of the credit or payment system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, it held that the availability of power is different from the manner and extent to which it can be exercised.</li>
<li>The Court held that the RBI did not provide any evidence that virtual currencies have negatively impacted the entities regulated by it.</li>
<li>Further, it noted that the Inter- Ministerial Committee, constituted in November 2017, was of the opinion that a ban might be an extreme tool and would not be achievable through regulatory measures.</li>
<li>Considering these, the Court held that the RBI&rsquo;s action of prohibiting entities regulated by it from dealing in virtual currencies was not proportional and the above directive should be set aside.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of Scheme for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recapitalisation-of-rrbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)</strong></a> for the year 2020-21.</li>
<li>RRBs primarily cater to the credit and banking requirements of enterprises operating in the rural sector.</li>
<li>In 2011, a Scheme for Recapitalisation of RRBs was approved by the Cabinet and an amount of Rs 2,900 crore was allocated for it till 2019-20.</li>
<li>The Scheme is aimed at improving the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-cancels-licence-of-ckp-co-op-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)</strong></a> of RRBs.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CRAR measures the bank&rsquo;s total available capital as a percentage of its total assets.</li>
<li>RBI has prescribed a minimum CRAR of 9% to be maintained by all banks on an ongoing basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recapitalisation will be done for those RRBs that have been unable to maintain this required CRAR of 9%.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 670 crore has been approved for this purpose by the central government.</li>
<li>This will be released upon release of an equal instalment by the sponsor banks.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sponsor bank is a scheduled commercial bank which shares ownership of the RRB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="13">Health</h2>
<h3 id="14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-termination-of-pregnancy-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Lok Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill amends the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical practitioners.</li>
<li>The Bill adds the definition of termination of pregnancy to mean a procedure undertaken to terminate a pregnancy by using medical or surgical methods.</li>
<li><strong>Termination of pregnancy:</strong> Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated within 12 weeks, if a registered medical practitioner is of the opinion that:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Continuation of the pregnancy may risk the life of the mother, or cause grave injury to her health.</li>
<li>There is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer physical or mental abnormalities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For termination of a pregnancy between 12 to 20 weeks, two medical practitioners are required to give their opinion.</li>
<li>The Bill amends this provision to state that a pregnancy may be terminated within 20 weeks, with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner.</li>
<li>Approval of two registered medical practitioners will be required for termination of pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks.</li>
<li>The termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks will only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central government.</li>
<li>The central government will notify norms for medical practitioners whose opinion is required for terminating the pregnancy.</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of a Medical Board:</strong> Under the Bill, every state government is required to constitute a Medical Board.</li>
<li>It states that the upper limit of termination of pregnancy will not apply in cases where such termination is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial foetal abnormalities.</li>
<li>These abnormalities will be diagnosed by a Medical Board.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Medical Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii) a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-systems-of-medicine-ncim-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019</strong></a> was passed by Rajya Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill repeals the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.</li>
<li>Key features of the Bill include:</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).</li>
<li>The NCISM will consist of 39 members, appointed by the central government.</li>
<li>Members of the NCISM will include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chairperson</li>
<li>The Presidents of the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa</li>
<li>10 members (part-time) to be appointed on a rotational basis from amongst the nominees of states in the Advisory Council.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NCISM include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine.</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the regulations made under the Bill.</li>
<li>Ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards set up under the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous boards:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision of the NCISM. These boards are:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa: They will be responsible for formulating standards, curriculum, and granting recognition to medical qualifications in their respective disciplines.</li>
<li>The Medical Assessment and Rating Board: It will determine the process of rating and assessment of medical institutions.</li>
<li>The Ethics and Medical Registration Board: It will maintain a National Register of all licensed medical practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="16">Mining</h2>
<h3 id="17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mineral-laws-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>It amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MMDR Act regulates the overall mining sector in India.</li>
<li>The CMSP Act provides for the auction and allocation of mines whose allocation was cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Schedule I of the Act provides a list of all such mines; Schedule II and III are sub-classes of the mines listed in Schedule I.</li>
<li>Schedule II mines are those where production had already started then, and Schedule III mines are ones that were earmarked for a specific end-use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features are as follows:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Removal of restriction on end-use of coal:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, companies acquiring Schedule II and Schedule III coal mines through auctions could use the coal produced only for specific end-uses such as power generation and steel production.</li>
<li>The Bill removes this restriction on the use of coal mined by such companies.</li>
<li>Companies will be allowed to carry on coal mining operations for their own consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be specified by the central government.</li>
<li>The Bill also adds that companies are not required to possess any prior coal mining experience in India to participate in the auction of coal and lignite blocks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composite license for prospecting and mining:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, separate licenses were provided for prospecting and mining of coal and lignite, called prospecting license, and mining lease, respectively.</li>
<li>Prospecting includes exploring, locating, or finding mineral deposits.</li>
<li>The Bill provides for an additional prospecting license-cum- mining lease.</li>
<li>This license will allow both prospecting and mining activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of clearances to new bidders:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, upon expiry, mining leases for specified minerals (minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) were transferred to new persons through auction.</li>
<li>The new lessee was required to obtain statutory clearances before starting mining operations.</li>
<li>The Bill provides that the various approvals, licenses, and clearances given to the previous lessee will be extended to the new lessee for two years.</li>
<li>During this period, the new lessee will be allowed to continue mining operations. However, the new lessee must obtain all the required clearances within this two-year period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Defence</h2>
<h3 id="19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence released the Draft Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020 (Draft DPP, 2020).</li>
<li>The DPP governs the purchase of weapons and equipment for India's defence forces.</li>
<li>The draft DPP revises the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-flawed-defence-procurement-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DPP-2016</strong></a> with the aim of increasing indigenous manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key features of the revised DPP, along with some of the major changes proposed include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leasing:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP has introduced &lsquo;leasing&rsquo; as a new mode of acquisition.</li>
<li>Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments.</li>
<li>This is preferred in some situations such as where: (i) procurement is not feasible within time, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DPP-2016 specified five categories of capital acquisition
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Buy (Indian-IDDM)</li>
<li>Buy (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make</li>
<li>Buy (Global).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The revised DPP adds a sixth category as Buy (Global-Manufacture in India).</li>
<li>Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in various categories of procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Product support:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP states that the original equipment manufacturer also needs to specify long term product support through performance based logistics and comprehensive maintenance contract.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="20">Environment and Forests</h2>
<h3 id="21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020.</li>
<li>It seeks to replace the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.</strong></a></li>
<li>It proposes certain conditions and thresholds on undertaking new infrastructure projects, and on expansion or modernisation of existing infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>These projects include dams, mines, airports, and highways.</li>
<li>Key features of the proposed notification include:</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of projects and activities:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All infrastructure projects and activities will be divided into three categories based on their potential social and environmental impacts and the extent of such impact.</li>
<li>All projects will require prior environment clearance from the concerned regulatory authority before commencement of any construction, installation, establishment, or any such activity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exemption:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2006 notification defines &lsquo;public consultation&rsquo; as the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and other stakeholders are addressed and taken into account while designing the project.</li>
<li>The draft notification exempts certain projects from public consultation. These include all building, construction and area development projects, inland waterways, expansion or widening of national highways, and modernisation of irrigation projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Violations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Violations will be reported to the Appraisal Committee, who will assess if the cases of violation can be run sustainably under compliance of environmental norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="22">Agriculture</h2>
<h3 id="23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Ms. K. Kanimozhi) submitted its report on the subject<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-nutrient-based-subsidy-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;System of Fertilizer Subsidy&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>The central government provides subsidies to fertilizer manufacturers and importers so that farmers can buy them at affordable prices.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Change in the subsidy policy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee noted that fertilizer subsidy resulted in a tremendous growth of agricultural productivity, which was necessary for food security of the huge population of the country.</li>
<li>However, it has also led to negative effects such as over and imbalanced use of fertilizers, and soil degradation.</li>
<li>The Committee noted that any drastic change in the existing fertilizer subsidy policy would have a huge bearing on the country&rsquo;s food security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>It recommended that:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any such drastic change must be effected only after an in-depth study and wider consultations with all stakeholders (including the concerned central and state government departments, fertilizer industry, and farmers and their associations).</li>
<li>It also recommended that education and awareness of farmers about balanced use of fertilizers should be an integral part of the policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct subsidy to farmers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee observed that many fertilizer manufacturing plants are operating with very old technology and systems, and not at their highest efficiency.</li>
<li>The government bears the cost of their inefficiency in the form of higher subsidy.</li>
<li>The Committee recommended that the companies should be set free to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilizers as per their own system.</li>
<li>A farmer should have the choice of buying from various brands of fertilizers, while getting the subsidy directly in his bank account.</li>
<li>Such a system will push manufacturers to produce and sell fertilizers in the most cost- effective manner, and push the inefficient ones out.</li>
<li>It also recommended that the government should set out a clear and firm roadmap to switch to a system where farmers directly get the subsidy and the manufacturing and importing of fertilizers is set free to the market forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="24">New and Renewable Energy</h2>
<h3 id="25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II</strong></a> has been extended up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The scheme was launched in December 2018.</li>
<li>As per the original timeline, the scheme was valid until December 2019.</li>
<li>The scheme provides for the installation of solar street lighting systems in specified areas.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, 75% of the cost is borne by the central government and the balance 25% is provided through the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mplad-scheme-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund (MPLAD).</strong></a></li>
<li>Under the Phase-II of the scheme, a total of 3.04 lakh solar street lights are to be installed.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-march-2020'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)</strong> has issued <strong>&lsquo;Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol, 2020&rsquo;</strong> laying down guidelines for sharing such data with government agencies and third parties amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The executive order issued came amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>concerns and privacy issues expressed by a number of experts</strong></a> over the efficacy and safety of the app.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Aarogya Setu App</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</li>
<li>It will help people in identifying the risk of getting affected by the Coronavirus.</li>
<li>It will also help to calculate risk based on the user's interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once installed in a smartphone, the app detects other nearby devices with Aarogya Setu installed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The app will help the Government take necessary timely steps for assessing risk of spread of Covid-19 infection and ensuring isolation where required.</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>The issued Protocol intends to ensure that data collected from the app is gathered, processed and shared in an <strong>appropriate way.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> violation of the protocol</strong> will lead to the penalties under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>MeitY</strong> is designated as the agency <strong>responsible for the implementation</strong> of this Protocol. Further, the app&rsquo;s developer, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rojgaar-sangi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Informatics Centre (NIC)</strong></a> shall be responsible for collection, processing and managing response data collected by the Aarogya Setu app under this Protocol.</li>
<li>Further, it also calls for the <strong>Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management</strong> to review the protocol after six months; unless extended. It will be in <strong>force only for six months</strong> from the date of its issue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Empowered Group of Ministers</strong> (EGoM) is a Group of Ministers (GoM) of the Union Government appointed by the Cabinet or the Prime Minister for investigating and reporting on such matters as may be specified.</li>
<li>These EGoMs are also authorised to take decisions in such matters after investigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Definition of Individual:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The order states that the data pertaining to individuals is urgently required in order to formulate appropriate health responses for addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>The Protocol clarifies that individuals means persons who are infected or are at high risk of being infected or who have come in contact with infected individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data collected by the Aarogya Setu app is broadly divided into <strong>four categories&mdash;</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Demographic Data:</strong> It includes information such as name, mobile number, age, gender, profession and travel history.</li>
<li><strong>Contact Data:</strong> It is about any other individual that a given individual has come in close proximity with, including the duration of the contact, the proximate distance between the individuals and the geographical location at which the contact occurred.</li>
<li><strong>Self-assessment Data:</strong> It includes the responses provided by that individual to the self-assessment test administered within the app.</li>
<li><strong>Location data:</strong> It comprises the geographical position of an individual in latitude and longitude.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The demographic data, contact data, self-assessment data and location data are collectively called as <strong>response data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ground for Data Sharing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data can be shared only if it is strictly necessary to directly formulate or implement an <strong>appropriate health response.</strong></li>
<li>It can also be shared for<strong> appropriate research work.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowed Entities to Access Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>response data containing personal data</strong> may be shared by the app&rsquo;s developer with the Health Ministry, Health Departments of State/Union Territory governments/local governments, National and State Disaster Management Authorities, other ministries and departments of the central and state governments, and other public health institutions of the central, state and local governments.</li>
<li>It can also be shared further with any <strong>third parties</strong> that include the Indian universities or research institutions and research entities registered in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, the Protocol also empowers above mentioned universities and research entities to share the data with other such institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checks and Balances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>De-identified Form:</strong> Except for demographic data, the response data must be stripped of information that may make it possible to identify the individual personally. <strong>De-identification is the process used to prevent someone's personal identity from being revealed.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Stripped information must be<strong> assigned a randomly generated ID.</strong></li>
<li>The Protocol also discourages reversal of de-identification and imposes penalties under applicable laws for the time being in force.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance of the List:</strong> The NIC needs to maintain a list of, the agencies with the time at which data sharing was initiated, the categories of such data and the purpose of sharing the data.</li>
<li><strong>Data Retention:</strong> Any entity with which the data has been shared shall not retain the data <strong>beyond 180 days</strong> from the day it was collected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for a Personal data protection law</strong> to back the government&rsquo;s decision to make the app mandatory for everyone.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Personal Data Protection Bill 2019</strong></a> is in the process of being approved by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> clause for data sharing with third parties is open ended</strong> and has a highest possibility of being misused. The stated list of the third parties with which the data can be shared would have been helpful.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>process of de-identifying the data should have been detailed,</strong> given that reversing de-identification was not difficult.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-aarogya-setu-who-all-can-access-your-data-and-when-6407175/" 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/aarogya-setu-data-access-and-knowledge-sharing-protocol'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Global Nutrition Report 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong> stated that<strong> India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It also identified the country as one with the <strong>highest rates of domestic inequalities in malnutrition.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Targets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2012, the <strong>World Health Assembly</strong> (the decision-making body of the<strong> World Health Organisation</strong>) identified<strong> six nutrition targets to be met by 2025.</strong> These are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reduce stunting by 40% in children under 5.</li>
<li>Reduce the prevalence of anaemia by 50% among women in the age group of 19-49 years.</li>
<li>Ensure 30% reduction in low-birth weight.</li>
<li>Ensure no increase in childhood overweight.</li>
<li>Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 50%</li>
<li>Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Status</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India will <strong>miss targets for all four nutritional indicators</strong> for which there is data available, i.e. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stunting among under-5 children,</li>
<li>Anaemia among women of reproductive age,</li>
<li>Childhood overweight and</li>
<li>Exclusive breastfeeding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stunting and wasting among children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data:</strong> 37.9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is identified as among the three worst countries,</strong> along with Nigeria and Indonesia, for <strong>steep within-country disparities in stunting,</strong> where the levels varied four-fold across communities.</li>
<li>For example, Stunting level in Uttar Pradesh is over 40% and their rate among individuals in the lowest income group is more than double those in the highest income group at 22.0% and 50.7%, respectively.</li>
<li>In addition, stunting prevalence is 10.1% higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overweight and Obesity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data: Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise,</strong> affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at 21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> There are nearly double as many obese adult females than there are males (5.1% compared to 2.7%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anaemia</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One in two</strong> women of reproductive age is<strong> anaemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Underweight children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Between 2000 and 2016, rates of underweight have decreased from 66.0% to 58.1% for boys and 54.2% to 50.1% in girls.</li>
<li>However, this is still <strong>high compared to the average of 35.6% for boys and 31.8% for girls in Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Link Between Malnutrition and Inequity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report emphasises on the link between malnutrition and different forms of inequity, such as those based on geographic location, age, gender, ethnicity, education and wealth in all its forms.</li>
<li><strong>Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes</strong> that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.</li>
<li>Coming at a time the world is battling Covid-19, which has exposed different forms of socio-economic inequities, the report calls for promoting equity to address malnutrition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is <strong>&lsquo;undernutrition&rsquo;</strong>&mdash;which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</li>
<li>The other is <strong>overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the <strong>UN Decade of Action on Nutrition from 2016 to 2025.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Sustainable Development Goal (SD Goal 2: Zero hunger)</strong> aims to<strong> end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030,</strong> making sure all people &ndash; especially children &ndash; have access to sufficient and nutritious food all year round.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report</strong> was conceived following the first <strong>Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G)</strong> in 2013. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The first report was published in<strong> 2014.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It acts as a report card on the world&rsquo;s nutrition&mdash;<strong>globally, regionally, and country by country&mdash;</strong>and on efforts to improve it.</li>
