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Bolivia Crisis

Why in News Jeanine Anez became the 66th president of Bolivia by replacing Evo Morales who fled the country to escape a violent crisis. She is the...

14 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Supreme Court Ruling on Finance Act, 2017

Why in News Recently, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India (SC) struck down the rules framed by the government under the Finance Act...

14 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Disqualification of Karnataka MLAs

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of 17 dissident legislators approved by the then Karnataka Assembly Speaker K.R....

14 Nov 2019 News Analysis
World Diabetes Day 2019

Why in News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched an initiative to expand access to affordable insulin on the occasion of World Diabetes...

14 Nov 2019 News Analysis
CJI under the RTI Act

Why in News The Supreme Court has ruled that the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a public authority under the Right to Information...

14 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Why BRICS matters for INDIA?

This article is based on “Why BRICS matters for India” that was published in The Indian Express on 13/11/2019. It talks about the...

13 Nov 2019 News Editorials
Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report

Why in News To mark the occasion of the World Pneumonia Day on November 12, the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) released the 10th...

13 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Krishnapatnam Port

The Adani Group of Companies has expressed its interest in the Krishnapatnam port, as part of its plan to expand its reach in the east...

13 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Premature Deaths in India

Why in News A recently released study by the Lancet Global Health shows that different states in India have different causes for premature deaths in...

13 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Cancer Care Infrastructure

Why in News Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment submitted its report to the Rajya Sabha Chairman...

13 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Butterfly Survey

Why in News The Kerala government has carried out a butterfly survey in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS)...

13 Nov 2019 News Analysis
President’s Rule in Maharashtra

Why in News The state of Maharashtra has been placed under the President’s Rule amid a stalemate over government formation after the assembly...

13 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Guru Nanak Dev

This article is based on “A vision for equality”, “A humanist above all”, “Legacy for a civilisation”,...

12 Nov 2019 News Editorials
The Big Picture: India's Act East Policy

Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Thailand for East Asia Summit and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit. The...

12 Nov 2019 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Suranga Bawadi

Suranga Bawadi, situated in Bijapur Karnataka, has entered the World Monuments Watch List under “Ancient Water System of the Deccan...

12 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Def Connect 2019

The Ministry of Defence had organised the inaugural session of ‘Def Connect 2019’ to showcase the accomplishments of the Innovation for...

12 Nov 2019 News Analysis
PRS Capsule October 2019

Key Highlights of PRS Economy Revised procedure for strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs Framework for Issuing Depository Receipts OCI permitted to...

12 Nov 2019 PRS Capsule
Jainism

Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment...

11 Nov 2019 Paper 1
Stubble Burning

This article is based on “Wealth from the Stubble” that was published in The Indian Express on 07/11/2019. It talks about the issues...

11 Nov 2019 News Editorials
INS Baaz

Why in News Recently, the Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh visited INS Baaz, the southernmost air station of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian...

