Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

Threat to Human Habitation in the Highlands of Kerala

Investigation of National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) scientists in Kerala, in the wake of the heavy rain and devastating floods in...

14 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Injeti Srinivas Committee Report on CSR

The committee chaired by Injeti Srinivas, secretary, corporate affairs ministry, has submitted its recommendations on Corporate Social Responsibility...

14 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Partial Guarantee Scheme

Recently, the government has issued guidelines on operationalising the Rs. 1 lakh crore Partial Guarantee Scheme to address liquidity crisis in...

14 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Power Subsidy in Agriculture and Related Issue

The Article is based on “New era of pervasive agricultural subsidies” that published in The Hindu BusinessLine on 13th August. It talks...

14 Aug 2019 News Editorials
Article 370

On 5th August 2019, President of India in the exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 370 of the Constitution had issued the...

14 Aug 2019 Paper 2
Plight of Foreign National Prisoners

Recently, the Delhi High Court has ordered the Central government to have the speediest communication with the embassy of the respective countries of...

13 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Economic Mobility and Inequality

The article is based on “India’s economic mobility and its impact on inequality” published in Livemint on 12th August which talks...

13 Aug 2019 News Editorials
Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid Meteor Shower, which has been active from 17th July 2019 onward, can be seen until 26th August, 2019. The Perseids occur as the Earth...

13 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Wild Buffalo

Recently, the government has decided to translocate five female wild buffaloes from Manas National Park in Assam to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in...

13 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Extension of Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

Recently, the Forest Department identified around 300 hectares of revenue land for inclusion in the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), The land is...

13 Aug 2019 News Analysis
India-China

India and China have signed four agreements to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties. The 4 agreements are on: Cultural Exchanges: To...

13 Aug 2019 News Analysis
PRS Capsule July 2019

Key Highlights of PRS Law and Justice Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 New Delhi...

12 Aug 2019 PRS Capsule
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and related concerns

The article is based on the recent Amendments in the POCSO Act, 2012 and the concerns related to the newly introduced death penalty in the law as...

12 Aug 2019 News Editorials
Performance Indicators for Public Sector Banks

The Finance Ministry to closely monitor the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) achievements on 16 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the branch, region,...

12 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Stimulus Package to Reverse Economic Slowdown

Recently, many economic indicators have pointed to a sharp slowdown in demand, both in rural and urban India. For instance, the automobile sector...

12 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas Campaign

The central government has decided to launch the People's Plan Campaign, also known as “Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas” from September...

12 Aug 2019 News Analysis
India’s First and Longest Sea Ropeway

India’s first and longest sea ropeway project that will connect Mumbai with the Elephanta Caves, is scheduled to start by the end of the year...

12 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Indian National Science Academy

Chandrima Shaha will be the first woman president of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), taking up the position in January 2020. She was...

12 Aug 2019 News Analysis
Public Distribution System

For...

12 Aug 2019 Paper 3
Inverted-J Pattern in Education and Fertility

Recently released official data from 2017 on the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), reflects a complex relationship between literacy level and fertility...

