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Fifth India International Science Festival

Why in News The Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the Fifth India International Science Festival (IISF) on 5th November, 2019. Host City:...

04 Nov 2019 News Analysis
16th India-ASEAN Summit

Why in News The Prime Minister of India attended the 16th India-ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand on November 03, 2019. Key Highlights Along...

04 Nov 2019 News Analysis
India and Uzbekistan

Why in News The Defence Minister of India attended the 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation...

04 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Call of the River

This article is based on “Call of the River” which was published in The Indian Express on 02/11/2019. It talks about Inter-State River...

02 Nov 2019 News Editorials
Cropping Patterns and Major Crops of India: Part One

Two-thirds of India’s population is engaged in agricultural activities. It is a primary activity, which produces food grains and raw materials...

02 Nov 2019 Paper 3
Health Emergency in New Delhi

Why in News Recently, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority- EPCA declared a public health emergency in New Delhi as...

02 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Entry Law for Visitors in Meghalaya

Why in News Recently, the Meghalaya Cabinet has approved amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016. The...

02 Nov 2019 News Analysis
India - Germany

Why in News German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited India from 31st October - 1st November 2019 for the fifth round of Inter-Governmental...

02 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Riyadh Summit

This article is based on “Substance across the Arabian Sea” which was published in The Hindu on 1/11/2019. It talks about the...

01 Nov 2019 News Editorials
EIU’s Financial Inclusion Report

Why in News? According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2019 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion report, India (ranked at 5th...

01 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Core Sector Output Falls by 5.2%

Why in News? The output of eight Core Infrastructure Industries has contracted by 5.2% in September (2019), indicating the severity of the...

01 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Mercy Petition

Why in News The Tihar Jail administration had asked the convicts in the Nirbhaya case, 2012 to apply for mercy petition before the President...

01 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Gottiprolu- An Early Trade Centre of Andhra Pradesh

Why in News? Excavation by Archaeological Survey of India at Gottiprolu near Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sriramulu) district, Andhra Pradesh...

01 Nov 2019 News Analysis
African Swine Fever

Why in News? China is witnessing rise in pork prices because of the rampant spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). The country is the world’s...

01 Nov 2019 News Analysis
UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities

Why in News? United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has included Mumbai and Hyderabad in its network of...

01 Nov 2019 News Analysis
Aspirational Districts’ Programme

This article is based on “A NEW KIND OF GOVERNMENT” that was published in The Indian Express on 31/10/2019. It talks about significance...

31 Oct 2019 News Editorials
National Symposium on Lymphatic Filariasis

A day long National Symposium on the theme ‘United to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis’ was inaugurated by Union Minister for Health and...

31 Oct 2019 News Analysis
National Health Profile 2019

The 14th edition of National Health Profile and its e-book (digital version) has been released by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence...

31 Oct 2019 News Analysis
Union World Conference on Lung Health

The Vice-President of India inaugurated the 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Hyderabad on 30th October 2019. It is a four-day scientific...

31 Oct 2019 News Analysis
Wildfires

The latest data from Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas showed that, compared to August 2018, there were almost five times as many wildfires across the...