11 Nov 2019 News Analysis

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		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Bolivia Crisis',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Jeanine Anez</strong> became the <strong>66<sup>th</sup> president</strong> of Bolivia by replacing <strong>Evo Morales</strong> who fled the country to escape a violent crisis. She is the second woman to hold this post in Bolivia.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Her appointment as an interim leader has been endorsed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Controversy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Evo Morales was the<strong> first indigenous President of Bolivia who</strong> came to power in 2006. The past Presidents were of European descent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The indigenous communities consist of <strong>two-thirds</strong> of Bolivia&rsquo;s population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The recent protests after his re-election to President escalated into a rebellion over the <strong>charges of election rigging.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Bolivia<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573728484_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573728484_image2.png" width="284" height="200" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bolivia is officially known as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/presidents-visit-to-bolivia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plurinational State of Bolivia.</strong></a></li>
<li>It is a <strong>landlocked country</strong> located in western-central South America.</li>
<li>The capital of Bolivia is <strong>Sucre</strong> while the seat of government and financial centre is located in <strong>La Paz.</strong></li>
<li>In 2009, a new constitution changed the country's official name to <strong>"Plurinational State of Bolivia"</strong> in recognition of the <strong>multi-ethnic nature</strong> of the country.</li>
<li>Bolivia is a member of the free trade bloc known as <strong>Andean Community (CAN).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Andean Community (CAN) and Mercosur</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Andean Community</strong> is a trade bloc of four countries -<strong> Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Headquarters of CAN are located in <strong>Lima, Peru.</strong></li>
<li>The regional integration in the Andean countries began with the signing of the <strong>Cartagena Agreement</strong> (by <strong>Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru</strong>) in 1969 creating the <strong>Andean Pact</strong> with the objective of creating a Customs Union and a Common Market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chile withdrew in 1976 claiming economic incompatibilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Apart from CAN, <strong>Mercosur is the other major trading block of South America.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mercosur was established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunci&oacute;n, which was later amended and updated by the 1994 Treaty of Ouro Preto.</li>
<li>Its full members are <strong>Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay.</strong> Venezuela&rsquo;s membership was suspended in 2016.</li>
<li>Mercosur and CAN signed a Framework Agreement for the creation of a Free Trade Area between each other in April 1998.</li>
<li>CAN and Mercosur, along with nations like Chile, have been spearheading deeper integration of all South America through the <strong>Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)</strong> patterned on the European Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/jeanine-anez-stand-in-president-vows-to-pacify-bolivia/article29965210.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Supreme Court Ruling on Finance Act, 2017',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p></p>
<p>Recently, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India (SC) struck down the rules framed by the government under the Finance Act of 2017 to alter the appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SC struck down the changes made by the Finance Act, 2017 in entirety, as it found them contrary to the parent enactment and the principles envisaged in the Constitution.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These rules (Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal, and other Authorities Rules, 2017) were formulated by the Central Government under Section 184 of the Finance Act, 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, the SC raised the question of whether the Finance 2017 Act could have been passed as a money bill. For now, it has been referred to a larger Bench of 7 judges.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ordinarily, the Finance Act is enacted at the beginning of every accounting year to give effect to the government&rsquo;s fiscal policies.</li>
<li>However, the Finance Act, 2017 apart from setting the fiscal agenda, made changes that affected the powers and composition of various tribunals. For example, National Green Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasoning Behind the Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On the issue of changes made by the Finance Act, 2017</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Finance Act, 2017 gave the Union government the power to govern appointments and modify service terms and conditions of members of tribunals.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government can make changes in them through rules (executive action).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The problem associated with these changes is two-fold:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A bill requires parliamentary approval in order to be enforced, <strong>therefore changing appointment, removal, and reappointment of members on a tribunal through rules</strong> lowers the threshold of parliamentary scrutiny.</li>
<li>Also, in 2014, the SC, while examining provisions related to the National Tax Tribunal, had held that Appellate tribunals have powers and functions similar to that of High Courts.</li>
<li>Hence matters related to the appointment and reappointment of their members must be free from executive involvement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tribunals</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tribunal is a special court to deal with specific matters or problems of a particular type. They are established by an act of Parliament.</li>
<li>However, the courts are constitutional bodies, that deal with all types of cases.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On the issue of Money Bill</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The case has been referred to a larger bench. However, the minority opinion of the Constitution Bench held that the Finance Act, 2017, could not have been enacted as a money bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Money Bills</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A Bill is said to be a Money Bill if it only contains provisions related to taxation, borrowing of money by the government, expenditure from or receipt to the Consolidated Fund of India. Bills that only contain provisions that are incidental to these matters would also be regarded as Money Bills.</li>
<li>A Money Bill may only be introduced in Lok Sabha, on the recommendation of the President. It must be passed in the Lok Sabha by a simple majority of all members present and voting.</li>
<li>Following this, it may be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations, which Lok Sabha may reject if it chooses to. If such recommendations are not given within 14 days, it will deem to be passed by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3><br /><strong>Other highlights of the judgment</strong></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On account of the merger of tribunals, the SC directed the government to undertake a <strong>&lsquo;Judicial Impact Assessment&rsquo;</strong> of all 24 tribunals and analyze the ramifications of the merger.</li>
<li>The SC also highlighted the dismal state of tribunals. Therefore, in order to monitor the working of tribunals, the SC directed the constituting a statutory organization called the <strong>National TribunalCommission.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-strikes-down-rules-in-amended-finance-act-2017-on-tribunals/article29961315.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Disqualification of Karnataka MLAs',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of 17 dissident legislators approved by the then Karnataka Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar under the Tenth Schedule <strong>(<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/politics-of-defection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anti-Defection law</a>).</strong></p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2019, a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-anti-defection-law-karnataka-political-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>motion of no-confidence was to be</strong></a> considered in Karnataka Assembly against the ruling party. During this process, a few of the legislators resigned from their respective parties. However, their resignation was not taken under consideration by the then Assembly Speaker in lieu of the confidence vote that was to be held within a few days.</li>
<li>As soon as the trust vote was not achieved during the <strong>floor test</strong> by the ruling party, the <strong>Speaker disqualified those rebellious members.</strong> This raised the question of the <em>disqualification of members under the Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule) versus the role of Speaker to accept their resignation.</em></li>
<li>Also, the <strong>Speaker barred those MLAs from contesting elections</strong> till the time incumbent Assembly&rsquo;s term gets over, i.e, by 2023. This raised another question whether <em>disqualification under Tenth Schedule can lead to a bar upon legislators to contest by-elections during the tenure of the incumbent Legislative Assembly.</em></li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court Ruling</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tenth Schedule versus Re-contesting elections:</strong> The Supreme Court <strong>upheld the disqualification</strong> of the dissident legislators however it also held that their <strong>ouster does not put any bar upon them from contesting by-polls.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the Court, <strong>&lsquo;neither under the Constitution</strong> nor under the <strong>statutory scheme</strong> (i.e, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/postal-ballot-cover-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of the People Act, 1951</strong></a> or the <strong>Anti-Defection Law</strong>) it is mentioned that disqualification under the Tenth Schedule would lead to a bar for contesting re-elections.&rsquo;</li>
<li>The court also remarked that even the <strong>91<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act, 2003</strong> which did not allow a disqualified member to be appointed as a minister, did not give Speaker the power to put a ban upon them to contest elections till the end of the term.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resignation versus Disqualification:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A member may choose to resign for a variety of reasons which represents an individual&rsquo;s choice or will. An elected member&nbsp;if chooses to resign cannot be compelled to continue in the office. Whereas, a disqualification leads to the expulsion of the member from the office, irrespective of their will.</li>
<li>In this case, the court observed, &lsquo;on the one hand, resignation does not take away the effect of a prior act that amounts to disqualification. On the other, Speakers are not given a free power to sit on resignation letters indefinitely.&rsquo;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under <strong>Article 190(3) of the Constitution,</strong> the Speaker has to ascertain the <strong>voluntary and genuine</strong> nature of a resignation before accepting it.</li>
<li>It is a limited inquiry process only to check if the letter is authentic and if the intent to quit is based on free will. Once it is clear, the Speaker has no option but to accept the resignation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Court also observed that a pending disqualification action does not become nonfunctional by mere submission of the resignation letter. This would defeat the purpose of the Tenth Schedule if it was held that disqualification proceedings would become unfruitful upon tendering resignation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Anti-Defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Anti-Defection Law was passed in <strong>1985</strong> through the <strong>52<sup>nd</sup> Amendment to the Constitution.</strong> It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat &ldquo;the evil of political defections&rdquo;.</li>
<li>According to it, a member of a House belonging to any political party becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, (a) if he voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or (b) if he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Powers of Speaker with regard to Anti-Defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the <strong>presiding officer</strong> of the House.</li>
<li>After <strong>Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachilhu&nbsp;case (1993),</strong> the Supreme Court declared that the decision of the presiding officer is <strong>not final and can be questioned in any court.</strong> It is subject to <strong>judicial review</strong> on the grounds of malafide, perversity, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-upholds-speakers-disqualification-of-17-karnataka-mlas/article29960032.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/disqualification-of-karnataka-mlas'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'World Diabetes Day 2019',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> has launched an initiative to expand access to affordable insulin on the occasion of <strong>World Diabetes Day (14<sup>th</sup> November).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This year&rsquo;s theme for World Diabetes Day is <strong>&ldquo;Family and Diabetes&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>14<sup>th</sup> November</strong> marks the <strong>birthday of Sir Frederick Banting,</strong> who <strong>co-discovered insulin</strong> along with Charles Best in <strong>1922.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Kep Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The burden of disease:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than <strong>420 million people worldwide</strong> affected<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-asians-at-higher-health-risks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> by diabetes.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>China</strong> has the <strong>highest</strong> number of patients (11.43 cr.) followed by <strong>India</strong> (7.29 cr.) in<strong> 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues related to treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>High costs of insulin</li>
<li>Insufficient essential medicines and technologies</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps taken by Government of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s National</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)</strong></a> <strong>Target</strong> is to prevent the rise in obesity and diabetes prevalence.</li>
<li><strong>National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010</strong> to provide support for diagnosis and cost-effective treatment at various levels of health care.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diabetes</strong></p>
<p>Diabetes is a <strong>Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does <strong>not</strong> <strong>produce</strong> enough <strong>insulin</strong> (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Types<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Type I diabetes:</strong> It is also known as juvenile diabetes (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin. People with type I diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.</li>
<li><strong>Type 2 diabetes:</strong> It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The population with <strong>45 and above age group is the most affected with it.</strong></li>
<li>This is the <strong>most common type of diabetes</strong> and it has strong links with obesity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes becomes less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Diabetes affects the five major organs namely, <strong>Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>factors</strong> responsible for the <strong>increase in diabetes</strong> are an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/who-initiative-to-expand-access-to-affordable-insulin/article29932773.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/world-diabetes-day-2019'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'CJI under the RTI Act',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> has ruled that the office of the <strong>Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a public authority</strong> under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>five-judge Constitution Bench</strong> headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi gave the ruling.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlights of the Ruling</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court is a &ldquo;public authority&rdquo; and the office of the CJI is part and parcel of the institution. Hence, if the Supreme Court is a public authority, so is the office of the CJI.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The judiciary cannot function in total insulation as judges enjoy a constitutional post and discharge public duty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, <strong>Right to Privacy is an important aspect and has to be balanced with transparency</strong> while deciding to give out information from the office of the Chief Justice of India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>RTI cannot be used as a tool of surveillance</strong> and that judicial independence has to be kept in mind while dealing with transparency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On the issue related to the appointment of judges, the Supreme Court held that only the <strong>names of the judges recommended by the Collegium for appointment can be disclosed,</strong> not the reasons.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Outcome of the Ruling</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The office of the CJI will <strong>now entertain RTI applications.</strong></li>
<li>Under the RTI Act, 2005, every public authority has to provide information to persons requesting for the information under the Act.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public Authority</strong> includes the body constituted by or under the Constitution. <strong>Article 124</strong> of the Constitution deals with the establishment of the Supreme Court of India.</li>
<li><strong>Information includes</strong> any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ruling is <strong>an example for other bodies</strong> such as political parties, number of schools, trusts and public-private partnerships who resist categorisation as public authorities under the Act.</li>
<li>However, it has been seen that <strong>Offices</strong> such as those of the Prime Minister and the President which are public authorities under the RTI Act <strong>have often denied information</strong> quoting separate observations by the Supreme Court.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For instance, in 2011, the Supreme Court observed that:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Officials need to furnish only such information which already exists and is held by the public authority and not collate or create information, that is</li>
<li>The nation does not want a scenario where 75% of the staff of public authorities spends 75% of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong> The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Bureau of Investigation</strong></a> (CBI) is <strong>out of the purview of the RTI Act.</strong> It was granted exemption in 2011.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ruling-on-cjis-office-sets-rti-example/article29965449.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/cji-under-the-rti-act'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Why BRICS matters for INDIA?',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-brics-matters-for-india-6116737/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Why BRICS matters for India&rdquo;</strong></a> that was published in The Indian Express on 13/11/2019. It talks about the importance of BRICS for India.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>In the run-up to 11th BRICS summit that is scheduled to be held at Brasilia (Brazil) on 13-14 Nov, Indian Prime Minister has articulated a vision of strengthening and reforming the multilateral system itself.</strong></p>
<h3>Origin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2001, the British Economist <strong>Jim O&rsquo;Neill</strong> coined the term<strong> BRIC</strong> to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.</li>
<li>The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of the UNGA in New York in 2006.</li>
<li>The first BRIC Summit was held in <strong>Yekaterinburg, Russia,</strong> in June, 2009.</li>
<li>The expansion of grouping took place at Foreign Ministers&rsquo; meeting in New York in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa.</li>
<li>South Africa attended the <strong>third</strong> BRICS Summit in <strong>Sanya, China`</strong> in April 2011.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Institutions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Development Bank:</strong> During the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil (2014), the leaders signed the Agreement for establishing the New Development Bank (NDB).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fortaleza Declaration</strong> stressed that the NDB will strengthen cooperation among BRICS and will supplement the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global development thus contributing to sustainable and balanced growth.</li>
<li>NDB has successfully worked as one of the most promising multilateral development institutions. Since its inception in 2015, it has approved 42 investment projects worth over $11 billion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contingency Reserve Arrangement:</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/brics-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRICS</strong> </a>nations signed BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014 as part of Fortaleza Declaration at Sixth BRICS summit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contingency Reserve Arrangement, aimed at ensuring liquidity for member-states when they are confronted by short term balance of payment crises.</li>
<li>The capital of $100 billion committed under CRA, can act as the guarantor of BRICS financial stability in case of crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of BRICS in Global Order</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BRICS countries together accounts for 42% of the world&rsquo;s population, a third of the global GDP and around 17% share of world trade. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BRICS countries&rsquo; sizable contribution to global growth, trade and investment makes it an important pillar of global order.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial:</strong> Structural imbalances caused by the global financial crisis of 2008 and new threats to the global economy posed by trade war and unilateral economic sanctions are yet to be resolved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The growing contribution of the BRICS to the world economy and the rising importance of the economic relations between the BRICS and other Emerging Market and Developing Countries (EMDCs) create an opportunity for new initiatives that would better help to support sustainable and inclusive growth and development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong> The US unilateral withdrawal from<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-2nd-february-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty</strong></a> and<strong> Iran deal</strong> has posed a great security threat to global peace.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BRICS, being a pillar of fairer polycentric world order, can play a significant role in assuring world peace by playing an active role in dispute resolution based on principle of fairness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poverty Reduction:</strong> The BRICS contribution to world poverty reduction has been sizeable. Continued BRICS growth remains important for poverty reduction as well as for reducing international inequalities.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The treaty was signed in December 1987 by US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.</li>
<li>It prohibited the United States and the Soviet Union from possessing, testing and deploying ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles of ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.</li>
<li>It also covered all land-based missiles, including those carrying nuclear warheads but did not cover sea-launched missiles.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Importance of BRICS for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Politics:</strong> Global geopolitics today represents the case of a tug of war and India finds itself in the middle of it. This has made difficult for India to carve a middle path for <strong>balancing its strategic interests between the U.S and the Russia-China axis.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, BRICS platform provides an opportunity for India to balance Russia-China axis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Economic Order:</strong> BRICS countries shared a common objective of reforming the international financial and monetary system, with a strong desire to build a more just, and balanced international order<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To this end, BRICS community plays an important role in the G20, in shaping global economic policies and promoting financial stability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Voice of Developing Nations:</strong> As the western countries are raising challenges on issues ranging from World Trade Organisation to climate change, the developing countries are crippling under the onslaught of these policies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In recent period, BRICS has emerged as the voice of developing countries, or the global south and playing a significant role in protecting the rights of developing countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong> BRICS also provides a platform for India to galvanize its efforts against terrorism and has worked within the grouping to take a strong stand against terrorism and bring about focused consultations on specific aspects relating to terrorism.</li>
<li><strong>Global Grouping:</strong> India is actively pursuing its membership for United Nation Security Council (UNSC) and Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China forms the major roadblock in pursuing such goals. Therefore, BRICS provides an opportunity to actively engage with China and resolve the mutual disputes. It also helps in garnering support of other partner countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Heterogeneity:</strong> It is claimed by critics that heterogeneity (variable/diverse nature of countries) of the BRICS nations with its diverse interests possess a threat to the viability of the grouping.</li>
<li><strong>China Centric:</strong> All the countries in BRICS grouping trade with China more than each other, therefore it is blamed that as a platform to promote China&rsquo;s interest. Balancing trade deficit with China is huge challenge for other partner nations.</li>
<li><strong>Global Model for Governance:</strong> Amidst, global slowdown, trade war and protectionism, the critical challenge for the BRICS consists in the development of a new global model of governance which should not be unipolar but inclusive and constructive.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The goal should be to avoid a negative scenario of unfolding globalization and to start a complicated merging of the global growing economies without distorting or breaking the single financial and economic continuum of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BRICS should promote comprehensive development of all states &mdash; both big and small &mdash; and enhanced mutually beneficial cooperation among them on the basis of shared interests.</li>
<li><strong>Democratization of international issues</strong> i.e agreements on global agendas should be reached with the widest and equal participation of all stakeholders and be based on universally recognised legal norms.</li>
<li>The principle of respect for cultural and civilizational diversity of the world should be a top priority.</li>
<li>BRICS nations should strive for peaceful and politico-diplomatic settlement of crisis and conflict in various regions of the world.</li>
</ul>
<p>BRICS, being one of the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order, plays an important stabilising role in global affairs. In the storming ocean of world politics, BRICS can contribute significantly in maintaining international stability and ensuring global economic growth and becoming a united center of the multipolar world.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #fc0000; background-color: #fffce0;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Inputs</strong></em></span><br /><br />BRICS can be the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order. In this context, examine the relevance of BRICS in upholding the voice of developing nations.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/why-brics-matters-for-india'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>To mark the occasion of the <strong>World Pneumonia Day</strong> on <strong>November 12</strong>, the <strong>International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC)</strong> released the <strong>10<sup>th</sup> Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report.</strong> The report describes <strong>progress in fighting pneumonia and diarrhoea</strong> in countries with the highest absolute number of deaths.</p>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report is issued <strong>annually.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Prevalence:</strong> The report has found that globally, pneumonia and diarrhoea led to nearly <strong>one of every four deaths</strong> in children under five years of age (in 2017).</li>
<li><strong>Parameters:</strong> The report analyses how effectively countries are delivering <strong>10 key interventions,</strong> including <strong>breastfeeding, vaccination, access to care, use of antibiotics, ORS, and zinc supplementation.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These measures are proven to help prevent deaths due to these illnesses and could help achieve the <strong>UN&rsquo;s Sustainable Development Goal-3</strong> target of reducing<strong> under-five mortality</strong> to at least as low as <strong>25 per 1,000 live births by 2030.</strong></li>
<li>According to UNICEF, in India (2018) the<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Under 5</strong> Mortality Rate is 39 deaths per 1000 live births.</li>
<li><strong>Infant</strong> Mortality Rate <strong>(under one year of age)</strong> is 32 deaths per 1000 live births.</li>
<li><strong>Neonatal</strong> Mortality Rate <strong>(during the first 28 days of life)</strong> is 24 deaths per 1000 live births.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Status:</strong> Rollout of <strong>rotavirus vaccines</strong> to prevent rotavirus diarrhoea (in 2016), and <strong>pneumococcal conjugate vaccine</strong> for treating pneumonia (in 2017) has helped India to improve its scores. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s exclusive breastfeeding rate (at 55%) is among the highest of the 23 countries. However, the proportion of children receiving important treatments, as with many other countries, remains below targets.</li>
<li><strong>In India, half</strong> of the children with diarrhoea receive ORS <strong>(Oral Rehydration Solution)</strong> and <strong>20%</strong> receive <strong>zinc supplementation</strong> that helps to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia and diarrhoea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573638411_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573638411_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="561" height="262" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Other Reports Findings:</strong> Reports from organizations like <strong>Save the Children and UNICEF</strong> have marked that, in 2017, the<strong> highest risk factors for child pneumonia death</strong> in India were: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>53% caused by<strong> child wasting,</strong></li>
<li>27% by<strong> outdoor air pollution,</strong> and</li>
<li>22% caused by<strong> indoor air pollution</strong> from solid fuels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The report concludes that the global community must<strong> increase investment and support</strong> other countries in developing <strong>smart and sustainable strategies</strong> that can close the gaps and accelerate progress.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/falling-prey-to-pneumonia-diarrhoea/article29956072.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/pneumonia-and-diarrhoea-progress-report'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Krishnapatnam Port',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Adani Group of Companies has expressed its interest in the Krishnapatnam port, as part of its plan to expand its reach in the east coast.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Krishnapatnam Port is located in Nellore District in <strong>Andhra Pradesh.</strong></li>
<li>The Port has been named so as the <strong>Vijayanagar Emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya</strong> used to operate this port.</li>
<li>In the 1980s, the Government of India declared the Port as a<strong> &lsquo;minor port&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Union Government</strong> is responsible for <strong>development of 12 Major Ports</strong> whereas<strong> minor ports</strong> are under the <strong>jurisdiction of respective State Governments.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vijaynagar Empire</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vijayanagara or <strong>&ldquo;city of victory&rdquo;</strong> was the <strong>name of both a city and an empire.</strong></li>
<li>The empire was <strong>founded in the fourteenth century (1336 AD)</strong> by <strong>Harihara and Bukka</strong> of <strong>Sangama dynasty.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They made <strong>Hampi</strong> as the capital city. In 1986, Hampi was declared a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Heritage site by UNESCO.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.</li>
<li>Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by <strong>four important dynasties</strong> and they are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sangama</li>
<li>Saluva</li>
<li>Tuluva</li>
<li>Aravidu</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Krishnadevaraya (ruled 1509-29)</strong> of the <strong>Tuluva dynasty</strong> was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagar. His rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation.</li>
<li>He is credited with <strong>building some fine temples</strong> and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples. He also founded a <strong>suburban township</strong> near Vijayanagar called <strong>Nagalapuram</strong> after his mother.</li>
