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Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and Vaigai River: Tamil Nadu

Why in News The recently declared Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu will provide protection to Megamalai, the Vaigai’s...

07 Jun 2021 News Analysis
One Nation One Election

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Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine Initiative

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World Energy Investment Report, 2021: IEA

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Sustainably Developing Andaman & Nicobar

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SDG India Index 2020-21: NITI Aayog

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World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2021 Report: ILO

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Census 2021

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India Abstains from Latest Resolution Against Israel

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Child Labour In India

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02 Jun 2021 News Editorials

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			'title' => 'Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and Vaigai River: Tamil Nadu',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The recently declared <strong>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve</strong> in <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> will provide protection to <strong>Megamalai</strong>, the <strong>Vaigai&rsquo;s primary catchment</strong>, in turn helping water levels to rise in the river.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623047043_SVG_Map_River_Vaigai_EN.svg.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623047043_SVG_Map_River_Vaigai_EN.svg.png" width="400" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Vaigai River:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Origin and Tributaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>originates in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Ghats</a></strong> (Varushanad Hills).</li>
<li>It travels through the <strong>Pandya Nadu region</strong> of Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>Its <strong>main tributaries</strong> are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.</li>
<li>The Vaigai is <strong>258 kms long</strong> and finally <strong>empties into the Palk Strait</strong> near the <strong>Pamban Bridge </strong>in<strong> Ramanathapuram district.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Heritage River:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Vaigai was the river that <strong>flowed through the noted city of Madurai</strong>, the <strong>capital</strong> (4<sup>th</sup>-11<sup>th</sup> century CE) <strong>of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom</strong> located in southern Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>The river finds a mention in <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/sangam-age-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sangam</a> literature</strong> dated to 3<strong>00 before the Common Era.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The river fulfils the <strong>drinking water requirement of five districts of Tamil Nadu</strong> namely Theni, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Dindigul.</li>
<li>It also provides <strong>irrigation to 2,00,000 hectares</strong> of agricultural land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rejuvenation of Vaigai:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its <strong>deterioration happened at the end of the 18<sup>th</sup> century</strong> when the British started <strong>deforesting the Megamalai region</strong> which acts as a major catchment for Vaigai. Consequently, the <strong>water flow in the river reduced gradually.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some <strong>2,00,000 people died</strong> in this region during the <strong>Great Famine of 1876-77.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Following the famine, the British Crown <strong>proposed diverting water from the Periyar river (Kerala)</strong> and feeding it to the Vaigai through a tunnel.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Vaigai presently <strong>gets about 80% of its water from the Periyar dam.</strong> The <strong>balance 20%</strong> is obtained from the <strong>major watershed of the Megamalai region</strong> during the northeast monsoon season.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai</strong> <strong>Tiger Reserve</strong> will <strong>protect wild animals and the natural forests, their habitats</strong> which <strong>act as watersheds.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established <strong>in February 2021.</strong> It was jointly declared by the Centre and Tamil Nadu governments.</li>
<li>For this, the <strong>Megamalai WLS</strong> and the adjoining <strong>Srivilliputhur WLS</strong> were clubbed together.</li>
<li>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve is the <strong>fifth Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu</strong>, and <strong>51<sup>th</sup> tiger reserve of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecological Diversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Animals seen here are <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tiger-census-2018-guinness-book-of-world-records" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bengal tiger</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elephants</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-bison-gaur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gaur</a></strong>, Indian giant squirrel, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-leopard-population" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leopard</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-tahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nilgiri Tahrs</a>,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>It has a mix of tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests and moist mixed deciduous forests, grassland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other four Tiger reserves of Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pulayar-community-and-anamalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anamalai tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalakkad - Mundanthurai tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mudumalai tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sathyamangalam tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/a-tiger-reserve-declared-this-year-can-rejuvenate-vaigai-india-s-heritage-river-77165" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'One Nation One Election',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-simultaneous-polls-is-an-idea-whose-time-has-come-7344586/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;One Nation, One Election&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 02/06/2021. It talks about the argument for and against the simultaneous elections.</p>
</div>
<p>As the elections in four states and one Union territory in March-April are suspected to have contributed to the second wave of Covid infections, a well-reasoned debate on a concept as important as &ldquo;one nation, one election&rdquo; is called for.</p>
<p>The concept needs to be debated mainly around five issues: Financial costs of conducting elections; cost of repeated administrative freezes; visible and invisible costs of repeatedly deploying security forces; campaign and finance costs of political parties; and the question of regional/smaller parties having a level playing field.</p>
<h3>Simultaneous Election: Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The idea has been around since at least 1983, when the Election Commission first mooted it. However, until 1967, simultaneous elections were the norm in India.</li>
<li>The first General Elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha) and all State Legislative Assemblies were held simultaneously in 1951-52.</li>
<li>That practice continued in three subsequent General Elections held in the years 1957, 1962 and 1967.</li>
<li>However, due to the premature dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969, the cycle got disrupted.</li>
<li>In 1970, the Lok Sabha was itself dissolved prematurely and fresh elections were held in 1971. Thus, the First, Second and Third Lok Sabha enjoyed full five-year terms.</li>
<li>As a result of premature dissolutions and extension of terms of both the Lok Sabha and various State Legislative Assemblies, there have been separate elections to Lok Sabha and States Legislative Assemblies, and the cycle of simultaneous elections has been disturbed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arguments For Simultaneous Election</h3>
<p>A NITI Aayog paper says that the country has at least one election each year; actually, each state has an election every year, too. In that paper, NITI Aayog argued that multiple elections incurs many direct and indirect disadvantages</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Incalculable Economic Costs of Elections:</strong> Directly budgeted costs are around Rs 300 crore for a state the size of Bihar. However, there are other financial costs, and incalculable economic costs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Each election means government machinery misses out on their regular duties due to election duty and related work.</li>
<li>These costs of the millions of man-hours used are not charged to the election budget.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Policy Paralysis:</strong> The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) also affects the government's functionary, as no new significant policy can be announced and executed after the elections are announced.</li>
<li><strong>Administrative Costs:</strong> There are also huge and visible costs of deploying security forces and transporting them, repeatedly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A bigger invisible cost is paid by the nation in terms of diverting these forces from sensitive areas and in terms of the fatigue and illnesses that repeated cross-country deployments bring about.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arguments Against Simultaneous Elections</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Federal Problem:</strong> Simultaneous elections are almost nearly impossible to implement, as it would mean arbitrarily curtailing or extending the term of existing legislatures to bring their election dates in line with the due date for the rest of the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such a measure would undermine democracy and federalism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against Spirit of Democracy:</strong> Critics also say that forcing simultaneous elections is against democracy because trying to force an artificial cycle of elections and restricting the choice for voters is not correct.</li>
<li><strong>Regional Parties At Disadvantage:</strong> Regional parties are supposed to be at a disadvantage because in simultaneously held elections, voters are reportedly likely to predominantly vote one way, giving the dominant party at the Centre an advantage.</li>
<li><strong>Diminished Accountability:</strong> Having to face the electorate more than once every 5 years enhances the accountability of politicians and keeps them on their toes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is obvious That the Constitution and other laws would need to be amended for implementing simultaneous elections. However, it should be done in such a way that it doesn&rsquo;t hurt the basic tenets of democracy and federalism.</p>
<p>In this context, the Law Commission has suggested an alternative i.e. categorising states based on proximity to the next general election, and having one round of State Assembly polls with the next Lok Sabha election, and another round for the remaining States 30 months later. But there is still no guarantee that mid-term polls would not be needed.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff0;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Do simultaneous elections compromise democracy and federalism? Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-election-2'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine Initiative',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> virtually launched the <strong>SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative</strong> and <strong>SAGE portal</strong> for<strong> elderly persons.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An amount of <strong>Rs. 100 crore</strong> has been assigned for the <strong>promotion of the silver economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Silver Economy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Silver economy is the system of<strong> production,</strong> distribution and consumption<strong> of goods and services aimed at using the purchasing potential of older and ageing people</strong> and satisfying their consumption, living and health needs.</li>
<li>The silver economy is<strong> analyzed in the field of social gerontology</strong> (study of aging) <strong>not as an existing economic system but as an instrument of ageing policy</strong> and the political idea of forming a potential, needs-oriented economic system for an aging population.</li>
<li>Its <strong>main element is gerontechnology</strong> (Technology pertaining to aged people) as a new scientific, research and implementation paradigm.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> SAGE portal</strong> will be<strong> a &ldquo;one-stop access&rdquo; of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups.</strong></li>
<li>It has been launched with a view to <strong>help such persons who are interested in entrepreneurship in the field of providing services for elderly care.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>SAGE project aims to identify,</strong> evaluate, verify, aggregate, and deliver products, solutions and services directly to the stakeholders. The <strong>Ministry will act as a facilitator,</strong> enabling the elderly to access the products through identified start-ups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Start-ups can apply</strong> for being a part of SAGE through a dedicated portal.</li>
<li>The start-ups selected under SAGE will be those which will provide new innovative products and services to elderly persons in<strong> various areas like health, travel, finance, legal, housing, food among others.</strong></li>
<li>An allocation of <strong>Rs. 25 crores</strong> has been made for the SAGE project in the current financial year i.e <strong>2021-22.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for the Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>share of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/elderly-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elders</a></strong>, as a percentage of the total population in the country, is expected <strong>to increase from around 7.5% in 2001 to almost 12.5% by 2026,</strong> and surpass <strong>19.5% by 2050.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622887636_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622887636_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Other Government Initiatives for Elderly people:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The main objective of the scheme is to improve the quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rashtriya-vayoshri-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>central sector scheme</strong></a> funded from the <strong>Senior Citizens&rsquo; Welfare Fund.</strong> The fund was notified in the year 2016.</li>
<li>It aims to provide <strong>aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category</strong> who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PMVVY was <strong>launched in May 2017</strong> to provide social security during old age.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>pension scheme for senior citizens</strong> that comes with guaranteed returns on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or on an annual basis for a period of 10 years. It is <strong>exclusively available to those who are 60 years of age and above.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vayoshreshtha Samman:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Conferred as a <strong>National award,</strong> and given to eminent senior citizens &amp; institutions under various categories for their contributions on <strong>International day of older persons on 1<sup>st</sup> October.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To ensure need-based maintenance for Parents and Senior Citizens and their welfare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1724425" 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/seniorcare-aging-growth-engine-initiative'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'World Energy Investment Report, 2021: IEA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-energy-outlook-2021-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Energy Agency (IEA)</strong></a> published the <strong>World Energy Investment Report, 2021.</strong></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622882214_image%202.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622882214_image 2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increased Investment in Energy Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global energy <strong>investment is expected to rebound in 2021 and increase 10%</strong> year-on-year to around <strong>USD 1.9 trillion.</strong></li>
<li>Most of this investment <strong>will flow towards power and end-use sectors</strong>, shifting out of traditional fossil fuel production.</li>
<li>The scenario is perfectly <strong>aligned with the projection that global energy demand will rise 4.6% year-on-year in 2021</strong>, offsetting its contraction in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Renewable Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Renewable power<strong> will have the largest share</strong> - around 70% of the total will be spent on new power generation capacity.</li>
<li>There will be <strong>substantial gain of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-renewable-energy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewable energy</a></strong> as the future energy outlook has been dependent on technological development, well-established supply chain and demand from consumers for carbon-neutral electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fossil Fuels:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Upstream (production and exploration) <strong>investment in oil is expected to grow 10%.</strong> This expansion in fossil fuels was planned with novel technologies like <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-153" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)</strong></a> and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> bioenergy</strong></a> CCS, which are yet to attain commercial success.</li>
<li>The increment of <strong>coal-fired power in 2020, mostly driven by China, is indicating that coal is down but not yet out.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The above<strong> positive scenarios will still not deter the increase in carbon dioxide emission</strong>, after contraction in 2020 mainly due to economic slowdown induced by the novel coronavirus pandemic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Global emission is <strong>set to grow by 1.5 billion tonnes in 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Many developing nations&rsquo; <strong>supporting policy and regulatory frameworks are not yet aligned with long-term <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-transforming-to-a-net-zero-emissions-energy-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">net-zero</a> goals.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Net zero emissions</strong> refers to achieving an overall balance between <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>greenhouse gas</strong> </a>emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In many <strong>Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs)</strong>, investment in renewables was hit harder by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a></strong> than in developed nations &ndash; and now many EMDEs have prioritised coal and oil in recovery plans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons of Increased Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>emerging market is almost 70% responsible</strong> for demand growth and <strong>India plays an important part in this block.</strong></li>
<li><strong>China is showing a tremendous expansion in coal-based power production</strong> &mdash; their coal consumption in December 2020 was a historic high &mdash; though the country has a commendable renewable growth.</li>
<li>The <strong>responsibility-share of developed nations should not be undermined.</strong> Their in-country <strong>growth of emission is moderate but their exported emission is of concern.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Australia&rsquo;s</strong> exported emission through coal is double its domestic emission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although the US has shown renewed commitment to the multilateral <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>system for tackling <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> by re-joining the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris agreement</a>.</strong> Its fascination with cheap shale gas is creating an investment distortion and <strong>adversely affecting the sustainability of developmental pathways of countries like India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Energy Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>autonomous Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1974</strong> in Paris, France.</li>
<li>IEA mainly <strong>focuses on its energy policies</strong> which include <strong>economic development, energy security and environmental protection.</strong> These policies are also known as the 3 <strong>E&rsquo;s of IEA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and IEA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India became an Associate member of IEA in March 2017</strong> but it was in engagement with IEA long before its association with the organization.</li>