31 Oct 2019 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Fifth India International Science Festival',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the <strong>Fifth India International Science Festival (IISF)</strong> on 5<sup>th</sup> November, 2019.</li>
<li>Host City: The four-day science festival is being organized in <strong>Kolkata</strong> from 5<sup>th</sup> - 8<sup>th</sup> November, 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Theme:</strong> RISEN India &ndash;Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation</li>
<li><strong>Vigyanika - International Science Literature Festival</strong> is being organised as part of the 5th IISF.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is being coordinated by the <strong>CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), Vigyan Prasar and Vigyan Bharati.</strong></li>
<li>It will feature innovative formats of science communication such as drama, poetry, and magic. A Science Book Fair will also be a major attraction of Vigyanika.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India International Science Festival</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IISF is the <strong>largest science festival in the world.</strong> It is an <strong>annual festival</strong> to celebrate the achievements of India&rsquo;s scientific and technological advancements with students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists and technocrats from India and abroad.</li>
<li>It was <strong>started from the year 2015.</strong></li>
<li>It is organized by the <strong>Ministry of Science &amp; Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences</strong> and<strong> Vijnana Bharati (Vibha).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vijnana Bharati</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Swadeshi Science Movement</strong> was started in Indian Institute of Science- Bengaluru by a few eminent scientists under the guidance of <strong>Prof. K I Vasu.</strong></li>
<li>This movement gradually gained momentum and emerged as an organization with national presence.</li>
<li>In<strong> 1991,</strong> it was decided to launch the Swadeshi Science Movement at all India Level and named it as Vijnana Bharati.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s one of the <strong>objectives</strong> is to motivate young scientists towards greater creativity and originality.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590128" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => '16th India-ASEAN Summit',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India attended the <strong>16<sup>th</sup> India-ASEAN Summit</strong> in <strong>Bangkok, Thailand</strong> on <strong>November 03, 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Along with this Summit, the other summits that took place in Thailand are-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>35<sup>th</sup> ASEAN Summit,</li>
<li>14<sup>th</sup> East Asia Summit, and</li>
<li>3<sup>rd</sup> meeting of RCEP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the summit, the discussions were held to promote <strong>India-ASEAN strategic partnership</strong> along with cooperation in the field of <strong>maritime security and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blue economy</a>, trade and investment, connectivity, science and technology, and innovation</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On the <strong>socio-cultural</strong> front, the focus was made on enhancing people-to-<strong>people connectivity, cultural exchanges, humanitarian aid, and tourism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Prime Minister also talked about the <strong>mutual coordination</strong> between India's vision of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific</strong></a> <strong>region</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a> <strong>Outlook</strong> for maintaining strategic balance in the region, which has been witnessing growing Chinese assertiveness.</li>
<li>At the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/7th-regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-rcep-ministerial-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong></a> <strong>Summit,</strong> a <strong>trade negotiation deal is yet to be finalized</strong> after considering all issues that concern Indian interests in trade in goods, services, and investments.</li>
<li>The PM addressed the Indian community at the<strong> 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event</strong> in Bangkok. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>Thai language,</strong> the word &lsquo;Sawasdee&rsquo; is used for greetings and goodbye.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the visit, the Indian PM held <strong>bilateral meetings</strong> with a number of other world leaders present at Bangkok.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Myanmar<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856708_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856708_image4.png" width="335" height="237" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Prime Minister highlighted the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>importance of Myanmar</strong></a> to <strong>India's Look East Policy</strong> and the<strong> Neighbourhood First policies.</strong></li>
<li>The emphasis was laid on building a <strong>stable and peaceful border</strong> by <strong>improving physical connectivity</strong> to and through <strong>Myanmar to Southeast Asia</strong> via. building roads, ports, and expansion of air connectivity.</li>
<li>India would continue to support the capacity expansion programme for Myanmar's police, military and civil servants, as well as its students and citizens.</li>
<li>India plans to host a business event for the <strong>CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam)</strong> in Yangon at the end of November 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Indonesia<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856735_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856735_image5.png" width="321" height="227" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Indonesia agreed to work together for<strong> peace, security, and prosperity</strong> in order to achieve their shared vision on <strong>maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two leaders discussed the <strong>threat of extremism and terrorism</strong> and agreed to work closely bilaterally and globally to tackle this menace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is working with Indonesia to strengthen the ties in the areas of <strong>defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.</strong></li>
<li>The Indian PM highlighted the need for <strong>greater market access for Indian commodities</strong> in Indonesia including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products.</li>
<li>India shares a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Partnership</strong> with Indonesia. And this year (2019), India and Indonesia commemorate the <strong>70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Thailand<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856771_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856771_image2.png" width="335" height="227" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Thailand agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as <strong>trade, culture, and defence</strong> industries sector.</li>
<li>Emphasis was laid to <strong>enhance connectivity</strong> between the two countries, including in the areas of <strong>physical and digital connectivity.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Thailand 4.0 initiative</strong> of transforming Thailand into a value-based economy is complementary to India&rsquo;s priorities<strong> Digital India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities, Jal Jeevan Mission,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>In the contemporary context, <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Act East policy</a> is complemented by Thailand&rsquo;s Look West policy</strong> which has made the relationship deep, robust and multifaceted.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590149" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'India and Uzbekistan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Defence Minister of India attended the <strong>18<sup>th</sup> meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)</a></strong> on 2<sup>nd</sup> November, 2019 in <strong>Tashkent, Uzbekistan.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572867965_uzbe-MMAP-md.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572867965_uzbe-MMAP-md.jpg" width="341" height="241" style="float: right; margin: 4px;" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
<li>The meeting was the third CHG meeting after India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SCO is a permanent <strong>intergovernmental international organisation</strong> that was created in 2001.</li>
<li>Its one of the objectives is to strengthen mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states.</li>
<li>At present, it has <strong>eight member states.</strong> Its Secretariat is located in <strong>Beijing, China.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlights from the SCO Meeting</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Common Challenges:</strong> To work together to defeat challenges like terrorism, climate change, endemic poverty, and inequality.</li>
<li><strong>Multilateralism:</strong> India is committed to a transparent, rules-based, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a> at its centre.</li>
<li><strong>Disater Management:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India invited SCO Member states to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>India will soon hold <strong>Joint Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue exercise of SCO</strong> member States along with SCO Expert level meeting on disaster prevention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security Cooperation:</strong> Emphasis on the importance of <strong>SCO joint military exercise &lsquo;CENTER 2019&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>India will host the meeting of Council of Heads of Government in 2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlights from India - Uzbekistan Discussions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The defence minister of India also held bilateral consultations with the defence minister of Uzbekistan.</li>
<li>Three memorandums of understanding (MoU) were signed to enhance cooperation in <strong>military medicine</strong> and<strong> military education.</strong></li>
<li>India affirmed its commitment to develop a state-of-the-art <strong>Information Technology (IT) complex</strong> in Armed Forces Academy of Uzbekistan for the benefit of the soldiers.</li>
<li>Both the Defence Ministers presided over the innauguration of the<strong> first <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uzbekistans-president-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India-Uzbekistan</a> Joint Exercise, &ldquo;Dustlik 2019&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This bilateral exercise will be conducted from 4<sup>th</sup>-13<sup>th</sup> November, 2019 at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent and will focus on counter-terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India - Uzbekistan Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Areas of Cooperation:</strong> Uzbekistan and India have signed Agreements and MoUs in areas such as trade, investment, education, civil aviation, tourism, science &amp; technology and agriculture.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Ties:</strong> Bilateral relations are managed through an <strong>lntergovernmental Commission,</strong> which oversees trade and economic relations.</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>close affinity between the cultures</strong> of the two countries.</li>
<li>lndian films, actors and songs are extremely popular across Uzbekistan.</li>
<li>After the first major co-production of Alibaba aur Chalis Chor in 1980, lndo-Uzbek jointly produced film 'Hoichoi Unlimited' premiered in Uzbekistan on 31<sup>st</sup> March 2019.</li>
<li>The Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for lndian Culture teaches Hindi, Yoga and Kathak and holds cultural performances across<br />Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590071" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Call of the River',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/interstate-river-water-disputes-bill-policy-making-call-of-the-river-6098671/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Call of the River&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 02/11/2019. It talks about Inter-State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill, 2019.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, Lok Sabha passed the amendment to <strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.</strong> The Bill is yet to be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. It <strong>proposes a permanent tribunal</strong> and several other measures to improve the settlement of inter-state river water disputes.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The resolution of water dispute is governed by the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to its provisions, if a State Government makes a request regarding any water dispute and the Central Government is of the opinion that the water dispute cannot be settled by negotiations, then a <strong>Water Disputes Tribunal</strong> is constituted for the adjudication of the water dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Act was <strong>amended in 2002</strong> and it mandated a one year time frame to setup the water disputes tribunal and also a 3 year time frame to give a decision.</li>
<li>It was again <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inter-state-river-water-sharing-disputes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amended in 2017.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Reasons why Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 was not successful-</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nine tribunals</strong> were set up under this act but <strong>only four gave final awards.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cauvery River Water Dispute</strong> between <strong>Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,</strong> took <strong>28 years</strong> to settle which is way too long.</li>
<li><strong>The Ravi and Beas River Waters Tribunal</strong> was set up in <strong>1986</strong> and has not given the final award yet.</li>
<li><strong>Formation of multiple tribunals</strong> led to <strong>duplication and repetition</strong> of the work and <strong>increased red-tapism.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Unnecessary politicisation</strong> of the issue led to <strong>complications</strong> and made the process <strong>time consuming.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Inter-State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> modified version</strong> of the the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017.</li>
<li>Latest bill has<strong> three new elements-</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>permanent tribunal</strong> with exclusive benches for each dispute instead of separate tribunals in the principal act.</li>
<li>A<strong> Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC)</strong> to attempt resolutions through mediated negotiations, instead of the Centre&rsquo;s mediation.</li>
<li>A<strong> provision for appointing a technical agency for a data bank</strong> to support dispute resolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Composition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Tribunal</strong> will consist of-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Chairperson</li>
<li>Vice-Chairperson</li>
<li>Three judicial members</li>
<li>Three expert members</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They will be <strong>appointed by the Central Government</strong> on the <strong>recommendation of a Selection Committee.</strong></li>
<li>The Central Government may also appoint <strong>two experts serving in the Central Water Engineering Service as assessors</strong> to advise the tribunals in its proceedings. The assessor should not be from the state which is a party to the dispute.</li>
<li><strong>The DRC</strong> will comprise of-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Chairperson</li>
<li>Experts with at least 15 years of experience in relevant sectors, to be nominated by the Central Government.</li>
<li>One member from each state who will be nominated by the concerned State Government, party to the dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central government</strong> will <strong>appoint or authorise an agency to maintain data bank</strong> and information system at the national level for each river basin.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A permanent tribunal mechanism will <strong>reduce the delays</strong> in resolving interstate river disputes. It will also<strong> save costs</strong> compared to long-running individual tribunals.</li>
<li>It provides an opportunity to <strong>build knowledge on new and evolving approaches</strong> for resolving interstate river water disputes in India. It will <strong>increase the potential for transboundary river water governance in South Asia</strong> as well.</li>
<li>The <strong>role of DRC</strong> has been elevated from a superficial techno-legal body to an agency with a <strong>proactive role.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>DRC aims for politically negotiated settlements</strong> for river water disputes which are deeply political at their core and to <strong>avoid legal adjudication.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Major Blind Spots in the Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill leaves the scope for <strong>tussle between the legislature and judiciary.</strong> It does not address resolving mechanisms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>power to create dispute solving mechanism remains with Parliament</strong> but <strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s orders and guidance create hurdles</strong> in the process.</li>
<li>The <strong>Supreme Court</strong> says that it has <strong>jurisdiction over interstate river water disputes</strong> while the legislature has the opposite views.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court in February 2018 <strong>modified the allocations of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Final award of 2007.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>last instance</strong> of creating a mechanism was <strong>under the Supreme Court&rsquo;s orders</strong> when the <strong>Centre created the Cauvery Water Management Authority (2018).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>tribunal judge selection committee comprises of the Prime Minister or a nominee as the Chairperson, the Minister of Law and Justice, the Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This composition<strong> might pose the risk of states politicising disputes</strong> as well as the <strong>adjudication by the tribunal.</strong> This creates a situation where the dispute could escalate to the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>concerns relating to the composition and functionalities.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DRC might <strong>not</strong> be adequately <strong>empowered.</strong> The <strong>Cauvery Supervisory Committee (CSC)</strong> which had a similar composition did not have much success.</li>
<li>There is <strong>ambiguity about the DRC being a part of the Permanent Tribunal.</strong></li>
<li>Ensuring <strong>neutral and meaningful participation</strong> by the involved states in the DRC process in a daunting task.</li>
<li>The <strong>vagueness</strong> in the Bill <strong>about the agency performing the function of a credible data bank</strong> is puzzling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To set up a <strong>single, permanent tribunal</strong> to adjudicate on inter-state river water disputes is a <strong>major step towards streamlining the dispute redressal mechanism.</strong></li>
<li>This alone will not be able to address the different kinds of legal, administrative, constitutional and political problems so <strong>other supportive measures are also needed.</strong></li>
<li>Centre&rsquo;s proposal to set up an agency alongside the tribunal, to collect and process data on river waters, is a step which will <strong>enable fast and easy access to data.</strong></li>
<li>To <strong>strengthen the cooperative federalism,</strong> parochial mindset making regional issues superior to national issues should not be allowed.</li>
<li><strong>Dialogues and talks must be the dispute resolving mechanisms</strong> and political opportunism must be avoided.</li>
<li>A <strong>robust and transparent institutional framework with cooperative approach</strong> is the need of the hour.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-color: #ff0000; border-style: dotted; background-color: #f7f7dc;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span><br /><br />The problem of water crisis in India is more about water mismanagement. Examine the proposed Inter-State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill, 2019 in this context.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/call-of-the-river'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Cropping Patterns and Major Crops of India: Part One',
			'catname' => 'Paper 3',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Two-thirds of India&rsquo;s population</strong> is engaged in agricultural activities. It is a primary activity, which produces food grains and raw materials for industries. India is geographically a vast country so it has various food and non-food crops which are cultivated in three main cropping seasons which are rabi, kharif and zaid.</p>
<p>Major crops can be classified into-</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Food crops-</strong> Rice, Wheat, Millets, Maize and Pulses.</li>
<li><strong>Cash crops-</strong> Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Horticulture crops, Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Cotton and Jute.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cropping Seasons</h3>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>S. No</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Cropping Season</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Time Period</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Crops</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>States</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1.</td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Rabi</td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Sown: October-December<br />Harvested: April-June</td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard etc.</td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">2.</td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Kharif</td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Sown: June-July<br />Harvested: September-October</td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean etc.</td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">3.</td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Zaid</td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Sown and harvested: March-July<br />(between Rabi and Kharif)</td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Seasonal fruits, vegetables, fodder crops etc.</td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Most of the northern and northwestern states</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Major Food Crops</h3>
<h3><em>Rice</em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572859346_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572859346_image2.jpg" width="606" height="674" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></em></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 22-32&deg;C with high humidity.</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 150-300 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Deep clayey and loamy soil.</li>
<li><strong>Top Rice Producing States: West Bengal &gt; Punjab &gt; Uttar Pradesh &gt; Andhra Pradesh &gt; Bihar.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>staple food crop of majority</strong> of Indian people.</li>
<li>India is the <strong>second largest producer of rice in the world after China.</strong></li>
<li>In states like <strong>Assam, West Bengal and Odisha,</strong> three crops of paddy are grown in a year. These are <strong>Aus, Aman and Boro.</strong></li>
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission, Hybrid Rice Seed Production and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana</strong> are few government initiatives to support rice cultivation.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Wheat</em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572700255_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572700255_image4.jpg" width="606" height="674" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 10-15&deg;C (Sowing time) and 21-26&deg;C (Ripening &amp; Harvesting) with bright sunlight.</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 75-100 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy (Ganga-Satluj plains and black soil region of the Deccan)</li>
<li><strong>Top Wheat Producing States: Uttar Pradesh &gt; Punjab &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Haryana &gt; Rajasthan.</strong></li>
<li>India is the <strong>second largest producer</strong> after China.</li>
<li>This is the <strong>second most important cereal crop and the main food crop, in north and north-western</strong> India.</li>
<li>Success of <strong>Green Revolution</strong> contributed to the growth of Rabi crops especially wheat.</li>
<li><strong>Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana</strong> are few government initiatives to support wheat cultivation.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Millets (Nutri-Cereals)</em></h3>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699621_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699621_image5.jpg" width="652" height="674" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 27-32&deg;C</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 50-100 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Can be grown in inferior alluvial or loamy soil because they are less sensitive to soil deficiencies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Jowar-</strong> Rain-fed crop grown in the moist areas with less or no irrigation.</li>