<li>He composed a work on statecraft in Telugu known as the <strong>Amuktamalyada.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/adani-begins-due-diligence-of-krishnapatnam-port/article29955876.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/krishnapatnam-port'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Premature Deaths in India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recently released study by <strong>the Lancet Global Health</strong> shows that <strong>different states in India have different causes for premature deaths</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study shows that <strong>9.7 million people face premature deaths in India (2017).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Premature deaths are death that occurs before the average age of death in a certain population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Premature deaths due to various causes expressed as<strong> Years of Life Lost (YLL)</strong> are <strong>unevenly distributed</strong> in terms of the <strong>burden on the states.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Years of Life Lost (YLL)</strong> is a measure of premature mortality. It estimates the years of potential life lost due to premature deaths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573633441_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573633441_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="426" height="405" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The different causes of premature deaths in India include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Liver and alcohol related issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>high</strong> in the <strong>northeastern states, Bihar, Karnataka, and Maharashtra,</strong> accounting for <strong>18% of national YLLs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suicides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>highest in the southern states,</strong> accounting for <strong>15% of national YLLs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cancer:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh account for <strong>44% of India&rsquo;s cancer burden.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road traffic injuries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Theses are <strong>high</strong> in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, accounting for <strong>33%</strong> of <strong>national YLLs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More than three-quarters of premature deaths and</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malnutrition-and-disease-burden" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY)</strong></a> occurred in <strong>rural areas,</strong> and <strong>males</strong> accounted for <strong>54.3%</strong> of all DALYs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) is the sum of the number of years of life lost due to premature death and a weighted measure of the years lived with disability due to a disease or injury. India had <strong>486 million DALYs in 2017.</strong></li>
<li>DALY rates in <strong>rural areas</strong> of India are at <strong>least twice</strong> those of <strong>urban areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>DALY and YLL</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DALYs for a disease or health condition are calculated as the sum of the Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature mortality in the population and the Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) for people living with the health condition or its consequences</li>
<li>Simply, it can be written as<strong> DALY= YLL+YLD.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/premature-deaths-in-india-different-causes-different-states-6116747/" 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/premature-deaths-in-india'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Cancer Care Infrastructure',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment</strong> submitted its report to the Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu. The committee was constituted to examine an expanded role of the Department of Atomic Energy <strong>to address India&rsquo;s rising cancer burden.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Infrastructure:</strong> According to the report, India&rsquo;s cancer care infrastructure is <strong>highly inadequate</strong> which forces a majority of patients to travel thousands of kilometres for treatment.</li>
<li><strong>Mortality to Incidence Ratio:</strong> The inadequate infrastructure fails to address the needs of patients and contributes to a <strong>20% higher mortality among Indian cancer patients</strong> than those in countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, the rate stands at 0.68 which is higher than that in countries with <strong>very high HDI (at 0.38) and high HDI countries (0.57).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incidence Rate in India:</strong> The number of <strong>newly diagnosed cases</strong> of cancer <strong>annually</strong> is about <strong>16 lakh.</strong> Around <strong>8 lakh people die</strong> annually due to cancer.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prevalence among <strong>women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Breast cancer-</strong> 140,000 cases,</li>
<li><strong>Cervical cancer-</strong> 100,000 cases, and</li>
<li><strong>Oral cancer-</strong> 45,000 cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Among <strong>men,</strong> the top three cancers with the highest incidence are those in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Oral cavity-</strong> 1,38,000 cases,</li>
<li><strong>Cancer of the pharynx-</strong> 90,000 cases, and</li>
<li>The <strong>gastrointestinal tract-</strong> 2,00,000 cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The incidence of cancer is <strong>very high in all North Eastern States</strong> (higher than the national average) for several types of cancer, showing a <strong>consistently rising trend</strong> over the past few decades.</li>
<li>The<strong> International Agency for Research on Cancer</strong> expects <strong>cancer deaths</strong> in India to rise from 8.8 lakh in 2018 to 13 lakh in 2035.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The report highlights the significance of India&rsquo;s<strong> National Cancer Grid</strong> which is the prominent centre for cancer treatment in the country. It treats over 7,00,000 new cancer cases.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Cancer Grid</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Cancer Grid (NCG)</strong> is a <strong>network of major cancer centers, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India</strong> with the mandate of establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training and education in oncology and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer.</li>
<li>It was formed in<strong> August 2012.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>International Agency for Research on Cancer</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) was created in <strong>1965</strong> by a resolution of the World Health Assembly, as the <strong>specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization.</strong></li>
<li>The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.</li>
<li>It comprises of<strong> 27</strong> member countries. <strong>India is a member</strong> of it.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Lyon, France.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hub and Spoke Model:</strong> The committee recommended this model to enhance the <strong>accessibility and reach out</strong> to cancer patients nationally. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has a network of<strong> centres</strong> (or<strong> hubs</strong>)- capable of <strong>treating complex</strong> forms of cancer. They would be <strong>connected to other centres (spokes)</strong> capable of <strong>treating less complex</strong> variants of cancers.</li>
<li>The underlying idea is to <strong>ease access and minimize travel time</strong> for patients- as one hub would cover about 4 crore patients and a spoke 50 lakh-1 crore patients annually.</li>
<li>The model is already in practice in <strong>Punjab.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/indias-cancer-care-facilities-highly-inadequate-says-parliamentary-panel/article29956045.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/cancer-care-infrastructure'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Butterfly Survey',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Kerala government has carried out a butterfly survey in the <strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS)</strong> located in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/environmental-conservation-with-grassroot-governance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Western Ghat region.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The survey <strong>aims</strong> at assessing the butterfly diversity in the forest areas of the western ghats region, which is vulnerable to climatic changes.</li>
<li>The survey coincides with the<strong> annual butterfly migration in south India from the plains to the Western Ghats areas.</strong></li>
<li>The butterfly is an<strong> indicator species</strong> thus a survey will help to study the<strong> interrelation and effects of climate change on ecology.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An indicator species provides information on the overall condition of the ecosystem and of other species in that ecosystem. They reflect the quality and changes in environmental conditions as well as aspects of community composition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The survey spotted 191 species of butterflies</strong> in the area, out of which <strong>12</strong> are <strong>endemic</strong> to the region. It shows a <strong>healthy butterfly habitat</strong> in the region</li>
<li>The survey observed <strong>rare species of butterflies</strong> such as <strong>Silver forget me not, Common three-ring, and Brown onyx, etc.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>diversity of butterflies</strong> was <strong>very low</strong> in the forest areas where <strong>alien invasive plants</strong> such as <strong>Senna spectabilis</strong> are found.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Senna spectabilis suppresses the growth of many host plants of butterflies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.</li>
<li>Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is significant because of ecological and geographic continuity with other protected areas such as Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole N.P., of Karnataka in the north-eastern portion and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu in the south-east.</li>
<li>It has the world&rsquo;s largest recorded population of the Asiatic elephant.</li>
<li>Almost the entire Wayanad district is drained by Kabini and its three tributaries, the Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Kalindy rivers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Kabini River, one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the Kaveri River.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 13 sanctuaries in the protected areas of the state of Kerala.</li>
<li>It is located in the Idduki district of Kerala near the Annamalai hills.</li>
<li>It comes under the jurisdiction of Eravikulam National Park.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-western-ghats-still-home-to-a-rainbow-of-butterflies/article29956417.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/butterfly-survey'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'President’s Rule in Maharashtra',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The state of <strong>Maharashtra has been placed under the President&rsquo;s Rule</strong> amid a stalemate over government formation after the assembly polls in October 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Union Cabinet recommended the President's rule</strong> in the state after <strong>Governor of the state submitted a report</strong> regarding the same.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In his report, the Governor said a situation has arisen that a <strong>stable government is not possible</strong> and the <strong>government could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The President signed a <strong>proclamation</strong> imposing President's rule in Maharashtra under <strong>Article 356(1).</strong> The <strong>Assembly</strong> has been kept in<strong> suspended animation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>President&rsquo;s Rule</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meaning</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>President&rsquo;s Rule implies the <strong>suspension of a state government</strong> and the<strong> imposition of direct rule of the Centre.</strong></li>
<li>It is also known as &lsquo;State Emergency&rsquo; or &lsquo;Constitutional Emergency&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Article 356</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Supreme Court in Bommai case (1994) enlisted the situations where the exercise of power under Article 356 could be proper.</li>
<li>One such situation is that of <strong>&lsquo;Hung Assembly&rsquo;,</strong> i.e. where after general elections to the assembly, no party secures a majority.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President&rsquo;s Rule is imposed through the<strong> invocation of Article 356 of the Constitution</strong> by the President on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.</li>
<li>Under Article 356, President&rsquo;s Rule is imposed if the<strong> President, upon receipt of the report from the Governor</strong> of the State or otherwise, <strong>is satisfied</strong> that a situation has arisen in which the <strong>government of the State cannot be carried</strong> on<strong> in accordance</strong> with the provisions of the <strong>Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parliamentary Approval and Duration</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A proclamation imposing President&rsquo;s Rule <strong>must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months</strong> from the date of its issue.</li>
<li>The approval takes place through<strong> simple majority</strong> in either House, that is, a majority of the members of the House present and voting.</li>
<li>Initially <strong>valid for six months,</strong> the President&rsquo;s Rule can be <strong>extended for a maximum period of three years</strong> with the approval of the Parliament, every six months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences of President&rsquo;s Rule</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>state governor, on behalf of the President, carries on the state administration</strong> with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President.</li>
<li>The President can declare that the powers of the state legislature are to be exercised by the Parliament.</li>
<li>The President <strong>either suspends or dissolves the state legislative assembly.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Revocation</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A proclamation of President&rsquo;s Rule <strong>may be revoked by the President at any time</strong> by a subsequent proclamation. Such a proclamation <strong>does not require parliamentary approval.</strong></li>
<li>This happens, in case, the leader of a party produces letters of support from a majority of members of the Assembly, and stakes his claim to form a government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Punchii Commission&rsquo;s Guidelines in case of a Hung Assembly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The party or combination of parties which commands the <strong>widest support in the Legislative Assembly</strong> should be called upon to form the Government.</li>
<li>If there is a <strong>pre-poll alliance or coalition,</strong> it should be treated as one political party and if such coalition obtains a majority, the leader of such coalition shall be called by the Governor to form the Government.</li>
<li>In case <strong>no party or pre-poll coalition has a clear majority,</strong> the Governor should select the Chief Minister in the order of preference as indicated below:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The group of parties which had pre-poll alliance commanding the largest number.</li>
<li>The largest single party staking a claim to form the government with the support of others.</li>
<li>A post-electoral coalition with all partners joining the government.</li>
<li>A post-electoral alliance with some parties joining the government and the remaining including independents supporting the government from outside.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/presidents-rule-imposed-in-maharashtra/article29954298.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/president-s-rule-in-maharashtra'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Guru Nanak Dev',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-vision-for-equality-guru-nanak-550-birth-anniversary-6115069/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A vision for equality&rdquo;</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/guru-nanak-dev-guru-purb-sikhism-golden-temple-6115054/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A humanist above all&rdquo;</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/legacy-for-a-civilisation-guru-nanak-550-birth-anniversary-teachings-6115075/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Legacy for a civilisation&rdquo;</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/going-beyond-kartarpur-corridor-inauguration-opening-india-pakistan-amarinder-singh-pm-modi-imran-khan-6115072/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Going beyond Kartarpur&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Indian Express on 12/11/2019. It talks about the relevance of Guru Nanak Dev in Modern India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/550th-birth-anniversary-celebrations-of-sri-guru-nanak-dev" target="_blank" rel="noopener">550<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev</a> </strong>was celebrated. He is known as a philosopher, poet, traveller, political rebel, social leveller, mass communicator and a spiritual master- on whose teachings the religion of Sikhism is founded.</p>
<h3>About Guru Nanak Dev</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) was born in a village, Talwandi Rai Bhoe, near Lahore (it was renamed later as Nankana Sahib).</li>
<li>Guru Nanak Dev initiated inter-faith dialogue way back in the 16<sup>th</sup> century and had conversations with most of the religious denominations of his times.</li>
<li>His written compositions were included in the Adi Granth compiled by Guru Arjan (1563-1606), the fifth Sikh guru.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This came to be known as Guru Granth Sahib after the additions made by the 10th guru Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708).</li>
<li>In compiling the Adi Granth, Guru Arjan showed a remarkable commitment to pluralism while retaining the unity of thought initiated by Guru Nanak Dev.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of Guru Nanak Dev for modern India</h3>
<p><strong>Building an Egalitarian Society</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Even though India is an aspiring superpower, it&rsquo;s caste hierarchy is still engraved in the societal order.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev's vision of a casteless society in which there is no caste hierarchy can help to establish an egalitarian society.</li>
<li>His idea of equality can be deduced by the following innovative social institutions, as given by him:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Langar:</strong> Collective cooking and sharing of food.</li>
<li><strong>Pangat:</strong> Partaking food without distinctions of high and low caste.</li>
<li><strong>Sangat:</strong> Collective decision making.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These egalitarian practices had directly challenged the untouchability and the caste system and continue to do so.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Social Harmony</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increased cases of intolerance, mob lynching and right-wing vigilantism, affects the secular nature and social harmony of the Indian society.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev's concept of "Jeeye kaa ik daata" can address these issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to him, the whole world is God&rsquo;s creation (Jeeye kaa ik daata) and all are born equal. There is only one universal creator i.e. <strong>&ldquo;Ik Omkaar Satnaam.&rdquo;</strong></li>
<li>This spirit of equality began with Guru Nanak Dev&rsquo;s clear recognition that there is no distinction between a Hindu and Muslim. For him, no country was foreign and no people were alien.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This philosophy is similar to the Sanskrit saying <strong>&ldquo;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&rdquo;</strong> that describes the whole world as one family.</li>
<li>Apart from it, <strong>forgiveness, patience, forbearance, and kindness</strong> are the core of Guru Nanak Dev's teachings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Creating a Just Society</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inequality is the root cause of all social evils.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev placed the motto of<strong> "kirat karo, naam japo and vand chhako"</strong> (work, worship and share) before his disciples.</li>
<li>He stood for <strong>karma as the basis of dharma,</strong> and he transformed the idea of spiritualism into the <strong>ideology of social responsibility and social change.</strong></li>
<li>He suggested that we earn by honest labour and share the earnings with the needy.</li>
<li>He advocated the concept of <strong>&ldquo;dasvandh&rdquo;</strong> or donating one-tenth of one&rsquo;s earning among needy persons.</li>
<li>The selfless service to mankind known as<strong> &ldquo;Seva&rdquo;</strong> is central to the teaching of Sikhism.</li>
<li>These ideals can help us in establishing a just society today.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gender Equality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Women have been the most oppressed sections of the society.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev argued that <strong>"How can women be inferior when they give birth to men?"</strong></li>
<li>According to him, "Women as well as men share the grace of God and are equally responsible for their actions to him.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Respect for women and gender equality is perhaps the most important lesson to be learnt from Guru Nanak Dev&rsquo;s life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Bringing Peace</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Relations between India and Pakistan are grim due to tensions over Kashmir and cross border terrorism.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, both the countries, keeping their political issues aside had inaugurated the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kartarpur-corridor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Kartapur corridor.</strong></a></li>
<li>Kartarpur corridor can become a starting point in the normalization of India-Pakistan relations, which will have an impact on the whole South-Asian region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>According to Indian Philosophy, a Guru is the one who provides illumination, dispels doubt and shows the right path. In this context, the ideas of Guru Nanak Dev can help promote peace, equality and prosperity across the globe.</p>
<p>Every person can learn a lot from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev. Leaders of the world can also learn from his life and teachings so that meaningful dialogues between various communities can be initiated (especially in the conflict-ridden parts of the world). This will certainly propagate the ideas of peace, stability and cooperation, and make the world a better place to live in.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #e5ffd4;">
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span><br />Analyze the relevance of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev in modern India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/guru-nanak-dev-1'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: India's Act East Policy',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWHZ5BT1Oec" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Thailand for East Asia Summit and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.</strong></a> The visit was intended for India to finalize the RCEP trade deal.</p>
<p>India has expressed many concerns regarding the signing of the trade deal, viz. unfavourable balance of trade, non-acceptance of auto-trigger mechanism, protection of domestic industry (dairy and steel), lack of consensus on rules of origin, etc.</p>
<p>However, RCEP envisages strong economic linkages of India with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries, which is at the core of India&rsquo;s Act East Policy.</p>
<h3>Evolution of India's Act East Policy</h3>
<p>India Act East Policy was unveiled by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the 12<sup>th</sup> ASEAN-India Summit in 2014 held in Myanmar.<strong> Act East Policy is the successor of Look East Policy.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Look East Policy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to recover from the loss of the strategic partner -USSR (end of the Cold war 1991), India sought to build up a relationship with the USA and allies of the USA in Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>In this pursuit, former Prime minister of India P V Narasimha Rao launched Look East policy in 1992, to give a strategic push to India&rsquo;s engagement with South-East Asia region.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>How Act East is different from Look East policy?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Look East policy focused on the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a> <strong>countries + Economic Integration.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1996 and summit level partner in 2002.</li>
<li>In 2012 the relationship got up-graded into a <strong>Strategic Partnership in 2012.</strong></li>
<li>The time when India launched Look East Policy in 1992, India's trade with ASEAN was $2 billion. After signing the Free Trade Agreement in 2010 with ASEAN, the trade has grown to $72 billion (2017-18).</li>
<li>India is also an active participant in several regional forums like the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East Asia Summit (EAS),</strong></a> ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Act East Policy focused on<strong> ASEAN countries + Economic Integration + East Asian countries + Security cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prime minister of India highlighted <strong>4C's of Act East Policy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Culture</li>
<li>Commerce</li>
<li>Connectivity</li>
<li>Capacity building</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security</strong> is an important dimension of <strong>India's Act East Policy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the context of growing Chinese assertiveness in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a> and the Indian Ocean, securing freedom of navigation and India's own role in the Indian Ocean is a key feature of Act East Policy.</li>
<li>In pursuance of this, India has been engaged under the narrative of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-pacific</strong></a> and informal grouping called <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indo-Pacific</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, the term Indo-pacific gained prominence.</li>
<li>The first time, the term 'Indo Pacific' was used by the <strong>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to him, it is a <strong>connection between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the President of the United States reinvigorated the term Indo-pacific at <strong>EAS summit, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>Through Indo-pacific, US envisages an open, free, inclusive, prosperous and rule-based Indo Pacific system.</li>
<li>The term <strong>Indo-pacific is being used instead of 'Asia-Pacific'.</strong> This shows the <strong>salience of India in the new construct.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be reflected in multilateral military exercises like <strong>Malabar</strong> (trilateral naval exercise between India, Japan and the US).</li>
<li>India hosted ASEAN Plus military exercise <strong>(Force 18) in 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Quad</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Quad is an informal strategic dialogue of like-minded democracies converging across the Indian and Pacific oceans.</li>
<li>It comprises of the US, Japan, India and Australia.</li>
<li>Quad is perceived to be symbiotically linked military alliance, formed to contain China.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<p>India has done more than two decades of hard work to extend its reach beyond South Asia, reaching East Asia or Indo-Pacific region. However, there are some challenges to Act East Policy.</p>
<h3>Trade Deficit</h3>
<p>Trade has grown over the years but this has occurred with an imbalance.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s trade deficit vis-a-vis all other <strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong> countries is around $ 107 billion.</li>
<li>This trade deficit is significantly huge, given India's total trade deficit i.e. around $180 billion.</li>
<li>This was one of the reasons that made India exit RCEP negotiations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dealing with China</h3>
<p>India has to cope up with different strategies of China.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On one hand, China is encircling India (through the string of pearls), building China Pakistan economic corridor through disputed territory between India &amp; Pakistan.</li>
<li>On the other hand, China wants India to be on its side, on issues like climate change, globalization etc.</li>
<li>Also, India desires that its foreign policy of <strong>Multi Alignment</strong> should not make China apprehensive of India being a member of the <strong>anti-China alliance</strong> led by the US.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps for an Assertive Act East Policy</h3>
<p><strong>Need for Competitive Manufacturing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Act East Policy seeks economic integration of India's economy with global supply chains which are concentrated in Southeast Asia and East Asia.</li>
<li>In order to become a manufacturing hub, India should do holistic reforms to make its manufacturing competitive <strong>(India hasn't witnessed major reforms since 1991).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context there is a need for capital sector reforms, labour reforms, easing of land acquisition and bridging infrastructure deficit.</li>
<li>The responsibility of carrying out these reforms lies with both the private sector and the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will also help India to check its trade deficit.</li>
<li><strong>A balanced, fair and equitable trade relationship is critical for a resounding Act East Policy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Tackling China</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Just like China is showing its assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, India must increase its engagement in the South China Sea.</li>
<li>In this context, India's engagement with Quad and ASEAN countries is a step in the right direction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India and Vietnam,</strong> are collaborating in oil exploration in the South China Sea (where China has its claims of sovereignty).</li>
<li>Similar to China developing ports in the Indian Ocean, India with Indonesia is <strong>developing a port called Sabang</strong> (near the Strait of Malacca).</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian prime minister proposed an<strong> &ldquo;Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative&rdquo;</strong> for the safe, secure and stable maritime domain.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It focuses on creating partnerships among interested states in enhancing maritime security, sustainably using marine resources, disaster prevention &amp; management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Developing North East</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The success of India&rsquo;s Act East Policy, will depend upon connectivity projects in India's North East region.</li>
<li>Therefore, India should expedite the connectivity projects like India&ndash;Myanmar&ndash;Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Leveraging Soft power</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While pursuing Act East Policy India must work on <strong>its niche advantage i.e. cultural and civilizational.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <strong>cultural and civilizational</strong> linkages are dated from ancient times (spread of Buddhism and Hinduism).</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s freedom struggle further extended this connection, as many of India's freedom fighters had links with Southeast and East Asian countries.</li>
<li>Today, the sphere of India&rsquo;s cultural power expanded because of <strong>technological infusion and globalization.</strong></li>
<li>There is a growing realization of Gandhi&rsquo;s ideal of <strong>Sovereign citizens</strong> (a situation where each citizen is so empowered that it can influence the world).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Indian diaspora</strong> will forge a strong people to people relations, which in turn will enhance India&rsquo;s cultural and civilizational linkages.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Suranga Bawadi ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Suranga Bawadi, situated in Bijapur Karnataka, has</strong> entered the <strong>World Monuments Watch List</strong> under <strong>&ldquo;Ancient Water System of the Deccan Plateau&rdquo;</strong> of the <strong>World Monument Funds.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Suranga Bawadi is an integral part of the ancient<strong> Karez System</strong> of supplying water through subterranean tunnels.</li>
<li>It was built by <strong>Adil Shah-I</strong> of <strong>Adilshahi dynasty of Bijapur</strong> in the 16th century to supply water to Vijaypura in Karnataka.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Karez System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Karez is a water harnessing technology in which groundwater is brought to the surface by a tunnel.</li>
<li>In this system, no mechanical pump or lift is used. Gravity alone brings the water from the underground source.</li>
<li>The technology originated in Persia/Iran and was widely used during the medieval period.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573548096_pasted%20image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573548096_pasted image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="542" height="356" /></a></p>
<h3>World Monument Watch</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Monuments Watch is a <strong>biennial selection program of &lsquo;at-risk cultural heritage sites&rsquo;</strong> that combine great historical significance with contemporary social impact.</li>
<li>It is a nomination-based program that uses cultural heritage conservation to empower communities and improve human well-being.</li>
<li>It was launched in <strong>1995</strong> on the occasion of the 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary of World Monuments Fund to identify imperiled cultural heritage sites and provide direct financial and technical support for their preservation.</li>
<li>The program also seeks to improve the resilience of communities, enhance social inclusion, and build new capacities in the heritage conservation field and beyond.</li>
<li>Anyone can nominate a site to the World Monuments Watch, including private individuals and representatives of civil society organizations, community groups, government agencies, educational institutions, or other entities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>World Monument Fund</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>World Monuments Fund is a <strong>private nonprofit organization</strong> founded in <strong>1965</strong> by individuals concerned about the accelerating destruction of important artistic treasures throughout the world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/suranga-bawadi-on-world-monument-watch-list/article29947854.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: The Hindu</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suranga-bawadi'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Def Connect 2019',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Ministry of Defence had organised the inaugural session of <strong>&lsquo;Def Connect 2019&rsquo;</strong> to showcase the accomplishments of the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative in New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>iDEX portal and Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC)-III was also launched.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Innovation for Defence Ecosystem (iDEX)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>iDEX, launched in 2018, is an ecosystem to foster innovation &amp; technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging innovators &amp; entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions for modernizing Indian Military.</li>