<li>Recently, India has inked a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-with-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic Partnership Agreement with the IEA</strong></a> to strengthen cooperation in global energy security, stability and sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pollution-from-coal-burning-ieaccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IEA Clean Coal Centre</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is dedicated to providing independent information and analysis on how coal can become a cleaner source of energy, compatible with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reports:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>World Energy Investment Report, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-outlook-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Energy Outlook Report</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Energy Review</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, it has released the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-energy-outlook-2021-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Energy Outlook 2021 Report</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/net-zero-by-2050-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Net Zero by 2050</a></strong>, World's first comprehensive energy roadmap.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Market stimulus <strong>amid the pandemic may have lost the opportunity</strong> to maximise the clean developmental pathway, which the world is in dire need of.</li>
<li>The <strong>urgency visible in communication is still not satisfactorily reflected in action</strong> and the world is far away from the scientific target of limiting climate change within two degrees Celsius.</li>
<li>A <strong>more democratic decision-making process and de-corporatisation of the energy sector is the need of the future</strong> for the survival of civilization on this planet.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate%20change/amp/renewable-energy-estimated-to-attract-70-global-energy-investment-in-2021-iea-77263" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-investment-report-2021-iea'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Bamboo Market Window on GeM Portal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government of India has dedicated a window <strong>&lsquo;The Green Gold Collection&rsquo;</strong> on the <strong>GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal</strong> for the <strong>marketing of Bamboo Goods.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This window is the collective work of the <strong>National Bamboo Mission (NBM)</strong> and <strong>GeM.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It showcases a range of exquisitely handcrafted bamboo and bamboo products, handicrafts, disposals and office utility products on the GeM portal.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to</strong> provide bamboo artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs in rural areas with market access to Government buyers.</li>
<li>It seeks <strong>to promote</strong> the adoption and <strong>use of bamboo products</strong> among Government buyers and usher a sustainable rural economy for an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Bamboo Mission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-bamboo-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>restructured NBM</strong> </a>was launched in <strong>2018-19</strong> for the holistic development of the complete value chain of the bamboo sector and is being<strong> implemented in a hub &amp; spoke model.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Hub &amp; Spoke&rdquo;</strong> model wherein the <strong>Mentor Institution</strong>, called the <strong>&ldquo;Hub&rdquo;</strong> is centralized and will have the responsibility of guiding the <strong>Mentee institution</strong> through the secondary branches the <strong>&ldquo;Spoke&rdquo;</strong> i.e. through the services provided to the mentee for self improvement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Connecting farmers to markets</strong> so as to enable farmer producers to get a ready market for the bamboo grown and to increase the supply of appropriate raw material to the domestic industry.</li>
<li>It also endeavours <strong>to upgrade skills</strong> of traditional bamboo craftsmen as per the requirement of contemporary markets with a tie-up with enterprises and premier institutes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government e-Marketplace:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gem-samvaad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GeM</strong></a> is <strong>a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal</strong> to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods &amp; Services required by various Central and State Government Departments/Organizations /Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).</li>
<li>The procurement of goods and services by Ministries and the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is <strong>mandatory for goods and services available on GeM.</strong></li>
<li>It also provides the tools of <strong>e-bidding and reverse e-auction</strong> to facilitate the government users achieve the best value for their money.</li>
<li>At present, GeM has more than <strong>30 lakh products</strong>, over Rs. 10 lakh crore worth of transactions have happened so far at the portal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was launched <strong>in 2016</strong> to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bamboo</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>18<sup>th</sup> September</strong> is observed as <strong>World Bamboo Day by the World Bamboo Organisation.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India is the world&rsquo;s second-largest cultivator of bamboo</strong> after China, with <strong>136 species</strong> and <strong>23 genera</strong> spread over 13.96 million hectares, according to the <strong>State of Environment report 2018.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Green Gold</strong>, as bamboo is often known, is <strong>found everywhere in India.</strong></li>
<li>Known as <strong>&lsquo;poor man&rsquo;s timber&rsquo;</strong>, bamboo is omnipresent in tribal cultures and community living. Rural communities engage with bamboo handicrafts, textiles, artifacts, and household utilities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Examples </strong>include<strong> Tripura bamboo silks</strong>, heritage cuisines with roasted and pickled bamboo shoots, cultural symbols like the<strong> Assamese &lsquo;Jaapi&rsquo;</strong> (made of bamboo, cane, and palm), widely popular bamboo tree houses, machans, besides modern sustainable architectural concepts and musical instruments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Taken:</strong> National Bamboo Mission, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-bamboo-clusters" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bamboo Clusters</strong></a>, Removal of Bamboo from &lsquo;Tree&rsquo; Category (<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Forest%20Act%2C1927,and%20duty%20leviable%20forest%20produce.&amp;text=This%20act%20has%20details%20of,the%20provisions%20of%20the%20Act." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Forest Act 1927</strong></a> was amended in 2017),</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1724238" 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/bamboo-market-window-on-gem-portal'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Black Carbon and Glacier Melting',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The report titled <strong>&ldquo;Glaciers of the Himalayas: Climate Change, Black Carbon and Regional Resilience&rdquo;</strong> says that the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/glaciers-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>glaciers</strong></a> are melting faster than the global average ice mass. However, the strong policy on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/concentration-of-black-carbon-on-gangotri-glacier" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>black carbon</strong></a> can sharply cut glacier melt.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The research report is <strong>released by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank</a></strong> and covers the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-mission-on-sustaining-himalayan-ecosystem" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Himalaya</a>, Karakoram</strong>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hindu-kush-himalayan-region" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hindu Kush (HKHK)</strong></a> mountain ranges.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Black Carbon</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Black carbon is <strong>a kind of an aerosol.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An <strong>aerosol</strong> is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in the air.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Among aerosols (such as brown carbon, sulphates), Black Carbon (BC) has been <strong>recognized as the second most important anthropogenic agent for climate change</strong> and the <strong>primary marker to understand the adverse effects caused by air pollution.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>gets emitted</strong> from gas and diesel engines, coal-fired power plants, and other sources that burn fossil fuel. It <strong>comprises a significant portion of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">particulate matter or PM</a></strong>, which is an air pollutant.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>HKHK Mountain Region:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>HKHK Region <strong>spans eight countries</strong>; Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar and also <strong>has some of the world&rsquo;s tallest mountains including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-height-for-mount-everest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mt. Everest</a> and K2.</strong></li>
<li>HKHK Glaciers <strong>feed into river systems</strong> including Ganga, Yangtze, Irrawaddy, and Mekong.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The water that runs down from glaciers <strong>feeds the agriculture</strong>, on which nearly 2 billion people are dependent upon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>HKHK Region, also known as the <strong>third pole</strong>, along with China&rsquo;s Tien Shan Mountains holds most ice outside the North and the South Pole.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Black Carbon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BC is a <strong>short-lived pollutant</strong> that is the <strong>second-largest contributor to warming the planet behind carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Unlike other greenhouse gas emissions, BC is <strong>quickly washed out and can be eliminated from the atmosphere if emissions stop.</strong></li>
<li>Unlike historical carbon emissions it is <strong>also a localised source with greater local impact.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Source of Black Carbon in Himalayan Region:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Industry</strong> (primarily brick kilns) and <strong>residential burning of solid fuel</strong> together account for 45-66% of regional anthropogenic (man-made) BC deposition, followed by <strong>on-road diesel fuels</strong> (7-18%) and <strong>open burning</strong> (less than 3% in all seasons) in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Deposits of BC:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>acts in two ways</strong> hastening the pace of glacier melt:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By decreasing surface reflectance of sunlight.</li>
<li>By raising the air temperature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rate of De-glaciation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rate of retreat of HKHK glaciers is <strong>estimated to be 0.3 metres per year in the west to 1.0 metre per year</strong> in the east.</li>
<li>Full implementation of <strong>current policies to mitigate BC can achieve a 23% reduction</strong> but <strong>enacting new policies</strong> and incorporating them through regional cooperation among countries can achieve enhanced benefits.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)</strong> is one such policy adopted in India. It is one of the eight missions under the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BC deposits can be sharply reduced</strong> through new, currently feasible policies <strong>by an additional 50%</strong> from current levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Glacier Melt:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Glacier melt <strong>produces <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flash floods</a>, landslips, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/India%20lost%20One-Third%20of%20its%20Coastline%20Due%20to%20Soil%20Erosion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soil erosion</a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/himalayan-glaciers-impacted-by-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>In the short run, the higher volumes of melt water <strong>could replace receding groundwater downstream.</strong> But in the long run, decreased water availability would <strong>aggravate water shortage.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures to be Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the Himalayas, <strong>reducing black carbon emissions from cookstoves, diesel engines, and open burning</strong> would have the greatest impact and could significantly <strong>reduce radiative forcing</strong> and help to maintain a greater portion of Himalayan glacier systems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Radiative forcing is a measure of the change in energy balance</strong> as a result of a change in a forcing agent (e.g., greenhouse gases, aerosol, cloud, and surface albedo) to affect the global energy balance and contribute to climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps to be Taken by Regional Governments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Review the <strong>policies on water management</strong>, with an emphasis on basin-based regulation and use of price signals (value of a particular action) for efficiency.</li>
<li>Careful <strong>planning and use of hydropower</strong> to reflect changes in water flows and availability.</li>
<li>Increasing the <strong>efficiency of brick kilns</strong> through proven technologies.</li>
<li>There must also be greater <strong>knowledge sharing</strong> in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/strong-policies-on-black-carbon-can-sharply-cut-glacier-melt-says-world-bank-study/article34719913.ece/amp/" 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/black-carbon-and-glacier-melting'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Sustainably Developing Andaman & Nicobar',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based upon <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/developing-the-sister-islands-of-indian-ocean-101622720051095.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Developing the sister islands of Indian Ocean&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in the Hindustan Times on 03/06/2021. It talks about the significance of Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, its sustainable development and how India&rsquo;s maritime partner France can assist in the developmental projects in the Archipelago.</p>
</div>
<p>The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI), popularly known as <strong>&lsquo;Bay Islands&rsquo;,</strong> hold great significance for India from maritime as well as ecological point of view. ANI provides for nearly 30% of India&rsquo;s Exclusive Economic Zone.</p>
<p>ANI, besides being a home to a rich floral and faunal diversity, is also home to a number of tribal and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups</strong></a>, a few of which are on the verge of extinction.</p>
<p>In the immediate past, there have been quite a few projects proposed for these island groups for economic purposes as well as for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/militarising-andaman-and-nicobar-islands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>militarising Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</strong></a></p>
<p>As much potential these islands can prove to have for making India a maritime power, this ecological significance can and must not be undermined. A balanced development plan is the ultimate solution.</p>
<h3>Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indigenous People of ANI:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indigenous-people-of-andaman-and-nicobar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands</strong> </a>are home to five PVTGs: <strong>Great Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Great Nicobarese</strong> are a Scheduled Tribe.</li>
<li>The population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands&rsquo; primitive tribes has rapidly declined over the years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of ANI:</strong> India's key maritime partners such as the US, Japan, Australia and France acknowledge and recognise the strategic location of the Andaman and Nicobar. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These islands not only provide Delhi with a <strong>key maritime space</strong> but also<strong> carry significant potential in shaping the strategic and military dynamics</strong> of the Indian Ocean region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Island Territories Similar to ANI:</strong> France&rsquo;s <strong>La Reunion</strong> island is similar to ANI and lies in the Southwest Indian Ocean near strategic waters. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Australia and the US too have similar island territories in the Indian Ocean with<strong> Cocos (Keeling) islands and Diego Garcia</strong> respectively. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, Diego Garcia&rsquo;s sovereignty is disputed by Mauritius, which has garnered support through a United Nations (UN) resolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ANI and Reunion islands are part of a series of island territories under<strong> key maritime players in the Indian Ocean.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recent Developmental Plans for ANI</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Japan&rsquo;s Overseas Development Assistance :</strong> In March 2021, for the first time, Japan&rsquo;s government approved a grant aid of approximately ₹265 crore toward developmental projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/japan-to-fund-projects-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Japan&rsquo;s first Overseas Development Assistance (ODA)</strong></a> initiative toward the islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ANI as a Maritime and Startup Hub:</strong> In August, 2020 the Prime Minister had declared that the Andaman and Nicobar islands will be developed as a "<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-to-be-maritime-and-startup-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>maritime and startup hub</strong></a>"<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>12 islands of the archipelago have been <strong>selected for high-impact projects</strong> with an <strong>emphasis on boosting trade of sea-based, organic and coconut-based products</strong> of the region</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NITI Aayog&rsquo;s Project for Great Nicobar:</strong> Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-s-project-for-great-nicobar-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>proposal</strong> </a>includes an international container trans-shipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a power plant and a township complex spread over 166 sq. km. (mainly pristine coastal systems and tropical forests).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NITI Aayog&rsquo;s Proposal for Little Andaman:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-s-proposal-for-little-andaman" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>plan</strong></a> involves building a new greenfield coastal city that will be developed as a free trade zone and will compete with Singapore and Hong Kong.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Faced by ANI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Connectivity:</strong> The island groups, specially the Little Andaman Island, have <strong>little connectivity with the Indian mainland</strong> and global cities.</li>
<li><strong>Geological Volatility:</strong> The island's groups lie in a <strong>seismically highly active zone.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2004 earthquake and accompanying<strong> tsunami devastated large parts of the island chain.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nicobar and Car Nicobar (northernmost Nicobar island) lost almost one-fifth of its population and close to 90% of its mangroves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declining Population:</strong> The population of native communities like the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and North Sentinelese has <strong>plummeted from 1,999 to 550 since 1901 to 2011.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Massive projects, epidemics and crippling health crises in the ecologically fragile Little Andaman Island have led to near-extinction of the Onge tribe.</li>
<li>The developmental project proposed by NITI Aayog for Little Andaman includes<strong> de-reserving 32% of the reserved forest</strong> and <strong>denotifying 31% of the tribal reserve</strong> thus rendering the habitations of the tribal groups at risk.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aspects of Blue Economy:</strong> The primary issues facing island nations in the Indian Ocean are related to the key aspects of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Blue Economy</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sustainable development, illegal fishing, disaster management, the climate crisis, renewable energy and issues of waste management impacts both tourism as well as ecosystems specific to islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development and Biodiversity:</strong> A slew of infrastructure projects have been proposed in ANI to give a major boost to tourism and business. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While this may transform the islands substantially, it would also cause loss of biodiversity and have a negative impact on the indigenous people.</li>