<li><strong>Bajra-</strong> Sandy soils and shallow black soil.</li>
<li><strong>Ragi-</strong> Red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soils. (dry regions)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Millets Producing States: Rajasthan &gt; Karnataka &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Uttar Pradesh</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Jowar:</strong> Maharashtra &gt; Karnataka &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Tamil Nadu &gt; Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>Bajra:</strong> Rajasthan &gt; Uttar Pradesh &gt; Gujarat &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Haryana.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These are also known as <strong>coarse grains,</strong> which have <strong>high nutritional value. Ragi</strong> is very <strong>rich in iron, calcium, other micro nutrients</strong> and <strong>roughage.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Jowar</strong> is the <strong>third most important food crop with respect to area and production.</strong></li>
<li><strong>National Agricultural Insurance Scheme, Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion</strong> are examples of government&rsquo;s efforts to support millet production.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Maize</em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699562_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699562_image3.jpg" width="607" height="674" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 21-27&deg;C</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> High rainfall.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Old alluvial soil.</li>
<li><strong>Top Maize Producing States: Karnataka &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Tamil Nadu &gt; Telangana</strong></li>
<li>India is the <strong>seventh largest producer</strong> worldwide.</li>
<li>It is used both as <strong>food and fodder.</strong></li>
<li>Use of modern inputs such as <strong>High-Yielding Variety seeds, fertilisers and irrigation</strong> have contributed to the <strong>increasing production</strong> of maize.</li>
<li><strong>Technology Mission on Maize</strong> is one of the government&rsquo;s initiatives for mazie.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Pulses</em><strong></strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699518_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699518_image1.jpg" width="608" height="674" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 20-27&deg;C</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 25-60 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Sandy-loamy soil.</li>
<li><strong>Top Pulses Producing States: Madhya Pradesh &gt; Rajasthan &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Uttar Pradesh &gt; Karnataka.</strong></li>
<li>India is the <strong>largest producer</strong> as well as the<strong> consumer</strong> of pulses in the world.</li>
<li>These are the <strong>major source of protein</strong> in a vegetarian diet.</li>
<li>Major pulses grown in India are<strong> tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and gram.</strong></li>
<li>Being <strong>leguminous crops,</strong> all these crops except arhar help in restoring soil fertility by <strong>fixing nitrogen from the air.</strong> Therefore, these are mostly grown in rotation with other crops.</li>
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission for Pulses, Pulses Development Scheme and Technological Mission on Pulses</strong> are few of the government&rsquo;s plans to support pulses production.</li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>NOTE:</strong> Cash Crops will be covered in the Cropping Patterns and Major Crops of India: Part Two.</em></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Health Emergency in New Delhi',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572696158_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572696158_image1.png" width="355" height="233" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority- EPCA declared a public health emergency in New Delhi as pollution levels entered the <strong>&lsquo;severe plus&rsquo; category.</strong></li>
<li>An <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air Quality Index (AQI)</strong></a> above 500 falls in &lsquo;severe plus&rsquo; category. According to the <strong>Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),</strong> the overall AQI score of New Delhi crossed 500 mark.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Deterioration in air quality is due to a combination of several factors:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Local pollution</strong> produced by vehicular and industrial pollution. It got further spiked by bursting of crackers on Deepavali.</li>
<li><strong>Stubble burning in states of Punjab and Haryana:</strong> CPCB held that stubble burning contribution to pollution has gone up to 45%, resulting in the high particulate matter concentration.</li>
<li><strong>Extremely adverse weather conditions:</strong> Northwesterly winds brought high quantities of smoke from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi-NCR.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Symptoms associated with this pollution are irritation in the eyes and throat, dry skin, skin allergies, chronic cough and breathlessness.</li>
<li>Government has taken a series of incremental steps as the quality of the air deteriorates. For Example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Odd-even scheme:</strong> Under the scheme, vehicles with odd last digit in the registration number will ply on odd days and those with even last digit on even days</li>
<li>Imposition of <strong>Environment Compensation Charge (ECC)</strong> at toll plazas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Compensation Charge</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Environment Compensation Charge (ECC)</strong> is a Supreme Court directed <strong>green tax.</strong></li>
<li>Green Taxes are one of a variety of policy measures formulated by the government<strong> to control activities that affect the environment.</strong></li>
<li>It is a type of<strong> &lsquo;cess&rsquo;</strong> which has <strong>no legislative backup</strong> that usually accompanies the imposition of tax on public activities.</li>
<li>A cess is usually <strong>imposed additionally</strong> when the state or the central government looks <strong>to raise funds for specific purposes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Distribution of N95 mask:</strong> A disposable <strong>N95 mask</strong> is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth and helps protect the wearer from breathing in hazardous pollutants like PM 2.5.</li>
<li>Under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grap-to-be-enforced-in-delhi-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)</strong></a> schools are shut down till the air quality remains severe<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GRAP is an emergency action plan in Delhi to tackle rising air pollution.</li>
<li>It was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forests &amp; Climate Change (MoEFCC) after the order of Supreme Court of December 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EPCA was constituted under <strong>section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986</strong> for the National Capital Region in compliance with the <strong>Supreme Court order dated January 1998.</strong></li>
<li>It has the power<strong> suo-moto,</strong> or on the <strong>basis of complaints</strong> made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment.</li>
<li>It takes all necessary steps to for controlling vehicular pollution, ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards, monitoring and coordinating action for traffic planning and management.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</li>
<li>It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1974.</li>
<li>The CPCB is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/health-emergency-declared-in-the-capital/article29858680.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/health-emergency-in-new-delhi'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Entry Law for Visitors in Meghalaya',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the Meghalaya Cabinet has approved amendments to the <strong>Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016.</strong></li>
<li>The ordinance makes <strong>registration on entry mandatory for visitors</strong> who intend to <strong>spend more than 24 hours in the state of Meghalaya.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will require <strong>non-resident visitors to register themselves</strong> on the lines of the <strong>Inner Line Permit (ILP) system of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The amendment comes in the backdrop of demands by civil society and political leaders, that people excluded from the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam</strong></a> might try to enter Meghalaya.</li>
<li>In the <strong>original Act</strong> the focus was on <strong>registration and documentation of tenants</strong> but the <strong>amendments will extend similar rules to all non-state residents</strong> visiting or living in the state.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The act aims to ensure the <strong>security of the tenants</strong> as well as the <strong>safety and security of the citizens of the state.</strong></li>
<li>It provides for <strong>verification and regulation the tenants residing in rented houses</strong> in the state.</li>
<li>It also establishes <strong>District Task Force and Facilitation Centres</strong> for effective enforcement of various laws for the safety and security of the citizens.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Inner Line Permit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Inner Line Permit is an <strong>official travel document issued</strong> by the <strong>Government of India</strong> to allow inward <strong>travel of an Indian citizen</strong> into a protected/restricted area for a limited period.</li>
<li>It is a special permit required by <strong>&ldquo;outsiders&rdquo;</strong> from other regions of the country to enter the <strong>three states (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram).</strong></li>
<li>It is based on the <strong>Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This act was enacted during the British era to protect the British interests from the hill tribals who used to invade the British subjects</li>
<li>An imaginary line known as the inner-line was created to divide between the two communities so that neither party could go beyond the line without a permit from the appropriate authorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/meghalaya/meghalaya-to-bring-entry-law-for-visitors-6098729/" 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/entry-law-for-visitors-in-meghalaya'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'India - Germany',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited India</strong> from 31<sup>st</sup> October - 1<sup>st</sup> November 2019 for the <strong>fifth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) are held at the level of <strong>Head of Governments</strong> which allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and identification of fresh areas of engagement.</li>
<li>India is amongst a select group of countries with which Germany has such a dialogue mechanism.</li>
<li>It is a unique mechanism which has helped deepen the bilateral relations between India and Germany in several fields such as new and advanced technology, smart cities, inland waterways, environmental protection etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pacts signed</strong> in fields such as space, civil aviation, maritime technology, medicine, education, agriculture and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Defence</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has invited Germany to take advantage of opportunities in defence sector in the upcoming defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>The countries agreed to work on bilateral and multilateral platforms to counter terrorism and extremism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stand on International Issues</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To continue cooperation to expedite reforms in the United Nations <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(UN) Security Council.</strong></a></li>
<li>Stressed on restoring full functioning of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a> dispute settlement system and reforming the organisation without undermining its fundamental principles such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/developing-country-status-in-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Special &amp; Differential Treatment</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to provide financial support to climate initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</li>
<li>Germany expressed its readiness to provide 1.1 billion dollar to India for green urban mobility.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Sector</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To deepen efforts to restart negotiations between the European Union (EU) and India on the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Science and Technology</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To conduct joint research on the development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).</li>
<li>To identify best possible approaches on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cyber security.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India - Germany Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572690591_drishti_ias_Germany.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572690591_drishti_ias_Germany.png" width="215" height="152" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a>India and Germany have a<strong> 'Strategic Partnership'</strong> since 2001.</li>
<li>Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe.</li>
<li>India and Germany are members of G-4 along with Brazil and Japan. The G4 nations support each other&rsquo;s bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.</li>
<li>Both countries are also members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fatf-s-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force (FATF).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-germany-to-intensify-cooperation-in-combating-terror-modi/article29850719.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/india-germany'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Riyadh Summit',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/substance-across-the-arabian-sea/article29845919.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Substance across the Arabian Sea&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 1/11/2019. It talks about the significance of od India-Saudi Arabia relations.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Saudi Arabia to attend the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Riyadh Summit</strong></a>, which is the third summit in many years.</p>
<p>Southwest Asian sub-region has been under volatile circumstances, ranging from India-Pakistan tensions to <strong>crises</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-in-yemen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yemen</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-syria-crisis-us-backs-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Syria</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indias-role-in-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Afghanistan</strong></a>. This geopolitical flux can get aggravated due to<strong> rising prices in the oil market.</strong></p>
<p>In spite of this, Riyadh Summit demonstrates maturity and strategic construct in India-Saudi Arabia ties.</p>
<h3>Significance of Riyadh Summit</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mutual understanding on core issues:</strong> India and Saudi Arabia acknowledged each other&rsquo;s <strong>core interests.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Saudi Arabia expressed an understanding of recent <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian actions in Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></a></li>
<li>On the other hand, India strongly condemned the various attacks on Saudi civilian facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For India, the Riyadh Summit acquired added importance as it coincidentally preceded<strong> two domestic developments in India,</strong> having implication vis-&agrave;-vis the countries of West Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uts-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conversion of the Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Supreme Court hearing on the Ayodhya dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence cooperation:</strong> Bilateral defence, security and anti-terror cooperation has intensified and the first naval exercise is to be held soon.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Partnership Council:</strong> Setting up of a bilateral <strong>Strategic Partnership Council (SPC)</strong> is a defining development.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SPC will be co-chaired by the Indian Prime Minister and the Saudi Crown Prince.</li>
<li>The SPC would be a permanent bilateral platform, which will also include officials from Foreign, Trade and Industry Ministries, of both countries.</li>
<li>Given the centralised nature of executive at both ends, SPC can expedite the decision-making process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India as an investment destination:</strong> At the <strong>Future Investment Initiative (FII)</strong> forum in Riyadh, Prime Minister of India listed <strong>five areas of investment in India i.e.</strong> technology and innovation, infrastructure development, human resource development, environment and business-friendly governance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through FII India has invited Saudi Arabia's companies to invest in India's energy sector as India has set a <strong>target of $100 billion investment in the sector by 2024.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>12 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)</strong> on issues related to defence industries, security, air services, renewable energy, medicine products regulation, prevention of narcotics trafficking, and the use of RuPay cards in Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of India-Saudi Arabia Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geostrategic importance:</strong> Saudi Arabia is an important pillar in <strong>India's &lsquo;Look West&rsquo; policy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through Look West policy, India strives to have good and growing relations with all major nearby regional powers &mdash; Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Egypt and Israel.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia has identified India as one of the <strong>eight strategic partners</strong> with whom it intends to deepen partnership in areas of political engagement, security, trade and investment, and culture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security cooperation:</strong> During Indian PM's 2016 visit, an MoU on cooperation in the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed.</li>
<li><strong>Energy security:</strong> Saudi Arabia is <strong>crucial for India&rsquo;s energy security,</strong> being a source of 17% or more of crude oil and 32% of LPG requirements of India.</li>
<li><strong>Trade ties:</strong> Bilateral trade between the two countries was the US $27.48 billion during 2017-18, making <strong>Saudi Arabia India&rsquo;s 4<sup>th</sup> largest trading partner.</strong></li>
<li><strong>People to people relations:</strong> Though the <strong>Indian community in Saudi Arabia</strong> has come down marginally to 2.6 million, they, nevertheless, are still the largest foreign community and their annual homeward remittances remain steady at $11 billion.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier in 2019, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had committed to investing $100 billion in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, Saudi Arabia's investment in India, too, remains far below potential (only $229 million, or 0.05% of the total inbound FDI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The trade balance between India and Saudi Arabia is highly in favour of Saudi Arabia, and India's exports are mainly restricted to the agricultural sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Among the potential areas for the next stage of bilateral cooperation could be greater bilateral synergy in Indian infrastructure, agriculture, start-ups, skilling and IT.</li>
<li>Shifting some labour-intensive establishments from Saudi Arabia to India would serve the respective national priorities by reducing Saudi Arabia's expatriate population and boosting &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia has acquired a major stake in $44 billion refinery project in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Saudi Arabia's company Aramco has acquired a 20% share in the Reliance refinery at Jamnagar and it also participates in building India&rsquo;s Strategic Petroleum Reserves.</li>
<li>Therefore, India can <strong>streamline the regulatory process</strong> to expedite investment from Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The World Bank&rsquo;s recently published<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Ease of Doing Business&rdquo;</strong> </a>rankings included both India and Saudi Arabia in its ten &ldquo;most improved economies&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Saudi Arabia ranked 63<sup>rd</sup> and 62<sup>nd</sup> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>A joint collaborative effort of both economies will transform the Southwest Asia sub-region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 502px; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f3ffe0;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span><br /><br />Analyse India-Saudi Arabia relations amidst geopolitical flux in Southwest Asia.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/riyadh-summit'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'EIU’s Financial Inclusion Report ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>According to the <strong>Economist Intelligence Unit&rsquo;s 2019 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion report, India (ranked at 5<sup>th</sup> position)</strong> is among the top nations with the most conducive environment for financial inclusion.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Global Microscope assesses the enabling environment for financial inclusion across<strong> 5 categories and 55 countries.</strong></li>
<li>It covers five domains:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government and Policy Support</li>
<li>Stability and Integrity</li>
<li>Products and Outlets</li>
<li>Consumer Protection</li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The 2019 edition featured <strong>11 new gender-focused indicators</strong> that measured financial inclusion for both women and men.</li>
<li><strong>EIU is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group,</strong> the sister company to The Economist newspaper. It has its office in London, UK.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>overall environment for financial inclusion has improved</strong> globally with India, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico having the most favourable conditions for inclusive finance.</li>
<li>However, <strong>only one-third of countries include a gender approach in their financial inclusion strategies,</strong> and even fewer have set clear, gender-related goals.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572603169_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572603169_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="590" height="353" /></a></p>
<h3>Financial Inclusion and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prepared a draft <strong>National Strategy for Financial Inclusion</strong> to deepen financial services&rsquo; coverage in the country. The strategy is expected to be finalised in 2019 and will cover a five-year period.</li>
<li>The RBI has set up a <strong>high-level committee to review the existing status of digitisation</strong> and devise a medium-term strategy for increasing digital payments.</li>