<li>It is a multi-stakeholder initiative, consisting of a Stakeholder Group, Independent Expert Group and Report Secretariat.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-may-miss-nutrition-targets/article31568549.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-nutrition-report-2020'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => '“RESTART” Conference',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A digital conference on <strong>&lsquo;Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology, and Research Translations (RESTART)&rsquo;</strong> was organised on the occasion of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Technology Day</a> (May 11).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conference was organized by the <strong>Technology Development Board (TDB),</strong> an autonomous organization of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with the <strong>Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).</strong></li>
<li><strong>CII</strong> is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Outcome</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthen Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts are of the opinion that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic is a great opportunity for R&amp;D and needs to be used for strengthening<strong> &lsquo;Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies for better preparedness to face future Pandemics&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The crisis has unfolded some of the best medical advancements and innovations, like drug discovery, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, etc. as well as ways to preserve electronic health records. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Example: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aarogya Setu app</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bipap-ventilator-swasthvayu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BiPAP</a></strong> ventilators, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>use of combination of drugs to</strong></a> treat Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Technologies such as <strong>appropriate face masks</strong> and best practices like <strong>physical distancing</strong> need to be made a part of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Advanced Materials:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Novel materials such as smart materials, special purpose alloys, engineering polymers &amp; blends, graphene, composites, etc. <strong>will be the key to revamping the industry&rsquo;s product lines</strong> in the future.</li>
<li>To tackle pandemics like Covid-19, research <strong>needs to quickly switch over from being capital intensive to knowledge-intensive and should be brought closer to industry. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for Sustainable Future</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addressing short term and long-term challenges, advanced technologies provide avenues to the industry to re-stimulate innovation, sustainability and employment.</li>
<li>Covid-19 has forced the Industries to go for <strong>digital transformation.</strong></li>
<li>The world is moving towards<strong> mass customization and mass specialization</strong> today, and technology like<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3d-bioprinting-to-create-artificial-blood-vessels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 3-D printing</strong></a> plays a major role in it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Innovation &amp; Technology Alliance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In today's pandemic scenario, virtual collaboration is the key to connect globally to fight against the common challenge of Covid-19, and collaboration between countries must continue with much vigour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Technology Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India observes its National Technology Day on <strong>11<sup>th</sup> May</strong> every year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the day India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was first observed in 1999, and<strong> aims to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists, engineers.</strong></li>
<li>It is organised every year by the Technology Development Board of India. The focus this year is<strong> &lsquo;Rebooting the economy through Science and Technology.&rsquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Capital intensive and Knowledge intensive</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The term "capital intensive" refers to business processes or industries that require large amounts of investment to produce a good or service.</li>
<li>Knowledge Intensive includes reliance on professional knowledge for business services. Here the workers need a lot of education, skills, and experience in order to work effectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass customization:</strong> It allows a customer to design certain features of a product while still keeping costs closer to that of mass-produced products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623332" 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/restart-conference'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Atmanirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the <strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)&rsquo;</strong> with an <strong>economic stimulus package &mdash; worth Rs 20 lakh crores</strong> aimed towards achieving the mission.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced economic package is <strong>10% of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a> in 2019-20.</strong></li>
<li>The amount <strong>includes</strong> packages already announced at the beginning of the lockdown incorporating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>measures from the RBI</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li>The package is expected to focus on<strong> land, labour, liquidity and laws.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Self-Reliant India Mission<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" width="450" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Self-Reliant India Mission aims towards <strong>cutting down import dependence</strong> by focussing on substitution while improving safety compliance and quality goods to gain global market share.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Self-Reliance <strong>neither signifies any exclusionary or isolationist strategies</strong> but involves creation of a helping hand to the whole world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission focuses on the <strong>importance of promoting &ldquo;local&rdquo; products.</strong></li>
<li>The Mission will be carried out in <strong>two phases:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phase 1:</strong> It will consider sectors like medical textiles, electronics, plastics and toys where local manufacturing and exports can be promoted.</li>
<li><strong>Phase 2:</strong> It will consider products like gems and jewellery, pharma and steel, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission would be based on<strong> five pillars</strong> namely,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Economy</li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
<li>System</li>
<li>Vibrant Demography</li>
<li>Demand</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission is also expected to complement <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Make In India Initiative&rsquo;</a></strong> which intends to encourage manufacturing in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of Declared Economic Package</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure in Fiscal Package:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The declared package is considered to be substantially less because<strong> it includes the actions of RBI as part of the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;fiscal&rdquo; package, even though only the government controls the fiscal policy and not the RBI</strong> (which controls the &lsquo;monetary&rsquo; policy).</li>
<li>Thus, the Government expenditure and RBI&rsquo;s actions are <strong>neither the same nor can they be added</strong> in this manner. And thus nowhere in the world fiscal packages are declared in this manner.</li>
<li>For instance, when the US announced a relief package of $3 trillion (Rs 225 lakh crore), it only refers to the money that will be spent by the government &mdash; and does not include the expenditure of the Federal Reserve (US central bank).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implication of Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the government is including RBI&rsquo;s liquidity decisions in the calculation, then the <strong>actual fresh spending by the government could be considerably lower.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That&rsquo;s because RBI has been coming out with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Long Term Repo Operation (LTRO)</strong></a>, to infuse liquidity into the banking system worth Rs 1 lakh crore at a time. If RBI launches another LTRO of Rs 1 lakh crore, then the overall fiscal help falls by the same amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The direct expenditure by a government usually includes wage subsidy or direct benefit transfer or payment of salaries, etc &mdash;<strong> immediately and necessarily stimulates the economy.</strong> In other words, that <strong>money necessarily reaches the people &mdash;</strong> either as <strong>through salary or purchase.</strong></li>
<li>But <strong>measures from RBI include credit easing&mdash;</strong> that is, making more money available to the banks so that they can lend to the broader economy &mdash; is not like government expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In times of crisis, banks may take that money from RBI and, instead of lending it, may park it back with the RBI.</li>
<li>Recently, Indian banks have parked Rs 8.5 lakh crores with the central bank. So in terms of calculations, RBI has given a stimulus of Rs 6 lakh crore. But in reality, RBI has received an even bigger amount back from the banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, the <strong>declared amount is 10% of GDP, but less than 5% cash outgo is expected.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623391" 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/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'GI Tag to Two Products',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sohrai Khovar painting </strong>and<strong> Telangana&rsquo;s Telia Rumal</strong> have been given the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bangalore-blue-grapes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Geographical Indication (GI)</a> tag.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sohrai Khovar Paintings:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Sohrai Khovar painting is a<strong> traditional and ritualistic mural art.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>mural</strong> is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is being practised by local tribal women during local harvest and marriage seasons using<strong> local, naturally available soils of different</strong> colours in the area of <strong>Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.</strong></li>
<li>Style features a<strong> profusion of lines, dots, animal figures and plants,</strong> often representing religious iconography i.e.visual image and symbols.</li>
<li>It has been<strong> painted on the walls of important public places</strong> in Jharkhand, such as the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Telia Rumal:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Telia Rumal cloth <strong>involves intricate handmade work with cotton loom</strong> displaying a variety of designs and motifs in three particular lours &mdash; red, black and white.</li>
<li>It is an art of Ikat tradition using <strong>natural vegetable dyes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ikkat is</strong> a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles .</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uniqueness:</strong> Telia Rumal can only be<strong> created using the traditional handloom process</strong> and not by any other mechanical means as otherwise, the very quality of the Rumal would be lost.</li>
<li>The telia fabrics were <strong>used by nobles</strong> (Nizam&rsquo;s dynasty) in Hyderabad. The fabric was exported to Persian Gulf, Middle East, Aden, East Africa, Singapore and Burma.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Geographical Indication Status</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GI is an indication <strong>used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999</strong> seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.</li>
<li>The <strong>Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The registration of a geographical indication is <strong>valid for a period of 10 years.</strong> It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.</li>
<li>It is also a <strong>part of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organisation&rsquo;s</a> Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).</strong></li>
<li>Recent Examples: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tirur-vettila-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tirur Vetilla</strong> </a>(Kerala), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dindigul-lock-and-kandangi-saree" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-for-odisha-rasagola" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha Rasagola</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/gi-tag-for-jharkhands-sohrai-khovar-painting-telanganas-telia-rumal/article31569123.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/gi-tag-to-two-products'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Labour Laws and Covid-19',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/contempt-for-labour-the-hindu-editorial-on-dilution-of-labour-laws/article31538103.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Contempt for labour: On dilution of labour laws&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 08/05/2020. It talks about the issue pertaining to evasion of labour laws amid Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has triggered public health and global economic crises. As the economy struggles with the lockdown and thousands of firms and employees stare at an uncertain future, some of the state governments last week decided to make significant changes in the application of labour laws.</p>
<p>These changes are being brought about to incentivise economic activity in several states. However, this move may undermine the interest of labourers, who are one of the most vulnerable sections that have been impacted by the pandemic.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Madhya Pradesh has allowed units of business and industries to be operated without many of the requirements of the Factories Act.</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh has cleared an ordinance exempting businesses and industries from labour laws, except for a handful, for three year period.</li>
<li>There are reports that several other states are pursuing similar measures.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Some Major Indian Labour Legislation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Labour falls in the Concurrent List of the Indian constitution and there are many laws enacted by the Centre and the states.</li>
<li>There are four major central legislations, that form the core of labour laws in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Factories Act, 1948:</strong> The main objectives of this act is to ensure safety measures on factory premises, and promote the health and welfare of workers.</li>
<li><strong>The Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961:</strong> It aims to regulate hours of work, payment, overtime, a weekly day off with pay, other holidays with pay, annual leave, employment of children and young persons, and employment of women.</li>
<li><strong>The Minimum Wages Act, 1948:</strong> It sets the <strong>minimum wages</strong> that must be paid to skilled and unskilled labours.</li>
<li><strong>Industrial Disputes Act. 1947:</strong> It relates to terms of service such as layoff, retrenchment, and closure of industrial enterprises and strikes and lockouts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Pertaining to Evasion of Labour Laws</h3>
<p><strong>Creating an Enabling Environment for Exploitation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The immediate suspension of labour laws by the states is far from being called a reform as it will strip the labour of its basic rights and also drive down wages.</li>
<li>As for the suspension, most of the provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 and the Industrial Disputes Act,1947 would mean workers in factories may be denied basic working facilities such as cleanliness, proper ventilation, drinking water, canteens, and restrooms.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Counter Productive Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These steps are far from pushing for a greater formalisation of the workforce.</li>
<li>This move will in one go turn the existing formal workers into informal workers as they would not get any social security.</li>
<li>Also, there will be no way for any worker to even seek grievance redressal.</li>
<li>Resulting fall in wages will further depress the overall demand in the economy, thus hurting the recovery process.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Forced Labour</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits &ldquo;forced labour&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court, in case<strong> PUDR v. Union of India (1982),</strong> held that &ldquo;the word &lsquo;force&rsquo; would mean any condition arising from the compulsion of economic circumstances which leaves no choice of alternatives to a worker.</li>
<li>Thus, the suspension of labour laws by several states reduces the bargaining power of labour, their right to negotiate and hence may turn them into Forced Labour.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Against the International Commitments</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These amendments in labour laws are the spirit of the<strong> International Labour Organization&rsquo;s &lsquo;Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It requires states to ensure marginalised groups &ldquo;freely choose employment&rdquo; while rebuilding after any disaster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Indian Labour laws</h3>
<p><strong>Complex Set of Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are over 200 state laws and close to 50 central laws, and yet there is no set definition of &ldquo;labour laws&rdquo; in the country.</li>
<li>The multiplicity and complexity of laws make compliance and enforcement difficult and lays the foundation for corruption, rent-seeking and exploitation of workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inflexible Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian labour laws are often characterised as &ldquo;inflexible&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It has been argued that firms (those employing more than 100 workers) dither from hiring new workers because firing them requires government approvals.</li>
<li>This has constrained the growth of firms on the one hand and could not improve the job prospects of the workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Applicability of Labour Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A large number of workers that are engaged in the unorganized sector are not covered by labour regulations and social security.</li>
<li>At present nearly 83% of India&rsquo;s workers are part of the informal economy.</li>
<li>Thus, the current framework of labour laws falls short of securing the interest of all the labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<p><strong>Short-Term Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With respect to Covid-19 pandemic, the central and state governments in India should follow what most governments have done across the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government should partner with the industry and allocate a percentage of the GDP towards sharing the wage burden and ensuring the health of the labourers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long-Term Steps</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has proposed four labour codes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Labour Codes on Wages </strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Industrial relations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Occupational safety, health and working conditions</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Social Security and Welfare</strong></li>
<li>These should be passed by the parliament as soon as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Labour laws applicable to the formal sector should be modified to introduce an optimum combination of flexibility and security.</li>
<li>Make the compliance of working conditions regulations more effective and transparent.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>For sustainable industrial growth in India, there is a need for holistic labour laws reforms, which would enable firms to expand, while keeping the interest of labours intact, thereby resulting in the formalisation of the Indian economy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted image 0.png" caption="false" width="213" height="551" /></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: #e4eaf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of labour laws in the Industrial growth of India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNxL6-s_684" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Coming to terms&rdquo; which was published in The Hindu on May 11<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/labour-laws-and-covid-19'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Mandis Under e-NAM Increased',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>According to the recent data, the number of connected mandis, or wholesale markets under e-NAM has increased upto 65%.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This increase is because of transport disruptions and social distancing requirements which have made physical mandi trade more difficult in recent times.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>After the launch of e-NAM in 2016, its progress was slow because, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many States did not amend their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural Produce Market Committee</strong></a> <strong>(APMC) Acts.</strong></li>
<li>Most <strong>farmers were not part of the cooperatives</strong> that would help aggregate the bulk quantity of produce needed to attract online buyers.</li>
<li>Most <strong>mandis did not possess the infrastructure</strong> to make the most of the platform.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Central Government recognised the potential of e-NAM in overcoming some of the hurdles of the lockdown, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-features-added-to-e-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>introduced some important new features in April, 2020</strong></a>: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A trading module allowing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-producer-bodies-need-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)</strong></a> to trade produce directly from their collection centres without bringing it to mandis.</li>
<li>A <strong>warehouse-based trading module.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>logistics module</strong> offering users trackable transport facilities through aggregators with access to 11 lakh trucks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On 1<sup>st</sup> May 2020, Agriculture Ministry had launched <strong>integration of 200 e-NAM mandis from 7 States</strong> including 1 new state of Karnataka being added on e-NAM.</li>
<li>Now the total mandis under e-NAM has reached a total of around 950 across India from about 550 before lockdown.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>e-NAM</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal.</li>
<li>It was launched in April 2016 with the <strong>objective of integrating the existing Mandis to &ldquo;One Nation One Market&rdquo;</strong> for agricultural commodities in India.</li>
<li>It <strong>networks the existing APMC mandis</strong> to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities and has a <strong>vision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining procedures across the integrated markets.</li>
<li>Removing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promoting real time price discovery based on actual demand and supply.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It provides for contactless remote bidding and mobile-based anytime payment for which traders do not need to either visit mandis or banks for the same.</li>
<li><strong>Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)</strong> is the lead agency for implementing e-NAM. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It functions under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/mandis-linked-to-e-platform-see-65-rise-in-count-post-lockdown/article31560507.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/mandis-under-e-nam-increased'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Gandhi Peace Prize',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Culture extended the nomination period for the Gandhi Peace Prize</strong> from 30<sup>th</sup> April to 15<sup>th</sup> June 2020, due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a> in the wake of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>annual award</strong> was instituted by the Government of India in <strong>1995</strong> during the commemoration of the <strong>125<sup>th</sup> Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</strong> for those involved in <strong>social, economic and political transformation</strong> through <strong>non-violence.</strong></li>
<li>The award carries an amount of <strong>₹1 crore,</strong> a <strong>Citation in a scroll,</strong> a <strong>plaque</strong> as well as an <strong>exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.</strong></li>
<li>The prize can be given to individuals, associations, institutions or organizations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can be <strong>divided between two persons/institutions</strong> who are considered by the Jury to be equally deserving of recognition in a given year</li>
<li>It is <strong>open to all persons</strong> regardless of nationality, creed, race or sex.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The prize is <strong>not awarded posthumously.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> January 2019,</strong> Gandhi Peace Prize was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-17th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>awarded for the years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Mahatma Gandhi<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589281010_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589281010_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi</strong> was born on <strong>2<sup>nd</sup> October, 1869,</strong> at <strong>Porbandar in Gujarat</strong> and died on <strong>30<sup>th</sup> January, 1948,</strong> at <strong>Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li>He was<strong> assassinated by Nathuram Godse</strong> in the Birla House during his evening prayers.</li>