<li>The <strong>Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Committee,</strong> granted the clearance for the infrastructural projects on the condition that all large, medium, and small trees will be counted and geo-referenced and not felled. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO)</strong> is seeking an amendment to this clause so that trees may be felled if required</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balanced Development:</strong> Militarising ANI and infrastructure and developmental projects will not doubt aid India&rsquo;s strategic and maritime capabilities, but such development should not come at the cost of the ruthless exploitation of Biodiversity hotspot i.e ANI.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainably Developing ANI:</strong> Given its economic, ecological &amp; environmental constraints and the laws to protect the indigenous tribes, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will have to be first <strong>developed sustainably in order to maximise its economic and military potential.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sustainable island development framework is not only important for the ANI but will also be applicable and of interest to other island nations across the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sister Islands:</strong> Reunion is the <strong>most developed island territory</strong> among the above-mentioned four island territories, with a framework that supports both the island&rsquo;s economic needs as well as France&rsquo;s military priorities in the Indian Ocean. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Taking from the idea of &ldquo;sister cities&rdquo;, the framework of<strong> &ldquo;sister islands&rdquo;</strong> can be formed.</li>
<li>India and France should lead an effort, utilising their island territories of Andaman and Reunion in developing a concept of sister islands aimed at <strong>creating a foundation for a sustainable model for island development across the Indian Ocean.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Similar to sister cities, a sister island concept would allow India and France to co-develop a sustainable framework for island development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Development Plans in Indo-Pacific:</strong> If India is to invest in capacity building initiatives and maritime projects in the Indian Ocean, there is a need to research and create an island model for development. Such an approach also creates a new avenue for Indian-led initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As India and its partners compete for access and influence across the Indo-Pacific toward achieving common interests, there is a need to engage with and address regional concerns and challenges of strategically located island nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of IOC:</strong> Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is the only island driven organisation in the Indian Ocean. It plays an important role in voicing the concerns and challenges of the islands of the western Indian Ocean. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>France recently took over as the Chair of the IOC. India in 2020, formally joined the group as an Observer.</li>
<li>It provides an opportunity for both the countries to lead an island-focused development model.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India could also borrow lessons from France&rsquo;s island experiences in both the Indian Ocean as well as in the Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As India looks to maintain and strengthen its advantages in the Indian Ocean, it should look to leveraging its island territories and non-traditional security issues in offering solutions and addressing regional concerns and challenges. The Andaman and Reunion provide an excellent starting point to do so.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f2f0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Taking into account the significance that Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands have for India in various aspects, a balanced approach towards its ecological fragility and economic significance is the need of the hour. India&rsquo;s key maritime partners with similar interests can be approached for mutual assistance and benefits&rdquo;. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sustainably-developing-andaman-nicobar'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'SDG India Index 2020-21: NITI Aayog',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>third edition</strong> of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)</strong></a><strong> India Index and Dashboard 2020&ndash;21</strong> was released by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SDG India Index 2020&ndash;21 is <strong>developed in collaboration with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806197_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806197_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="409" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NITI Aayog <strong>launched its index in 2018 </strong>to <strong>monitor the country&rsquo;s progress on the goals through data-driven assessment,</strong> and foster a competitive spirit among the States and Union Territories in achieving them.</li>
<li>NITI Aayog has the <strong>twin mandate to oversee the adoption and monitoring of the SDGs in the country,</strong> and also<strong> promote competitive and cooperative federalism</strong> among States and UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The index represents<strong> the articulation of the comprehensive nature of the Global Goals under the 2030 Agenda</strong> while being attuned to the national priorities.</li>
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> the <strong>UNs General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda</strong> for Sustainable Development.</li>
<li>The 17 SDGs are a<strong> bold commitment to finish what the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)</strong> started, and <strong>tackle some of the more pressing challenges.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The SDG India Index 2020&ndash;21 is also <strong>live on an online dashboard,</strong> which has cross-sectoral relevance across policy, civil society, business, and academia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SDG India Index <strong>computes goal-wise scores on the 16 SDGs</strong> for each State and Union Territory.</li>
<li>These <strong>scores range between 0&ndash;100,</strong> and if a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies it has achieved the 2030 targets. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance to target achieved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>States and Union Territories are classified in <strong>four categories</strong> based on their SDG India Index score: <strong>Aspirant</strong> (0&ndash;49), <strong>Performer</strong> (50&ndash;64), <strong>Front-Runner</strong> (65&ndash;99), <strong>Achiever</strong> (100).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with Previous Editions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SDG India Index 2020&ndash;21 is <strong>more robust than the previous editions</strong> on account of wider coverage of targets and indicators with greater alignment with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-monitoring-framework-on-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Indicator Framework (NIF).</strong></a></li>
<li>The 115 indicators<strong> incorporate 16 out of 17 SDGs,</strong> with a qualitative assessment on Goal 17, and cover 70 SDG targets.</li>
<li>This is an <strong>improvement over the 2018&ndash;19 and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sdg-india-index-by-niti-ayog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019&ndash;20</a> editions</strong> of the index, which had utilised 62 indicators across 39 targets and 13 Goals, and 100 indicators across 54 targets and 16 Goals, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The country&rsquo;s <strong>overall SDG score improved by 6 points -</strong> from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2020&ndash;21. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, there are <strong>no states in the aspirant and achiever category;</strong> 15 states/UTs are in the performer category and 22 states/UTs in the front runner category.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India saw significant<strong> improvement in the SDGs related to clean energy, urban development and health in 2020.</strong> However, there has been a <strong>major decline in the areas of industry, innovation and infrastructure as well as decent work and economic growth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Wise Performance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kerala retained its position at the top</strong> of the rankings in the third edition of the index, with a score of 75,<strong> followed by Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh,</strong> both scoring 72.</li>
<li>At the other end of the scale, <strong>Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam were the worst performing States.</strong> However, all States showed some improvement from last year&rsquo;s scores, with Mizoram and Haryana seeing the biggest gains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806598_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806598_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1723952" 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/sdg-india-index-2020-21-niti-aayog'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'CEM-Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the UK have launched a new workstream to promote <strong>industrial energy efficiency</strong> under <strong>Clean Energy Ministerial's (CEM) Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI)</strong> coordinated by UNIDO (United Nations Development Industrial organisation).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched in the <strong>ongoing 12<sup>th</sup> CEM</strong> (CEM12) <strong>Meeting,</strong> which is <strong>virtually hosted by Chile.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About 12<sup>th</sup> CEM Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objective is <strong>to infuse green technologies </strong>and<strong> stimulate demand for low-carbon industrial material.</strong></li>
<li>India is<strong> committed to cut emissions intensity per unit of GDP by 33 to 35% by 2030</strong> (stated in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ndc-synthesis-report-unfccc#:~:text=The%20UNFCCC%2C%20in%20its%20Nationally,the%20end%20of%20the%20century." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nationally Determined Contributions</strong></a>).</li>
<li>The commitment hinges on<strong> effective deployment of low carbon technologies in Energy Intensive Sectors</strong> like Iron &amp; Steel, Cement and Petrochemicals.</li>
<li>Government policies have resulted in <strong>substantial savings in energy at the demand side</strong> such as <strong>AgDSM</strong> (Agriculture Demand Side Management programme), <strong>MuDSM</strong> (Municipal Demand Side Management) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established <strong>in December 2009 at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN&rsquo;s Framework Convention on Climate Change conference of parties</a></strong> in<strong> Copenhagen.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Framework for the Clean Energy Ministerial,</strong> adopted at the <strong>seventh Clean Energy Ministerial in 2016,</strong> defines the CEM governance structure and outlines the mission statement, objectives, membership, and guiding principles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CEM is <strong>a high-level global forum to promote policies and programs that advance clean energy technology,</strong> to share lessons learned and best practices, and to encourage the transition to a global clean energy economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focus Areas:</strong> The CEM is focused on <strong>three global climate and energy policy goals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Improve energy efficiency worldwide.</li>
<li>Enhance clean energy supply.</li>
<li>Expand clean energy access.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>29 countries are part of CEM.</li>
<li><strong>India is also a member</strong> country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>11<sup>th</sup> Clean Energy Ministerial:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The CEM11 was <strong>hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020</strong> that was convened at a critical moment to consider the role of clean energy in supporting a rapid, sustainable recovery, and the role of the CEM community in shaping the next clean energy decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IDDI is an <strong>initiative of CEM.</strong></li>
<li>It is a global <strong>coalition of public and private organisations</strong> who are working to stimulate demand for low carbon industrial materials.</li>
<li>In collaboration with <strong>national governments,</strong> IDDI works to standardise carbon assessments, establish ambitious public and private sector procurement targets, incentivise investment into low-carbon product development and design industry guidelines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supporting Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Coordinated by UNIDO, the IDDI is <strong>co-led by the UK and India</strong> and current members include Germany and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Goals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Encouraging governments and the private sector to buy low carbon steel and cement.</li>
<li>Sourcing and sharing data for common standards and targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Development Industrial Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UNIDO is the <strong>specialized agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong> that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are 170 Member countries as of 1<sup>st</sup> April 2019.</li>
<li><strong>India is also a member</strong> country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discussion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members regularly discuss and decide UNIDO&rsquo;s guiding principles and policies in the sessions of the Policy Making Organs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mission of UNIDO, as described in the <strong>Lima Declaration adopted</strong> at the fifteenth session of the <strong>UNIDO General Conference in 2013,</strong> is to promote and accelerate <strong>inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID)</strong> in Member States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mandate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UNIDO&rsquo;s mandate is fully recognized in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SDG-9</strong></a>, which calls to <strong>&ldquo;Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Vienna, Austria.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source: PIB</a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cem-industrial-deep-decarbonization-initiative'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Mega Food Park Scheme',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries virtually inaugurated the <strong>Indus Best Mega Food Park at Raipur, Chhattisgarh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is built under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/zoram-mega-food-park-mizoram" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mega Food Park Scheme.</strong></a> By this food park, about <strong>5000 people will get employment and about 25000 farmers will be benefited.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched in <strong>2008-09</strong> to give a major <strong>boost to the food processing sector</strong> by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with a particular focus on perishables.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Ministry of Food Processing Industries</strong> is implementing the Mega Food Park Scheme in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Mega Food Parks <strong>create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain</strong> from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster-based approach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide a <strong>mechanism to link agricultural production to the market</strong> by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers so as to <strong>ensure maximizing value addition, minimizing wastage, increasing farmers income</strong> and creating <strong>employment opportunities</strong> particularly in the rural sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Approach:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Scheme is <strong>based on the &ldquo;Cluster&rdquo; approach</strong> and envisages creation of state of art support infrastructure in a <strong>well-defined agri/horticultural zone</strong> for setting up of <strong>modern food processing units</strong> in the industrial plots provided in the park with a <strong>well-established supply chain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Mega food Park typically consists of supply chain infrastructure including <strong>collection centers (cc), primary processing centers (ppc) central processing centers (cpc), cold chain</strong> and around <strong>25-30 fully developed plots</strong> for entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>central government provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50 Crore</strong> per Mega Food Park (MFP) project.</li>
<li>The MFP project is<strong> implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)</strong> which is a Body Corporate registered under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/companies-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Companies Act, 2013.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SPV is a subsidiary company that is formed to <strong>undertake a specific business purpose or activity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Present Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Presently, <strong>22 Mega Food Parks are operational.</strong> It is in line with the &lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a>&rsquo; and &lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat</strong></a>&rsquo; vision of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622799467_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622799467_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="600" height="427" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1724026" 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/mega-food-park-scheme'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Blue-finned Mahseer',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong></a> has moved <strong>Blue-finned Mahseer</strong> from <strong>Endangered to the Least Concern&rsquo; status</strong> on its <strong>Red List.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622796339_image%201.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622796339_image 1.png" width="350" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Mahseer belongs to the genus <em><strong>Tor</strong></em>, of which there are <strong>several subspecies to be found in India</strong> and in other range countries in South Asia.</li>
<li>The Blue-finned Mahseer or <em><strong>Tor Khudree is one of the subspecies of the Mahseer.</strong></em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mainly found in the<strong> Mota Mola</strong> <strong>river east of Pune.</strong> This species is also found in other <strong>rivers of the Deccan Plateau.</strong></li>
<li>The species is migratory; <strong>moving upstream during rains. It prefers clean, fast flowing and well oxygenated waters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Threatened by <strong>habitat manipulation, over harvesting and competition from other fish species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Freshwater Ecosystem Indicator:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is very <strong>sensitive to dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature and sudden climatic changes.</strong> It just cannot bear pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They have cultural and religious significance as well as they are <strong>protected in &lsquo;temple sanctuaries&rsquo; across India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tata Power (private company) is involved in <strong>conservation of the blue-finned for 50 years in Lonavala (near Pune), Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>IUCN Red List</strong>: Least Concern</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IUCN is a <strong>membership union uniquely</strong> composed of both government and civil society organisations.</li>
<li>Created in 1948, <strong>it is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.</strong> It is headquartered in <strong>Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Red List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is the <strong>world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status</strong> of plant and animal species.</li>
<li>It <strong>divides</strong> <strong>species into nine categories:</strong> Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.</li>
<li>It is recognized as the <strong>most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/blue-finned-mahseer-out-of-iucn-red-list-7343295/" 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/blue-finned-mahseer'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'China's 'Artificial Sun' EAST',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, China&rsquo;s<strong> Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)</strong> achieved a peak temperature of <strong>288 million</strong> degrees Fahrenheit, which is over <strong>ten times hotter</strong> than the sun.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China is not the only country</strong> that has achieved high plasma temperatures. In 2020, <strong>South Korea&rsquo;s KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research)</strong> <strong>reactor</strong> set a new record by maintaining a plasma temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius for 20 seconds.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tokamak</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The tokamak is an <strong>experimental machine</strong> designed to harness the <strong>energy of fusion.</strong></li>
<li>Inside a <strong>tokamak</strong>, the energy produced through the fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel.</li>
<li>Like a conventional power plant, a <strong>fusion power plant uses</strong> this heat to produce steam and then electricity by way of <strong>turbines and generators.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The EAST reactor is <strong>an advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device</strong> located at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) in Hefei, China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>EAST first became operational in 2006.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The purpose of the artificial sun is <strong>to replicate the process of nuclear fusion, which is the same reaction that powers the sun.</strong></li>