<li>In August 2019, the RBI released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/norms-for-regulatory-sandbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Enabling Framework for Regulatory Sandbox (RS),</strong></a> which created the basis for a regulatory sandbox that allows fintech start-ups to live-test innovative products and services.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-among-top-nations-with-most-conducive-environment-for-financial-inclusion-report/article29839466.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HBL</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eiu-s-financial-inclusion-report'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Core Sector Output Falls by 5.2%',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The output of eight <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/core-sector-growth-slows-to-2-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Core Infrastructure Industries</strong></a> has <strong>contracted by 5.2%</strong> in<strong> September (2019),</strong> indicating the <strong>severity of the economic slowdown.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572601555_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572601555_image5.jpg" width="749" height="449" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Except for fertilizers (output improved by 5.4% in September), the other seven infrastructure industries experienced a contraction. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>coal sector</strong> is the <strong>worst performer</strong> on account of an extended monsoon, a surge in renewable energy supply and labour issues at state-run Coal India Ltd.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The eight Core Industries in decreasing order of their weightage: <strong>Refinery Products&gt; Electricity&gt; Steel&gt; Coal&gt; Crude Oil&gt; Natural Gas&gt; Cement&gt; Fertilizers.</strong></li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #bfffed; text-align: center;"><strong>Industry</strong></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #bfffed; text-align: center;"><strong>Weight (In percentage)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Petroleum &amp; Refinery production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">28.04</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Electricity generation</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">19.85</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Steel production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">17.92</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Coal production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">10.33</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Crude Oil production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">8.98</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Natural Gas production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">6.88</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Cement production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">5.37</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Fertilizers production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">2.63</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/core-sector-output-falls-52-in-september/article29846332.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/core-sector-output-falls-by-5-2-'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Mercy Petition',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Tihar Jail administration had asked the convicts in the <strong>Nirbhaya case, 2012</strong>&nbsp;to apply for mercy petition before the President within seven days. The order has come after all other legal options have been exhausted by the convicts.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Even if one of the convicts applies for the mercy plea, it becomes applicable to all.</li>
<li>For seeking <strong>mercy petition,</strong> the death sentence by a sessions (trial) court must be confirmed by the High Court.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The death sentence convict has an option to appeal to the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court either refuses to hear the appeal or upholds the death sentence, then the convict or his relative can submit a mercy petition to the <strong>President of India (Articles 72) or the Governor of the State (161).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Session Court: </strong>District court is referred to as sessions court when it exercises its jurisdiction on criminal matters under the Code of Criminal procedure (CrPc).</p>
</div>
<h3>Grounds of Appeal</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In his/her mercy petition, the person concerned is <strong>required to state the grounds</strong> upon which he/she requests for the grant of pardon.</li>
<li>These grounds may not have any value in the eyes of law for exonerating the accused person from the offence, but they may play an important role in the release of the person by the President. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The grounds, such as the convicted person is the only <strong>bread earner </strong>of the<strong> family or the physical fitness of the convict, his age</strong> or<strong> even the law was quite harsh or the court by chance committed any mistake or error</strong> inadvertently, may be taken into consideration at the time of disposal of the mercy petition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Supreme Court in <strong>Kehar Singh v Union of India, 1988</strong> case reiterated its stand and held that the grant of pardon by the President is an act of grace and, therefore, cannot be claimed as a matter of right.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Need for the Pardoning Power</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>philosophy</strong> underlying the pardon power is that &ldquo;every civilized country recognizes and provides for the pardoning power as an act of grace and humanity in course of law&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The pardoning power is founded on the consideration of<strong> public good</strong> and is to be exercised on the grounds of <strong>public welfare,</strong> which is the legitimate objective of all punishments.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Constitutional Provision</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 72</strong> provides the pardoning power to the President of India, it says:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President shall have the power to <strong>grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute</strong> the sentence of any person convicted of any offence-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court-martial;</li>
<li>in all cases where the punishment or sentence for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends;</li>
<li>in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 161</strong> provides that the Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the <strong>executive power of the State extends.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v State of West Bengal, 1994&nbsp;</strong>case the Supreme Court has said that &ldquo;The power under Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution can be exercised by the Central and State Governments, not by the President or Governor on their own&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The advice of the appropriate Government binds the Head of the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pardon:</strong> The president can totally absolve/acquit the person for the offence and let him go free like a normal citizen.</p>
<p><strong>Commute:</strong> To reduce the type of punishment into a less harsh one. For example Rigorous imprisonment to simple imprisonment.</p>
<p><strong>Remission:</strong> To reduce the punishment without changing the nature of the punishment. For example 20 years rigorous imprisonment to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.</p>
<p><strong>Reprieve:</strong> A delay is allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence for a guilty person to prove his innocence.</p>
<p><strong>Respite:</strong> Reduce the degree of punishment looking at specific grounds like pregnancy, old age etc.</p>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> A Court-martial is a trial in a military court of a member of the armed forces who are charged with breaking military law.</p>
</div>
<h3>Difference between the pardoning power of President and Governor</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Death sentence:</strong> President can pardon the death sentence but the Governor has no power to pardon the death sentence.</li>
<li><strong>Court-martial:</strong> The President can pardon in case of Court-martial. But the Governor cannot pardon in the court-martial.</li>
<li><strong>Jurisdiction:</strong> President exercises his judicial powers for the punishment which is given under the law made by the Union. Whereas the Governor exercises his judicial powers for the punishment which is given under the law made by the State.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Procedure Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A convict under the sentence of death is allowed to file a mercy petition within a period of seven days after the date on which the Superintendent of Jail informs him about the dismissal of the appeal or special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>The petitions are to be presented to the President of India. The President office seeks the cabinet advice. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The appeal is examined by the <strong>Ministry of Home Affairs</strong> and the Ministry before giving recommendations to the President, takes the view of State concerned.</li>
<li>There is no written procedure to deal with mercy petition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial review:</strong> President&rsquo;s pardon/rejection/delay is also subjected to judicial review.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, if a court finds that the process of the decision taken by the President under Article 72 was not arbitrary or unreasonable, the decision then cannot be interfered with.</li>
<li>A <strong>curative petition</strong> is the last judicial corrective measure which can be pleaded in any judgment or decision passed by the Supreme Court which is normally decided by Judges in-chamber.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Curative petition:</strong> The concept of the curative petition was first evolved by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of <strong>Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra and Anr. (2002)</strong> where the question was whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against the final judgement/order of the Supreme Court, after the dismissal of a review petition.</p>
<p><strong>Article 137:</strong> It provides that in the matter of <strong>laws and rules made under Article 145,</strong> the Supreme Court has the power to review any judgement pronounced (or order made) by it. Such a petition needs to be filed within 30 days from the date of judgement or order.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nirbhaya-case-convicts-given-deadline-for-mercy-plea/article29847335.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/mercy-petition'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Gottiprolu- An Early Trade Centre of Andhra Pradesh',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Excavation by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rangdum-monastery" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Archaeological Survey of India</strong></a> at <strong>Gottiprolu</strong> near <strong>Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sriramulu) district, Andhra Pradesh</strong> has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2000-years-old-trade-centre-unearthed-in-andhra-pradesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>discovered the remains of a huge settlement.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The site lies on the <strong>right bank of a distributary of river Swarnamukhi.</strong></li>
<li>The proximity of the site (at southern coastal location) to the <strong>seacoast</strong> suggests that the site could have served as a strategic settlement involved in <strong>maritime trade.</strong></li>
<li>Detailed topographical studies have identified an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Discovered Items</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sculpture-</strong> Life-size buried <strong>Vishnu sculpture</strong> with following specifications:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597484_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597484_image2.png" width="183" height="262" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Four-armed</strong> Vishnu standing over a pedestal,</li>
<li>Carrying <strong>chakra and conch</strong> in his upper right and left hands respectively.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The lower right is in <strong>bestowing boon</strong> position and the left hand in <strong>&lsquo;Katihastha&rsquo;</strong> (resting on the hip) posture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Features like the elaborate headgear, thick holy thread, and decorative drapery dates it back to the <strong>Pallava period</strong> (c. 8<sup>th</sup> cent. AD).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pottery- conical jars</strong> that are considered to be imitated variety of <strong>Roman Amphorae jars</strong> (ancient Greek or Roman jar/ jug used to <strong>transport liquid commodities</strong>).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These settlements could have been an <strong>important trade centre</strong> due to the presence of imitated amphorae wares.</li>
<li>The conical jars of broken terracotta pipes found fitted into one another revealed about the <strong>civic amenities</strong> and <strong>drainage system pattern</strong> maintained by the occupants at the site.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597517_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597517_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="175" height="139" caption="false" /></a></li>
<li>The ceramic assemblage of the site consisted of fine quality <strong>black and redwares</strong> collected from the conical jars, russet coated ware, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Brick-built structures</strong> in different sizes and forms like elliptical, circular, rectangular, and curvilinear pattern.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The size of bricks can be compared to those found in the <strong>Satavahana/Ikshvaku period</strong> structures in the <strong>Krishna valley viz. Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.</strong></li>
<li>This dates back the site to the 2<sup>nd</sup> century to 1<sup>st</sup> century BC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Molded female terracotta figurine-</strong> with two hands lifted upwards.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597542_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597542_image3.png" width="141" height="212" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></li>
<li><strong>Varied stone tools</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/andhra-pradeshs-second-largest-petroglyph-site" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods</strong></a> were also found which suggest that prehistoric people also occupied this area.</li>
<li>Other major retrieved antiquities unearthed are <strong>copper and lead coins, iron spearhead, stone celts, terracotta beads,</strong> ear stud in semi-precious stone and hopscotches.</li>
<li><strong>Important Remnants of the Site:</strong> fortified early historic settlement at Puduru, Sunbrahmanya temple at Mallam, unique rock-cut laterite stepped well at Yakasiri, Vishnu temple at Tirumuru.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=194137" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gottiprolu-an-early-trade-centre-of-andhra-pradesh'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'African Swine Fever',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p><strong>China</strong> is witnessing <strong>rise in pork prices</strong> because of the rampant <strong>spread of African Swine Fever</strong> (ASF). The country is the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest pork</strong> (meat from a pig)<strong> producer</strong>.</p>
<h3>About ASF</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ASF is a highly <strong>contagious</strong> and fatal animal disease that infects <strong>domestic and wild pigs.</strong> It leads to an acute form of hemorrhagic fever. It was <strong>first detected in Africa</strong> in the 1920s.</li>
<li>The mortality is close to 100%, and since the fever has <strong>no cure,</strong> the <strong>only way</strong> to stop its spread is by <strong>culling the animals.</strong></li>
<li>ASF is <strong>not a threat to human beings</strong> since it only spreads from animals to other animals.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Historically, outbreaks have been reported in Africa and parts of Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.</li>
<li>However, <strong>more recently</strong> (since 2007), the disease has been reported in multiple countries across Africa, Asia and Europe, in both domestic and wild pigs.</li>
<li>ASF is a disease <strong>listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code</strong> and thus, reported to the OIE.</li>
</ul>
<h3>World Organisation for Animal Health</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OIE is an <strong>intergovernmental organisation</strong> responsible for improving animal health worldwide.</li>
<li>In 2018, it had a total of <strong>182 Member Countries. India </strong>is<strong> one of the member countries.</strong></li>
<li>OIE <strong>develops normative documents</strong> relating to rules that Member Countries can use to protect themselves from the introduction of diseases and pathogens. One of them is the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.</li>
<li>OIE standards are <strong>recognised by the</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization</strong></a> as reference international sanitary rules.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in <strong>Paris, France.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597020_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597020_image4.jpg" width="663" height="420" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-rising-pork-prices-threaten-chinas-growth-momentum-6093324/" 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/african-swine-fever'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</strong></a> has included <strong>Mumbai and Hyderabad</strong> in its network of <strong>'Creative Cities'</strong> among the 66 cities selected on the occasion of <strong>World Cities Day 2019 (31<sup>st</sup> October).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the addition of 66 new cities,&nbsp;the UNESCO Creative Cities Network counts a total of 246 cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mumbai</strong> has been designated as <strong>Creative City of Films</strong> and <strong>Hyderabad</strong> as a <strong>Creative City of Gastronomy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, Indian cities like <strong>Chennai and Varanasi have been included in UNESCO Cities of Music</strong> while <strong>Jaipur has been included in the City of Crafts and Folk Arts.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>By joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), the cities pledge<strong> to share</strong> best practices and <strong>develop partnerships</strong> involving public and private sectors as well as civil society <strong>to strengthen the creation, production, and distribution</strong> of cultural activities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was created in <strong>2004.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Currently (2019), 246 cities make up this network</strong> which aims towards a common objective of placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.</li>
<li>The UNESCO Creative Cities aims to achieve <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a> through innovative thinking and action.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, cities are championing sustainable development actions that directly benefit communities at the urban level.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Development Goal 11</strong> aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The network covers <strong>seven creative fields:</strong> crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Cities Day 2019</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong> has designated the <strong>31<sup>st</sup> of October</strong> as World Cities Day.</li>
<li>The <strong>theme</strong> for World Cities Day,2019 is, <strong>&ldquo;Changing the world: innovations and a better life for future generations&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mumbai-hyderabad-join-unesco-network-of-creative-cities-119103101477_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/unesco-s-network-of-creative-cities'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Aspirational Districts’ Programme',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-new-kind-of-government-niti-aayog-aspirational-districts-programme-6095138/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;A NEW KIND OF GOVERNMENT&rdquo;</a> that was published in The Indian Express on 31/10/2019. It talks about significance and issues related to Aspirational Districts&rsquo; Programme.</p>
</div>
<p>India is amongst the leading economies of the world and envisages to become $5 trillion by 2024-25. However, presently the quality of life of many of its citizens is not consistent with this growth story, this is reflected in <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/human-development-index-by-undp-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNDP&rsquo;s 2018 Human Development Index</a> wherein India is ranked 130.</p>
<p>Living standards in India are affected by significant inter-state and inter-district variations. In order to remove this heterogeneity, the government has launched in January 2018, the &lsquo;Transformation of Aspirational Districts&rsquo; programme (ADP).</p>
<h3>Aspirational Districts&rsquo; Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aspirational Districts are those districts in India, that are affected by poor socio-economic indicators.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">These are aspirational in the context, that improvement in these districts can lead to the overall improvement in human development in India.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 115 districts were identified from 28 states, at least one from each state.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the Government of India level, the programme is anchored by NITI Aayog. In addition, individual Ministries have assumed responsibility to drive the progress of districts.</span></li>
<li>The objective of the program is to monitor the real-time progress of aspirational districts.</li>
<li>ADP is based on 49 indicators from the 5 identified thematic areas, which focuses closely on improving people&rsquo;s <strong>Health &amp; Nutrition, Education, Agriculture &amp; Water Resources, Financial Inclusion &amp; Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure</strong>.</li>
<li>With States as the main drivers, ADP seeks to focus on the strength of each district, identify low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress, and <strong>rank districts</strong>.</li>
<li>The broad contours of the programme are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Convergence</strong> (of Central &amp; State Schemes) which brings together the horizontal and vertical tiers of the government.</li>
<li><strong>Collaboration</strong> (of Central, State level &lsquo;Prabhari&rsquo; Officers &amp; District Collectors) which enables impactful partnerships between government, market and civil society.</li>
<li><strong>Competition</strong> among districts driven by a spirit of the mass movement, it fosters accountability on district governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) is one of the largest experiments on <strong>outcomes-focused governance</strong> in the world.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact of ADP</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Decentralization of Development:</strong> ADP focuses on outcomes, that enables local experimentation based on a firm appreciation of ground realities.</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive approach:</strong> The delta ranking of the Aspirational Districts combines the innovative use of data with pragmatic administration, keeping the district at the locus of inclusive development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through ADP government seeks to uplift those districts which have shown relatively lesser progress in achieving key social outcomes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Implementation:</strong> Spurred by competition based on outcomes, local governments target their efforts and improve programme implementation and design.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Example, Health outcomes in ADP saw an increase in registering pregnant women into the health system, institutional delivery of babies and anti-diarrheal treatment, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Associated with ADP</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ADP is affected by the issue pertaining to <strong>insufficient budgetary resources</strong>.</li>
<li>ADP is implemented by <strong>multiple ministries which leads to a lack of coordination</strong>.</li>
<li>Data High-quality administrative data is critical to improving programme implementation and design at the local level.</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delta-ranking-of-the-aspirational-districts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta ranking</a></strong> <strong>itself is largely focused on assessing quantity</strong> (that is, coverage of access) rather than quality.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On-time delivery of textbooks in schools are part of the ranking index, However, textbook delivery may or may not be a problem in districts.</li>
<li>Also, the quality of education in India is in a dismal condition, as highlighted by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the ASER report.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>more simplified ranking index</strong> is needed with few but carefully chosen output and outcome measures which can more clearly signal national development targets.</li>
<li><strong>Financial autonomy</strong> to local governments should be provided.</li>
<li><strong>Independent surveys</strong> can be used to validate administrative data, this will help improve data quality.</li>
<li>Building each <strong>district&rsquo;s internal capacity</strong> to produce reliable and actionable data, and promoting a culture of data use, can be made a priority for the ADP.</li>
</ul>
<p>Initial evidence suggests that the ADP has already contributed towards improving the lakhs of lives. Therefore, it is critical to carefully document and learn from the ADP&rsquo;s experiences.&nbsp;</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #fffed9; border-color: #033399;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question:</strong></em><br /><br />Aspirational Districts&rsquo; Programme seeks to remove heterogeneity in social-economic indicators reflected in prevalent inequality in districts of India. Discuss.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'National Symposium on Lymphatic Filariasis',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>A day long National Symposium on the theme <strong>&lsquo;United to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis&rsquo;</strong> was inaugurated by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Minister also signed the<strong> &lsquo;Call to Action to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2021&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Lymphatic Filariasis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as <strong>elephantiasis</strong> and is considered as <strong>a neglected tropical disease.</strong></li>