12 Aug 2019 News Analysis

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Threat to Human Habitation in the Highlands of Kerala',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Investigation of <strong>National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS)</strong> scientists in Kerala, in the wake of the <strong>heavy rain and devastating floods in August 2018,</strong> had found that <strong>destabilising geological processes,</strong> coupled with <strong>extreme rainfall events</strong> and <strong>unscientific farming and construction activities,</strong> pose a serious threat to human habitation in the highlands of the state.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the investigation in landslide prone areas in Thrissur and Kannur districts of Kerala, the researchers found <strong>huge cracks across farmlands and dwellings</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the areas surveyed, most of the slopes were used for raising crops and farmers had <strong>blocked the natural drainage systems</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Land subsidence, lateral spread</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>soil piping</strong> were an immediate threat to life and property in the uplands of the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Heavy intense rainfall triggers slope failure in locations where lateral spread and soil piping have occurred.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1567600611_drishti_highlands_of_kerala_new.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1567600611_drishti_highlands_of_kerala_new.jpg" width="658" height="361" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any developmental activities like construction of roads and buildings in such vulnerable areas require <strong>remedial measures for slope stabilisation</strong>.</li>
<li>The team apart from outlining the remedial steps also <strong>recommended the formation of a trained task force</strong> for the highlands to monitor ground signatures like hollows, cracks, and water spouts that often precede land subsidence, lateral spread and landslides.</li>
<li>Based on the recommendations of the NCESS, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has initiated steps to establish <strong>a network of landslip monitoring stations</strong> in the highlands. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The units based on acoustic emission technology will also have an <strong>early warning mechanism to alert the local community</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Landslide</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A landslide is defined as the <strong>movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope</strong>.</li>
<li>Landslides are a type of <strong>"mass wasting",</strong> which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.</li>
<li>There are 5 main types of landslides: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Falls</strong> are sudden movements of loads of soil, debris, and rock that break away from slopes and cliffs. They occur as a result of mechanical weathering, earthquakes, and force of gravity.</li>
<li><strong>Slides</strong> are a kind of mass movement whereby the sliding material breaks away from underlying stable material.</li>
<li><strong>Topple</strong> encompasses the forward spinning and movement of huge masses of rock, debris, and earth from a slope. It takes place around an axis near or at the bottom of the block of rock.</li>
<li><strong>Spread</strong> takes place on gentle terrains via lateral extension followed by tensile fractures.</li>
<li><strong>Flow</strong> landslide is categorized into earth flows, debris avalanche, debris flow, mudflows, and creep. The most prevalent occurring landslides are rock falls and debris flow.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While landslides are considered naturally occurring disasters, human-induced changes in the environment have recently caused their upsurge.</li>
<li><strong>Natural Causes of Landslides are:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Climatic changes</li>
<li>Seismic activities</li>
<li>Weathering (natural procedure of rock deterioration that leads to weak, landslide-susceptive materials)</li>
<li>Erosion</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eruption-on-mount-etna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Volcanic eruptions</a></li>
<li>Steeper slopes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Human causes of landslides are:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mining activities</li>
<li>Deforestation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established in <strong>1978 by Prof. C. Karunakaran</strong>.</li>
<li>It operates by the <strong>Earth System Science Organization</strong> under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to understand the earth in its totality</strong> and gain knowledge on the interactive and competing processes that shape the earth, from its evolution to the present status of ever increasing demand for natural resources.</li>
<li>NCESS <strong>fosters multidisciplinary research in emerging areas of solid earth science</strong> by utilizing the knowledge for earth science applications .</li>
<li>It is situated at <strong>Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/state-highlands-on-shaky-grounds/article29087241.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/threat-to-human-habitation-in-the-highlands-of-kerala'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Injeti Srinivas Committee Report on CSR',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The committee chaired by <strong>Injeti Srinivas,</strong> secretary, corporate affairs ministry, has submitted its <strong>recommendations on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong> to the Minister of Corporate Affairs (MCA).</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term "Corporate Social Responsibility" in general can be referred to as <strong>corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment</strong> and impact on social welfare.</li>
<li>In India, the concept of CSR is governed by <strong>clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013</strong>.</li>
<li>India is the <strong>first country in the world to mandate CSR spending</strong> along with a framework to identify potential CSR activities.</li>
<li>The CSR provisions within the Act is <strong>applicable</strong> to companies with <strong>an annual turnover of 1,000 crore and more,</strong> or a <strong>net worth of Rs. 500 crore and more, or a net profit of Rs. 5 crore and more</strong>.</li>
<li>The Act requires companies to setup a CSR committee which shall recommend a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy to the Board of Directors and also monitor the same from time to time.</li>
<li>The Act encourages <strong>companies to spend 2% of their average net profit in the previous three years</strong> on CSR activities.</li>
<li>The indicative activities, which can be undertaken by a company under CSR, have been specified under<strong> Schedule VII</strong> of the Act. The activities include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eradicating extreme hunger and poverty,</li>
<li>Promotion of education, gender equality and empowering women,</li>
<li>Combating Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and other diseases,</li>
<li>Ensuring environmental sustainability;</li>
<li>Contribution to the <strong>Prime Minister's National Relief Fund</strong> or any other fund set up by the Central Government or the State Governments for socio-economic development and relief and funds for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Recommendations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>expenses towards CSR should be eligible for deduction</strong> in the computation of taxable income.</li>
<li>A clarification may be issued that for newly incorporated companies, the CSR obligation under Section 135 of the Companies Act shall lie only after they have been in existence for three years.</li>
<li>A provision to <strong>carry forward unspent CSR balance for three to five years</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CSR should not be used as a &ldquo;means of resource-gap funding for government schemes&rdquo;.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/companies-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019</a> provides that the CSR expenditure which remains unspent in three years would be transferred to any fund specified in Schedule VII of the Companies Act such as the Swachh Bharat Kosh, the Clean Ganga Fund, and the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Relief Fund.</li>
<li>The committee report said that the central government funds should be discontinued as CSR spend, and instead a <strong>special designated fund</strong> should be created for transfer of <strong>unspent CSR money beyond three to five years</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aligning Schedule VII</strong> of the Companies Act with the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Sustainable Development Goals</a>.</li>
<li>The companies having CSR-prescribed amount below ₹50 lakh may be exempted from constituting a CSR Committee.</li>
<li>The <strong>violation of CSR compliance may be made a civil offence</strong> and shifted to the penalty regime. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a departure from the recent policy change which had provided for a three-year jail term for violating CSR norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Introducing impact assessment studies for CSR obligations of ₹5 crore or more.</li>
<li>CSR spending has to be a &ldquo;board-driven process to provide innovative technology-based solutions for social problems&rdquo; and that the board has to assess the credibility of an <strong>implementation agency,</strong> which have to be <strong>registered with the MCA</strong> to carry out CSR activities.</li>
<li><strong>Developing a CSR exchange portal to connect contributors,</strong> beneficiaries and agencies, allowing CSR in social benefit bonds and promoting social impact companies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/csr-expenditure-may-be-made-tax-deductible-says-committee/article29086517.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/injeti-srinivas-committee-report-on-csr'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Partial Guarantee Scheme',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, the government has issued guidelines on operationalising the <strong>Rs. 1 lakh crore Partial Guarantee Scheme</strong> to address liquidity crisis in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies</strong></a> (NBFC).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the scheme <strong>Public Sector Banks</strong> can purchase securities <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/credit-rating-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(minimum rating of &lsquo;AA&rsquo;)</a> of financially-sound non-banking finance companies.</li>
<li>The objective is to address temporary <strong>asset-liability mismatches</strong> of otherwise solvent NBFCs/<strong>Housing finance companies</strong> (HFCs) without having to resort to distress sale of their assets to meet their commitments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NBFCs/HFC came under stress due to the recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-proposes-liquidity-norms-for-nbfcs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IL&amp;FS crisis</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government will provide a <strong>one-time, six months&rsquo;</strong> partial credit guarantee to public sector banks for first loss of up to 10%.</li>
<li>Also, these NBFCs/HFCs are mandated that the CRAR (capital to risk weighted assets ratio) <strong>shall not go below</strong> the regulatory minimum while exercising of the option to buy back the assets.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>CAR</strong> is a measure of a bank's available capital expressed as a percentage of a bank's risk-weighted credit exposures.</li>
<li>The Capital Adequacy Ratio, also known as <strong>capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR)</strong>, is used to protect depositors and promote the stability and efficiency of financial systems around the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/govt-issues-norms-for-rs-1-lakh-crore-partial-guarantee-scheme-for-nbfcs/article29088667.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/partial-guarantee-scheme'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Power Subsidy in Agriculture and Related Issue',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The Article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/new-era-of-pervasive-agricultural-subsidies/article29085634.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;New era of pervasive agricultural subsidies&rdquo;</a> that published in The Hindu BusinessLine on 13th August. It talks about the trade-off between Power Subsidy in Agriculture and Groundwater and the way forward.</p>
</div>
<h3>Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There has been a <strong>sharp growth in electricity use in the agriculture sector,</strong> especially since the 1980s with consumption rising from 8% of total consumption in 1969 to 17% in 2016. This is supplied either free or at subsidised rates, and a large part of it is not metered.</li>
<li>There is a strong <strong>linkage between electricity, water and agriculture</strong>. All of the electricity supplied to agriculture is used for pumping water, mostly groundwater for irrigation. Close to 85% of pumping energy used in agriculture comes from electricity, the rest being mainly from diesel.</li>
<li>In this scenario, managing India&rsquo;s groundwater has become a big challenge for policymakers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Power subsidy for irrigation leads to excessive groundwater usage</strong> that is already visible in states such as Punjab and Haryana.</li>
<li>Nearly 80% of groundwater reservoirs in Punjab and 60% in Haryana are over-exploited, a direct result of the irrigation and power subsidy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The question is <strong>how the mode of electricity pricing supplied to agriculture could be changed to control groundwater abstraction</strong> and to achieve the goals of efficiency, equity and sustainability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Major Impacts of Power Subsidy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Depleted aquifers</strong> due to overexploitation of groundwater</li>
<li><strong>Massive waste of power</strong> due to large unmetered connections</li>
<li>Huge <strong>financial burden</strong> on state governments</li>
<li><strong>Deteriorating financial health</strong> of the electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs)</li>
<li><strong>Increased cross-subsidy burden</strong> on industrial and commercial consumers</li>
<li><strong>Promotes unsustainable agriculture:</strong> free availability of electricity to farmers promotes growth of crops not suitable to agro-climatic zones like rice in Maharashtra etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions to Rationalise Farm Sector Subsidies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Adopting Direct Benefit Transfer</strong> (DBT) for power subsidy.</li>
<li><strong>Metering:</strong> Large number of unmetered connections for farm irrigation leads to unrestrained usage of electricity for irrigation leading to massive waste of power and groundwater. Thus, metered connections would bring accountability of electricity usage in irrigation through better estimation of power consumption.</li>
<li><strong>Pro-rata pricing of electricity</strong> as successfully implemented by West Bengal</li>
<li><strong>Incentivising the farmers to use less electricity</strong> as done in Punjab.</li>
<li><strong>Promoting efficient irrigation technologies</strong> and <strong>water-efficient crops</strong> and disincentivizing water-intensive crops such as rice in areas where groundwater is rapidly depleting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges in Rationalising Farm sector Subsidies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Populism:</strong> Political decision makers face political difficulties in implementing a rational price regime for agricultural power supply because it is hugely unpopular.</li>
<li><strong>Fear of diverting subsidised money for irrigation for other purposes</strong> is a hurdle in blanketly adopting DBT mode.</li>
<li><strong>Yield loss in case of shift to less water-intensive crops.</strong> Also, our procurement and pricing regime (MSP) at present promotes water-intensive crops.</li>
<li><strong>Conflicting interests of different farmers&rsquo; group:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Farmers are reluctant to relinquish access to subsidized power, even when utilities promise supply-quality improvements.</li>
<li>Rich farmers often benefited more from these subsidies and so they resist any change that cuts down their benefits. On the other hand, small and marginal farmers, who constitute the majority of farmers in India, are laggards in deriving proportional benefits of most of the schemes and so they want change in policies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for holistic and comprehensive strategy</strong> to tackle problems related to agriculture, electricity and groundwater.</li>
<li>These include <strong>promoting solar-driven water-pumps for irrigation,</strong> community driven regulation of groundwater extraction, allocating a fixed quota of subsidised power and water to each farmer, and a procurement and price regime to encourage a shift towards an appropriate cropping pattern.</li>
<li>This would require a <strong>great degree of coordination among various departments</strong> &mdash; water resources, electricity and agriculture.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #d2f0fa; border-color: #007196; border-style: dotted;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 1256px;"><em><strong>Drishti Input:</strong></em><br /><br />"Critically comment on the issue of power subsidy in the backdrop of depleting groundwater resources in India."</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/power-subsidy-in-agriculture-and-related-issue'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Article 370',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<p>On 5th August 2019, President of India in the exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 370 of <strong>the Constitution had issued the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019</strong>. Through this, Government of India has made modifications in Article 370 itself <strong>(not revoked it)</strong>.</p>
<p>With this, the Government of India has dramatically <strong>altered the relationship between the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union</strong>.</p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On October 17, 1949, Article 370 was added to the Indian constitution, as a <strong>'temporary provision'</strong>, which exempted Jammu &amp; Kashmir, permitting it to draft its own Constitution and restricting the Indian Parliament's legislative powers in the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was introduced into the draft constitution by N Gopalaswami Ayyangar as Article 306 A.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under Article 370:</strong> The Constituent Assembly of Jammu &amp; Kashmir was empowered to recommend which articles of the Indian Constitution should apply to the state,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The J&amp;K Constituent Assembly was dissolved after it drafted the state's constitution. <strong>Clause 3 of the article 370</strong> gives the President of India the power to amend its provisions and scope.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-article-35a" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 35A</strong></a> stems from Article 370 and was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954, on the recommendation of the J&amp;K Constituent Assembly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Article 35A empowers the Jammu &amp; Kashmir legislature to define the <strong>permanent residents of the state</strong>, and their special rights and privileges.</li>
<li><strong>It appears in Appendix I of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Changes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 <strong>has replaced Presidential Order of 1954</strong>.</li>
<li>Subsequently, <strong>the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019</strong>, passed by Parliament divides the <strong>state of Jammu and Kashmir into two new Union Territories (UTs): Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Ladakh</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>This is the first time that a state has been converted into a UT.</strong></li>
<li>Of the <strong>six Lok Sabha seats</strong> currently with the state of Jammu and Kashmir, <strong>five</strong> will remain with the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while one will be allotted to Ladakh.</li>
<li><strong>The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Assembly, like in Delhi and Puducherry.</strong></li>
<li>Instead of 29, India will now have 28 states. Kashmir will no longer have a Governor, rather a Lieutenant Governor like in Delhi or Puducherry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Status of J&amp;K Union Territory</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>J&amp;K Assembly will have a <strong>five-year term, not six</strong>, as was the earlier case.</li>
<li><strong>Section 32 of the J&amp;K 2019</strong> Bill proposes that the Assembly can make laws on any subjects in the State and Concurrent lists <strong>except on state subjects relating to &ldquo;public order&rdquo; and &ldquo;police&rdquo;</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is <strong>similar to Article 239 A</strong> of the Constitution that is applicable to Union Territories of Puducherry and Delhi.</li>
<li>However, <strong>by insertion of Article 239AA</strong> and by virtue of the <strong>69th Constitutional Amendment, the Delhi Assembly cannot legislate on matters in entry 18 of the State List, i.e. land</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>In the case of J&amp;K, the Assembly can make laws on land.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The special status provided to J&amp;K under Article 370 will be abolished.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jammu &amp; Kashmir will <strong>no longer have the separate constitution, flag or anthem</strong>.</li>
<li>The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir will <strong>not have dual citizenship</strong>.</li>
<li>As the new union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be subject to the Indian Constitution, <strong>its citizens will now have the Fundamental Rights</strong> enshrined in the <strong>Indian constitution</strong>.</li>
<li>Article 360, which can be used to declare a <strong>Financial Emergency, will now also be applicable</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>All laws passed by Parliament</strong> will be applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, including the <strong>Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>The Indian Penal Code will replace the Ranbir Penal Code of Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 35A,</strong> which originates from the provisions of Article 370 <strong>stands null and void</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since Presidential Order has extended all provisions of the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, including the chapter on Fundamental Rights, <strong>the discriminatory provisions under Article 35A will now be unconstitutional</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Need for Changes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 370 was added in the Indian constitution to <strong>provide autonomy to J&amp;K</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, it failed to address the well-being of Kashmiris who have now endured <strong>two generations of insurgency and violence</strong>.</li>
<li>It <strong>contributed to the gap</strong> between Kashmir and the rest of the nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International events</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The situation emerging in the western neighbourhood and the possible <strong>re-ascendance of the Taliban in Afghanistan</strong> call for greater attention and care.</li>
<li>More so, the emerging geopolitical dynamics in Afghanistan and the resultant <strong>United States-Pakistan rapprochement</strong> could have potentially led to more heat on the Kashmir situation in the months ahead.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional challenges</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Presidential order that sought to abrogate of Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s special status, according to Article 370 (3) the President would <strong>require the recommendation of the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir to make such a change</strong>.</li>
<li>However, <strong>the 2019 Presidential order adds a sub-clause to Article 367, replacing</strong> the terms:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo; to mean &ldquo;legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>&ldquo;Government of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo; to mean &ldquo;Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government sought to dilute the autonomy under Article 370 <strong>without bringing a Constitutional Amendment</strong> that would require a two-thirds majority in the Parliament.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>This provision is currently under challenge in the Supreme Court on the ground that it added article 35A in the Indian Constitution only through a Presidential Order.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory is in <strong>violation of Article 3, as the Bill was not referred to the President by the State Assembly</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the reorganisation of the state, the Presidential order also requires the concurrence of the government of the state. However, since Jammu &amp; Kashmir is <strong>currently under Governor&rsquo;s rule, the Governor&rsquo;s concurrence is deemed to be the government&rsquo;s concurrence</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Federalism issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Instrument of Accession</strong> was like a treaty between two sovereign countries that had decided to work together. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>maxim of pacta sunt servanda</strong> in international law, which governs contracts or treaties between states, asks that promises must be honoured.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In Santosh Kumar v. State of J&amp;K &amp; ors (2017), the <strong>SC said that due to historical reasons, Jammu and Kashmir had a special status</strong>.</li>
<li>In SBI v Zaffar Ullah Nehru (2016), the SC held that <strong>Article 370 cannot be repealed without the concurrence of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Possible Consequences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rise in Militancy:</strong> Article 370 was seen by Kashmiris as a marker of their <strong>separate identity and autonomy</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>possibility of widespread protests and violence</strong> as a reaction to the dilution of Article 370.</li>
<li><strong>Terror elements in Pakistan</strong> would find Kashmir to be the most fertile ground for breeding terrorism.</li>
<li>The unrest can affect the democratic progress that has been made so far.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Out-maneuvering Pakistan:</strong> Pakistan used 370 to wage a <strong>proxy war,</strong> internationalise Kashmir, supporting terrorism, <strong>all that is gone</strong> now.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A 10-year strategy for <strong>education, employment and employability</strong> should be deployed for uplifting Kashmir.</li>
<li>The <strong>Gandhian path</strong> of non-violence and peace should be adopted to solve the <strong>legitimacy crisis</strong> in Kashmir.</li>
<li>The government can mitigate the challenges emanating out of Action on article 370 by launching a comprehensive outreach programme to all Kashmiris.</li>
<li><strong>In this context, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's version of Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat (inclusivity culture of Kashmir, humanitarianism and democracy) for Kashmir solution,</strong> should become a cornerstone of the forces of reconciliation in the State.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Plight of Foreign National Prisoners',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, the <strong>Delhi High Court</strong> has ordered the Central government to have the <strong>speediest communication</strong> with the embassy of the respective countries of the <strong>foreign inmates who are in Indian jails.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to recent data, <strong>75% of foreign national inmates imprisoned in jails of Delhi</strong>&nbsp;struggle in <strong>accessing their embassy or consulate concerned after their arrest.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Foreign National Prisoners</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Foreign National Prisoners (FNPs) refer to prisoners <strong>who do not carry the passport of the country</strong> in which they are imprisoned.</li>
<li>As per Prison Statistics of India 2015, there are 6,185 FNPs in India.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)'s report titled &lsquo;Strangers to Justice&rsquo;,</strong> held that the number of FNPs across 22 States and 4 Union Territories maybe 4000 approximately.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though FNPs are entitled to the basic minimum guarantees as enshrined in the Constitution of India, but FNPs in India faces several issues:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They often face a range of difficulties due to differences in language, culture, customs, religion or because of lack of family ties locally.</li>
<li>90% of FNPs conveyed that they faced difficulty in securing bail merely because of their special status or due to &ldquo;ever-inherent specific concern&rdquo; that they may be difficult to locate if they get out on bail.</li>
<li>Only 5.7% of FNPs in India (222 out of 3,908), have ever received consular access.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Indian legal system does not create a distinction between Indian nationals and foreign nationals, especially in grants of bail. In this context, the Government must take concrete steps to remove this discrimination.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In case FNPs are not granted bail their cases may be expedited.</li>
<li>As soon as a foreign national is arrested in a major crime, the offense should be brought to the notice of the MEA through the State government by the DGP/CP concerned.</li>
<li>Police and prison authorities must be made aware of the mandatory requirements and the form in which such a process would be required to be carried out.</li>
<li>Ministry of External Affairs may request the consulates to visit their nationals to enable them to discharge their duties under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/consular-access-kulbhushan-jadhav-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/bringing-home-closer-to-jailed-foreigners/article28979789.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source: TH</a></strong></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/plight-of-foreign-national-prisoners'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Economic Mobility and Inequality',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The article is based on <a href="https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/india-s-economic-mobility-and-its-impact-on-inequality-1565547531046.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;India&rsquo;s economic mobility and its impact on inequality&rdquo;</strong></a> published in Livemint on 12<sup>th</sup> August which talks about economic mobility and inequality in India.</p>
</div>
<h3>Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There has been a phenomenal rise in economic <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inequality-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inequality in India,</strong></a> especially in the post-1991 liberalization period. However, widening income inequality has raised questions over economic mobility in an inclusive way.</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oxfam-report-on-inequality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Annual Wealth Check report 2019 of Oxfam</strong></a>, the top 1% of India&rsquo;s richest lot got richer by 39% as against just 3% increase in the wealth for the bottom half of the population.</li>
<li>According to <em><strong>Global Wealth Report (GWR)</strong></em> <strong>2018,</strong> India's top 10% of the population now holds 77.4% of the national wealth. The bottom 60%, the majority of the population, owns 4.7%. The richest 1% own 51.5%.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lorenz-curve-and-gini-coefficient" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gini wealth coefficient</strong></a> in India has gone up from 81.2% in 2008 to 85.4% in 2018, which shows inequality has risen.</li>
<li>According to the <em><strong>Global Wealth Report (GWR) 2017,</strong></em> put out by the Credit Suisse Research Institute, between 2002 and 2012, the share of the bottom 50% of the population in total wealth declined from 8.1% to only 4.2%. In contrast, over the same time period, the share of the top 1% in total wealth increased from 15.7% to 25.7%. Among the countries for which the GWR gives the share of wealth held by the top 1%, only Indonesia and the US have higher shares than India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is Economic Mobility?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Economic mobility reflects the number of people moving up and down the economic ladder over time. It is the ability of an individual or family to improve their income, and social status, in an individual lifetime or between generations.</li>
<li>Mobility may be between generations ("intergenerational") or within a person's or group's lifetime ("intragenerational"). It may be "absolute" or "relative".</li>
<li>Recent research from economists at the World Bank, Dartmouth University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology show that, by and large, <strong>intergenerational mobility has remained stagnant for Indians since the economy was liberalised in 1991.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact of Economic Mobility on Inequality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The long-term welfare effects of rising inequality depend crucially on the level of economic mobility.</li>
<li>Economic mobility (or a lack thereof) <strong>can attenuate</strong> (or accentuate) <strong>the adverse effects of inequality.</strong></li>
<li>Holding other factors fixed, an economy with much economic mobility&mdash;one in which households move more freely throughout the income/consumption distribution&mdash;will result in a more equal distribution of lifetime incomes and consumption than an economy with low mobility.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Hurdles in Economic Mobility in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Poverty:</strong> Studies find that for the population as a whole, the mobility rate is remarkably low. This is due to the large number of poor.</li>
<li><strong>Inequality in Wealth and Income:</strong> Widening inequality in income level has lowered the pace of economic mobility in India in real terms.</li>
<li><strong>Rural Population:</strong> Around 70% of Indians live in rural areas with very limits and uncertain economic opportunity. This limits the scope of their economic mobility.</li>
<li><strong>Low Level of Education:</strong> Education is widely regarded as the most effective means of upward mobility. High illiteracy and low quality of education among masses in India is a major hurdle in their upward mobility.</li>
<li><strong>Social Factor-Caste and Religion:</strong> Lower castes have lower economic mobility due to limited access of opportunity. Similarly, Muslims have the lowest economic mobility due to prevalent orthodoxy in the community as well as limited access to opportunity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Inequality in India can be characterized as chronic, since households belonging to the lower rungs of the economic ladder are likely to find themselves caught in a poverty trap.</li>
<li>The conventional wisdom that marginalized groups in India are catching up with the rest on average is being challenged with revelations on economic mobility. This casts doubts over the efficacy of existing affirmative action and social programmes that have been put in place to help improve the economic status of marginalized groups in the country.</li>
<li>Poverty reduction efforts should focus on ways to improve the permanent economic status of households, possibly through acquisition of assets and capabilities, rather than on ways to deal with temporary volatility.</li>
<li>Efforts in the direction of inclusive growth will bridge the common divides on the lines of caste, religion, gender, rural-urban, etc and help in achieving faster economic mobility and thus reduced income inequality.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 520px; border-color: #ff0062; background-color: #f5f7d5; border-style: dotted;">
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em><strong>Drishti Input</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Critically examine the pace of economic mobility in India in the light of widening inequality in the post-liberalised period.&rdquo;</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/economic-mobility-and-inequality'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Perseid Meteor Shower',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Perseid Meteor Shower, which has been active from 17<sup>th</sup> July 2019 onward, can be seen until 26<sup>th</sup> August, 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Perseids occur as the Earth runs into pieces of cosmic debris left behind by <strong>the comet Swift-Tuttle.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/156meteor-shower.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/156meteor-shower.jpg" width="311" height="173" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
<li>The cloud of debris is about 27 km wide &mdash; and at the peak of the display, between 160 and 200 meteors streak through the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere every hour as the pieces of debris, travelling at some 2.14 lakh km per hour, burn up a little less than 100 km above the Earth&rsquo;s surface.</li>
<li>The Perseids currently visible in the night sky <strong>are not due to the debris left</strong> behind by the <strong>comet Swift-Tuttle</strong> during its <strong>most recent pass, which happened in 1992.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This particular comet <strong>goes around the Sun once every 133 years,</strong> and the meteors now visible were left behind by the pass before the last one &mdash; or perhaps even earlier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Meteor Shower</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cosmic debris are the <strong>remnants of comets &mdash;</strong> great frigid chunks of matter that leave behind dirty trails of rocks and ice that linger long after the comets themselves have passed.</li>
<li><strong>As the Earth wades through this cloud of comet waste,</strong> the bits of debris create what appears from the ground to be a <strong>fireworks display in the sky</strong> &mdash; known as a meteor shower.</li>
<li><strong>Meteor showers take their name from the location of the radiant.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Perseid radiant is in the constellation Perseus. The Geminid meteor shower, which is observed each December, is named for a radiant in the constellation Gemini.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-perseid-meteor-shower-5900147/" 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/perseid-meteor-shower'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Wild Buffalo',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, the government has decided to translocate five female wild buffaloes from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-29th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Manas National Park</strong></a> in Assam to <strong>Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will be the <strong>longest such translocation</strong> in the country ever, that seeks to <strong>revive</strong> the waning population of <strong>Chhattisgarh's State animal.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The survival hazard of inbreeding, poaching for horns and increasing male population</strong> have necessitated the translocation.</li>
<li>The Central India Wild Buffalo Recovery Project aims to stabilise the wild buffalo population in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The wild buffalo is mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys. They are generally found in areas that have plenty of water holes and resources<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/233image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/233image2.jpg" width="185" height="121" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></li>
<li>The estimated population of the wild buffaloes in the Northeast is around 3,000-4,000, the largest in the country and accounting for <strong>92% of the world population.</strong></li>
<li>It is listed under <strong>Schedule 1</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.</strong></a></li>
<li>It is classified as <strong>endangered</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong> </a>of Threatened Species.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/wildlife-sanctuary-set-to-have-new-contours/article29037097.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-buffalo'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Extension of Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, the Forest Department identified around 300 hectares of revenue <strong>land for inclusion</strong> in the<strong> Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> (KWS),</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The land is being diverted as compensation, for setting up a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-missile-testing-facility" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new Missile Test Launch Facility</strong></a> by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a></li>
<li>The move has also been recommended by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-roads-on-wildlife" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Board for Wildlife.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh, India.</li>
<li>The sanctuary is a part of the mangrove wetland in Andhra Pradesh and is located in the coastal plain of Krishna delta, spread across <strong>Krishna and Guntur districts</strong> of Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>The <strong>estuary of the Krishna River</strong> passes through the sanctuary.</li>
<li>It is believed that this region potentially holds one of the <strong>most significant populations of fishing cats</strong> in the world.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Fishing Cats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>Fishing cat populations are threatened by the des<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/837image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/837image1.jpg" width="238" height="125" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a>truction of wetlands and have declined severely over the last decade.</li>
<li>The fishing cat is listed as <strong>Endangered</strong> on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species</strong></a> <strong>(CITES)</strong> lists the fishing cat on <strong>Appendix II part of Article IV of CITES.</strong></li>
<li>In India, the fishing cat is included in Schedule I of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972</strong></a> and thereby protected from hunting.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Protected Areas</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Broadly, there are <strong>three types</strong> of protected areas: <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, and Biosphere reserve.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Wildlife sanctuaries</strong> refer to an area which provides protection and favourable living conditions to the wild animals.</li>
<li><strong>National Park</strong> implies an area that is exclusively designated by the government for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity due to its <strong>natural, cultural and historical</strong> significance</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Parks &amp; Wildlife Sanctuaries</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National parks are <strong>highly restricted</strong> areas, which are not open to all the people, whereas wildlife sanctuaries have <strong>lesser restrictions</strong> than national parks.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example: To visit national parks, official permission is to be taken from the requisite authorities. In contrast, no official permission is to be taken to visit a wildlife sanctuary.</li>
<li>Human activities are allowed to a limited extent in the wildlife sanctuaries, but in the case of national parks, they are strictly prohibited.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries are not sacrosanct. However, the national parks have clearly marked boundaries <strong>(fixed by legislation).</strong></li>
<li>The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared <strong>National Parks</strong> in <strong>Category II</strong> of the protected areas. whereas <strong>wildlife sanctuaries</strong> are grouped in <strong>Category IV</strong> of protected areas.</li>
<li>However, most of the national parks were initially wildlife sanctuaries, which were then upgraded to national parks. Also, <strong>tourism is allowed</strong> in both of them.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Biosphere Reserves</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Biosphere reserves</strong> are protected areas, which tend to conserve the <strong>genetic diversity</strong> of the plants, animals, birds, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.</li>