<li><strong>Core Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Indigenization:</strong> Rapid development of new, indigenized and innovative technology.</li>
<li><strong>Innovation:</strong> Creates a culture of engagement with innovative startups to encourage co-creation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It provides funding/grants to MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovator, R&amp;D institutes and academia to carry out research and development.</li>
<li>iDEX is funded and managed by <strong>&ldquo;Defence Innovation Organisation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>iDEX portal was launched to provide wider publicity and better visibility of iDEX activities and enable more efficient running of future challenges through better information management.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DIO is a <strong>not for profit organisation</strong> formed under section 8 of the <strong>Companies Act 2013.</strong></li>
<li>It is funded by <strong>Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).</strong></li>
<li>It provides high level policy guidance to iDEX.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DISC aimed at supporting Startups/MSMEs/Innovators to create prototypes and/or commercialize products/solutions in the area of National Defence and Security.</li>
<li>It has been launched by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/youth-co-lab" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Innovation Mission.</strong></a></li>
<li>The vision of the DISC is two-fold:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Prototyping:</strong> Help create functional prototypes of products/technologies relevant for national security, and spur fast-moving innovation in Indian defence sector.</li>
<li><strong>Commercialization:</strong> Help new tech products/technologies find a market and early customer in the form of the Indian Defence Establishment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under <strong>DISC-III,</strong> three challenges from the ARMY, Navy and Air Force were thrown open to prospective start-ups.</li>
<li>Under the program, the start-ups, Indian companies and individual innovators (includes research &amp; academic institutions) can participate.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=26316" 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/def-connect-2019'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'PRS Capsule October 2019',
			'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
			'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">Economy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Revised procedure for strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Framework for Issuing Depository Receipts</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">OCI permitted to enrol in National Pension Service</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Banks to Lend to Infrastructure Investment Trusts</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Cyber Security Framework for KYC registration agencies</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Scope of CSR Spending Increased</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#8">Health and Family Welfare</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#9">Draft Bill to prohibit e-cigarettes</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Draft Notification to Regulate All Medical Devices as Drugs</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#12">Agriculture</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#13">Draft Seeds Bill to Replace the Seeds Act, 1966</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#14">Information and Communication Technology</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#15">Revival Plan for BSNL and MTNL</a></li>
<li><a href="#16">Telecom Companies to Pay Outstanding Dues of Rs 92,000 Crore</a></li>
<li><a href="#17">National Counter Rogue Drone guidelines</a></li>
<li><a href="#18">TRAI Releases Recommendations on Registration of Other Service Providers</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">Economy</h2>
<h3 id="2">Revised procedure for strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet approved changes in the procedure for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/strategic-disinvestment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic disinvestment</strong></a> of <strong>Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).</strong></li>
<li>As of now strategic disinvestment process will be initiated by a <strong>Consultative Group,</strong> which consists of the Secretaries of: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)</li>
<li>The administrative Ministry of concerned PSU.</li>
<li>The Ministry of Corporate Affairs</li>
<li>The Department of Public Enterprises</li>
<li>CEO, NITI Aayog</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> was responsible for identifying CPSEs for strategic disinvestment and advising on the number of shares to be sold.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Framework for Issuing Depository Receipts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the central government has amended the <strong>Depository Receipts Scheme,</strong> 2014 to include the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-financial-services-centres-authority-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Financial Services Centre</strong></a> in India as a permissible jurisdiction under the scheme.</li>
<li>Apart from that, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a> notified the framework for the issue of <strong>depository receipts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Depository receipts are <strong>foreign currency-denominated instruments</strong> listed on an international exchange.</li>
<li>These are the instruments issued by a foreign depository and transferred to a domestic custodian (entity holding the securities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Depository Receipts Scheme, 2014.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the framework, only listed companies (companies registered in India and listed on the stock exchange in India) are permitted to issue securities for the purpose of issuing depository receipts. The listed companies are subjected to certain conditions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example: Any director or promoter of the company should not be a wilful defaulter or a fugitive economic offender, and can not be debarred from accessing the capital market by SEBI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Existing holders of securities will also be eligible to transfer their securities for issuing depository receipts. The conditions for listed companies will also apply to existing holders.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Listed companies can issue or transfer securities for the purpose of issue of depository receipts only in permissible jurisdiction.</li>
<li>The list of permissible jurisdiction is notified by the central government from time to time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Permissible jurisdiction for issuing depository <strong>receipts</strong> include only members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fatf-s-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force</strong></a> (for example Japan, United States, Germany, and China).</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">OCI permitted to enrol in National Pension Service</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/streamlining-of-national-pension-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong></a> (PFRDA) has permitted <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/overseas-citizenship-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>overseas citizens of India</strong></a> (OCIs) to enroll in the <strong>National Pension Scheme.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The national pension scheme is a voluntary, contribution-based pension scheme, which aims to provide old age security to Indian citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The annuity or accumulated savings under the scheme may be repatriable (that is, it can be moved outside India) subjected to the guidelines under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liberalised-remittance-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.</strong></a></li>
<li>A foreign national (except foreign nationals from Bangladesh or Pakistan) can register for OCI if they were:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eligible to become a citizen of India at the commencement of the constitution,</li>
<li>A citizen of India on, or at any time after the commencement of the constitution</li>
<li>Belonging to a territory that became a part of India after 15th August 1947,</li>
<li>A child or grandchild of such a person.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Banks to Lend to Infrastructure Investment Trusts</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</strong> </a>(RBI) has permitted banks to lend to Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>InvITs, are instruments that work like mutual funds. InvITs are designed to pool small sums of money from a number of investors to invest in assets (infrastructure projects) that give cash flow over a period of time.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Part of this cash flow would be distributed as dividends back to investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>So far, banks were only permitted to invest in units of InvITs, but not lend to them.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The lending will be subjected to certain conditions. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Banks should not lend to those InvITs where any underlying special purpose vehicle is facing financial difficulty.</li>
<li>Banks should put in place a board-approved policy on exposures to InvITs which should cover sanctioning conditions, and monitoring mechanism, among other details, and</li>
<li>Banks should undertake an assessment of all critical parameters including the sufficiency of cash flows to ensure timely debt servicing.</li>
<li>Further, the audit committee of the board of the banks should review compliance to the above conditions on a half-yearly basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Cyber Security Framework for KYC registration agencies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong> </a>released a framework on cyber security and cyber resilience for KYC (Know Your Customer) registration agencies.</li>
<li>These are entities registered with the SEBI (under the KYC Registration Agency Regulations, 2011) which maintain KYC records of investors.</li>
<li>SEBI noted that these agencies should have a robust cyber security and resilience framework since they perform an important role in maintaining KYC records of customers in security markets.</li>
<li>Cyber security frameworks include measures and processes intended to prevent cyber-attacks and improve cyber resilience.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cyber-attacks are attempts to compromise access or reliability of computer systems, networks and databases. Cyber resilience is the ability to prepare and respond to such attacks, continue operations during them, and recover from them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features of the framework include:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Comprehensive policy:</strong> KYC registration agencies should formulate a comprehensive cyber security and resilience policy which should include processes to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Identify critical risks</li>
<li>Protect critical assets</li>
<li>Detect cyber-attacks</li>
<li>Respond and recover from such incident</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governance:</strong> KYC registration agencies should designate a senior official as a chief information security officer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The board of such KYC agencies should constitute a technology committee consisting of experts. This committee will review the implementation of cyber security policy on a quarterly basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Access control:</strong> Access to registration agencies&rsquo; systems, applications, databases should be provided for a defined purpose and a defined period. Physical access to critical systems should be restricted to the minimum and be monitored through controls such as CCTV cameras and card access systems.</li>
<li><strong>Sharing of information:</strong> Quarterly reports containing information on cyber-attacks and threats, and measures taken to mitigate vulnerabilities should be submitted to SEBI.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">Scope of CSR Spending Increased</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/decriminalisation-of-csr-violation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong></a> certain companies are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profits in the last three years on projects which relate to activities specified in Schedule 7 of the Companies Act, 2013.</li>
<li>This schedule contains eleven entries, which includes contributions towards the activities related to the eradication of poverty, and environmental sustainability.</li>
<li>One of the entries allows CSR contributions to technology incubators located in central government approved academic institutions.</li>
<li>This entry has been amended. The amended entry permits CSR contributions to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incubators funded by central or state government, or any agency or public sector undertaking of central or state government,</li>
<li>All Indian Institutes of Technology,</li>
<li>National Laboratories and certain autonomous bodies engaged in conducting research in science, technology, engineering and medicine, and aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8">Health and Family Welfare</h2>
<h3 id="9">Draft Bill to prohibit e-cigarettes</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the <strong>&lsquo;Draft Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacturing, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Bill, 2019&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill prohibits the production, manufacture, trade, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.</li>
<li>An <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/promulgation-of-the-prohibition-of-electronic-cigarettes-ordinance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ordinance to prohibit e-cigarettes</strong></a> was promulgated on September 28, 2019.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Salient Features of the Draft Bill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Electronic cigarettes:</strong> The Bill defines electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as electronic devices that heat a substance (natural or artificial) to create vapour for inhalation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These e-cigarettes may contain nicotine and flavours, and include all forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs, and other similar devices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Punishment:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any person who contravenes these provisions will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both.</li>
<li>For any subsequent offence, the person will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, and a fine of up to five lakh rupees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Storage of e-cigarettes:</strong> No person is allowed to use any place for the storage of any stock of e-cigarettes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If any person stores any stock of e-cigarettes, he will be punishable with imprisonment of up to six months, or a fine of up to Rs 50,000, or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Once the Bill is enacted, the owners of existing stocks of e-cigarettes will have to declare and deposit these stocks at the nearest office of an authorised officer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such an authorised officer may be a police officer (at least at the level of a sub-inspector), or any other officer as notified by the central or state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="10">Draft Notification to Regulate All Medical Devices as Drugs</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a draft notification to regulate all medical devices as drugs under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-devices-in-india-issues-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Medical Devices:</strong> According to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, medical devices are devices intended for internal or external use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of disease or disorder in human beings or animals.</li>
<li>They may be specified from time to time by the central government. Currently, there are 36 notified medical devices in India including heart valves, bone cements, and scalp vein sets.</li>
</ul>
<p>The notification seeks to include all devices, including instruments, implants, and appliances which assist in:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease, injury, or disability,</li>
<li>Investigation, replacement, or modification of the anatomy,</li>
<li>Supporting life,</li>
<li>Disinfection of medical devices,</li>
<li>Control of conception, under the definition of drugs.</li>
</ul>
<p>In this context, the Ministry has released draft rules to amend the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-devices-in-india-issues-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Devices Rules, 2017</strong></a> which provide for the registration of all medical devices other than the 36 devices already notified.</p>
<h3 id="11">Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Science and Technology has released <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guidelines-for-evaluation-of-nanopharmaceuticals-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>guidelines for evaluation of nanopharmaceuticals</strong></a> in India.</p>
<p>The guidelines intend to provide a regulatory pathway for nanopharmaceuticals in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Nanotechnology</strong> deals with the development and use of techniques to study materials which are in the nanoscale range (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter).</li>
<li><strong>Nanopharmaceuticals</strong> is an emerging area that combines nanotechnology with biomedical and pharmaceutical science.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has several potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics as the technology can be used to improve drug delivery by better targeting disease sites and provides higher efficacy.</li>
<li>These guidelines seek to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of nanopharmaceuticals, along with encouraging commercialisation of nanotechnology based inventions.</li>
<li>They do not apply to conventional drugs with products containing microorganisms or proteins, which are naturally present in the nanoscale range.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features of the guidelines include:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Safety requirements as specified in the Second Schedule of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 will be applicable for nanopharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>A case-by-case approach should be adopted for evaluating the quality, safety and efficacy of nanopharmaceuticals as it will depend on various factors such as biological nature, availability of data on pharmaceutical ingredients.</li>
<li>The rationality for development of a nanopharmaceutical should be clearly stated. Further, the advantages and disadvantages of nanopharmaceuticals in comparison to conventional drugs should be demonstrated through studies.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="12">Agriculture</h2>
<h3 id="13">Draft Seeds Bill to Replace the Seeds Act, 1966</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare has released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/seed-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft Seeds Bill, 2019.</strong></a></p>
<p>The draft Bill seeks to regulate the quality of seeds during their production, distribution, sale, import, and export. The proposed Bill seeks to replace the<strong> Seeds Act, 1966.</strong></p>
<p>Key features of the draft Bill include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Registration:</strong> All varieties of seeds being sold for the purpose of sowing or planting must be registered, except farmers&rsquo; varieties.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Farmers&rsquo; varieties</strong> are varieties which have been traditionally cultivated and evolved by the farmers in their fields, or are similar to varieties which farmers have common knowledge.</li>
<li>Seeds produced by farmers, other than those for sale under a brand name, are also not required to be registered.</li>
<li><strong>Transgenic varieties of seeds</strong> (which are developed by modifying the genetic composition of other varieties) can be registered only after applicants obtain a clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Standards:</strong> The central government may notify minimum limits of germination, genetic and physical purity, and seed health for any seed variety.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Additional standards may be specified for transgenic varieties. These standards will not apply to seeds produced by farmers, other than those for sale under a brand name.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compensation to farmers:</strong> If a registered variety of seed fails to perform to the expected standards (as disclosed by the producer, distributor, or vendor), the farmer can claim compensation from the producer, dealer, distributor or vendor under the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-consumer-protection-bill-2018-amendment-1986-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Consumer Protection Act, 1986.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Offences and penalties:</strong> Persons who contravene any provision of the Bill and sell seeds which do not conform to the specified standards will be punished with fine between Rs 25,000 and one lakh rupees.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Persons furnishing false information regarding standards, misbranded seeds, or supplying seeds which are spurious or not registered, will be punished with up to one-year imprisonment, or with a fine of up to five lakh rupees, or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="14">Information and Communication Technology</h2>
<h3 id="15">Revival Plan for BSNL and MTNL</h3>
<p>The Union Cabinet approved a revival plan for BSNL and MTNL. This plan seeks to address the financial distress of these PSUs, and enable them to provide quality and reliable services.</p>
<p>Key features of the revival plan are as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Merger of BSNL and MTNL:</strong> The Union Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the merger of BSNL and MTNL.</li>
<li><strong>Allotment of 4G spectrum:</strong> 4G spectrum will be allotted to both the PSUs.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The central government will fund the cost of spectrum allotment to these PSUs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in debt burden:</strong> The central government will provide sovereign guarantee to both PSUs for raising long-term bonds of Rs 15,000 crore.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The funds raised by this exercise will be used for restructuring the existing debt and, partly meeting capital as well as operational expenditure requirements.</li>
<li>Both the PSUs will monetise their assets.</li>
<li>The funds received from monetisation will be used in meeting capital and operational expenditure requirements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in salary burden:</strong> To reduce the salary burden of both PSUs, they will offer a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to their employees, aged 50 years and above.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The cost of the VRS scheme will be provided by the central government.</li>
<li>In addition, the central government will also cover costs towards pension, gratuity and commutation of benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="16">Telecom Companies to Pay Outstanding Dues of Rs 92,000 Crore</h3>
<p>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supreme Court</strong></a> decided a case in relation to revenue sharing between telecom companies and the Department of Telecommunication (DoT).</p>
<p><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-telecom-sector-challenges-way-forward" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In its judgement</strong></a>, the Court upheld the interpretation of the term &ldquo;Gross Revenue&rdquo; taken by the DoT and directed telecom companies to pay all outstanding dues and penalties.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is estimated to be approximately Rs 92,000 crore.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What is the Issue?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the <strong>National Telecom Policy, 1999,</strong> telecom companies are required to pay an annual license fee in the form of a revenue share to the DoT.</li>
<li>This license fee forms a part of the terms and conditions of the license agreement signed between the telecom company and the DoT and was set at 8% of the company&rsquo;s gross revenue.</li>
<li>Various telecom companies and the DoT filed a case before the Supreme Court asking it to interpret the definition of &ldquo;Gross Revenue&rdquo; under the license agreements.</li>
<li>The telecom companies argued that the DoT had illegally included various elements of income in the definition of gross revenue which do not accrue from the operations under the license.</li>
<li>These include dividend income, interest income on short term investments, and discounts on calls.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="17">National Counter Rogue Drone guidelines</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Civil Aviation released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-anti-drone-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Counter Rogue Drone guidelines.</strong></a> The guidelines seek to highlight the potential threat from the unregulated use of drones, and the measures to mitigate such threats.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Drones (for civil use) are classified by their maximum take-off weight, as follows:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nano (less than or equal to 250 gm)</li>
<li>Micro (between 250 gm and 2 kg)</li>
<li>Small (between 2 kg and 25 kg)</li>
<li>Medium (between 25 kg and 150 kg)</li>
<li>Large (greater than 150 kg)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Key features of the guidelines include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defines Rogue Applications:</strong> While the illegal use of micro drones may be limited to photography and surveillance, the small to large drones may be misused for carrying explosives with surveillance capacities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such misuses may also include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Delivering weapons</li>
<li>Airspace interference</li>
<li>Attacks on people or property</li>
<li>Conveying signals and propaganda messages</li>
<li>Delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Rogue Drones:</strong> Drones used for illicit targeting may include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Autonomous drones</strong> (controlled by on-board computers to navigate to a fixed target),</li>
<li><strong>Drone swarms</strong> (several drones controlled together as one unit),</li>
<li><strong>Stealth drones</strong> (these can reduce their radar signature making it difficult to detect them).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Countering rogue drones:</strong> An effective system to counter such drones should be able to detect and continuously track drones with certain peculiarities such as:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Minimal infrared signatures,</li>
<li>Limited radio frequency,</li>
<li>Low acoustic emissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>However, challenges to detecting such drones include difficulty in differentiating regular and rogue drones, and less reaction time.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Institutional set up:</strong> Multiple agencies (such as Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Civil Aviation) are involved in protection against sub-conventional aerial threats.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, a Steering Committee should be set up at the national level to evolve a counter rogue drone framework, and advise the concerned Ministries.</li>
<li>The Committee will also regulate commercial civil drone applications in the country.</li>
<li>It will include members from the:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian Air Force</li>
<li>Ministries of Home Affairs and Civil Aviation</li>
<li>Intelligence agencies</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will be assisted by an Implementation Committee for regular monitoring of threats, and implementation of the counter rogue drone measures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="18">TRAI Releases Recommendations on Registration of Other Service Providers</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/telecom-firms-oppose-trai%E2%80%99s-public-wi-fi-model" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</strong></a> released recommendations on terms and conditions for the registration of Other Service Providers (OSP).</p>
<p>OSPs are companies which provide various application services such as tele-banking, telecommerce, call centre, and other IT-enabled services.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For example, a Business Process Outsourcing company is an OSP.</li>
<li>They avail telecom resources including telephone connectivity, internet bandwidth and, domestic and international leased lines, from authorised Telecom Service Providers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, they are required to register with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for offering services in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Currently, to register, OSPs are required to pay a registration fee, and furnish various information such as certificate of incorporation, information about directors, and nature of the business, among others.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The salient features of the recommendations are as follows:</strong></p>
<p>These recommendations aim to address the various issues related to the registration of OSPs.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scope of registration:</strong> In March 2019, TRAI had noted that advancement in technology has led to the widening of the scope of terms such as &lsquo;other IT enabled services&rsquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has caused the scope of application services defined for OSP registration to become quite broad.</li>
<li>Further, there is no distinction between the service for one's own use and the service for a customer/other companies.</li>
<li>Therefore, TRAI has increased the scope of OSP to cover almost all IT-based services under its definition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Waiver of bank guarantee requirement:</strong> Currently, sharing of infrastructure between domestic and international OSPs is permitted with prior approval from DoT.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sharing is allowed only between entities of the same company. The OSPs are required to provide a bank guarantee for this purpose.</li>
<li>The OSPs may also employ persons who work from home.</li>
<li>OSPs are required to seek permission from DoT and provide a bank guarantee for extending the Work from Home facility.</li>
<li><strong>TRAI has recommended that the requirement of bank guarantee should be waived in both cases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-october-2019'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Jainism',
			'catname' => 'Paper 1',
			'desc' => '<p>Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.</p>
<h3>Origin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jainism came into prominence in <strong>6<sup>th</sup> century B.C.</strong>, when <strong>Lord Mahavira</strong> propagated the religion.</li>
<li>There were <strong>24 great teachers,</strong> the last of whom was <strong>Lord Mahavira.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These twenty-four teachers were called <strong>Tirthankaras-</strong>people who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living and preached it to the people.</li>
<li>The first Tirthankara was <strong>Rishabnatha.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The word &lsquo;Jain&rsquo; is derived from <strong>jina</strong> or <strong>jaina</strong> which means the <strong>&lsquo;Conqueror&rsquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cause of Origin</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hinduism had become rigid and orthodox with complex rituals and the dominance of Brahmanas.</li>
<li>Varna system divided the society into 4 classes based on birth, where the two higher classes enjoy several privileges.</li>
<li>Kshatriyas' reaction against the domination of the Brahmanas.</li>
<li>Spread of new agricultural economy in north-eastern India due to the use of iron tools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tenets of Jainism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Belief in God:</strong> Jainism <strong>recognised</strong> the <strong>existence of god</strong> but placed them lower than Jina (Mahavira).</li>
<li><strong>It did not condemn the varna system</strong> but attempted to mitigate the evils of the varna order and the ritualistic Vedic religion.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to Mahavira, a person is born in higher or lower varna as the consequence of the sins or the virtues in the previous birth. Thus, Jainism believes in the<strong> transmigration of the soul</strong> and the<strong> theory of Karma.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Anekantavada:</strong> Emphasises that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects i.e <strong>theory of plurality.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It refers to the simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, even contradictory viewpoints.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Syadvada:</strong> All judgments are conditional, holding good only in certain conditions, circumstances, or senses.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Syadavada literally means the &lsquo;method of examining different probabilities&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p>The basic difference between them is that Anekantavada is the <strong>knowledge</strong> of all differing but opposite attributes whereas Syadavada is a <strong>process of the relative description</strong> of a particular attribute of an object or an event.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It mainly aims at the <strong>attainment of liberation</strong>, for which no ritual is required.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can be attained through three principles called <strong>Three Jewels or Triratna i.e.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Right Faith</strong> (Samyakdarshana)</li>
<li><strong>Right Knowledge</strong> (Samyakjnana)</li>
<li><strong>Right Action</strong> (Samyakcharita)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Five Doctrines of Jainism</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ahimsa:</strong> Non-injury to a living being</li>
<li><strong>Satya:</strong> Do not speak a lie</li>
<li><strong>Asteya:</strong> Do not steal</li>
<li><strong>Aparigraha:</strong> Do not acquire property</li>
<li><strong>Brahmacharya:</strong> Observe continence</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vardhamana Mahavira</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24<sup>th</sup> Tirthankara, was born in 540 B.C. in a village called <strong>Kundagrama</strong> near <strong>Vaishali.</strong></li>
<li>He belonged to<strong>&nbsp;the Jnatrika clan</strong> and was connected to the royal family of Magadha.</li>