<li>It impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma.</li>
<li>Lymphatic filariasis is a <strong>vector-borne disease,</strong> caused by infection with <strong>parasites</strong> classified as <strong>nematodes (roundworms)</strong> of the family <strong>Filariodidea.</strong> There are 3 types of thread-like filarial worms which causes lymphatic filariasis:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em><strong>Wuchereria Bancrofti</strong></em> is responsible for 90% of the cases.</li>
<li><em><strong>Brugia Malayi</strong> </em>causes most of the remainder of the cases.</li>
<li><em><strong>Brugia Timori</strong></em> also causes the disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Initiative</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government launched the<strong> Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) in 2018,</strong> as part of intensifying efforts towards its elimination.</li>
<li>It has adopted a twin pillar strategy - <strong>prevention through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using a combination of 2 anti-filarial drugs (DEC and Albendazole)</strong> and providing <strong>Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP)</strong> services to those affected by the disease.</li>
<li>The government is ready to scale-up the use of <strong>Triple Drug Therapy</strong> (IDA) in a phased manner starting from December 2019.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> launched its Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) in 2000. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2012, the WHO neglected tropical diseases roadmap reconfirmed the target date for achieving elimination by 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The GPELF aims to provide access to a minimum package of care for every person with associated chronic manifestations of lymphatic filariasis in all areas where the disease is present, thus alleviating suffering and promoting improvement in their quality of life.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1589596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-symposium-on-lymphatic-filariasis'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'National Health Profile 2019',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The 14<sup>th</sup> edition of National Health Profile and its e-book (digital version) has been released by the <strong>Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CBHI has been publishing the National Health Profile since <strong>2005</strong> and its digital version since 2015.</li>
<li>The objective of this publication is to create a <strong>versatile database of health information of India</strong> and making it available to all stakeholders in the healthcare sector.</li>
<li>The purpose is to provide relevant information for planning and decision making on an informed basis to the planners, policy makers, health administrators, research workers and others engaged in raising the health and socio-economic status of the community.</li>
<li>The NHP highlights substantial health information under major indicators viz.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Demographic indicators:</strong> population and vital statistics.</li>
<li><strong>Socio-economic indicators:</strong> education, employment, housing and amenities, drinking water and sanitation.</li>
<li><strong>Health status indicators:</strong> incidence and prevalence of common communicable and non-communicable diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Health finance indicators:</strong> health insurance and expenditure on health.</li>
<li><strong>Health of human resources:</strong> availability of manpower working in the health sector.</li>
<li><strong>Health infrastructure:</strong> details of Medical and Dental Colleges, AYUSH Institutes, Nursing Courses and Paramedical Courses</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Life Expectancy:</strong> Life expectancy in India has <strong>increased from 49.7 years in 1970-75 </strong>to<strong> 68.7 years in 2012-16.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From 2012-16, the life expectancy for females was 70.2 years and 67.4 years for males.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):</strong> The IMR has <strong>declined considerably (33 per 1,000 live births in 2016),</strong> however differentials of rural (37) &amp; urban (23) are still high.</li>
<li><strong>Population Growth Rate:</strong> There has been a <strong>consistent decline in the birth rate, death rate and natural growth rate</strong> in India since 1991 to 2017. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of 2017, India has<strong> registered birth rate of 20.2 per 1,000 population</strong> and death rate of 6.3 per 1,000 population while the natural growth rate was 13.9 per 1,000 population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Demographics:</strong> It found the high incidence of the young and economically active population. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It reports that 27% of population below 14 years, 64.7% in the age group of 15-59 and 8.5% above 60 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Total Fertility Rate(TFR):</strong> NHP reports TFR of 2.3 for the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>2.5 for rural areas and 1.8 for urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) was established in <strong>1961</strong> under the <strong>Directorate General of Health Services</strong> with the vision to have <strong>&ldquo;A strong Health Management Information System (HMIS) in entire country&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Total Fertility Rate:</strong> TFR measures the number of children born to a woman at the end of childbearing age.</p>
<p><strong>Infant Mortality Rate:</strong> The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths <strong>under one year of age occurring</strong> among the live births in a given geographical area during a given year<strong> per 1,000 live births.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Life Expectancy:</strong> Life expectancy refers to the number of years a person is expected to live based on the statistical average.</p>
<p><strong>Birth Rate:</strong> The number of live births per thousand of population per year.</p>
<p><strong>Death Rate:</strong> The number of deaths per year per thousand of population in a given community, area, or group.</p>
<p><strong>Natural Growth Rate:</strong> It is the difference between the number of live births and the number of deaths occurring in a year, divided by the mid-year population of that year, multiplied by a factor (usually 1,000).</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1589651" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-profile-2019'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Union World Conference on Lung Health',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The <strong>Vice-President of India</strong> inaugurated the <strong>50<sup>th</sup> Union World Conference on Lung Health</strong> in Hyderabad on 30<sup>th</sup> October 2019. It is a four-day scientific programme focusing on every aspect of lung health.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The theme of the conference is <strong>&lsquo;Ending the Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It focuses on what is needed to ensure commitments become action, and that life-saving targets are met.</li>
<li>The conference theme resonates strongly with TB, but it also raises awareness that all threats to lung health &ndash; <strong>TB, air pollution, tobacco and many more</strong> &ndash; are emergencies that our science, leadership and action need to meet head-on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This is the world&rsquo;s largest gathering of stakeholders working to end the suffering caused by lung disease, with a focus specifically on the challenges faced by <strong>low-and lower-middle-income populations</strong></li>
<li><strong>International Union Against Tuberculosis (IUAT)</strong> has been organising this conference since 1920.</li>
<li>India provides a unique backdrop for discussions on ending <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-with-the-world-bank-to-eliminate-tb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tuberculosis (TB)</strong></a> and lung disease with the current highest burden of TB in the world, and ambitious targets to eliminate TB by 2025.</li>
<li>An agreement was also reached to lower the price of <strong>rifapentine.</strong> It is a critically important drug used to prevent tuberculosis (TB).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tuberculosis (TB)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an infectious disease caused by the <strong>bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.</strong> It is spread through the air from people suffering from TB.</li>
<li>A single patient can infect ten or more people in one year. TB remains a major public health problem in India, with the country accounting for 26% of all TB cases reported globally.</li>
<li>In 2011, out of the estimated global annual incidence of 8.8 million TB cases, nearly 2.3 million were estimated to have occurred in India.</li>
<li><strong>The Bacillus Calmette&ndash;Gu&eacute;rin (BCG) vaccine used for TB was developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Gu&eacute;rin</strong> in 1921.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>International Union Against Tuberculosis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>International Union Against Tuberculosis (IUAT)</strong> was founded at the post-war conference, held in Paris in 1920.</li>
<li>It became the <strong>first NGO to be officially recognised by WHO</strong> In 1940.</li>
<li>The IUAT plays a central role in international clinical trials to determine the best ways to use the new tools for TB treatment and co-founds the TB Surveillance Research Unit.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=194104" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Wildfires',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The latest data from <strong>Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas</strong> showed that, <strong>compared to August 2018,</strong> there were <strong>almost five times as many <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-inferno" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wildfires</a></strong> across the world <strong>in August 2019.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There were 79,000 fires in August 2019 as compared to just over 16,000 fires detected in August 2018.</li>
<li><strong>49% (nearly half) of the fires were detected in Asia,</strong> around 28% were detected in South America, 16% in Africa, and the remaining were recorded in North America, Europe and Oceania.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is to be noted that August and September 2019 were the months which witnessed <strong>fires in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amazon-rainforest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon rainforest</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amazon-rainforest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572506327_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572506327_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="553" height="345" /></a></p>
<h3>Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Sentinel-3 World Fires Atlas Prototype product has been developed by the <strong>European Space Agency (ESA)</strong> to provide <strong>continuity</strong> to the <strong>ESA Along Track Scanning Radiometers (ATSR) World Fire Atlas,</strong> which produced monthly global fire maps from 1995 to 2012.</li>
<li>It covers the <strong>southern countries of the ESA member states.</strong></li>
<li>This new prototype uses <strong>Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B</strong> data and contains two dedicated channels (F1 and F2) for fire and high temperature events.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sentinel-3 is a multi-instrument mission</strong> to measure sea-surface topography, sea- and land-surface temperature, ocean colour and land colour with high-end accuracy and reliability.</li>
<li>It is based on a constellation of two satellites: Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B.</li>
<li>The mission is <strong>part of the European Commission Copernicus programme for Earth Observation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-fires-peaked-in-august-half-were-in-asia-6090657/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Fifth India International Science Festival',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the <strong>Fifth India International Science Festival (IISF)</strong> on 5<sup>th</sup> November, 2019.</li>
<li>Host City: The four-day science festival is being organized in <strong>Kolkata</strong> from 5<sup>th</sup> - 8<sup>th</sup> November, 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Theme:</strong> RISEN India &ndash;Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation</li>
<li><strong>Vigyanika - International Science Literature Festival</strong> is being organised as part of the 5th IISF.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is being coordinated by the <strong>CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), Vigyan Prasar and Vigyan Bharati.</strong></li>
<li>It will feature innovative formats of science communication such as drama, poetry, and magic. A Science Book Fair will also be a major attraction of Vigyanika.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India International Science Festival</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IISF is the <strong>largest science festival in the world.</strong> It is an <strong>annual festival</strong> to celebrate the achievements of India&rsquo;s scientific and technological advancements with students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists and technocrats from India and abroad.</li>
<li>It was <strong>started from the year 2015.</strong></li>
<li>It is organized by the <strong>Ministry of Science &amp; Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences</strong> and<strong> Vijnana Bharati (Vibha).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vijnana Bharati</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Swadeshi Science Movement</strong> was started in Indian Institute of Science- Bengaluru by a few eminent scientists under the guidance of <strong>Prof. K I Vasu.</strong></li>
<li>This movement gradually gained momentum and emerged as an organization with national presence.</li>
<li>In<strong> 1991,</strong> it was decided to launch the Swadeshi Science Movement at all India Level and named it as Vijnana Bharati.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s one of the <strong>objectives</strong> is to motivate young scientists towards greater creativity and originality.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590128" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => '16th India-ASEAN Summit',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India attended the <strong>16<sup>th</sup> India-ASEAN Summit</strong> in <strong>Bangkok, Thailand</strong> on <strong>November 03, 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Along with this Summit, the other summits that took place in Thailand are-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>35<sup>th</sup> ASEAN Summit,</li>
<li>14<sup>th</sup> East Asia Summit, and</li>
<li>3<sup>rd</sup> meeting of RCEP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the summit, the discussions were held to promote <strong>India-ASEAN strategic partnership</strong> along with cooperation in the field of <strong>maritime security and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blue economy</a>, trade and investment, connectivity, science and technology, and innovation</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On the <strong>socio-cultural</strong> front, the focus was made on enhancing people-to-<strong>people connectivity, cultural exchanges, humanitarian aid, and tourism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Prime Minister also talked about the <strong>mutual coordination</strong> between India's vision of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific</strong></a> <strong>region</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a> <strong>Outlook</strong> for maintaining strategic balance in the region, which has been witnessing growing Chinese assertiveness.</li>
<li>At the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/7th-regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-rcep-ministerial-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong></a> <strong>Summit,</strong> a <strong>trade negotiation deal is yet to be finalized</strong> after considering all issues that concern Indian interests in trade in goods, services, and investments.</li>
<li>The PM addressed the Indian community at the<strong> 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event</strong> in Bangkok. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>Thai language,</strong> the word &lsquo;Sawasdee&rsquo; is used for greetings and goodbye.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the visit, the Indian PM held <strong>bilateral meetings</strong> with a number of other world leaders present at Bangkok.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Myanmar<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856708_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856708_image4.png" width="335" height="237" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Prime Minister highlighted the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>importance of Myanmar</strong></a> to <strong>India's Look East Policy</strong> and the<strong> Neighbourhood First policies.</strong></li>
<li>The emphasis was laid on building a <strong>stable and peaceful border</strong> by <strong>improving physical connectivity</strong> to and through <strong>Myanmar to Southeast Asia</strong> via. building roads, ports, and expansion of air connectivity.</li>
<li>India would continue to support the capacity expansion programme for Myanmar's police, military and civil servants, as well as its students and citizens.</li>
<li>India plans to host a business event for the <strong>CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam)</strong> in Yangon at the end of November 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Indonesia<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856735_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856735_image5.png" width="321" height="227" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Indonesia agreed to work together for<strong> peace, security, and prosperity</strong> in order to achieve their shared vision on <strong>maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two leaders discussed the <strong>threat of extremism and terrorism</strong> and agreed to work closely bilaterally and globally to tackle this menace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is working with Indonesia to strengthen the ties in the areas of <strong>defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.</strong></li>
<li>The Indian PM highlighted the need for <strong>greater market access for Indian commodities</strong> in Indonesia including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products.</li>
<li>India shares a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Partnership</strong> with Indonesia. And this year (2019), India and Indonesia commemorate the <strong>70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Thailand<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856771_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572856771_image2.png" width="335" height="227" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Thailand agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as <strong>trade, culture, and defence</strong> industries sector.</li>
<li>Emphasis was laid to <strong>enhance connectivity</strong> between the two countries, including in the areas of <strong>physical and digital connectivity.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Thailand 4.0 initiative</strong> of transforming Thailand into a value-based economy is complementary to India&rsquo;s priorities<strong> Digital India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities, Jal Jeevan Mission,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>In the contemporary context, <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Act East policy</a> is complemented by Thailand&rsquo;s Look West policy</strong> which has made the relationship deep, robust and multifaceted.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590149" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'India and Uzbekistan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Defence Minister of India attended the <strong>18<sup>th</sup> meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)</a></strong> on 2<sup>nd</sup> November, 2019 in <strong>Tashkent, Uzbekistan.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572867965_uzbe-MMAP-md.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572867965_uzbe-MMAP-md.jpg" width="341" height="241" style="float: right; margin: 4px;" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
<li>The meeting was the third CHG meeting after India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SCO is a permanent <strong>intergovernmental international organisation</strong> that was created in 2001.</li>
<li>Its one of the objectives is to strengthen mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states.</li>
<li>At present, it has <strong>eight member states.</strong> Its Secretariat is located in <strong>Beijing, China.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlights from the SCO Meeting</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Common Challenges:</strong> To work together to defeat challenges like terrorism, climate change, endemic poverty, and inequality.</li>
<li><strong>Multilateralism:</strong> India is committed to a transparent, rules-based, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a> at its centre.</li>
<li><strong>Disater Management:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India invited SCO Member states to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>India will soon hold <strong>Joint Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue exercise of SCO</strong> member States along with SCO Expert level meeting on disaster prevention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security Cooperation:</strong> Emphasis on the importance of <strong>SCO joint military exercise &lsquo;CENTER 2019&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>India will host the meeting of Council of Heads of Government in 2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlights from India - Uzbekistan Discussions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The defence minister of India also held bilateral consultations with the defence minister of Uzbekistan.</li>
<li>Three memorandums of understanding (MoU) were signed to enhance cooperation in <strong>military medicine</strong> and<strong> military education.</strong></li>
<li>India affirmed its commitment to develop a state-of-the-art <strong>Information Technology (IT) complex</strong> in Armed Forces Academy of Uzbekistan for the benefit of the soldiers.</li>
<li>Both the Defence Ministers presided over the innauguration of the<strong> first <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uzbekistans-president-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India-Uzbekistan</a> Joint Exercise, &ldquo;Dustlik 2019&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This bilateral exercise will be conducted from 4<sup>th</sup>-13<sup>th</sup> November, 2019 at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent and will focus on counter-terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India - Uzbekistan Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Areas of Cooperation:</strong> Uzbekistan and India have signed Agreements and MoUs in areas such as trade, investment, education, civil aviation, tourism, science &amp; technology and agriculture.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Ties:</strong> Bilateral relations are managed through an <strong>lntergovernmental Commission,</strong> which oversees trade and economic relations.</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>close affinity between the cultures</strong> of the two countries.</li>
<li>lndian films, actors and songs are extremely popular across Uzbekistan.</li>
<li>After the first major co-production of Alibaba aur Chalis Chor in 1980, lndo-Uzbek jointly produced film 'Hoichoi Unlimited' premiered in Uzbekistan on 31<sup>st</sup> March 2019.</li>
<li>The Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for lndian Culture teaches Hindi, Yoga and Kathak and holds cultural performances across<br />Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1590071" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Call of the River',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/interstate-river-water-disputes-bill-policy-making-call-of-the-river-6098671/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Call of the River&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 02/11/2019. It talks about Inter-State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill, 2019.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, Lok Sabha passed the amendment to <strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.</strong> The Bill is yet to be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. It <strong>proposes a permanent tribunal</strong> and several other measures to improve the settlement of inter-state river water disputes.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The resolution of water dispute is governed by the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to its provisions, if a State Government makes a request regarding any water dispute and the Central Government is of the opinion that the water dispute cannot be settled by negotiations, then a <strong>Water Disputes Tribunal</strong> is constituted for the adjudication of the water dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Act was <strong>amended in 2002</strong> and it mandated a one year time frame to setup the water disputes tribunal and also a 3 year time frame to give a decision.</li>