<li>Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.</li>
<li>Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Their status is internationally recognized.</li>
<li>There are 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A biosphere reserve is divided into three zones: Core zone, Buffer zone, Transition zone.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This categorization gained international prominence through UNESCO&rsquo;s <strong>Man and the Biosphere Programme</strong> in 1971.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>core area</strong>(s) comprises a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation.</li>
<li>The<strong> buffer zone</strong> surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education.</li>
<li>The<strong> transition area</strong> is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/wildlife-sanctuary-set-to-have-new-contours/article29037097.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/extension-of-krishna-wildlife-sanctuary'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'India-China',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-modi-xi-building-on-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China</strong></a> have signed<strong> four agreements</strong> to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The 4 agreements are on:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cultural Exchanges:</strong> To promote <strong>cultural exchanges</strong> for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, organisation of cultural activities and management of archaeological heritage sites.</li>
<li><strong>Healthcare:</strong> To enhance cooperation in the field of <strong>traditional medicine,</strong> where both India and China have a rich knowledge, accumulated over centuries.</li>
<li><strong>Sports:</strong> To promote exchanges between <strong>national sports associations, sports persons and youth</strong> for strengthening cooperation on international sports events.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Museum Management:</strong> To promote <strong>collaboration between Hubei Provincial Museum,</strong> Wuhan <strong>and the National Museum, New Delhi</strong> in exhibitions, protection and restoration of collections and archaeological excavations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Hubei Provincial Museum</strong> is one of the best known museums in China, with a large amount of state-level historic and cultural relics.</li>
<li>The <strong>National Museum</strong> is one of the largest museums in India. Established in 1949, it holds a variety of articles ranging from pre-historic era to modern works of art.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>China&rsquo;s Initiatives at Kailash Mansarovar</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To improve the material comforts of the pilgrims to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kailash Mansarovar</strong></a>, the chinese government has built accommodation facilities, called <strong>reception centres</strong>, at various points of the pilgrimage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reception centres, each with about 150 beds, have rooms with charging points, a common kitchen and a common washroom, and provide food for the pilgrims.</li>
<li>The Chinese government has spent <strong>$5.21 million</strong> in building these centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ladakh and Line of Actual Control</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/995India-China%20Border (Final).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/995India-China Border (Final).png" width="603" height="352" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The External Affairs Minister has assured China that India&rsquo;s decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>exercise greater administrative control over Ladakh</strong></a> would have no implications for India&rsquo;s external boundaries or the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.</li>
<li><strong>LAC is a 4,057-km porous border</strong> running through glaciers, snow deserts, mountains and rivers that separate India and China.</li>
<li>The LAC traverses three areas&mdash; <strong>Western (Ladakh, Kashmir), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal).</strong></li>
<li>In 1993, India and China signed an accord to reduce tensions along their border and respect the LAC. Three years later in 1996, the two countries agreed to delimit the LAC and institute confidence building measures.</li>
<li>In October 2013, the two sides signed the Boundary Defence Cooperation Agreement to prevent any flare up along the un-demarcated border. This encompasses both military and diplomat level dialogue mechanism.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/india-china-sign-4-agreements-to-strengthen-people-to-people-ties-119081200867_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BS</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-3'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'PRS Capsule July 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">Law and Justice</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill</a></li>
<li><a href="#8">Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#9">Consumer Protection Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#10">Home Affairs</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#11">Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#13">Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill</a></li>
<li><a href="#14">The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#15">Health and Family Welfare</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#16">The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#17">The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"></ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#20"></a><a href="#18">Labour and Employment</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">The Code on Wages, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#20">Code on Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#21">Voluntary pension scheme for traders and shopkeepers notified</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#22">Corporate Affairs</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#23">Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#24">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#25">Road Transport and Highways</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#26">Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#27">Education</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#28">The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teacher&rsquo;s Cadre) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#29">The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#30">Housing and Urban Affairs</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#31">The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants)</a></li>
<li><a href="#32">Draft Model Tenancy Act, 2019 released</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#33">Civil Aviation</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#34">The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#35">Jal Shakti</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#36">The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#37">The Dam Safety Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#38">Defence</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#39">Ministry introduces scheme for promotion of MSMEs in defence</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">Law and Justice</h2>
<h3 id="2">Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament to replace the Ordinance promulgated on March 2, 2019.</li>
<li>The Bill amends the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.</li>
<li>The Aadhaar Act provides targeted delivery of subsidies and benefits to individuals residing in India by assigning them unique identity numbers, called <strong>Aadhaar numbers</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Authentication:</strong> It involves submitting the Aadhaar number, their biometric and demographic information to the Central Identities Data Repository for verification.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the Aadhaar Act, an individual&rsquo;s identity may be verified by <strong>Aadhaar &lsquo;authentication&rsquo;</strong>.</li>
<li>The <strong>Bill additionally allows &lsquo;offline verification&rsquo;</strong> of an individual&rsquo;s identity, without authentication, through modes specified by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) by regulations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Voluntary use:</strong> The Act provides for the use of Aadhaar number as proof of identity of a person, subject to authentication.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill replaces this provision to state that an <strong>individual may voluntarily use</strong> his Aadhaar number to establish his identity, by <strong>authentication or offline verification</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill states that authentication of an individual&rsquo;s identity via Aadhaar, for the provision of any service, may be made mandatory only by a law of Parliament.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill amends the <strong>Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002</strong> to state that telecom companies, banks and financial institutions may verify the identity of their clients by:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>authentication or offline verification of Aadhaar, or</li>
<li>passport, or</li>
<li>any other documents notified by the central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The person has the choice to use either mode to verify his identity and <strong>no person shall be denied any service for not having an Aadhaar number</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UIDAI Fund:</strong> Under the Act, all fees and revenue collected by the UIDAI shall be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. The Bill removes this provision and creates the <strong>Unique Identification Authority of India Fund</strong>. All fees, grants, and charges received by the UIDAI shall be credited to this fund. The fund shall be used for expenses of the UIDAI, including salaries and allowances of its employees.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It seeks to amend the <strong>Right to Information Act, 2005</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Term of Information Commissioners:</strong> Under the Act, Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) are appointed at the national and state level to implement the provisions of the Act.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act states that the CIC and other ICs (appointed at the central and state level) will hold office for a term of five years. The <strong>Bill removes this provision</strong> and states that <strong>the central government will notify the term of office</strong> for the CIC and the ICs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Determination of salary:</strong> The Act states that the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the central level) will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively. Similarly, the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the state level) will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Election Commissioners and the Chief Secretary to the state government, respectively.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill seeks to amend these provisions to <strong>state that the salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined by the central government</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>It seeks to establish an <strong>autonomous and independent institution</strong> for better management of arbitration in India.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC):</strong> The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the NDIAC to conduct an <strong>arbitration, mediation</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>conciliation</strong> proceedings.</li>
<li><strong>International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR):</strong> The ICADR is a <strong>registered society</strong> to promote the resolution of disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods (such as arbitration and mediation).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill seeks to transfer the existing ICADR to the central government. Upon notification by the central government, all the rights, title, and interest in the ICADR will be transferred to the NDIAC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong> Under the Bill, the NDIAC will consist of seven members including:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>A chairperson</strong> who may be a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court or an eminent person with special knowledge and experience in the conduct or administration of arbitration.</li>
<li><strong>Two eminent persons</strong> having substantial knowledge and experience in institutional arbitration.</li>
<li><strong>Three ex-officio members,</strong> including a nominee from the Ministry of Finance.</li>
<li><strong>Chief Executive Officer</strong> (responsible for the day-to-day administration of the NDIAC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key objectives of the NDIAC include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Promoting research, providing training and organising conferences and seminars in alternative dispute resolution matters.</li>
<li>Providing facilities and administrative assistance for the conduct of the arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings.</li>
<li>Maintaining a panel of accredited professionals to conduct an arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key functions include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitating the conduct of arbitration and conciliation in a professional, timely, and cost-effective manner.</li>
<li>Promoting studies in the field of alternative dispute resolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill makes all declarations of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.</li>
<li>It defines <strong>talaq as talaq-e-biddat</strong> or any other similar form of talaq pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce.
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Talaq-e-biddat</strong> refers to the practice under Muslim personal laws where pronouncement of &lsquo;talaq&rsquo; thrice in one sitting by a Muslim man to his wife results in an instant and irrevocable divorce.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li><strong>Offence and penalty:</strong> The Bill makes a declaration of talaq a <strong>cognizable offence,</strong> attracting up to <strong>three years imprisonment</strong> with a fine.
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li>The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given by:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or</li>
<li>Any person related to her by blood or marriage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill provides that the <strong>Magistrate may grant bail to the accused</strong>. The bail may be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting bail.</li>
<li>The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman (against whom talaq has been declared).
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Compounding refers to the procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle the dispute. The terms and conditions of the compounding will be determined by the Magistrate.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowance and custody:</strong> A Muslim woman against whom talaq is declared is entitled to seek <strong>subsistence allowance</strong> from her husband for herself and for her dependent children. She is also entitled to seek custody of her minor children. The amount of allowance and manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. It seeks to <strong>amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act contains provisions to deal with domestic and international arbitration, and defines the law for conducting conciliation proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill are:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Arbitration Council of India:</strong> The Bill seeks to establish an independent body called the <strong>Arbitration Council of India (ACI)</strong> for the promotion of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute redressal mechanisms.</li>
<li><strong>Its functions include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Framing policies for grading arbitral institutions and accrediting arbitrators.</li>
<li>Making policies for the establishment, operation and maintenance of uniform professional standards for all alternate dispute redressal matters.</li>
<li>Maintaining a depository of arbitral awards (judgments) made in India and abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment of arbitrators:</strong> Under the 1996 Act, parties were free to appoint arbitrators. In case of disagreement on an appointment, parties could request the Supreme Court, or the High Court, or any person or institution designated by such Court, to appoint an arbitrator.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Bill, the Supreme Court and High Courts may now designate <strong>arbitral institutions,</strong> which parties can approach for the appointment of arbitrators.</li>
<li>For <strong>international commercial arbitration,</strong> appointments will be made by the institution designated by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>For <strong>domestic arbitration,</strong> appointments will be made by the institution designated by the concerned High Court.</li>
<li>In case there are no arbitral institutions available, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court may maintain a panel of arbitrators to perform the functions of arbitral institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relaxation of time limits:</strong> Under the Act, arbitral tribunals are required to make their award within a period of 12 months for all arbitration proceedings.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Bill seeks to remove this time restriction</strong> for international commercial arbitrations. It adds that tribunals must try to dispose of international arbitration matters within 12 months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in <strong>Lok Sabha</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the regulation of the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of DNA data:</strong> Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only in respect of matters listed in the Schedule to the Bill.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These include offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and for civil matters such as paternity suits. Further, the Schedule includes DNA testing for matters related to establishment of individual identity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Collection of DNA:</strong> While preparing a DNA profile, bodily substances of persons may be collected by the investigating authorities. Authorities are required to obtain consent for collection in certain situations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For arrested persons, authorities are required to obtain written consent if the offence carries a punishment of up to seven years. If the offence carries more than seven years of imprisonment or death, consent is not required.</li>
<li>Further, if the person is a victim, or relative of a missing person, or a minor or disabled person, the authorities are required to obtain their written consent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DNA Data Bank:</strong> The Bill provides for the establishment of a <strong>National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks,</strong> for every state, or two or more states.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data prepared by them with the National and Regional DNA Data Banks. Every Data Bank will be required to maintain the following indices of DNA data:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A crime scene index</li>
<li>A suspect&rsquo;s or under trials&rsquo; index</li>
<li>An offenders&rsquo; index</li>
<li>A missing persons&rsquo; index</li>
<li>An unknown deceased persons&rsquo; index.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Removal of DNA profiles:</strong> The Bill provides for removal of the DNA profiles of the following persons:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A suspect if a police report is filed or court order given</li>
<li>An undertrial if a court order is given</li>
<li>On written request, for persons who are not a suspect, offender or under trial, from the crime scene or missing persons&rsquo; index</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DNA Regulatory Board:</strong> The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories. The functions of the Board include:&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Advising governments on all issues related to establishing DNA laboratories or Data Banks.</li>
<li>Ensuring that all information relating to DNA profiles is kept confidential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="8">Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 19, 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Definition of a transgender person:</strong> The Bill defines a transgender person as one whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth. It include transmen and trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Intersex variations is defined to mean a person who at birth shows variation in his or her primary sexual characteristics, external genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones from the normative standard of male or female body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prohibition against discrimination:</strong> The Bill prohibits the discrimination against a transgender person, including denial of service or unfair treatment in relation to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Education, employment, healthcare.</li>
<li>Access to or enjoyment of goods, facilities, opportunities available to the public.</li>
<li>Right to movement, right to reside, rent, or otherwise occupy property.</li>
<li>Opportunity to hold public or private office.</li>
<li>Access to a government or private establishment in whose care or custody a transgender person is.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health care:</strong> The government must take steps to provide health facilities to transgender persons including separate HIV surveillance centres, and sex reassignment surgeries.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government shall review medical curriculum to address health issues of transgender persons, and provide comprehensive medical insurance schemes for them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Certificate of identity:</strong> A transgender person may make an application to the District Magistrate for a certificate of identity, indicating the gender as &lsquo;transgender&rsquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A revised certificate may be obtained only if the individual undergoes surgery to change their gender either as a male or a female.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="9">Consumer Protection Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 was passed by Lok Sabha. It replaces the <strong>Consumer Protection Act, 1986</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rights of consumers:</strong> Six consumer rights have been defined in the Bill, including the right to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.</li>
<li>Be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services.</li>
<li>Be assured of access to goods or services at competitive prices.</li>
<li>Seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Consumer Protection Authority:</strong> The central government will set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers. It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.</li>
<li><strong>Penalties for misleading advertisement:</strong> The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement. In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years.</li>
<li><strong>Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRCs):</strong> CDRCs will be set up at the district, state, and national levels. A consumer can file a complaint with CDRCs in relation to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Unfair or restrictive trade practices</li>
<li>Defective goods or services</li>
<li>Overcharging or deceptive charging</li>
<li>The offering of goods or services for sale which may be hazardous to life and safety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Complaints against an unfair contract can be filed with only the State and National CDRCs.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Appeals from a District CDRC will be heard by the State CDRC, and from State CDRC by the National CDRC. Final appeal will lie before the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Product liability:</strong> Product liability means the liability of a product manufacturer, service provider, or seller to compensate a consumer for any harm or injury caused by a defective good or deficient service.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To claim compensation, a consumer has to prove any one of the conditions for defect or deficiency, as given in the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="10">Home Affairs</h2>
<h3 id="11">Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019</strong> was passed by Lok Sabha. It amends the <strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967</strong>. The Act provides special procedures to deal with terrorist activities, among other things.</li>
<li><strong>Key provisions of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Who may commit terrorism:</strong> Under the Act, the central government may designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Commits or participates in acts of terrorism</li>
<li>Prepares for terrorism</li>
<li>Promotes terrorism, or</li>
<li>Is otherwise involved in terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.</li>
<li><strong>Approval for seizure of property:</strong> Under the Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill adds that if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the <strong>National Investigation Agency (NIA),</strong> the approval of the Director General of NIA would be required for seizure of such property.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investigation:</strong> Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Insertion to schedule of treaties:</strong> The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the <strong>Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979)</strong>.</li>
<li>The Bill adds another treaty to the list. This is the <strong>International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005)</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed by Parliament. The <strong>Bill amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004</strong> and <strong>replaces an Ordinance</strong> promulgated on March 1, 2019.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for <strong>reservation in appointment and promotions in state government posts</strong>, and admission to <strong>professional institutions</strong> for certain reserved categories. Professional institutions include government medical colleges, dental colleges, and polytechnics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Extension of reservation:</strong> The Act provides for reservation in appointment and promotions in certain state government posts to persons belonging to <strong>socially and educationally backward classes</strong>. It defines socially and educationally backward classes to include persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill amends this to include those persons living in areas adjoining the International Border, within the ambit of this reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the Act states that any person who has been appointed on the basis of residence in an area adjoining the Line of Control, must serve in such areas for at least seven years.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill extends this condition to persons living in areas adjoining the International Border as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exclusion from reservation:</strong> The Act states that any person whose annual income exceeds three lakh rupees or other amount as notified by the state government, would not be included within socially and educationally backward classes. However, this exclusion does not apply to persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill states that this exclusion will not apply to persons living in areas adjoining the International Border also.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="13">Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill amends the <strong>Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for a <strong>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commissions (SHRC),</strong> as well as <strong>Human Rights Courts</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition of NHRC:</strong> Under the Act, the chairperson of the NHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or a Judge of the Supreme Court will be the chairperson of the NHRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Act provides for two persons having knowledge of human rights to be appointed as members of the NHRC.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this to allow three members to be appointed, of which at <strong>least one will be a woman</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the Act, chairpersons of various commissions such as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, are members of the NHRC.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill includes the chairpersons of the National Commission for Backward Classes, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as members of the NHRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chairperson of SHRC:</strong> Under the Act, the chairperson of the SHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of the High Court.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice or Judge of the High Court will be chairperson of the SHRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Term of office:</strong> The Act states that the chairperson and members of the NHRC and SHRC will hold office for <strong>five years or till the age of seventy years,</strong> whichever is earlier.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill <strong>reduces the term of office to three years or till the age of seventy years,</strong> whichever is earlier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of Secretary-General:</strong> The Act provides for a Secretary-General of the NHRC and a Secretary of a SHRC, who exercise powers as may be delegated to them.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this and allows the Secretary-General and Secretary to exercise all administrative and financial powers (except judicial functions), subject to the respective chairperson&rsquo;s control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="14">The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill amends the <strong>National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for a national-level agency to investigate and prosecute offences listed in a schedule (scheduled offences).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the Act allows for creation of Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scheduled offences:</strong> The schedule to the Act specifies a list of offences which are to be investigated and prosecuted by the NIA.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These include offences under Acts such as the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill seeks to allow the NIA to investigate the following additional offences:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Human trafficking</li>
<li>Offences related to counterfeit currency or bank notes</li>
<li>Manufacture or sale of prohibited arms</li>
<li>Cyber-terrorism, and</li>
<li>Offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jurisdiction of the NIA:</strong> The Act provides for the creation of the NIA to investigate and prosecute offences specified in the schedule.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The officers of the NIA have the same powers as other police officers in relation to the investigation of such offences, across India.</li>
<li>The Bill states that in addition, officers of the NIA will have the power to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India, subject to international treaties and domestic laws of other countries.</li>
<li>The central government may direct the NIA to investigate such cases, as if the offence has been committed in India. The <strong>Special Court</strong> in New Delhi will have jurisdiction over these cases.</li>
<li><strong>Special Courts:</strong> The Act allows the central government to constitute Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences. The Bill amends this to allow the central and state governments to designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for such trials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="15">Health and Family Welfare</h2>
<h3 id="16">The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha.The Bill seeks to repeal the <strong>Indian Medical Council Act, 1956</strong> and provide for a medical education system which ensures:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals</li>
<li>Adoption of the latest medical research by medical professionals</li>
<li>Periodic assessment of medical institutions, and</li>
<li>An effective grievance redressal mechanism</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Constitution of the National Medical Commission:</strong> The Bill sets up the <strong>National Medical Commission (NMC)</strong>. Within three years of the passage of the Bill, state governments will establish <strong>State Medical Councils</strong> at the state level. The NMC will consist of 25 members, appointed by the central government.</li>
<li><strong>Members of the NMC will include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Chairperson (must be a medical practitioner)</li>
<li>Presidents of the Under-Graduate and Postgraduate Medical Education Boards</li>
<li>The Director General of Health Services, Directorate General of Health Services</li>
<li>The Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, and</li>
<li>Five members (part-time) to be elected by registered medical practitioners from amongst themselves for two years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NMC include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals</li>
<li>Assessing the requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of the regulations made under the Bill</li>
<li>Framing guidelines for determination of fees for up to 50% of the seats in the private medical institutions and deemed universities which are regulated as per the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous boards:</strong> The Bill sets up four autonomous boards under the supervision of the NMC. Each board will consist of a President and four members, appointed by the central government. These boards include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board and the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board</li>
<li>The Medical Assessment and Rating Board, and</li>
<li>The Ethics and Medical Registration</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="17">The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple and agrees to hand over the child to them after the birth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Regulation of surrogacy:</strong> The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Altruistic surrogacy involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance coverage. Commercial surrogacy include surrogacy or its related procedures undertaken for a monetary benefit or reward (in cash or kind) exceeding the basic medical expenses and insurance coverage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility criteria for intending couple:</strong> The intending couple should have a <strong>&lsquo;certificate of essentiality&rsquo;</strong> and a <strong>&lsquo;certificate of eligibility&rsquo;</strong> issued by the appropriate authority. A certificate of essentiality will be issued upon fulfilment of these conditions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A medical certificate of proven infertility of one or both members of the intending couple</li>
<li>An order of parentage and custody of the surrogate child passed by a Magistrate&rsquo;s court, and</li>
<li>Insurance coverage for a period of 16 months covering postpartum delivery complications for the surrogate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The certificate of eligibility to the intending couple is issued upon fulfilment of the following conditions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The couple being Indian citizens and married for at least five years</li>
<li>Between 23 to 50 years old (wife) and 26 to 55 years old (husband)</li>
<li>They do not have any surviving child (biological, adopted or surrogate)</li>
<li>Including a child who is mentally or physically challenged or suffers from life threatening disorder or fatal illness; and</li>
<li>Other conditions that may be specified by regulations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother:</strong> To obtain a certificate of eligibility, the surrogate mother has to be:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A close relative of the intending couple</li>
<li>A married woman having a child of her own</li>
<li>25 to 35 years old</li>
<li>A surrogate only once in her lifetime</li>
<li>Possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy. In addition, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Labour and Employment</h2>
<h3 id="19">The Code on Wages, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Code on Wages, 2019 was passed by Lok Sabha. It seeks to regulate wage and bonus payments in all employments where any industry, trade, business, or manufacturing is carried out. The Code replaces the following four laws:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Payment of Wages Act, 1936</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Minimum Wages Act, 1948</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong> The Code will apply to all employees. The central government will make wage-related decisions for employment such as railways, mines, and oil fields, among others. The state governments will make decisions for all other employments.</li>
<li><strong>Floor wage:</strong> According to the Code, the central government will fix a floor wage, taking into account the living standards of workers. Further, it may set different floor wages for different geographical areas.</li>
<li><strong>Fixing the minimum wage:</strong> The Code prohibits employers from paying wages less than the minimum wages. Minimum wages will be notified by the central or state governments. This will be based on time, or number of pieces produced.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The minimum wages will be revised and reviewed by the central or state governments at an interval of not more than five years.</li>
<li>While fixing minimum wages, the central or state governments may take into account factors such as: (i) skills of workers, and (ii) the difficulty of work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advisory boards:</strong> The central and state governments will constitute advisory boards. The Boards will advise the respective governments on various issues including:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fixation of minimum wages</li>
<li>Increasing employment opportunities for women</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="20">Code on Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha. It applies to <strong>establishments employing at least 10 workers, and to all mines and docks</strong>.</li>
<li>The Code replaces 13 labour laws including the Factories Act, 1948, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Code include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Duties of employers:</strong> The Code prescribes certain duties of the employer. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Providing a workplace that is free from hazards that may cause injury or diseases, and</li>
<li>Providing free annual health examinations to certain employees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working Hours:</strong> Work hours for different classes of establishment and employees will be provided as per the rules prescribed by the central or state government. Female workers, with their consent, may work past 7pm and before 6am, if approved by the central or state government.</li>
<li><strong>Leave:</strong> No employee may work for more than six days a week. Workers must receive paid annual leave for at least one in 20 days of the period spent on duty.</li>
<li><strong>Working conditions and welfare facilities:</strong> The employer is required to provide a hygienic work environment with ventilation, sufficient space, and clean drinking water. Welfare facilities include separate bathing places and locker rooms for male, female, and transgender employees and creches.</li>
<li><strong>Advisory Bodies:</strong> The central and state governments will set up <strong>Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Boards</strong> at the national and state level, respectively. These Boards will advise the central and state governments on the standards, rules, and regulations to be framed under the Code.</li>
<li><strong>Offences and penalties:</strong> Under the Code, an offence that leads to the death of an employee will be punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine up to five lakh rupees, or both. Further, courts may direct that at least 50% of such fine be given as compensation to the heirs of the victim. For any other violation where the penalty is not specified, the employer will be penalised with a fine between two and three lakh rupees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="21">Voluntary pension scheme for traders and shopkeepers notified</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified a voluntary pension scheme called the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan, Yojana 2019</strong>. It intends to provide a minimum assured pension to self-employed persons.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the scheme include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> The Scheme will apply to shopkeepers, retail traders, and other self-employed persons with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 1.5 crore, between the ages of 18 and 40 years. In order to enrol, the subscriber must have a bank account and Aadhaar number.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Interested persons can enrol themselves through any Common Service Centre in the country, with a pension fund administered by the Life Insurance Corporation. A Common Service Centre is an access point for delivery of essential public utility services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Minimum assured pension:</strong> Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. The central government will match the contribution made by the beneficiary.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has notified different monthly contribution amounts depending upon the age of joining. For example, a person entering the scheme at 29 years of age will be required to contribute Rs 100 per month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Family pension:</strong> If the subscriber dies while receiving the pension, his spouse will be entitled to receive 50% of the pension as family pension. If he dies before the pension accrues (i.e. before the age of 60 years), his spouse may either join the scheme by paying the contribution or may exit the scheme.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If they choose to exit, the spouse will receive the beneficiary&rsquo;s contribution along with accumulated interest earned by the fund or interest at the savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher. If both the subscriber and spouse die, the entire corpus will be credited back to the fund.</li>
<li>If the beneficiary becomes disabled prior to completing 60 years of age, his spouse may continue the scheme or exit the scheme. On exiting, the spouse will receive the beneficiary&rsquo;s contribution with interest as actually earned by fund or at the savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exit and withdrawal:</strong> Any person may exit the scheme under the following conditions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If he exits within 10 years, his share of contribution will be returned to him along with savings bank interest.</li>
<li>If he exits the scheme after 10 years but prior to completing 60 years of age, he will get his share along with the accumulated interest earned by the fund or at savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="22">Corporate Affairs</h2>
<h3 id="23">Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It amends the <strong>Companies Act, 2013</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Issuance of dematerialised shares:</strong> Under the Act, certain classes of public companies are required to issue shares in dematerialised form only. The Bill states this may be prescribed for other classes of unlisted companies as well.</li>
<li><strong>Re-categorisation of certain Offences:</strong> The 2013 Act contains 81 compoundable offences punishable with fine or fine or imprisonment, or both. These offences are heard by courts. <strong>The Bill re-categorizes 16 of these offences as civil defaults,</strong> where adjudicating officers (appointed by the central government) may now levy penalties instead. These offences include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Issuance of shares at a discount</li>
<li>Failure to file an annual return.</li>