<li>He was a<strong> lawyer, politician, social activist, writer</strong> and became the <strong>leader of the nationalist movement</strong> against the British rule of India.</li>
<li>He is considered the <strong>Father of the Nation.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rabindranath-tagore" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rabindranath Tagore</strong></a> is said to have given him the title of <strong>Mahatma.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/gandhian-ideologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gandhi and his ideologies</strong></a> played an important role in liberating India from the British.</li>
<li><strong>Gandhi&rsquo;s Works:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Journals:</strong> Young India, Navajivan, Harijan, Harijan Bandhu, Indian Opinion I and II, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Books:</strong> Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, The Story of My Experiments with Truth <strong>(autobiography),</strong> etc.</li>
<li><strong>Foundations:</strong> Natal Indian Congress (South Africa, 1894), Phoenix Settlement (South Africa, 1904), Satyagraha Ashram (Ahemadabad, 1915), Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932), Sevagram Ashram (Wardha, 1936), etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1623034" 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/gandhi-peace-prize'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Helpline “Bharosa”',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>To relieve the distress of the student community during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, the Government has launched <strong>Central University of Odisha Helpline &ldquo;Bharosa&rsquo;&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To provide Cognitive Emotional Rehabilitation Services to all University Students of Odisha.</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Social distancing and self-isolation because of Covid-19, has led to decline in social interactions which further impact mental and physical health. It is being called the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-recession-due-to-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;social recession&rsquo;</strong></a> i.e. a collapse in our social contacts.</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> This app would provide mental and psychological assistance to the students.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mental Health</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Initiatives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government of India has launched the <strong>National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982,</strong> keeping in view the heavy burden of mental illness in the community, and the absolute inadequacy of mental health care infrastructure in the country to deal with it.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court has held healthcare to be a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Constitution incorporates provisions guaranteeing everyone's right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees protection of life and personal liberty to every citizen.</li>
<li>In July 2018, Delhi Government launched a happiness curriculum for schools.</li>
<li>Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mental Health Care Act, 2017</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right to make an Advance Directive,</strong> wherein patients can state on how to be treated or not to be treated for the illness during a mental health situation.</li>
<li><strong>Right to appoint a Nominated Representative:</strong> A person shall have the right to appoint a nominated representative to take on his/her behalf, all health related decisions like:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Right to access mental health care,</li>
<li>Right to free &amp; quality services,</li>
<li>Right to get free medicines,</li>
<li>Right to community living,</li>
<li>Right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment,</li>
<li>Right to live in an environment, safe and hygienic, having basic amenities,</li>
<li>Right to legal, aid</li>
<li>No Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without anesthesia</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This act brought changes in Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (which criminalized attempted suicide). <strong>Attempt to commit suicide not an offence.</strong></li>
<li>Now, a person who attempts to commit suicide will be presumed to be &ldquo;suffering from severe stress&rsquo;&rsquo; and shall not be subjected to any investigation or prosecution.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1623012" 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/helpline-bharosa'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'A Study on Sal Forest Tortoise',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study by ecologists in the Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun), finds that over <strong>90% of the potential distribution of the Sal forest tortoise falls outside the current protected area&rsquo;s network.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study covers parts of <strong>India with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.</strong></li>
<li>The Study found that in<strong> northeast India,</strong> the representation of the sal forest tortoise in protected areas (such as reserves, sanctuaries, etc.) is <strong>least.</strong></li>
<li>The study also found that <strong>29% of the predicted distribution of the species falls within high occurrence fire zones.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The species experience <strong>jhum fire in northeast India,</strong> which is a suitable habitat for the species.</li>
<li>Such an intervention may not only directly kill the animals but result in loss of habitat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the IUCN, the population of the species may have fallen by about <strong>80% in the last three generations (90 years).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Sal Forest Tortoise<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589277774_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589277774_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sal Forest Tortoise is also known as the <strong>elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> It is widely distributed over<strong> eastern as well as northern India and Southeast Asia.</strong></li>
<li><strong>IUCN Red List:</strong> Critically Endangered.</li>
<li><strong>CITES:</strong> Appendix II</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972:</strong> Schedule IV</li>
<li><strong>Threat:</strong> Hunted for food, local use such as decorative masks and international wildlife trade.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wildlife Institute of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an autonomous institution under the<strong> Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</strong></li>
<li>It was established in <strong>1982.</strong></li>
<li>It is based in <strong>Dehradun, Uttarakhand.</strong></li>
<li>It offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/sal-forest-tortoise-habitat-stretches-over-unprotected-areas/article31544837.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/sal-forest-tortoise'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'BiPAP Ventilator “SwasthVayu”',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore has developed <strong>BiPAP ventilator</strong> named <strong>SwasthVayu, a non-invasive</strong> (involves use of masks or similar device) <strong>breathing support device,</strong> for the use of non-critical non-ICU cases of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BiPAP stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. It is a type of positive pressure ventilator.</li>
<li>While using BiPAP, positive air pressure is received during breathing in and breathing out. But higher air pressure is received during breathing in.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SwasthVayu is connected with an <strong>oxygen concentrator,</strong> and will be ideal to<strong> treat moderate or mid-stage severe Covid-19 patients</strong> who do not require intubation and invasive ventilation.</li>
<li>The ventilator is ideal for treating Covid-19 patients in wards, makeshift hospitals, dispensaries and homes in the current Indian Covid-19 scenario.</li>
<li>The major advantage of this machine is that it is <strong>simple to use</strong> without any specialized nursing, cost effective, compact and configured with majority of indigenous components.</li>
<li>The system has been <strong>certified for safety and performance by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/star-rating-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Aerospace Laboratories</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is a constituent of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sepsivac-to-be-tested-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</strong></a>, India, established in 1959.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>only government aerospace Research &amp; Development laboratory</strong> in the country&rsquo;s <strong>civilian sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623108" 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/bipap-ventilator-swasthvayu'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Ultraviolet Light and Viruses',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As nations begin relaxing restrictions, scientists are studying the use of <strong>ultraviolet germicidal irradiation</strong> (UVGI) to detect the virus in public places and disinfect contaminated public spaces to stop the transmission of the virus.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ultraviolet Light:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UV light from the sun has <strong>shorter wavelengths</strong> than visible light so it is<strong> not visible to the naked eye.</strong></li>
<li>UV radiation&rsquo;s full spectrum is <strong>sourced from the sun</strong> and can be <strong>classified into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C</strong> rays according to their wavelength.</li>
<li>They differ in their biological activity and the extent to which they can penetrate the skin.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>shorter the wavelength,</strong> the <strong>more harmful</strong> the UV radiation.</li>
<li>However, <strong>shorter wavelength</strong> UV radiation is<strong> less able to penetrate</strong> the skin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Research shows that UV light kills cells and increased exposure can cause cells to become <strong>carcinogenic</strong> (cancerous) and increases the risk of getting <strong>cancer.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Classification of UV Radiation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UV-C:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Short-wavelength.</strong></li>
<li>Most harmful but are completely absorbed by the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere and does not reach the Earth&rsquo;s surface.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UV-B:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Medium-wavelength.</strong></li>
<li>Biologically active but cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers.</li>
<li>Responsible for delayed tanning and burning.</li>
<li>Enhances skin ageing and significantly promotes the development of skin cancer.</li>
<li>Exposure to UV-B rays can cause DNA and cellular damage in living organisms.</li>
<li>Most solar UVB is filtered by the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UV-A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relatively <strong>long-wavelength.</strong></li>
<li>Accounts for approximately 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.</li>
<li>Penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for the immediate tanning.</li>
<li>Enhances the development of skin cancers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UVGI Working Method:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>UVGI replicates UV wavelengths</strong> and uses its <strong>destructive properties to target pathogens.</strong></li>
<li>It disinfects contaminated spaces, air and water and helps in preventing certain infectious diseases from spreading.</li>
<li>According to the <strong>US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control</strong> (CDC), UVGI is a <strong>promising method for disinfection.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2005, the CDC revised its guidelines for using UVGI with regards to the spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-with-the-world-bank-to-eliminate-tb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tuberculosis</strong> </a>(TB) in hospital settings.</li>
<li>The guidelines intended to eliminate the spread of infection to healthcare workers from patients or others with unsuspected or undiagnosed infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Scientists advise that<strong> fixtures containing UVGI lamps</strong> can be mounted on the walls or suspended from the ceilings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such fixtures will shine light on the upper interior surface of a room and trap pathogens.</li>
<li>Installing a fan in such spaces can further draw the air upward, which will increase the speed with which the UVGI can destroy pathogens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>UVGI lamps can also be installed in<strong> room corners,</strong> in<strong> air ducts of ventilation systems</strong> or portable or fixed <strong>air cleaners.</strong></li>
<li>UVGI fixtures are and should be installed above people&rsquo;s heads because their <strong>short wavelengths can irritate the skin and eyes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effectiveness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to research papers, UVGI is <strong>most effective in preventing infections</strong> which are mainly spread through <strong>smaller droplets</strong> and <strong>not by direct contact or larger respiratory droplets.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>efficacy</strong> of UVGI depends on several factors, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sensitivity of microorganisms to UVGI.</li>
<li>Dose/ intensity of UVGI required to kill pathogens.</li>
<li>Humidity and weather conditions.</li>
<li>Air circulation in a room.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It should be such that the air from below the room, where the pathogen is generated reaches the upper-portions of the room, where the UVGI can trap and kill the pathogen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, using <strong>UVGI on a mass-scale</strong> in public spaces like schools, universities, restaurants and cinema halls is<strong> not a very cost-effective way</strong> for disease prevention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DRDO&rsquo;s Latest UV Developments:</strong> The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong></a> (DRDO) has recently developed <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/11-05-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>automated contactless UV-C devices</strong> </a>namely DRUVS (Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser) and NOTESCLEAN.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Measures</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from using modern technology to combat viruses, it has been suggested to bring <strong>behavioural changes</strong> like<strong> social distancing</strong> and <strong>wearing masks.</strong></li>
<li>Few countries have considered issuing <strong>immunity passports </strong>or <strong>risk-free certificates.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such certificates are based on the idea that the <strong>natural immunity</strong> a person develops to any infection will protect them from contracting the disease again. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Once infected</strong> with a viral pathogen, the<strong> body&rsquo;s innate immune response kicks in</strong> and <strong>slows the spread</strong> of the virus.</li>
<li>This response is <strong>followed by an adaptive response,</strong> wherein the <strong>body makes antibodies,</strong> which bind to the virus and help eliminate it.</li>
<li>If this response is strong enough, it might prevent reinfection from the same pathogen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong> </a>(WHO) has warned against using immunity passports because there is, yet, no proof of immunity from the reinfection of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even if there is an immunity, its<strong> duration is not known.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-can-ultraviolet-light-help-detect-kill-the-coronavirus-6402346/" 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/ultraviolet-light-and-viruses'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'SC Refuses to Restore 4G Services in J&K',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/admin/articles/edit/India-Nepal%20on Kailash Mansarovar Link Road 11 May 2020 4 min read Tags: GS Paper - 2India and its NeighbourhoodBilateral Groupings &amp; AgreementsEffect of Policies &amp; Politics of Countries on India's InterestsGS Paper - 3Security Challenges &amp; their Management in Border Areas Why in News Nepal has strongly objected to the newly inaugurated link road which connects Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) to Lipulekh pass (China border) significantly reducing the time of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.  Nepal claims the territory at the Lipulekh pass around 400 sq km area east of Kali river in the tri-junction of Nepal, Tibet and India, through which the road passes as its own. Key Points Nepal's Stand Nepal referred to the 2014 agreement between Prime Ministers of both countries, for Foreign Secretaries to work out the &ldquo;outstanding boundary issues&rdquo; on Kalapani (where Lipulekh lies) and Susta (bordering Bihar). According to Nepal&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry, the unilateral decision to build a road there, is a breach of the 2014 agreement. For evidence, Nepal has the maps during the 1816 Sugauli treaty and other complementing treaties that followed, fixing that Limpiadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh were shown east of Kali river and part of Nepal. These arrangements were made following Nepal&rsquo;s war with the British due to which Nepal had to cede a large part of territory which currently forms the present Uttarakhand. Nepal seeks to question China as well because China and India had signed an agreement in May 2015 to develop Lipulekh as a commercial passage without consulting Nepal which majorly affected the triangulation of the countries. The government of Nepal remains committed to seek diplomatic solutions to the boundary issues on the basis of historical treaty, documents, facts and maps in keeping with the spirit of close and friendly bilateral ties between the two countries.  Kali River  It is also known as Sharda river or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand. It joins Ghagra river in Uttar Pradesh, which is a tributary of Ganga. River Projects: Tanakpur hydro-electric project, Chameliya hydro-electric project, Sharda Barrage. Lipulekh Pass  It is also known as Lipu-Lekh Pass/Qiangla or Tri-Corner is a high altitude mountain pass situated in the western Himalayas with a height of 5,334 metre or 17,500 feet. It is an International mountain pass between India, China and Nepal. India&rsquo;s Response According to India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs, the road going through Pithoragarh lies completely within the territory of India. The road follows the pre-existing route used by the pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which has been made pliable for the ease and convenience of pilgrims, locals and traders, under the present project. India held that the boundary delineation exercise with Nepal is in process and it is committed to resolving outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Other Issues In November 2019, Nepal protested against the publication of Indian maps that included the Kalapani area. However, India rejected Nepal&rsquo;s contention, asserting that the map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. Both nations are in the process of scheduling foreign secretary-level talks, which will be held once dates are finalised after the two governments have successfully dealt with the challenge of Covid-19." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a> <strong>refused to restore <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/fifth-generation-cellular-technology-5g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4G services</a> in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</strong> and ordered <strong>setting up of a high-powered committee</strong> to look into the contentions raised by petitioners against limited 2G services in the Union Territory.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In August 2019, the Central government had suspended all modes of communications in the wake of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, granted under Article 370.</strong></a> Eventually, services were partially restored, with internet speed restricted to 2G.</li>
<li>A plea was filed by &lsquo;Foundation for Media Professionals&rsquo; for restoration of high-speed internet in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> situation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balance of Human Rights and National Security:</strong> The Court ruled that the special circumstances occur in the Union Territory which requires <strong>delicate balancing of national security concerns and human rights.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reference to the Previous Judgement:</strong> The bench also referred to its earlier decision in the <strong>Anuradha Bhasin case (2020)</strong> wherein it ordered <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-s-verdict-on-curbs-imposed-in-j-k" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>review of restrictions placed in J&amp;K</strong></a> in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of Special Committee:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bench ordered the constitution of a Special Committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary, <strong>to determine the necessity of the continuation of limiting mobile Internet to 2G speed in the region.</strong></li>
<li>The committee is expected to suggest the <strong>alternatives regarding limiting the restrictions</strong> to those areas where it is necessary and the <strong>possible ways of allowing faster Internet (3G or 4G)</strong> on a trial basis over certain geographical areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Need of 4G and National Security</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need of 4G in the wake of Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Health:</strong> 4G services are necessary to provide access to the medical fraternity including patients to access latest information, advisories, and guidelines.</li>
<li><strong>Education:</strong> The petition also argued that the schools across the country have shifted to online classes in view of the lockdown but lack of the 4G internet puts J&amp;K students at a disadvantage.</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Business :</strong> The lower internet service speed has also affected businesses dependent on the online mode.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Security Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An issue of infiltration of outside sources through the borders and destabilizing the integrity of the nation was raised during the hearing.</li>
<li>Even the J&amp;K administration stated that high-speed internet will enable the spread of fake news/rumours and transfer of heavy data files (audio/video files) will become prevalent and may be utilised by terror outfits for incitement as also in planning attacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights Under Article 19 :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The judgement declared that the<strong> freedom of speech and expression</strong> and the <strong>freedom to practice any profession</strong> or carry on any trade, business or occupation <strong>over the</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/internet-as-a-medium-of-freedom-of-expression" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>medium of Internet enjoys constitutional protection under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g)</strong></a> respectively.</li>
<li>It also ruled that such freedom is<strong> not absolute,</strong> the restrictions imposed on it should be in consonance with the mandate under <strong>Article 19(2) and Article 19(6) of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Territorial Extent of Internet Suspensions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It had also directed authorities to pass internet suspension orders with respect to <strong>only those areas, where there is absolute necessity of such restrictions to be imposed.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of Review Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Court also directed the government <strong>to constitute a review committee</strong> to review orders <strong>leading to suspension and shutting down of Internet, mobile and fixed line telecommunication services.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All orders leading to suspension and shutting down of Internet, mobile and fixed line telecommunication services are issued under<strong> Rule 2 (2) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services [Public Emergency or Public Service] Rules, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>These are the rules to be followed if the government intends to temporarily suspend telecom services in any part of the country.</li>
<li>These rules have been framed by the government on the basis of the powers conferred by <strong>section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Review Committee shall consist of<strong> State as well as Central level officials</strong> as the issue involved affects not only the UT of Jammu and Kashmir but also the whole country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-security-rights-supreme-court-internet-4g-6405517/" 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/sc-refuses-to-restore-4g-services-in-j-k'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Use of TB Drugs on Crops',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Registration Committee (RC) under the<strong> Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC)</strong> has recommended to ban the use of <strong>antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RC recommended to<strong> ban antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline with immediate effect</strong> on crops where <strong>other options are available</strong> for bacterial disease control.</li>
<li>Where <strong>no alternatives</strong> are available, use of these antibiotics should be<strong> phased out by 2022-end.</strong> Till then, the antibiotics could be used on crops strictly as per the label claim i.e. streptomycin sulphate (9%) and tetracycline hydrochloride (1%).</li>