<li>It was again <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inter-state-river-water-sharing-disputes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amended in 2017.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Reasons why Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 was not successful-</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nine tribunals</strong> were set up under this act but <strong>only four gave final awards.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cauvery River Water Dispute</strong> between <strong>Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,</strong> took <strong>28 years</strong> to settle which is way too long.</li>
<li><strong>The Ravi and Beas River Waters Tribunal</strong> was set up in <strong>1986</strong> and has not given the final award yet.</li>
<li><strong>Formation of multiple tribunals</strong> led to <strong>duplication and repetition</strong> of the work and <strong>increased red-tapism.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Unnecessary politicisation</strong> of the issue led to <strong>complications</strong> and made the process <strong>time consuming.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Inter-State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> modified version</strong> of the the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017.</li>
<li>Latest bill has<strong> three new elements-</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>permanent tribunal</strong> with exclusive benches for each dispute instead of separate tribunals in the principal act.</li>
<li>A<strong> Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC)</strong> to attempt resolutions through mediated negotiations, instead of the Centre&rsquo;s mediation.</li>
<li>A<strong> provision for appointing a technical agency for a data bank</strong> to support dispute resolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Composition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Tribunal</strong> will consist of-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Chairperson</li>
<li>Vice-Chairperson</li>
<li>Three judicial members</li>
<li>Three expert members</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They will be <strong>appointed by the Central Government</strong> on the <strong>recommendation of a Selection Committee.</strong></li>
<li>The Central Government may also appoint <strong>two experts serving in the Central Water Engineering Service as assessors</strong> to advise the tribunals in its proceedings. The assessor should not be from the state which is a party to the dispute.</li>
<li><strong>The DRC</strong> will comprise of-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Chairperson</li>
<li>Experts with at least 15 years of experience in relevant sectors, to be nominated by the Central Government.</li>
<li>One member from each state who will be nominated by the concerned State Government, party to the dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central government</strong> will <strong>appoint or authorise an agency to maintain data bank</strong> and information system at the national level for each river basin.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A permanent tribunal mechanism will <strong>reduce the delays</strong> in resolving interstate river disputes. It will also<strong> save costs</strong> compared to long-running individual tribunals.</li>
<li>It provides an opportunity to <strong>build knowledge on new and evolving approaches</strong> for resolving interstate river water disputes in India. It will <strong>increase the potential for transboundary river water governance in South Asia</strong> as well.</li>
<li>The <strong>role of DRC</strong> has been elevated from a superficial techno-legal body to an agency with a <strong>proactive role.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>DRC aims for politically negotiated settlements</strong> for river water disputes which are deeply political at their core and to <strong>avoid legal adjudication.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Major Blind Spots in the Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill leaves the scope for <strong>tussle between the legislature and judiciary.</strong> It does not address resolving mechanisms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>power to create dispute solving mechanism remains with Parliament</strong> but <strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s orders and guidance create hurdles</strong> in the process.</li>
<li>The <strong>Supreme Court</strong> says that it has <strong>jurisdiction over interstate river water disputes</strong> while the legislature has the opposite views.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court in February 2018 <strong>modified the allocations of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Final award of 2007.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>last instance</strong> of creating a mechanism was <strong>under the Supreme Court&rsquo;s orders</strong> when the <strong>Centre created the Cauvery Water Management Authority (2018).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>tribunal judge selection committee comprises of the Prime Minister or a nominee as the Chairperson, the Minister of Law and Justice, the Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This composition<strong> might pose the risk of states politicising disputes</strong> as well as the <strong>adjudication by the tribunal.</strong> This creates a situation where the dispute could escalate to the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>concerns relating to the composition and functionalities.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DRC might <strong>not</strong> be adequately <strong>empowered.</strong> The <strong>Cauvery Supervisory Committee (CSC)</strong> which had a similar composition did not have much success.</li>
<li>There is <strong>ambiguity about the DRC being a part of the Permanent Tribunal.</strong></li>
<li>Ensuring <strong>neutral and meaningful participation</strong> by the involved states in the DRC process in a daunting task.</li>
<li>The <strong>vagueness</strong> in the Bill <strong>about the agency performing the function of a credible data bank</strong> is puzzling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To set up a <strong>single, permanent tribunal</strong> to adjudicate on inter-state river water disputes is a <strong>major step towards streamlining the dispute redressal mechanism.</strong></li>
<li>This alone will not be able to address the different kinds of legal, administrative, constitutional and political problems so <strong>other supportive measures are also needed.</strong></li>
<li>Centre&rsquo;s proposal to set up an agency alongside the tribunal, to collect and process data on river waters, is a step which will <strong>enable fast and easy access to data.</strong></li>
<li>To <strong>strengthen the cooperative federalism,</strong> parochial mindset making regional issues superior to national issues should not be allowed.</li>
<li><strong>Dialogues and talks must be the dispute resolving mechanisms</strong> and political opportunism must be avoided.</li>
<li>A <strong>robust and transparent institutional framework with cooperative approach</strong> is the need of the hour.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-color: #ff0000; border-style: dotted; background-color: #f7f7dc;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span><br /><br />The problem of water crisis in India is more about water mismanagement. Examine the proposed Inter-State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill, 2019 in this context.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/call-of-the-river'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Cropping Patterns and Major Crops of India: Part One',
		'catname' => 'Paper 3',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Two-thirds of India&rsquo;s population</strong> is engaged in agricultural activities. It is a primary activity, which produces food grains and raw materials for industries. India is geographically a vast country so it has various food and non-food crops which are cultivated in three main cropping seasons which are rabi, kharif and zaid.</p>
<p>Major crops can be classified into-</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Food crops-</strong> Rice, Wheat, Millets, Maize and Pulses.</li>
<li><strong>Cash crops-</strong> Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Horticulture crops, Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Cotton and Jute.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cropping Seasons</h3>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>S. No</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Cropping Season</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Time Period</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Crops</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #5a8025; height: 19px;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>States</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">1.</td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Rabi</td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Sown: October-December<br />Harvested: April-June</td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard etc.</td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">2.</td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Kharif</td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Sown: June-July<br />Harvested: September-October</td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean etc.</td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.15991%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">3.</td>
<td style="width: 19.1181%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Zaid</td>
<td style="width: 19.8723%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Sown and harvested: March-July<br />(between Rabi and Kharif)</td>
<td style="width: 23.6935%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Seasonal fruits, vegetables, fodder crops etc.</td>
<td style="width: 30.0768%; background-color: #deebcc; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">Most of the northern and northwestern states</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Major Food Crops</h3>
<h3><em>Rice</em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572859346_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572859346_image2.jpg" width="606" height="674" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></em></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 22-32&deg;C with high humidity.</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 150-300 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Deep clayey and loamy soil.</li>
<li><strong>Top Rice Producing States: West Bengal &gt; Punjab &gt; Uttar Pradesh &gt; Andhra Pradesh &gt; Bihar.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>staple food crop of majority</strong> of Indian people.</li>
<li>India is the <strong>second largest producer of rice in the world after China.</strong></li>
<li>In states like <strong>Assam, West Bengal and Odisha,</strong> three crops of paddy are grown in a year. These are <strong>Aus, Aman and Boro.</strong></li>
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission, Hybrid Rice Seed Production and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana</strong> are few government initiatives to support rice cultivation.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Wheat</em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572700255_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572700255_image4.jpg" width="606" height="674" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 10-15&deg;C (Sowing time) and 21-26&deg;C (Ripening &amp; Harvesting) with bright sunlight.</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 75-100 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy (Ganga-Satluj plains and black soil region of the Deccan)</li>
<li><strong>Top Wheat Producing States: Uttar Pradesh &gt; Punjab &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Haryana &gt; Rajasthan.</strong></li>
<li>India is the <strong>second largest producer</strong> after China.</li>
<li>This is the <strong>second most important cereal crop and the main food crop, in north and north-western</strong> India.</li>
<li>Success of <strong>Green Revolution</strong> contributed to the growth of Rabi crops especially wheat.</li>
<li><strong>Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana</strong> are few government initiatives to support wheat cultivation.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Millets (Nutri-Cereals)</em></h3>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699621_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699621_image5.jpg" width="652" height="674" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 27-32&deg;C</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 50-100 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Can be grown in inferior alluvial or loamy soil because they are less sensitive to soil deficiencies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Jowar-</strong> Rain-fed crop grown in the moist areas with less or no irrigation.</li>
<li><strong>Bajra-</strong> Sandy soils and shallow black soil.</li>
<li><strong>Ragi-</strong> Red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soils. (dry regions)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Millets Producing States: Rajasthan &gt; Karnataka &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Uttar Pradesh</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Jowar:</strong> Maharashtra &gt; Karnataka &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Tamil Nadu &gt; Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>Bajra:</strong> Rajasthan &gt; Uttar Pradesh &gt; Gujarat &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Haryana.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These are also known as <strong>coarse grains,</strong> which have <strong>high nutritional value. Ragi</strong> is very <strong>rich in iron, calcium, other micro nutrients</strong> and <strong>roughage.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Jowar</strong> is the <strong>third most important food crop with respect to area and production.</strong></li>
<li><strong>National Agricultural Insurance Scheme, Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion</strong> are examples of government&rsquo;s efforts to support millet production.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Maize</em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699562_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699562_image3.jpg" width="607" height="674" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 21-27&deg;C</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> High rainfall.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Old alluvial soil.</li>
<li><strong>Top Maize Producing States: Karnataka &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Madhya Pradesh &gt; Tamil Nadu &gt; Telangana</strong></li>
<li>India is the <strong>seventh largest producer</strong> worldwide.</li>
<li>It is used both as <strong>food and fodder.</strong></li>
<li>Use of modern inputs such as <strong>High-Yielding Variety seeds, fertilisers and irrigation</strong> have contributed to the <strong>increasing production</strong> of maize.</li>
<li><strong>Technology Mission on Maize</strong> is one of the government&rsquo;s initiatives for mazie.</li>
</ul>
<h3><em>Pulses</em><strong></strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699518_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572699518_image1.jpg" width="608" height="674" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 20-27&deg;C</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 25-60 cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Sandy-loamy soil.</li>
<li><strong>Top Pulses Producing States: Madhya Pradesh &gt; Rajasthan &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Uttar Pradesh &gt; Karnataka.</strong></li>
<li>India is the <strong>largest producer</strong> as well as the<strong> consumer</strong> of pulses in the world.</li>
<li>These are the <strong>major source of protein</strong> in a vegetarian diet.</li>
<li>Major pulses grown in India are<strong> tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and gram.</strong></li>
<li>Being <strong>leguminous crops,</strong> all these crops except arhar help in restoring soil fertility by <strong>fixing nitrogen from the air.</strong> Therefore, these are mostly grown in rotation with other crops.</li>
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission for Pulses, Pulses Development Scheme and Technological Mission on Pulses</strong> are few of the government&rsquo;s plans to support pulses production.</li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>NOTE:</strong> Cash Crops will be covered in the Cropping Patterns and Major Crops of India: Part Two.</em></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Health Emergency in New Delhi',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572696158_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572696158_image1.png" width="355" height="233" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority- EPCA declared a public health emergency in New Delhi as pollution levels entered the <strong>&lsquo;severe plus&rsquo; category.</strong></li>
<li>An <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air Quality Index (AQI)</strong></a> above 500 falls in &lsquo;severe plus&rsquo; category. According to the <strong>Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),</strong> the overall AQI score of New Delhi crossed 500 mark.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Deterioration in air quality is due to a combination of several factors:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Local pollution</strong> produced by vehicular and industrial pollution. It got further spiked by bursting of crackers on Deepavali.</li>
<li><strong>Stubble burning in states of Punjab and Haryana:</strong> CPCB held that stubble burning contribution to pollution has gone up to 45%, resulting in the high particulate matter concentration.</li>
<li><strong>Extremely adverse weather conditions:</strong> Northwesterly winds brought high quantities of smoke from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi-NCR.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Symptoms associated with this pollution are irritation in the eyes and throat, dry skin, skin allergies, chronic cough and breathlessness.</li>
<li>Government has taken a series of incremental steps as the quality of the air deteriorates. For Example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Odd-even scheme:</strong> Under the scheme, vehicles with odd last digit in the registration number will ply on odd days and those with even last digit on even days</li>
<li>Imposition of <strong>Environment Compensation Charge (ECC)</strong> at toll plazas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Compensation Charge</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Environment Compensation Charge (ECC)</strong> is a Supreme Court directed <strong>green tax.</strong></li>
<li>Green Taxes are one of a variety of policy measures formulated by the government<strong> to control activities that affect the environment.</strong></li>
<li>It is a type of<strong> &lsquo;cess&rsquo;</strong> which has <strong>no legislative backup</strong> that usually accompanies the imposition of tax on public activities.</li>
<li>A cess is usually <strong>imposed additionally</strong> when the state or the central government looks <strong>to raise funds for specific purposes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Distribution of N95 mask:</strong> A disposable <strong>N95 mask</strong> is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth and helps protect the wearer from breathing in hazardous pollutants like PM 2.5.</li>
<li>Under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grap-to-be-enforced-in-delhi-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)</strong></a> schools are shut down till the air quality remains severe<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GRAP is an emergency action plan in Delhi to tackle rising air pollution.</li>
<li>It was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forests &amp; Climate Change (MoEFCC) after the order of Supreme Court of December 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EPCA was constituted under <strong>section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986</strong> for the National Capital Region in compliance with the <strong>Supreme Court order dated January 1998.</strong></li>
<li>It has the power<strong> suo-moto,</strong> or on the <strong>basis of complaints</strong> made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment.</li>
<li>It takes all necessary steps to for controlling vehicular pollution, ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards, monitoring and coordinating action for traffic planning and management.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</li>
<li>It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1974.</li>
<li>The CPCB is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/health-emergency-declared-in-the-capital/article29858680.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/health-emergency-in-new-delhi'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Entry Law for Visitors in Meghalaya',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the Meghalaya Cabinet has approved amendments to the <strong>Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016.</strong></li>
<li>The ordinance makes <strong>registration on entry mandatory for visitors</strong> who intend to <strong>spend more than 24 hours in the state of Meghalaya.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will require <strong>non-resident visitors to register themselves</strong> on the lines of the <strong>Inner Line Permit (ILP) system of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The amendment comes in the backdrop of demands by civil society and political leaders, that people excluded from the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam</strong></a> might try to enter Meghalaya.</li>
<li>In the <strong>original Act</strong> the focus was on <strong>registration and documentation of tenants</strong> but the <strong>amendments will extend similar rules to all non-state residents</strong> visiting or living in the state.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The act aims to ensure the <strong>security of the tenants</strong> as well as the <strong>safety and security of the citizens of the state.</strong></li>
<li>It provides for <strong>verification and regulation the tenants residing in rented houses</strong> in the state.</li>
<li>It also establishes <strong>District Task Force and Facilitation Centres</strong> for effective enforcement of various laws for the safety and security of the citizens.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Inner Line Permit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Inner Line Permit is an <strong>official travel document issued</strong> by the <strong>Government of India</strong> to allow inward <strong>travel of an Indian citizen</strong> into a protected/restricted area for a limited period.</li>
<li>It is a special permit required by <strong>&ldquo;outsiders&rdquo;</strong> from other regions of the country to enter the <strong>three states (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram).</strong></li>
<li>It is based on the <strong>Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This act was enacted during the British era to protect the British interests from the hill tribals who used to invade the British subjects</li>
<li>An imaginary line known as the inner-line was created to divide between the two communities so that neither party could go beyond the line without a permit from the appropriate authorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/meghalaya/meghalaya-to-bring-entry-law-for-visitors-6098729/" 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/entry-law-for-visitors-in-meghalaya'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'India - Germany',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited India</strong> from 31<sup>st</sup> October - 1<sup>st</sup> November 2019 for the <strong>fifth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) are held at the level of <strong>Head of Governments</strong> which allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and identification of fresh areas of engagement.</li>
<li>India is amongst a select group of countries with which Germany has such a dialogue mechanism.</li>
<li>It is a unique mechanism which has helped deepen the bilateral relations between India and Germany in several fields such as new and advanced technology, smart cities, inland waterways, environmental protection etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Highlights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pacts signed</strong> in fields such as space, civil aviation, maritime technology, medicine, education, agriculture and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Defence</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has invited Germany to take advantage of opportunities in defence sector in the upcoming defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>The countries agreed to work on bilateral and multilateral platforms to counter terrorism and extremism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stand on International Issues</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To continue cooperation to expedite reforms in the United Nations <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(UN) Security Council.</strong></a></li>
<li>Stressed on restoring full functioning of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a> dispute settlement system and reforming the organisation without undermining its fundamental principles such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/developing-country-status-in-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Special &amp; Differential Treatment</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to provide financial support to climate initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</li>