<li>Further, the Bill amends the penalties for some other offences.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):</strong> Under the Act, if companies which have to provide for CSR, do not fully spend the funds, they must disclose the reasons for non-spending in their annual report.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Bill, any unspent annual CSR funds must be transferred to one of the funds under Schedule 7 of the Act (e.g., PM Relief Fund) within six months of the end of the financial year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, if the CSR funds are committed to certain ongoing projects, then the unspent funds will have to be transferred to an <strong>Unspent CSR Account</strong> within 30 days of the of the financial year, and spent within three years.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Any funds remaining unspent after three years will have to be transferred to one of the funds under Schedule 7 of the Act. Any violation may attract a fine between Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,00,000 and every defaulting officer may be punished with imprisonment of up to three years or fine in the same range as above.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commencement of business:</strong> The Bill states that a company may not start business, unless it (i) files a declaration within 180 days of incorporation, confirming that every subscriber to the Memorandum of the company has paid for the shares agreed to be taken by him, and (ii) files a verification of its registered address within 30 days of incorporation.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If it fails to comply with these provisions and is found not to be carrying out business, the name of the company may be removed from the Register of Companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="24">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. It amends the <strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Initiation of resolution process:</strong> The Code states that a financial creditor may file an application before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for initiating the insolvency resolution process.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The NCLT must find the existence of default within 14 days. Based on its findings, NCLT may accept or reject the application. The Bill states that in case the NCLT does not find the existence of default and has not passed an order within 14 days, it must record its reasons in writing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Time-limit for resolution process:</strong> The Code states that the insolvency resolution process must be completed within 180 days, extendable by a period of up to 90 days. The Bill adds that the resolution process must be completed within 330 days.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This includes time for any extension granted and the time taken in legal proceedings in relation to the process. On the enactment of the Bill, if any case is pending for over 330 days, it must be resolved within 90 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolution plan:</strong> The Code provides that the resolution plan must ensure that the operational creditors receive an amount which should not be less than the amount they would receive in case of liquidation.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill amends this to provide that the amounts to be paid to the operational creditor should be the higher of: (i) amounts receivable under liquidation, and (ii) the amount receivable under a resolution plan, if such amounts were distributed under the same order of priority (as for liquidation).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Representative of financial creditors:</strong> The Code specifies that, in certain cases, such as when the debt is owed to a class of creditors beyond a specified number, the financial creditors will be represented on the committee of creditors by an authorised representative. These representatives will vote on behalf of the financial creditors as per instructions received from them.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill states that such representative will vote on the basis of the decision taken by a majority of the voting shares of the creditors that they represent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="25">Road Transport and Highways</h2>
<h3 id="26">Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to amend the <strong>Motor Vehicles Act, 1988</strong> to provide for road safety.
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Act provides for grant of licenses and permits related to motor vehicles, standards for motor vehicles, and penalties for violation of these provisions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Compensation for road accident victims:</strong> The Bill provides that the central government will develop a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during the golden hour.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Golden hour</strong> is defined as the time period of up to one hour following a traumatic injury, during which the likelihood of preventing death through prompt medical care is the highest.</li>
<li>The central government may also make a scheme for providing interim relief to claimants seeking compensation under third party insurance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compulsory insurance:</strong> The Bill requires the central government to constitute <strong>Motor Vehicle Accident Fund,</strong> to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India. It will be utilised for:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Treatment of persons injured in road accidents as per the golden hour scheme.</li>
<li>Compensation to representatives of a person who died in a hit and run accident.</li>
<li>Compensation to a person grievously hurt in a hit and run accident, and</li>
<li>Compensation to any other persons as prescribed by the central government.</li>
<li>This Fund will be credited through: (i) payment of a nature notified by the central government, (ii) a grant or loan made by the central government, (iii) balance of the Solatium Fund (existing funds under the Act to provide compensation for hit and run accidents), or (iv) any other source as prescribed the central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Safety Board:</strong> The Bill provides for a <strong>National Road Safety Board,</strong> to be created by the central government through a notification. The Board will advise the central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management including:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Standards of motor vehicles</li>
<li>Registration and licensing of vehicles</li>
<li>Standards for road safety</li>
<li>Promotion of new vehicle technology</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="27">Education</h2>
<h3 id="28">The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teacher&rsquo;s Cadre) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It replaces an Ordinance promulgated in March 2019.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for reservation of teaching positions in central educational institutions for persons belonging to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Scheduled Castes</li>
<li>Scheduled Tribes</li>
<li>Socially and educationally backward classes</li>
<li>Economically weaker sections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reservation of posts:</strong> The Bill provides for reservation of posts in direct recruitment of teachers (out of the sanctioned strength) in central educational institutions. For the purpose of such reservation, a central educational institution will be regarded as one unit.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This implies that the allocation of teaching posts for reserved categories would be done on the basis of all positions of the same level (such as assistant professor) across departments. Note that, under previous guidelines, each department was regarded as an individual unit for the purpose of reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage and exceptions:</strong> The Bill will apply to &lsquo;central educational institutions&rsquo; which include universities set up by Acts of Parliament, institutions deemed to be a university, institutions of national importance, and institutions receiving aid from the central government.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, it excludes certain institutions of excellence, research institutions, and institutions of national and strategic importance which have been specified in the Bill. Further, it also excludes minority education institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="29">The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill seeks to amend the <strong>Central Universities Act, 2009,</strong> which establishes universities for teaching and research in various states.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the <strong>establishment of two central universities in Andhra Pradesh</strong> to be known as the Central University of Andhra Pradesh, and the <strong>Central Tribal University</strong> of Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>The Central Tribal University will take additional measures to provide higher educational and research facilities in tribal art, culture, and customs primarily to the tribal population of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="30">Housing and Urban Affairs</h2>
<h3 id="31">The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the <strong>Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for the eviction of unauthorised occupants from public premises in certain cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Residential accommodation:</strong> The Bill defines <strong>&lsquo;residential accommodation occupation&rsquo;</strong> as the occupation of public premises by a person on the grant of a license for such an occupation. The license must be given for a fixed tenure, or for the period the person holds office.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the occupation must be allowed under the rules made by the central, state or union territory government, or a statutory authority (such as Parliament Secretariat, or a central government company, or premises belonging to a state government).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Notice for eviction:</strong> The Bill adds a provision laying down the procedure for eviction from residential accommodation. It requires an estate officer (an officer of the central government) to issue a written notice to a person if he is in unauthorised occupation of a residential accommodation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The notice will require the person to show cause why an eviction order should not be made against him, within three working days. The written notice must be fixed to a conspicuous part of the accommodation, in a prescribed manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Order of eviction:</strong> After considering the cause shown, and making any other inquiries, the estate officer will make an order for eviction. If the person fails to comply with the order, the estate officer may evict such person from the residential accommodation, and take possession of it. For this purpose, the estate officer may also use such force as necessary.</li>
<li><strong>Payment of damages:</strong> If the person in unauthorised occupation of the residential accommodation challenges the eviction order passed by the estate officer in court, he will be required to pay damages for every month of such occupation.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="32">Draft Model Tenancy Act, 2019 released</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs</strong> released the <strong>draft Model Tenancy Act, 2019</strong>. The draft Act seeks to provide for the regulation and speedy adjudication of matters related to rental housing.</li>
<li>It also seeks to repeal the existing state/union territories (UTs) Rent Control Acts.</li>
<li>The final draft Model Tenancy Act will be circulated to states. States may enact a new tenancy law or amend their existing laws to align with the provisions of this Model Act.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the draft Act include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tenancy Agreement:</strong> The draft Act provides for a tenancy agreement to be signed between the landowner and the tenant (parties). The duration of tenancy, rent payable, and revision of rent will be as agreed upon between both parties and as specified in the agreement. No person will let out or rent any premises without such agreement.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further such agreement must be registered with the Rent Authority, in a form as specified in the schedule to the Act. This will include details such as name, address, PAN and Aadhaar numbers of the landowner and tenant, details of the premises, and the rent payable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rent Authority:</strong> The District Collector, with prior approval of the state/UT government, will appoint the Rent Authority (at the rank of Deputy Collector). The Rent Authority, on receiving information on a tenancy agreement, must upload details of the agreement on its website. The Authority may also, on application by the landowner or tenant, fix or revise the rent, and the date from which the revised rent will apply. Appeals against the Authority&rsquo;s orders will lie with the Rent Court, and must be made within 30 days from the date of the order.</li>
<li><strong>Rent Courts:</strong> The state government may constitute as many Rent Courts as it deems necessary. Two or more Courts can be constituted for any area. In such cases the state/UT government may regulate the distribution of business among them.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Rent Court may consist of two members to be appointed by the state/UT government in consultation with the High Court. Appeals against a Rent Court&rsquo;s orders will lie with the Rent Tribunal, and must be made within 30 days from the date of the order.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rent Tribunal:</strong> The state government may constitute as many Rent Tribunals as it deems necessary. In case an area has several such Tribunals, the state/UT government may notify one of them as the Principal Rent Tribunal.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Rent Tribunal will be headed by a Principal Appellate Member (at the level of a High Court Judge), and comprise of two other members. The Rent Courts and Tribunals will seek to dispose of a case within 60 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="33">Civil Aviation</h2>
<h3 id="34" the="" strong="">Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in and passed by Rajya Sabha. It amends the <strong>Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act established the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at civilian airports with annual traffic above 15 lakh passengers. It monitors the performance standard of services across these airports.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li><strong>Definition of major airports:</strong> The Act defines a major airport as one with annual passenger traffic over 15 lakh, or any other airports as notified by the central government.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tariff determination by AERA:</strong> Under the Act, AERA is responsible for determining:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The tariff for aeronautical services at different airports every five years</li>
<li>The development fees of major airports</li>
<li>The passengers service fee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It can also call for necessary information to determine tariffs and perform any other tariff-related functions, including amending the tariffs if necessary in the interim period.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill adds that AERA will not determine: (i) the tariff, (ii) tariff structures, or (iii) the development fees, in certain cases.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These cases include those where such tariff amounts were a part of the bid document on the basis of which the airport operations were awarded. AERA will be consulted by the concessioning authority before incorporating such tariffs in the bid document, and such tariffs must be notified.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="35">Jal Shakti</h2>
<h3 id="36">The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha. It amends the <strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for the adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys.</li>
<li>Under the Act, a state government may request the central government to refer an inter-state river dispute to a Tribunal for adjudication. If the central government is of the opinion that the dispute cannot be settled through negotiations, it is required to set up a Water Disputes Tribunal for adjudication of the dispute, within a year of receiving such a complaint. The Bill seeks to replace this mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disputes Resolution Committee:</strong> Under the Bill, when a state puts in a request regarding any water dispute, the central government will set up a <strong>Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC),</strong> to resolve the dispute amicably.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DRC will comprise of a Chairperson, and experts with at least 15 years of experience in relevant sectors, to be nominated by the central government. It will also comprise one member from each state (at Joint Secretary level), who are party to the dispute, to be nominated by the concerned state government.</li>
<li>The DRC will seek to resolve the dispute through negotiations, within one year (extendable by six months), and submit its report to the central government. If a dispute cannot be settled by the DRC, the central government will refer it to the Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal. Such referral must be made within three months from the receipt of the report from the DRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tribunal:</strong> The central government will set up an <strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal,</strong> for the adjudication of water disputes. This Tribunal can have multiple benches. All existing Tribunals will be dissolved, and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing Tribunals will be transferred to the new Tribunal.</li>
<li><strong>Composition of the Tribunal:</strong> The Tribunal will consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, three judicial members, and three expert members.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They will be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. Each Tribunal Bench will consist of a Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, a judicial member, and an expert member. The central government may also appoint two experts serving in the Central Water Engineering Service as assessors to advise the Bench in its proceedings. The assessor should not be from the state which is a party to the dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="37">The Dam Safety Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha. The Bill provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across the country. It also provides for an institutional mechanism to ensure the safety of such dams.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicability of the Bill:</strong> The Bill applies to all specified dams in the country. These are dams with: (i) height more than 15 m, or (ii) height between 10 to 15 m and subject to certain design and structural conditions.</li>
<li><strong>National Committee on Dam Safety:</strong> The Bill provides for the constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety. Its functions include: (i) formulating policies and regulations on dam safety standards, and (ii) analysing causes of dam failures.</li>
<li><strong>National Dam Safety Authority:</strong> The Bill provides for a National Dam Safety Authority. Functions of the Authority include: (i) implementing the policies formulated by the National Committee on Dam Safety, and (ii) resolving issues between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state.</li>
<li><strong>State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO):</strong> State governments will establish State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs). All specified dams in a state will fall under the jurisdiction of that state&rsquo;s SDSO.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the National Dam Safety Authority will act as the SDSO in cases where a dam: (i) is owned by one state but situated in another state, (ii) extends over multiple states, or (iii) is owned by a central public sector undertaking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the SDSOs include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Monitoring the operation and maintenance of dams</li>
<li>Keeping a database of dams, and</li>
<li>Recommending safety measures to dam owners</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Committee on Dam Safety:</strong> The Bill provides for the constitution of State Committees on Dam Safety by the state governments.</li>
<li><strong>Their functions include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Reviewing the work of the SDSO</li>
<li>Ordering dam safety investigations, and</li>
<li>Assessing the potential impact of dams on upstream and downstream states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Obligations of dam owners:</strong> The Bill requires the owners of specified dams to provide a dam safety unit in each dam. This unit will inspect the dams: (i) before and after the monsoon session, and (ii) during and after every earthquake, flood, or any other calamity or sign of distress.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="38">Defence</h2>
<h3 id="39">Ministry introduces scheme for promotion of MSMEs in defence</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence has introduced a scheme for <strong>promotion of MSMEs in the defence sector</strong>.</li>
<li>The scheme <strong>aims to educate MSMEs in tier II and tier III cities</strong> across the country about the requirements of the defence sector, and the provisions introduced by the government to incentivise them.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will be done through organising various events such as conclaves, and workshops. These events will include industry and MSME presence along with the support of the Department of Defence Production.</li>
<li><strong>The objective of these events include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Providing MSMEs with relevant information about the government&rsquo;s &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; programme</li>
<li>Giving impetus to defence production in the country for domestic needs and export to friendly countries, and</li>
<li>Providing knowledge to MSMEs active in the non-defence sector for their entry in the defence sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Funding for the scheme will be provided by the central government in the following manner:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maximum sponsorship of Rs 2 lakh per event for national level events, and</li>
<li>Maximum sponsorship of Rs 1 lakh per event for state level events. An Empowered Committee consisting of three members will be constituted to review proposals under the scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-july-2019'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and related concerns',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The article is based on the recent Amendments in the POCSO Act, 2012 and the concerns related to the newly introduced death penalty in the law as pointed in the article <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-point-to-ponder-over-in-the-pocso-bill/article28984831.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A Point to Ponder Over in the POCSO Bill&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindu on 12<sup>th</sup> August.</p>
</div>
<h3>Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently the <strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019</strong> was passed by both Houses of Parliament with an objective of stopping the rampant sexual abuse of children.</li>
<li>It seeks to provide more stringent punishment, including death penalty, for sexual crimes against children.</li>
<li>The present bill is welcome in certain respects as it specifically defines what &lsquo;child pornography&rsquo; is; &lsquo;using a child for pornographic purposes&rsquo; and for &lsquo;possessing or storing pornography involving a child&rsquo; is punishable. It has also widened the ambit of &lsquo;aggravated sexual assault&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.</li>
<li>It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity.</li>
<li>The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.</li>
<li>It is <strong>gender-neutral</strong> and thus looks into the sexual assault of both minor boys and girls.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Introduction of Death Penalty</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The bill seeks for the death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children to create deterent effect.</li>
<li>It refers to the judgments of the Supreme Court in <em><strong>Machhi Singh </strong></em><strong>(1983)</strong> and <em><strong>Devender Pal Singh </strong></em><strong>(2002)</strong> in which the court had held that the death penalty can be awarded only in rarest of rare cases.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns over death penalty</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Often, the perpetrators of abuse are family members and having such penalty may discourage the registration of the crime itself. Also, it may threaten the life of the minor as the maximum punishment for murder is also the death sentence.</li>
<li>The Justice <em><strong>J.S. Verma Committee,</strong></em> which was constituted in 2013 in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya case, after due deliberations found itself against the imposition of death penalty in rape cases.</li>
<li>The <em><strong>262<sup>nd</sup> Report of the Law Commission of India, 2015,</strong></em> also provides for abolition of the death penalty except in terror cases.</li>
<li>It largely diverts attention from the core issues of infrastructural apathy, procedural lapses and trial delays and conveniently evades the fact that <em>&lsquo;it is the certainty of punishment rather than its severity which has deterrence in real sense&rsquo;.</em></li>
<li>Research at the global level has shown that despite stringent punishments, there is no fall in the rate of commission of crimes, thus showing the limitation of the deterrent theory.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the <strong>National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) data of 2016, the conviction rate in POCSO cases is 29.6%</strong> while <strong>pendency is as high as 89%.</strong> The prescribed time period of two months for trial in such cases is hardly complied with.</li>
<li>As per the NCRB data of 2016, less than three per cent of child rape cases that came up before the courts ended in convictions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Problems related to implementation of POCSO Act such as lack of adequate special courts, lack of sensitization for investigators and prosecutors in dealing with child victims, poor rate of convictions etc. need to be resolved urgently.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court direction to set up special courts within 60 days of the order in each district having more than 100 pending cases under the act must be complied with urgently.</li>
<li>The provision of death penalty should be widely discussed and debated and should be used only for the rarest of the rare cases.</li>
<li>Awareness and sensitization of people is equally important to prevent the crime itself.</li>
<li>There needs to be an overhaul of the criminal justice system in the country rather than emphasising on the death penalty.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #baf2f7; border-color: #00626b; border-style: dashed;" width="878" height="57">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 877px; background-color: #daf1f2;">
<p><em><strong>Drishti Input</strong></em></p>
<p>Critically examine the provisions of &ldquo;Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019&rdquo;, alongwith gaps in criminal justice system of India, to effectively prevent child sexual abuse cases in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-amendment-bill-2019-and-related-concerns'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Performance Indicators for Public Sector Banks',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Finance Ministry to closely monitor the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) achievements on <strong>16 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the branch, region, state and national level in order to address the continuing decline of PSBs shares in Indian banking.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PSBs&rsquo; market share is declining while that of private banks is rising. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of end-December 2018 PSBs accounted for 63% of the outstanding credit of scheduled commercial banks against 67% as of June-end 2017.</li>
<li>The fall comes in the backdrop of these banks facing asset quality issues since 2015.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NBFCs)</a></strong> are borrowing from banks and are able to attract customers in spite of higher interest rates.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The 16 KPIs include-</strong> Credit for infrastructure, Farm sector, Blue economy, Housing, MSMEs, Stand-Up India scheme, Education, Exports, Green economy, Cleanliness activities, Financial inclusion and women&rsquo;s empowerment; and others such as direct benefit transfer, digital economy, ATM usage and performance, ease of living and corporate social responsibility.</li>
<li>The banks will then be <strong>benchmarked against the 18 PSBs&rsquo; average.</strong> If found lagging, specific action will be taken after consultation at various levels to improve their performance.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/954image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/954image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="421" height="376" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/finmin-plans-16-point-kra-to-push-psbs/article28988309.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BL</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/performance-indicators-for-public-sector-banks'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Stimulus Package to Reverse Economic Slowdown',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, many economic indicators have pointed to a sharp slowdown in demand, both in rural and urban India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For instance, the automobile sector is facing a prolonged slump in demand, leading to massive job losses.</li>
<li>In this context, the government looks to reverse economic slowdown with a <strong>stimulus package.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons for the Slowdown</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s merchandise exports have contracted, signalling the impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-china-trade-war-can-make-indian-products-competitive-cii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-China trade war.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Poor sentiment</strong> in the <strong>equity markets</strong> and in the <strong>banking sector</strong> have led to <strong>stalling the investment</strong> in India.</li>
<li>With domestic <strong>economic activity remaining weak,</strong> while the <strong>global slowdown</strong> and <strong>trade tensions</strong> have intensified, there are further chances of intensification of this slowdown.</li>
<li>In this scenario, <strong>the industry has demanded a stimulus package of ₹1 trillion</strong> to initiate an investment cycle amid slowing global and domestic slowdown.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/780image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/780image3.jpg" width="617" height="374" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government realized that <strong>the tight fiscal policy is proving to be counterproductive</strong> and that <strong>monetary policy alone is not enough to spur economic growth.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, it has laid down a set of measures <strong>including tax cuts and targeted sops,</strong> to reverse an economic downturn.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Proposed Measures</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The measures being considered are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The stimulus package will include <strong>Rs 100 trillion infrastructure investment</strong> over the next five years</li>
<li><strong>Goods and services tax (GST) relief</strong> to specific sectors, including the automobile sector, that could boost demand.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Red tape</strong> on cross-border trade and improve <strong>ease of doing business.</strong></li>
<li>The government also held that, in an effort to boost exports, it is working on a <strong>new <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organization</a>-compliant duty reimbursement scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act <strong>constrained</strong> the government from providing a fiscal push in the Union budget.</li>
<li>But the government is considering the use of <strong>escape clause</strong> (in the FRBM Act) for deviation in the fiscal deficit up to <strong>50 basis points.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It may give the government leeway to spend an <strong>additional ₹1.15 trillion</strong> in the current fiscal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Escape Clause:</strong> The panel led by <strong>N.K. Singh</strong> to review the FRBM Act had suggested an escape clause, allowing deviations up to 0.5 percentage points of Gross Domestic Product, based on triggers including far-reaching structural reforms in the economy <strong>with unanticipated fiscal implications, acts of war and farm distress.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/govt-looks-to-reverse-economic-slowdown-with-a-stimulus-package-1565545760249.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:Mint</a></strong></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/stimulus-package-to-reverse-economic-slowdown-1'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas Campaign',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The central government has decided to launch the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-03rd-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>People's Plan Campaign,</strong></a> also known as <strong>&ldquo;Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas&rdquo;</strong> from September 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to draw up <strong>Gram Panchayat Development Plans</strong> (GPDPs) in the country and <strong>place them on a website</strong> where anyone can see the status of the various government&rsquo;s flagship schemes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A pilot exercise conducted in 2018 suggests that a <strong>majority of the GPs scored between 41% and 50% on a scale of 100, showing glaring deficiencies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Merely 0.1% and 0.6% GPs fell in the high 91-100 and 81-90 score respectively.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A comparison of the performance among the larger states shows that <strong>Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh,</strong> in that order, were the top scorers, while GPs in <strong>Jharkhand, Assam, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh were at the bottom.</strong></li>
<li>A recent study of 100 randomly chosen GPs by <strong>National Institute of Rural Development</strong> has shown that several GP has reported improvements while others have slipped down over the past year. A fresh survey is, therefore, significant.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gram Panchayat Development Plans</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the <strong>preparation of GPDP for economic development and social justice</strong> utilizing the resources available to them.</li>
<li>The GPDP planning process will be comprehensive and participatory by involving <strong>full convergence</strong> with the schemes of all related Central Ministries / Line Departments.</li>
<li>The People's Plan Campaign initiated under "Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas" is an intensive and structured exercise for planning at Gram Sabha through <strong>convergence between <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)</a> and concerned departments of the State.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>About the process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) will include <strong>48 indicators</strong> covering various aspects such as health and sanitation, education etc.</li>
<li>After each GP is scored out of 100 &mdash; <strong>with 30 marks for infrastructure, 30 marks for human development, and 40 marks for economic activity</strong>&mdash; the GPs will be ranked.</li>
<li>The data on the 48 indicators would come from Census 2011 (for physical infrastructure), <strong>Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011</strong> (for Household-level deprivation data), and fresh survey starting in September 2019 that will be carried out by <strong>local facilitators.</strong></li>
<li>The score for each GP will reflect the <strong>local needs and priorities.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For instance, for a drought-prone area, water conservation would be accorded the highest priority.</li>
<li>Within this ranking, households suffering the worst deprivations would be prioritised further.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The entire ranking exercise is <strong>meant to identify the gaps at the GP level, make an assessment of where it stands, and accordingly plan the interventions.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&amp;PR) is an <strong>autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
<li>It is recognized internationally as one of the <strong>United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/survey-2019-ambitions-beyond-growth-escap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(UNESCAP)</a> Centres of Excellence.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>builds capacities</strong> of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of PRIs, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy.</li>
<li>Establishment in 1958, the Institute is <strong>located at Hyderabad in Telangana.</strong></li>
<li>In addition to the main campus at Hyderabad, this Institute has <strong>North-Eastern Regional Centre at Guwahati, Assam</strong> to meet the NE-regional needs.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coming-digital-push-to-gram-panchayats-5896818/" 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/sabki-yojana-sabka-vikas-campaign'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'India’s First and Longest Sea Ropeway',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>India&rsquo;s first and longest sea ropeway project that will <strong>connect Mumbai with the Elephanta Caves,</strong> is scheduled to start by the end of the year 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>8-km ropeway</strong> will begin from Sewri in Mumbai&rsquo;s east coast and end at Raigad district&rsquo;s Elephanta Island.</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong> The caves see an annual footfall of nearly seven lakh visitors and are one of the must-visit places around Mumbai. Presently, it takes around an hour for the 10-km cruise from Mumbai and vice versa.</li>
<li>The <strong>14-minute ride by 30-seater cable cars</strong> will give a major boost to tourism.</li>
<li>It is Rs. <strong>700 crore PPP (Public-Private Partnership) project</strong> which will be <strong>executed by the Mumbai Port Trust,</strong> under the Ministry of Shipping.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Elephanta Caves<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/210image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/210image2.jpg" width="256" height="192" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Elephanta caves,</strong> located on the Elephanta Islands (in the Arabian Sea), off Mumbai, 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</strong></a> by UNESCO in 1987.</li>
<li>Known locally as <strong>Gharapuri Caves,</strong> these were constructed about the mid-5<sup>th</sup> to 6<sup>th</sup> centuries AD.</li>
<li>The<strong> seven caves</strong> constitute one of the most striking collections of rock-art in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are two groups of caves. To the east, Stupa Hill (named because of a small brick Buddhist monument at the top) contains two caves, one of which is unfinished, and several cisterns.</li>
<li>To the west, the larger group consists of five rock-cut Hindu shrines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The main cave is universally famous for its <strong>carvings to the glory of Shiva,</strong> who is exalted in various forms and actions. The cave consists of a square plan mandapa whose sides measure about 27 m.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/connecting-mumbai-to-the-elephanta-caves-final-clearance-for-indias-longest-ropeway-over-sea-project-to-be-issued-soon-5897144/" 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/india-s-first-and-longest-sea-ropeway'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Indian National Science Academy',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Chandrima Shaha</strong> will be the <strong>first woman president</strong> of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), taking up the position in January 2020. She was formerly the Director of the National Institute of Immunology, Delhi.</p>
<h3>Indian National Science Academy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The INSA, <strong>formerly known as National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI)</strong> was established in January <strong>1935</strong> with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and national welfare.</li>
<li>In October 1945, the then Government of India recognized the institute as the premier scientific society of India, representing all branches of science.</li>
<li>It was designated as the<strong> adhering organization in India to the International Council for Science (ICSU)</strong> on behalf of the Government of India in January 1968.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC) were merged to form the International Science Council (ISC) in 2018.</li>
<li>ISC is a <strong>non-governmental organization</strong> with a unique global membership that brings together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research Councils.</li>
<li>The vision of the Council is to advance science as a global public good.</li>
<li>ISC is headquartered in <strong>Paris, France.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/science-needs-to-be-communicated-aggressively-among-people/article28984837.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/indian-national-science-academy'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Public Distribution System',
			'catname' => 'Paper 3',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/883Public Distribution System (Mind Map)_Artboard 1.jpg" width="426" height="1220" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For TTP</a></em></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mind-map/gs-paper3/public-distribution-system-mindmap'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Inverted-J Pattern in Education and Fertility',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently released official data from 2017 on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-falling-fertility-rate" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Total Fertility Rate (TFR)</strong></a>, reflects a complex relationship between<strong> literacy level and fertility rate.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to <strong>conventional wisdom:</strong> The higher the educational level of a woman, the lower the fertility rate.</li>
<li>However, there&rsquo;s a consistent pattern across states of illiterate women and those with no formal education having lower fertility rates than those with below primary level education.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Culture of the state</strong> is believed to have a greater influence than <strong>education.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pattern from TFR data</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The relationship between fertility and education resembles an <strong>inverted-J pattern.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Usually, there is an <strong>inverse relationship</strong> between education or income and fertility, <strong>but it has been observed that fertility could go up with a slight increase in education or income level.</strong></li>
<li>But eventually, fertility declines with higher levels of education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/522image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/522image1.jpg" width="500" height="364" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Highlights of the Report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In Bihar, the TFR of women who have not completed primary schooling is 4.4 compared to 3.7 for illiterate women.</li>
<li>Similarly, in Odisha with an overall low fertility rate of just 1.9, the TFR of illiterate women was 2 compared to a TFR of 3.6-3.5 among those with primary level schooling or below.</li>
<li>At the <strong>all-India level,</strong> the TFR for women with below primary education was 3.1 compared to 2.9 for illiterate women and 2.4 for those without formal education.</li>
</ul>
<p>However, according to demographers and population experts, It is <strong>very early to come up with some conclusion.</strong> Similar pattern has to emerge for three or four years (above mentioned pattern is only for the year 2017), so that this Inverted J-curve can be approved as a theory.</p>
<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-reducing-fertility-a-little-education-may-be-worse-than-none-shows-data/articleshow/70635707.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TOI</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inverted-j-pattern-in-education-and-fertility'
		]
	],
	'updates' => object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