<li>This is part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-thermonuclear-experimental-reactor-iter-assembly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)</strong></a> facility, which will become the world&rsquo;s <strong>largest</strong> nuclear fusion reactor when it becomes <strong>operational in 2035.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>ITER Members</strong> include China, the European Union, <strong>India</strong>, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>based on the Nuclear Fusion Process</strong> that is carried out by the Sun and the Stars.</li>
<li>For nuclear fusion to occur, <strong>tremendous heat and pressure are applied on hydrogen atoms</strong> so that they fuse together. The <strong>nuclei of deuterium and tritium</strong> - both found in hydrogen - are <strong>made to fuse together</strong> to <strong>create a helium nucleus</strong>, a neutron along with a whole lot of energy.</li>
<li>The gaseous hydrogen fuel <strong>is heated to temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius</strong> so that it <strong>forms a hot plasma</strong> (electrically charged gas) of <strong>subatomic particles.</strong></li>
<li>With the help of a strong magnetic field, the plasma is kept away from the walls of the reactor to ensure it does not cool down and lose its potential to generate large amounts of energy. The <strong>plasma is confined for long durations for fusion to take place.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Tokamaks in China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the EAST, China is currently operating the <strong>HL-2A reactor</strong> as well as <strong>J-TEXT.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>December 2020, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-artificial-sun" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HL-2M Tokamak</a></strong>, China&rsquo;s largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, was successfully <strong>powered up for the first time</strong> &mdash; a key milestone in the <strong>growth of China&rsquo;s nuclear power research capabilities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is significant as far as <strong>China&rsquo;s Green Development</strong> is concerned.</li>
<li><strong>Nuclear fusion</strong> is a process through which <strong>high levels of energy are produced without generating large quantities of waste.</strong> Unlike fission, fusion <strong>also does not emit greenhouse gases</strong> and is considered a safer process with lower risk of accidents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nuclear Reactions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A nuclear reaction is the process in which <strong>two nuclei, or a nucleus</strong> and an <strong>external subatomic particle</strong>, collide to produce <strong>one or more</strong> new nuclides.</li>
<li>Thus, a nuclear reaction must cause <strong>a transformation</strong> of at least one nuclide to another.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nuclear Fission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The nucleus of an <strong>atom splits</strong> into <strong>two daughter nuclei.</strong></li>
<li>This decay can be <strong>natural spontaneous splitting</strong> by radioactive decay, or can actually be simulated in a lab by achieving necessary conditions (bombarding with neutrons, alpha particles, etc.).</li>
<li>The resulting fragments tend to have a combined mass which is less than the original. The <strong>missing mass</strong> is usually converted into <strong>nuclear energy.</strong></li>
<li>Currently <strong>all commercial</strong> nuclear reactors are based on <strong>nuclear fission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nuclear Fusion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nuclear Fusion is defined as the <strong>combining of two lighter nuclei</strong> into a <strong>heavier one.</strong></li>
<li>Such nuclear fusion reactions are the source of energy in the Sun and other stars.</li>
<li>It takes considerable energy to force the <strong>nuclei to fuse.</strong> The conditions needed for this process are extreme &ndash; <strong>millions of degrees</strong> of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>hydrogen bomb</strong> is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction. However, a nuclear bomb based on the fission of uranium or plutonium is placed at the core of the hydrogen bomb to provide initial energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-chinas-artificial-sun-experimental-fusion-reactor-that-has-set-a-new-record-7341397/" 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/china-s-artificial-sun-east'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2021 Report: ILO',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-employment-and-social-outlook-trends-2020-ilo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Labour Organisation (ILO)</strong></a> has released the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-employment-and-social-outlook-trends-2020-ilo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends (WESO) report</a> 2021.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622798981_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622798981_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="702" height="296" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impact of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has pushed <strong>over 100 million more workers into poverty</strong> worldwide. The world would be <strong>75 million jobs short</strong> at the end of this year compared to if the pandemic had not occurred.</li>
<li>Relative to 2019, an estimated <strong>additional 108 million workers are now extremely or moderately poor</strong>, meaning that they and their family members are having to live on less than USD 3.20 per day (It is the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> poverty line for lower-middle-income countries) in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>purchasing power parity</strong></a> <strong>terms</strong>.</li>
<li>The sharp increase in poverty rates is <strong>due to lost working hours as economies went into <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a></strong>, outright job losses, and a decline in access to good quality jobs.</li>
<li>Five years of <strong>progress towards the eradication of working poverty have been undone</strong>, as working poverty rates have now reverted to those of 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rising Inequality:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The pandemic has <strong>exacerbated existing inequalities in the labour market</strong>, with lower-skilled workers, women, young people or migrants among the most affected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Loss of Working Hours:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many people have <strong>held onto their jobs but have seen their working hours cut dramatically.</strong></li>
<li>In 2020, <strong>8.8% of global working hours were lost</strong> compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 -- the equivalent of <strong>255 million full-time jobs.</strong></li>
<li>While the situation has improved, <strong>global working hours have far from bounced back</strong>, and the world will <strong>still be short the equivalent of 100 million full-time jobs by the end of this year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unemployment Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unemployment rate of 6.3% <strong>this year (2020-21)</strong>, falling to <strong>5.7% next year (2021-22)</strong> but still up on the <strong>pre-pandemic rate of 5.4% in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Women&rsquo;s Unemployment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Women have <strong>suffered disproportionate job losses</strong> while seeing their unpaid working time increase.</li>
<li>The <strong>burden of intensified childcare and homeschooling activities</strong> has disproportionately fallen on them.</li>
<li>As a result, <strong>women&rsquo;s employment dropped by 5% compared with 3.9% for men.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect on Workers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There will be <strong>pandemic's longer-term &ldquo;scarring&rdquo; effects</strong> on workers and enterprises.</li>
<li>Looking ahead, the projected <strong>employment growth will be insufficient to close the gaps opened up by the crisis,</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Concerted policy efforts are needed to prevent long-lasting damage.</li>
<li>It recommended among other things ensuring <strong>worldwide access to vaccines</strong> and<strong> financial assistance for developing countries</strong> &ndash; including through <strong>debt restructuring, or enhancing social protection systems.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Labour Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>created in 1919</strong>, as part of the <strong>Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I</strong>, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It became a <strong>specialized agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> in 1946.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>a tripartite organization</strong>, the only one of its kind bringing together representatives of governments, employers and workers in its executive bodies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is a founding member</strong> of the ILO with a total 1<strong>87 member States.</strong></li>
<li><strong>In 2020</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chair-of-ilo-governing-body-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India assumed the Chairmanship</strong></a> of the Governing Body of ILO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Geneva in Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Awards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1969, ILO received the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/nobel-prize-2020#:~:text=the%20original%20sequence.-,Peace,weapon%20of%20war%20and%20conflict." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Peace Prize</strong> </a>for improving fraternity and peace among nations, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to other developing nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> has not just been a public health crisis, <strong>it's also been an employment and human crisis.</strong></li>
<li>Without a <strong>deliberate effort to accelerate the creation of decent jobs, and support the most vulnerable members</strong> of society and the recovery of the hardest-hit economic sectors, <strong>the lingering effects of the pandemic could be with us for years</strong> in the form of lost human and economic potential, and higher poverty and inequality.</li>
<li>There is an urgent need to build back better &mdash; <strong>create productive employment opportunities and foster long-term labour market prospects</strong> for the most vulnerable.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-employment-and-social-outlook-trends-2021-report-ilo'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Census 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/hold-the-decadal-census-of-india-2021-101622631785057.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Conduct the decadal Census of India, 2021&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 02/06/2021. It talks about the importance of census and why the 2021 census should not be delayed.</p>
</div>
<p>Many legacies of the colonial raj continued after 1947. The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India</strong></a> is one of the many. The term census is derived from the latin term from censere, which means to assess.</p>
<p>Population censuses, typically with a semi-decadal (five-year) or decadal frequency are recognised as indispensable to national resource planning. In India, a census is conducted every decade and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2021</strong></a> will be the 16th national census of the country.</p>
<p>However, owing to Covid-19 pandemic, we are midway into 2021 and there is no sign of the Census. As the census shapes political structures, economic decisions, development goals, delaying it will have its costs.</p>
<h3>Census in India: Background &amp; Importance</h3>
<p>In 1858, the Government of India Act 1858 was passed in the British parliament, the company was liquidated, and its authorities were transferred to the British Crown. By this time, the British Crown had taken near-absolute control of India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Intention:</strong> In order to administer the dominion, the British government needed detailed, reliable data on the people and where they lived. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The British government sought to conduct Census in India, as they had been doing it at home since 1801.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> The newly established office of the registrar general and census commissioner launched and completed the first Census of India in 1881.</li>
<li><strong>Positive Feedback Loop:</strong> While the intended objective of the Census was to exploit Indian resources and Indians to the maximum, once the data became available, it found traction among a diverse range of user groups. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Education departments used the data to plan for primary education.</li>
<li>Public works departments used it to plan road networks.</li>
<li>Planners used it to locate electric power plants, trunk lines &amp; railways.</li>
<li>As the data began to impact infrastructure, it facilitated large-scale population movements and rapid growth of port cities like Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong> India is recognised for its 'Unity in diversity' and the Census gives the citizens a chance to study this diversity and associated facets of their nation through its society, demography, economics, anthropology, sociology, statistics, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides valuable information for planning and formulation policies for Central and the State Governments and is widely used by National and International Agencies, Scholars, business people, industrialists, and many more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why should we care about the Census in 2021?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Delimitation Exercise:</strong> The political balance in the Lok Sabha is about to transform when the next delimitation exercise concludes in 2026. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If census 2021 doesn&rsquo;t happen, the states with the poorest record of population management, largely in northern India, will increase their relative presence massively.</li>
<li>On the contrary, South and West India will be disadvantaged.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need for a wider palette of demographic variables to inform the exercise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution of Proceeds:</strong> Finance commissions provide guidance on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the states. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the Goods and Services Tax makes deciding the basis of distribution more controversial, the population plays a key role in routing revenue and like in delimitation, disadvantages success and rewards failure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checking the Polarised Discourse:</strong> Many arguments made by majoritarian politicians are about what they allege to be a shrinking majority and explosive growth of minorities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Census is the objective, all-India process for determining the situation on the ground.</li>
<li>Not only does this give us population data, we can also use various statistical measures such as birth and death rates, fertility rates, gross and net birth rates, and thereby bringing facts to a polarised discourse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Targeted Investments:</strong> There are talks of large-scale investments in infrastructure to restart the economic cycle in Post-Covid-19 period. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Census helps target the investments, by giving planners a sense of who benefits, how much, and at what cost.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Hence, given the importance of Census the decadel exercise of 2021 must be conducted keeing in the mind the following measures:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthening the Data Quality:</strong> This can be done by minimising the coverage error and content error (through increased list of questions in the survey). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help in changing the discourse of the government&rsquo;s programme implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strenthenging the System:</strong> Proper training of enumerators (data collectors) and organizers should be organised. Also, enumerators should be well paid to keep them motivated, as they are the focal point of data collection and ensuring data accuracy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A safe, transparent, unbiased environment should be provided to the interviewers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening the Campaigns:</strong> Launching massive publicity campaigns in order to make people aware about the importance of Census in their life should be organized.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relevant community political &amp; religious leaders, college students (conducting flash mobs) should be involved in order to spread awareness and educate people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Census is the basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade, monitoring the ongoing Schemes of the Goverment and most importantly, planning for the future. That is why the Slogan is "Our Census - Our Future''.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fce6ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>As the census shapes political structures, economic decisions, development goals, delaying the 2021 census will have its costs. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/census-2021-2'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'India Abstains from Latest Resolution Against Israel',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Palestine blamed India for suppressing its human rights of all people</strong> as India abstained from the latest resolution on the Palestinian issue.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India abstained from voting on a resolution</strong> at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-human-rights-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Human Rights Council</strong> </a>(UNHRC) that came up in the backdrop of the latest round of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ai-aqsa-mosque-sheikh-jarrah-israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between Israel and Gaza strip</strong></a>, the coastal part of the Palestinian territories.</li>
<li>UNHRC is<strong> an inter-governmental body</strong> within the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN) system responsible for <strong>strengthening the promotion and protection of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> human rights</a> around the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622722160_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622722160_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="629" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Resolution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It called on the UNHRC <strong>to set up a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/call-for-permanent-commission-for-israel-and-palestinian-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permanent commission</a> to probe human rights violations in Gaza,</strong> West Bank and Palestine.</li>
<li>It was <strong>adopted with the vote of 24 members.</strong> Nine voted against, and 14, including India, abstained. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Among the<strong> countries that abstained</strong> on the vote, along with India, were France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, the Netherlands, Poland, and South Korea.</li>
<li>China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Russia were<strong> among those who voted in favour;</strong> Germany, the UK, and Austria<strong> voted against the resolution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As it was passed, an <strong>independent commission of inquiry</strong> was formed to investigate <strong>violations of international law by Israel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Palestine's Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> resolution</strong> is not an aberration to the Human Rights Council. It is the <strong>by-product of extensive multilateral consultations.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel&rsquo;s grave violations</strong> by States, UN&rsquo;s experts, Human Rights Treaty bodies, and international organisations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Palestinian people were <strong>deprived of applicability of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">international human rights law.</a></strong></li>
<li>The<strong> root causes of the injustice</strong> against the Palestinian people was <strong>dispossession, displacement, <a href="/gs-special/gs-special-world-history/colonialism#:~:text=Colonialism%20implies%20domination%20of%20people%27s,is%20more%20formal%20and%20aggressive." target="_blank" rel="noopener">colonisation</a> by Israel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Therefore,<strong> India&rsquo;s abstention stifles the important work of Human Rights Council</strong> at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India <strong>missed an opportunity to join the international community</strong> at this turning point, both crucial and long overdue, on the path to accountability, justice and peace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Till Date India&rsquo;s Position on Israel-Palestine Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India<strong> recognised Israel in 1950</strong> but it is also the<strong> first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)</strong> as the sole representative of the Palestinian.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is also <strong>one of the first countries to recognise the statehood of Palestine in 1988.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In<strong> 2014,</strong> India<strong> favored UNHRC&rsquo;s resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza.</strong> Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.</strong></li>