<li>Germany expressed its readiness to provide 1.1 billion dollar to India for green urban mobility.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Sector</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To deepen efforts to restart negotiations between the European Union (EU) and India on the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Science and Technology</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To conduct joint research on the development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).</li>
<li>To identify best possible approaches on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cyber security.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India - Germany Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572690591_drishti_ias_Germany.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572690591_drishti_ias_Germany.png" width="215" height="152" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a>India and Germany have a<strong> 'Strategic Partnership'</strong> since 2001.</li>
<li>Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe.</li>
<li>India and Germany are members of G-4 along with Brazil and Japan. The G4 nations support each other&rsquo;s bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.</li>
<li>Both countries are also members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fatf-s-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force (FATF).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-germany-to-intensify-cooperation-in-combating-terror-modi/article29850719.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/india-germany'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Riyadh Summit',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/substance-across-the-arabian-sea/article29845919.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Substance across the Arabian Sea&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 1/11/2019. It talks about the significance of od India-Saudi Arabia relations.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Saudi Arabia to attend the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Riyadh Summit</strong></a>, which is the third summit in many years.</p>
<p>Southwest Asian sub-region has been under volatile circumstances, ranging from India-Pakistan tensions to <strong>crises</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-in-yemen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yemen</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-syria-crisis-us-backs-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Syria</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indias-role-in-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Afghanistan</strong></a>. This geopolitical flux can get aggravated due to<strong> rising prices in the oil market.</strong></p>
<p>In spite of this, Riyadh Summit demonstrates maturity and strategic construct in India-Saudi Arabia ties.</p>
<h3>Significance of Riyadh Summit</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mutual understanding on core issues:</strong> India and Saudi Arabia acknowledged each other&rsquo;s <strong>core interests.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Saudi Arabia expressed an understanding of recent <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian actions in Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></a></li>
<li>On the other hand, India strongly condemned the various attacks on Saudi civilian facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For India, the Riyadh Summit acquired added importance as it coincidentally preceded<strong> two domestic developments in India,</strong> having implication vis-&agrave;-vis the countries of West Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uts-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conversion of the Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Supreme Court hearing on the Ayodhya dispute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence cooperation:</strong> Bilateral defence, security and anti-terror cooperation has intensified and the first naval exercise is to be held soon.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Partnership Council:</strong> Setting up of a bilateral <strong>Strategic Partnership Council (SPC)</strong> is a defining development.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SPC will be co-chaired by the Indian Prime Minister and the Saudi Crown Prince.</li>
<li>The SPC would be a permanent bilateral platform, which will also include officials from Foreign, Trade and Industry Ministries, of both countries.</li>
<li>Given the centralised nature of executive at both ends, SPC can expedite the decision-making process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India as an investment destination:</strong> At the <strong>Future Investment Initiative (FII)</strong> forum in Riyadh, Prime Minister of India listed <strong>five areas of investment in India i.e.</strong> technology and innovation, infrastructure development, human resource development, environment and business-friendly governance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through FII India has invited Saudi Arabia's companies to invest in India's energy sector as India has set a <strong>target of $100 billion investment in the sector by 2024.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>12 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)</strong> on issues related to defence industries, security, air services, renewable energy, medicine products regulation, prevention of narcotics trafficking, and the use of RuPay cards in Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of India-Saudi Arabia Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geostrategic importance:</strong> Saudi Arabia is an important pillar in <strong>India's &lsquo;Look West&rsquo; policy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through Look West policy, India strives to have good and growing relations with all major nearby regional powers &mdash; Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Egypt and Israel.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia has identified India as one of the <strong>eight strategic partners</strong> with whom it intends to deepen partnership in areas of political engagement, security, trade and investment, and culture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security cooperation:</strong> During Indian PM's 2016 visit, an MoU on cooperation in the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed.</li>
<li><strong>Energy security:</strong> Saudi Arabia is <strong>crucial for India&rsquo;s energy security,</strong> being a source of 17% or more of crude oil and 32% of LPG requirements of India.</li>
<li><strong>Trade ties:</strong> Bilateral trade between the two countries was the US $27.48 billion during 2017-18, making <strong>Saudi Arabia India&rsquo;s 4<sup>th</sup> largest trading partner.</strong></li>
<li><strong>People to people relations:</strong> Though the <strong>Indian community in Saudi Arabia</strong> has come down marginally to 2.6 million, they, nevertheless, are still the largest foreign community and their annual homeward remittances remain steady at $11 billion.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier in 2019, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had committed to investing $100 billion in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, Saudi Arabia's investment in India, too, remains far below potential (only $229 million, or 0.05% of the total inbound FDI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The trade balance between India and Saudi Arabia is highly in favour of Saudi Arabia, and India's exports are mainly restricted to the agricultural sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Among the potential areas for the next stage of bilateral cooperation could be greater bilateral synergy in Indian infrastructure, agriculture, start-ups, skilling and IT.</li>
<li>Shifting some labour-intensive establishments from Saudi Arabia to India would serve the respective national priorities by reducing Saudi Arabia's expatriate population and boosting &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia has acquired a major stake in $44 billion refinery project in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Saudi Arabia's company Aramco has acquired a 20% share in the Reliance refinery at Jamnagar and it also participates in building India&rsquo;s Strategic Petroleum Reserves.</li>
<li>Therefore, India can <strong>streamline the regulatory process</strong> to expedite investment from Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The World Bank&rsquo;s recently published<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Ease of Doing Business&rdquo;</strong> </a>rankings included both India and Saudi Arabia in its ten &ldquo;most improved economies&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Saudi Arabia ranked 63<sup>rd</sup> and 62<sup>nd</sup> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>A joint collaborative effort of both economies will transform the Southwest Asia sub-region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 502px; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f3ffe0;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span><br /><br />Analyse India-Saudi Arabia relations amidst geopolitical flux in Southwest Asia.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/riyadh-summit'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'EIU’s Financial Inclusion Report ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>According to the <strong>Economist Intelligence Unit&rsquo;s 2019 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion report, India (ranked at 5<sup>th</sup> position)</strong> is among the top nations with the most conducive environment for financial inclusion.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Global Microscope assesses the enabling environment for financial inclusion across<strong> 5 categories and 55 countries.</strong></li>
<li>It covers five domains:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government and Policy Support</li>
<li>Stability and Integrity</li>
<li>Products and Outlets</li>
<li>Consumer Protection</li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The 2019 edition featured <strong>11 new gender-focused indicators</strong> that measured financial inclusion for both women and men.</li>
<li><strong>EIU is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group,</strong> the sister company to The Economist newspaper. It has its office in London, UK.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>overall environment for financial inclusion has improved</strong> globally with India, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico having the most favourable conditions for inclusive finance.</li>
<li>However, <strong>only one-third of countries include a gender approach in their financial inclusion strategies,</strong> and even fewer have set clear, gender-related goals.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572603169_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572603169_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="590" height="353" /></a></p>
<h3>Financial Inclusion and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prepared a draft <strong>National Strategy for Financial Inclusion</strong> to deepen financial services&rsquo; coverage in the country. The strategy is expected to be finalised in 2019 and will cover a five-year period.</li>
<li>The RBI has set up a <strong>high-level committee to review the existing status of digitisation</strong> and devise a medium-term strategy for increasing digital payments.</li>
<li>In August 2019, the RBI released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/norms-for-regulatory-sandbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Enabling Framework for Regulatory Sandbox (RS),</strong></a> which created the basis for a regulatory sandbox that allows fintech start-ups to live-test innovative products and services.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-among-top-nations-with-most-conducive-environment-for-financial-inclusion-report/article29839466.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HBL</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eiu-s-financial-inclusion-report'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Core Sector Output Falls by 5.2%',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The output of eight <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/core-sector-growth-slows-to-2-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Core Infrastructure Industries</strong></a> has <strong>contracted by 5.2%</strong> in<strong> September (2019),</strong> indicating the <strong>severity of the economic slowdown.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572601555_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572601555_image5.jpg" width="749" height="449" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Except for fertilizers (output improved by 5.4% in September), the other seven infrastructure industries experienced a contraction. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>coal sector</strong> is the <strong>worst performer</strong> on account of an extended monsoon, a surge in renewable energy supply and labour issues at state-run Coal India Ltd.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The eight Core Industries in decreasing order of their weightage: <strong>Refinery Products&gt; Electricity&gt; Steel&gt; Coal&gt; Crude Oil&gt; Natural Gas&gt; Cement&gt; Fertilizers.</strong></li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #bfffed; text-align: center;"><strong>Industry</strong></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #bfffed; text-align: center;"><strong>Weight (In percentage)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Petroleum &amp; Refinery production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">28.04</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Electricity generation</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">19.85</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Steel production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">17.92</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Coal production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">10.33</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Crude Oil production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">8.98</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Natural Gas production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">6.88</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Cement production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">5.37</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">Fertilizers production</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; background-color: #defff7;">2.63</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/core-sector-output-falls-52-in-september/article29846332.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/core-sector-output-falls-by-5-2-'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Mercy Petition',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Tihar Jail administration had asked the convicts in the <strong>Nirbhaya case, 2012</strong>&nbsp;to apply for mercy petition before the President within seven days. The order has come after all other legal options have been exhausted by the convicts.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Even if one of the convicts applies for the mercy plea, it becomes applicable to all.</li>
<li>For seeking <strong>mercy petition,</strong> the death sentence by a sessions (trial) court must be confirmed by the High Court.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The death sentence convict has an option to appeal to the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court either refuses to hear the appeal or upholds the death sentence, then the convict or his relative can submit a mercy petition to the <strong>President of India (Articles 72) or the Governor of the State (161).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Session Court: </strong>District court is referred to as sessions court when it exercises its jurisdiction on criminal matters under the Code of Criminal procedure (CrPc).</p>
</div>
<h3>Grounds of Appeal</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In his/her mercy petition, the person concerned is <strong>required to state the grounds</strong> upon which he/she requests for the grant of pardon.</li>
<li>These grounds may not have any value in the eyes of law for exonerating the accused person from the offence, but they may play an important role in the release of the person by the President. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The grounds, such as the convicted person is the only <strong>bread earner </strong>of the<strong> family or the physical fitness of the convict, his age</strong> or<strong> even the law was quite harsh or the court by chance committed any mistake or error</strong> inadvertently, may be taken into consideration at the time of disposal of the mercy petition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Supreme Court in <strong>Kehar Singh v Union of India, 1988</strong> case reiterated its stand and held that the grant of pardon by the President is an act of grace and, therefore, cannot be claimed as a matter of right.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Need for the Pardoning Power</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>philosophy</strong> underlying the pardon power is that &ldquo;every civilized country recognizes and provides for the pardoning power as an act of grace and humanity in course of law&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The pardoning power is founded on the consideration of<strong> public good</strong> and is to be exercised on the grounds of <strong>public welfare,</strong> which is the legitimate objective of all punishments.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Constitutional Provision</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 72</strong> provides the pardoning power to the President of India, it says:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President shall have the power to <strong>grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute</strong> the sentence of any person convicted of any offence-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court-martial;</li>
<li>in all cases where the punishment or sentence for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends;</li>
<li>in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 161</strong> provides that the Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the <strong>executive power of the State extends.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v State of West Bengal, 1994&nbsp;</strong>case the Supreme Court has said that &ldquo;The power under Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution can be exercised by the Central and State Governments, not by the President or Governor on their own&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The advice of the appropriate Government binds the Head of the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pardon:</strong> The president can totally absolve/acquit the person for the offence and let him go free like a normal citizen.</p>
<p><strong>Commute:</strong> To reduce the type of punishment into a less harsh one. For example Rigorous imprisonment to simple imprisonment.</p>
<p><strong>Remission:</strong> To reduce the punishment without changing the nature of the punishment. For example 20 years rigorous imprisonment to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.</p>
<p><strong>Reprieve:</strong> A delay is allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence for a guilty person to prove his innocence.</p>
<p><strong>Respite:</strong> Reduce the degree of punishment looking at specific grounds like pregnancy, old age etc.</p>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> A Court-martial is a trial in a military court of a member of the armed forces who are charged with breaking military law.</p>
</div>
<h3>Difference between the pardoning power of President and Governor</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Death sentence:</strong> President can pardon the death sentence but the Governor has no power to pardon the death sentence.</li>
<li><strong>Court-martial:</strong> The President can pardon in case of Court-martial. But the Governor cannot pardon in the court-martial.</li>
<li><strong>Jurisdiction:</strong> President exercises his judicial powers for the punishment which is given under the law made by the Union. Whereas the Governor exercises his judicial powers for the punishment which is given under the law made by the State.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Procedure Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A convict under the sentence of death is allowed to file a mercy petition within a period of seven days after the date on which the Superintendent of Jail informs him about the dismissal of the appeal or special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>The petitions are to be presented to the President of India. The President office seeks the cabinet advice. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The appeal is examined by the <strong>Ministry of Home Affairs</strong> and the Ministry before giving recommendations to the President, takes the view of State concerned.</li>
<li>There is no written procedure to deal with mercy petition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial review:</strong> President&rsquo;s pardon/rejection/delay is also subjected to judicial review.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, if a court finds that the process of the decision taken by the President under Article 72 was not arbitrary or unreasonable, the decision then cannot be interfered with.</li>
<li>A <strong>curative petition</strong> is the last judicial corrective measure which can be pleaded in any judgment or decision passed by the Supreme Court which is normally decided by Judges in-chamber.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Curative petition:</strong> The concept of the curative petition was first evolved by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of <strong>Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra and Anr. (2002)</strong> where the question was whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against the final judgement/order of the Supreme Court, after the dismissal of a review petition.</p>
<p><strong>Article 137:</strong> It provides that in the matter of <strong>laws and rules made under Article 145,</strong> the Supreme Court has the power to review any judgement pronounced (or order made) by it. Such a petition needs to be filed within 30 days from the date of judgement or order.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nirbhaya-case-convicts-given-deadline-for-mercy-plea/article29847335.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/mercy-petition'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Gottiprolu- An Early Trade Centre of Andhra Pradesh',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Excavation by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rangdum-monastery" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Archaeological Survey of India</strong></a> at <strong>Gottiprolu</strong> near <strong>Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sriramulu) district, Andhra Pradesh</strong> has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2000-years-old-trade-centre-unearthed-in-andhra-pradesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>discovered the remains of a huge settlement.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The site lies on the <strong>right bank of a distributary of river Swarnamukhi.</strong></li>
<li>The proximity of the site (at southern coastal location) to the <strong>seacoast</strong> suggests that the site could have served as a strategic settlement involved in <strong>maritime trade.</strong></li>
<li>Detailed topographical studies have identified an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Discovered Items</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sculpture-</strong> Life-size buried <strong>Vishnu sculpture</strong> with following specifications:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597484_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597484_image2.png" width="183" height="262" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Four-armed</strong> Vishnu standing over a pedestal,</li>
<li>Carrying <strong>chakra and conch</strong> in his upper right and left hands respectively.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The lower right is in <strong>bestowing boon</strong> position and the left hand in <strong>&lsquo;Katihastha&rsquo;</strong> (resting on the hip) posture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Features like the elaborate headgear, thick holy thread, and decorative drapery dates it back to the <strong>Pallava period</strong> (c. 8<sup>th</sup> cent. AD).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pottery- conical jars</strong> that are considered to be imitated variety of <strong>Roman Amphorae jars</strong> (ancient Greek or Roman jar/ jug used to <strong>transport liquid commodities</strong>).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These settlements could have been an <strong>important trade centre</strong> due to the presence of imitated amphorae wares.</li>
<li>The conical jars of broken terracotta pipes found fitted into one another revealed about the <strong>civic amenities</strong> and <strong>drainage system pattern</strong> maintained by the occupants at the site.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597517_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597517_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="175" height="139" caption="false" /></a></li>
<li>The ceramic assemblage of the site consisted of fine quality <strong>black and redwares</strong> collected from the conical jars, russet coated ware, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Brick-built structures</strong> in different sizes and forms like elliptical, circular, rectangular, and curvilinear pattern.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The size of bricks can be compared to those found in the <strong>Satavahana/Ikshvaku period</strong> structures in the <strong>Krishna valley viz. Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.</strong></li>