<li>The RC acknowledged that diseases in crops can be managed by using <strong>integrated pest management</strong> and other practices.</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rampant Misuse:</strong> Although streptocycline use is allowed for eight crops by the CIBRC, it was found to be used on many more crops in practice.</li>
<li><strong>Antibiotic Resistance:</strong> Exposure to antibiotics can lead to development of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/drug-resistant-super-bug-spreading-in-hospitals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>antibiotic resistance</strong></a> in humans and animals.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of Streptomycin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has important use for previously treated <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tuberculosis (TB)</a></strong> patients.</li>
<li>It is also used in multidrug-resistant TB patients and in certain cases of TB meningitis (brain TB).</li>
<li>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>recognises streptomycin as a critically important medicine for human use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Integrated Pest Management</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>ecosystem-based strategy</strong> that focuses on <strong>long-term prevention of pests or their damage</strong> through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.</li>
<li>Pesticides are used only after monitoring and according to established guidelines.<strong>Treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism.</strong></li>
<li>Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner <strong>that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Insecticides Board &amp; Registration Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Insecticides Board &amp; Registration Committee (CIBRC) was set up by the <strong>Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare</strong> in the year 1970 to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of i<strong>nsecticides.</strong></li>
<li>The insecticides are regulated under <strong>Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Central Insecticides Board (CIB)</strong> advises the Central Government and State Governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of Insecticides Act and to carry out the other functions assigned to the Board by or under Insecticides rules.</li>
<li>To <strong>import or manufacture</strong> any insecticide, registration is required at the <strong>Registration Committee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/ban-use-of-tb-drug-on-crops-central-panel-71031" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/use-of-tb-drugs-on-crops'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Atal Pension Yojana ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The flagship social security scheme of the Government of India -<strong> &lsquo;Atal Pension Yojana&rsquo; (APY)</strong> - has completed five years of implementation and garnered over 2.2 crore subscribers.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Target Segment:</strong> The scheme was <strong>launched on 9<sup>th</sup> May, 2015,</strong> with the objective of creating a universal social security system for all Indians, especially <strong>the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Administered By: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong> through National Pension System (NPS).</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> Any <strong>citizen of India</strong> can join the APY scheme. The age of the subscriber should be between <strong>18-40 years.</strong> The contribution levels would vary and would be low if a subscriber joins early and increases if she joins late.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides a minimum guaranteed pension ranging from <strong>Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 on attaining 60 years of age.</strong></li>
<li>The amount of pension is guaranteed for lifetime to the spouse on death of the subscriber.</li>
<li>In the event of death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the entire pension corpus is paid to the nominee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tax Benefits:</strong> Contributions to the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) are eligible for tax benefits similar to the National Pension System (NPS).</li>
<li><strong>Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scheme has been implemented comprehensively across the country covering all states and Union Territories with male to female subscription ratio of 57:43.</li>
<li>However, only 5% of the eligible population has been covered under APY till date.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the <strong>statutory Authority</strong> established by an enactment of the Parliament, to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the<strong> National Pension System (NPS).</strong></li>
<li>It works under the Department of Financial Services under the <strong>Ministry of Finance.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Pension System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NPS is a government-sponsored pension scheme. It was launched in 2004 for government employees.</li>
<li>Now, any individual citizen of India<strong> (both resident and non-resident)</strong> in the age group of <strong>18-65</strong> can join NPS.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1622981" 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/atal-pension-yojana'
		]
	],
	'updates' => object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

		'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
		'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive`, articles.star_rating AS `articles__star_rating`, articles.display_in_states AS `articles__display_in_states` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 140,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 337,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/careers',
		'title' => 'We are hiring Full Time Content Developers, to know more, please click here.',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'US-Israel Talks on West Bank Annexation',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss<strong> Israel's plans to annex parts of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-bank-settlements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Bank</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pompeo&rsquo;s visit was exempted from <strong>Israel&rsquo;s mandatory two-week quarantine</strong> for arrivals and shut borders due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</li>
<li>For Israel, this visit was an <strong>indication of the strength of its alliance with the USA</strong> and the talks focused on discussions on <strong>annexation, shared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-to-pull-out-of-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns about Iran</a></strong>, the<strong> battle against the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronavirus</a>, Israel&rsquo;s incoming government</strong> and <strong>threats from Israel&rsquo;s ties with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israel-China Ties:</strong> The<strong> US</strong> has reportedly been <strong>pressuring Israel to rethink</strong> a bid by a <strong>Hong Kong company to build a massive desalination facility.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plans for Annexation of West Bank</strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="715" height="900" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israeli hard-liners</strong> are eager to unilaterally redraw the <strong>Mideast map</strong> before November&rsquo;s US Presidential Election.</li>
<li>The<strong> presumptive Democratic nominee,</strong> Joe Biden, is in the<strong> opposition of unilateral annexation plans</strong> by Israel.</li>
<li>Annexation would <strong>give Donald Trump an accomplishment</strong> to shore up his <strong>pro-Israel base,</strong> particularly politically influential <strong>pro-Israel evangelical</strong> (of or according to the teaching of the gospel or the Christianity) <strong>Christian voters</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These voters <strong>believe in the notion that God promised the land to Jews</strong> and it <strong>should be returned</strong> to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine Conflict</strong></a> can be traced back to <strong>1917.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast War, 1967:</strong> It is also known as the <strong>six-day war</strong> or <strong>Third Arab-Israeli war. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip</strong> in the war. The Palestinians seek these territories for a future independent state. In the decades since, Israel has built settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem that now house nearly 700,000 Israelis. Most of the <strong>international communities</strong> consider these settlements a <strong>violation of international law and obstacles to peace.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast Plan or Middle East Peace Plan:</strong> It was <strong>unveiled by Trump</strong> in January, 2020. Under it, the <strong>Palestinians</strong> would have a <strong>limited statehood contingent on a list of stringent requirements</strong> while <strong>Israel would annex some 30% of the West Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The Palestinians rejected the plan and <strong>threatened to withdraw</strong> <strong>from</strong> key provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oslo-peace-accords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oslo Peace Accords</strong></a>, which are a <strong>series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians </strong>signed in the<strong> 1990s.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Trump administration believes</strong> that Israel&rsquo;s West Bank settlements are <strong>consistent with international law</strong> and <strong>supports the annexation</strong> of West Bank territory, as long as Israel agrees to enter peace talks with the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The annexation will trigger widespread <strong>international condemnation</strong> because it will <strong>crush already faint Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable state</strong> on the lands captured by Israel in the Mideast war.</li>
<li>The <strong>Arab League</strong> has mentioned the annexation as a <strong>war crime.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) and other individual member states, have warned of tough consequences if Israel moves forward in the annexation process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India was one of the few countries to<strong> oppose the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a>&rsquo; partition plan in November 1947,</strong> echoing its own experience during independence a few months earlier.</li>
<li>India <strong>recognised Israel in 1950</strong> but it is also the <strong>first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation</strong> (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinians. India is also one of the first countries to <strong>recognise</strong> the <strong>statehood of Palestine in 1988.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2014,</strong> India favored the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Human Rights Council&rsquo;s</strong></a> (UNHRC) resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel</strong> in UNHRC in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
<li>As a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li>In <strong>June 2019,</strong> India <strong>voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <strong>UN Economic and Social Council</strong> (ECOSOC) that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/despite-virus-pompeo-talks-west-bank-annexation-in-israel-6408956/" 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/us-israel-talks-on-west-bank-annexation'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Direct Seeding of Rice',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Due to labour shortage in two granary states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers are now being encouraged to adopt<strong> &lsquo;Direct Seeding of Rice&rsquo; (DSR)</strong> in place of <strong>conventional transplanting.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic has led the labourers to reverse migrate to their villages, which has created a shortage of labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Normal Transplanting of Paddy vs Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Paddy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In transplanting paddy, <strong>farmers prepare nurseries</strong> where the paddy seeds are first sown and raised into young plants.</li>
<li>The nursery seed bed is 5-10% of the area to be transplanted.</li>
<li>These <strong>seedlings are then uprooted and replanted</strong> 25-35 days later in the puddled field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In DSR, the pre-germinated seeds are directly drilled into the field by a tractor-powered machine.</li>
<li>There is no nursery preparation or transplantation involved in this method.</li>
<li>Farmers have to only level their land and give one pre-sowing irrigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection against the weeds</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Method:</strong> In transplanting for the first three weeks or so, the plants have to be irrigated almost daily to maintain a water depth of 4-5 cm. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Water prevents growth of weeds by denying them oxygen in the submerged stage, whereas the soft <strong>&lsquo;aerenchyma tissues&rsquo;</strong> in paddy plants allow air to penetrate through their roots. Water, thus, acts as a herbicide for paddy.</li>
<li><strong>DSR Method:</strong> In DSR as flooding of fields is not done during sowing, chemical herbicides are used to kill weeds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage with Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Water savings. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Less numbers of labourers</strong> required.</li>
<li><strong>Saves labour cost.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reduce methane emissions</strong> due to a shorter flooding period and decreased soil disturbance compared to transplanting rice seedlings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks of Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Non-availability of herbicides.</li>
<li>The <strong>seed requirement for DSR is also high,</strong> 8-10 kg/acre, compared to 4-5 kg/acre in transplanting.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>laser land levelling is</strong> compulsory in DSR. This is not so in transplanting.</li>
<li>The <strong>sowing needs to be done timely</strong> so that the plants have come out properly before the monsoon rains arrive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Rice</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rice is a staple food for the overwhelming majority of the population in India.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>kharif crop</strong> which requires<strong> high temperature, (above 25&deg;C)</strong> and<strong> high humidity</strong> with annual <strong>rainfall above 100 cm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>areas of less rainfall, it is grown with the help of irrigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>southern states and West Bengal the climatic conditions allow the cultivation of two or three crops</strong> of rice in an agricultural year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In West Bengal farmers grow three crops of rice called<strong> &lsquo;aus&rsquo;, &lsquo;aman&rsquo; and &lsquo;boro&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>About <strong>one-fourth of the total cropped area in India is under rice cultivation. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leading producer states:</strong> West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.</li>
<li><strong>High Yielding States:</strong> Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Punjab and Haryana are <strong>not traditional rice growing areas.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rice Cultivation in the irrigated areas of Punjab and Haryana was introduced in the 1970s following the <strong>Green Revolution.</strong></li>
<li>Almost the entire land under rice cultivation in Punjab and Haryana is irrigated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India contributes 21.6% of rice production in the world and <strong>ranked second after China</strong> in 2016.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/labour-short-can-direct-seeding-be-alternative-to-paddy-transplanting-6408653/" 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/direct-seeding-of-rice'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment.</li>
<li>The role of the MoPR involves strengthening the administrative infrastructure, basic services etc. by leveraging technology and capacity building of the functionaries of Rural Local Body (RLB).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Schemes and Policies</h3>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Grants</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ministry monitors the effective utilization of FFC Grants by the Gram Panchayats (GPs) through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/public-financial-management-system-pfms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Financial Management System</strong></a> (PFMS).</li>
<li>Around 5.5 Lakhs assets created by using FFC grants in GPs have been geo-tagged to give thrust to the digital monitoring system.</li>
<li>A majority of Gram Panchayats are on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS and a lot of them are already doing digital payments through PRIASoft -PFMS.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Panchayat Enterprise Suite Application</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has conceived a software viz, <strong>PlanPlus,</strong> the software application facilitates the consolidation and integration of all plans of all planning units.</li>
<li>The Gram Panchayat development plans (GPDPs) prepared by the panchayats are uploaded on the software and the citizens can also view the activities being planned in their respective areas.</li>
<li>Currently, generation of plans through PlanPlus has been prescribed as one of the necessary conditions for release of performance grants.</li>
<li>Action Soft is another Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Application which works in collaboration with Plan-Plus and captures the work execution flow, converges and keeps track of flow of funds from different source s during implementation and brings about total transparency in the reporting of physical and financial progress of works.</li>
<li>PRIA Soft is another PES application developed for managing receipts and expenditure of approved list of works through voucher entries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission Recommendations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Fourteenth Finance Commission recommendations are path breaking to strengthen local governments.</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal decentralization</strong> and the <strong>trust-based approach</strong> have empowered our Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to address the local needs.</li>
<li>The <strong>devolution of funds</strong> has also had an impact on the effectiveness, responsiveness and quality of the public services delivered in rural areas.</li>
<li>The <strong>formulation of GPDPs and digitization of Panchayat records</strong> through PES applications has made the system more transparent, accountable and effective.</li>
<li>Through proper planning at the local level, the funds devolved can be effectively utilized for more inclusive development.</li>
<li>The State Governments should trust the village Panchayats and provide them flexibility to utilize the untied funds to meet the local needs.</li>
<li><strong>Decentralized planning</strong> will be a motivating exercise for the citizens if their demands are heard, accepted and fulfilled.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Panchayati Raj: Background</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Panchayati Raj, the institutional manifestation of democratic decentralization in India, became an integral part of the Indian Constitution only after five decades of independence in the year 1993 after the enactment of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act.</li>
<li>Post Independence, the <strong>first major Community Development Programme was launched in 1952</strong> with the aim of bringing about overall development of rural areas through people&rsquo;s participation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This programme was formulated to provide an administrative framework through which the government could reach to the district, tehsil/taluka and village level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Later in 1957, the Planning Commission appointed a <strong>committee headed by Balwantrai Mehta in 1957 to study the Community Development Programmes and National Extension Services Programme</strong> especially to assess the extent of people&rsquo;s participation and to recommend ways to ensure this.</li>
<li>The committee recommended three-tier panchayati raj system in the country viz Zila Parishad at the District Level, Panchayat Samiti at the Block/ Tehsil/ Taluka Level and Gram Panchayat at the Village Level.</li>
<li>Though the committee did not recommend a rigid frame work for the same, the seeds were sown for the birth of contemporary Panchayati Raj.</li>
<li>Subsequently<strong> the Ashok Mehta Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> in 1978 for a two-tier system with Zilla Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat as the base and <strong>L. M. Singhvi Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> that the PRIs should be enshrined in the Constitution and &lsquo;Gram Sabha&rsquo; should be the base for decentralised democracy, bore fruits in the form of the 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993.</li>
<li>This became landmark development in the history of local self-government. It uniformly introduced a three-tier Panchayati Raj system throughout the country and provided them with necessary powers and authority to help them to function as units of self-government. Panchayati Raj was started in India on the premise that at the local level there should be some kind of democracy which would involve people in the process of governance. If the people are to be involved they have to be given responsibilities in the functioning of the institutions and development programmes of the government. This is the only way democracy reaches the masses.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Mission Mode Project (MMP) on e-Panchayat</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the e-Panchayat MMP, a suite of Core Common Applications has been developed collectively called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications. Following are some of the key activities undertaken under the e-Panchayat MMP during the year:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unified portal focusing on Work Based Accounting:</strong> It will bring in a more user-friendly interface with ease of navigation that would make it hassle-free for the GPs to track, monitor and modify their Action Plan.</li>
<li><strong>On-boarding of schemes on PRIASoft-PFMS integration for real time payments by GPs:</strong> The Ministry, in the current year, has put in place a robust mechanism capturing the entire gamut of activity right from the stage of planning to monitor the various stages of work, recording the expenditure incurred for the works to providing complete detail of the asset created.</li>
<li><strong>Gram Manchitra:</strong> It is a Spatial Planning Application provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the 29 sectors and provide a decision support system for GPDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Launched in 2018, this centrally sponsored scheme is an effort in the direction of achieving &ldquo;Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The RGSA helps more than 2.55 lakh <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions</strong></a> (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.</li>
<li>The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials.</li>
<li>Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc.</li>
<li>The implementation and monitoring of the activities of the scheme are broadly aligned for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on Panchayats identified under Mission Antyodaya and Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog.</li>
<li>This scheme extends to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.</li>
<li>The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups.</li>
<li>It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.</li>
<li>Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sabki-yojana-sabka-vikas-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>People&rsquo;s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government&rsquo;s flagship schemes.</li>
<li>To provide sustainability to the GPDP formulation process into a participative and transparent exercise,<strong> the process of GPDP preparation for the financial year 2020-21 again started in a Campaign mode from 2nd October, 2019 as PPC-2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Panchayat Day:</strong> It is celebrated on 24 April every year. It was on this day in 1993, that the 73<sup>rd</sup> amendment act had come into force.</li>
<li><strong>Panchayati Raj:</strong> The term was coined by PM Nehru who inaugurated the 3-tier Panchayati Raj in Nagaur (Rajasthan, 2 October 1959).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Incentivization of Panchayats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry has been incentivizing the Panchayats/ States/ Union Territories (UTs) under the scheme of Incentivization of Panchayats, one of the central components of the restructured scheme of RGSA, in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services &amp; public goods and to encourage a spirit of competition.</li>
<li>Awards, including financial incentives are given annually to best performing Panchayats/States/UTs under various categories namely, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) for Gram/ Block/ District Panchayats;</li>
<li>Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP) for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA) for Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar for States/UTs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-panchayati-raj'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Revival of Non-Alignment Movement',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/narendra-modi-video-address-nam-summit-6403546/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;What&rsquo;s in a NAM?&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 11/05/2020. It talks about the relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in present times.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India hosted a video conference that addresses a summit of the Non-aligned nations. This is in concurrence of India&rsquo;s efforts of promoting global cooperation in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>In the domain of foreign policy, this meeting assumes great significance, given the fact that Indian Prime Minister has skipped the last two NAM summits, at Venezuela in 2016 and Azerbaijan in 2019.</p>