		'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
		'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 193,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 302,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/estore/english-books/all-english-books/Indian-and-World-Geography',
		'title' => 'New book release: Indian and World Geography - Prelims Practice Series (PPS)',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Threat to Human Habitation in the Highlands of Kerala',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Investigation of <strong>National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS)</strong> scientists in Kerala, in the wake of the <strong>heavy rain and devastating floods in August 2018,</strong> had found that <strong>destabilising geological processes,</strong> coupled with <strong>extreme rainfall events</strong> and <strong>unscientific farming and construction activities,</strong> pose a serious threat to human habitation in the highlands of the state.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the investigation in landslide prone areas in Thrissur and Kannur districts of Kerala, the researchers found <strong>huge cracks across farmlands and dwellings</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the areas surveyed, most of the slopes were used for raising crops and farmers had <strong>blocked the natural drainage systems</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Land subsidence, lateral spread</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>soil piping</strong> were an immediate threat to life and property in the uplands of the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Heavy intense rainfall triggers slope failure in locations where lateral spread and soil piping have occurred.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1567600611_drishti_highlands_of_kerala_new.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1567600611_drishti_highlands_of_kerala_new.jpg" width="658" height="361" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any developmental activities like construction of roads and buildings in such vulnerable areas require <strong>remedial measures for slope stabilisation</strong>.</li>
<li>The team apart from outlining the remedial steps also <strong>recommended the formation of a trained task force</strong> for the highlands to monitor ground signatures like hollows, cracks, and water spouts that often precede land subsidence, lateral spread and landslides.</li>
<li>Based on the recommendations of the NCESS, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has initiated steps to establish <strong>a network of landslip monitoring stations</strong> in the highlands. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The units based on acoustic emission technology will also have an <strong>early warning mechanism to alert the local community</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Landslide</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A landslide is defined as the <strong>movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope</strong>.</li>
<li>Landslides are a type of <strong>"mass wasting",</strong> which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.</li>
<li>There are 5 main types of landslides: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Falls</strong> are sudden movements of loads of soil, debris, and rock that break away from slopes and cliffs. They occur as a result of mechanical weathering, earthquakes, and force of gravity.</li>
<li><strong>Slides</strong> are a kind of mass movement whereby the sliding material breaks away from underlying stable material.</li>
<li><strong>Topple</strong> encompasses the forward spinning and movement of huge masses of rock, debris, and earth from a slope. It takes place around an axis near or at the bottom of the block of rock.</li>
<li><strong>Spread</strong> takes place on gentle terrains via lateral extension followed by tensile fractures.</li>
<li><strong>Flow</strong> landslide is categorized into earth flows, debris avalanche, debris flow, mudflows, and creep. The most prevalent occurring landslides are rock falls and debris flow.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While landslides are considered naturally occurring disasters, human-induced changes in the environment have recently caused their upsurge.</li>
<li><strong>Natural Causes of Landslides are:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Climatic changes</li>
<li>Seismic activities</li>
<li>Weathering (natural procedure of rock deterioration that leads to weak, landslide-susceptive materials)</li>
<li>Erosion</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eruption-on-mount-etna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Volcanic eruptions</a></li>
<li>Steeper slopes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Human causes of landslides are:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mining activities</li>
<li>Deforestation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established in <strong>1978 by Prof. C. Karunakaran</strong>.</li>
<li>It operates by the <strong>Earth System Science Organization</strong> under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to understand the earth in its totality</strong> and gain knowledge on the interactive and competing processes that shape the earth, from its evolution to the present status of ever increasing demand for natural resources.</li>
<li>NCESS <strong>fosters multidisciplinary research in emerging areas of solid earth science</strong> by utilizing the knowledge for earth science applications .</li>
<li>It is situated at <strong>Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/state-highlands-on-shaky-grounds/article29087241.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/threat-to-human-habitation-in-the-highlands-of-kerala'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Injeti Srinivas Committee Report on CSR',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The committee chaired by <strong>Injeti Srinivas,</strong> secretary, corporate affairs ministry, has submitted its <strong>recommendations on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong> to the Minister of Corporate Affairs (MCA).</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term "Corporate Social Responsibility" in general can be referred to as <strong>corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment</strong> and impact on social welfare.</li>
<li>In India, the concept of CSR is governed by <strong>clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013</strong>.</li>
<li>India is the <strong>first country in the world to mandate CSR spending</strong> along with a framework to identify potential CSR activities.</li>
<li>The CSR provisions within the Act is <strong>applicable</strong> to companies with <strong>an annual turnover of 1,000 crore and more,</strong> or a <strong>net worth of Rs. 500 crore and more, or a net profit of Rs. 5 crore and more</strong>.</li>
<li>The Act requires companies to setup a CSR committee which shall recommend a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy to the Board of Directors and also monitor the same from time to time.</li>
<li>The Act encourages <strong>companies to spend 2% of their average net profit in the previous three years</strong> on CSR activities.</li>
<li>The indicative activities, which can be undertaken by a company under CSR, have been specified under<strong> Schedule VII</strong> of the Act. The activities include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eradicating extreme hunger and poverty,</li>
<li>Promotion of education, gender equality and empowering women,</li>
<li>Combating Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and other diseases,</li>
<li>Ensuring environmental sustainability;</li>
<li>Contribution to the <strong>Prime Minister's National Relief Fund</strong> or any other fund set up by the Central Government or the State Governments for socio-economic development and relief and funds for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Recommendations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>expenses towards CSR should be eligible for deduction</strong> in the computation of taxable income.</li>
<li>A clarification may be issued that for newly incorporated companies, the CSR obligation under Section 135 of the Companies Act shall lie only after they have been in existence for three years.</li>
<li>A provision to <strong>carry forward unspent CSR balance for three to five years</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CSR should not be used as a &ldquo;means of resource-gap funding for government schemes&rdquo;.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/companies-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019</a> provides that the CSR expenditure which remains unspent in three years would be transferred to any fund specified in Schedule VII of the Companies Act such as the Swachh Bharat Kosh, the Clean Ganga Fund, and the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Relief Fund.</li>
<li>The committee report said that the central government funds should be discontinued as CSR spend, and instead a <strong>special designated fund</strong> should be created for transfer of <strong>unspent CSR money beyond three to five years</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aligning Schedule VII</strong> of the Companies Act with the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Sustainable Development Goals</a>.</li>
<li>The companies having CSR-prescribed amount below ₹50 lakh may be exempted from constituting a CSR Committee.</li>
<li>The <strong>violation of CSR compliance may be made a civil offence</strong> and shifted to the penalty regime. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a departure from the recent policy change which had provided for a three-year jail term for violating CSR norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Introducing impact assessment studies for CSR obligations of ₹5 crore or more.</li>
<li>CSR spending has to be a &ldquo;board-driven process to provide innovative technology-based solutions for social problems&rdquo; and that the board has to assess the credibility of an <strong>implementation agency,</strong> which have to be <strong>registered with the MCA</strong> to carry out CSR activities.</li>
<li><strong>Developing a CSR exchange portal to connect contributors,</strong> beneficiaries and agencies, allowing CSR in social benefit bonds and promoting social impact companies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/csr-expenditure-may-be-made-tax-deductible-says-committee/article29086517.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/injeti-srinivas-committee-report-on-csr'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Partial Guarantee Scheme',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, the government has issued guidelines on operationalising the <strong>Rs. 1 lakh crore Partial Guarantee Scheme</strong> to address liquidity crisis in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies</strong></a> (NBFC).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the scheme <strong>Public Sector Banks</strong> can purchase securities <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/credit-rating-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(minimum rating of &lsquo;AA&rsquo;)</a> of financially-sound non-banking finance companies.</li>
<li>The objective is to address temporary <strong>asset-liability mismatches</strong> of otherwise solvent NBFCs/<strong>Housing finance companies</strong> (HFCs) without having to resort to distress sale of their assets to meet their commitments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NBFCs/HFC came under stress due to the recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-proposes-liquidity-norms-for-nbfcs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IL&amp;FS crisis</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government will provide a <strong>one-time, six months&rsquo;</strong> partial credit guarantee to public sector banks for first loss of up to 10%.</li>
<li>Also, these NBFCs/HFCs are mandated that the CRAR (capital to risk weighted assets ratio) <strong>shall not go below</strong> the regulatory minimum while exercising of the option to buy back the assets.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>CAR</strong> is a measure of a bank's available capital expressed as a percentage of a bank's risk-weighted credit exposures.</li>
<li>The Capital Adequacy Ratio, also known as <strong>capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR)</strong>, is used to protect depositors and promote the stability and efficiency of financial systems around the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/govt-issues-norms-for-rs-1-lakh-crore-partial-guarantee-scheme-for-nbfcs/article29088667.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/partial-guarantee-scheme'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Power Subsidy in Agriculture and Related Issue',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The Article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/new-era-of-pervasive-agricultural-subsidies/article29085634.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;New era of pervasive agricultural subsidies&rdquo;</a> that published in The Hindu BusinessLine on 13th August. It talks about the trade-off between Power Subsidy in Agriculture and Groundwater and the way forward.</p>
</div>
<h3>Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There has been a <strong>sharp growth in electricity use in the agriculture sector,</strong> especially since the 1980s with consumption rising from 8% of total consumption in 1969 to 17% in 2016. This is supplied either free or at subsidised rates, and a large part of it is not metered.</li>
<li>There is a strong <strong>linkage between electricity, water and agriculture</strong>. All of the electricity supplied to agriculture is used for pumping water, mostly groundwater for irrigation. Close to 85% of pumping energy used in agriculture comes from electricity, the rest being mainly from diesel.</li>
<li>In this scenario, managing India&rsquo;s groundwater has become a big challenge for policymakers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Power subsidy for irrigation leads to excessive groundwater usage</strong> that is already visible in states such as Punjab and Haryana.</li>
<li>Nearly 80% of groundwater reservoirs in Punjab and 60% in Haryana are over-exploited, a direct result of the irrigation and power subsidy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The question is <strong>how the mode of electricity pricing supplied to agriculture could be changed to control groundwater abstraction</strong> and to achieve the goals of efficiency, equity and sustainability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Major Impacts of Power Subsidy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Depleted aquifers</strong> due to overexploitation of groundwater</li>
<li><strong>Massive waste of power</strong> due to large unmetered connections</li>
<li>Huge <strong>financial burden</strong> on state governments</li>
<li><strong>Deteriorating financial health</strong> of the electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs)</li>
<li><strong>Increased cross-subsidy burden</strong> on industrial and commercial consumers</li>
<li><strong>Promotes unsustainable agriculture:</strong> free availability of electricity to farmers promotes growth of crops not suitable to agro-climatic zones like rice in Maharashtra etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions to Rationalise Farm Sector Subsidies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Adopting Direct Benefit Transfer</strong> (DBT) for power subsidy.</li>
<li><strong>Metering:</strong> Large number of unmetered connections for farm irrigation leads to unrestrained usage of electricity for irrigation leading to massive waste of power and groundwater. Thus, metered connections would bring accountability of electricity usage in irrigation through better estimation of power consumption.</li>
<li><strong>Pro-rata pricing of electricity</strong> as successfully implemented by West Bengal</li>
<li><strong>Incentivising the farmers to use less electricity</strong> as done in Punjab.</li>
<li><strong>Promoting efficient irrigation technologies</strong> and <strong>water-efficient crops</strong> and disincentivizing water-intensive crops such as rice in areas where groundwater is rapidly depleting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges in Rationalising Farm sector Subsidies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Populism:</strong> Political decision makers face political difficulties in implementing a rational price regime for agricultural power supply because it is hugely unpopular.</li>
<li><strong>Fear of diverting subsidised money for irrigation for other purposes</strong> is a hurdle in blanketly adopting DBT mode.</li>
<li><strong>Yield loss in case of shift to less water-intensive crops.</strong> Also, our procurement and pricing regime (MSP) at present promotes water-intensive crops.</li>
<li><strong>Conflicting interests of different farmers&rsquo; group:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Farmers are reluctant to relinquish access to subsidized power, even when utilities promise supply-quality improvements.</li>
<li>Rich farmers often benefited more from these subsidies and so they resist any change that cuts down their benefits. On the other hand, small and marginal farmers, who constitute the majority of farmers in India, are laggards in deriving proportional benefits of most of the schemes and so they want change in policies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for holistic and comprehensive strategy</strong> to tackle problems related to agriculture, electricity and groundwater.</li>
<li>These include <strong>promoting solar-driven water-pumps for irrigation,</strong> community driven regulation of groundwater extraction, allocating a fixed quota of subsidised power and water to each farmer, and a procurement and price regime to encourage a shift towards an appropriate cropping pattern.</li>
<li>This would require a <strong>great degree of coordination among various departments</strong> &mdash; water resources, electricity and agriculture.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #d2f0fa; border-color: #007196; border-style: dotted;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 1256px;"><em><strong>Drishti Input:</strong></em><br /><br />"Critically comment on the issue of power subsidy in the backdrop of depleting groundwater resources in India."</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/power-subsidy-in-agriculture-and-related-issue'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Article 370',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<p>On 5th August 2019, President of India in the exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 370 of <strong>the Constitution had issued the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019</strong>. Through this, Government of India has made modifications in Article 370 itself <strong>(not revoked it)</strong>.</p>
<p>With this, the Government of India has dramatically <strong>altered the relationship between the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union</strong>.</p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On October 17, 1949, Article 370 was added to the Indian constitution, as a <strong>'temporary provision'</strong>, which exempted Jammu &amp; Kashmir, permitting it to draft its own Constitution and restricting the Indian Parliament's legislative powers in the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was introduced into the draft constitution by N Gopalaswami Ayyangar as Article 306 A.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under Article 370:</strong> The Constituent Assembly of Jammu &amp; Kashmir was empowered to recommend which articles of the Indian Constitution should apply to the state,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The J&amp;K Constituent Assembly was dissolved after it drafted the state's constitution. <strong>Clause 3 of the article 370</strong> gives the President of India the power to amend its provisions and scope.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-article-35a" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 35A</strong></a> stems from Article 370 and was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954, on the recommendation of the J&amp;K Constituent Assembly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Article 35A empowers the Jammu &amp; Kashmir legislature to define the <strong>permanent residents of the state</strong>, and their special rights and privileges.</li>
<li><strong>It appears in Appendix I of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Changes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 <strong>has replaced Presidential Order of 1954</strong>.</li>
<li>Subsequently, <strong>the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019</strong>, passed by Parliament divides the <strong>state of Jammu and Kashmir into two new Union Territories (UTs): Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Ladakh</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>This is the first time that a state has been converted into a UT.</strong></li>
<li>Of the <strong>six Lok Sabha seats</strong> currently with the state of Jammu and Kashmir, <strong>five</strong> will remain with the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while one will be allotted to Ladakh.</li>
<li><strong>The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Assembly, like in Delhi and Puducherry.</strong></li>
<li>Instead of 29, India will now have 28 states. Kashmir will no longer have a Governor, rather a Lieutenant Governor like in Delhi or Puducherry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Status of J&amp;K Union Territory</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>J&amp;K Assembly will have a <strong>five-year term, not six</strong>, as was the earlier case.</li>
<li><strong>Section 32 of the J&amp;K 2019</strong> Bill proposes that the Assembly can make laws on any subjects in the State and Concurrent lists <strong>except on state subjects relating to &ldquo;public order&rdquo; and &ldquo;police&rdquo;</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is <strong>similar to Article 239 A</strong> of the Constitution that is applicable to Union Territories of Puducherry and Delhi.</li>
<li>However, <strong>by insertion of Article 239AA</strong> and by virtue of the <strong>69th Constitutional Amendment, the Delhi Assembly cannot legislate on matters in entry 18 of the State List, i.e. land</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>In the case of J&amp;K, the Assembly can make laws on land.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The special status provided to J&amp;K under Article 370 will be abolished.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jammu &amp; Kashmir will <strong>no longer have the separate constitution, flag or anthem</strong>.</li>
<li>The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir will <strong>not have dual citizenship</strong>.</li>
<li>As the new union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be subject to the Indian Constitution, <strong>its citizens will now have the Fundamental Rights</strong> enshrined in the <strong>Indian constitution</strong>.</li>
<li>Article 360, which can be used to declare a <strong>Financial Emergency, will now also be applicable</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>All laws passed by Parliament</strong> will be applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, including the <strong>Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>The Indian Penal Code will replace the Ranbir Penal Code of Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 35A,</strong> which originates from the provisions of Article 370 <strong>stands null and void</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since Presidential Order has extended all provisions of the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, including the chapter on Fundamental Rights, <strong>the discriminatory provisions under Article 35A will now be unconstitutional</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Need for Changes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 370 was added in the Indian constitution to <strong>provide autonomy to J&amp;K</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, it failed to address the well-being of Kashmiris who have now endured <strong>two generations of insurgency and violence</strong>.</li>
<li>It <strong>contributed to the gap</strong> between Kashmir and the rest of the nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International events</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The situation emerging in the western neighbourhood and the possible <strong>re-ascendance of the Taliban in Afghanistan</strong> call for greater attention and care.</li>
<li>More so, the emerging geopolitical dynamics in Afghanistan and the resultant <strong>United States-Pakistan rapprochement</strong> could have potentially led to more heat on the Kashmir situation in the months ahead.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional challenges</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Presidential order that sought to abrogate of Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s special status, according to Article 370 (3) the President would <strong>require the recommendation of the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir to make such a change</strong>.</li>
<li>However, <strong>the 2019 Presidential order adds a sub-clause to Article 367, replacing</strong> the terms:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo; to mean &ldquo;legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>&ldquo;Government of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo; to mean &ldquo;Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government sought to dilute the autonomy under Article 370 <strong>without bringing a Constitutional Amendment</strong> that would require a two-thirds majority in the Parliament.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>This provision is currently under challenge in the Supreme Court on the ground that it added article 35A in the Indian Constitution only through a Presidential Order.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory is in <strong>violation of Article 3, as the Bill was not referred to the President by the State Assembly</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the reorganisation of the state, the Presidential order also requires the concurrence of the government of the state. However, since Jammu &amp; Kashmir is <strong>currently under Governor&rsquo;s rule, the Governor&rsquo;s concurrence is deemed to be the government&rsquo;s concurrence</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Federalism issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Instrument of Accession</strong> was like a treaty between two sovereign countries that had decided to work together. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>maxim of pacta sunt servanda</strong> in international law, which governs contracts or treaties between states, asks that promises must be honoured.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In Santosh Kumar v. State of J&amp;K &amp; ors (2017), the <strong>SC said that due to historical reasons, Jammu and Kashmir had a special status</strong>.</li>
<li>In SBI v Zaffar Ullah Nehru (2016), the SC held that <strong>Article 370 cannot be repealed without the concurrence of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Possible Consequences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rise in Militancy:</strong> Article 370 was seen by Kashmiris as a marker of their <strong>separate identity and autonomy</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>possibility of widespread protests and violence</strong> as a reaction to the dilution of Article 370.</li>
<li><strong>Terror elements in Pakistan</strong> would find Kashmir to be the most fertile ground for breeding terrorism.</li>
<li>The unrest can affect the democratic progress that has been made so far.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Out-maneuvering Pakistan:</strong> Pakistan used 370 to wage a <strong>proxy war,</strong> internationalise Kashmir, supporting terrorism, <strong>all that is gone</strong> now.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A 10-year strategy for <strong>education, employment and employability</strong> should be deployed for uplifting Kashmir.</li>
<li>The <strong>Gandhian path</strong> of non-violence and peace should be adopted to solve the <strong>legitimacy crisis</strong> in Kashmir.</li>
<li>The government can mitigate the challenges emanating out of Action on article 370 by launching a comprehensive outreach programme to all Kashmiris.</li>
<li><strong>In this context, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's version of Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat (inclusivity culture of Kashmir, humanitarianism and democracy) for Kashmir solution,</strong> should become a cornerstone of the forces of reconciliation in the State.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Plight of Foreign National Prisoners',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, the <strong>Delhi High Court</strong> has ordered the Central government to have the <strong>speediest communication</strong> with the embassy of the respective countries of the <strong>foreign inmates who are in Indian jails.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to recent data, <strong>75% of foreign national inmates imprisoned in jails of Delhi</strong>&nbsp;struggle in <strong>accessing their embassy or consulate concerned after their arrest.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Foreign National Prisoners</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Foreign National Prisoners (FNPs) refer to prisoners <strong>who do not carry the passport of the country</strong> in which they are imprisoned.</li>
<li>As per Prison Statistics of India 2015, there are 6,185 FNPs in India.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)'s report titled &lsquo;Strangers to Justice&rsquo;,</strong> held that the number of FNPs across 22 States and 4 Union Territories maybe 4000 approximately.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though FNPs are entitled to the basic minimum guarantees as enshrined in the Constitution of India, but FNPs in India faces several issues:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They often face a range of difficulties due to differences in language, culture, customs, religion or because of lack of family ties locally.</li>
<li>90% of FNPs conveyed that they faced difficulty in securing bail merely because of their special status or due to &ldquo;ever-inherent specific concern&rdquo; that they may be difficult to locate if they get out on bail.</li>
<li>Only 5.7% of FNPs in India (222 out of 3,908), have ever received consular access.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Indian legal system does not create a distinction between Indian nationals and foreign nationals, especially in grants of bail. In this context, the Government must take concrete steps to remove this discrimination.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In case FNPs are not granted bail their cases may be expedited.</li>
<li>As soon as a foreign national is arrested in a major crime, the offense should be brought to the notice of the MEA through the State government by the DGP/CP concerned.</li>
<li>Police and prison authorities must be made aware of the mandatory requirements and the form in which such a process would be required to be carried out.</li>
<li>Ministry of External Affairs may request the consulates to visit their nationals to enable them to discharge their duties under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/consular-access-kulbhushan-jadhav-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/bringing-home-closer-to-jailed-foreigners/article28979789.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source: TH</a></strong></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/plight-of-foreign-national-prisoners'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Economic Mobility and Inequality',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The article is based on <a href="https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/india-s-economic-mobility-and-its-impact-on-inequality-1565547531046.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;India&rsquo;s economic mobility and its impact on inequality&rdquo;</strong></a> published in Livemint on 12<sup>th</sup> August which talks about economic mobility and inequality in India.</p>
</div>
<h3>Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There has been a phenomenal rise in economic <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inequality-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inequality in India,</strong></a> especially in the post-1991 liberalization period. However, widening income inequality has raised questions over economic mobility in an inclusive way.</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oxfam-report-on-inequality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Annual Wealth Check report 2019 of Oxfam</strong></a>, the top 1% of India&rsquo;s richest lot got richer by 39% as against just 3% increase in the wealth for the bottom half of the population.</li>
<li>According to <em><strong>Global Wealth Report (GWR)</strong></em> <strong>2018,</strong> India's top 10% of the population now holds 77.4% of the national wealth. The bottom 60%, the majority of the population, owns 4.7%. The richest 1% own 51.5%.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lorenz-curve-and-gini-coefficient" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gini wealth coefficient</strong></a> in India has gone up from 81.2% in 2008 to 85.4% in 2018, which shows inequality has risen.</li>
<li>According to the <em><strong>Global Wealth Report (GWR) 2017,</strong></em> put out by the Credit Suisse Research Institute, between 2002 and 2012, the share of the bottom 50% of the population in total wealth declined from 8.1% to only 4.2%. In contrast, over the same time period, the share of the top 1% in total wealth increased from 15.7% to 25.7%. Among the countries for which the GWR gives the share of wealth held by the top 1%, only Indonesia and the US have higher shares than India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is Economic Mobility?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Economic mobility reflects the number of people moving up and down the economic ladder over time. It is the ability of an individual or family to improve their income, and social status, in an individual lifetime or between generations.</li>
<li>Mobility may be between generations ("intergenerational") or within a person's or group's lifetime ("intragenerational"). It may be "absolute" or "relative".</li>