<li>As a part of Link West Policy, <strong>India has de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li>In June 2019, India <strong>voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-ecosoc-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)</strong> </a>that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
<li>In March 2021, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-criminal-court-icc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Criminal Court (ICC)</strong></a> launched investigatations into the war crimes in <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Palestinian territories occupied by Israel (West Bank and the Gaza Strip).</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Israel wanted India to take a stand against it,</strong> however it did not happen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>So far, India has<strong> tried to maintain the image of its historical moral supporter for Palestinian self-determination,</strong> and at the same time to <strong>engage in the military, economic, and other strategic relations with Israel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s policy on the longest running conflict in the world has <strong>gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine</strong> for the first four decades, to a<strong> tense balancing act with its three-decade-old friendly ties with Israel.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In today's multipolar world, <strong>India needs to have a balanced approach.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>world at large needs to come together for a peaceful solution</strong> but the reluctance of the Israeli government and other involved parties have aggravated the issue more. Thus a <strong>balanced approach would help to maintain favorable relations with Arab countries as well as Israel.</strong></li>
<li>The recent <strong>normalization agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, known as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Abraham Accords</a>,</strong> are the steps in the right direction. All regional powers should envisage peace between the two countries on line of Abraham Accords.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/palestine-flays-indias-abstention-from-un-human-rights-council-vote/article34708618.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-abstains-from-latest-resolution-against-israel'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'New Pension Rules for Civil Servants',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Central Government has amended its pension rules</strong> putting new restrictions on officials of intelligence and security organisations after retirement.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has <strong>amended Rule-8(3)(a) of the CCS (Central Civil Services) Pension Rules-1972.</strong></li>
<li>The Centre has notified <strong>Central Civil Services (Pension) Amendment Rules, 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The said rules were <strong>first drafted in 1972</strong> and have been <strong>amended 47 times.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2008</strong>, <strong>Rule 8</strong> pertaining to <strong>&ldquo;pension subject to future good conduct&rdquo;</strong> was first <strong>amended</strong> by inserting the condition that <strong>retired intelligence and security officials will not publish any material that affects the &ldquo;sovereignty and integrity of India</strong>, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, or relation with a foreign State or which would lead to incitement of an offence&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amended Rule-8(3)(a):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Officials retired from</strong> certain <strong>intelligence or security establishments (included under 2<sup>nd</sup> schedule of RTI Act)</strong> will <strong>not be allowed to write anything about their organisation</strong> without permission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Second Schedule</strong> of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005</strong></a> covers <strong>26 organisations</strong> including the Intelligence Bureau, R&amp;AW, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/directorate-of-revenue-intelligence-dri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Directorate of Revenue Intelligence</a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBI</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/narcotics-control-bureau" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCB</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bsf-raising-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BSF</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/central-reserve-police-force" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CRPF</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/59th-raising-day-of-the-itbp#:~:text=The%20ITBP%20was%20raised%20on,km%20of%20Indo%2DChina%20Border." target="_blank" rel="noopener">ITBP </a></strong>and<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/central-armed-police-forces" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> CISF</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Requires the <strong>retired officials to sign an undertaking - Form 26</strong> - and <strong>declare that without the prior approval of the competent authority they will not publish any information</strong> related to the &ldquo;domain of the organisation and obtained by virtue of my working in the said organisation&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The <strong>amendment expands the scope</strong> to include any information related to &ldquo;domain of the organisation, any reference or information about any personnel and his designation, and expertise or knowledge gained by virtue of working in that organisation.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose of the Amendment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amendment was in process for around four years after the <strong>Committee of Secretaries recommended it.</strong></li>
<li>The move was <strong>prompted by concern</strong>s arising out of the fact that some high-profile retired officers had written books on their tenure, and some of these had revealed information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This amendment to Rule 8 means that <strong>pension can be withheld or withdrawn if the pensioner disobeys the rules.</strong></li>
<li>This change in rules is <strong>likely to impact retired officials of security and intelligence organisations who write in newspapers</strong> and magazines or author books on their former organisations and experiences.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rules Pertaining to Government Servants</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rule 9 of CCS Pension Rules-1972 (Departmental Proceeding after Retirement):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It says that if any government official has <strong>committed any misconduct and retires</strong>, he or she <strong>may face departmental proceedings only until four years</strong> after the date of committing that misconduct.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It puts <strong>some restrictions on Government Employees while in Service.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Rule 7</strong>: It restricts government servants from resorting to or abetting any form of <strong>strike or coercion.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rule 8</strong>: It restricts them, except with government sanction, from <strong>owning or participating in the editing or management of any newspaper</strong> or other periodical publication or electronic media.</li>
<li><strong>Rule 9</strong>: It restricts a government servant from <strong>making statements of fact or opinion</strong> in writing or in a telecast or a broadcast &ldquo;which has the effect of an <strong>adverse criticism of any current or recent policy</strong> or action of the Central Government or a State Government&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restriction on Political Activity while in Service:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Conduct Rules bars government servants</strong> from being associated with any political party or organisation, and from taking part or assisting any political activity.</li>
<li>An <strong>amendment in 2014</strong> said, &ldquo;Every government employee shall at all times maintain political neutrality&rdquo; and &ldquo;commit himself to and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and democratic values&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rule 26, All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits Rules) 1958 (Employment after Retirement):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>restricts a pensioner from any commercial employment for one year</strong> (until 2007 it was 2 years) after retirement, except with previous sanction of the central government.</li>
<li><strong>Non-compliance</strong> can lead the central government declaring that the employee &ldquo;shall not be entitled to the whole or such part of the pension and for such period as may be specified&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joining Politics after Retirement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is <strong>no rule</strong> to stop government servants from joining politics after their retirement.</li>
<li>In 2013, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission</strong></a> had written to the <strong>DoPT</strong> (Department of Personnel and Training) and <strong>Law Ministry</strong>, suggesting a <strong>cooling-off period</strong> for bureaucrats joining politics after retirement, but it was rejected. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law advised &ldquo;that <strong>any such restriction</strong> (against officials joining politics or contesting polls) <strong>may not stand the test of valid classification under Article 14</strong> (equality before the law) <strong>of the Constitution of India&rdquo;.</strong> And the DoPT told the EC that its suggestions &ldquo;may not be appropriate and feasible.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-restrictions-on-government-servants-before-and-after-retirement-7341594/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-pension-rules-for-civil-servants'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Model Tenancy Act',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Cabinet has approved the <strong>Model Tenancy Act</strong> to be sent to the States and Union Territories to <strong>enact legislation or amend laws on rental properties.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-model-tenancy-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft Act</strong></a> had been published by the <strong>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs</strong> in 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622709352_image%202.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622709352_image 2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Some Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Written Agreement is Mandatory:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mandatory for there to be a <strong>written agreement</strong> between the property owner and the tenant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishes Independent Authority and Rent Court:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Establishes an independent authority in every state and UT for<strong> registration of tenancy agreements</strong> and even a separate court <strong>to take up tenancy related disputes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maximum Limit for Security Deposit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Limit the <strong>tenant&rsquo;s advance security deposit to a maximum of two months rent</strong> for residential purposes and to a <strong>maximum of six months</strong> for <strong>non-residential purposes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Describes Rights and Obligations of both Landlord and Tenant:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>landlord</strong> will be responsible for activities like structural repairs except those necessitated by damage caused by the tenant, whitewashing of walls and painting of doors and windows, etc.</li>
<li>The <strong>tenant</strong> will be responsible for drain cleaning, switches and socket repairs, kitchen fixtures repairs, replacement of glass panels in windows, doors and maintenance of gardens and open spaces, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>24-hour Prior Notice by the Landlord:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A landowner will have to give <strong>24-hour prior notice before entering the rented premises</strong> to carry out repairs or replacement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism for Vacating the Premises:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If a landlord has <strong>fulfilled all the conditions stated</strong> in the rent agreement - giving notice etc.- and the <strong>tenant fails to vacate the premises</strong> on the expiration of the period of tenancy or termination of tenancy, the landlord is <strong>entitled to double the monthly rent for two months</strong> and four times after that.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will <strong>apply</strong> to premises let out for <strong>residential, commercial or educational</strong> <strong>use</strong>, but <strong>not for industrial use.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>also won&rsquo;t cover</strong> hotels, lodging houses, inns, etc.</li>
<li>It will be applied prospectively and <strong>will not affect existing tenancies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census</strong></a> <strong>2011</strong>, nearly <strong>1.1 crore houses</strong> were lying vacant in the country and making these houses available on rent will complement the vision of<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/affordable-rental-housing-complexes-for-urban-migrants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> &lsquo;Housing for All&rsquo; by 2022</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The authority will provide a <strong>speedy mechanism in resolving disputes</strong> and other related matters.</li>
<li>It will help overhaul the <strong>legal framework</strong> with respect to rental housing across the country.</li>
<li>It will enable creation of <strong>adequate rental housing stock</strong> for all the income groups thereby addressing the <strong>issue of homelessness.</strong></li>
<li>It will enable <strong>institutionalisation of rental housing</strong> by gradually shifting it towards the formal market.</li>
<li>It is expected to give a <strong>fillip to private participation in rental housing</strong> as a business model for addressing the huge housing shortage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act is<strong> not binding on the states as land and urban development remain state subjects.</strong></li>
<li>Like in the case with <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/rera-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RERA</strong></a> (Real Estate (Regulation and Development Act), the fear is that states may choose not to follow guidelines, diluting the essence of the Model Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723636" 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/model-tenancy-act-1'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'New Missions to Venus: NASA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</strong></a> announced <strong>two new robotic missions to Venus.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, scientists obtained <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recent-findings-about-venus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new data about Venus by bouncing radio waves</strong> </a>off the planet.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two sister missions aim to <strong>understand how Venus became an inferno-like world capable of melting lead at the surface.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>DaVinci Plus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be the first of the two, <strong>it will analyze the thick, cloudy Venusian atmosphere</strong> in an attempt to <strong>determine whether the inferno planet ever had an ocean and was possibly habitable.</strong> A small craft will plunge through the atmosphere to measure the gases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Veritas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be the second one seeking a <strong>geologic history by mapping the rocky planet&rsquo;s surface.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new missions will <strong>give fresh views of the planet&rsquo;s atmosphere, made up mostly of carbon dioxide, down to the core.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Previous Missions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>US:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mariner</strong> series 1962-1974, <strong>Pioneer</strong> Venus 1 and Pioneer Venus 2 in 1978, Magellan in 1989.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Venera</strong> series of space crafts 1967-1983, <strong>Vegas</strong> 1 and 2 in 1985.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Japan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Akatsuki</strong> in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Europe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Venus Express</strong> in 2005.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India plans to launch a new orbiter named <strong>Shukrayaan</strong> to Venus in 2024.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Venus</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. It is the <strong>second planet from the Sun and sixth in the solar system in size and mass.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622708274_image%201.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622708274_image 1.png" style="float: right;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>second brightest</strong> natural object in the night sky <strong>after the Moon</strong>, probably that is the reason why it was the <strong>first planet to have its</strong> <strong>motions plotted across the sky</strong>, as early as the second millennium BC.</li>
<li>Unlike the other planets in our solar system, <strong>Venus and Uranus spin clockwise</strong> on their axis.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>hottest planet</strong> in the solar system because of the <strong>high concentration of carbon dioxide</strong> which works to produce an intense <strong><a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse effect</a>.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>day on Venus is longer than a year.</strong> It takes Venus <strong>longer to rotate once on its axis than to complete one orbit of the Sun.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That&rsquo;s <strong>243 Earth days to rotate once</strong> - the longest rotation of any planet in the Solar System - and only <strong>224.7 Earth days to complete one orbit of the Sun.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Venus &amp; Earth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Venus has been called <strong>Earth&rsquo;s twin</strong> because of the <strong>similarities in their masses, sizes, and densities and their similar relative locations</strong> in the solar system.</li>
<li>No planet approaches closer to Earth than Venus; at its nearest <strong>it is the closest large body to Earth other than the Moon.</strong></li>
<li>Venus has <strong>90 times the atmospheric pressure of Earth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason For Studying Venus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help to learn <strong>how Earth-like planets evolve and what conditions exist on Earth-sized <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-super-earth-planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exoplanets</a></strong> (planets that orbit a star other than our sun).</li>
<li>It will help in modelling <strong>Earth&rsquo;s climate</strong>, and serves as a cautionary tale on how dramatically a planet&rsquo;s climate can change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/nasa-picks-venus-as-hot-spot-for-two-new-robotic-missions-7341904/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
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		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'First Human Case of H10N3 Bird Flu',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>China</strong> has reported the <strong>first case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu</strong> in Jiangsu province.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>H10N3 is <strong>a subtype of the Influenza A virus</strong> which is <strong>commonly known as the bird flu virus.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>a low pathogenic, or relatively less severe, strain of the virus in poultry</strong> and the <strong>risk of it spreading on a large scale is very low.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Among animals, it can <strong>spread through respiratory droplets</strong>, similar to <strong>flu</strong> and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The strain is <strong>not a very common</strong> virus, <strong>only about 160 isolates of the virus have been reported in the past 40 years</strong> (till 2018), that too, mostly in wild birds or waterfowl in Asia and some parts of North America. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>None</strong> had been detected <strong>in chickens as of now.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>many different strains of avian influenza in China and some sporadically infect people</strong>, generally those working with poultry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there have been <strong>no significant numbers of human infections with bird flu since the H7N9 strain</strong> killed around 300 people <strong>during 2016-2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Bird Flu</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bird flu</strong>, also known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bird-flu-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Avian influenza (AI)</strong></a>, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of <strong>food-producing birds</strong> (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as <strong>pet birds and wild birds.</strong></li>