<p>It is argued that the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)</strong> </a>was the product of certain circumstances which have undergone a sea change and thus, have become irrelevant.</p>
<p>However, the Covid-19 pandemic and India renewed interest in NAM, have earmarked the relevance of Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) to pursue effective work programmes at the international level.</p>
<h3>Why is NAM criticised?</h3>
<p>The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the superpowers: the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral. It also stands united for the decolonization of European colonies in Asia and Africa.</p>
<p>However, the world order has changed significantly in 21<sup>st</sup>-century, which has rendered the utility of the NAM doubtful:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cold war has ended with the disintegration of USSR in 1991 and subsequently:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bi-polar world is non-existent.</li>
<li>The collapse of communism and the communist bloc and thereby ending the ideological rivalry between capitalism vs communism.</li>
<li>Since the US emerged as the sole world power following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many non-aligned countries left the NAM.</li>
<li>Shifting of global politics narrative from the balance of power to economic interdependence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Decolonisation project has become redundant, as almost all major colonies have been decolonised.</li>
<li>It is argued that NAM today competes with groups like the Commonwealth. The other groups are more effective, as they deal with economic and trade issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NAM does not do that, nor does it take up any diplomatic initiative.</li>
<li>It has no position even on issues like human rights, child exploitation and gender issues. Also, most of the members of NAM are developing.</li>
<li>As a result, its members have to follow the Western dictates in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of NAM</h3>
<p>The 21<sup>st</sup>-century world order is significantly different from that of the 20<sup>th</sup>-century. Though the world has changed, the problems have remained almost the same. In this context, NAM can prove its worth by striving to work for the following contemporary issues:</p>
<p><strong>New Cold War</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Those who say the NAM is a relic of the Cold War must also acknowledge that a new Cold War is beginning to unfold, this time between the US and China.</li>
<li>This can be reflected in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade War</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad initiative</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-pacific narrative</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>emergence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a>, naval presence in the Indian ocean, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The resurgence of colonialism: Neo-colonialism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Neocolonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalisation, cultural imperialism, and conditional aid to influence a developing country instead of the previous colonial methods of direct military control (imperialism) or indirect political control (hegemony).</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s investment in Africa and Asia through its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road initiative</strong></a> is criticized for being neo-colonialism in nature whereas NAM can help in establishing the ethos of collective action.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Restructuring and democratization of the UN</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to undemocratic representation and veto power of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>permanent members in UNSC</strong></a>, the UNSC has been criticised as undemocratic. Thus, there has been a demand for reforms in the UN system for long.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Combating Global Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM becomes relevant to mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing countries in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>WTO (World Trade Organization)</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of NAM for India</h3>
<p><strong>Support for India&rsquo;s Candidature in UNSC</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM&rsquo;s total strength comprises 120 developing countries and most of them are members of the UN General Assembly.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM members act as an important group in support of India&rsquo;s candidature as a permanent member in UNSC.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global South Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India&rsquo;s engagement with NAM will further help in the rise of India&rsquo;s stature as the voice of the developing world or global south.</li>
<li>In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Strengthening of Multipolar World Order</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A multipolar world order is in concurrence with Indian forigen policy.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM can help in formation of a multipolar world with India becoming a major pole.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the relevance of NAM in present times, it remains a critical diplomatic forum for the pursuit of India&rsquo;s forign policy interests. Therefore India must refrain from treating NAM as a ritual to be performed every three years and start engaging with NAM constructively.</p>
<p>Thus, just like the start of cold war provided the ground for NAM in the 20<sup>th</sup> century, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for India to lay the foundation of NAM 2.0. In this context, the virtual NAM summit hosted by India is a step in the right direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" 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: #fffeeb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the relevance of Non-alignment movement in present times.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97hx_xhb7eI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Ease Land Markets&rdquo; which was published in The Times of India on May 12<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/revival-of-non-alignment-movement'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'PRS Capsule March 2020',
		'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
		'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">COVID-19</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Lockdown notified in the country</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Census and NPR Postponed</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#8">Finance</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#13">Health</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#16">Mining</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#18">Defence</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#20">Environment and Forests</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#22">Agriculture</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#24">New and Renewable Energy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">COVID-19</h2>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)</strong></a> is an infectious disease caused by a new type of virus.The disease originated in Wuhan, China and since then has spread globally. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 as a global pandemic.</p>
<p>The first confirmed case in India was on January 30, 2020. Since then, there has been a consistent rise in the number of cases within the country. With the spread of COVID-19, the central government has announced several policy decisions to contain the spread, and financial measures to support citizens and businesses who would get affected.</p>
<p><strong>Key Announcements</strong></p>
<h3 id="2">Lockdown Notified in the Country</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To contain the spread of COVID-19, 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) directed the central and state governments, as well as various State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to take measures to ensure<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> social distancing.</strong></a></li>
<li>These measures were issued under the provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invocation-of-disaster-management-act-2005-to-deal-with-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act</strong></a>, 2005.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act sets up the NDMA and SMDAs and provides certain powers to these authorities for the effective management of disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the lockdown, all establishments, other than those selling or producing essential goods or providing essential services, and activities related to agricultural operations have been closed.</li>
<li>Essential goods include items such as food, medicine, and electricity. Essential services include banking services, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>Transportation of all goods (whether essential or non-essential) will continue to remain functional.</li>
<li>Further, certain bodies, such as the district administration, police, and defence services will continue to operate.</li>
<li>The Union Home Secretary further directed all state/union territory governments, as well as various State/Union Territory Disaster Management Authorities to issue orders to their District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), SP, or Deputy SP to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ensure adequate arrangements of temporary shelter and food for the needy, including stranded migrant workers,</li>
<li>Relocate migrant workers who have moved out to reach their hometown, to the nearest shelter home, and to quarantine them for at least 14 days.</li>
<li>Direct employers to pay wages during the lockdown, and to ensure landlords do not demand rent from workers for one month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finance Minister announced a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>relief package under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</strong> </a>for the poor.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 1.7 lakh crore has been allocated for the same.</li>
<li>Key features of the package under the scheme are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for public health workers (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics and ASHA workers) who are treating patients of COVID-19.</li>
<li>The scheme will cover all health workers working in government health centres, wellness centres, and hospitals of the centre and states.</li>
<li>The insurance cover will be over and above any other insurance cover being availed by the beneficiary.</li>
<li>Five kilograms of wheat or rice and one kilogram of preferred pulses will be provided for free every month to poor families for the next three months.</li>
<li>This will be over and above the current entitlements under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act.</strong></a></li>
<li>20.4 crore women account holders under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-6th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana</strong></a> will get Rs 500 per month for next three months.</li>
<li>Further, eight crore poor families will be given three gas cylinders free of cost over the next three months.</li>
<li>The first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020- 21 under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-year-of-pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-KISAN Yojana</strong></a> will be advanced and paid in April, 2020.</li>
<li>Wages under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/youngest-workers-rise-in-menrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong> </a>will be increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day.</li>
<li>Centre will direct state governments to utilise the funds available under District Mineral Fund for medical testing, screening and other requirements for treatment and prevention of spread of COVID-19.</li>
<li>Further, states will also be directed to utilise funds under the Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide assistance and support to workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> has announced several measures to address the stress in financial conditions caused by COVID-19. These include: (i)cutting policy rates, (ii) expanding liquidity in the market to ensure that financial markets and institutions are able to function normally, and (iii) relief to borrowers in repayment of loans.</li>
<li>Key measures are detailed below:</li>
<li><strong>Policy Rates:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The repo rate (the rate at which RBI lends money to banks) was reduced from 5.15% to 4.4%.</li>
<li>The reverse repo rate (the rate at which RBI borrows money from banks) was reduced from 4.9% to 4.0%.</li>
<li>The marginal standing facility rate (the rate at which banks can borrow additional money) and the bank rate (the rate at which RBI buys bills of exchange) were reduced from 5.4% to 4.65%.</li>
<li>The accommodative stance of monetary policy will be continued in order to revive growth and mitigate the impact of coronavirus on the economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liquidity management:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for all banks has been reduced from 4% to 3% till March 26, 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CRR is the amount of liquid cash that banks have to maintain with the RBI, as a percentage of their total deposits (net demand and time liabilities).</li>
<li>The daily required minimum CRR balance has been also reduced from 90% to 80%, till June 26, 2020. Further, the RBI will conduct auctions of targeted term repos of up to three years tenor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the marginal standing facility (MSF), banks can borrow overnight from RBI by dipping into their statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SLR is the ratio of liquid assets such as gold, treasury bonds and government securities to net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).</li>
<li>The borrowing limit for MSF has been increased from 2% of NDTL to 3% of NDTL till June 30, 2020.</li>
<li>These steps are expected to inject a total liquidity of Rs 3.74 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relief to borrowers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All banks and financial institutions (including NBFCs) are permitted to grant a moratorium of three months on payment of all term loan instalments (including agricultural, retail and crop loans) and interest on working capital loans (such as overdraft facilities), which are due between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020.</li>
<li>Such deferment will not result in a downgrade in asset classification.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released several advisories and notifications addressing: (i) citizens, (ii) hospitals, (iii) state governments/ departments/ Ministries, and (iv) employees.</li>
<li>Key notifications include:</li>
<li><strong>Testing laboratories:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Council of Medical Research</strong></a> allowed for free of cost diagnosis to all individuals with COVID19 symptoms. For this purpose, the government approved certain private laboratories to test individuals for COVID-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social distancing measures:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government also proposed for certain interventions to be followed by state governments to ensure social distancing. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres.</li>
<li>Postponing of exams and ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one meter amongst students.</li>
<li>Encourage private sector organisations/ employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Census and NPR Postponed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In December 2019, the Union Cabinet had approved proposals to: (i) conduct the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India 2021</strong></a> throughout the country, and (ii) update the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-population-register" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Population Register (NPR)</strong> </a>in all parts of the country, except the state of Assam.</li>
<li>The Census was to be conducted in two phases:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A house listing and housing census between April and September 2020, and population enumeration in February 2021.</li>
<li>The NPR was to be updated along with the house listing and housing census (except in Assam).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NPR is a register of the usual residents in the country.</li>
<li>Usual residents refer to those who have either resided in a local area for the past six months or more, or intend to reside in that area for the next six months or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the census and updation of NPR have been postponed until further orders.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced an extension of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy</strong></a>, applicable for the period 2015-20, by one year, i.e, up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The extension has been announced to provide continuity in the policy regime, given the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.</li>
<li>Following are some of the key features of the Policy:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All export promotion schemes, except the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) will be available till March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>Exemption from payment of GST and compensation cess on certain imports will continue during this period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8">Finance</h2>
<h3 id="9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/direct-tax-vivad-se-vishwas-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>The Bill provides a mechanism for resolution of pending tax disputes related to income tax and corporation tax.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong></li>
<li><strong>Appellant:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill defines an appellant as the person in whose case any appeal or petition, filed by him or the income tax authority, was pending before the appellate forums as on January 31, 2020.</li>
<li>These appellate forums are the Supreme Court, the High Courts, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunals and the Commissioner (Appeals).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolution mechanism:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill proposes a mechanism under which an appellant can file a declaration to the designated authority to initiate resolution of pending direct tax disputes.</li>
<li>The designated authority will determine the amount payable by the appellant against the dispute, and grant a certificate, containing particulars of the amount payable, within 15 days.</li>
<li>The appellant must pay this amount within 15 days and inform the designated authority. The amount paid will not be refundable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amount payable for resolution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amount payable by an appellant for dispute resolution is determined based on whether the dispute relates to the payment of tax, or the payment of interest, penalty, or fee.</li>
<li>An additional amount is required to be paid if such payment is made after March 31, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet has approved the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amalgamation-of-national-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four PSBs.</strong></a></li>
<li>The amalgamation will be effective from April 1, 2020.</li>
<li>This measure was announced by the Finance Minister in August 2019 to help achieve scale and higher capacity for PSBs.</li>
<li>The banks to be merged are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Oriental Bank of Commerce and Union Bank of India to be merged into Punjab National Bank.</li>
<li>Syndicate Bank to be merged into Canara Bank.</li>
<li>Allahabad Bank to be merged into Indian Bank.</li>
<li>Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank to be merged into Union Bank of India</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-cryptocurrency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court struck down a circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> in April 2018 with respect to virtual currencies on the grounds of proportionality.</li>
<li>The circular prohibited entities regulated by the RBI from dealing in virtual currencies or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with virtual currencies.</li>
<li>A virtual currency is a digital representation of value, which can be used as a medium of exchange, a store of value or a unit of account.</li>
<li>It usually does not have the status of a legal tender.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A legal tender is guaranteed by the central government and all parties are legally bound to accept it as a mode of payment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Court held that anything which may pose a threat to the financial system of the country falls within the purview of regulatory powers of the RBI.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is irrespective of whether the activity forms part of the credit or payment system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, it held that the availability of power is different from the manner and extent to which it can be exercised.</li>
<li>The Court held that the RBI did not provide any evidence that virtual currencies have negatively impacted the entities regulated by it.</li>
<li>Further, it noted that the Inter- Ministerial Committee, constituted in November 2017, was of the opinion that a ban might be an extreme tool and would not be achievable through regulatory measures.</li>
<li>Considering these, the Court held that the RBI&rsquo;s action of prohibiting entities regulated by it from dealing in virtual currencies was not proportional and the above directive should be set aside.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of Scheme for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recapitalisation-of-rrbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)</strong></a> for the year 2020-21.</li>
<li>RRBs primarily cater to the credit and banking requirements of enterprises operating in the rural sector.</li>
<li>In 2011, a Scheme for Recapitalisation of RRBs was approved by the Cabinet and an amount of Rs 2,900 crore was allocated for it till 2019-20.</li>
<li>The Scheme is aimed at improving the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-cancels-licence-of-ckp-co-op-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)</strong></a> of RRBs.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CRAR measures the bank&rsquo;s total available capital as a percentage of its total assets.</li>
<li>RBI has prescribed a minimum CRAR of 9% to be maintained by all banks on an ongoing basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recapitalisation will be done for those RRBs that have been unable to maintain this required CRAR of 9%.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 670 crore has been approved for this purpose by the central government.</li>
<li>This will be released upon release of an equal instalment by the sponsor banks.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sponsor bank is a scheduled commercial bank which shares ownership of the RRB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="13">Health</h2>
<h3 id="14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-termination-of-pregnancy-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Lok Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill amends the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical practitioners.</li>
<li>The Bill adds the definition of termination of pregnancy to mean a procedure undertaken to terminate a pregnancy by using medical or surgical methods.</li>
<li><strong>Termination of pregnancy:</strong> Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated within 12 weeks, if a registered medical practitioner is of the opinion that:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Continuation of the pregnancy may risk the life of the mother, or cause grave injury to her health.</li>
<li>There is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer physical or mental abnormalities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For termination of a pregnancy between 12 to 20 weeks, two medical practitioners are required to give their opinion.</li>
<li>The Bill amends this provision to state that a pregnancy may be terminated within 20 weeks, with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner.</li>
<li>Approval of two registered medical practitioners will be required for termination of pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks.</li>
<li>The termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks will only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central government.</li>
<li>The central government will notify norms for medical practitioners whose opinion is required for terminating the pregnancy.</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of a Medical Board:</strong> Under the Bill, every state government is required to constitute a Medical Board.</li>
<li>It states that the upper limit of termination of pregnancy will not apply in cases where such termination is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial foetal abnormalities.</li>
<li>These abnormalities will be diagnosed by a Medical Board.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Medical Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii) a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-systems-of-medicine-ncim-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019</strong></a> was passed by Rajya Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill repeals the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.</li>
<li>Key features of the Bill include:</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).</li>
<li>The NCISM will consist of 39 members, appointed by the central government.</li>
<li>Members of the NCISM will include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chairperson</li>
<li>The Presidents of the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa</li>
<li>10 members (part-time) to be appointed on a rotational basis from amongst the nominees of states in the Advisory Council.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NCISM include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine.</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the regulations made under the Bill.</li>
<li>Ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards set up under the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous boards:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision of the NCISM. These boards are:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa: They will be responsible for formulating standards, curriculum, and granting recognition to medical qualifications in their respective disciplines.</li>