<li>Recent research from economists at the World Bank, Dartmouth University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology show that, by and large, <strong>intergenerational mobility has remained stagnant for Indians since the economy was liberalised in 1991.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact of Economic Mobility on Inequality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The long-term welfare effects of rising inequality depend crucially on the level of economic mobility.</li>
<li>Economic mobility (or a lack thereof) <strong>can attenuate</strong> (or accentuate) <strong>the adverse effects of inequality.</strong></li>
<li>Holding other factors fixed, an economy with much economic mobility&mdash;one in which households move more freely throughout the income/consumption distribution&mdash;will result in a more equal distribution of lifetime incomes and consumption than an economy with low mobility.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Hurdles in Economic Mobility in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Poverty:</strong> Studies find that for the population as a whole, the mobility rate is remarkably low. This is due to the large number of poor.</li>
<li><strong>Inequality in Wealth and Income:</strong> Widening inequality in income level has lowered the pace of economic mobility in India in real terms.</li>
<li><strong>Rural Population:</strong> Around 70% of Indians live in rural areas with very limits and uncertain economic opportunity. This limits the scope of their economic mobility.</li>
<li><strong>Low Level of Education:</strong> Education is widely regarded as the most effective means of upward mobility. High illiteracy and low quality of education among masses in India is a major hurdle in their upward mobility.</li>
<li><strong>Social Factor-Caste and Religion:</strong> Lower castes have lower economic mobility due to limited access of opportunity. Similarly, Muslims have the lowest economic mobility due to prevalent orthodoxy in the community as well as limited access to opportunity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Inequality in India can be characterized as chronic, since households belonging to the lower rungs of the economic ladder are likely to find themselves caught in a poverty trap.</li>
<li>The conventional wisdom that marginalized groups in India are catching up with the rest on average is being challenged with revelations on economic mobility. This casts doubts over the efficacy of existing affirmative action and social programmes that have been put in place to help improve the economic status of marginalized groups in the country.</li>
<li>Poverty reduction efforts should focus on ways to improve the permanent economic status of households, possibly through acquisition of assets and capabilities, rather than on ways to deal with temporary volatility.</li>
<li>Efforts in the direction of inclusive growth will bridge the common divides on the lines of caste, religion, gender, rural-urban, etc and help in achieving faster economic mobility and thus reduced income inequality.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 520px; border-color: #ff0062; background-color: #f5f7d5; border-style: dotted;">
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em><strong>Drishti Input</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Critically examine the pace of economic mobility in India in the light of widening inequality in the post-liberalised period.&rdquo;</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/economic-mobility-and-inequality'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Perseid Meteor Shower',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Perseid Meteor Shower, which has been active from 17<sup>th</sup> July 2019 onward, can be seen until 26<sup>th</sup> August, 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Perseids occur as the Earth runs into pieces of cosmic debris left behind by <strong>the comet Swift-Tuttle.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/156meteor-shower.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/156meteor-shower.jpg" width="311" height="173" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
<li>The cloud of debris is about 27 km wide &mdash; and at the peak of the display, between 160 and 200 meteors streak through the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere every hour as the pieces of debris, travelling at some 2.14 lakh km per hour, burn up a little less than 100 km above the Earth&rsquo;s surface.</li>
<li>The Perseids currently visible in the night sky <strong>are not due to the debris left</strong> behind by the <strong>comet Swift-Tuttle</strong> during its <strong>most recent pass, which happened in 1992.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This particular comet <strong>goes around the Sun once every 133 years,</strong> and the meteors now visible were left behind by the pass before the last one &mdash; or perhaps even earlier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Meteor Shower</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cosmic debris are the <strong>remnants of comets &mdash;</strong> great frigid chunks of matter that leave behind dirty trails of rocks and ice that linger long after the comets themselves have passed.</li>
<li><strong>As the Earth wades through this cloud of comet waste,</strong> the bits of debris create what appears from the ground to be a <strong>fireworks display in the sky</strong> &mdash; known as a meteor shower.</li>
<li><strong>Meteor showers take their name from the location of the radiant.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Perseid radiant is in the constellation Perseus. The Geminid meteor shower, which is observed each December, is named for a radiant in the constellation Gemini.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-perseid-meteor-shower-5900147/" 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/perseid-meteor-shower'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Wild Buffalo',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, the government has decided to translocate five female wild buffaloes from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-29th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Manas National Park</strong></a> in Assam to <strong>Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will be the <strong>longest such translocation</strong> in the country ever, that seeks to <strong>revive</strong> the waning population of <strong>Chhattisgarh's State animal.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The survival hazard of inbreeding, poaching for horns and increasing male population</strong> have necessitated the translocation.</li>
<li>The Central India Wild Buffalo Recovery Project aims to stabilise the wild buffalo population in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The wild buffalo is mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys. They are generally found in areas that have plenty of water holes and resources<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/233image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/233image2.jpg" width="185" height="121" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></li>
<li>The estimated population of the wild buffaloes in the Northeast is around 3,000-4,000, the largest in the country and accounting for <strong>92% of the world population.</strong></li>
<li>It is listed under <strong>Schedule 1</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.</strong></a></li>
<li>It is classified as <strong>endangered</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong> </a>of Threatened Species.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/wildlife-sanctuary-set-to-have-new-contours/article29037097.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-buffalo'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Extension of Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, the Forest Department identified around 300 hectares of revenue <strong>land for inclusion</strong> in the<strong> Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> (KWS),</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The land is being diverted as compensation, for setting up a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-missile-testing-facility" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new Missile Test Launch Facility</strong></a> by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a></li>
<li>The move has also been recommended by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-roads-on-wildlife" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Board for Wildlife.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh, India.</li>
<li>The sanctuary is a part of the mangrove wetland in Andhra Pradesh and is located in the coastal plain of Krishna delta, spread across <strong>Krishna and Guntur districts</strong> of Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>The <strong>estuary of the Krishna River</strong> passes through the sanctuary.</li>
<li>It is believed that this region potentially holds one of the <strong>most significant populations of fishing cats</strong> in the world.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Fishing Cats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>Fishing cat populations are threatened by the des<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/837image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/837image1.jpg" width="238" height="125" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a>truction of wetlands and have declined severely over the last decade.</li>
<li>The fishing cat is listed as <strong>Endangered</strong> on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species</strong></a> <strong>(CITES)</strong> lists the fishing cat on <strong>Appendix II part of Article IV of CITES.</strong></li>
<li>In India, the fishing cat is included in Schedule I of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972</strong></a> and thereby protected from hunting.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Protected Areas</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Broadly, there are <strong>three types</strong> of protected areas: <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, and Biosphere reserve.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Wildlife sanctuaries</strong> refer to an area which provides protection and favourable living conditions to the wild animals.</li>
<li><strong>National Park</strong> implies an area that is exclusively designated by the government for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity due to its <strong>natural, cultural and historical</strong> significance</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Parks &amp; Wildlife Sanctuaries</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National parks are <strong>highly restricted</strong> areas, which are not open to all the people, whereas wildlife sanctuaries have <strong>lesser restrictions</strong> than national parks.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example: To visit national parks, official permission is to be taken from the requisite authorities. In contrast, no official permission is to be taken to visit a wildlife sanctuary.</li>
<li>Human activities are allowed to a limited extent in the wildlife sanctuaries, but in the case of national parks, they are strictly prohibited.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries are not sacrosanct. However, the national parks have clearly marked boundaries <strong>(fixed by legislation).</strong></li>
<li>The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared <strong>National Parks</strong> in <strong>Category II</strong> of the protected areas. whereas <strong>wildlife sanctuaries</strong> are grouped in <strong>Category IV</strong> of protected areas.</li>
<li>However, most of the national parks were initially wildlife sanctuaries, which were then upgraded to national parks. Also, <strong>tourism is allowed</strong> in both of them.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Biosphere Reserves</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Biosphere reserves</strong> are protected areas, which tend to conserve the <strong>genetic diversity</strong> of the plants, animals, birds, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.</li>
<li>Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.</li>
<li>Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Their status is internationally recognized.</li>
<li>There are 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A biosphere reserve is divided into three zones: Core zone, Buffer zone, Transition zone.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This categorization gained international prominence through UNESCO&rsquo;s <strong>Man and the Biosphere Programme</strong> in 1971.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>core area</strong>(s) comprises a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation.</li>
<li>The<strong> buffer zone</strong> surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education.</li>
<li>The<strong> transition area</strong> is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/wildlife-sanctuary-set-to-have-new-contours/article29037097.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/extension-of-krishna-wildlife-sanctuary'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'India-China',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-modi-xi-building-on-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China</strong></a> have signed<strong> four agreements</strong> to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The 4 agreements are on:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cultural Exchanges:</strong> To promote <strong>cultural exchanges</strong> for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, organisation of cultural activities and management of archaeological heritage sites.</li>
<li><strong>Healthcare:</strong> To enhance cooperation in the field of <strong>traditional medicine,</strong> where both India and China have a rich knowledge, accumulated over centuries.</li>
<li><strong>Sports:</strong> To promote exchanges between <strong>national sports associations, sports persons and youth</strong> for strengthening cooperation on international sports events.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Museum Management:</strong> To promote <strong>collaboration between Hubei Provincial Museum,</strong> Wuhan <strong>and the National Museum, New Delhi</strong> in exhibitions, protection and restoration of collections and archaeological excavations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Hubei Provincial Museum</strong> is one of the best known museums in China, with a large amount of state-level historic and cultural relics.</li>
<li>The <strong>National Museum</strong> is one of the largest museums in India. Established in 1949, it holds a variety of articles ranging from pre-historic era to modern works of art.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>China&rsquo;s Initiatives at Kailash Mansarovar</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To improve the material comforts of the pilgrims to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kailash Mansarovar</strong></a>, the chinese government has built accommodation facilities, called <strong>reception centres</strong>, at various points of the pilgrimage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reception centres, each with about 150 beds, have rooms with charging points, a common kitchen and a common washroom, and provide food for the pilgrims.</li>
<li>The Chinese government has spent <strong>$5.21 million</strong> in building these centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ladakh and Line of Actual Control</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/995India-China%20Border (Final).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/995India-China Border (Final).png" width="603" height="352" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The External Affairs Minister has assured China that India&rsquo;s decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>exercise greater administrative control over Ladakh</strong></a> would have no implications for India&rsquo;s external boundaries or the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.</li>
<li><strong>LAC is a 4,057-km porous border</strong> running through glaciers, snow deserts, mountains and rivers that separate India and China.</li>
<li>The LAC traverses three areas&mdash; <strong>Western (Ladakh, Kashmir), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal).</strong></li>
<li>In 1993, India and China signed an accord to reduce tensions along their border and respect the LAC. Three years later in 1996, the two countries agreed to delimit the LAC and institute confidence building measures.</li>
<li>In October 2013, the two sides signed the Boundary Defence Cooperation Agreement to prevent any flare up along the un-demarcated border. This encompasses both military and diplomat level dialogue mechanism.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/india-china-sign-4-agreements-to-strengthen-people-to-people-ties-119081200867_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BS</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-3'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'PRS Capsule July 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">Law and Justice</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill</a></li>
<li><a href="#8">Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#9">Consumer Protection Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#10">Home Affairs</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#11">Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#13">Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill</a></li>
<li><a href="#14">The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#15">Health and Family Welfare</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#16">The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#17">The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"></ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#20"></a><a href="#18">Labour and Employment</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">The Code on Wages, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#20">Code on Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#21">Voluntary pension scheme for traders and shopkeepers notified</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#22">Corporate Affairs</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#23">Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#24">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#25">Road Transport and Highways</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#26">Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#27">Education</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#28">The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teacher&rsquo;s Cadre) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#29">The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#30">Housing and Urban Affairs</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#31">The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants)</a></li>
<li><a href="#32">Draft Model Tenancy Act, 2019 released</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#33">Civil Aviation</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#34">The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#35">Jal Shakti</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#36">The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#37">The Dam Safety Bill, 2019</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#38">Defence</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#39">Ministry introduces scheme for promotion of MSMEs in defence</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">Law and Justice</h2>
<h3 id="2">Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament to replace the Ordinance promulgated on March 2, 2019.</li>
<li>The Bill amends the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.</li>
<li>The Aadhaar Act provides targeted delivery of subsidies and benefits to individuals residing in India by assigning them unique identity numbers, called <strong>Aadhaar numbers</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Authentication:</strong> It involves submitting the Aadhaar number, their biometric and demographic information to the Central Identities Data Repository for verification.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the Aadhaar Act, an individual&rsquo;s identity may be verified by <strong>Aadhaar &lsquo;authentication&rsquo;</strong>.</li>
<li>The <strong>Bill additionally allows &lsquo;offline verification&rsquo;</strong> of an individual&rsquo;s identity, without authentication, through modes specified by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) by regulations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Voluntary use:</strong> The Act provides for the use of Aadhaar number as proof of identity of a person, subject to authentication.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill replaces this provision to state that an <strong>individual may voluntarily use</strong> his Aadhaar number to establish his identity, by <strong>authentication or offline verification</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill states that authentication of an individual&rsquo;s identity via Aadhaar, for the provision of any service, may be made mandatory only by a law of Parliament.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill amends the <strong>Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002</strong> to state that telecom companies, banks and financial institutions may verify the identity of their clients by:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>authentication or offline verification of Aadhaar, or</li>
<li>passport, or</li>
<li>any other documents notified by the central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The person has the choice to use either mode to verify his identity and <strong>no person shall be denied any service for not having an Aadhaar number</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UIDAI Fund:</strong> Under the Act, all fees and revenue collected by the UIDAI shall be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. The Bill removes this provision and creates the <strong>Unique Identification Authority of India Fund</strong>. All fees, grants, and charges received by the UIDAI shall be credited to this fund. The fund shall be used for expenses of the UIDAI, including salaries and allowances of its employees.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It seeks to amend the <strong>Right to Information Act, 2005</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Term of Information Commissioners:</strong> Under the Act, Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) are appointed at the national and state level to implement the provisions of the Act.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act states that the CIC and other ICs (appointed at the central and state level) will hold office for a term of five years. The <strong>Bill removes this provision</strong> and states that <strong>the central government will notify the term of office</strong> for the CIC and the ICs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Determination of salary:</strong> The Act states that the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the central level) will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively. Similarly, the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the state level) will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Election Commissioners and the Chief Secretary to the state government, respectively.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill seeks to amend these provisions to <strong>state that the salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined by the central government</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>It seeks to establish an <strong>autonomous and independent institution</strong> for better management of arbitration in India.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC):</strong> The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the NDIAC to conduct an <strong>arbitration, mediation</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>conciliation</strong> proceedings.</li>
<li><strong>International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR):</strong> The ICADR is a <strong>registered society</strong> to promote the resolution of disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods (such as arbitration and mediation).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill seeks to transfer the existing ICADR to the central government. Upon notification by the central government, all the rights, title, and interest in the ICADR will be transferred to the NDIAC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong> Under the Bill, the NDIAC will consist of seven members including:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>A chairperson</strong> who may be a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court or an eminent person with special knowledge and experience in the conduct or administration of arbitration.</li>
<li><strong>Two eminent persons</strong> having substantial knowledge and experience in institutional arbitration.</li>
<li><strong>Three ex-officio members,</strong> including a nominee from the Ministry of Finance.</li>
<li><strong>Chief Executive Officer</strong> (responsible for the day-to-day administration of the NDIAC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key objectives of the NDIAC include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Promoting research, providing training and organising conferences and seminars in alternative dispute resolution matters.</li>
<li>Providing facilities and administrative assistance for the conduct of the arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings.</li>
<li>Maintaining a panel of accredited professionals to conduct an arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key functions include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitating the conduct of arbitration and conciliation in a professional, timely, and cost-effective manner.</li>
<li>Promoting studies in the field of alternative dispute resolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill makes all declarations of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.</li>
<li>It defines <strong>talaq as talaq-e-biddat</strong> or any other similar form of talaq pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce.
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Talaq-e-biddat</strong> refers to the practice under Muslim personal laws where pronouncement of &lsquo;talaq&rsquo; thrice in one sitting by a Muslim man to his wife results in an instant and irrevocable divorce.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li><strong>Offence and penalty:</strong> The Bill makes a declaration of talaq a <strong>cognizable offence,</strong> attracting up to <strong>three years imprisonment</strong> with a fine.
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li>The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given by:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or</li>
<li>Any person related to her by blood or marriage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill provides that the <strong>Magistrate may grant bail to the accused</strong>. The bail may be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting bail.</li>
<li>The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman (against whom talaq has been declared).
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Compounding refers to the procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle the dispute. The terms and conditions of the compounding will be determined by the Magistrate.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowance and custody:</strong> A Muslim woman against whom talaq is declared is entitled to seek <strong>subsistence allowance</strong> from her husband for herself and for her dependent children. She is also entitled to seek custody of her minor children. The amount of allowance and manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. It seeks to <strong>amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act contains provisions to deal with domestic and international arbitration, and defines the law for conducting conciliation proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill are:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Arbitration Council of India:</strong> The Bill seeks to establish an independent body called the <strong>Arbitration Council of India (ACI)</strong> for the promotion of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute redressal mechanisms.</li>
<li><strong>Its functions include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Framing policies for grading arbitral institutions and accrediting arbitrators.</li>
<li>Making policies for the establishment, operation and maintenance of uniform professional standards for all alternate dispute redressal matters.</li>
<li>Maintaining a depository of arbitral awards (judgments) made in India and abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment of arbitrators:</strong> Under the 1996 Act, parties were free to appoint arbitrators. In case of disagreement on an appointment, parties could request the Supreme Court, or the High Court, or any person or institution designated by such Court, to appoint an arbitrator.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Bill, the Supreme Court and High Courts may now designate <strong>arbitral institutions,</strong> which parties can approach for the appointment of arbitrators.</li>
<li>For <strong>international commercial arbitration,</strong> appointments will be made by the institution designated by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>For <strong>domestic arbitration,</strong> appointments will be made by the institution designated by the concerned High Court.</li>
<li>In case there are no arbitral institutions available, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court may maintain a panel of arbitrators to perform the functions of arbitral institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relaxation of time limits:</strong> Under the Act, arbitral tribunals are required to make their award within a period of 12 months for all arbitration proceedings.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Bill seeks to remove this time restriction</strong> for international commercial arbitrations. It adds that tribunals must try to dispose of international arbitration matters within 12 months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in <strong>Lok Sabha</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the regulation of the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of DNA data:</strong> Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only in respect of matters listed in the Schedule to the Bill.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These include offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and for civil matters such as paternity suits. Further, the Schedule includes DNA testing for matters related to establishment of individual identity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Collection of DNA:</strong> While preparing a DNA profile, bodily substances of persons may be collected by the investigating authorities. Authorities are required to obtain consent for collection in certain situations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For arrested persons, authorities are required to obtain written consent if the offence carries a punishment of up to seven years. If the offence carries more than seven years of imprisonment or death, consent is not required.</li>
<li>Further, if the person is a victim, or relative of a missing person, or a minor or disabled person, the authorities are required to obtain their written consent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DNA Data Bank:</strong> The Bill provides for the establishment of a <strong>National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks,</strong> for every state, or two or more states.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data prepared by them with the National and Regional DNA Data Banks. Every Data Bank will be required to maintain the following indices of DNA data:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A crime scene index</li>
<li>A suspect&rsquo;s or under trials&rsquo; index</li>
<li>An offenders&rsquo; index</li>
<li>A missing persons&rsquo; index</li>
<li>An unknown deceased persons&rsquo; index.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Removal of DNA profiles:</strong> The Bill provides for removal of the DNA profiles of the following persons:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A suspect if a police report is filed or court order given</li>
<li>An undertrial if a court order is given</li>
<li>On written request, for persons who are not a suspect, offender or under trial, from the crime scene or missing persons&rsquo; index</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DNA Regulatory Board:</strong> The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories. The functions of the Board include:&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Advising governments on all issues related to establishing DNA laboratories or Data Banks.</li>
<li>Ensuring that all information relating to DNA profiles is kept confidential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="8">Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 19, 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Definition of a transgender person:</strong> The Bill defines a transgender person as one whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth. It include transmen and trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Intersex variations is defined to mean a person who at birth shows variation in his or her primary sexual characteristics, external genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones from the normative standard of male or female body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prohibition against discrimination:</strong> The Bill prohibits the discrimination against a transgender person, including denial of service or unfair treatment in relation to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Education, employment, healthcare.</li>
<li>Access to or enjoyment of goods, facilities, opportunities available to the public.</li>
<li>Right to movement, right to reside, rent, or otherwise occupy property.</li>
<li>Opportunity to hold public or private office.</li>
<li>Access to a government or private establishment in whose care or custody a transgender person is.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health care:</strong> The government must take steps to provide health facilities to transgender persons including separate HIV surveillance centres, and sex reassignment surgeries.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government shall review medical curriculum to address health issues of transgender persons, and provide comprehensive medical insurance schemes for them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Certificate of identity:</strong> A transgender person may make an application to the District Magistrate for a certificate of identity, indicating the gender as &lsquo;transgender&rsquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A revised certificate may be obtained only if the individual undergoes surgery to change their gender either as a male or a female.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="9">Consumer Protection Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 was passed by Lok Sabha. It replaces the <strong>Consumer Protection Act, 1986</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rights of consumers:</strong> Six consumer rights have been defined in the Bill, including the right to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.</li>