<li>Occasionally <strong>mammals, including humans</strong>, may contract avian influenza.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Influenza Viruses:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Influenza viruses are grouped into three types; <strong>A, B, and C.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Only type A</strong> is known to <strong>infect animals</strong> and is <strong>zoonotic</strong>, meaning it can also infect humans. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Avian influenza virus subtypes</strong> include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), A(H9N2) and A(H10N3).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Type <strong>B and C mostly infect humans</strong> and typically cause mild disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Influenza viruses</strong> are classified into subtypes based on <strong>two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA)</strong> and <strong>Neuraminidase (NA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, a virus that has an HA 7 protein and NA 9 protein is designated as subtype H7N9.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1)</strong> virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them.</li>
<li><strong>HPAI Asian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gene-editing-to-halt-human-flu-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H5N1</a></strong> is especially deadly for poultry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Avian Influenza outbreaks can lead to devastating consequences for the country, particularly the poultry industry.</li>
<li>Farmers might experience a high level of mortality in their flocks, with rates often around 50%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strict <strong>biosecurity measures</strong> and <strong>good hygiene</strong> are essential in protecting against disease outbreaks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eradication:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the infection is detected in animals, <strong>a policy of culling infected and contact animals</strong> is normally used in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fresh cases of bird flu</strong> were reported in different states of India <strong>between December 2020-January 2021</strong> causing alarm across the country.</li>
<li><strong>Previously in 2019</strong>, India was <strong>declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1)</strong>, which had also been <strong>notified to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>OIE</strong> is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is headquartered in Paris, France.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-reports-human-case-of-h10n3-bird-flu/article34694809.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Child Labour In India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/breaking-the-cycle-of-child-labour-is-in-indias-hands/article34702648.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Breaking the cycle of child labour is in India&rsquo;s hands&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 02/06/2021. It talks about the menace of child labour in India.</p>
</div>
<p>With increased economic insecurity, lack of social protection and reduced household income, the Covid-19 pandemic is pushing the children from poor households to contribute to the family income with the risk of exposure to exploitative work.</p>
<p>Subsequent lockdowns have worsened the situation, posing a real risk of backtracking the gains made in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/child-labour-and-forced-labour-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>eliminating child labour.</strong></a></p>
<p>The true extent of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on child labour is yet to be measured but all indications show that it would be significant as children are unable to attend school and parents are unable to find work.</p>
<p>However, not all the factors that contribute to child labour were created by the pandemic; most of them were pre-existing and have been exposed or amplified by it. Though the pandemic has amplified its contributing factors, policy and programmatic interventions can save children.</p>
<h3>Status of Child Labour in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful.</li>
<li>The Census of India 2011 reports 10.1 million working children in the age group of 5-14 years, out of whom 8.1 million are in rural areas mainly engaged as cultivators (26%) and agricultural labourers (32.9%).</li>
<li>The side-effects of working at a young age are: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Risks of contracting occupational diseases like skin diseases, diseases of the lungs, weak eyesight, TB etc.;</li>
<li>Vulnerability to sexual exploitation at the workplace;</li>
<li>Deprived of education.</li>
<li>They grow up unable to avail development opportunities and end up as unskilled workers for the rest of their lives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Child Labour: Constitutional And Legal Provsions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to Article 23 of the Indian Constitution any type of forced labour is prohibited.</li>
<li>Article 24 states that a child under 14 years cannot be employed to perform any hazardous work.</li>
<li>Article 39 states that &ldquo;the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused&rdquo;.</li>
<li>In the same manner, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/world-day-against-child-labour-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Child Labour Act (Prohibition and Regulation) 1986</strong></a> prohibits children under the age of 14 years to be working in hazardous industries and processes.</li>
<li>Policy interventions such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA 2005</strong></a>, the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Right to Education Act 2009</strong></a> and the Mid Day Meal Scheme have paved the way for children to be in schools along with guaranteed wage employment (unskilled) for rural families.</li>
<li>Further, with the ratification International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 138 and 182 in 2017, the Indian government have demonstrated its commitment to the elimination of child labour including those engaged in hazardous occupations.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Associated Issues With the Child Labour</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cause &amp; Effect Relationship:</strong> Child labour and exploitation are the result of many factors, including poverty, social norms condoning them, lack of decent work opportunities for adults and adolescents, migration and emergencies. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These factors are not only the cause but also a consequence of social inequities reinforced by discrimination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threat to National Eonomy:</strong> The continuing persistence of child labour and exploitation poses a threat to national economies and has severe negative short and long-term consequences for children such as denial of education and undermining physical and mental health.</li>
<li><strong>Child Labour in Informal Sector</strong>: Though child labour is banned the law, across India child labourers can be found in a variety of informal industries like in brick kilns, carpet weaving, garment making, agriculture, fisheries, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Disguised Child Labour:</strong> Despite rates of child labour declining over the last few years, children are still being used in disguised form of child labour like domestic help.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Work performed may not appear to be immediately dangerous, but it may produce long-term and devastating consequences for their education, their skills acquisition.</li>
<li>Hence their future possibilities to overcome the vicious circle of poverty, incomplete education and poor quality jobs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Linkage With Child Trafficking:</strong> Child trafficking is also linked to child labour and it always results in child abuse.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trafficked children are subjected to prostitution, forced into marriage or illegally adopted; they provide cheap or unpaid labour, are forced to work as house servants or beggars and may be recruited into armed groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Role of Panchayat:</strong> As nearly 80% of child labour in India emanates from rural areas, the Panchayat can play a dominant role in mitigating child labour. In this context, panchayat should:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generate awareness about the ill-effects of child labour,</li>
<li>Encourage parents to send their children to school,</li>
<li>Create an environment where children stop working and get enrolled in schools instead,</li>
<li>Ensure that children have sufficient facilities available in schools,</li>
<li>Inform industry owners about the laws prohibiting child labour and the penalties for violating these laws,</li>
<li>Activate Balwadis and Aanganwadis in the village so that working mothers do not leave the responsibility of younger children on their older siblings.</li>
<li>Motivate Village Education Committees (VECs) to improve the conditions of schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Integrated Approach:</strong> Child labour and other forms of exploitation are preventable through integrated approaches that strengthen child protection systems as well as simultaneously addressing poverty and inequity, improve access to and quality of education and mobilize public support for respecting children&rsquo;s rights.</li>
<li><strong>Treating Children as Active Stakeholder:</strong> Children have the power to play a significant role in preventing and responding to child labour. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are key actors in child protection and can give valuable insights into how they perceive their involvement and what they expect from the government and other stakeholders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Children belong in schools not workplaces. Child labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Child labour acts as a major barrier to education, affecting both attendance and performance in school.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
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<td style="width: 627px; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #e8eeff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Child labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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		'title' => 'Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and Vaigai River: Tamil Nadu',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The recently declared <strong>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve</strong> in <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> will provide protection to <strong>Megamalai</strong>, the <strong>Vaigai&rsquo;s primary catchment</strong>, in turn helping water levels to rise in the river.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623047043_SVG_Map_River_Vaigai_EN.svg.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623047043_SVG_Map_River_Vaigai_EN.svg.png" width="400" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Vaigai River:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Origin and Tributaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>originates in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Ghats</a></strong> (Varushanad Hills).</li>
<li>It travels through the <strong>Pandya Nadu region</strong> of Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>Its <strong>main tributaries</strong> are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.</li>
<li>The Vaigai is <strong>258 kms long</strong> and finally <strong>empties into the Palk Strait</strong> near the <strong>Pamban Bridge </strong>in<strong> Ramanathapuram district.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Heritage River:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Vaigai was the river that <strong>flowed through the noted city of Madurai</strong>, the <strong>capital</strong> (4<sup>th</sup>-11<sup>th</sup> century CE) <strong>of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom</strong> located in southern Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>The river finds a mention in <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/sangam-age-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sangam</a> literature</strong> dated to 3<strong>00 before the Common Era.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The river fulfils the <strong>drinking water requirement of five districts of Tamil Nadu</strong> namely Theni, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Dindigul.</li>
<li>It also provides <strong>irrigation to 2,00,000 hectares</strong> of agricultural land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rejuvenation of Vaigai:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its <strong>deterioration happened at the end of the 18<sup>th</sup> century</strong> when the British started <strong>deforesting the Megamalai region</strong> which acts as a major catchment for Vaigai. Consequently, the <strong>water flow in the river reduced gradually.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some <strong>2,00,000 people died</strong> in this region during the <strong>Great Famine of 1876-77.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Following the famine, the British Crown <strong>proposed diverting water from the Periyar river (Kerala)</strong> and feeding it to the Vaigai through a tunnel.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Vaigai presently <strong>gets about 80% of its water from the Periyar dam.</strong> The <strong>balance 20%</strong> is obtained from the <strong>major watershed of the Megamalai region</strong> during the northeast monsoon season.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai</strong> <strong>Tiger Reserve</strong> will <strong>protect wild animals and the natural forests, their habitats</strong> which <strong>act as watersheds.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established <strong>in February 2021.</strong> It was jointly declared by the Centre and Tamil Nadu governments.</li>
<li>For this, the <strong>Megamalai WLS</strong> and the adjoining <strong>Srivilliputhur WLS</strong> were clubbed together.</li>
<li>Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve is the <strong>fifth Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu</strong>, and <strong>51<sup>th</sup> tiger reserve of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecological Diversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Animals seen here are <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tiger-census-2018-guinness-book-of-world-records" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bengal tiger</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elephants</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-bison-gaur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gaur</a></strong>, Indian giant squirrel, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-leopard-population" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leopard</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-tahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nilgiri Tahrs</a>,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>It has a mix of tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests and moist mixed deciduous forests, grassland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other four Tiger reserves of Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pulayar-community-and-anamalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anamalai tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalakkad - Mundanthurai tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mudumalai tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sathyamangalam tiger reserve</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/a-tiger-reserve-declared-this-year-can-rejuvenate-vaigai-india-s-heritage-river-77165" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'One Nation One Election',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-simultaneous-polls-is-an-idea-whose-time-has-come-7344586/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;One Nation, One Election&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 02/06/2021. It talks about the argument for and against the simultaneous elections.</p>
</div>
<p>As the elections in four states and one Union territory in March-April are suspected to have contributed to the second wave of Covid infections, a well-reasoned debate on a concept as important as &ldquo;one nation, one election&rdquo; is called for.</p>
<p>The concept needs to be debated mainly around five issues: Financial costs of conducting elections; cost of repeated administrative freezes; visible and invisible costs of repeatedly deploying security forces; campaign and finance costs of political parties; and the question of regional/smaller parties having a level playing field.</p>
<h3>Simultaneous Election: Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The idea has been around since at least 1983, when the Election Commission first mooted it. However, until 1967, simultaneous elections were the norm in India.</li>
<li>The first General Elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha) and all State Legislative Assemblies were held simultaneously in 1951-52.</li>
<li>That practice continued in three subsequent General Elections held in the years 1957, 1962 and 1967.</li>
<li>However, due to the premature dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969, the cycle got disrupted.</li>
<li>In 1970, the Lok Sabha was itself dissolved prematurely and fresh elections were held in 1971. Thus, the First, Second and Third Lok Sabha enjoyed full five-year terms.</li>
<li>As a result of premature dissolutions and extension of terms of both the Lok Sabha and various State Legislative Assemblies, there have been separate elections to Lok Sabha and States Legislative Assemblies, and the cycle of simultaneous elections has been disturbed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arguments For Simultaneous Election</h3>
<p>A NITI Aayog paper says that the country has at least one election each year; actually, each state has an election every year, too. In that paper, NITI Aayog argued that multiple elections incurs many direct and indirect disadvantages</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Incalculable Economic Costs of Elections:</strong> Directly budgeted costs are around Rs 300 crore for a state the size of Bihar. However, there are other financial costs, and incalculable economic costs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Each election means government machinery misses out on their regular duties due to election duty and related work.</li>
<li>These costs of the millions of man-hours used are not charged to the election budget.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Policy Paralysis:</strong> The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) also affects the government's functionary, as no new significant policy can be announced and executed after the elections are announced.</li>
<li><strong>Administrative Costs:</strong> There are also huge and visible costs of deploying security forces and transporting them, repeatedly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A bigger invisible cost is paid by the nation in terms of diverting these forces from sensitive areas and in terms of the fatigue and illnesses that repeated cross-country deployments bring about.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arguments Against Simultaneous Elections</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Federal Problem:</strong> Simultaneous elections are almost nearly impossible to implement, as it would mean arbitrarily curtailing or extending the term of existing legislatures to bring their election dates in line with the due date for the rest of the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such a measure would undermine democracy and federalism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against Spirit of Democracy:</strong> Critics also say that forcing simultaneous elections is against democracy because trying to force an artificial cycle of elections and restricting the choice for voters is not correct.</li>
<li><strong>Regional Parties At Disadvantage:</strong> Regional parties are supposed to be at a disadvantage because in simultaneously held elections, voters are reportedly likely to predominantly vote one way, giving the dominant party at the Centre an advantage.</li>
<li><strong>Diminished Accountability:</strong> Having to face the electorate more than once every 5 years enhances the accountability of politicians and keeps them on their toes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is obvious That the Constitution and other laws would need to be amended for implementing simultaneous elections. However, it should be done in such a way that it doesn&rsquo;t hurt the basic tenets of democracy and federalism.</p>
<p>In this context, the Law Commission has suggested an alternative i.e. categorising states based on proximity to the next general election, and having one round of State Assembly polls with the next Lok Sabha election, and another round for the remaining States 30 months later. But there is still no guarantee that mid-term polls would not be needed.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff0;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Do simultaneous elections compromise democracy and federalism? Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-election-2'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine Initiative',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> virtually launched the <strong>SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative</strong> and <strong>SAGE portal</strong> for<strong> elderly persons.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An amount of <strong>Rs. 100 crore</strong> has been assigned for the <strong>promotion of the silver economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Silver Economy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Silver economy is the system of<strong> production,</strong> distribution and consumption<strong> of goods and services aimed at using the purchasing potential of older and ageing people</strong> and satisfying their consumption, living and health needs.</li>
<li>The silver economy is<strong> analyzed in the field of social gerontology</strong> (study of aging) <strong>not as an existing economic system but as an instrument of ageing policy</strong> and the political idea of forming a potential, needs-oriented economic system for an aging population.</li>