<li>The Medical Assessment and Rating Board: It will determine the process of rating and assessment of medical institutions.</li>
<li>The Ethics and Medical Registration Board: It will maintain a National Register of all licensed medical practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="16">Mining</h2>
<h3 id="17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mineral-laws-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>It amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MMDR Act regulates the overall mining sector in India.</li>
<li>The CMSP Act provides for the auction and allocation of mines whose allocation was cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Schedule I of the Act provides a list of all such mines; Schedule II and III are sub-classes of the mines listed in Schedule I.</li>
<li>Schedule II mines are those where production had already started then, and Schedule III mines are ones that were earmarked for a specific end-use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features are as follows:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Removal of restriction on end-use of coal:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, companies acquiring Schedule II and Schedule III coal mines through auctions could use the coal produced only for specific end-uses such as power generation and steel production.</li>
<li>The Bill removes this restriction on the use of coal mined by such companies.</li>
<li>Companies will be allowed to carry on coal mining operations for their own consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be specified by the central government.</li>
<li>The Bill also adds that companies are not required to possess any prior coal mining experience in India to participate in the auction of coal and lignite blocks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composite license for prospecting and mining:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, separate licenses were provided for prospecting and mining of coal and lignite, called prospecting license, and mining lease, respectively.</li>
<li>Prospecting includes exploring, locating, or finding mineral deposits.</li>
<li>The Bill provides for an additional prospecting license-cum- mining lease.</li>
<li>This license will allow both prospecting and mining activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of clearances to new bidders:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, upon expiry, mining leases for specified minerals (minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) were transferred to new persons through auction.</li>
<li>The new lessee was required to obtain statutory clearances before starting mining operations.</li>
<li>The Bill provides that the various approvals, licenses, and clearances given to the previous lessee will be extended to the new lessee for two years.</li>
<li>During this period, the new lessee will be allowed to continue mining operations. However, the new lessee must obtain all the required clearances within this two-year period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Defence</h2>
<h3 id="19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence released the Draft Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020 (Draft DPP, 2020).</li>
<li>The DPP governs the purchase of weapons and equipment for India's defence forces.</li>
<li>The draft DPP revises the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-flawed-defence-procurement-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DPP-2016</strong></a> with the aim of increasing indigenous manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key features of the revised DPP, along with some of the major changes proposed include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leasing:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP has introduced &lsquo;leasing&rsquo; as a new mode of acquisition.</li>
<li>Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments.</li>
<li>This is preferred in some situations such as where: (i) procurement is not feasible within time, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DPP-2016 specified five categories of capital acquisition
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Buy (Indian-IDDM)</li>
<li>Buy (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make</li>
<li>Buy (Global).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The revised DPP adds a sixth category as Buy (Global-Manufacture in India).</li>
<li>Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in various categories of procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Product support:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP states that the original equipment manufacturer also needs to specify long term product support through performance based logistics and comprehensive maintenance contract.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="20">Environment and Forests</h2>
<h3 id="21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020.</li>
<li>It seeks to replace the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.</strong></a></li>
<li>It proposes certain conditions and thresholds on undertaking new infrastructure projects, and on expansion or modernisation of existing infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>These projects include dams, mines, airports, and highways.</li>
<li>Key features of the proposed notification include:</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of projects and activities:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All infrastructure projects and activities will be divided into three categories based on their potential social and environmental impacts and the extent of such impact.</li>
<li>All projects will require prior environment clearance from the concerned regulatory authority before commencement of any construction, installation, establishment, or any such activity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exemption:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2006 notification defines &lsquo;public consultation&rsquo; as the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and other stakeholders are addressed and taken into account while designing the project.</li>
<li>The draft notification exempts certain projects from public consultation. These include all building, construction and area development projects, inland waterways, expansion or widening of national highways, and modernisation of irrigation projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Violations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Violations will be reported to the Appraisal Committee, who will assess if the cases of violation can be run sustainably under compliance of environmental norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="22">Agriculture</h2>
<h3 id="23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Ms. K. Kanimozhi) submitted its report on the subject<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-nutrient-based-subsidy-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;System of Fertilizer Subsidy&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>The central government provides subsidies to fertilizer manufacturers and importers so that farmers can buy them at affordable prices.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Change in the subsidy policy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee noted that fertilizer subsidy resulted in a tremendous growth of agricultural productivity, which was necessary for food security of the huge population of the country.</li>
<li>However, it has also led to negative effects such as over and imbalanced use of fertilizers, and soil degradation.</li>
<li>The Committee noted that any drastic change in the existing fertilizer subsidy policy would have a huge bearing on the country&rsquo;s food security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>It recommended that:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any such drastic change must be effected only after an in-depth study and wider consultations with all stakeholders (including the concerned central and state government departments, fertilizer industry, and farmers and their associations).</li>
<li>It also recommended that education and awareness of farmers about balanced use of fertilizers should be an integral part of the policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct subsidy to farmers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee observed that many fertilizer manufacturing plants are operating with very old technology and systems, and not at their highest efficiency.</li>
<li>The government bears the cost of their inefficiency in the form of higher subsidy.</li>
<li>The Committee recommended that the companies should be set free to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilizers as per their own system.</li>
<li>A farmer should have the choice of buying from various brands of fertilizers, while getting the subsidy directly in his bank account.</li>
<li>Such a system will push manufacturers to produce and sell fertilizers in the most cost- effective manner, and push the inefficient ones out.</li>
<li>It also recommended that the government should set out a clear and firm roadmap to switch to a system where farmers directly get the subsidy and the manufacturing and importing of fertilizers is set free to the market forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="24">New and Renewable Energy</h2>
<h3 id="25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II</strong></a> has been extended up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The scheme was launched in December 2018.</li>
<li>As per the original timeline, the scheme was valid until December 2019.</li>
<li>The scheme provides for the installation of solar street lighting systems in specified areas.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, 75% of the cost is borne by the central government and the balance 25% is provided through the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mplad-scheme-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund (MPLAD).</strong></a></li>
<li>Under the Phase-II of the scheme, a total of 3.04 lakh solar street lights are to be installed.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-march-2020'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)</strong> has issued <strong>&lsquo;Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol, 2020&rsquo;</strong> laying down guidelines for sharing such data with government agencies and third parties amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The executive order issued came amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>concerns and privacy issues expressed by a number of experts</strong></a> over the efficacy and safety of the app.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Aarogya Setu App</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</li>
<li>It will help people in identifying the risk of getting affected by the Coronavirus.</li>
<li>It will also help to calculate risk based on the user's interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once installed in a smartphone, the app detects other nearby devices with Aarogya Setu installed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The app will help the Government take necessary timely steps for assessing risk of spread of Covid-19 infection and ensuring isolation where required.</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>The issued Protocol intends to ensure that data collected from the app is gathered, processed and shared in an <strong>appropriate way.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> violation of the protocol</strong> will lead to the penalties under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>MeitY</strong> is designated as the agency <strong>responsible for the implementation</strong> of this Protocol. Further, the app&rsquo;s developer, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rojgaar-sangi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Informatics Centre (NIC)</strong></a> shall be responsible for collection, processing and managing response data collected by the Aarogya Setu app under this Protocol.</li>
<li>Further, it also calls for the <strong>Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management</strong> to review the protocol after six months; unless extended. It will be in <strong>force only for six months</strong> from the date of its issue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Empowered Group of Ministers</strong> (EGoM) is a Group of Ministers (GoM) of the Union Government appointed by the Cabinet or the Prime Minister for investigating and reporting on such matters as may be specified.</li>
<li>These EGoMs are also authorised to take decisions in such matters after investigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Definition of Individual:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The order states that the data pertaining to individuals is urgently required in order to formulate appropriate health responses for addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>The Protocol clarifies that individuals means persons who are infected or are at high risk of being infected or who have come in contact with infected individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data collected by the Aarogya Setu app is broadly divided into <strong>four categories&mdash;</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Demographic Data:</strong> It includes information such as name, mobile number, age, gender, profession and travel history.</li>
<li><strong>Contact Data:</strong> It is about any other individual that a given individual has come in close proximity with, including the duration of the contact, the proximate distance between the individuals and the geographical location at which the contact occurred.</li>
<li><strong>Self-assessment Data:</strong> It includes the responses provided by that individual to the self-assessment test administered within the app.</li>
<li><strong>Location data:</strong> It comprises the geographical position of an individual in latitude and longitude.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The demographic data, contact data, self-assessment data and location data are collectively called as <strong>response data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ground for Data Sharing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data can be shared only if it is strictly necessary to directly formulate or implement an <strong>appropriate health response.</strong></li>
<li>It can also be shared for<strong> appropriate research work.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowed Entities to Access Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>response data containing personal data</strong> may be shared by the app&rsquo;s developer with the Health Ministry, Health Departments of State/Union Territory governments/local governments, National and State Disaster Management Authorities, other ministries and departments of the central and state governments, and other public health institutions of the central, state and local governments.</li>
<li>It can also be shared further with any <strong>third parties</strong> that include the Indian universities or research institutions and research entities registered in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, the Protocol also empowers above mentioned universities and research entities to share the data with other such institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checks and Balances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>De-identified Form:</strong> Except for demographic data, the response data must be stripped of information that may make it possible to identify the individual personally. <strong>De-identification is the process used to prevent someone's personal identity from being revealed.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Stripped information must be<strong> assigned a randomly generated ID.</strong></li>
<li>The Protocol also discourages reversal of de-identification and imposes penalties under applicable laws for the time being in force.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance of the List:</strong> The NIC needs to maintain a list of, the agencies with the time at which data sharing was initiated, the categories of such data and the purpose of sharing the data.</li>
<li><strong>Data Retention:</strong> Any entity with which the data has been shared shall not retain the data <strong>beyond 180 days</strong> from the day it was collected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for a Personal data protection law</strong> to back the government&rsquo;s decision to make the app mandatory for everyone.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Personal Data Protection Bill 2019</strong></a> is in the process of being approved by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> clause for data sharing with third parties is open ended</strong> and has a highest possibility of being misused. The stated list of the third parties with which the data can be shared would have been helpful.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>process of de-identifying the data should have been detailed,</strong> given that reversing de-identification was not difficult.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-aarogya-setu-who-all-can-access-your-data-and-when-6407175/" 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/aarogya-setu-data-access-and-knowledge-sharing-protocol'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Global Nutrition Report 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong> stated that<strong> India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It also identified the country as one with the <strong>highest rates of domestic inequalities in malnutrition.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Targets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2012, the <strong>World Health Assembly</strong> (the decision-making body of the<strong> World Health Organisation</strong>) identified<strong> six nutrition targets to be met by 2025.</strong> These are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reduce stunting by 40% in children under 5.</li>
<li>Reduce the prevalence of anaemia by 50% among women in the age group of 19-49 years.</li>
<li>Ensure 30% reduction in low-birth weight.</li>
<li>Ensure no increase in childhood overweight.</li>
<li>Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 50%</li>
<li>Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Status</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India will <strong>miss targets for all four nutritional indicators</strong> for which there is data available, i.e. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stunting among under-5 children,</li>
<li>Anaemia among women of reproductive age,</li>
<li>Childhood overweight and</li>
<li>Exclusive breastfeeding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stunting and wasting among children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data:</strong> 37.9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is identified as among the three worst countries,</strong> along with Nigeria and Indonesia, for <strong>steep within-country disparities in stunting,</strong> where the levels varied four-fold across communities.</li>
<li>For example, Stunting level in Uttar Pradesh is over 40% and their rate among individuals in the lowest income group is more than double those in the highest income group at 22.0% and 50.7%, respectively.</li>
<li>In addition, stunting prevalence is 10.1% higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overweight and Obesity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data: Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise,</strong> affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at 21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> There are nearly double as many obese adult females than there are males (5.1% compared to 2.7%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anaemia</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One in two</strong> women of reproductive age is<strong> anaemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Underweight children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Between 2000 and 2016, rates of underweight have decreased from 66.0% to 58.1% for boys and 54.2% to 50.1% in girls.</li>
<li>However, this is still <strong>high compared to the average of 35.6% for boys and 31.8% for girls in Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Link Between Malnutrition and Inequity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report emphasises on the link between malnutrition and different forms of inequity, such as those based on geographic location, age, gender, ethnicity, education and wealth in all its forms.</li>
<li><strong>Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes</strong> that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.</li>
<li>Coming at a time the world is battling Covid-19, which has exposed different forms of socio-economic inequities, the report calls for promoting equity to address malnutrition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is <strong>&lsquo;undernutrition&rsquo;</strong>&mdash;which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</li>
<li>The other is <strong>overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the <strong>UN Decade of Action on Nutrition from 2016 to 2025.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Sustainable Development Goal (SD Goal 2: Zero hunger)</strong> aims to<strong> end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030,</strong> making sure all people &ndash; especially children &ndash; have access to sufficient and nutritious food all year round.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report</strong> was conceived following the first <strong>Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G)</strong> in 2013. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The first report was published in<strong> 2014.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It acts as a report card on the world&rsquo;s nutrition&mdash;<strong>globally, regionally, and country by country&mdash;</strong>and on efforts to improve it.</li>
<li>It is a multi-stakeholder initiative, consisting of a Stakeholder Group, Independent Expert Group and Report Secretariat.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-may-miss-nutrition-targets/article31568549.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-nutrition-report-2020'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => '“RESTART” Conference',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A digital conference on <strong>&lsquo;Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology, and Research Translations (RESTART)&rsquo;</strong> was organised on the occasion of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Technology Day</a> (May 11).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conference was organized by the <strong>Technology Development Board (TDB),</strong> an autonomous organization of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with the <strong>Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).</strong></li>
<li><strong>CII</strong> is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Outcome</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthen Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts are of the opinion that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic is a great opportunity for R&amp;D and needs to be used for strengthening<strong> &lsquo;Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies for better preparedness to face future Pandemics&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The crisis has unfolded some of the best medical advancements and innovations, like drug discovery, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, etc. as well as ways to preserve electronic health records. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Example: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aarogya Setu app</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bipap-ventilator-swasthvayu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BiPAP</a></strong> ventilators, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>use of combination of drugs to</strong></a> treat Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Technologies such as <strong>appropriate face masks</strong> and best practices like <strong>physical distancing</strong> need to be made a part of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Advanced Materials:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Novel materials such as smart materials, special purpose alloys, engineering polymers &amp; blends, graphene, composites, etc. <strong>will be the key to revamping the industry&rsquo;s product lines</strong> in the future.</li>
<li>To tackle pandemics like Covid-19, research <strong>needs to quickly switch over from being capital intensive to knowledge-intensive and should be brought closer to industry. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for Sustainable Future</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addressing short term and long-term challenges, advanced technologies provide avenues to the industry to re-stimulate innovation, sustainability and employment.</li>
<li>Covid-19 has forced the Industries to go for <strong>digital transformation.</strong></li>
<li>The world is moving towards<strong> mass customization and mass specialization</strong> today, and technology like<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3d-bioprinting-to-create-artificial-blood-vessels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 3-D printing</strong></a> plays a major role in it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Innovation &amp; Technology Alliance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In today's pandemic scenario, virtual collaboration is the key to connect globally to fight against the common challenge of Covid-19, and collaboration between countries must continue with much vigour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Technology Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India observes its National Technology Day on <strong>11<sup>th</sup> May</strong> every year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the day India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was first observed in 1999, and<strong> aims to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists, engineers.</strong></li>
<li>It is organised every year by the Technology Development Board of India. The focus this year is<strong> &lsquo;Rebooting the economy through Science and Technology.&rsquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Capital intensive and Knowledge intensive</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The term "capital intensive" refers to business processes or industries that require large amounts of investment to produce a good or service.</li>
<li>Knowledge Intensive includes reliance on professional knowledge for business services. Here the workers need a lot of education, skills, and experience in order to work effectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass customization:</strong> It allows a customer to design certain features of a product while still keeping costs closer to that of mass-produced products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623332" 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/restart-conference'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Atmanirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the <strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)&rsquo;</strong> with an <strong>economic stimulus package &mdash; worth Rs 20 lakh crores</strong> aimed towards achieving the mission.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced economic package is <strong>10% of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a> in 2019-20.</strong></li>