<li>Be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services.</li>
<li>Be assured of access to goods or services at competitive prices.</li>
<li>Seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Consumer Protection Authority:</strong> The central government will set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers. It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.</li>
<li><strong>Penalties for misleading advertisement:</strong> The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement. In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years.</li>
<li><strong>Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRCs):</strong> CDRCs will be set up at the district, state, and national levels. A consumer can file a complaint with CDRCs in relation to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Unfair or restrictive trade practices</li>
<li>Defective goods or services</li>
<li>Overcharging or deceptive charging</li>
<li>The offering of goods or services for sale which may be hazardous to life and safety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Complaints against an unfair contract can be filed with only the State and National CDRCs.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Appeals from a District CDRC will be heard by the State CDRC, and from State CDRC by the National CDRC. Final appeal will lie before the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Product liability:</strong> Product liability means the liability of a product manufacturer, service provider, or seller to compensate a consumer for any harm or injury caused by a defective good or deficient service.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To claim compensation, a consumer has to prove any one of the conditions for defect or deficiency, as given in the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="10">Home Affairs</h2>
<h3 id="11">Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019</strong> was passed by Lok Sabha. It amends the <strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967</strong>. The Act provides special procedures to deal with terrorist activities, among other things.</li>
<li><strong>Key provisions of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Who may commit terrorism:</strong> Under the Act, the central government may designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Commits or participates in acts of terrorism</li>
<li>Prepares for terrorism</li>
<li>Promotes terrorism, or</li>
<li>Is otherwise involved in terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.</li>
<li><strong>Approval for seizure of property:</strong> Under the Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill adds that if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the <strong>National Investigation Agency (NIA),</strong> the approval of the Director General of NIA would be required for seizure of such property.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investigation:</strong> Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Insertion to schedule of treaties:</strong> The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the <strong>Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979)</strong>.</li>
<li>The Bill adds another treaty to the list. This is the <strong>International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005)</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed by Parliament. The <strong>Bill amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004</strong> and <strong>replaces an Ordinance</strong> promulgated on March 1, 2019.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for <strong>reservation in appointment and promotions in state government posts</strong>, and admission to <strong>professional institutions</strong> for certain reserved categories. Professional institutions include government medical colleges, dental colleges, and polytechnics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Extension of reservation:</strong> The Act provides for reservation in appointment and promotions in certain state government posts to persons belonging to <strong>socially and educationally backward classes</strong>. It defines socially and educationally backward classes to include persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill amends this to include those persons living in areas adjoining the International Border, within the ambit of this reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the Act states that any person who has been appointed on the basis of residence in an area adjoining the Line of Control, must serve in such areas for at least seven years.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill extends this condition to persons living in areas adjoining the International Border as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exclusion from reservation:</strong> The Act states that any person whose annual income exceeds three lakh rupees or other amount as notified by the state government, would not be included within socially and educationally backward classes. However, this exclusion does not apply to persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill states that this exclusion will not apply to persons living in areas adjoining the International Border also.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="13">Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill amends the <strong>Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for a <strong>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commissions (SHRC),</strong> as well as <strong>Human Rights Courts</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition of NHRC:</strong> Under the Act, the chairperson of the NHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or a Judge of the Supreme Court will be the chairperson of the NHRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Act provides for two persons having knowledge of human rights to be appointed as members of the NHRC.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this to allow three members to be appointed, of which at <strong>least one will be a woman</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the Act, chairpersons of various commissions such as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, are members of the NHRC.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill includes the chairpersons of the National Commission for Backward Classes, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as members of the NHRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chairperson of SHRC:</strong> Under the Act, the chairperson of the SHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of the High Court.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice or Judge of the High Court will be chairperson of the SHRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Term of office:</strong> The Act states that the chairperson and members of the NHRC and SHRC will hold office for <strong>five years or till the age of seventy years,</strong> whichever is earlier.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill <strong>reduces the term of office to three years or till the age of seventy years,</strong> whichever is earlier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of Secretary-General:</strong> The Act provides for a Secretary-General of the NHRC and a Secretary of a SHRC, who exercise powers as may be delegated to them.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill amends this and allows the Secretary-General and Secretary to exercise all administrative and financial powers (except judicial functions), subject to the respective chairperson&rsquo;s control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="14">The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill amends the <strong>National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for a national-level agency to investigate and prosecute offences listed in a schedule (scheduled offences).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the Act allows for creation of Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scheduled offences:</strong> The schedule to the Act specifies a list of offences which are to be investigated and prosecuted by the NIA.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These include offences under Acts such as the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill seeks to allow the NIA to investigate the following additional offences:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Human trafficking</li>
<li>Offences related to counterfeit currency or bank notes</li>
<li>Manufacture or sale of prohibited arms</li>
<li>Cyber-terrorism, and</li>
<li>Offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jurisdiction of the NIA:</strong> The Act provides for the creation of the NIA to investigate and prosecute offences specified in the schedule.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The officers of the NIA have the same powers as other police officers in relation to the investigation of such offences, across India.</li>
<li>The Bill states that in addition, officers of the NIA will have the power to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India, subject to international treaties and domestic laws of other countries.</li>
<li>The central government may direct the NIA to investigate such cases, as if the offence has been committed in India. The <strong>Special Court</strong> in New Delhi will have jurisdiction over these cases.</li>
<li><strong>Special Courts:</strong> The Act allows the central government to constitute Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences. The Bill amends this to allow the central and state governments to designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for such trials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="15">Health and Family Welfare</h2>
<h3 id="16">The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha.The Bill seeks to repeal the <strong>Indian Medical Council Act, 1956</strong> and provide for a medical education system which ensures:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals</li>
<li>Adoption of the latest medical research by medical professionals</li>
<li>Periodic assessment of medical institutions, and</li>
<li>An effective grievance redressal mechanism</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Constitution of the National Medical Commission:</strong> The Bill sets up the <strong>National Medical Commission (NMC)</strong>. Within three years of the passage of the Bill, state governments will establish <strong>State Medical Councils</strong> at the state level. The NMC will consist of 25 members, appointed by the central government.</li>
<li><strong>Members of the NMC will include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Chairperson (must be a medical practitioner)</li>
<li>Presidents of the Under-Graduate and Postgraduate Medical Education Boards</li>
<li>The Director General of Health Services, Directorate General of Health Services</li>
<li>The Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, and</li>
<li>Five members (part-time) to be elected by registered medical practitioners from amongst themselves for two years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NMC include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals</li>
<li>Assessing the requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of the regulations made under the Bill</li>
<li>Framing guidelines for determination of fees for up to 50% of the seats in the private medical institutions and deemed universities which are regulated as per the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous boards:</strong> The Bill sets up four autonomous boards under the supervision of the NMC. Each board will consist of a President and four members, appointed by the central government. These boards include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board and the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board</li>
<li>The Medical Assessment and Rating Board, and</li>
<li>The Ethics and Medical Registration</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="17">The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple and agrees to hand over the child to them after the birth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Regulation of surrogacy:</strong> The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Altruistic surrogacy involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance coverage. Commercial surrogacy include surrogacy or its related procedures undertaken for a monetary benefit or reward (in cash or kind) exceeding the basic medical expenses and insurance coverage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility criteria for intending couple:</strong> The intending couple should have a <strong>&lsquo;certificate of essentiality&rsquo;</strong> and a <strong>&lsquo;certificate of eligibility&rsquo;</strong> issued by the appropriate authority. A certificate of essentiality will be issued upon fulfilment of these conditions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A medical certificate of proven infertility of one or both members of the intending couple</li>
<li>An order of parentage and custody of the surrogate child passed by a Magistrate&rsquo;s court, and</li>
<li>Insurance coverage for a period of 16 months covering postpartum delivery complications for the surrogate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The certificate of eligibility to the intending couple is issued upon fulfilment of the following conditions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The couple being Indian citizens and married for at least five years</li>
<li>Between 23 to 50 years old (wife) and 26 to 55 years old (husband)</li>
<li>They do not have any surviving child (biological, adopted or surrogate)</li>
<li>Including a child who is mentally or physically challenged or suffers from life threatening disorder or fatal illness; and</li>
<li>Other conditions that may be specified by regulations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother:</strong> To obtain a certificate of eligibility, the surrogate mother has to be:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A close relative of the intending couple</li>
<li>A married woman having a child of her own</li>
<li>25 to 35 years old</li>
<li>A surrogate only once in her lifetime</li>
<li>Possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy. In addition, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Labour and Employment</h2>
<h3 id="19">The Code on Wages, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Code on Wages, 2019 was passed by Lok Sabha. It seeks to regulate wage and bonus payments in all employments where any industry, trade, business, or manufacturing is carried out. The Code replaces the following four laws:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Payment of Wages Act, 1936</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Minimum Wages Act, 1948</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong> The Code will apply to all employees. The central government will make wage-related decisions for employment such as railways, mines, and oil fields, among others. The state governments will make decisions for all other employments.</li>
<li><strong>Floor wage:</strong> According to the Code, the central government will fix a floor wage, taking into account the living standards of workers. Further, it may set different floor wages for different geographical areas.</li>
<li><strong>Fixing the minimum wage:</strong> The Code prohibits employers from paying wages less than the minimum wages. Minimum wages will be notified by the central or state governments. This will be based on time, or number of pieces produced.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The minimum wages will be revised and reviewed by the central or state governments at an interval of not more than five years.</li>
<li>While fixing minimum wages, the central or state governments may take into account factors such as: (i) skills of workers, and (ii) the difficulty of work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advisory boards:</strong> The central and state governments will constitute advisory boards. The Boards will advise the respective governments on various issues including:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fixation of minimum wages</li>
<li>Increasing employment opportunities for women</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="20">Code on Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha. It applies to <strong>establishments employing at least 10 workers, and to all mines and docks</strong>.</li>
<li>The Code replaces 13 labour laws including the Factories Act, 1948, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Code include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Duties of employers:</strong> The Code prescribes certain duties of the employer. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Providing a workplace that is free from hazards that may cause injury or diseases, and</li>
<li>Providing free annual health examinations to certain employees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working Hours:</strong> Work hours for different classes of establishment and employees will be provided as per the rules prescribed by the central or state government. Female workers, with their consent, may work past 7pm and before 6am, if approved by the central or state government.</li>
<li><strong>Leave:</strong> No employee may work for more than six days a week. Workers must receive paid annual leave for at least one in 20 days of the period spent on duty.</li>
<li><strong>Working conditions and welfare facilities:</strong> The employer is required to provide a hygienic work environment with ventilation, sufficient space, and clean drinking water. Welfare facilities include separate bathing places and locker rooms for male, female, and transgender employees and creches.</li>
<li><strong>Advisory Bodies:</strong> The central and state governments will set up <strong>Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Boards</strong> at the national and state level, respectively. These Boards will advise the central and state governments on the standards, rules, and regulations to be framed under the Code.</li>
<li><strong>Offences and penalties:</strong> Under the Code, an offence that leads to the death of an employee will be punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine up to five lakh rupees, or both. Further, courts may direct that at least 50% of such fine be given as compensation to the heirs of the victim. For any other violation where the penalty is not specified, the employer will be penalised with a fine between two and three lakh rupees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="21">Voluntary pension scheme for traders and shopkeepers notified</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified a voluntary pension scheme called the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan, Yojana 2019</strong>. It intends to provide a minimum assured pension to self-employed persons.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the scheme include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> The Scheme will apply to shopkeepers, retail traders, and other self-employed persons with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 1.5 crore, between the ages of 18 and 40 years. In order to enrol, the subscriber must have a bank account and Aadhaar number.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Interested persons can enrol themselves through any Common Service Centre in the country, with a pension fund administered by the Life Insurance Corporation. A Common Service Centre is an access point for delivery of essential public utility services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Minimum assured pension:</strong> Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. The central government will match the contribution made by the beneficiary.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has notified different monthly contribution amounts depending upon the age of joining. For example, a person entering the scheme at 29 years of age will be required to contribute Rs 100 per month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Family pension:</strong> If the subscriber dies while receiving the pension, his spouse will be entitled to receive 50% of the pension as family pension. If he dies before the pension accrues (i.e. before the age of 60 years), his spouse may either join the scheme by paying the contribution or may exit the scheme.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If they choose to exit, the spouse will receive the beneficiary&rsquo;s contribution along with accumulated interest earned by the fund or interest at the savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher. If both the subscriber and spouse die, the entire corpus will be credited back to the fund.</li>
<li>If the beneficiary becomes disabled prior to completing 60 years of age, his spouse may continue the scheme or exit the scheme. On exiting, the spouse will receive the beneficiary&rsquo;s contribution with interest as actually earned by fund or at the savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exit and withdrawal:</strong> Any person may exit the scheme under the following conditions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If he exits within 10 years, his share of contribution will be returned to him along with savings bank interest.</li>
<li>If he exits the scheme after 10 years but prior to completing 60 years of age, he will get his share along with the accumulated interest earned by the fund or at savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="22">Corporate Affairs</h2>
<h3 id="23">Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It amends the <strong>Companies Act, 2013</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Issuance of dematerialised shares:</strong> Under the Act, certain classes of public companies are required to issue shares in dematerialised form only. The Bill states this may be prescribed for other classes of unlisted companies as well.</li>
<li><strong>Re-categorisation of certain Offences:</strong> The 2013 Act contains 81 compoundable offences punishable with fine or fine or imprisonment, or both. These offences are heard by courts. <strong>The Bill re-categorizes 16 of these offences as civil defaults,</strong> where adjudicating officers (appointed by the central government) may now levy penalties instead. These offences include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Issuance of shares at a discount</li>
<li>Failure to file an annual return.</li>
<li>Further, the Bill amends the penalties for some other offences.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):</strong> Under the Act, if companies which have to provide for CSR, do not fully spend the funds, they must disclose the reasons for non-spending in their annual report.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Bill, any unspent annual CSR funds must be transferred to one of the funds under Schedule 7 of the Act (e.g., PM Relief Fund) within six months of the end of the financial year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, if the CSR funds are committed to certain ongoing projects, then the unspent funds will have to be transferred to an <strong>Unspent CSR Account</strong> within 30 days of the of the financial year, and spent within three years.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Any funds remaining unspent after three years will have to be transferred to one of the funds under Schedule 7 of the Act. Any violation may attract a fine between Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,00,000 and every defaulting officer may be punished with imprisonment of up to three years or fine in the same range as above.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commencement of business:</strong> The Bill states that a company may not start business, unless it (i) files a declaration within 180 days of incorporation, confirming that every subscriber to the Memorandum of the company has paid for the shares agreed to be taken by him, and (ii) files a verification of its registered address within 30 days of incorporation.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If it fails to comply with these provisions and is found not to be carrying out business, the name of the company may be removed from the Register of Companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="24">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. It amends the <strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Initiation of resolution process:</strong> The Code states that a financial creditor may file an application before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for initiating the insolvency resolution process.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The NCLT must find the existence of default within 14 days. Based on its findings, NCLT may accept or reject the application. The Bill states that in case the NCLT does not find the existence of default and has not passed an order within 14 days, it must record its reasons in writing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Time-limit for resolution process:</strong> The Code states that the insolvency resolution process must be completed within 180 days, extendable by a period of up to 90 days. The Bill adds that the resolution process must be completed within 330 days.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This includes time for any extension granted and the time taken in legal proceedings in relation to the process. On the enactment of the Bill, if any case is pending for over 330 days, it must be resolved within 90 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolution plan:</strong> The Code provides that the resolution plan must ensure that the operational creditors receive an amount which should not be less than the amount they would receive in case of liquidation.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill amends this to provide that the amounts to be paid to the operational creditor should be the higher of: (i) amounts receivable under liquidation, and (ii) the amount receivable under a resolution plan, if such amounts were distributed under the same order of priority (as for liquidation).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Representative of financial creditors:</strong> The Code specifies that, in certain cases, such as when the debt is owed to a class of creditors beyond a specified number, the financial creditors will be represented on the committee of creditors by an authorised representative. These representatives will vote on behalf of the financial creditors as per instructions received from them.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill states that such representative will vote on the basis of the decision taken by a majority of the voting shares of the creditors that they represent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="25">Road Transport and Highways</h2>
<h3 id="26">Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to amend the <strong>Motor Vehicles Act, 1988</strong> to provide for road safety.
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Act provides for grant of licenses and permits related to motor vehicles, standards for motor vehicles, and penalties for violation of these provisions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Compensation for road accident victims:</strong> The Bill provides that the central government will develop a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during the golden hour.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Golden hour</strong> is defined as the time period of up to one hour following a traumatic injury, during which the likelihood of preventing death through prompt medical care is the highest.</li>
<li>The central government may also make a scheme for providing interim relief to claimants seeking compensation under third party insurance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compulsory insurance:</strong> The Bill requires the central government to constitute <strong>Motor Vehicle Accident Fund,</strong> to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India. It will be utilised for:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Treatment of persons injured in road accidents as per the golden hour scheme.</li>
<li>Compensation to representatives of a person who died in a hit and run accident.</li>
<li>Compensation to a person grievously hurt in a hit and run accident, and</li>
<li>Compensation to any other persons as prescribed by the central government.</li>
<li>This Fund will be credited through: (i) payment of a nature notified by the central government, (ii) a grant or loan made by the central government, (iii) balance of the Solatium Fund (existing funds under the Act to provide compensation for hit and run accidents), or (iv) any other source as prescribed the central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Safety Board:</strong> The Bill provides for a <strong>National Road Safety Board,</strong> to be created by the central government through a notification. The Board will advise the central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management including:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Standards of motor vehicles</li>
<li>Registration and licensing of vehicles</li>
<li>Standards for road safety</li>
<li>Promotion of new vehicle technology</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="27">Education</h2>
<h3 id="28">The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teacher&rsquo;s Cadre) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It replaces an Ordinance promulgated in March 2019.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for reservation of teaching positions in central educational institutions for persons belonging to:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Scheduled Castes</li>
<li>Scheduled Tribes</li>
<li>Socially and educationally backward classes</li>
<li>Economically weaker sections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reservation of posts:</strong> The Bill provides for reservation of posts in direct recruitment of teachers (out of the sanctioned strength) in central educational institutions. For the purpose of such reservation, a central educational institution will be regarded as one unit.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This implies that the allocation of teaching posts for reserved categories would be done on the basis of all positions of the same level (such as assistant professor) across departments. Note that, under previous guidelines, each department was regarded as an individual unit for the purpose of reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage and exceptions:</strong> The Bill will apply to &lsquo;central educational institutions&rsquo; which include universities set up by Acts of Parliament, institutions deemed to be a university, institutions of national importance, and institutions receiving aid from the central government.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, it excludes certain institutions of excellence, research institutions, and institutions of national and strategic importance which have been specified in the Bill. Further, it also excludes minority education institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="29">The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. The Bill seeks to amend the <strong>Central Universities Act, 2009,</strong> which establishes universities for teaching and research in various states.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the <strong>establishment of two central universities in Andhra Pradesh</strong> to be known as the Central University of Andhra Pradesh, and the <strong>Central Tribal University</strong> of Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>The Central Tribal University will take additional measures to provide higher educational and research facilities in tribal art, culture, and customs primarily to the tribal population of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="30">Housing and Urban Affairs</h2>
<h3 id="31">The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the <strong>Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for the eviction of unauthorised occupants from public premises in certain cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Residential accommodation:</strong> The Bill defines <strong>&lsquo;residential accommodation occupation&rsquo;</strong> as the occupation of public premises by a person on the grant of a license for such an occupation. The license must be given for a fixed tenure, or for the period the person holds office.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the occupation must be allowed under the rules made by the central, state or union territory government, or a statutory authority (such as Parliament Secretariat, or a central government company, or premises belonging to a state government).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Notice for eviction:</strong> The Bill adds a provision laying down the procedure for eviction from residential accommodation. It requires an estate officer (an officer of the central government) to issue a written notice to a person if he is in unauthorised occupation of a residential accommodation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The notice will require the person to show cause why an eviction order should not be made against him, within three working days. The written notice must be fixed to a conspicuous part of the accommodation, in a prescribed manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Order of eviction:</strong> After considering the cause shown, and making any other inquiries, the estate officer will make an order for eviction. If the person fails to comply with the order, the estate officer may evict such person from the residential accommodation, and take possession of it. For this purpose, the estate officer may also use such force as necessary.</li>
<li><strong>Payment of damages:</strong> If the person in unauthorised occupation of the residential accommodation challenges the eviction order passed by the estate officer in court, he will be required to pay damages for every month of such occupation.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="32">Draft Model Tenancy Act, 2019 released</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs</strong> released the <strong>draft Model Tenancy Act, 2019</strong>. The draft Act seeks to provide for the regulation and speedy adjudication of matters related to rental housing.</li>
<li>It also seeks to repeal the existing state/union territories (UTs) Rent Control Acts.</li>