<li>His father Siddharta was the head of the Jnathrika Kshatriya clan and his mother Trishala was a sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.</li>
<li>At the age of <strong>30 years,</strong> he renounced his home and become an ascetic.</li>
<li>He practised austerity for <strong>12 years</strong> and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called <strong>Kaivalya</strong> (i.e conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42 years.</li>
<li>He delivered his first sermon at <strong>Pava.</strong></li>
<li>A symbol was associated with every Tirthankara and Mahavira&rsquo;s symbol was a <strong>lion.</strong></li>
<li>His missions took him <strong>Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa</strong> etc</li>
<li>He passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at the <strong>Pavapuri</strong> in Bihar.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Sects/ School</h3>
<p>Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu to move South India.</p>
<p>During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stick to the strict practices while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white clothes.</p>
<p>After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digambara</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear clothes while female monks wear unstitched plain white sarees.</li>
<li>Follow all five vows (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya).</li>
<li>Believe women cannot achieve liberation.</li>
<li><strong>Bhadrabahu</strong> was an exponent of this sect.</li>
<li><strong>Major Sub-Sects</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mula Sangh</li>
<li>Bisapantha</li>
<li>Terapantha</li>
<li>Taranpantha or Samaiyapantha</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Minor Sub-Sets</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Gumanapantha</li>
<li>Totapantha</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Svetambara</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Monks wear white clothes.</li>
<li>Follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya).</li>
<li>Believe women can achieve liberation.</li>
<li><strong>Sthulabhadra</strong> was an exponent of this sect.</li>
<li><strong>Major Sub-Sects</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Murtipujaka</li>
<li>Sthanakvasi</li>
<li>Terapanthi</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Spread of Jainism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mahavira organised an order of his followers which admitted both men and women.</li>
<li>Jainism did not very clearly mark itself out from Hinduism, therefore it spread gradually into West and South India where brahmanical order was weak.</li>
<li>The great Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya, during his last years, became a jain ascetic and promoted Jainism in Karnataka.</li>
<li>Famine in Magadha led to the spread of Jainism in South India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The famine lasted for 12 years, and in order to protect themselves, many Jains went to South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In Odisha, it enjoyed the patronage of Kalinga King of Kharavela.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Jain Council</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First Jain Council</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Held at <strong>Patliputra</strong> in <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> Century B.C.</strong> and was presided by <strong>Sthulbhadra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Second Jain Council</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Held at <strong>Vallabhi</strong> in <strong>512 A.D.</strong> and was presided by <strong>Devardhi Kshmasramana.</strong></li>
<li>Final Compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Jain Architecture</h3>
<p>Jain architecture cannot be accredited with a style of its own, it was almost an offshoot of Hindu and Buddhist styles.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Types of Jain Architecture:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Layana/Gumphas (Caves)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ellora Caves (Cave No. 30-35)- Maharashtra</li>
<li>Mangi Tungi Cave- Maharashtra</li>
<li>Gajapantha Cave- Maharashtra</li>
<li>Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves- Odisha</li>
<li>Hathi-gumpha Cave- Odisha</li>
<li>Sittanavasal Cave- Tamil Nadu</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statues</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Gometeshwara/Bahubali Statue- Shravanabelagola, Karnataka</li>
<li>Statue of Ahimsa (Rishabnatha)- Mangi-Tungi hills, Maharashtra</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jianalaya (Temple)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Dilwara Temple- Mount Abu, Rajasthan</li>
<li>Girnar and Palitana Temple- Gujarat</li>
<li>Muktagiri Temple- Maharashtra</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Manastambha:</strong> It is found in the front side of the temple, having religious importance with an ornamental pillar structure carrying the image of Tirthankar on top and on all four cardinal directions.</p>
<p><strong>Basadis:</strong> Jain monastic establishment or temples in Karnataka.</p>
</div>
<h3>Jain Literature/Texts</h3>
<p>Jain literature is classified into two major categories:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Agam or Canonical Literature (Agam Sutras)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agam literature consists of many texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain religion.</li>
<li>They are written in the Ardha-magadhi, a form of Prakrit language.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Non‑agam Literature</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Non-agam literature consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars.</li>
<li>They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Contribution of Jainism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Attempts to reform the evils of varna order.</li>
<li>Growth of Prakrit and Kannada.</li>
<li>Contributed to architecture and literature immensely.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How is Jainism different from Buddhism?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jainism <strong>recognised</strong> the <strong>existence of god</strong> while Buddhism did not.</li>
<li>Jainism does <strong>not condemn</strong>&nbsp;the varna system while Buddhism does.</li>
<li>Jainism believed in the&nbsp;<strong>transmigration of soul i.e. reincarnation</strong> while Buddhism does not.</li>
<li>Buddhism prescribes a&nbsp;<strong>middle path</strong> while Jainism advocates its followers to live the life of complete austerity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of Jain Ideology in Today&rsquo;s World</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Jain theory of<strong> Anekantavada</strong> translated into practical terms in social context would mean three principles:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Absence of dogmatism or fanaticism</li>
<li>Honouring the freedom of others</li>
<li>Peaceful coexistence and cooperation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Anekantavada highlights the spirit of intellectual and social tolerance in the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>principle of Ahimsa (non-violence)</strong> gains prominence in today&rsquo;s nuclear world to attain long-lasting peace in society.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The concept of <strong>Ahimsa</strong> can also help to counter growing violence and terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The principle of <strong>Aparigraha</strong> (non-possession) can help to control consumerist habits as there is a great increase in greed and possessive tendencies.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global warming also can be healed with this thought by doing away with unwanted luxuries, which produce carbon emissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/jainism-2'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Stubble Burning',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/stubble-burning-pollution-delhi-chhattisgarh-benefits-6106764/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Wealth from the Stubble&rdquo;</strong></a> that was published in The Indian Express on 07/11/2019. It talks about the issues and challenges related to stubble burning.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court had ordered the Centre to prepare a comprehensive national scheme, in consultation with the States, within three months to wean small and marginal farmers away from stubble burning. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/tackling-the-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air pollution</strong></a> in Delhi NCR has now become a familiar story, repeated with minor variations every year, mainly aggravated by stubble burning in Punjab and Harayana.</p>
<h3>Why Stubble Burning?</h3>
<p>Stubble (parali) burning is the act of setting fire to crop residue to remove them from the field to sow the next crop.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to plant next winter crop (Rabi crop), farmers in Haryana and Punjab have to move in a very short interval and if they are late, due to short winters these days, they might face considerable losses. Therefore, burning is the cheapest and fastest way to get rid of the stubble.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If parali is left in the field, pests like termites may attack the upcoming crop.</li>
<li>The precarious economic condition of farmers doesn&rsquo;t allow them to use expensive mechanised methods to remove stubble.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Causes of the Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Technology:</strong> The problem arises due to the use of <strong>mechanised harvesting</strong> which leaves several inches of stubble in the fields.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, this excess crop was used by farmers for cooking, as hay to keep their animals warm or even as extra insulation for homes.</li>
<li>But, now the stubble use for such purposes has become outdated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adverse Impact of Laws:</strong> Implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/punjab-water-law-responsible-for-air-pollution-in-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act (2009)</strong></a> made the time period of stubble burning coincident <strong>with the onset of winter</strong> in Northern India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Late transplanting of paddy during Kharif season to prevent water loss as directed by <strong>PPSW Act (2009)</strong> had left farmers with little time between harvesting and preparing the field for the next crop and hence farmers are resorting to the burning of stubble.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High Silica Content:</strong> Rice straw is considered <strong>useless as fodder</strong> in the case of non-basmati rice, because of its<strong> high silica content.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Effects of Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Open stubble burning emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile organic compound (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After the release in the atmosphere, these pollutants disperse in the surroundings, may undergo a physical and chemical transformation and eventually adversely affect human health by causing a thick blanket of smog.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Soil Fertility:</strong> Burning husk on ground destroys the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile.</li>
<li><strong>Heat Penetration:</strong> Heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Wealth From Stubble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>From parali (stubble),<strong> high-grade organic fertilizers</strong> can be prepared by mixing with cow dung and few natural enzymes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The total amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur in the parali burnt annually in Northwest India is about seven lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 1,000 crore.</li>
<li>Along with the above mentioned nutrients, organic carbon is also destroyed during stubble burning.</li>
<li>These nutrients, if successfully utilized in organic manures, can also reduce the risk of cancer in Punjab by reducing the levels of carcinogens caused by chemical fertilizers in soil.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Using <strong>straw for electricity generation</strong> is another productive way of generating wealth from residue.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>USA-based New Generation Power International</strong> has proposed to set up <strong>1000 MW</strong> biomass energy generating plants in Punjab to address stubble burning.</li>
<li>The company plans to set up 200 plants, each having 5 MW capacity, which will use the stubble as raw material.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chhattisgarh Model</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An innovative experiment has been undertaken by the Chhattisgarh government by setting up <strong>gauthans.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A gauthan is a dedicated five-acre plot, held in common by each village, where all the unused parali is collected through parali daan (people&rsquo;s donations) and is converted into organic fertiliser by mixing with cow dung and few natural enzymes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme also generates employment among rural youth.</li>
<li>The government supports the transportation of parali from the farm to the nearest gauthan.</li>
<li>The state has successfully developed 2,000 gauthans.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An expansion of schemes like the MGNREGA for harvesting and composting of parali.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An integrated regenerative rural development model of<strong> narwa</strong> (rivulet regeneration), <strong>garuwa</strong> (cattle conservation), <strong>ghuruwa</strong> (composting) and<strong> baari</strong> (kitchen garden) through a participatory process using MGNREGA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The most efficient technology to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/crop-stubble-burning-challenge-in-punjab" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> counter stubble burning</strong></a> at the moment is <strong>Turbo Happy Seeder (THS).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It not only cuts and uproots the stubble but can also drill wheat seeds in the soil that have just been cleared up. The straw is simultaneously thrown over the sown seeds to form a mulch cover.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Establishing <strong>Farm Machinery Banks</strong> for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Co-operative societies of farmers, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>self-help groups</strong></a>, registered farmers societies/farmers groups, private entrepreneurs for establishment of farm machinery banks or custom hiring centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial incentives</strong> to small and marginal farmers to engage in the management of the residue of their non-basmati variety rice crop in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>However, in the longer time span, <strong>shifting <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cropping pattern</a></strong> away from paddy to maize, cotton, fruits or vegetables in Punjab, Haryana and UP.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffcd4;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Inputs</strong></em></span><br /><br />Identify the issues related to stubble burning. Mention how an effective policy planning can convert crisis of stubble burning into opportunity.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'INS Baaz',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh visited INS Baaz, the southernmost air station of the Indian Armed Forces.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Baaz</strong> is located at <strong>Campbell Bay on the Great Nicobar island,</strong> the southernmost and largest island of the Nicobar islands, in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</li>
<li>It was <strong>commissioned in July 2012.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>part of the Andaman and Nicobar Command,</strong> the only tri-services formation of the Indian Armed Forces that was started in 2001.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Functions of INS Baaz</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Helps in building<strong> maritime domain awareness</strong> by providing information via airborne surveillance using aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).</li>
<li>Ensures <strong>maritime security in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea</strong> and substantially enhances the Indian Navy&rsquo;s maritime surveillance capability.</li>
<li><strong>Assists the local populace in times of need</strong> such as facilitating evacuation during medical emergencies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573463092_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573463092_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="538" height="336" /></a></p>
<h3>Significance of the Location</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Great Nicobar Island is the location of the Indira Point and is less than 250 km by sea from Banda Aceh in Indonesia.</li>
<li>The <strong>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands are strategically important for India&rsquo;s national security</strong> as they provide a critical capability to monitor sea areas in the region.</li>
<li>The location has been described as India&rsquo;s &ldquo;window into East and Southeast Asia&rdquo;, and is in <strong>close vicinity of the Six Degree Channel,</strong> also called the Great Channel, one of the Indian Ocean&rsquo;s busiest shipping lines, carrying strategic cargo to East Asian countries.</li>
<li>It is also<strong> close to the Strait of Malacca.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ins-baaz-campbell-bay-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-navy-admiral-chief-karambir-singh-6090478/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Bolivia Crisis',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Jeanine Anez</strong> became the <strong>66<sup>th</sup> president</strong> of Bolivia by replacing <strong>Evo Morales</strong> who fled the country to escape a violent crisis. She is the second woman to hold this post in Bolivia.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Her appointment as an interim leader has been endorsed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Controversy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Evo Morales was the<strong> first indigenous President of Bolivia who</strong> came to power in 2006. The past Presidents were of European descent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The indigenous communities consist of <strong>two-thirds</strong> of Bolivia&rsquo;s population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The recent protests after his re-election to President escalated into a rebellion over the <strong>charges of election rigging.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Bolivia<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573728484_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573728484_image2.png" width="284" height="200" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bolivia is officially known as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/presidents-visit-to-bolivia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plurinational State of Bolivia.</strong></a></li>
<li>It is a <strong>landlocked country</strong> located in western-central South America.</li>
<li>The capital of Bolivia is <strong>Sucre</strong> while the seat of government and financial centre is located in <strong>La Paz.</strong></li>
<li>In 2009, a new constitution changed the country's official name to <strong>"Plurinational State of Bolivia"</strong> in recognition of the <strong>multi-ethnic nature</strong> of the country.</li>
<li>Bolivia is a member of the free trade bloc known as <strong>Andean Community (CAN).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Andean Community (CAN) and Mercosur</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Andean Community</strong> is a trade bloc of four countries -<strong> Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Headquarters of CAN are located in <strong>Lima, Peru.</strong></li>
<li>The regional integration in the Andean countries began with the signing of the <strong>Cartagena Agreement</strong> (by <strong>Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru</strong>) in 1969 creating the <strong>Andean Pact</strong> with the objective of creating a Customs Union and a Common Market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chile withdrew in 1976 claiming economic incompatibilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Apart from CAN, <strong>Mercosur is the other major trading block of South America.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mercosur was established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunci&oacute;n, which was later amended and updated by the 1994 Treaty of Ouro Preto.</li>
<li>Its full members are <strong>Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay.</strong> Venezuela&rsquo;s membership was suspended in 2016.</li>
<li>Mercosur and CAN signed a Framework Agreement for the creation of a Free Trade Area between each other in April 1998.</li>
<li>CAN and Mercosur, along with nations like Chile, have been spearheading deeper integration of all South America through the <strong>Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)</strong> patterned on the European Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/jeanine-anez-stand-in-president-vows-to-pacify-bolivia/article29965210.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Supreme Court Ruling on Finance Act, 2017',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p></p>
<p>Recently, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India (SC) struck down the rules framed by the government under the Finance Act of 2017 to alter the appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SC struck down the changes made by the Finance Act, 2017 in entirety, as it found them contrary to the parent enactment and the principles envisaged in the Constitution.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These rules (Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal, and other Authorities Rules, 2017) were formulated by the Central Government under Section 184 of the Finance Act, 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, the SC raised the question of whether the Finance 2017 Act could have been passed as a money bill. For now, it has been referred to a larger Bench of 7 judges.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ordinarily, the Finance Act is enacted at the beginning of every accounting year to give effect to the government&rsquo;s fiscal policies.</li>
<li>However, the Finance Act, 2017 apart from setting the fiscal agenda, made changes that affected the powers and composition of various tribunals. For example, National Green Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasoning Behind the Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On the issue of changes made by the Finance Act, 2017</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Finance Act, 2017 gave the Union government the power to govern appointments and modify service terms and conditions of members of tribunals.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government can make changes in them through rules (executive action).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The problem associated with these changes is two-fold:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A bill requires parliamentary approval in order to be enforced, <strong>therefore changing appointment, removal, and reappointment of members on a tribunal through rules</strong> lowers the threshold of parliamentary scrutiny.</li>
<li>Also, in 2014, the SC, while examining provisions related to the National Tax Tribunal, had held that Appellate tribunals have powers and functions similar to that of High Courts.</li>
<li>Hence matters related to the appointment and reappointment of their members must be free from executive involvement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tribunals</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tribunal is a special court to deal with specific matters or problems of a particular type. They are established by an act of Parliament.</li>
<li>However, the courts are constitutional bodies, that deal with all types of cases.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On the issue of Money Bill</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The case has been referred to a larger bench. However, the minority opinion of the Constitution Bench held that the Finance Act, 2017, could not have been enacted as a money bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Money Bills</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A Bill is said to be a Money Bill if it only contains provisions related to taxation, borrowing of money by the government, expenditure from or receipt to the Consolidated Fund of India. Bills that only contain provisions that are incidental to these matters would also be regarded as Money Bills.</li>
<li>A Money Bill may only be introduced in Lok Sabha, on the recommendation of the President. It must be passed in the Lok Sabha by a simple majority of all members present and voting.</li>
<li>Following this, it may be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations, which Lok Sabha may reject if it chooses to. If such recommendations are not given within 14 days, it will deem to be passed by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3><br /><strong>Other highlights of the judgment</strong></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On account of the merger of tribunals, the SC directed the government to undertake a <strong>&lsquo;Judicial Impact Assessment&rsquo;</strong> of all 24 tribunals and analyze the ramifications of the merger.</li>
<li>The SC also highlighted the dismal state of tribunals. Therefore, in order to monitor the working of tribunals, the SC directed the constituting a statutory organization called the <strong>National TribunalCommission.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-strikes-down-rules-in-amended-finance-act-2017-on-tribunals/article29961315.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Disqualification of Karnataka MLAs',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of 17 dissident legislators approved by the then Karnataka Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar under the Tenth Schedule <strong>(<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/politics-of-defection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anti-Defection law</a>).</strong></p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2019, a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-anti-defection-law-karnataka-political-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>motion of no-confidence was to be</strong></a> considered in Karnataka Assembly against the ruling party. During this process, a few of the legislators resigned from their respective parties. However, their resignation was not taken under consideration by the then Assembly Speaker in lieu of the confidence vote that was to be held within a few days.</li>
<li>As soon as the trust vote was not achieved during the <strong>floor test</strong> by the ruling party, the <strong>Speaker disqualified those rebellious members.</strong> This raised the question of the <em>disqualification of members under the Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule) versus the role of Speaker to accept their resignation.</em></li>
<li>Also, the <strong>Speaker barred those MLAs from contesting elections</strong> till the time incumbent Assembly&rsquo;s term gets over, i.e, by 2023. This raised another question whether <em>disqualification under Tenth Schedule can lead to a bar upon legislators to contest by-elections during the tenure of the incumbent Legislative Assembly.</em></li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court Ruling</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tenth Schedule versus Re-contesting elections:</strong> The Supreme Court <strong>upheld the disqualification</strong> of the dissident legislators however it also held that their <strong>ouster does not put any bar upon them from contesting by-polls.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the Court, <strong>&lsquo;neither under the Constitution</strong> nor under the <strong>statutory scheme</strong> (i.e, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/postal-ballot-cover-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of the People Act, 1951</strong></a> or the <strong>Anti-Defection Law</strong>) it is mentioned that disqualification under the Tenth Schedule would lead to a bar for contesting re-elections.&rsquo;</li>
<li>The court also remarked that even the <strong>91<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act, 2003</strong> which did not allow a disqualified member to be appointed as a minister, did not give Speaker the power to put a ban upon them to contest elections till the end of the term.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resignation versus Disqualification:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A member may choose to resign for a variety of reasons which represents an individual&rsquo;s choice or will. An elected member&nbsp;if chooses to resign cannot be compelled to continue in the office. Whereas, a disqualification leads to the expulsion of the member from the office, irrespective of their will.</li>
<li>In this case, the court observed, &lsquo;on the one hand, resignation does not take away the effect of a prior act that amounts to disqualification. On the other, Speakers are not given a free power to sit on resignation letters indefinitely.&rsquo;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under <strong>Article 190(3) of the Constitution,</strong> the Speaker has to ascertain the <strong>voluntary and genuine</strong> nature of a resignation before accepting it.</li>
<li>It is a limited inquiry process only to check if the letter is authentic and if the intent to quit is based on free will. Once it is clear, the Speaker has no option but to accept the resignation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Court also observed that a pending disqualification action does not become nonfunctional by mere submission of the resignation letter. This would defeat the purpose of the Tenth Schedule if it was held that disqualification proceedings would become unfruitful upon tendering resignation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Anti-Defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Anti-Defection Law was passed in <strong>1985</strong> through the <strong>52<sup>nd</sup> Amendment to the Constitution.</strong> It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat &ldquo;the evil of political defections&rdquo;.</li>
<li>According to it, a member of a House belonging to any political party becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, (a) if he voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or (b) if he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Powers of Speaker with regard to Anti-Defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the <strong>presiding officer</strong> of the House.</li>
<li>After <strong>Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachilhu&nbsp;case (1993),</strong> the Supreme Court declared that the decision of the presiding officer is <strong>not final and can be questioned in any court.</strong> It is subject to <strong>judicial review</strong> on the grounds of malafide, perversity, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-upholds-speakers-disqualification-of-17-karnataka-mlas/article29960032.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/disqualification-of-karnataka-mlas'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'World Diabetes Day 2019',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> has launched an initiative to expand access to affordable insulin on the occasion of <strong>World Diabetes Day (14<sup>th</sup> November).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This year&rsquo;s theme for World Diabetes Day is <strong>&ldquo;Family and Diabetes&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>14<sup>th</sup> November</strong> marks the <strong>birthday of Sir Frederick Banting,</strong> who <strong>co-discovered insulin</strong> along with Charles Best in <strong>1922.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Kep Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The burden of disease:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than <strong>420 million people worldwide</strong> affected<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-asians-at-higher-health-risks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> by diabetes.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>China</strong> has the <strong>highest</strong> number of patients (11.43 cr.) followed by <strong>India</strong> (7.29 cr.) in<strong> 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues related to treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>High costs of insulin</li>
<li>Insufficient essential medicines and technologies</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps taken by Government of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s National</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)</strong></a> <strong>Target</strong> is to prevent the rise in obesity and diabetes prevalence.</li>
<li><strong>National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010</strong> to provide support for diagnosis and cost-effective treatment at various levels of health care.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diabetes</strong></p>
<p>Diabetes is a <strong>Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does <strong>not</strong> <strong>produce</strong> enough <strong>insulin</strong> (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Types<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Type I diabetes:</strong> It is also known as juvenile diabetes (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin. People with type I diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.</li>
<li><strong>Type 2 diabetes:</strong> It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The population with <strong>45 and above age group is the most affected with it.</strong></li>
<li>This is the <strong>most common type of diabetes</strong> and it has strong links with obesity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes becomes less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Diabetes affects the five major organs namely, <strong>Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>factors</strong> responsible for the <strong>increase in diabetes</strong> are an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/who-initiative-to-expand-access-to-affordable-insulin/article29932773.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/world-diabetes-day-2019'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'CJI under the RTI Act',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> has ruled that the office of the <strong>Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a public authority</strong> under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>five-judge Constitution Bench</strong> headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi gave the ruling.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlights of the Ruling</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court is a &ldquo;public authority&rdquo; and the office of the CJI is part and parcel of the institution. Hence, if the Supreme Court is a public authority, so is the office of the CJI.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The judiciary cannot function in total insulation as judges enjoy a constitutional post and discharge public duty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, <strong>Right to Privacy is an important aspect and has to be balanced with transparency</strong> while deciding to give out information from the office of the Chief Justice of India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>RTI cannot be used as a tool of surveillance</strong> and that judicial independence has to be kept in mind while dealing with transparency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On the issue related to the appointment of judges, the Supreme Court held that only the <strong>names of the judges recommended by the Collegium for appointment can be disclosed,</strong> not the reasons.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Outcome of the Ruling</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The office of the CJI will <strong>now entertain RTI applications.</strong></li>