<li>The amount <strong>includes</strong> packages already announced at the beginning of the lockdown incorporating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>measures from the RBI</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li>The package is expected to focus on<strong> land, labour, liquidity and laws.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Self-Reliant India Mission<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" width="450" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Self-Reliant India Mission aims towards <strong>cutting down import dependence</strong> by focussing on substitution while improving safety compliance and quality goods to gain global market share.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Self-Reliance <strong>neither signifies any exclusionary or isolationist strategies</strong> but involves creation of a helping hand to the whole world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission focuses on the <strong>importance of promoting &ldquo;local&rdquo; products.</strong></li>
<li>The Mission will be carried out in <strong>two phases:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phase 1:</strong> It will consider sectors like medical textiles, electronics, plastics and toys where local manufacturing and exports can be promoted.</li>
<li><strong>Phase 2:</strong> It will consider products like gems and jewellery, pharma and steel, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission would be based on<strong> five pillars</strong> namely,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Economy</li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
<li>System</li>
<li>Vibrant Demography</li>
<li>Demand</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission is also expected to complement <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Make In India Initiative&rsquo;</a></strong> which intends to encourage manufacturing in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of Declared Economic Package</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure in Fiscal Package:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The declared package is considered to be substantially less because<strong> it includes the actions of RBI as part of the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;fiscal&rdquo; package, even though only the government controls the fiscal policy and not the RBI</strong> (which controls the &lsquo;monetary&rsquo; policy).</li>
<li>Thus, the Government expenditure and RBI&rsquo;s actions are <strong>neither the same nor can they be added</strong> in this manner. And thus nowhere in the world fiscal packages are declared in this manner.</li>
<li>For instance, when the US announced a relief package of $3 trillion (Rs 225 lakh crore), it only refers to the money that will be spent by the government &mdash; and does not include the expenditure of the Federal Reserve (US central bank).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implication of Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the government is including RBI&rsquo;s liquidity decisions in the calculation, then the <strong>actual fresh spending by the government could be considerably lower.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That&rsquo;s because RBI has been coming out with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Long Term Repo Operation (LTRO)</strong></a>, to infuse liquidity into the banking system worth Rs 1 lakh crore at a time. If RBI launches another LTRO of Rs 1 lakh crore, then the overall fiscal help falls by the same amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The direct expenditure by a government usually includes wage subsidy or direct benefit transfer or payment of salaries, etc &mdash;<strong> immediately and necessarily stimulates the economy.</strong> In other words, that <strong>money necessarily reaches the people &mdash;</strong> either as <strong>through salary or purchase.</strong></li>
<li>But <strong>measures from RBI include credit easing&mdash;</strong> that is, making more money available to the banks so that they can lend to the broader economy &mdash; is not like government expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In times of crisis, banks may take that money from RBI and, instead of lending it, may park it back with the RBI.</li>
<li>Recently, Indian banks have parked Rs 8.5 lakh crores with the central bank. So in terms of calculations, RBI has given a stimulus of Rs 6 lakh crore. But in reality, RBI has received an even bigger amount back from the banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, the <strong>declared amount is 10% of GDP, but less than 5% cash outgo is expected.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623391" 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/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'GI Tag to Two Products',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sohrai Khovar painting </strong>and<strong> Telangana&rsquo;s Telia Rumal</strong> have been given the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bangalore-blue-grapes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Geographical Indication (GI)</a> tag.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sohrai Khovar Paintings:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Sohrai Khovar painting is a<strong> traditional and ritualistic mural art.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>mural</strong> is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is being practised by local tribal women during local harvest and marriage seasons using<strong> local, naturally available soils of different</strong> colours in the area of <strong>Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.</strong></li>
<li>Style features a<strong> profusion of lines, dots, animal figures and plants,</strong> often representing religious iconography i.e.visual image and symbols.</li>
<li>It has been<strong> painted on the walls of important public places</strong> in Jharkhand, such as the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Telia Rumal:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Telia Rumal cloth <strong>involves intricate handmade work with cotton loom</strong> displaying a variety of designs and motifs in three particular lours &mdash; red, black and white.</li>
<li>It is an art of Ikat tradition using <strong>natural vegetable dyes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ikkat is</strong> a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles .</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uniqueness:</strong> Telia Rumal can only be<strong> created using the traditional handloom process</strong> and not by any other mechanical means as otherwise, the very quality of the Rumal would be lost.</li>
<li>The telia fabrics were <strong>used by nobles</strong> (Nizam&rsquo;s dynasty) in Hyderabad. The fabric was exported to Persian Gulf, Middle East, Aden, East Africa, Singapore and Burma.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Geographical Indication Status</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GI is an indication <strong>used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999</strong> seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.</li>
<li>The <strong>Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The registration of a geographical indication is <strong>valid for a period of 10 years.</strong> It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.</li>
<li>It is also a <strong>part of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organisation&rsquo;s</a> Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).</strong></li>
<li>Recent Examples: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tirur-vettila-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tirur Vetilla</strong> </a>(Kerala), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dindigul-lock-and-kandangi-saree" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-for-odisha-rasagola" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha Rasagola</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/gi-tag-for-jharkhands-sohrai-khovar-painting-telanganas-telia-rumal/article31569123.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/gi-tag-to-two-products'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Labour Laws and Covid-19',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/contempt-for-labour-the-hindu-editorial-on-dilution-of-labour-laws/article31538103.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Contempt for labour: On dilution of labour laws&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 08/05/2020. It talks about the issue pertaining to evasion of labour laws amid Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has triggered public health and global economic crises. As the economy struggles with the lockdown and thousands of firms and employees stare at an uncertain future, some of the state governments last week decided to make significant changes in the application of labour laws.</p>
<p>These changes are being brought about to incentivise economic activity in several states. However, this move may undermine the interest of labourers, who are one of the most vulnerable sections that have been impacted by the pandemic.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Madhya Pradesh has allowed units of business and industries to be operated without many of the requirements of the Factories Act.</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh has cleared an ordinance exempting businesses and industries from labour laws, except for a handful, for three year period.</li>
<li>There are reports that several other states are pursuing similar measures.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Some Major Indian Labour Legislation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Labour falls in the Concurrent List of the Indian constitution and there are many laws enacted by the Centre and the states.</li>
<li>There are four major central legislations, that form the core of labour laws in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Factories Act, 1948:</strong> The main objectives of this act is to ensure safety measures on factory premises, and promote the health and welfare of workers.</li>
<li><strong>The Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961:</strong> It aims to regulate hours of work, payment, overtime, a weekly day off with pay, other holidays with pay, annual leave, employment of children and young persons, and employment of women.</li>
<li><strong>The Minimum Wages Act, 1948:</strong> It sets the <strong>minimum wages</strong> that must be paid to skilled and unskilled labours.</li>
<li><strong>Industrial Disputes Act. 1947:</strong> It relates to terms of service such as layoff, retrenchment, and closure of industrial enterprises and strikes and lockouts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Pertaining to Evasion of Labour Laws</h3>
<p><strong>Creating an Enabling Environment for Exploitation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The immediate suspension of labour laws by the states is far from being called a reform as it will strip the labour of its basic rights and also drive down wages.</li>
<li>As for the suspension, most of the provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 and the Industrial Disputes Act,1947 would mean workers in factories may be denied basic working facilities such as cleanliness, proper ventilation, drinking water, canteens, and restrooms.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Counter Productive Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These steps are far from pushing for a greater formalisation of the workforce.</li>
<li>This move will in one go turn the existing formal workers into informal workers as they would not get any social security.</li>
<li>Also, there will be no way for any worker to even seek grievance redressal.</li>
<li>Resulting fall in wages will further depress the overall demand in the economy, thus hurting the recovery process.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Forced Labour</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits &ldquo;forced labour&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court, in case<strong> PUDR v. Union of India (1982),</strong> held that &ldquo;the word &lsquo;force&rsquo; would mean any condition arising from the compulsion of economic circumstances which leaves no choice of alternatives to a worker.</li>
<li>Thus, the suspension of labour laws by several states reduces the bargaining power of labour, their right to negotiate and hence may turn them into Forced Labour.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Against the International Commitments</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These amendments in labour laws are the spirit of the<strong> International Labour Organization&rsquo;s &lsquo;Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It requires states to ensure marginalised groups &ldquo;freely choose employment&rdquo; while rebuilding after any disaster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Indian Labour laws</h3>
<p><strong>Complex Set of Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are over 200 state laws and close to 50 central laws, and yet there is no set definition of &ldquo;labour laws&rdquo; in the country.</li>
<li>The multiplicity and complexity of laws make compliance and enforcement difficult and lays the foundation for corruption, rent-seeking and exploitation of workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inflexible Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian labour laws are often characterised as &ldquo;inflexible&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It has been argued that firms (those employing more than 100 workers) dither from hiring new workers because firing them requires government approvals.</li>
<li>This has constrained the growth of firms on the one hand and could not improve the job prospects of the workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Applicability of Labour Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A large number of workers that are engaged in the unorganized sector are not covered by labour regulations and social security.</li>
<li>At present nearly 83% of India&rsquo;s workers are part of the informal economy.</li>
<li>Thus, the current framework of labour laws falls short of securing the interest of all the labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<p><strong>Short-Term Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With respect to Covid-19 pandemic, the central and state governments in India should follow what most governments have done across the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government should partner with the industry and allocate a percentage of the GDP towards sharing the wage burden and ensuring the health of the labourers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long-Term Steps</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has proposed four labour codes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Labour Codes on Wages </strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Industrial relations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Occupational safety, health and working conditions</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Social Security and Welfare</strong></li>
<li>These should be passed by the parliament as soon as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Labour laws applicable to the formal sector should be modified to introduce an optimum combination of flexibility and security.</li>
<li>Make the compliance of working conditions regulations more effective and transparent.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>For sustainable industrial growth in India, there is a need for holistic labour laws reforms, which would enable firms to expand, while keeping the interest of labours intact, thereby resulting in the formalisation of the Indian economy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted image 0.png" caption="false" width="213" height="551" /></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: #e4eaf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of labour laws in the Industrial growth of India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNxL6-s_684" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Coming to terms&rdquo; which was published in The Hindu on May 11<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/labour-laws-and-covid-19'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Mandis Under e-NAM Increased',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>According to the recent data, the number of connected mandis, or wholesale markets under e-NAM has increased upto 65%.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This increase is because of transport disruptions and social distancing requirements which have made physical mandi trade more difficult in recent times.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>After the launch of e-NAM in 2016, its progress was slow because, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many States did not amend their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural Produce Market Committee</strong></a> <strong>(APMC) Acts.</strong></li>
<li>Most <strong>farmers were not part of the cooperatives</strong> that would help aggregate the bulk quantity of produce needed to attract online buyers.</li>
<li>Most <strong>mandis did not possess the infrastructure</strong> to make the most of the platform.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Central Government recognised the potential of e-NAM in overcoming some of the hurdles of the lockdown, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-features-added-to-e-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>introduced some important new features in April, 2020</strong></a>: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A trading module allowing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-producer-bodies-need-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)</strong></a> to trade produce directly from their collection centres without bringing it to mandis.</li>
<li>A <strong>warehouse-based trading module.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>logistics module</strong> offering users trackable transport facilities through aggregators with access to 11 lakh trucks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On 1<sup>st</sup> May 2020, Agriculture Ministry had launched <strong>integration of 200 e-NAM mandis from 7 States</strong> including 1 new state of Karnataka being added on e-NAM.</li>
<li>Now the total mandis under e-NAM has reached a total of around 950 across India from about 550 before lockdown.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>e-NAM</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal.</li>
<li>It was launched in April 2016 with the <strong>objective of integrating the existing Mandis to &ldquo;One Nation One Market&rdquo;</strong> for agricultural commodities in India.</li>
<li>It <strong>networks the existing APMC mandis</strong> to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities and has a <strong>vision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining procedures across the integrated markets.</li>
<li>Removing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promoting real time price discovery based on actual demand and supply.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It provides for contactless remote bidding and mobile-based anytime payment for which traders do not need to either visit mandis or banks for the same.</li>
<li><strong>Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)</strong> is the lead agency for implementing e-NAM. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It functions under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/mandis-linked-to-e-platform-see-65-rise-in-count-post-lockdown/article31560507.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/mandis-under-e-nam-increased'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Gandhi Peace Prize',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Culture extended the nomination period for the Gandhi Peace Prize</strong> from 30<sup>th</sup> April to 15<sup>th</sup> June 2020, due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a> in the wake of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>annual award</strong> was instituted by the Government of India in <strong>1995</strong> during the commemoration of the <strong>125<sup>th</sup> Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</strong> for those involved in <strong>social, economic and political transformation</strong> through <strong>non-violence.</strong></li>
<li>The award carries an amount of <strong>₹1 crore,</strong> a <strong>Citation in a scroll,</strong> a <strong>plaque</strong> as well as an <strong>exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.</strong></li>
<li>The prize can be given to individuals, associations, institutions or organizations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can be <strong>divided between two persons/institutions</strong> who are considered by the Jury to be equally deserving of recognition in a given year</li>
<li>It is <strong>open to all persons</strong> regardless of nationality, creed, race or sex.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The prize is <strong>not awarded posthumously.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> January 2019,</strong> Gandhi Peace Prize was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-17th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>awarded for the years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Mahatma Gandhi<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589281010_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589281010_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi</strong> was born on <strong>2<sup>nd</sup> October, 1869,</strong> at <strong>Porbandar in Gujarat</strong> and died on <strong>30<sup>th</sup> January, 1948,</strong> at <strong>Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li>He was<strong> assassinated by Nathuram Godse</strong> in the Birla House during his evening prayers.</li>
<li>He was a<strong> lawyer, politician, social activist, writer</strong> and became the <strong>leader of the nationalist movement</strong> against the British rule of India.</li>
<li>He is considered the <strong>Father of the Nation.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rabindranath-tagore" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rabindranath Tagore</strong></a> is said to have given him the title of <strong>Mahatma.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/gandhian-ideologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gandhi and his ideologies</strong></a> played an important role in liberating India from the British.</li>
<li><strong>Gandhi&rsquo;s Works:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Journals:</strong> Young India, Navajivan, Harijan, Harijan Bandhu, Indian Opinion I and II, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Books:</strong> Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, The Story of My Experiments with Truth <strong>(autobiography),</strong> etc.</li>
<li><strong>Foundations:</strong> Natal Indian Congress (South Africa, 1894), Phoenix Settlement (South Africa, 1904), Satyagraha Ashram (Ahemadabad, 1915), Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932), Sevagram Ashram (Wardha, 1936), etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1623034" 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/gandhi-peace-prize'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Helpline “Bharosa”',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>To relieve the distress of the student community during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, the Government has launched <strong>Central University of Odisha Helpline &ldquo;Bharosa&rsquo;&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To provide Cognitive Emotional Rehabilitation Services to all University Students of Odisha.</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Social distancing and self-isolation because of Covid-19, has led to decline in social interactions which further impact mental and physical health. It is being called the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-recession-due-to-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;social recession&rsquo;</strong></a> i.e. a collapse in our social contacts.</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> This app would provide mental and psychological assistance to the students.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mental Health</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Initiatives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government of India has launched the <strong>National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982,</strong> keeping in view the heavy burden of mental illness in the community, and the absolute inadequacy of mental health care infrastructure in the country to deal with it.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court has held healthcare to be a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Constitution incorporates provisions guaranteeing everyone's right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees protection of life and personal liberty to every citizen.</li>
<li>In July 2018, Delhi Government launched a happiness curriculum for schools.</li>
<li>Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mental Health Care Act, 2017</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right to make an Advance Directive,</strong> wherein patients can state on how to be treated or not to be treated for the illness during a mental health situation.</li>
<li><strong>Right to appoint a Nominated Representative:</strong> A person shall have the right to appoint a nominated representative to take on his/her behalf, all health related decisions like:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Right to access mental health care,</li>
<li>Right to free &amp; quality services,</li>
<li>Right to get free medicines,</li>
<li>Right to community living,</li>
<li>Right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment,</li>
<li>Right to live in an environment, safe and hygienic, having basic amenities,</li>
<li>Right to legal, aid</li>
<li>No Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without anesthesia</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This act brought changes in Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (which criminalized attempted suicide). <strong>Attempt to commit suicide not an offence.</strong></li>
<li>Now, a person who attempts to commit suicide will be presumed to be &ldquo;suffering from severe stress&rsquo;&rsquo; and shall not be subjected to any investigation or prosecution.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1623012" 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/helpline-bharosa'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'A Study on Sal Forest Tortoise',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study by ecologists in the Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun), finds that over <strong>90% of the potential distribution of the Sal forest tortoise falls outside the current protected area&rsquo;s network.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study covers parts of <strong>India with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.</strong></li>