<li>Its <strong>main element is gerontechnology</strong> (Technology pertaining to aged people) as a new scientific, research and implementation paradigm.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> SAGE portal</strong> will be<strong> a &ldquo;one-stop access&rdquo; of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups.</strong></li>
<li>It has been launched with a view to <strong>help such persons who are interested in entrepreneurship in the field of providing services for elderly care.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>SAGE project aims to identify,</strong> evaluate, verify, aggregate, and deliver products, solutions and services directly to the stakeholders. The <strong>Ministry will act as a facilitator,</strong> enabling the elderly to access the products through identified start-ups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Start-ups can apply</strong> for being a part of SAGE through a dedicated portal.</li>
<li>The start-ups selected under SAGE will be those which will provide new innovative products and services to elderly persons in<strong> various areas like health, travel, finance, legal, housing, food among others.</strong></li>
<li>An allocation of <strong>Rs. 25 crores</strong> has been made for the SAGE project in the current financial year i.e <strong>2021-22.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for the Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>share of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/elderly-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elders</a></strong>, as a percentage of the total population in the country, is expected <strong>to increase from around 7.5% in 2001 to almost 12.5% by 2026,</strong> and surpass <strong>19.5% by 2050.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622887636_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622887636_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Other Government Initiatives for Elderly people:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The main objective of the scheme is to improve the quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rashtriya-vayoshri-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>central sector scheme</strong></a> funded from the <strong>Senior Citizens&rsquo; Welfare Fund.</strong> The fund was notified in the year 2016.</li>
<li>It aims to provide <strong>aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category</strong> who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PMVVY was <strong>launched in May 2017</strong> to provide social security during old age.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>pension scheme for senior citizens</strong> that comes with guaranteed returns on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or on an annual basis for a period of 10 years. It is <strong>exclusively available to those who are 60 years of age and above.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vayoshreshtha Samman:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Conferred as a <strong>National award,</strong> and given to eminent senior citizens &amp; institutions under various categories for their contributions on <strong>International day of older persons on 1<sup>st</sup> October.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To ensure need-based maintenance for Parents and Senior Citizens and their welfare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1724425" 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/seniorcare-aging-growth-engine-initiative'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'World Energy Investment Report, 2021: IEA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-energy-outlook-2021-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Energy Agency (IEA)</strong></a> published the <strong>World Energy Investment Report, 2021.</strong></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622882214_image%202.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622882214_image 2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increased Investment in Energy Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global energy <strong>investment is expected to rebound in 2021 and increase 10%</strong> year-on-year to around <strong>USD 1.9 trillion.</strong></li>
<li>Most of this investment <strong>will flow towards power and end-use sectors</strong>, shifting out of traditional fossil fuel production.</li>
<li>The scenario is perfectly <strong>aligned with the projection that global energy demand will rise 4.6% year-on-year in 2021</strong>, offsetting its contraction in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Renewable Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Renewable power<strong> will have the largest share</strong> - around 70% of the total will be spent on new power generation capacity.</li>
<li>There will be <strong>substantial gain of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-renewable-energy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewable energy</a></strong> as the future energy outlook has been dependent on technological development, well-established supply chain and demand from consumers for carbon-neutral electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fossil Fuels:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Upstream (production and exploration) <strong>investment in oil is expected to grow 10%.</strong> This expansion in fossil fuels was planned with novel technologies like <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-153" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)</strong></a> and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> bioenergy</strong></a> CCS, which are yet to attain commercial success.</li>
<li>The increment of <strong>coal-fired power in 2020, mostly driven by China, is indicating that coal is down but not yet out.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The above<strong> positive scenarios will still not deter the increase in carbon dioxide emission</strong>, after contraction in 2020 mainly due to economic slowdown induced by the novel coronavirus pandemic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Global emission is <strong>set to grow by 1.5 billion tonnes in 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Many developing nations&rsquo; <strong>supporting policy and regulatory frameworks are not yet aligned with long-term <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-transforming-to-a-net-zero-emissions-energy-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">net-zero</a> goals.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Net zero emissions</strong> refers to achieving an overall balance between <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>greenhouse gas</strong> </a>emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In many <strong>Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs)</strong>, investment in renewables was hit harder by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a></strong> than in developed nations &ndash; and now many EMDEs have prioritised coal and oil in recovery plans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons of Increased Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>emerging market is almost 70% responsible</strong> for demand growth and <strong>India plays an important part in this block.</strong></li>
<li><strong>China is showing a tremendous expansion in coal-based power production</strong> &mdash; their coal consumption in December 2020 was a historic high &mdash; though the country has a commendable renewable growth.</li>
<li>The <strong>responsibility-share of developed nations should not be undermined.</strong> Their in-country <strong>growth of emission is moderate but their exported emission is of concern.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Australia&rsquo;s</strong> exported emission through coal is double its domestic emission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although the US has shown renewed commitment to the multilateral <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>system for tackling <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> by re-joining the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris agreement</a>.</strong> Its fascination with cheap shale gas is creating an investment distortion and <strong>adversely affecting the sustainability of developmental pathways of countries like India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Energy Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>autonomous Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1974</strong> in Paris, France.</li>
<li>IEA mainly <strong>focuses on its energy policies</strong> which include <strong>economic development, energy security and environmental protection.</strong> These policies are also known as the 3 <strong>E&rsquo;s of IEA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and IEA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India became an Associate member of IEA in March 2017</strong> but it was in engagement with IEA long before its association with the organization.</li>
<li>Recently, India has inked a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-with-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic Partnership Agreement with the IEA</strong></a> to strengthen cooperation in global energy security, stability and sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pollution-from-coal-burning-ieaccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IEA Clean Coal Centre</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is dedicated to providing independent information and analysis on how coal can become a cleaner source of energy, compatible with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reports:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>World Energy Investment Report, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-outlook-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Energy Outlook Report</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Energy Review</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, it has released the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-energy-outlook-2021-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Energy Outlook 2021 Report</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/net-zero-by-2050-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Net Zero by 2050</a></strong>, World's first comprehensive energy roadmap.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Market stimulus <strong>amid the pandemic may have lost the opportunity</strong> to maximise the clean developmental pathway, which the world is in dire need of.</li>
<li>The <strong>urgency visible in communication is still not satisfactorily reflected in action</strong> and the world is far away from the scientific target of limiting climate change within two degrees Celsius.</li>
<li>A <strong>more democratic decision-making process and de-corporatisation of the energy sector is the need of the future</strong> for the survival of civilization on this planet.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate%20change/amp/renewable-energy-estimated-to-attract-70-global-energy-investment-in-2021-iea-77263" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-investment-report-2021-iea'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Bamboo Market Window on GeM Portal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government of India has dedicated a window <strong>&lsquo;The Green Gold Collection&rsquo;</strong> on the <strong>GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal</strong> for the <strong>marketing of Bamboo Goods.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This window is the collective work of the <strong>National Bamboo Mission (NBM)</strong> and <strong>GeM.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It showcases a range of exquisitely handcrafted bamboo and bamboo products, handicrafts, disposals and office utility products on the GeM portal.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to</strong> provide bamboo artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs in rural areas with market access to Government buyers.</li>
<li>It seeks <strong>to promote</strong> the adoption and <strong>use of bamboo products</strong> among Government buyers and usher a sustainable rural economy for an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Bamboo Mission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-bamboo-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>restructured NBM</strong> </a>was launched in <strong>2018-19</strong> for the holistic development of the complete value chain of the bamboo sector and is being<strong> implemented in a hub &amp; spoke model.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Hub &amp; Spoke&rdquo;</strong> model wherein the <strong>Mentor Institution</strong>, called the <strong>&ldquo;Hub&rdquo;</strong> is centralized and will have the responsibility of guiding the <strong>Mentee institution</strong> through the secondary branches the <strong>&ldquo;Spoke&rdquo;</strong> i.e. through the services provided to the mentee for self improvement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Connecting farmers to markets</strong> so as to enable farmer producers to get a ready market for the bamboo grown and to increase the supply of appropriate raw material to the domestic industry.</li>
<li>It also endeavours <strong>to upgrade skills</strong> of traditional bamboo craftsmen as per the requirement of contemporary markets with a tie-up with enterprises and premier institutes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government e-Marketplace:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gem-samvaad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GeM</strong></a> is <strong>a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal</strong> to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods &amp; Services required by various Central and State Government Departments/Organizations /Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).</li>
<li>The procurement of goods and services by Ministries and the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is <strong>mandatory for goods and services available on GeM.</strong></li>
<li>It also provides the tools of <strong>e-bidding and reverse e-auction</strong> to facilitate the government users achieve the best value for their money.</li>
<li>At present, GeM has more than <strong>30 lakh products</strong>, over Rs. 10 lakh crore worth of transactions have happened so far at the portal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was launched <strong>in 2016</strong> to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bamboo</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>18<sup>th</sup> September</strong> is observed as <strong>World Bamboo Day by the World Bamboo Organisation.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India is the world&rsquo;s second-largest cultivator of bamboo</strong> after China, with <strong>136 species</strong> and <strong>23 genera</strong> spread over 13.96 million hectares, according to the <strong>State of Environment report 2018.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Green Gold</strong>, as bamboo is often known, is <strong>found everywhere in India.</strong></li>
<li>Known as <strong>&lsquo;poor man&rsquo;s timber&rsquo;</strong>, bamboo is omnipresent in tribal cultures and community living. Rural communities engage with bamboo handicrafts, textiles, artifacts, and household utilities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Examples </strong>include<strong> Tripura bamboo silks</strong>, heritage cuisines with roasted and pickled bamboo shoots, cultural symbols like the<strong> Assamese &lsquo;Jaapi&rsquo;</strong> (made of bamboo, cane, and palm), widely popular bamboo tree houses, machans, besides modern sustainable architectural concepts and musical instruments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Taken:</strong> National Bamboo Mission, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-bamboo-clusters" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bamboo Clusters</strong></a>, Removal of Bamboo from &lsquo;Tree&rsquo; Category (<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Forest%20Act%2C1927,and%20duty%20leviable%20forest%20produce.&amp;text=This%20act%20has%20details%20of,the%20provisions%20of%20the%20Act." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Forest Act 1927</strong></a> was amended in 2017),</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1724238" 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/bamboo-market-window-on-gem-portal'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Black Carbon and Glacier Melting',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The report titled <strong>&ldquo;Glaciers of the Himalayas: Climate Change, Black Carbon and Regional Resilience&rdquo;</strong> says that the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/glaciers-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>glaciers</strong></a> are melting faster than the global average ice mass. However, the strong policy on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/concentration-of-black-carbon-on-gangotri-glacier" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>black carbon</strong></a> can sharply cut glacier melt.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The research report is <strong>released by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank</a></strong> and covers the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-mission-on-sustaining-himalayan-ecosystem" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Himalaya</a>, Karakoram</strong>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hindu-kush-himalayan-region" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hindu Kush (HKHK)</strong></a> mountain ranges.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Black Carbon</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Black carbon is <strong>a kind of an aerosol.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An <strong>aerosol</strong> is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in the air.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Among aerosols (such as brown carbon, sulphates), Black Carbon (BC) has been <strong>recognized as the second most important anthropogenic agent for climate change</strong> and the <strong>primary marker to understand the adverse effects caused by air pollution.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>gets emitted</strong> from gas and diesel engines, coal-fired power plants, and other sources that burn fossil fuel. It <strong>comprises a significant portion of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">particulate matter or PM</a></strong>, which is an air pollutant.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>HKHK Mountain Region:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>HKHK Region <strong>spans eight countries</strong>; Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar and also <strong>has some of the world&rsquo;s tallest mountains including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-height-for-mount-everest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mt. Everest</a> and K2.</strong></li>
<li>HKHK Glaciers <strong>feed into river systems</strong> including Ganga, Yangtze, Irrawaddy, and Mekong.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The water that runs down from glaciers <strong>feeds the agriculture</strong>, on which nearly 2 billion people are dependent upon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>HKHK Region, also known as the <strong>third pole</strong>, along with China&rsquo;s Tien Shan Mountains holds most ice outside the North and the South Pole.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Black Carbon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BC is a <strong>short-lived pollutant</strong> that is the <strong>second-largest contributor to warming the planet behind carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Unlike other greenhouse gas emissions, BC is <strong>quickly washed out and can be eliminated from the atmosphere if emissions stop.</strong></li>
<li>Unlike historical carbon emissions it is <strong>also a localised source with greater local impact.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Source of Black Carbon in Himalayan Region:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Industry</strong> (primarily brick kilns) and <strong>residential burning of solid fuel</strong> together account for 45-66% of regional anthropogenic (man-made) BC deposition, followed by <strong>on-road diesel fuels</strong> (7-18%) and <strong>open burning</strong> (less than 3% in all seasons) in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Deposits of BC:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>acts in two ways</strong> hastening the pace of glacier melt:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By decreasing surface reflectance of sunlight.</li>
<li>By raising the air temperature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rate of De-glaciation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rate of retreat of HKHK glaciers is <strong>estimated to be 0.3 metres per year in the west to 1.0 metre per year</strong> in the east.</li>
<li>Full implementation of <strong>current policies to mitigate BC can achieve a 23% reduction</strong> but <strong>enacting new policies</strong> and incorporating them through regional cooperation among countries can achieve enhanced benefits.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)</strong> is one such policy adopted in India. It is one of the eight missions under the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BC deposits can be sharply reduced</strong> through new, currently feasible policies <strong>by an additional 50%</strong> from current levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Glacier Melt:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Glacier melt <strong>produces <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flash floods</a>, landslips, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/India%20lost%20One-Third%20of%20its%20Coastline%20Due%20to%20Soil%20Erosion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soil erosion</a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/himalayan-glaciers-impacted-by-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>In the short run, the higher volumes of melt water <strong>could replace receding groundwater downstream.</strong> But in the long run, decreased water availability would <strong>aggravate water shortage.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures to be Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the Himalayas, <strong>reducing black carbon emissions from cookstoves, diesel engines, and open burning</strong> would have the greatest impact and could significantly <strong>reduce radiative forcing</strong> and help to maintain a greater portion of Himalayan glacier systems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Radiative forcing is a measure of the change in energy balance</strong> as a result of a change in a forcing agent (e.g., greenhouse gases, aerosol, cloud, and surface albedo) to affect the global energy balance and contribute to climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps to be Taken by Regional Governments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Review the <strong>policies on water management</strong>, with an emphasis on basin-based regulation and use of price signals (value of a particular action) for efficiency.</li>