<li>Under the RTI Act, 2005, every public authority has to provide information to persons requesting for the information under the Act.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public Authority</strong> includes the body constituted by or under the Constitution. <strong>Article 124</strong> of the Constitution deals with the establishment of the Supreme Court of India.</li>
<li><strong>Information includes</strong> any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ruling is <strong>an example for other bodies</strong> such as political parties, number of schools, trusts and public-private partnerships who resist categorisation as public authorities under the Act.</li>
<li>However, it has been seen that <strong>Offices</strong> such as those of the Prime Minister and the President which are public authorities under the RTI Act <strong>have often denied information</strong> quoting separate observations by the Supreme Court.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For instance, in 2011, the Supreme Court observed that:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Officials need to furnish only such information which already exists and is held by the public authority and not collate or create information, that is</li>
<li>The nation does not want a scenario where 75% of the staff of public authorities spends 75% of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong> The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Bureau of Investigation</strong></a> (CBI) is <strong>out of the purview of the RTI Act.</strong> It was granted exemption in 2011.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ruling-on-cjis-office-sets-rti-example/article29965449.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/cji-under-the-rti-act'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Why BRICS matters for INDIA?',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-brics-matters-for-india-6116737/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Why BRICS matters for India&rdquo;</strong></a> that was published in The Indian Express on 13/11/2019. It talks about the importance of BRICS for India.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>In the run-up to 11th BRICS summit that is scheduled to be held at Brasilia (Brazil) on 13-14 Nov, Indian Prime Minister has articulated a vision of strengthening and reforming the multilateral system itself.</strong></p>
<h3>Origin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2001, the British Economist <strong>Jim O&rsquo;Neill</strong> coined the term<strong> BRIC</strong> to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.</li>
<li>The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of the UNGA in New York in 2006.</li>
<li>The first BRIC Summit was held in <strong>Yekaterinburg, Russia,</strong> in June, 2009.</li>
<li>The expansion of grouping took place at Foreign Ministers&rsquo; meeting in New York in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa.</li>
<li>South Africa attended the <strong>third</strong> BRICS Summit in <strong>Sanya, China`</strong> in April 2011.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Institutions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Development Bank:</strong> During the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil (2014), the leaders signed the Agreement for establishing the New Development Bank (NDB).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fortaleza Declaration</strong> stressed that the NDB will strengthen cooperation among BRICS and will supplement the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global development thus contributing to sustainable and balanced growth.</li>
<li>NDB has successfully worked as one of the most promising multilateral development institutions. Since its inception in 2015, it has approved 42 investment projects worth over $11 billion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contingency Reserve Arrangement:</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/brics-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRICS</strong> </a>nations signed BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014 as part of Fortaleza Declaration at Sixth BRICS summit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contingency Reserve Arrangement, aimed at ensuring liquidity for member-states when they are confronted by short term balance of payment crises.</li>
<li>The capital of $100 billion committed under CRA, can act as the guarantor of BRICS financial stability in case of crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of BRICS in Global Order</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BRICS countries together accounts for 42% of the world&rsquo;s population, a third of the global GDP and around 17% share of world trade. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BRICS countries&rsquo; sizable contribution to global growth, trade and investment makes it an important pillar of global order.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial:</strong> Structural imbalances caused by the global financial crisis of 2008 and new threats to the global economy posed by trade war and unilateral economic sanctions are yet to be resolved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The growing contribution of the BRICS to the world economy and the rising importance of the economic relations between the BRICS and other Emerging Market and Developing Countries (EMDCs) create an opportunity for new initiatives that would better help to support sustainable and inclusive growth and development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong> The US unilateral withdrawal from<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-2nd-february-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty</strong></a> and<strong> Iran deal</strong> has posed a great security threat to global peace.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BRICS, being a pillar of fairer polycentric world order, can play a significant role in assuring world peace by playing an active role in dispute resolution based on principle of fairness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poverty Reduction:</strong> The BRICS contribution to world poverty reduction has been sizeable. Continued BRICS growth remains important for poverty reduction as well as for reducing international inequalities.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The treaty was signed in December 1987 by US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.</li>
<li>It prohibited the United States and the Soviet Union from possessing, testing and deploying ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles of ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.</li>
<li>It also covered all land-based missiles, including those carrying nuclear warheads but did not cover sea-launched missiles.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Importance of BRICS for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Politics:</strong> Global geopolitics today represents the case of a tug of war and India finds itself in the middle of it. This has made difficult for India to carve a middle path for <strong>balancing its strategic interests between the U.S and the Russia-China axis.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, BRICS platform provides an opportunity for India to balance Russia-China axis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Economic Order:</strong> BRICS countries shared a common objective of reforming the international financial and monetary system, with a strong desire to build a more just, and balanced international order<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To this end, BRICS community plays an important role in the G20, in shaping global economic policies and promoting financial stability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Voice of Developing Nations:</strong> As the western countries are raising challenges on issues ranging from World Trade Organisation to climate change, the developing countries are crippling under the onslaught of these policies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In recent period, BRICS has emerged as the voice of developing countries, or the global south and playing a significant role in protecting the rights of developing countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong> BRICS also provides a platform for India to galvanize its efforts against terrorism and has worked within the grouping to take a strong stand against terrorism and bring about focused consultations on specific aspects relating to terrorism.</li>
<li><strong>Global Grouping:</strong> India is actively pursuing its membership for United Nation Security Council (UNSC) and Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China forms the major roadblock in pursuing such goals. Therefore, BRICS provides an opportunity to actively engage with China and resolve the mutual disputes. It also helps in garnering support of other partner countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Heterogeneity:</strong> It is claimed by critics that heterogeneity (variable/diverse nature of countries) of the BRICS nations with its diverse interests possess a threat to the viability of the grouping.</li>
<li><strong>China Centric:</strong> All the countries in BRICS grouping trade with China more than each other, therefore it is blamed that as a platform to promote China&rsquo;s interest. Balancing trade deficit with China is huge challenge for other partner nations.</li>
<li><strong>Global Model for Governance:</strong> Amidst, global slowdown, trade war and protectionism, the critical challenge for the BRICS consists in the development of a new global model of governance which should not be unipolar but inclusive and constructive.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The goal should be to avoid a negative scenario of unfolding globalization and to start a complicated merging of the global growing economies without distorting or breaking the single financial and economic continuum of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BRICS should promote comprehensive development of all states &mdash; both big and small &mdash; and enhanced mutually beneficial cooperation among them on the basis of shared interests.</li>
<li><strong>Democratization of international issues</strong> i.e agreements on global agendas should be reached with the widest and equal participation of all stakeholders and be based on universally recognised legal norms.</li>
<li>The principle of respect for cultural and civilizational diversity of the world should be a top priority.</li>
<li>BRICS nations should strive for peaceful and politico-diplomatic settlement of crisis and conflict in various regions of the world.</li>
</ul>
<p>BRICS, being one of the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order, plays an important stabilising role in global affairs. In the storming ocean of world politics, BRICS can contribute significantly in maintaining international stability and ensuring global economic growth and becoming a united center of the multipolar world.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #fc0000; background-color: #fffce0;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Inputs</strong></em></span><br /><br />BRICS can be the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order. In this context, examine the relevance of BRICS in upholding the voice of developing nations.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/why-brics-matters-for-india'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>To mark the occasion of the <strong>World Pneumonia Day</strong> on <strong>November 12</strong>, the <strong>International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC)</strong> released the <strong>10<sup>th</sup> Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report.</strong> The report describes <strong>progress in fighting pneumonia and diarrhoea</strong> in countries with the highest absolute number of deaths.</p>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report is issued <strong>annually.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Prevalence:</strong> The report has found that globally, pneumonia and diarrhoea led to nearly <strong>one of every four deaths</strong> in children under five years of age (in 2017).</li>
<li><strong>Parameters:</strong> The report analyses how effectively countries are delivering <strong>10 key interventions,</strong> including <strong>breastfeeding, vaccination, access to care, use of antibiotics, ORS, and zinc supplementation.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These measures are proven to help prevent deaths due to these illnesses and could help achieve the <strong>UN&rsquo;s Sustainable Development Goal-3</strong> target of reducing<strong> under-five mortality</strong> to at least as low as <strong>25 per 1,000 live births by 2030.</strong></li>
<li>According to UNICEF, in India (2018) the<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Under 5</strong> Mortality Rate is 39 deaths per 1000 live births.</li>
<li><strong>Infant</strong> Mortality Rate <strong>(under one year of age)</strong> is 32 deaths per 1000 live births.</li>
<li><strong>Neonatal</strong> Mortality Rate <strong>(during the first 28 days of life)</strong> is 24 deaths per 1000 live births.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Status:</strong> Rollout of <strong>rotavirus vaccines</strong> to prevent rotavirus diarrhoea (in 2016), and <strong>pneumococcal conjugate vaccine</strong> for treating pneumonia (in 2017) has helped India to improve its scores. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s exclusive breastfeeding rate (at 55%) is among the highest of the 23 countries. However, the proportion of children receiving important treatments, as with many other countries, remains below targets.</li>
<li><strong>In India, half</strong> of the children with diarrhoea receive ORS <strong>(Oral Rehydration Solution)</strong> and <strong>20%</strong> receive <strong>zinc supplementation</strong> that helps to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia and diarrhoea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573638411_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573638411_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="561" height="262" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Other Reports Findings:</strong> Reports from organizations like <strong>Save the Children and UNICEF</strong> have marked that, in 2017, the<strong> highest risk factors for child pneumonia death</strong> in India were: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>53% caused by<strong> child wasting,</strong></li>
<li>27% by<strong> outdoor air pollution,</strong> and</li>
<li>22% caused by<strong> indoor air pollution</strong> from solid fuels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The report concludes that the global community must<strong> increase investment and support</strong> other countries in developing <strong>smart and sustainable strategies</strong> that can close the gaps and accelerate progress.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/falling-prey-to-pneumonia-diarrhoea/article29956072.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/pneumonia-and-diarrhoea-progress-report'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Krishnapatnam Port',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Adani Group of Companies has expressed its interest in the Krishnapatnam port, as part of its plan to expand its reach in the east coast.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Krishnapatnam Port is located in Nellore District in <strong>Andhra Pradesh.</strong></li>
<li>The Port has been named so as the <strong>Vijayanagar Emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya</strong> used to operate this port.</li>
<li>In the 1980s, the Government of India declared the Port as a<strong> &lsquo;minor port&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Union Government</strong> is responsible for <strong>development of 12 Major Ports</strong> whereas<strong> minor ports</strong> are under the <strong>jurisdiction of respective State Governments.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vijaynagar Empire</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vijayanagara or <strong>&ldquo;city of victory&rdquo;</strong> was the <strong>name of both a city and an empire.</strong></li>
<li>The empire was <strong>founded in the fourteenth century (1336 AD)</strong> by <strong>Harihara and Bukka</strong> of <strong>Sangama dynasty.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They made <strong>Hampi</strong> as the capital city. In 1986, Hampi was declared a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Heritage site by UNESCO.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.</li>
<li>Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by <strong>four important dynasties</strong> and they are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sangama</li>
<li>Saluva</li>
<li>Tuluva</li>
<li>Aravidu</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Krishnadevaraya (ruled 1509-29)</strong> of the <strong>Tuluva dynasty</strong> was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagar. His rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation.</li>
<li>He is credited with <strong>building some fine temples</strong> and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples. He also founded a <strong>suburban township</strong> near Vijayanagar called <strong>Nagalapuram</strong> after his mother.</li>
<li>He composed a work on statecraft in Telugu known as the <strong>Amuktamalyada.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/adani-begins-due-diligence-of-krishnapatnam-port/article29955876.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/krishnapatnam-port'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Premature Deaths in India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recently released study by <strong>the Lancet Global Health</strong> shows that <strong>different states in India have different causes for premature deaths</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study shows that <strong>9.7 million people face premature deaths in India (2017).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Premature deaths are death that occurs before the average age of death in a certain population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Premature deaths due to various causes expressed as<strong> Years of Life Lost (YLL)</strong> are <strong>unevenly distributed</strong> in terms of the <strong>burden on the states.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Years of Life Lost (YLL)</strong> is a measure of premature mortality. It estimates the years of potential life lost due to premature deaths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573633441_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573633441_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="426" height="405" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The different causes of premature deaths in India include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Liver and alcohol related issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>high</strong> in the <strong>northeastern states, Bihar, Karnataka, and Maharashtra,</strong> accounting for <strong>18% of national YLLs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suicides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>highest in the southern states,</strong> accounting for <strong>15% of national YLLs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cancer:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh account for <strong>44% of India&rsquo;s cancer burden.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road traffic injuries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Theses are <strong>high</strong> in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, accounting for <strong>33%</strong> of <strong>national YLLs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More than three-quarters of premature deaths and</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malnutrition-and-disease-burden" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY)</strong></a> occurred in <strong>rural areas,</strong> and <strong>males</strong> accounted for <strong>54.3%</strong> of all DALYs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) is the sum of the number of years of life lost due to premature death and a weighted measure of the years lived with disability due to a disease or injury. India had <strong>486 million DALYs in 2017.</strong></li>
<li>DALY rates in <strong>rural areas</strong> of India are at <strong>least twice</strong> those of <strong>urban areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>DALY and YLL</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DALYs for a disease or health condition are calculated as the sum of the Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature mortality in the population and the Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) for people living with the health condition or its consequences</li>
<li>Simply, it can be written as<strong> DALY= YLL+YLD.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/premature-deaths-in-india-different-causes-different-states-6116747/" 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/premature-deaths-in-india'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Cancer Care Infrastructure',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment</strong> submitted its report to the Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu. The committee was constituted to examine an expanded role of the Department of Atomic Energy <strong>to address India&rsquo;s rising cancer burden.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Infrastructure:</strong> According to the report, India&rsquo;s cancer care infrastructure is <strong>highly inadequate</strong> which forces a majority of patients to travel thousands of kilometres for treatment.</li>
<li><strong>Mortality to Incidence Ratio:</strong> The inadequate infrastructure fails to address the needs of patients and contributes to a <strong>20% higher mortality among Indian cancer patients</strong> than those in countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, the rate stands at 0.68 which is higher than that in countries with <strong>very high HDI (at 0.38) and high HDI countries (0.57).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incidence Rate in India:</strong> The number of <strong>newly diagnosed cases</strong> of cancer <strong>annually</strong> is about <strong>16 lakh.</strong> Around <strong>8 lakh people die</strong> annually due to cancer.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prevalence among <strong>women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Breast cancer-</strong> 140,000 cases,</li>
<li><strong>Cervical cancer-</strong> 100,000 cases, and</li>
<li><strong>Oral cancer-</strong> 45,000 cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Among <strong>men,</strong> the top three cancers with the highest incidence are those in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Oral cavity-</strong> 1,38,000 cases,</li>
<li><strong>Cancer of the pharynx-</strong> 90,000 cases, and</li>
<li>The <strong>gastrointestinal tract-</strong> 2,00,000 cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The incidence of cancer is <strong>very high in all North Eastern States</strong> (higher than the national average) for several types of cancer, showing a <strong>consistently rising trend</strong> over the past few decades.</li>
<li>The<strong> International Agency for Research on Cancer</strong> expects <strong>cancer deaths</strong> in India to rise from 8.8 lakh in 2018 to 13 lakh in 2035.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The report highlights the significance of India&rsquo;s<strong> National Cancer Grid</strong> which is the prominent centre for cancer treatment in the country. It treats over 7,00,000 new cancer cases.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Cancer Grid</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Cancer Grid (NCG)</strong> is a <strong>network of major cancer centers, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India</strong> with the mandate of establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training and education in oncology and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer.</li>
<li>It was formed in<strong> August 2012.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>International Agency for Research on Cancer</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) was created in <strong>1965</strong> by a resolution of the World Health Assembly, as the <strong>specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization.</strong></li>
<li>The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.</li>
<li>It comprises of<strong> 27</strong> member countries. <strong>India is a member</strong> of it.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Lyon, France.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hub and Spoke Model:</strong> The committee recommended this model to enhance the <strong>accessibility and reach out</strong> to cancer patients nationally. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has a network of<strong> centres</strong> (or<strong> hubs</strong>)- capable of <strong>treating complex</strong> forms of cancer. They would be <strong>connected to other centres (spokes)</strong> capable of <strong>treating less complex</strong> variants of cancers.</li>
<li>The underlying idea is to <strong>ease access and minimize travel time</strong> for patients- as one hub would cover about 4 crore patients and a spoke 50 lakh-1 crore patients annually.</li>
<li>The model is already in practice in <strong>Punjab.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/indias-cancer-care-facilities-highly-inadequate-says-parliamentary-panel/article29956045.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/cancer-care-infrastructure'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Butterfly Survey',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Kerala government has carried out a butterfly survey in the <strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS)</strong> located in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/environmental-conservation-with-grassroot-governance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Western Ghat region.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The survey <strong>aims</strong> at assessing the butterfly diversity in the forest areas of the western ghats region, which is vulnerable to climatic changes.</li>
<li>The survey coincides with the<strong> annual butterfly migration in south India from the plains to the Western Ghats areas.</strong></li>
<li>The butterfly is an<strong> indicator species</strong> thus a survey will help to study the<strong> interrelation and effects of climate change on ecology.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An indicator species provides information on the overall condition of the ecosystem and of other species in that ecosystem. They reflect the quality and changes in environmental conditions as well as aspects of community composition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The survey spotted 191 species of butterflies</strong> in the area, out of which <strong>12</strong> are <strong>endemic</strong> to the region. It shows a <strong>healthy butterfly habitat</strong> in the region</li>
<li>The survey observed <strong>rare species of butterflies</strong> such as <strong>Silver forget me not, Common three-ring, and Brown onyx, etc.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>diversity of butterflies</strong> was <strong>very low</strong> in the forest areas where <strong>alien invasive plants</strong> such as <strong>Senna spectabilis</strong> are found.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Senna spectabilis suppresses the growth of many host plants of butterflies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.</li>
<li>Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is significant because of ecological and geographic continuity with other protected areas such as Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole N.P., of Karnataka in the north-eastern portion and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu in the south-east.</li>
<li>It has the world&rsquo;s largest recorded population of the Asiatic elephant.</li>
<li>Almost the entire Wayanad district is drained by Kabini and its three tributaries, the Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Kalindy rivers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Kabini River, one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the Kaveri River.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 13 sanctuaries in the protected areas of the state of Kerala.</li>
<li>It is located in the Idduki district of Kerala near the Annamalai hills.</li>
<li>It comes under the jurisdiction of Eravikulam National Park.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-western-ghats-still-home-to-a-rainbow-of-butterflies/article29956417.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/butterfly-survey'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'President’s Rule in Maharashtra',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The state of <strong>Maharashtra has been placed under the President&rsquo;s Rule</strong> amid a stalemate over government formation after the assembly polls in October 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Union Cabinet recommended the President's rule</strong> in the state after <strong>Governor of the state submitted a report</strong> regarding the same.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In his report, the Governor said a situation has arisen that a <strong>stable government is not possible</strong> and the <strong>government could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The President signed a <strong>proclamation</strong> imposing President's rule in Maharashtra under <strong>Article 356(1).</strong> The <strong>Assembly</strong> has been kept in<strong> suspended animation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>President&rsquo;s Rule</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meaning</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>President&rsquo;s Rule implies the <strong>suspension of a state government</strong> and the<strong> imposition of direct rule of the Centre.</strong></li>
<li>It is also known as &lsquo;State Emergency&rsquo; or &lsquo;Constitutional Emergency&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Article 356</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Supreme Court in Bommai case (1994) enlisted the situations where the exercise of power under Article 356 could be proper.</li>
<li>One such situation is that of <strong>&lsquo;Hung Assembly&rsquo;,</strong> i.e. where after general elections to the assembly, no party secures a majority.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President&rsquo;s Rule is imposed through the<strong> invocation of Article 356 of the Constitution</strong> by the President on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.</li>
<li>Under Article 356, President&rsquo;s Rule is imposed if the<strong> President, upon receipt of the report from the Governor</strong> of the State or otherwise, <strong>is satisfied</strong> that a situation has arisen in which the <strong>government of the State cannot be carried</strong> on<strong> in accordance</strong> with the provisions of the <strong>Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parliamentary Approval and Duration</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A proclamation imposing President&rsquo;s Rule <strong>must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months</strong> from the date of its issue.</li>
<li>The approval takes place through<strong> simple majority</strong> in either House, that is, a majority of the members of the House present and voting.</li>
<li>Initially <strong>valid for six months,</strong> the President&rsquo;s Rule can be <strong>extended for a maximum period of three years</strong> with the approval of the Parliament, every six months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences of President&rsquo;s Rule</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>state governor, on behalf of the President, carries on the state administration</strong> with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President.</li>
<li>The President can declare that the powers of the state legislature are to be exercised by the Parliament.</li>
<li>The President <strong>either suspends or dissolves the state legislative assembly.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Revocation</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A proclamation of President&rsquo;s Rule <strong>may be revoked by the President at any time</strong> by a subsequent proclamation. Such a proclamation <strong>does not require parliamentary approval.</strong></li>
<li>This happens, in case, the leader of a party produces letters of support from a majority of members of the Assembly, and stakes his claim to form a government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Punchii Commission&rsquo;s Guidelines in case of a Hung Assembly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The party or combination of parties which commands the <strong>widest support in the Legislative Assembly</strong> should be called upon to form the Government.</li>
<li>If there is a <strong>pre-poll alliance or coalition,</strong> it should be treated as one political party and if such coalition obtains a majority, the leader of such coalition shall be called by the Governor to form the Government.</li>
<li>In case <strong>no party or pre-poll coalition has a clear majority,</strong> the Governor should select the Chief Minister in the order of preference as indicated below:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The group of parties which had pre-poll alliance commanding the largest number.</li>
<li>The largest single party staking a claim to form the government with the support of others.</li>
<li>A post-electoral coalition with all partners joining the government.</li>
<li>A post-electoral alliance with some parties joining the government and the remaining including independents supporting the government from outside.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/presidents-rule-imposed-in-maharashtra/article29954298.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/president-s-rule-in-maharashtra'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Guru Nanak Dev',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-vision-for-equality-guru-nanak-550-birth-anniversary-6115069/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A vision for equality&rdquo;</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/guru-nanak-dev-guru-purb-sikhism-golden-temple-6115054/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A humanist above all&rdquo;</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/legacy-for-a-civilisation-guru-nanak-550-birth-anniversary-teachings-6115075/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Legacy for a civilisation&rdquo;</strong></a>, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/going-beyond-kartarpur-corridor-inauguration-opening-india-pakistan-amarinder-singh-pm-modi-imran-khan-6115072/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Going beyond Kartarpur&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Indian Express on 12/11/2019. It talks about the relevance of Guru Nanak Dev in Modern India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/550th-birth-anniversary-celebrations-of-sri-guru-nanak-dev" target="_blank" rel="noopener">550<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev</a> </strong>was celebrated. He is known as a philosopher, poet, traveller, political rebel, social leveller, mass communicator and a spiritual master- on whose teachings the religion of Sikhism is founded.</p>
<h3>About Guru Nanak Dev</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) was born in a village, Talwandi Rai Bhoe, near Lahore (it was renamed later as Nankana Sahib).</li>
<li>Guru Nanak Dev initiated inter-faith dialogue way back in the 16<sup>th</sup> century and had conversations with most of the religious denominations of his times.</li>
<li>His written compositions were included in the Adi Granth compiled by Guru Arjan (1563-1606), the fifth Sikh guru.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This came to be known as Guru Granth Sahib after the additions made by the 10th guru Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708).</li>