<li>The Study found that in<strong> northeast India,</strong> the representation of the sal forest tortoise in protected areas (such as reserves, sanctuaries, etc.) is <strong>least.</strong></li>
<li>The study also found that <strong>29% of the predicted distribution of the species falls within high occurrence fire zones.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The species experience <strong>jhum fire in northeast India,</strong> which is a suitable habitat for the species.</li>
<li>Such an intervention may not only directly kill the animals but result in loss of habitat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the IUCN, the population of the species may have fallen by about <strong>80% in the last three generations (90 years).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Sal Forest Tortoise<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589277774_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589277774_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sal Forest Tortoise is also known as the <strong>elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> It is widely distributed over<strong> eastern as well as northern India and Southeast Asia.</strong></li>
<li><strong>IUCN Red List:</strong> Critically Endangered.</li>
<li><strong>CITES:</strong> Appendix II</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972:</strong> Schedule IV</li>
<li><strong>Threat:</strong> Hunted for food, local use such as decorative masks and international wildlife trade.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wildlife Institute of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an autonomous institution under the<strong> Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</strong></li>
<li>It was established in <strong>1982.</strong></li>
<li>It is based in <strong>Dehradun, Uttarakhand.</strong></li>
<li>It offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/sal-forest-tortoise-habitat-stretches-over-unprotected-areas/article31544837.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/sal-forest-tortoise'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'BiPAP Ventilator “SwasthVayu”',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore has developed <strong>BiPAP ventilator</strong> named <strong>SwasthVayu, a non-invasive</strong> (involves use of masks or similar device) <strong>breathing support device,</strong> for the use of non-critical non-ICU cases of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BiPAP stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. It is a type of positive pressure ventilator.</li>
<li>While using BiPAP, positive air pressure is received during breathing in and breathing out. But higher air pressure is received during breathing in.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SwasthVayu is connected with an <strong>oxygen concentrator,</strong> and will be ideal to<strong> treat moderate or mid-stage severe Covid-19 patients</strong> who do not require intubation and invasive ventilation.</li>
<li>The ventilator is ideal for treating Covid-19 patients in wards, makeshift hospitals, dispensaries and homes in the current Indian Covid-19 scenario.</li>
<li>The major advantage of this machine is that it is <strong>simple to use</strong> without any specialized nursing, cost effective, compact and configured with majority of indigenous components.</li>
<li>The system has been <strong>certified for safety and performance by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/star-rating-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Aerospace Laboratories</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is a constituent of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sepsivac-to-be-tested-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</strong></a>, India, established in 1959.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>only government aerospace Research &amp; Development laboratory</strong> in the country&rsquo;s <strong>civilian sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623108" 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/bipap-ventilator-swasthvayu'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Ultraviolet Light and Viruses',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As nations begin relaxing restrictions, scientists are studying the use of <strong>ultraviolet germicidal irradiation</strong> (UVGI) to detect the virus in public places and disinfect contaminated public spaces to stop the transmission of the virus.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ultraviolet Light:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UV light from the sun has <strong>shorter wavelengths</strong> than visible light so it is<strong> not visible to the naked eye.</strong></li>
<li>UV radiation&rsquo;s full spectrum is <strong>sourced from the sun</strong> and can be <strong>classified into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C</strong> rays according to their wavelength.</li>
<li>They differ in their biological activity and the extent to which they can penetrate the skin.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>shorter the wavelength,</strong> the <strong>more harmful</strong> the UV radiation.</li>
<li>However, <strong>shorter wavelength</strong> UV radiation is<strong> less able to penetrate</strong> the skin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Research shows that UV light kills cells and increased exposure can cause cells to become <strong>carcinogenic</strong> (cancerous) and increases the risk of getting <strong>cancer.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Classification of UV Radiation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UV-C:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Short-wavelength.</strong></li>
<li>Most harmful but are completely absorbed by the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere and does not reach the Earth&rsquo;s surface.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UV-B:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Medium-wavelength.</strong></li>
<li>Biologically active but cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers.</li>
<li>Responsible for delayed tanning and burning.</li>
<li>Enhances skin ageing and significantly promotes the development of skin cancer.</li>
<li>Exposure to UV-B rays can cause DNA and cellular damage in living organisms.</li>
<li>Most solar UVB is filtered by the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UV-A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relatively <strong>long-wavelength.</strong></li>
<li>Accounts for approximately 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.</li>
<li>Penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for the immediate tanning.</li>
<li>Enhances the development of skin cancers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UVGI Working Method:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>UVGI replicates UV wavelengths</strong> and uses its <strong>destructive properties to target pathogens.</strong></li>
<li>It disinfects contaminated spaces, air and water and helps in preventing certain infectious diseases from spreading.</li>
<li>According to the <strong>US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control</strong> (CDC), UVGI is a <strong>promising method for disinfection.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2005, the CDC revised its guidelines for using UVGI with regards to the spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-with-the-world-bank-to-eliminate-tb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tuberculosis</strong> </a>(TB) in hospital settings.</li>
<li>The guidelines intended to eliminate the spread of infection to healthcare workers from patients or others with unsuspected or undiagnosed infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Scientists advise that<strong> fixtures containing UVGI lamps</strong> can be mounted on the walls or suspended from the ceilings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such fixtures will shine light on the upper interior surface of a room and trap pathogens.</li>
<li>Installing a fan in such spaces can further draw the air upward, which will increase the speed with which the UVGI can destroy pathogens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>UVGI lamps can also be installed in<strong> room corners,</strong> in<strong> air ducts of ventilation systems</strong> or portable or fixed <strong>air cleaners.</strong></li>
<li>UVGI fixtures are and should be installed above people&rsquo;s heads because their <strong>short wavelengths can irritate the skin and eyes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effectiveness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to research papers, UVGI is <strong>most effective in preventing infections</strong> which are mainly spread through <strong>smaller droplets</strong> and <strong>not by direct contact or larger respiratory droplets.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>efficacy</strong> of UVGI depends on several factors, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sensitivity of microorganisms to UVGI.</li>
<li>Dose/ intensity of UVGI required to kill pathogens.</li>
<li>Humidity and weather conditions.</li>
<li>Air circulation in a room.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It should be such that the air from below the room, where the pathogen is generated reaches the upper-portions of the room, where the UVGI can trap and kill the pathogen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, using <strong>UVGI on a mass-scale</strong> in public spaces like schools, universities, restaurants and cinema halls is<strong> not a very cost-effective way</strong> for disease prevention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DRDO&rsquo;s Latest UV Developments:</strong> The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong></a> (DRDO) has recently developed <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/11-05-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>automated contactless UV-C devices</strong> </a>namely DRUVS (Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser) and NOTESCLEAN.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Measures</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from using modern technology to combat viruses, it has been suggested to bring <strong>behavioural changes</strong> like<strong> social distancing</strong> and <strong>wearing masks.</strong></li>
<li>Few countries have considered issuing <strong>immunity passports </strong>or <strong>risk-free certificates.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such certificates are based on the idea that the <strong>natural immunity</strong> a person develops to any infection will protect them from contracting the disease again. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Once infected</strong> with a viral pathogen, the<strong> body&rsquo;s innate immune response kicks in</strong> and <strong>slows the spread</strong> of the virus.</li>
<li>This response is <strong>followed by an adaptive response,</strong> wherein the <strong>body makes antibodies,</strong> which bind to the virus and help eliminate it.</li>
<li>If this response is strong enough, it might prevent reinfection from the same pathogen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong> </a>(WHO) has warned against using immunity passports because there is, yet, no proof of immunity from the reinfection of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even if there is an immunity, its<strong> duration is not known.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-can-ultraviolet-light-help-detect-kill-the-coronavirus-6402346/" 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/ultraviolet-light-and-viruses'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'SC Refuses to Restore 4G Services in J&K',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/admin/articles/edit/India-Nepal%20on Kailash Mansarovar Link Road 11 May 2020 4 min read Tags: GS Paper - 2India and its NeighbourhoodBilateral Groupings &amp; AgreementsEffect of Policies &amp; Politics of Countries on India's InterestsGS Paper - 3Security Challenges &amp; their Management in Border Areas Why in News Nepal has strongly objected to the newly inaugurated link road which connects Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) to Lipulekh pass (China border) significantly reducing the time of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.  Nepal claims the territory at the Lipulekh pass around 400 sq km area east of Kali river in the tri-junction of Nepal, Tibet and India, through which the road passes as its own. Key Points Nepal's Stand Nepal referred to the 2014 agreement between Prime Ministers of both countries, for Foreign Secretaries to work out the &ldquo;outstanding boundary issues&rdquo; on Kalapani (where Lipulekh lies) and Susta (bordering Bihar). According to Nepal&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry, the unilateral decision to build a road there, is a breach of the 2014 agreement. For evidence, Nepal has the maps during the 1816 Sugauli treaty and other complementing treaties that followed, fixing that Limpiadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh were shown east of Kali river and part of Nepal. These arrangements were made following Nepal&rsquo;s war with the British due to which Nepal had to cede a large part of territory which currently forms the present Uttarakhand. Nepal seeks to question China as well because China and India had signed an agreement in May 2015 to develop Lipulekh as a commercial passage without consulting Nepal which majorly affected the triangulation of the countries. The government of Nepal remains committed to seek diplomatic solutions to the boundary issues on the basis of historical treaty, documents, facts and maps in keeping with the spirit of close and friendly bilateral ties between the two countries.  Kali River  It is also known as Sharda river or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand. It joins Ghagra river in Uttar Pradesh, which is a tributary of Ganga. River Projects: Tanakpur hydro-electric project, Chameliya hydro-electric project, Sharda Barrage. Lipulekh Pass  It is also known as Lipu-Lekh Pass/Qiangla or Tri-Corner is a high altitude mountain pass situated in the western Himalayas with a height of 5,334 metre or 17,500 feet. It is an International mountain pass between India, China and Nepal. India&rsquo;s Response According to India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs, the road going through Pithoragarh lies completely within the territory of India. The road follows the pre-existing route used by the pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which has been made pliable for the ease and convenience of pilgrims, locals and traders, under the present project. India held that the boundary delineation exercise with Nepal is in process and it is committed to resolving outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Other Issues In November 2019, Nepal protested against the publication of Indian maps that included the Kalapani area. However, India rejected Nepal&rsquo;s contention, asserting that the map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. Both nations are in the process of scheduling foreign secretary-level talks, which will be held once dates are finalised after the two governments have successfully dealt with the challenge of Covid-19." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a> <strong>refused to restore <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/fifth-generation-cellular-technology-5g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4G services</a> in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</strong> and ordered <strong>setting up of a high-powered committee</strong> to look into the contentions raised by petitioners against limited 2G services in the Union Territory.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In August 2019, the Central government had suspended all modes of communications in the wake of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, granted under Article 370.</strong></a> Eventually, services were partially restored, with internet speed restricted to 2G.</li>
<li>A plea was filed by &lsquo;Foundation for Media Professionals&rsquo; for restoration of high-speed internet in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> situation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balance of Human Rights and National Security:</strong> The Court ruled that the special circumstances occur in the Union Territory which requires <strong>delicate balancing of national security concerns and human rights.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reference to the Previous Judgement:</strong> The bench also referred to its earlier decision in the <strong>Anuradha Bhasin case (2020)</strong> wherein it ordered <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-s-verdict-on-curbs-imposed-in-j-k" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>review of restrictions placed in J&amp;K</strong></a> in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of Special Committee:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bench ordered the constitution of a Special Committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary, <strong>to determine the necessity of the continuation of limiting mobile Internet to 2G speed in the region.</strong></li>
<li>The committee is expected to suggest the <strong>alternatives regarding limiting the restrictions</strong> to those areas where it is necessary and the <strong>possible ways of allowing faster Internet (3G or 4G)</strong> on a trial basis over certain geographical areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Need of 4G and National Security</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need of 4G in the wake of Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Health:</strong> 4G services are necessary to provide access to the medical fraternity including patients to access latest information, advisories, and guidelines.</li>
<li><strong>Education:</strong> The petition also argued that the schools across the country have shifted to online classes in view of the lockdown but lack of the 4G internet puts J&amp;K students at a disadvantage.</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Business :</strong> The lower internet service speed has also affected businesses dependent on the online mode.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Security Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An issue of infiltration of outside sources through the borders and destabilizing the integrity of the nation was raised during the hearing.</li>
<li>Even the J&amp;K administration stated that high-speed internet will enable the spread of fake news/rumours and transfer of heavy data files (audio/video files) will become prevalent and may be utilised by terror outfits for incitement as also in planning attacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights Under Article 19 :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The judgement declared that the<strong> freedom of speech and expression</strong> and the <strong>freedom to practice any profession</strong> or carry on any trade, business or occupation <strong>over the</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/internet-as-a-medium-of-freedom-of-expression" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>medium of Internet enjoys constitutional protection under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g)</strong></a> respectively.</li>
<li>It also ruled that such freedom is<strong> not absolute,</strong> the restrictions imposed on it should be in consonance with the mandate under <strong>Article 19(2) and Article 19(6) of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Territorial Extent of Internet Suspensions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It had also directed authorities to pass internet suspension orders with respect to <strong>only those areas, where there is absolute necessity of such restrictions to be imposed.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of Review Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Court also directed the government <strong>to constitute a review committee</strong> to review orders <strong>leading to suspension and shutting down of Internet, mobile and fixed line telecommunication services.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All orders leading to suspension and shutting down of Internet, mobile and fixed line telecommunication services are issued under<strong> Rule 2 (2) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services [Public Emergency or Public Service] Rules, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>These are the rules to be followed if the government intends to temporarily suspend telecom services in any part of the country.</li>
<li>These rules have been framed by the government on the basis of the powers conferred by <strong>section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Review Committee shall consist of<strong> State as well as Central level officials</strong> as the issue involved affects not only the UT of Jammu and Kashmir but also the whole country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-security-rights-supreme-court-internet-4g-6405517/" 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/sc-refuses-to-restore-4g-services-in-j-k'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Use of TB Drugs on Crops',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Registration Committee (RC) under the<strong> Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC)</strong> has recommended to ban the use of <strong>antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RC recommended to<strong> ban antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline with immediate effect</strong> on crops where <strong>other options are available</strong> for bacterial disease control.</li>
<li>Where <strong>no alternatives</strong> are available, use of these antibiotics should be<strong> phased out by 2022-end.</strong> Till then, the antibiotics could be used on crops strictly as per the label claim i.e. streptomycin sulphate (9%) and tetracycline hydrochloride (1%).</li>
<li>The RC acknowledged that diseases in crops can be managed by using <strong>integrated pest management</strong> and other practices.</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rampant Misuse:</strong> Although streptocycline use is allowed for eight crops by the CIBRC, it was found to be used on many more crops in practice.</li>
<li><strong>Antibiotic Resistance:</strong> Exposure to antibiotics can lead to development of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/drug-resistant-super-bug-spreading-in-hospitals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>antibiotic resistance</strong></a> in humans and animals.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of Streptomycin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has important use for previously treated <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tuberculosis (TB)</a></strong> patients.</li>
<li>It is also used in multidrug-resistant TB patients and in certain cases of TB meningitis (brain TB).</li>
<li>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>recognises streptomycin as a critically important medicine for human use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Integrated Pest Management</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>ecosystem-based strategy</strong> that focuses on <strong>long-term prevention of pests or their damage</strong> through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.</li>
<li>Pesticides are used only after monitoring and according to established guidelines.<strong>Treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism.</strong></li>
<li>Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner <strong>that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Insecticides Board &amp; Registration Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Insecticides Board &amp; Registration Committee (CIBRC) was set up by the <strong>Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare</strong> in the year 1970 to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of i<strong>nsecticides.</strong></li>
<li>The insecticides are regulated under <strong>Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Central Insecticides Board (CIB)</strong> advises the Central Government and State Governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of Insecticides Act and to carry out the other functions assigned to the Board by or under Insecticides rules.</li>
<li>To <strong>import or manufacture</strong> any insecticide, registration is required at the <strong>Registration Committee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/ban-use-of-tb-drug-on-crops-central-panel-71031" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/use-of-tb-drugs-on-crops'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Atal Pension Yojana ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The flagship social security scheme of the Government of India -<strong> &lsquo;Atal Pension Yojana&rsquo; (APY)</strong> - has completed five years of implementation and garnered over 2.2 crore subscribers.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Target Segment:</strong> The scheme was <strong>launched on 9<sup>th</sup> May, 2015,</strong> with the objective of creating a universal social security system for all Indians, especially <strong>the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Administered By: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong> through National Pension System (NPS).</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> Any <strong>citizen of India</strong> can join the APY scheme. The age of the subscriber should be between <strong>18-40 years.</strong> The contribution levels would vary and would be low if a subscriber joins early and increases if she joins late.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides a minimum guaranteed pension ranging from <strong>Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 on attaining 60 years of age.</strong></li>
<li>The amount of pension is guaranteed for lifetime to the spouse on death of the subscriber.</li>
<li>In the event of death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the entire pension corpus is paid to the nominee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tax Benefits:</strong> Contributions to the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) are eligible for tax benefits similar to the National Pension System (NPS).</li>
<li><strong>Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scheme has been implemented comprehensively across the country covering all states and Union Territories with male to female subscription ratio of 57:43.</li>
<li>However, only 5% of the eligible population has been covered under APY till date.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the <strong>statutory Authority</strong> established by an enactment of the Parliament, to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the<strong> National Pension System (NPS).</strong></li>
<li>It works under the Department of Financial Services under the <strong>Ministry of Finance.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Pension System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NPS is a government-sponsored pension scheme. It was launched in 2004 for government employees.</li>
<li>Now, any individual citizen of India<strong> (both resident and non-resident)</strong> in the age group of <strong>18-65</strong> can join NPS.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1622981" 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/atal-pension-yojana'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 140
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 337
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”