<li>This dates back the site to the 2<sup>nd</sup> century to 1<sup>st</sup> century BC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Molded female terracotta figurine-</strong> with two hands lifted upwards.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597542_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597542_image3.png" width="141" height="212" style="float: right;" caption="false" /></a></li>
<li><strong>Varied stone tools</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/andhra-pradeshs-second-largest-petroglyph-site" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods</strong></a> were also found which suggest that prehistoric people also occupied this area.</li>
<li>Other major retrieved antiquities unearthed are <strong>copper and lead coins, iron spearhead, stone celts, terracotta beads,</strong> ear stud in semi-precious stone and hopscotches.</li>
<li><strong>Important Remnants of the Site:</strong> fortified early historic settlement at Puduru, Sunbrahmanya temple at Mallam, unique rock-cut laterite stepped well at Yakasiri, Vishnu temple at Tirumuru.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=194137" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gottiprolu-an-early-trade-centre-of-andhra-pradesh'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'African Swine Fever',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p><strong>China</strong> is witnessing <strong>rise in pork prices</strong> because of the rampant <strong>spread of African Swine Fever</strong> (ASF). The country is the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest pork</strong> (meat from a pig)<strong> producer</strong>.</p>
<h3>About ASF</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ASF is a highly <strong>contagious</strong> and fatal animal disease that infects <strong>domestic and wild pigs.</strong> It leads to an acute form of hemorrhagic fever. It was <strong>first detected in Africa</strong> in the 1920s.</li>
<li>The mortality is close to 100%, and since the fever has <strong>no cure,</strong> the <strong>only way</strong> to stop its spread is by <strong>culling the animals.</strong></li>
<li>ASF is <strong>not a threat to human beings</strong> since it only spreads from animals to other animals.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Historically, outbreaks have been reported in Africa and parts of Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.</li>
<li>However, <strong>more recently</strong> (since 2007), the disease has been reported in multiple countries across Africa, Asia and Europe, in both domestic and wild pigs.</li>
<li>ASF is a disease <strong>listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code</strong> and thus, reported to the OIE.</li>
</ul>
<h3>World Organisation for Animal Health</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OIE is an <strong>intergovernmental organisation</strong> responsible for improving animal health worldwide.</li>
<li>In 2018, it had a total of <strong>182 Member Countries. India </strong>is<strong> one of the member countries.</strong></li>
<li>OIE <strong>develops normative documents</strong> relating to rules that Member Countries can use to protect themselves from the introduction of diseases and pathogens. One of them is the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.</li>
<li>OIE standards are <strong>recognised by the</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization</strong></a> as reference international sanitary rules.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in <strong>Paris, France.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597020_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572597020_image4.jpg" width="663" height="420" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-rising-pork-prices-threaten-chinas-growth-momentum-6093324/" 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/african-swine-fever'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</strong></a> has included <strong>Mumbai and Hyderabad</strong> in its network of <strong>'Creative Cities'</strong> among the 66 cities selected on the occasion of <strong>World Cities Day 2019 (31<sup>st</sup> October).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the addition of 66 new cities,&nbsp;the UNESCO Creative Cities Network counts a total of 246 cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mumbai</strong> has been designated as <strong>Creative City of Films</strong> and <strong>Hyderabad</strong> as a <strong>Creative City of Gastronomy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, Indian cities like <strong>Chennai and Varanasi have been included in UNESCO Cities of Music</strong> while <strong>Jaipur has been included in the City of Crafts and Folk Arts.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>By joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), the cities pledge<strong> to share</strong> best practices and <strong>develop partnerships</strong> involving public and private sectors as well as civil society <strong>to strengthen the creation, production, and distribution</strong> of cultural activities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was created in <strong>2004.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Currently (2019), 246 cities make up this network</strong> which aims towards a common objective of placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.</li>
<li>The UNESCO Creative Cities aims to achieve <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a> through innovative thinking and action.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, cities are championing sustainable development actions that directly benefit communities at the urban level.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Development Goal 11</strong> aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The network covers <strong>seven creative fields:</strong> crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Cities Day 2019</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong> has designated the <strong>31<sup>st</sup> of October</strong> as World Cities Day.</li>
<li>The <strong>theme</strong> for World Cities Day,2019 is, <strong>&ldquo;Changing the world: innovations and a better life for future generations&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mumbai-hyderabad-join-unesco-network-of-creative-cities-119103101477_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/unesco-s-network-of-creative-cities'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Aspirational Districts’ Programme',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-new-kind-of-government-niti-aayog-aspirational-districts-programme-6095138/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;A NEW KIND OF GOVERNMENT&rdquo;</a> that was published in The Indian Express on 31/10/2019. It talks about significance and issues related to Aspirational Districts&rsquo; Programme.</p>
</div>
<p>India is amongst the leading economies of the world and envisages to become $5 trillion by 2024-25. However, presently the quality of life of many of its citizens is not consistent with this growth story, this is reflected in <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/human-development-index-by-undp-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNDP&rsquo;s 2018 Human Development Index</a> wherein India is ranked 130.</p>
<p>Living standards in India are affected by significant inter-state and inter-district variations. In order to remove this heterogeneity, the government has launched in January 2018, the &lsquo;Transformation of Aspirational Districts&rsquo; programme (ADP).</p>
<h3>Aspirational Districts&rsquo; Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aspirational Districts are those districts in India, that are affected by poor socio-economic indicators.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">These are aspirational in the context, that improvement in these districts can lead to the overall improvement in human development in India.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 115 districts were identified from 28 states, at least one from each state.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the Government of India level, the programme is anchored by NITI Aayog. In addition, individual Ministries have assumed responsibility to drive the progress of districts.</span></li>
<li>The objective of the program is to monitor the real-time progress of aspirational districts.</li>
<li>ADP is based on 49 indicators from the 5 identified thematic areas, which focuses closely on improving people&rsquo;s <strong>Health &amp; Nutrition, Education, Agriculture &amp; Water Resources, Financial Inclusion &amp; Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure</strong>.</li>
<li>With States as the main drivers, ADP seeks to focus on the strength of each district, identify low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress, and <strong>rank districts</strong>.</li>
<li>The broad contours of the programme are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Convergence</strong> (of Central &amp; State Schemes) which brings together the horizontal and vertical tiers of the government.</li>
<li><strong>Collaboration</strong> (of Central, State level &lsquo;Prabhari&rsquo; Officers &amp; District Collectors) which enables impactful partnerships between government, market and civil society.</li>
<li><strong>Competition</strong> among districts driven by a spirit of the mass movement, it fosters accountability on district governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) is one of the largest experiments on <strong>outcomes-focused governance</strong> in the world.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact of ADP</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Decentralization of Development:</strong> ADP focuses on outcomes, that enables local experimentation based on a firm appreciation of ground realities.</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive approach:</strong> The delta ranking of the Aspirational Districts combines the innovative use of data with pragmatic administration, keeping the district at the locus of inclusive development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through ADP government seeks to uplift those districts which have shown relatively lesser progress in achieving key social outcomes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Implementation:</strong> Spurred by competition based on outcomes, local governments target their efforts and improve programme implementation and design.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Example, Health outcomes in ADP saw an increase in registering pregnant women into the health system, institutional delivery of babies and anti-diarrheal treatment, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Associated with ADP</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ADP is affected by the issue pertaining to <strong>insufficient budgetary resources</strong>.</li>
<li>ADP is implemented by <strong>multiple ministries which leads to a lack of coordination</strong>.</li>
<li>Data High-quality administrative data is critical to improving programme implementation and design at the local level.</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delta-ranking-of-the-aspirational-districts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta ranking</a></strong> <strong>itself is largely focused on assessing quantity</strong> (that is, coverage of access) rather than quality.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On-time delivery of textbooks in schools are part of the ranking index, However, textbook delivery may or may not be a problem in districts.</li>
<li>Also, the quality of education in India is in a dismal condition, as highlighted by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the ASER report.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>more simplified ranking index</strong> is needed with few but carefully chosen output and outcome measures which can more clearly signal national development targets.</li>
<li><strong>Financial autonomy</strong> to local governments should be provided.</li>
<li><strong>Independent surveys</strong> can be used to validate administrative data, this will help improve data quality.</li>
<li>Building each <strong>district&rsquo;s internal capacity</strong> to produce reliable and actionable data, and promoting a culture of data use, can be made a priority for the ADP.</li>
</ul>
<p>Initial evidence suggests that the ADP has already contributed towards improving the lakhs of lives. Therefore, it is critical to carefully document and learn from the ADP&rsquo;s experiences.&nbsp;</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #fffed9; border-color: #033399;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question:</strong></em><br /><br />Aspirational Districts&rsquo; Programme seeks to remove heterogeneity in social-economic indicators reflected in prevalent inequality in districts of India. Discuss.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'National Symposium on Lymphatic Filariasis',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>A day long National Symposium on the theme <strong>&lsquo;United to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis&rsquo;</strong> was inaugurated by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Minister also signed the<strong> &lsquo;Call to Action to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2021&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Lymphatic Filariasis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as <strong>elephantiasis</strong> and is considered as <strong>a neglected tropical disease.</strong></li>
<li>It impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma.</li>
<li>Lymphatic filariasis is a <strong>vector-borne disease,</strong> caused by infection with <strong>parasites</strong> classified as <strong>nematodes (roundworms)</strong> of the family <strong>Filariodidea.</strong> There are 3 types of thread-like filarial worms which causes lymphatic filariasis:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em><strong>Wuchereria Bancrofti</strong></em> is responsible for 90% of the cases.</li>
<li><em><strong>Brugia Malayi</strong> </em>causes most of the remainder of the cases.</li>
<li><em><strong>Brugia Timori</strong></em> also causes the disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Initiative</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government launched the<strong> Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) in 2018,</strong> as part of intensifying efforts towards its elimination.</li>
<li>It has adopted a twin pillar strategy - <strong>prevention through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using a combination of 2 anti-filarial drugs (DEC and Albendazole)</strong> and providing <strong>Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP)</strong> services to those affected by the disease.</li>
<li>The government is ready to scale-up the use of <strong>Triple Drug Therapy</strong> (IDA) in a phased manner starting from December 2019.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> launched its Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) in 2000. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2012, the WHO neglected tropical diseases roadmap reconfirmed the target date for achieving elimination by 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The GPELF aims to provide access to a minimum package of care for every person with associated chronic manifestations of lymphatic filariasis in all areas where the disease is present, thus alleviating suffering and promoting improvement in their quality of life.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1589596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-symposium-on-lymphatic-filariasis'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'National Health Profile 2019',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The 14<sup>th</sup> edition of National Health Profile and its e-book (digital version) has been released by the <strong>Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CBHI has been publishing the National Health Profile since <strong>2005</strong> and its digital version since 2015.</li>
<li>The objective of this publication is to create a <strong>versatile database of health information of India</strong> and making it available to all stakeholders in the healthcare sector.</li>
<li>The purpose is to provide relevant information for planning and decision making on an informed basis to the planners, policy makers, health administrators, research workers and others engaged in raising the health and socio-economic status of the community.</li>
<li>The NHP highlights substantial health information under major indicators viz.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Demographic indicators:</strong> population and vital statistics.</li>
<li><strong>Socio-economic indicators:</strong> education, employment, housing and amenities, drinking water and sanitation.</li>
<li><strong>Health status indicators:</strong> incidence and prevalence of common communicable and non-communicable diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Health finance indicators:</strong> health insurance and expenditure on health.</li>
<li><strong>Health of human resources:</strong> availability of manpower working in the health sector.</li>
<li><strong>Health infrastructure:</strong> details of Medical and Dental Colleges, AYUSH Institutes, Nursing Courses and Paramedical Courses</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Life Expectancy:</strong> Life expectancy in India has <strong>increased from 49.7 years in 1970-75 </strong>to<strong> 68.7 years in 2012-16.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From 2012-16, the life expectancy for females was 70.2 years and 67.4 years for males.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):</strong> The IMR has <strong>declined considerably (33 per 1,000 live births in 2016),</strong> however differentials of rural (37) &amp; urban (23) are still high.</li>
<li><strong>Population Growth Rate:</strong> There has been a <strong>consistent decline in the birth rate, death rate and natural growth rate</strong> in India since 1991 to 2017. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of 2017, India has<strong> registered birth rate of 20.2 per 1,000 population</strong> and death rate of 6.3 per 1,000 population while the natural growth rate was 13.9 per 1,000 population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Demographics:</strong> It found the high incidence of the young and economically active population. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It reports that 27% of population below 14 years, 64.7% in the age group of 15-59 and 8.5% above 60 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Total Fertility Rate(TFR):</strong> NHP reports TFR of 2.3 for the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>2.5 for rural areas and 1.8 for urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) was established in <strong>1961</strong> under the <strong>Directorate General of Health Services</strong> with the vision to have <strong>&ldquo;A strong Health Management Information System (HMIS) in entire country&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Total Fertility Rate:</strong> TFR measures the number of children born to a woman at the end of childbearing age.</p>
<p><strong>Infant Mortality Rate:</strong> The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths <strong>under one year of age occurring</strong> among the live births in a given geographical area during a given year<strong> per 1,000 live births.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Life Expectancy:</strong> Life expectancy refers to the number of years a person is expected to live based on the statistical average.</p>
<p><strong>Birth Rate:</strong> The number of live births per thousand of population per year.</p>
<p><strong>Death Rate:</strong> The number of deaths per year per thousand of population in a given community, area, or group.</p>
<p><strong>Natural Growth Rate:</strong> It is the difference between the number of live births and the number of deaths occurring in a year, divided by the mid-year population of that year, multiplied by a factor (usually 1,000).</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1589651" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-profile-2019'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Union World Conference on Lung Health',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The <strong>Vice-President of India</strong> inaugurated the <strong>50<sup>th</sup> Union World Conference on Lung Health</strong> in Hyderabad on 30<sup>th</sup> October 2019. It is a four-day scientific programme focusing on every aspect of lung health.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The theme of the conference is <strong>&lsquo;Ending the Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It focuses on what is needed to ensure commitments become action, and that life-saving targets are met.</li>
<li>The conference theme resonates strongly with TB, but it also raises awareness that all threats to lung health &ndash; <strong>TB, air pollution, tobacco and many more</strong> &ndash; are emergencies that our science, leadership and action need to meet head-on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This is the world&rsquo;s largest gathering of stakeholders working to end the suffering caused by lung disease, with a focus specifically on the challenges faced by <strong>low-and lower-middle-income populations</strong></li>
<li><strong>International Union Against Tuberculosis (IUAT)</strong> has been organising this conference since 1920.</li>
<li>India provides a unique backdrop for discussions on ending <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-with-the-world-bank-to-eliminate-tb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tuberculosis (TB)</strong></a> and lung disease with the current highest burden of TB in the world, and ambitious targets to eliminate TB by 2025.</li>
<li>An agreement was also reached to lower the price of <strong>rifapentine.</strong> It is a critically important drug used to prevent tuberculosis (TB).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tuberculosis (TB)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an infectious disease caused by the <strong>bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.</strong> It is spread through the air from people suffering from TB.</li>
<li>A single patient can infect ten or more people in one year. TB remains a major public health problem in India, with the country accounting for 26% of all TB cases reported globally.</li>
<li>In 2011, out of the estimated global annual incidence of 8.8 million TB cases, nearly 2.3 million were estimated to have occurred in India.</li>
<li><strong>The Bacillus Calmette&ndash;Gu&eacute;rin (BCG) vaccine used for TB was developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Gu&eacute;rin</strong> in 1921.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>International Union Against Tuberculosis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>International Union Against Tuberculosis (IUAT)</strong> was founded at the post-war conference, held in Paris in 1920.</li>
<li>It became the <strong>first NGO to be officially recognised by WHO</strong> In 1940.</li>
<li>The IUAT plays a central role in international clinical trials to determine the best ways to use the new tools for TB treatment and co-founds the TB Surveillance Research Unit.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=194104" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/union-world-conference-on-lung-health'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Wildfires',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The latest data from <strong>Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas</strong> showed that, <strong>compared to August 2018,</strong> there were <strong>almost five times as many <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-inferno" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wildfires</a></strong> across the world <strong>in August 2019.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There were 79,000 fires in August 2019 as compared to just over 16,000 fires detected in August 2018.</li>
<li><strong>49% (nearly half) of the fires were detected in Asia,</strong> around 28% were detected in South America, 16% in Africa, and the remaining were recorded in North America, Europe and Oceania.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is to be noted that August and September 2019 were the months which witnessed <strong>fires in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amazon-rainforest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon rainforest</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amazon-rainforest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572506327_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1572506327_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="553" height="345" /></a></p>
<h3>Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Sentinel-3 World Fires Atlas Prototype product has been developed by the <strong>European Space Agency (ESA)</strong> to provide <strong>continuity</strong> to the <strong>ESA Along Track Scanning Radiometers (ATSR) World Fire Atlas,</strong> which produced monthly global fire maps from 1995 to 2012.</li>
<li>It covers the <strong>southern countries of the ESA member states.</strong></li>
<li>This new prototype uses <strong>Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B</strong> data and contains two dedicated channels (F1 and F2) for fire and high temperature events.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sentinel-3 is a multi-instrument mission</strong> to measure sea-surface topography, sea- and land-surface temperature, ocean colour and land colour with high-end accuracy and reliability.</li>
<li>It is based on a constellation of two satellites: Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B.</li>
<li>The mission is <strong>part of the European Commission Copernicus programme for Earth Observation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-fires-peaked-in-august-half-were-in-asia-6090657/" 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/wildfires'
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