<li>The final draft Model Tenancy Act will be circulated to states. States may enact a new tenancy law or amend their existing laws to align with the provisions of this Model Act.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the draft Act include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tenancy Agreement:</strong> The draft Act provides for a tenancy agreement to be signed between the landowner and the tenant (parties). The duration of tenancy, rent payable, and revision of rent will be as agreed upon between both parties and as specified in the agreement. No person will let out or rent any premises without such agreement.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further such agreement must be registered with the Rent Authority, in a form as specified in the schedule to the Act. This will include details such as name, address, PAN and Aadhaar numbers of the landowner and tenant, details of the premises, and the rent payable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rent Authority:</strong> The District Collector, with prior approval of the state/UT government, will appoint the Rent Authority (at the rank of Deputy Collector). The Rent Authority, on receiving information on a tenancy agreement, must upload details of the agreement on its website. The Authority may also, on application by the landowner or tenant, fix or revise the rent, and the date from which the revised rent will apply. Appeals against the Authority&rsquo;s orders will lie with the Rent Court, and must be made within 30 days from the date of the order.</li>
<li><strong>Rent Courts:</strong> The state government may constitute as many Rent Courts as it deems necessary. Two or more Courts can be constituted for any area. In such cases the state/UT government may regulate the distribution of business among them.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Rent Court may consist of two members to be appointed by the state/UT government in consultation with the High Court. Appeals against a Rent Court&rsquo;s orders will lie with the Rent Tribunal, and must be made within 30 days from the date of the order.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rent Tribunal:</strong> The state government may constitute as many Rent Tribunals as it deems necessary. In case an area has several such Tribunals, the state/UT government may notify one of them as the Principal Rent Tribunal.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Rent Tribunal will be headed by a Principal Appellate Member (at the level of a High Court Judge), and comprise of two other members. The Rent Courts and Tribunals will seek to dispose of a case within 60 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="33">Civil Aviation</h2>
<h3 id="34" the="" strong="">Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in and passed by Rajya Sabha. It amends the <strong>Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act established the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at civilian airports with annual traffic above 15 lakh passengers. It monitors the performance standard of services across these airports.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li><strong>Definition of major airports:</strong> The Act defines a major airport as one with annual passenger traffic over 15 lakh, or any other airports as notified by the central government.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tariff determination by AERA:</strong> Under the Act, AERA is responsible for determining:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The tariff for aeronautical services at different airports every five years</li>
<li>The development fees of major airports</li>
<li>The passengers service fee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It can also call for necessary information to determine tariffs and perform any other tariff-related functions, including amending the tariffs if necessary in the interim period.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill adds that AERA will not determine: (i) the tariff, (ii) tariff structures, or (iii) the development fees, in certain cases.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These cases include those where such tariff amounts were a part of the bid document on the basis of which the airport operations were awarded. AERA will be consulted by the concessioning authority before incorporating such tariffs in the bid document, and such tariffs must be notified.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="35">Jal Shakti</h2>
<h3 id="36">The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Lok Sabha. It amends the <strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides for the adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys.</li>
<li>Under the Act, a state government may request the central government to refer an inter-state river dispute to a Tribunal for adjudication. If the central government is of the opinion that the dispute cannot be settled through negotiations, it is required to set up a Water Disputes Tribunal for adjudication of the dispute, within a year of receiving such a complaint. The Bill seeks to replace this mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disputes Resolution Committee:</strong> Under the Bill, when a state puts in a request regarding any water dispute, the central government will set up a <strong>Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC),</strong> to resolve the dispute amicably.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DRC will comprise of a Chairperson, and experts with at least 15 years of experience in relevant sectors, to be nominated by the central government. It will also comprise one member from each state (at Joint Secretary level), who are party to the dispute, to be nominated by the concerned state government.</li>
<li>The DRC will seek to resolve the dispute through negotiations, within one year (extendable by six months), and submit its report to the central government. If a dispute cannot be settled by the DRC, the central government will refer it to the Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal. Such referral must be made within three months from the receipt of the report from the DRC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tribunal:</strong> The central government will set up an <strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal,</strong> for the adjudication of water disputes. This Tribunal can have multiple benches. All existing Tribunals will be dissolved, and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing Tribunals will be transferred to the new Tribunal.</li>
<li><strong>Composition of the Tribunal:</strong> The Tribunal will consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, three judicial members, and three expert members.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They will be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. Each Tribunal Bench will consist of a Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, a judicial member, and an expert member. The central government may also appoint two experts serving in the Central Water Engineering Service as assessors to advise the Bench in its proceedings. The assessor should not be from the state which is a party to the dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="37">The Dam Safety Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha. The Bill provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across the country. It also provides for an institutional mechanism to ensure the safety of such dams.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicability of the Bill:</strong> The Bill applies to all specified dams in the country. These are dams with: (i) height more than 15 m, or (ii) height between 10 to 15 m and subject to certain design and structural conditions.</li>
<li><strong>National Committee on Dam Safety:</strong> The Bill provides for the constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety. Its functions include: (i) formulating policies and regulations on dam safety standards, and (ii) analysing causes of dam failures.</li>
<li><strong>National Dam Safety Authority:</strong> The Bill provides for a National Dam Safety Authority. Functions of the Authority include: (i) implementing the policies formulated by the National Committee on Dam Safety, and (ii) resolving issues between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state.</li>
<li><strong>State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO):</strong> State governments will establish State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs). All specified dams in a state will fall under the jurisdiction of that state&rsquo;s SDSO.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the National Dam Safety Authority will act as the SDSO in cases where a dam: (i) is owned by one state but situated in another state, (ii) extends over multiple states, or (iii) is owned by a central public sector undertaking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the SDSOs include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Monitoring the operation and maintenance of dams</li>
<li>Keeping a database of dams, and</li>
<li>Recommending safety measures to dam owners</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Committee on Dam Safety:</strong> The Bill provides for the constitution of State Committees on Dam Safety by the state governments.</li>
<li><strong>Their functions include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Reviewing the work of the SDSO</li>
<li>Ordering dam safety investigations, and</li>
<li>Assessing the potential impact of dams on upstream and downstream states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Obligations of dam owners:</strong> The Bill requires the owners of specified dams to provide a dam safety unit in each dam. This unit will inspect the dams: (i) before and after the monsoon session, and (ii) during and after every earthquake, flood, or any other calamity or sign of distress.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="38">Defence</h2>
<h3 id="39">Ministry introduces scheme for promotion of MSMEs in defence</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence has introduced a scheme for <strong>promotion of MSMEs in the defence sector</strong>.</li>
<li>The scheme <strong>aims to educate MSMEs in tier II and tier III cities</strong> across the country about the requirements of the defence sector, and the provisions introduced by the government to incentivise them.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will be done through organising various events such as conclaves, and workshops. These events will include industry and MSME presence along with the support of the Department of Defence Production.</li>
<li><strong>The objective of these events include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Providing MSMEs with relevant information about the government&rsquo;s &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; programme</li>
<li>Giving impetus to defence production in the country for domestic needs and export to friendly countries, and</li>
<li>Providing knowledge to MSMEs active in the non-defence sector for their entry in the defence sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Funding for the scheme will be provided by the central government in the following manner:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maximum sponsorship of Rs 2 lakh per event for national level events, and</li>
<li>Maximum sponsorship of Rs 1 lakh per event for state level events. An Empowered Committee consisting of three members will be constituted to review proposals under the scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-july-2019'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and related concerns',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The article is based on the recent Amendments in the POCSO Act, 2012 and the concerns related to the newly introduced death penalty in the law as pointed in the article <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-point-to-ponder-over-in-the-pocso-bill/article28984831.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A Point to Ponder Over in the POCSO Bill&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindu on 12<sup>th</sup> August.</p>
</div>
<h3>Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently the <strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019</strong> was passed by both Houses of Parliament with an objective of stopping the rampant sexual abuse of children.</li>
<li>It seeks to provide more stringent punishment, including death penalty, for sexual crimes against children.</li>
<li>The present bill is welcome in certain respects as it specifically defines what &lsquo;child pornography&rsquo; is; &lsquo;using a child for pornographic purposes&rsquo; and for &lsquo;possessing or storing pornography involving a child&rsquo; is punishable. It has also widened the ambit of &lsquo;aggravated sexual assault&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.</li>
<li>It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity.</li>
<li>The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.</li>
<li>It is <strong>gender-neutral</strong> and thus looks into the sexual assault of both minor boys and girls.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Introduction of Death Penalty</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The bill seeks for the death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children to create deterent effect.</li>
<li>It refers to the judgments of the Supreme Court in <em><strong>Machhi Singh </strong></em><strong>(1983)</strong> and <em><strong>Devender Pal Singh </strong></em><strong>(2002)</strong> in which the court had held that the death penalty can be awarded only in rarest of rare cases.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns over death penalty</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Often, the perpetrators of abuse are family members and having such penalty may discourage the registration of the crime itself. Also, it may threaten the life of the minor as the maximum punishment for murder is also the death sentence.</li>
<li>The Justice <em><strong>J.S. Verma Committee,</strong></em> which was constituted in 2013 in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya case, after due deliberations found itself against the imposition of death penalty in rape cases.</li>
<li>The <em><strong>262<sup>nd</sup> Report of the Law Commission of India, 2015,</strong></em> also provides for abolition of the death penalty except in terror cases.</li>
<li>It largely diverts attention from the core issues of infrastructural apathy, procedural lapses and trial delays and conveniently evades the fact that <em>&lsquo;it is the certainty of punishment rather than its severity which has deterrence in real sense&rsquo;.</em></li>
<li>Research at the global level has shown that despite stringent punishments, there is no fall in the rate of commission of crimes, thus showing the limitation of the deterrent theory.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the <strong>National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) data of 2016, the conviction rate in POCSO cases is 29.6%</strong> while <strong>pendency is as high as 89%.</strong> The prescribed time period of two months for trial in such cases is hardly complied with.</li>
<li>As per the NCRB data of 2016, less than three per cent of child rape cases that came up before the courts ended in convictions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Problems related to implementation of POCSO Act such as lack of adequate special courts, lack of sensitization for investigators and prosecutors in dealing with child victims, poor rate of convictions etc. need to be resolved urgently.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court direction to set up special courts within 60 days of the order in each district having more than 100 pending cases under the act must be complied with urgently.</li>
<li>The provision of death penalty should be widely discussed and debated and should be used only for the rarest of the rare cases.</li>
<li>Awareness and sensitization of people is equally important to prevent the crime itself.</li>
<li>There needs to be an overhaul of the criminal justice system in the country rather than emphasising on the death penalty.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #baf2f7; border-color: #00626b; border-style: dashed;" width="878" height="57">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 877px; background-color: #daf1f2;">
<p><em><strong>Drishti Input</strong></em></p>
<p>Critically examine the provisions of &ldquo;Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019&rdquo;, alongwith gaps in criminal justice system of India, to effectively prevent child sexual abuse cases in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-amendment-bill-2019-and-related-concerns'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Performance Indicators for Public Sector Banks',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Finance Ministry to closely monitor the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) achievements on <strong>16 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the branch, region, state and national level in order to address the continuing decline of PSBs shares in Indian banking.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PSBs&rsquo; market share is declining while that of private banks is rising. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of end-December 2018 PSBs accounted for 63% of the outstanding credit of scheduled commercial banks against 67% as of June-end 2017.</li>
<li>The fall comes in the backdrop of these banks facing asset quality issues since 2015.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NBFCs)</a></strong> are borrowing from banks and are able to attract customers in spite of higher interest rates.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The 16 KPIs include-</strong> Credit for infrastructure, Farm sector, Blue economy, Housing, MSMEs, Stand-Up India scheme, Education, Exports, Green economy, Cleanliness activities, Financial inclusion and women&rsquo;s empowerment; and others such as direct benefit transfer, digital economy, ATM usage and performance, ease of living and corporate social responsibility.</li>
<li>The banks will then be <strong>benchmarked against the 18 PSBs&rsquo; average.</strong> If found lagging, specific action will be taken after consultation at various levels to improve their performance.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/954image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/954image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="421" height="376" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/finmin-plans-16-point-kra-to-push-psbs/article28988309.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BL</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/performance-indicators-for-public-sector-banks'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Stimulus Package to Reverse Economic Slowdown',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, many economic indicators have pointed to a sharp slowdown in demand, both in rural and urban India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For instance, the automobile sector is facing a prolonged slump in demand, leading to massive job losses.</li>
<li>In this context, the government looks to reverse economic slowdown with a <strong>stimulus package.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons for the Slowdown</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s merchandise exports have contracted, signalling the impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-china-trade-war-can-make-indian-products-competitive-cii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-China trade war.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Poor sentiment</strong> in the <strong>equity markets</strong> and in the <strong>banking sector</strong> have led to <strong>stalling the investment</strong> in India.</li>
<li>With domestic <strong>economic activity remaining weak,</strong> while the <strong>global slowdown</strong> and <strong>trade tensions</strong> have intensified, there are further chances of intensification of this slowdown.</li>
<li>In this scenario, <strong>the industry has demanded a stimulus package of ₹1 trillion</strong> to initiate an investment cycle amid slowing global and domestic slowdown.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/780image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/780image3.jpg" width="617" height="374" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government realized that <strong>the tight fiscal policy is proving to be counterproductive</strong> and that <strong>monetary policy alone is not enough to spur economic growth.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, it has laid down a set of measures <strong>including tax cuts and targeted sops,</strong> to reverse an economic downturn.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Proposed Measures</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The measures being considered are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The stimulus package will include <strong>Rs 100 trillion infrastructure investment</strong> over the next five years</li>
<li><strong>Goods and services tax (GST) relief</strong> to specific sectors, including the automobile sector, that could boost demand.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Red tape</strong> on cross-border trade and improve <strong>ease of doing business.</strong></li>
<li>The government also held that, in an effort to boost exports, it is working on a <strong>new <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organization</a>-compliant duty reimbursement scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act <strong>constrained</strong> the government from providing a fiscal push in the Union budget.</li>
<li>But the government is considering the use of <strong>escape clause</strong> (in the FRBM Act) for deviation in the fiscal deficit up to <strong>50 basis points.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It may give the government leeway to spend an <strong>additional ₹1.15 trillion</strong> in the current fiscal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Escape Clause:</strong> The panel led by <strong>N.K. Singh</strong> to review the FRBM Act had suggested an escape clause, allowing deviations up to 0.5 percentage points of Gross Domestic Product, based on triggers including far-reaching structural reforms in the economy <strong>with unanticipated fiscal implications, acts of war and farm distress.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/govt-looks-to-reverse-economic-slowdown-with-a-stimulus-package-1565545760249.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:Mint</a></strong></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/stimulus-package-to-reverse-economic-slowdown-1'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas Campaign',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The central government has decided to launch the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-03rd-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>People's Plan Campaign,</strong></a> also known as <strong>&ldquo;Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas&rdquo;</strong> from September 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to draw up <strong>Gram Panchayat Development Plans</strong> (GPDPs) in the country and <strong>place them on a website</strong> where anyone can see the status of the various government&rsquo;s flagship schemes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A pilot exercise conducted in 2018 suggests that a <strong>majority of the GPs scored between 41% and 50% on a scale of 100, showing glaring deficiencies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Merely 0.1% and 0.6% GPs fell in the high 91-100 and 81-90 score respectively.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A comparison of the performance among the larger states shows that <strong>Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh,</strong> in that order, were the top scorers, while GPs in <strong>Jharkhand, Assam, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh were at the bottom.</strong></li>
<li>A recent study of 100 randomly chosen GPs by <strong>National Institute of Rural Development</strong> has shown that several GP has reported improvements while others have slipped down over the past year. A fresh survey is, therefore, significant.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gram Panchayat Development Plans</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the <strong>preparation of GPDP for economic development and social justice</strong> utilizing the resources available to them.</li>
<li>The GPDP planning process will be comprehensive and participatory by involving <strong>full convergence</strong> with the schemes of all related Central Ministries / Line Departments.</li>
<li>The People's Plan Campaign initiated under "Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas" is an intensive and structured exercise for planning at Gram Sabha through <strong>convergence between <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)</a> and concerned departments of the State.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>About the process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) will include <strong>48 indicators</strong> covering various aspects such as health and sanitation, education etc.</li>
<li>After each GP is scored out of 100 &mdash; <strong>with 30 marks for infrastructure, 30 marks for human development, and 40 marks for economic activity</strong>&mdash; the GPs will be ranked.</li>
<li>The data on the 48 indicators would come from Census 2011 (for physical infrastructure), <strong>Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011</strong> (for Household-level deprivation data), and fresh survey starting in September 2019 that will be carried out by <strong>local facilitators.</strong></li>
<li>The score for each GP will reflect the <strong>local needs and priorities.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For instance, for a drought-prone area, water conservation would be accorded the highest priority.</li>
<li>Within this ranking, households suffering the worst deprivations would be prioritised further.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The entire ranking exercise is <strong>meant to identify the gaps at the GP level, make an assessment of where it stands, and accordingly plan the interventions.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&amp;PR) is an <strong>autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
<li>It is recognized internationally as one of the <strong>United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/survey-2019-ambitions-beyond-growth-escap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(UNESCAP)</a> Centres of Excellence.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>builds capacities</strong> of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of PRIs, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy.</li>
<li>Establishment in 1958, the Institute is <strong>located at Hyderabad in Telangana.</strong></li>
<li>In addition to the main campus at Hyderabad, this Institute has <strong>North-Eastern Regional Centre at Guwahati, Assam</strong> to meet the NE-regional needs.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coming-digital-push-to-gram-panchayats-5896818/" 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/sabki-yojana-sabka-vikas-campaign'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'India’s First and Longest Sea Ropeway',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>India&rsquo;s first and longest sea ropeway project that will <strong>connect Mumbai with the Elephanta Caves,</strong> is scheduled to start by the end of the year 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>8-km ropeway</strong> will begin from Sewri in Mumbai&rsquo;s east coast and end at Raigad district&rsquo;s Elephanta Island.</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong> The caves see an annual footfall of nearly seven lakh visitors and are one of the must-visit places around Mumbai. Presently, it takes around an hour for the 10-km cruise from Mumbai and vice versa.</li>
<li>The <strong>14-minute ride by 30-seater cable cars</strong> will give a major boost to tourism.</li>
<li>It is Rs. <strong>700 crore PPP (Public-Private Partnership) project</strong> which will be <strong>executed by the Mumbai Port Trust,</strong> under the Ministry of Shipping.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Elephanta Caves<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/210image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/210image2.jpg" width="256" height="192" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Elephanta caves,</strong> located on the Elephanta Islands (in the Arabian Sea), off Mumbai, 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</strong></a> by UNESCO in 1987.</li>
<li>Known locally as <strong>Gharapuri Caves,</strong> these were constructed about the mid-5<sup>th</sup> to 6<sup>th</sup> centuries AD.</li>
<li>The<strong> seven caves</strong> constitute one of the most striking collections of rock-art in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are two groups of caves. To the east, Stupa Hill (named because of a small brick Buddhist monument at the top) contains two caves, one of which is unfinished, and several cisterns.</li>
<li>To the west, the larger group consists of five rock-cut Hindu shrines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The main cave is universally famous for its <strong>carvings to the glory of Shiva,</strong> who is exalted in various forms and actions. The cave consists of a square plan mandapa whose sides measure about 27 m.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/connecting-mumbai-to-the-elephanta-caves-final-clearance-for-indias-longest-ropeway-over-sea-project-to-be-issued-soon-5897144/" 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/india-s-first-and-longest-sea-ropeway'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Indian National Science Academy',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Chandrima Shaha</strong> will be the <strong>first woman president</strong> of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), taking up the position in January 2020. She was formerly the Director of the National Institute of Immunology, Delhi.</p>
<h3>Indian National Science Academy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The INSA, <strong>formerly known as National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI)</strong> was established in January <strong>1935</strong> with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and national welfare.</li>
<li>In October 1945, the then Government of India recognized the institute as the premier scientific society of India, representing all branches of science.</li>
<li>It was designated as the<strong> adhering organization in India to the International Council for Science (ICSU)</strong> on behalf of the Government of India in January 1968.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC) were merged to form the International Science Council (ISC) in 2018.</li>
<li>ISC is a <strong>non-governmental organization</strong> with a unique global membership that brings together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research Councils.</li>
<li>The vision of the Council is to advance science as a global public good.</li>
<li>ISC is headquartered in <strong>Paris, France.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/science-needs-to-be-communicated-aggressively-among-people/article28984837.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/indian-national-science-academy'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Public Distribution System',
		'catname' => 'Paper 3',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/883Public Distribution System (Mind Map)_Artboard 1.jpg" width="426" height="1220" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For TTP</a></em></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mind-map/gs-paper3/public-distribution-system-mindmap'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Inverted-J Pattern in Education and Fertility',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently released official data from 2017 on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-falling-fertility-rate" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Total Fertility Rate (TFR)</strong></a>, reflects a complex relationship between<strong> literacy level and fertility rate.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to <strong>conventional wisdom:</strong> The higher the educational level of a woman, the lower the fertility rate.</li>
<li>However, there&rsquo;s a consistent pattern across states of illiterate women and those with no formal education having lower fertility rates than those with below primary level education.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Culture of the state</strong> is believed to have a greater influence than <strong>education.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pattern from TFR data</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The relationship between fertility and education resembles an <strong>inverted-J pattern.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Usually, there is an <strong>inverse relationship</strong> between education or income and fertility, <strong>but it has been observed that fertility could go up with a slight increase in education or income level.</strong></li>
<li>But eventually, fertility declines with higher levels of education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/522image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/522image1.jpg" width="500" height="364" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Highlights of the Report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In Bihar, the TFR of women who have not completed primary schooling is 4.4 compared to 3.7 for illiterate women.</li>
<li>Similarly, in Odisha with an overall low fertility rate of just 1.9, the TFR of illiterate women was 2 compared to a TFR of 3.6-3.5 among those with primary level schooling or below.</li>
<li>At the <strong>all-India level,</strong> the TFR for women with below primary education was 3.1 compared to 2.9 for illiterate women and 2.4 for those without formal education.</li>
</ul>
<p>However, according to demographers and population experts, It is <strong>very early to come up with some conclusion.</strong> Similar pattern has to emerge for three or four years (above mentioned pattern is only for the year 2017), so that this Inverted J-curve can be approved as a theory.</p>
<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-reducing-fertility-a-little-education-may-be-worse-than-none-shows-data/articleshow/70635707.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TOI</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inverted-j-pattern-in-education-and-fertility'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 193
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 302
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”