<li>In compiling the Adi Granth, Guru Arjan showed a remarkable commitment to pluralism while retaining the unity of thought initiated by Guru Nanak Dev.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of Guru Nanak Dev for modern India</h3>
<p><strong>Building an Egalitarian Society</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Even though India is an aspiring superpower, it&rsquo;s caste hierarchy is still engraved in the societal order.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev's vision of a casteless society in which there is no caste hierarchy can help to establish an egalitarian society.</li>
<li>His idea of equality can be deduced by the following innovative social institutions, as given by him:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Langar:</strong> Collective cooking and sharing of food.</li>
<li><strong>Pangat:</strong> Partaking food without distinctions of high and low caste.</li>
<li><strong>Sangat:</strong> Collective decision making.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These egalitarian practices had directly challenged the untouchability and the caste system and continue to do so.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Social Harmony</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increased cases of intolerance, mob lynching and right-wing vigilantism, affects the secular nature and social harmony of the Indian society.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev's concept of "Jeeye kaa ik daata" can address these issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to him, the whole world is God&rsquo;s creation (Jeeye kaa ik daata) and all are born equal. There is only one universal creator i.e. <strong>&ldquo;Ik Omkaar Satnaam.&rdquo;</strong></li>
<li>This spirit of equality began with Guru Nanak Dev&rsquo;s clear recognition that there is no distinction between a Hindu and Muslim. For him, no country was foreign and no people were alien.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This philosophy is similar to the Sanskrit saying <strong>&ldquo;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&rdquo;</strong> that describes the whole world as one family.</li>
<li>Apart from it, <strong>forgiveness, patience, forbearance, and kindness</strong> are the core of Guru Nanak Dev's teachings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Creating a Just Society</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inequality is the root cause of all social evils.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev placed the motto of<strong> "kirat karo, naam japo and vand chhako"</strong> (work, worship and share) before his disciples.</li>
<li>He stood for <strong>karma as the basis of dharma,</strong> and he transformed the idea of spiritualism into the <strong>ideology of social responsibility and social change.</strong></li>
<li>He suggested that we earn by honest labour and share the earnings with the needy.</li>
<li>He advocated the concept of <strong>&ldquo;dasvandh&rdquo;</strong> or donating one-tenth of one&rsquo;s earning among needy persons.</li>
<li>The selfless service to mankind known as<strong> &ldquo;Seva&rdquo;</strong> is central to the teaching of Sikhism.</li>
<li>These ideals can help us in establishing a just society today.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gender Equality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Women have been the most oppressed sections of the society.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak Dev argued that <strong>"How can women be inferior when they give birth to men?"</strong></li>
<li>According to him, "Women as well as men share the grace of God and are equally responsible for their actions to him.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Respect for women and gender equality is perhaps the most important lesson to be learnt from Guru Nanak Dev&rsquo;s life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Bringing Peace</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Relations between India and Pakistan are grim due to tensions over Kashmir and cross border terrorism.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, both the countries, keeping their political issues aside had inaugurated the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kartarpur-corridor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Kartapur corridor.</strong></a></li>
<li>Kartarpur corridor can become a starting point in the normalization of India-Pakistan relations, which will have an impact on the whole South-Asian region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>According to Indian Philosophy, a Guru is the one who provides illumination, dispels doubt and shows the right path. In this context, the ideas of Guru Nanak Dev can help promote peace, equality and prosperity across the globe.</p>
<p>Every person can learn a lot from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev. Leaders of the world can also learn from his life and teachings so that meaningful dialogues between various communities can be initiated (especially in the conflict-ridden parts of the world). This will certainly propagate the ideas of peace, stability and cooperation, and make the world a better place to live in.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #e5ffd4;">
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span><br />Analyze the relevance of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev in modern India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/guru-nanak-dev-1'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: India's Act East Policy',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWHZ5BT1Oec" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Thailand for East Asia Summit and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.</strong></a> The visit was intended for India to finalize the RCEP trade deal.</p>
<p>India has expressed many concerns regarding the signing of the trade deal, viz. unfavourable balance of trade, non-acceptance of auto-trigger mechanism, protection of domestic industry (dairy and steel), lack of consensus on rules of origin, etc.</p>
<p>However, RCEP envisages strong economic linkages of India with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries, which is at the core of India&rsquo;s Act East Policy.</p>
<h3>Evolution of India's Act East Policy</h3>
<p>India Act East Policy was unveiled by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the 12<sup>th</sup> ASEAN-India Summit in 2014 held in Myanmar.<strong> Act East Policy is the successor of Look East Policy.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Look East Policy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to recover from the loss of the strategic partner -USSR (end of the Cold war 1991), India sought to build up a relationship with the USA and allies of the USA in Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>In this pursuit, former Prime minister of India P V Narasimha Rao launched Look East policy in 1992, to give a strategic push to India&rsquo;s engagement with South-East Asia region.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>How Act East is different from Look East policy?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Look East policy focused on the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a> <strong>countries + Economic Integration.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1996 and summit level partner in 2002.</li>
<li>In 2012 the relationship got up-graded into a <strong>Strategic Partnership in 2012.</strong></li>
<li>The time when India launched Look East Policy in 1992, India's trade with ASEAN was $2 billion. After signing the Free Trade Agreement in 2010 with ASEAN, the trade has grown to $72 billion (2017-18).</li>
<li>India is also an active participant in several regional forums like the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East Asia Summit (EAS),</strong></a> ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Act East Policy focused on<strong> ASEAN countries + Economic Integration + East Asian countries + Security cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prime minister of India highlighted <strong>4C's of Act East Policy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Culture</li>
<li>Commerce</li>
<li>Connectivity</li>
<li>Capacity building</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security</strong> is an important dimension of <strong>India's Act East Policy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the context of growing Chinese assertiveness in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a> and the Indian Ocean, securing freedom of navigation and India's own role in the Indian Ocean is a key feature of Act East Policy.</li>
<li>In pursuance of this, India has been engaged under the narrative of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-pacific</strong></a> and informal grouping called <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indo-Pacific</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, the term Indo-pacific gained prominence.</li>
<li>The first time, the term 'Indo Pacific' was used by the <strong>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to him, it is a <strong>connection between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the President of the United States reinvigorated the term Indo-pacific at <strong>EAS summit, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>Through Indo-pacific, US envisages an open, free, inclusive, prosperous and rule-based Indo Pacific system.</li>
<li>The term <strong>Indo-pacific is being used instead of 'Asia-Pacific'.</strong> This shows the <strong>salience of India in the new construct.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be reflected in multilateral military exercises like <strong>Malabar</strong> (trilateral naval exercise between India, Japan and the US).</li>
<li>India hosted ASEAN Plus military exercise <strong>(Force 18) in 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Quad</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Quad is an informal strategic dialogue of like-minded democracies converging across the Indian and Pacific oceans.</li>
<li>It comprises of the US, Japan, India and Australia.</li>
<li>Quad is perceived to be symbiotically linked military alliance, formed to contain China.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<p>India has done more than two decades of hard work to extend its reach beyond South Asia, reaching East Asia or Indo-Pacific region. However, there are some challenges to Act East Policy.</p>
<h3>Trade Deficit</h3>
<p>Trade has grown over the years but this has occurred with an imbalance.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s trade deficit vis-a-vis all other <strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong> countries is around $ 107 billion.</li>
<li>This trade deficit is significantly huge, given India's total trade deficit i.e. around $180 billion.</li>
<li>This was one of the reasons that made India exit RCEP negotiations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dealing with China</h3>
<p>India has to cope up with different strategies of China.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On one hand, China is encircling India (through the string of pearls), building China Pakistan economic corridor through disputed territory between India &amp; Pakistan.</li>
<li>On the other hand, China wants India to be on its side, on issues like climate change, globalization etc.</li>
<li>Also, India desires that its foreign policy of <strong>Multi Alignment</strong> should not make China apprehensive of India being a member of the <strong>anti-China alliance</strong> led by the US.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps for an Assertive Act East Policy</h3>
<p><strong>Need for Competitive Manufacturing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Act East Policy seeks economic integration of India's economy with global supply chains which are concentrated in Southeast Asia and East Asia.</li>
<li>In order to become a manufacturing hub, India should do holistic reforms to make its manufacturing competitive <strong>(India hasn't witnessed major reforms since 1991).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context there is a need for capital sector reforms, labour reforms, easing of land acquisition and bridging infrastructure deficit.</li>
<li>The responsibility of carrying out these reforms lies with both the private sector and the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will also help India to check its trade deficit.</li>
<li><strong>A balanced, fair and equitable trade relationship is critical for a resounding Act East Policy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Tackling China</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Just like China is showing its assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, India must increase its engagement in the South China Sea.</li>
<li>In this context, India's engagement with Quad and ASEAN countries is a step in the right direction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India and Vietnam,</strong> are collaborating in oil exploration in the South China Sea (where China has its claims of sovereignty).</li>
<li>Similar to China developing ports in the Indian Ocean, India with Indonesia is <strong>developing a port called Sabang</strong> (near the Strait of Malacca).</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian prime minister proposed an<strong> &ldquo;Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative&rdquo;</strong> for the safe, secure and stable maritime domain.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It focuses on creating partnerships among interested states in enhancing maritime security, sustainably using marine resources, disaster prevention &amp; management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Developing North East</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The success of India&rsquo;s Act East Policy, will depend upon connectivity projects in India's North East region.</li>
<li>Therefore, India should expedite the connectivity projects like India&ndash;Myanmar&ndash;Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Leveraging Soft power</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While pursuing Act East Policy India must work on <strong>its niche advantage i.e. cultural and civilizational.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <strong>cultural and civilizational</strong> linkages are dated from ancient times (spread of Buddhism and Hinduism).</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s freedom struggle further extended this connection, as many of India's freedom fighters had links with Southeast and East Asian countries.</li>
<li>Today, the sphere of India&rsquo;s cultural power expanded because of <strong>technological infusion and globalization.</strong></li>
<li>There is a growing realization of Gandhi&rsquo;s ideal of <strong>Sovereign citizens</strong> (a situation where each citizen is so empowered that it can influence the world).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Indian diaspora</strong> will forge a strong people to people relations, which in turn will enhance India&rsquo;s cultural and civilizational linkages.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Suranga Bawadi ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Suranga Bawadi, situated in Bijapur Karnataka, has</strong> entered the <strong>World Monuments Watch List</strong> under <strong>&ldquo;Ancient Water System of the Deccan Plateau&rdquo;</strong> of the <strong>World Monument Funds.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Suranga Bawadi is an integral part of the ancient<strong> Karez System</strong> of supplying water through subterranean tunnels.</li>
<li>It was built by <strong>Adil Shah-I</strong> of <strong>Adilshahi dynasty of Bijapur</strong> in the 16th century to supply water to Vijaypura in Karnataka.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Karez System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Karez is a water harnessing technology in which groundwater is brought to the surface by a tunnel.</li>
<li>In this system, no mechanical pump or lift is used. Gravity alone brings the water from the underground source.</li>
<li>The technology originated in Persia/Iran and was widely used during the medieval period.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573548096_pasted%20image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573548096_pasted image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="542" height="356" /></a></p>
<h3>World Monument Watch</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Monuments Watch is a <strong>biennial selection program of &lsquo;at-risk cultural heritage sites&rsquo;</strong> that combine great historical significance with contemporary social impact.</li>
<li>It is a nomination-based program that uses cultural heritage conservation to empower communities and improve human well-being.</li>
<li>It was launched in <strong>1995</strong> on the occasion of the 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary of World Monuments Fund to identify imperiled cultural heritage sites and provide direct financial and technical support for their preservation.</li>
<li>The program also seeks to improve the resilience of communities, enhance social inclusion, and build new capacities in the heritage conservation field and beyond.</li>
<li>Anyone can nominate a site to the World Monuments Watch, including private individuals and representatives of civil society organizations, community groups, government agencies, educational institutions, or other entities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>World Monument Fund</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>World Monuments Fund is a <strong>private nonprofit organization</strong> founded in <strong>1965</strong> by individuals concerned about the accelerating destruction of important artistic treasures throughout the world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/suranga-bawadi-on-world-monument-watch-list/article29947854.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: The Hindu</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suranga-bawadi'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Def Connect 2019',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Ministry of Defence had organised the inaugural session of <strong>&lsquo;Def Connect 2019&rsquo;</strong> to showcase the accomplishments of the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative in New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>iDEX portal and Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC)-III was also launched.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Innovation for Defence Ecosystem (iDEX)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>iDEX, launched in 2018, is an ecosystem to foster innovation &amp; technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging innovators &amp; entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions for modernizing Indian Military.</li>
<li><strong>Core Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Indigenization:</strong> Rapid development of new, indigenized and innovative technology.</li>
<li><strong>Innovation:</strong> Creates a culture of engagement with innovative startups to encourage co-creation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It provides funding/grants to MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovator, R&amp;D institutes and academia to carry out research and development.</li>
<li>iDEX is funded and managed by <strong>&ldquo;Defence Innovation Organisation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>iDEX portal was launched to provide wider publicity and better visibility of iDEX activities and enable more efficient running of future challenges through better information management.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DIO is a <strong>not for profit organisation</strong> formed under section 8 of the <strong>Companies Act 2013.</strong></li>
<li>It is funded by <strong>Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).</strong></li>
<li>It provides high level policy guidance to iDEX.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DISC aimed at supporting Startups/MSMEs/Innovators to create prototypes and/or commercialize products/solutions in the area of National Defence and Security.</li>
<li>It has been launched by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/youth-co-lab" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Innovation Mission.</strong></a></li>
<li>The vision of the DISC is two-fold:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Prototyping:</strong> Help create functional prototypes of products/technologies relevant for national security, and spur fast-moving innovation in Indian defence sector.</li>
<li><strong>Commercialization:</strong> Help new tech products/technologies find a market and early customer in the form of the Indian Defence Establishment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under <strong>DISC-III,</strong> three challenges from the ARMY, Navy and Air Force were thrown open to prospective start-ups.</li>
<li>Under the program, the start-ups, Indian companies and individual innovators (includes research &amp; academic institutions) can participate.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=26316" 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/def-connect-2019'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'PRS Capsule October 2019',
		'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
		'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">Economy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Revised procedure for strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Framework for Issuing Depository Receipts</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">OCI permitted to enrol in National Pension Service</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Banks to Lend to Infrastructure Investment Trusts</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Cyber Security Framework for KYC registration agencies</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Scope of CSR Spending Increased</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#8">Health and Family Welfare</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#9">Draft Bill to prohibit e-cigarettes</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Draft Notification to Regulate All Medical Devices as Drugs</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#12">Agriculture</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#13">Draft Seeds Bill to Replace the Seeds Act, 1966</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#14">Information and Communication Technology</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#15">Revival Plan for BSNL and MTNL</a></li>
<li><a href="#16">Telecom Companies to Pay Outstanding Dues of Rs 92,000 Crore</a></li>
<li><a href="#17">National Counter Rogue Drone guidelines</a></li>
<li><a href="#18">TRAI Releases Recommendations on Registration of Other Service Providers</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">Economy</h2>
<h3 id="2">Revised procedure for strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet approved changes in the procedure for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/strategic-disinvestment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic disinvestment</strong></a> of <strong>Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).</strong></li>
<li>As of now strategic disinvestment process will be initiated by a <strong>Consultative Group,</strong> which consists of the Secretaries of: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)</li>
<li>The administrative Ministry of concerned PSU.</li>
<li>The Ministry of Corporate Affairs</li>
<li>The Department of Public Enterprises</li>
<li>CEO, NITI Aayog</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> was responsible for identifying CPSEs for strategic disinvestment and advising on the number of shares to be sold.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Framework for Issuing Depository Receipts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the central government has amended the <strong>Depository Receipts Scheme,</strong> 2014 to include the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-financial-services-centres-authority-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Financial Services Centre</strong></a> in India as a permissible jurisdiction under the scheme.</li>
<li>Apart from that, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a> notified the framework for the issue of <strong>depository receipts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Depository receipts are <strong>foreign currency-denominated instruments</strong> listed on an international exchange.</li>
<li>These are the instruments issued by a foreign depository and transferred to a domestic custodian (entity holding the securities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Depository Receipts Scheme, 2014.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the framework, only listed companies (companies registered in India and listed on the stock exchange in India) are permitted to issue securities for the purpose of issuing depository receipts. The listed companies are subjected to certain conditions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example: Any director or promoter of the company should not be a wilful defaulter or a fugitive economic offender, and can not be debarred from accessing the capital market by SEBI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Existing holders of securities will also be eligible to transfer their securities for issuing depository receipts. The conditions for listed companies will also apply to existing holders.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Listed companies can issue or transfer securities for the purpose of issue of depository receipts only in permissible jurisdiction.</li>
<li>The list of permissible jurisdiction is notified by the central government from time to time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Permissible jurisdiction for issuing depository <strong>receipts</strong> include only members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fatf-s-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force</strong></a> (for example Japan, United States, Germany, and China).</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">OCI permitted to enrol in National Pension Service</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/streamlining-of-national-pension-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong></a> (PFRDA) has permitted <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/overseas-citizenship-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>overseas citizens of India</strong></a> (OCIs) to enroll in the <strong>National Pension Scheme.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The national pension scheme is a voluntary, contribution-based pension scheme, which aims to provide old age security to Indian citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The annuity or accumulated savings under the scheme may be repatriable (that is, it can be moved outside India) subjected to the guidelines under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liberalised-remittance-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.</strong></a></li>
<li>A foreign national (except foreign nationals from Bangladesh or Pakistan) can register for OCI if they were:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eligible to become a citizen of India at the commencement of the constitution,</li>
<li>A citizen of India on, or at any time after the commencement of the constitution</li>
<li>Belonging to a territory that became a part of India after 15th August 1947,</li>
<li>A child or grandchild of such a person.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Banks to Lend to Infrastructure Investment Trusts</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</strong> </a>(RBI) has permitted banks to lend to Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>InvITs, are instruments that work like mutual funds. InvITs are designed to pool small sums of money from a number of investors to invest in assets (infrastructure projects) that give cash flow over a period of time.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Part of this cash flow would be distributed as dividends back to investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>So far, banks were only permitted to invest in units of InvITs, but not lend to them.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The lending will be subjected to certain conditions. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Banks should not lend to those InvITs where any underlying special purpose vehicle is facing financial difficulty.</li>
<li>Banks should put in place a board-approved policy on exposures to InvITs which should cover sanctioning conditions, and monitoring mechanism, among other details, and</li>
<li>Banks should undertake an assessment of all critical parameters including the sufficiency of cash flows to ensure timely debt servicing.</li>
<li>Further, the audit committee of the board of the banks should review compliance to the above conditions on a half-yearly basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Cyber Security Framework for KYC registration agencies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong> </a>released a framework on cyber security and cyber resilience for KYC (Know Your Customer) registration agencies.</li>
<li>These are entities registered with the SEBI (under the KYC Registration Agency Regulations, 2011) which maintain KYC records of investors.</li>
<li>SEBI noted that these agencies should have a robust cyber security and resilience framework since they perform an important role in maintaining KYC records of customers in security markets.</li>
<li>Cyber security frameworks include measures and processes intended to prevent cyber-attacks and improve cyber resilience.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cyber-attacks are attempts to compromise access or reliability of computer systems, networks and databases. Cyber resilience is the ability to prepare and respond to such attacks, continue operations during them, and recover from them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features of the framework include:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Comprehensive policy:</strong> KYC registration agencies should formulate a comprehensive cyber security and resilience policy which should include processes to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Identify critical risks</li>
<li>Protect critical assets</li>
<li>Detect cyber-attacks</li>
<li>Respond and recover from such incident</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governance:</strong> KYC registration agencies should designate a senior official as a chief information security officer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The board of such KYC agencies should constitute a technology committee consisting of experts. This committee will review the implementation of cyber security policy on a quarterly basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Access control:</strong> Access to registration agencies&rsquo; systems, applications, databases should be provided for a defined purpose and a defined period. Physical access to critical systems should be restricted to the minimum and be monitored through controls such as CCTV cameras and card access systems.</li>
<li><strong>Sharing of information:</strong> Quarterly reports containing information on cyber-attacks and threats, and measures taken to mitigate vulnerabilities should be submitted to SEBI.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">Scope of CSR Spending Increased</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/decriminalisation-of-csr-violation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong></a> certain companies are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profits in the last three years on projects which relate to activities specified in Schedule 7 of the Companies Act, 2013.</li>
<li>This schedule contains eleven entries, which includes contributions towards the activities related to the eradication of poverty, and environmental sustainability.</li>
<li>One of the entries allows CSR contributions to technology incubators located in central government approved academic institutions.</li>
<li>This entry has been amended. The amended entry permits CSR contributions to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Incubators funded by central or state government, or any agency or public sector undertaking of central or state government,</li>
<li>All Indian Institutes of Technology,</li>
<li>National Laboratories and certain autonomous bodies engaged in conducting research in science, technology, engineering and medicine, and aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8">Health and Family Welfare</h2>
<h3 id="9">Draft Bill to prohibit e-cigarettes</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the <strong>&lsquo;Draft Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacturing, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Bill, 2019&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill prohibits the production, manufacture, trade, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.</li>
<li>An <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/promulgation-of-the-prohibition-of-electronic-cigarettes-ordinance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ordinance to prohibit e-cigarettes</strong></a> was promulgated on September 28, 2019.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Salient Features of the Draft Bill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Electronic cigarettes:</strong> The Bill defines electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as electronic devices that heat a substance (natural or artificial) to create vapour for inhalation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These e-cigarettes may contain nicotine and flavours, and include all forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs, and other similar devices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Punishment:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any person who contravenes these provisions will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both.</li>
<li>For any subsequent offence, the person will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, and a fine of up to five lakh rupees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Storage of e-cigarettes:</strong> No person is allowed to use any place for the storage of any stock of e-cigarettes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If any person stores any stock of e-cigarettes, he will be punishable with imprisonment of up to six months, or a fine of up to Rs 50,000, or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Once the Bill is enacted, the owners of existing stocks of e-cigarettes will have to declare and deposit these stocks at the nearest office of an authorised officer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such an authorised officer may be a police officer (at least at the level of a sub-inspector), or any other officer as notified by the central or state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="10">Draft Notification to Regulate All Medical Devices as Drugs</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a draft notification to regulate all medical devices as drugs under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-devices-in-india-issues-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Medical Devices:</strong> According to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, medical devices are devices intended for internal or external use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of disease or disorder in human beings or animals.</li>
<li>They may be specified from time to time by the central government. Currently, there are 36 notified medical devices in India including heart valves, bone cements, and scalp vein sets.</li>
</ul>
<p>The notification seeks to include all devices, including instruments, implants, and appliances which assist in:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease, injury, or disability,</li>
<li>Investigation, replacement, or modification of the anatomy,</li>
<li>Supporting life,</li>
<li>Disinfection of medical devices,</li>
<li>Control of conception, under the definition of drugs.</li>
</ul>
<p>In this context, the Ministry has released draft rules to amend the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-devices-in-india-issues-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Devices Rules, 2017</strong></a> which provide for the registration of all medical devices other than the 36 devices already notified.</p>
<h3 id="11">Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Science and Technology has released <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guidelines-for-evaluation-of-nanopharmaceuticals-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>guidelines for evaluation of nanopharmaceuticals</strong></a> in India.</p>
<p>The guidelines intend to provide a regulatory pathway for nanopharmaceuticals in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Nanotechnology</strong> deals with the development and use of techniques to study materials which are in the nanoscale range (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter).</li>
<li><strong>Nanopharmaceuticals</strong> is an emerging area that combines nanotechnology with biomedical and pharmaceutical science.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has several potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics as the technology can be used to improve drug delivery by better targeting disease sites and provides higher efficacy.</li>
<li>These guidelines seek to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of nanopharmaceuticals, along with encouraging commercialisation of nanotechnology based inventions.</li>
<li>They do not apply to conventional drugs with products containing microorganisms or proteins, which are naturally present in the nanoscale range.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features of the guidelines include:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Safety requirements as specified in the Second Schedule of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 will be applicable for nanopharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>A case-by-case approach should be adopted for evaluating the quality, safety and efficacy of nanopharmaceuticals as it will depend on various factors such as biological nature, availability of data on pharmaceutical ingredients.</li>
<li>The rationality for development of a nanopharmaceutical should be clearly stated. Further, the advantages and disadvantages of nanopharmaceuticals in comparison to conventional drugs should be demonstrated through studies.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="12">Agriculture</h2>
<h3 id="13">Draft Seeds Bill to Replace the Seeds Act, 1966</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare has released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/seed-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft Seeds Bill, 2019.</strong></a></p>
<p>The draft Bill seeks to regulate the quality of seeds during their production, distribution, sale, import, and export. The proposed Bill seeks to replace the<strong> Seeds Act, 1966.</strong></p>
<p>Key features of the draft Bill include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Registration:</strong> All varieties of seeds being sold for the purpose of sowing or planting must be registered, except farmers&rsquo; varieties.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Farmers&rsquo; varieties</strong> are varieties which have been traditionally cultivated and evolved by the farmers in their fields, or are similar to varieties which farmers have common knowledge.</li>
<li>Seeds produced by farmers, other than those for sale under a brand name, are also not required to be registered.</li>
<li><strong>Transgenic varieties of seeds</strong> (which are developed by modifying the genetic composition of other varieties) can be registered only after applicants obtain a clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Standards:</strong> The central government may notify minimum limits of germination, genetic and physical purity, and seed health for any seed variety.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Additional standards may be specified for transgenic varieties. These standards will not apply to seeds produced by farmers, other than those for sale under a brand name.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compensation to farmers:</strong> If a registered variety of seed fails to perform to the expected standards (as disclosed by the producer, distributor, or vendor), the farmer can claim compensation from the producer, dealer, distributor or vendor under the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-consumer-protection-bill-2018-amendment-1986-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Consumer Protection Act, 1986.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Offences and penalties:</strong> Persons who contravene any provision of the Bill and sell seeds which do not conform to the specified standards will be punished with fine between Rs 25,000 and one lakh rupees.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Persons furnishing false information regarding standards, misbranded seeds, or supplying seeds which are spurious or not registered, will be punished with up to one-year imprisonment, or with a fine of up to five lakh rupees, or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="14">Information and Communication Technology</h2>
<h3 id="15">Revival Plan for BSNL and MTNL</h3>
<p>The Union Cabinet approved a revival plan for BSNL and MTNL. This plan seeks to address the financial distress of these PSUs, and enable them to provide quality and reliable services.</p>
<p>Key features of the revival plan are as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Merger of BSNL and MTNL:</strong> The Union Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the merger of BSNL and MTNL.</li>
<li><strong>Allotment of 4G spectrum:</strong> 4G spectrum will be allotted to both the PSUs.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The central government will fund the cost of spectrum allotment to these PSUs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in debt burden:</strong> The central government will provide sovereign guarantee to both PSUs for raising long-term bonds of Rs 15,000 crore.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The funds raised by this exercise will be used for restructuring the existing debt and, partly meeting capital as well as operational expenditure requirements.</li>
<li>Both the PSUs will monetise their assets.</li>
<li>The funds received from monetisation will be used in meeting capital and operational expenditure requirements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in salary burden:</strong> To reduce the salary burden of both PSUs, they will offer a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to their employees, aged 50 years and above.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The cost of the VRS scheme will be provided by the central government.</li>
<li>In addition, the central government will also cover costs towards pension, gratuity and commutation of benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="16">Telecom Companies to Pay Outstanding Dues of Rs 92,000 Crore</h3>
<p>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supreme Court</strong></a> decided a case in relation to revenue sharing between telecom companies and the Department of Telecommunication (DoT).</p>
<p><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-telecom-sector-challenges-way-forward" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In its judgement</strong></a>, the Court upheld the interpretation of the term &ldquo;Gross Revenue&rdquo; taken by the DoT and directed telecom companies to pay all outstanding dues and penalties.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is estimated to be approximately Rs 92,000 crore.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What is the Issue?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the <strong>National Telecom Policy, 1999,</strong> telecom companies are required to pay an annual license fee in the form of a revenue share to the DoT.</li>
<li>This license fee forms a part of the terms and conditions of the license agreement signed between the telecom company and the DoT and was set at 8% of the company&rsquo;s gross revenue.</li>
<li>Various telecom companies and the DoT filed a case before the Supreme Court asking it to interpret the definition of &ldquo;Gross Revenue&rdquo; under the license agreements.</li>
<li>The telecom companies argued that the DoT had illegally included various elements of income in the definition of gross revenue which do not accrue from the operations under the license.</li>
<li>These include dividend income, interest income on short term investments, and discounts on calls.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="17">National Counter Rogue Drone guidelines</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Civil Aviation released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-anti-drone-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Counter Rogue Drone guidelines.</strong></a> The guidelines seek to highlight the potential threat from the unregulated use of drones, and the measures to mitigate such threats.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Drones (for civil use) are classified by their maximum take-off weight, as follows:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nano (less than or equal to 250 gm)</li>
<li>Micro (between 250 gm and 2 kg)</li>
<li>Small (between 2 kg and 25 kg)</li>
<li>Medium (between 25 kg and 150 kg)</li>
<li>Large (greater than 150 kg)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Key features of the guidelines include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defines Rogue Applications:</strong> While the illegal use of micro drones may be limited to photography and surveillance, the small to large drones may be misused for carrying explosives with surveillance capacities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such misuses may also include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Delivering weapons</li>
<li>Airspace interference</li>
<li>Attacks on people or property</li>
<li>Conveying signals and propaganda messages</li>
<li>Delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Rogue Drones:</strong> Drones used for illicit targeting may include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Autonomous drones</strong> (controlled by on-board computers to navigate to a fixed target),</li>
<li><strong>Drone swarms</strong> (several drones controlled together as one unit),</li>
<li><strong>Stealth drones</strong> (these can reduce their radar signature making it difficult to detect them).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Countering rogue drones:</strong> An effective system to counter such drones should be able to detect and continuously track drones with certain peculiarities such as:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Minimal infrared signatures,</li>
<li>Limited radio frequency,</li>
<li>Low acoustic emissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>However, challenges to detecting such drones include difficulty in differentiating regular and rogue drones, and less reaction time.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Institutional set up:</strong> Multiple agencies (such as Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Civil Aviation) are involved in protection against sub-conventional aerial threats.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, a Steering Committee should be set up at the national level to evolve a counter rogue drone framework, and advise the concerned Ministries.</li>
<li>The Committee will also regulate commercial civil drone applications in the country.</li>
<li>It will include members from the:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian Air Force</li>
<li>Ministries of Home Affairs and Civil Aviation</li>
<li>Intelligence agencies</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will be assisted by an Implementation Committee for regular monitoring of threats, and implementation of the counter rogue drone measures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="18">TRAI Releases Recommendations on Registration of Other Service Providers</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/telecom-firms-oppose-trai%E2%80%99s-public-wi-fi-model" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</strong></a> released recommendations on terms and conditions for the registration of Other Service Providers (OSP).</p>
<p>OSPs are companies which provide various application services such as tele-banking, telecommerce, call centre, and other IT-enabled services.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For example, a Business Process Outsourcing company is an OSP.</li>
<li>They avail telecom resources including telephone connectivity, internet bandwidth and, domestic and international leased lines, from authorised Telecom Service Providers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, they are required to register with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for offering services in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Currently, to register, OSPs are required to pay a registration fee, and furnish various information such as certificate of incorporation, information about directors, and nature of the business, among others.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The salient features of the recommendations are as follows:</strong></p>
<p>These recommendations aim to address the various issues related to the registration of OSPs.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scope of registration:</strong> In March 2019, TRAI had noted that advancement in technology has led to the widening of the scope of terms such as &lsquo;other IT enabled services&rsquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has caused the scope of application services defined for OSP registration to become quite broad.</li>
<li>Further, there is no distinction between the service for one's own use and the service for a customer/other companies.</li>
<li>Therefore, TRAI has increased the scope of OSP to cover almost all IT-based services under its definition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Waiver of bank guarantee requirement:</strong> Currently, sharing of infrastructure between domestic and international OSPs is permitted with prior approval from DoT.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sharing is allowed only between entities of the same company. The OSPs are required to provide a bank guarantee for this purpose.</li>
<li>The OSPs may also employ persons who work from home.</li>
<li>OSPs are required to seek permission from DoT and provide a bank guarantee for extending the Work from Home facility.</li>
<li><strong>TRAI has recommended that the requirement of bank guarantee should be waived in both cases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-october-2019'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Jainism',
		'catname' => 'Paper 1',
		'desc' => '<p>Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.</p>
<h3>Origin</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jainism came into prominence in <strong>6<sup>th</sup> century B.C.</strong>, when <strong>Lord Mahavira</strong> propagated the religion.</li>
<li>There were <strong>24 great teachers,</strong> the last of whom was <strong>Lord Mahavira.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These twenty-four teachers were called <strong>Tirthankaras-</strong>people who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living and preached it to the people.</li>
<li>The first Tirthankara was <strong>Rishabnatha.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The word &lsquo;Jain&rsquo; is derived from <strong>jina</strong> or <strong>jaina</strong> which means the <strong>&lsquo;Conqueror&rsquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cause of Origin</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hinduism had become rigid and orthodox with complex rituals and the dominance of Brahmanas.</li>
<li>Varna system divided the society into 4 classes based on birth, where the two higher classes enjoy several privileges.</li>
<li>Kshatriyas' reaction against the domination of the Brahmanas.</li>
<li>Spread of new agricultural economy in north-eastern India due to the use of iron tools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tenets of Jainism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Belief in God:</strong> Jainism <strong>recognised</strong> the <strong>existence of god</strong> but placed them lower than Jina (Mahavira).</li>
<li><strong>It did not condemn the varna system</strong> but attempted to mitigate the evils of the varna order and the ritualistic Vedic religion.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to Mahavira, a person is born in higher or lower varna as the consequence of the sins or the virtues in the previous birth. Thus, Jainism believes in the<strong> transmigration of the soul</strong> and the<strong> theory of Karma.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Anekantavada:</strong> Emphasises that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects i.e <strong>theory of plurality.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It refers to the simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, even contradictory viewpoints.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Syadvada:</strong> All judgments are conditional, holding good only in certain conditions, circumstances, or senses.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Syadavada literally means the &lsquo;method of examining different probabilities&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p>The basic difference between them is that Anekantavada is the <strong>knowledge</strong> of all differing but opposite attributes whereas Syadavada is a <strong>process of the relative description</strong> of a particular attribute of an object or an event.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It mainly aims at the <strong>attainment of liberation</strong>, for which no ritual is required.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can be attained through three principles called <strong>Three Jewels or Triratna i.e.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Right Faith</strong> (Samyakdarshana)</li>
<li><strong>Right Knowledge</strong> (Samyakjnana)</li>
<li><strong>Right Action</strong> (Samyakcharita)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Five Doctrines of Jainism</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ahimsa:</strong> Non-injury to a living being</li>
<li><strong>Satya:</strong> Do not speak a lie</li>
<li><strong>Asteya:</strong> Do not steal</li>
<li><strong>Aparigraha:</strong> Do not acquire property</li>
<li><strong>Brahmacharya:</strong> Observe continence</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vardhamana Mahavira</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24<sup>th</sup> Tirthankara, was born in 540 B.C. in a village called <strong>Kundagrama</strong> near <strong>Vaishali.</strong></li>
<li>He belonged to<strong>&nbsp;the Jnatrika clan</strong> and was connected to the royal family of Magadha.</li>
<li>His father Siddharta was the head of the Jnathrika Kshatriya clan and his mother Trishala was a sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.</li>
<li>At the age of <strong>30 years,</strong> he renounced his home and become an ascetic.</li>
<li>He practised austerity for <strong>12 years</strong> and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called <strong>Kaivalya</strong> (i.e conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42 years.</li>
<li>He delivered his first sermon at <strong>Pava.</strong></li>
<li>A symbol was associated with every Tirthankara and Mahavira&rsquo;s symbol was a <strong>lion.</strong></li>
<li>His missions took him <strong>Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa</strong> etc</li>
<li>He passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at the <strong>Pavapuri</strong> in Bihar.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Sects/ School</h3>
<p>Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu to move South India.</p>
<p>During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stick to the strict practices while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white clothes.</p>
<p>After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digambara</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear clothes while female monks wear unstitched plain white sarees.</li>
<li>Follow all five vows (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya).</li>
<li>Believe women cannot achieve liberation.</li>
<li><strong>Bhadrabahu</strong> was an exponent of this sect.</li>
<li><strong>Major Sub-Sects</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mula Sangh</li>
<li>Bisapantha</li>
<li>Terapantha</li>
<li>Taranpantha or Samaiyapantha</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Minor Sub-Sets</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Gumanapantha</li>
<li>Totapantha</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Svetambara</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Monks wear white clothes.</li>
<li>Follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya).</li>
<li>Believe women can achieve liberation.</li>
<li><strong>Sthulabhadra</strong> was an exponent of this sect.</li>
<li><strong>Major Sub-Sects</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Murtipujaka</li>
<li>Sthanakvasi</li>
<li>Terapanthi</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Spread of Jainism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mahavira organised an order of his followers which admitted both men and women.</li>
<li>Jainism did not very clearly mark itself out from Hinduism, therefore it spread gradually into West and South India where brahmanical order was weak.</li>
<li>The great Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya, during his last years, became a jain ascetic and promoted Jainism in Karnataka.</li>
<li>Famine in Magadha led to the spread of Jainism in South India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The famine lasted for 12 years, and in order to protect themselves, many Jains went to South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In Odisha, it enjoyed the patronage of Kalinga King of Kharavela.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Jain Council</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First Jain Council</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Held at <strong>Patliputra</strong> in <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> Century B.C.</strong> and was presided by <strong>Sthulbhadra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Second Jain Council</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Held at <strong>Vallabhi</strong> in <strong>512 A.D.</strong> and was presided by <strong>Devardhi Kshmasramana.</strong></li>
<li>Final Compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Jain Architecture</h3>
<p>Jain architecture cannot be accredited with a style of its own, it was almost an offshoot of Hindu and Buddhist styles.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Types of Jain Architecture:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Layana/Gumphas (Caves)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ellora Caves (Cave No. 30-35)- Maharashtra</li>
<li>Mangi Tungi Cave- Maharashtra</li>
<li>Gajapantha Cave- Maharashtra</li>
<li>Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves- Odisha</li>
<li>Hathi-gumpha Cave- Odisha</li>
<li>Sittanavasal Cave- Tamil Nadu</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statues</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Gometeshwara/Bahubali Statue- Shravanabelagola, Karnataka</li>
<li>Statue of Ahimsa (Rishabnatha)- Mangi-Tungi hills, Maharashtra</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jianalaya (Temple)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Dilwara Temple- Mount Abu, Rajasthan</li>
<li>Girnar and Palitana Temple- Gujarat</li>
<li>Muktagiri Temple- Maharashtra</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Manastambha:</strong> It is found in the front side of the temple, having religious importance with an ornamental pillar structure carrying the image of Tirthankar on top and on all four cardinal directions.</p>
<p><strong>Basadis:</strong> Jain monastic establishment or temples in Karnataka.</p>
</div>
<h3>Jain Literature/Texts</h3>
<p>Jain literature is classified into two major categories:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Agam or Canonical Literature (Agam Sutras)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agam literature consists of many texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain religion.</li>
<li>They are written in the Ardha-magadhi, a form of Prakrit language.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Non‑agam Literature</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Non-agam literature consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars.</li>
<li>They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Contribution of Jainism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Attempts to reform the evils of varna order.</li>
<li>Growth of Prakrit and Kannada.</li>
<li>Contributed to architecture and literature immensely.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How is Jainism different from Buddhism?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jainism <strong>recognised</strong> the <strong>existence of god</strong> while Buddhism did not.</li>
<li>Jainism does <strong>not condemn</strong>&nbsp;the varna system while Buddhism does.</li>
<li>Jainism believed in the&nbsp;<strong>transmigration of soul i.e. reincarnation</strong> while Buddhism does not.</li>
<li>Buddhism prescribes a&nbsp;<strong>middle path</strong> while Jainism advocates its followers to live the life of complete austerity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of Jain Ideology in Today&rsquo;s World</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Jain theory of<strong> Anekantavada</strong> translated into practical terms in social context would mean three principles:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Absence of dogmatism or fanaticism</li>
<li>Honouring the freedom of others</li>
<li>Peaceful coexistence and cooperation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Anekantavada highlights the spirit of intellectual and social tolerance in the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>principle of Ahimsa (non-violence)</strong> gains prominence in today&rsquo;s nuclear world to attain long-lasting peace in society.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The concept of <strong>Ahimsa</strong> can also help to counter growing violence and terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The principle of <strong>Aparigraha</strong> (non-possession) can help to control consumerist habits as there is a great increase in greed and possessive tendencies.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global warming also can be healed with this thought by doing away with unwanted luxuries, which produce carbon emissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/jainism-2'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Stubble Burning',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/stubble-burning-pollution-delhi-chhattisgarh-benefits-6106764/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Wealth from the Stubble&rdquo;</strong></a> that was published in The Indian Express on 07/11/2019. It talks about the issues and challenges related to stubble burning.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court had ordered the Centre to prepare a comprehensive national scheme, in consultation with the States, within three months to wean small and marginal farmers away from stubble burning. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/tackling-the-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air pollution</strong></a> in Delhi NCR has now become a familiar story, repeated with minor variations every year, mainly aggravated by stubble burning in Punjab and Harayana.</p>
<h3>Why Stubble Burning?</h3>
<p>Stubble (parali) burning is the act of setting fire to crop residue to remove them from the field to sow the next crop.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to plant next winter crop (Rabi crop), farmers in Haryana and Punjab have to move in a very short interval and if they are late, due to short winters these days, they might face considerable losses. Therefore, burning is the cheapest and fastest way to get rid of the stubble.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If parali is left in the field, pests like termites may attack the upcoming crop.</li>
<li>The precarious economic condition of farmers doesn&rsquo;t allow them to use expensive mechanised methods to remove stubble.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Causes of the Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Technology:</strong> The problem arises due to the use of <strong>mechanised harvesting</strong> which leaves several inches of stubble in the fields.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, this excess crop was used by farmers for cooking, as hay to keep their animals warm or even as extra insulation for homes.</li>
<li>But, now the stubble use for such purposes has become outdated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adverse Impact of Laws:</strong> Implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/punjab-water-law-responsible-for-air-pollution-in-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act (2009)</strong></a> made the time period of stubble burning coincident <strong>with the onset of winter</strong> in Northern India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Late transplanting of paddy during Kharif season to prevent water loss as directed by <strong>PPSW Act (2009)</strong> had left farmers with little time between harvesting and preparing the field for the next crop and hence farmers are resorting to the burning of stubble.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High Silica Content:</strong> Rice straw is considered <strong>useless as fodder</strong> in the case of non-basmati rice, because of its<strong> high silica content.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Effects of Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Open stubble burning emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile organic compound (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After the release in the atmosphere, these pollutants disperse in the surroundings, may undergo a physical and chemical transformation and eventually adversely affect human health by causing a thick blanket of smog.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Soil Fertility:</strong> Burning husk on ground destroys the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile.</li>
<li><strong>Heat Penetration:</strong> Heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Wealth From Stubble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>From parali (stubble),<strong> high-grade organic fertilizers</strong> can be prepared by mixing with cow dung and few natural enzymes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The total amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur in the parali burnt annually in Northwest India is about seven lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 1,000 crore.</li>
<li>Along with the above mentioned nutrients, organic carbon is also destroyed during stubble burning.</li>
<li>These nutrients, if successfully utilized in organic manures, can also reduce the risk of cancer in Punjab by reducing the levels of carcinogens caused by chemical fertilizers in soil.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Using <strong>straw for electricity generation</strong> is another productive way of generating wealth from residue.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>USA-based New Generation Power International</strong> has proposed to set up <strong>1000 MW</strong> biomass energy generating plants in Punjab to address stubble burning.</li>
<li>The company plans to set up 200 plants, each having 5 MW capacity, which will use the stubble as raw material.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chhattisgarh Model</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An innovative experiment has been undertaken by the Chhattisgarh government by setting up <strong>gauthans.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A gauthan is a dedicated five-acre plot, held in common by each village, where all the unused parali is collected through parali daan (people&rsquo;s donations) and is converted into organic fertiliser by mixing with cow dung and few natural enzymes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme also generates employment among rural youth.</li>
<li>The government supports the transportation of parali from the farm to the nearest gauthan.</li>
<li>The state has successfully developed 2,000 gauthans.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An expansion of schemes like the MGNREGA for harvesting and composting of parali.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An integrated regenerative rural development model of<strong> narwa</strong> (rivulet regeneration), <strong>garuwa</strong> (cattle conservation), <strong>ghuruwa</strong> (composting) and<strong> baari</strong> (kitchen garden) through a participatory process using MGNREGA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The most efficient technology to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/crop-stubble-burning-challenge-in-punjab" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> counter stubble burning</strong></a> at the moment is <strong>Turbo Happy Seeder (THS).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It not only cuts and uproots the stubble but can also drill wheat seeds in the soil that have just been cleared up. The straw is simultaneously thrown over the sown seeds to form a mulch cover.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Establishing <strong>Farm Machinery Banks</strong> for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Co-operative societies of farmers, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>self-help groups</strong></a>, registered farmers societies/farmers groups, private entrepreneurs for establishment of farm machinery banks or custom hiring centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial incentives</strong> to small and marginal farmers to engage in the management of the residue of their non-basmati variety rice crop in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>However, in the longer time span, <strong>shifting <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cropping pattern</a></strong> away from paddy to maize, cotton, fruits or vegetables in Punjab, Haryana and UP.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffcd4;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Inputs</strong></em></span><br /><br />Identify the issues related to stubble burning. Mention how an effective policy planning can convert crisis of stubble burning into opportunity.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'INS Baaz',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh visited INS Baaz, the southernmost air station of the Indian Armed Forces.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Baaz</strong> is located at <strong>Campbell Bay on the Great Nicobar island,</strong> the southernmost and largest island of the Nicobar islands, in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</li>
<li>It was <strong>commissioned in July 2012.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>part of the Andaman and Nicobar Command,</strong> the only tri-services formation of the Indian Armed Forces that was started in 2001.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Functions of INS Baaz</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Helps in building<strong> maritime domain awareness</strong> by providing information via airborne surveillance using aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).</li>
<li>Ensures <strong>maritime security in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea</strong> and substantially enhances the Indian Navy&rsquo;s maritime surveillance capability.</li>
<li><strong>Assists the local populace in times of need</strong> such as facilitating evacuation during medical emergencies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573463092_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1573463092_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="538" height="336" /></a></p>
<h3>Significance of the Location</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Great Nicobar Island is the location of the Indira Point and is less than 250 km by sea from Banda Aceh in Indonesia.</li>
<li>The <strong>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands are strategically important for India&rsquo;s national security</strong> as they provide a critical capability to monitor sea areas in the region.</li>
<li>The location has been described as India&rsquo;s &ldquo;window into East and Southeast Asia&rdquo;, and is in <strong>close vicinity of the Six Degree Channel,</strong> also called the Great Channel, one of the Indian Ocean&rsquo;s busiest shipping lines, carrying strategic cargo to East Asian countries.</li>
<li>It is also<strong> close to the Strait of Malacca.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ins-baaz-campbell-bay-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-navy-admiral-chief-karambir-singh-6090478/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ins-baaz'
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