<li>Careful <strong>planning and use of hydropower</strong> to reflect changes in water flows and availability.</li>
<li>Increasing the <strong>efficiency of brick kilns</strong> through proven technologies.</li>
<li>There must also be greater <strong>knowledge sharing</strong> in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/strong-policies-on-black-carbon-can-sharply-cut-glacier-melt-says-world-bank-study/article34719913.ece/amp/" 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/black-carbon-and-glacier-melting'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Sustainably Developing Andaman & Nicobar',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based upon <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/developing-the-sister-islands-of-indian-ocean-101622720051095.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Developing the sister islands of Indian Ocean&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in the Hindustan Times on 03/06/2021. It talks about the significance of Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, its sustainable development and how India&rsquo;s maritime partner France can assist in the developmental projects in the Archipelago.</p>
</div>
<p>The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI), popularly known as <strong>&lsquo;Bay Islands&rsquo;,</strong> hold great significance for India from maritime as well as ecological point of view. ANI provides for nearly 30% of India&rsquo;s Exclusive Economic Zone.</p>
<p>ANI, besides being a home to a rich floral and faunal diversity, is also home to a number of tribal and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups</strong></a>, a few of which are on the verge of extinction.</p>
<p>In the immediate past, there have been quite a few projects proposed for these island groups for economic purposes as well as for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/militarising-andaman-and-nicobar-islands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>militarising Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</strong></a></p>
<p>As much potential these islands can prove to have for making India a maritime power, this ecological significance can and must not be undermined. A balanced development plan is the ultimate solution.</p>
<h3>Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indigenous People of ANI:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indigenous-people-of-andaman-and-nicobar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands</strong> </a>are home to five PVTGs: <strong>Great Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Great Nicobarese</strong> are a Scheduled Tribe.</li>
<li>The population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands&rsquo; primitive tribes has rapidly declined over the years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of ANI:</strong> India's key maritime partners such as the US, Japan, Australia and France acknowledge and recognise the strategic location of the Andaman and Nicobar. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These islands not only provide Delhi with a <strong>key maritime space</strong> but also<strong> carry significant potential in shaping the strategic and military dynamics</strong> of the Indian Ocean region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Island Territories Similar to ANI:</strong> France&rsquo;s <strong>La Reunion</strong> island is similar to ANI and lies in the Southwest Indian Ocean near strategic waters. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Australia and the US too have similar island territories in the Indian Ocean with<strong> Cocos (Keeling) islands and Diego Garcia</strong> respectively. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, Diego Garcia&rsquo;s sovereignty is disputed by Mauritius, which has garnered support through a United Nations (UN) resolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ANI and Reunion islands are part of a series of island territories under<strong> key maritime players in the Indian Ocean.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recent Developmental Plans for ANI</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Japan&rsquo;s Overseas Development Assistance :</strong> In March 2021, for the first time, Japan&rsquo;s government approved a grant aid of approximately ₹265 crore toward developmental projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/japan-to-fund-projects-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Japan&rsquo;s first Overseas Development Assistance (ODA)</strong></a> initiative toward the islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ANI as a Maritime and Startup Hub:</strong> In August, 2020 the Prime Minister had declared that the Andaman and Nicobar islands will be developed as a "<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-to-be-maritime-and-startup-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>maritime and startup hub</strong></a>"<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>12 islands of the archipelago have been <strong>selected for high-impact projects</strong> with an <strong>emphasis on boosting trade of sea-based, organic and coconut-based products</strong> of the region</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NITI Aayog&rsquo;s Project for Great Nicobar:</strong> Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-s-project-for-great-nicobar-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>proposal</strong> </a>includes an international container trans-shipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a power plant and a township complex spread over 166 sq. km. (mainly pristine coastal systems and tropical forests).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NITI Aayog&rsquo;s Proposal for Little Andaman:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-s-proposal-for-little-andaman" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>plan</strong></a> involves building a new greenfield coastal city that will be developed as a free trade zone and will compete with Singapore and Hong Kong.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Faced by ANI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Connectivity:</strong> The island groups, specially the Little Andaman Island, have <strong>little connectivity with the Indian mainland</strong> and global cities.</li>
<li><strong>Geological Volatility:</strong> The island's groups lie in a <strong>seismically highly active zone.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2004 earthquake and accompanying<strong> tsunami devastated large parts of the island chain.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nicobar and Car Nicobar (northernmost Nicobar island) lost almost one-fifth of its population and close to 90% of its mangroves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declining Population:</strong> The population of native communities like the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and North Sentinelese has <strong>plummeted from 1,999 to 550 since 1901 to 2011.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Massive projects, epidemics and crippling health crises in the ecologically fragile Little Andaman Island have led to near-extinction of the Onge tribe.</li>
<li>The developmental project proposed by NITI Aayog for Little Andaman includes<strong> de-reserving 32% of the reserved forest</strong> and <strong>denotifying 31% of the tribal reserve</strong> thus rendering the habitations of the tribal groups at risk.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aspects of Blue Economy:</strong> The primary issues facing island nations in the Indian Ocean are related to the key aspects of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Blue Economy</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sustainable development, illegal fishing, disaster management, the climate crisis, renewable energy and issues of waste management impacts both tourism as well as ecosystems specific to islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development and Biodiversity:</strong> A slew of infrastructure projects have been proposed in ANI to give a major boost to tourism and business. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While this may transform the islands substantially, it would also cause loss of biodiversity and have a negative impact on the indigenous people.</li>
<li>The <strong>Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Committee,</strong> granted the clearance for the infrastructural projects on the condition that all large, medium, and small trees will be counted and geo-referenced and not felled. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO)</strong> is seeking an amendment to this clause so that trees may be felled if required</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balanced Development:</strong> Militarising ANI and infrastructure and developmental projects will not doubt aid India&rsquo;s strategic and maritime capabilities, but such development should not come at the cost of the ruthless exploitation of Biodiversity hotspot i.e ANI.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainably Developing ANI:</strong> Given its economic, ecological &amp; environmental constraints and the laws to protect the indigenous tribes, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will have to be first <strong>developed sustainably in order to maximise its economic and military potential.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sustainable island development framework is not only important for the ANI but will also be applicable and of interest to other island nations across the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sister Islands:</strong> Reunion is the <strong>most developed island territory</strong> among the above-mentioned four island territories, with a framework that supports both the island&rsquo;s economic needs as well as France&rsquo;s military priorities in the Indian Ocean. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Taking from the idea of &ldquo;sister cities&rdquo;, the framework of<strong> &ldquo;sister islands&rdquo;</strong> can be formed.</li>
<li>India and France should lead an effort, utilising their island territories of Andaman and Reunion in developing a concept of sister islands aimed at <strong>creating a foundation for a sustainable model for island development across the Indian Ocean.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Similar to sister cities, a sister island concept would allow India and France to co-develop a sustainable framework for island development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Development Plans in Indo-Pacific:</strong> If India is to invest in capacity building initiatives and maritime projects in the Indian Ocean, there is a need to research and create an island model for development. Such an approach also creates a new avenue for Indian-led initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As India and its partners compete for access and influence across the Indo-Pacific toward achieving common interests, there is a need to engage with and address regional concerns and challenges of strategically located island nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of IOC:</strong> Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is the only island driven organisation in the Indian Ocean. It plays an important role in voicing the concerns and challenges of the islands of the western Indian Ocean. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>France recently took over as the Chair of the IOC. India in 2020, formally joined the group as an Observer.</li>
<li>It provides an opportunity for both the countries to lead an island-focused development model.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India could also borrow lessons from France&rsquo;s island experiences in both the Indian Ocean as well as in the Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As India looks to maintain and strengthen its advantages in the Indian Ocean, it should look to leveraging its island territories and non-traditional security issues in offering solutions and addressing regional concerns and challenges. The Andaman and Reunion provide an excellent starting point to do so.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f2f0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Taking into account the significance that Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands have for India in various aspects, a balanced approach towards its ecological fragility and economic significance is the need of the hour. India&rsquo;s key maritime partners with similar interests can be approached for mutual assistance and benefits&rdquo;. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sustainably-developing-andaman-nicobar'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'SDG India Index 2020-21: NITI Aayog',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>third edition</strong> of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)</strong></a><strong> India Index and Dashboard 2020&ndash;21</strong> was released by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SDG India Index 2020&ndash;21 is <strong>developed in collaboration with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806197_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806197_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="409" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NITI Aayog <strong>launched its index in 2018 </strong>to <strong>monitor the country&rsquo;s progress on the goals through data-driven assessment,</strong> and foster a competitive spirit among the States and Union Territories in achieving them.</li>
<li>NITI Aayog has the <strong>twin mandate to oversee the adoption and monitoring of the SDGs in the country,</strong> and also<strong> promote competitive and cooperative federalism</strong> among States and UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The index represents<strong> the articulation of the comprehensive nature of the Global Goals under the 2030 Agenda</strong> while being attuned to the national priorities.</li>
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> the <strong>UNs General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda</strong> for Sustainable Development.</li>
<li>The 17 SDGs are a<strong> bold commitment to finish what the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)</strong> started, and <strong>tackle some of the more pressing challenges.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The SDG India Index 2020&ndash;21 is also <strong>live on an online dashboard,</strong> which has cross-sectoral relevance across policy, civil society, business, and academia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SDG India Index <strong>computes goal-wise scores on the 16 SDGs</strong> for each State and Union Territory.</li>
<li>These <strong>scores range between 0&ndash;100,</strong> and if a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies it has achieved the 2030 targets. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance to target achieved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>States and Union Territories are classified in <strong>four categories</strong> based on their SDG India Index score: <strong>Aspirant</strong> (0&ndash;49), <strong>Performer</strong> (50&ndash;64), <strong>Front-Runner</strong> (65&ndash;99), <strong>Achiever</strong> (100).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with Previous Editions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SDG India Index 2020&ndash;21 is <strong>more robust than the previous editions</strong> on account of wider coverage of targets and indicators with greater alignment with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-monitoring-framework-on-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Indicator Framework (NIF).</strong></a></li>
<li>The 115 indicators<strong> incorporate 16 out of 17 SDGs,</strong> with a qualitative assessment on Goal 17, and cover 70 SDG targets.</li>
<li>This is an <strong>improvement over the 2018&ndash;19 and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sdg-india-index-by-niti-ayog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019&ndash;20</a> editions</strong> of the index, which had utilised 62 indicators across 39 targets and 13 Goals, and 100 indicators across 54 targets and 16 Goals, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The country&rsquo;s <strong>overall SDG score improved by 6 points -</strong> from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2020&ndash;21. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, there are <strong>no states in the aspirant and achiever category;</strong> 15 states/UTs are in the performer category and 22 states/UTs in the front runner category.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India saw significant<strong> improvement in the SDGs related to clean energy, urban development and health in 2020.</strong> However, there has been a <strong>major decline in the areas of industry, innovation and infrastructure as well as decent work and economic growth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Wise Performance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kerala retained its position at the top</strong> of the rankings in the third edition of the index, with a score of 75,<strong> followed by Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh,</strong> both scoring 72.</li>
<li>At the other end of the scale, <strong>Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam were the worst performing States.</strong> However, all States showed some improvement from last year&rsquo;s scores, with Mizoram and Haryana seeing the biggest gains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806598_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622806598_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1723952" 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/sdg-india-index-2020-21-niti-aayog'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'CEM-Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the UK have launched a new workstream to promote <strong>industrial energy efficiency</strong> under <strong>Clean Energy Ministerial's (CEM) Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI)</strong> coordinated by UNIDO (United Nations Development Industrial organisation).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched in the <strong>ongoing 12<sup>th</sup> CEM</strong> (CEM12) <strong>Meeting,</strong> which is <strong>virtually hosted by Chile.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About 12<sup>th</sup> CEM Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objective is <strong>to infuse green technologies </strong>and<strong> stimulate demand for low-carbon industrial material.</strong></li>
<li>India is<strong> committed to cut emissions intensity per unit of GDP by 33 to 35% by 2030</strong> (stated in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ndc-synthesis-report-unfccc#:~:text=The%20UNFCCC%2C%20in%20its%20Nationally,the%20end%20of%20the%20century." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nationally Determined Contributions</strong></a>).</li>
<li>The commitment hinges on<strong> effective deployment of low carbon technologies in Energy Intensive Sectors</strong> like Iron &amp; Steel, Cement and Petrochemicals.</li>
<li>Government policies have resulted in <strong>substantial savings in energy at the demand side</strong> such as <strong>AgDSM</strong> (Agriculture Demand Side Management programme), <strong>MuDSM</strong> (Municipal Demand Side Management) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established <strong>in December 2009 at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN&rsquo;s Framework Convention on Climate Change conference of parties</a></strong> in<strong> Copenhagen.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Framework for the Clean Energy Ministerial,</strong> adopted at the <strong>seventh Clean Energy Ministerial in 2016,</strong> defines the CEM governance structure and outlines the mission statement, objectives, membership, and guiding principles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CEM is <strong>a high-level global forum to promote policies and programs that advance clean energy technology,</strong> to share lessons learned and best practices, and to encourage the transition to a global clean energy economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focus Areas:</strong> The CEM is focused on <strong>three global climate and energy policy goals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Improve energy efficiency worldwide.</li>
<li>Enhance clean energy supply.</li>
<li>Expand clean energy access.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>29 countries are part of CEM.</li>
<li><strong>India is also a member</strong> country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>11<sup>th</sup> Clean Energy Ministerial:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The CEM11 was <strong>hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020</strong> that was convened at a critical moment to consider the role of clean energy in supporting a rapid, sustainable recovery, and the role of the CEM community in shaping the next clean energy decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IDDI is an <strong>initiative of CEM.</strong></li>
<li>It is a global <strong>coalition of public and private organisations</strong> who are working to stimulate demand for low carbon industrial materials.</li>
<li>In collaboration with <strong>national governments,</strong> IDDI works to standardise carbon assessments, establish ambitious public and private sector procurement targets, incentivise investment into low-carbon product development and design industry guidelines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supporting Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Coordinated by UNIDO, the IDDI is <strong>co-led by the UK and India</strong> and current members include Germany and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Goals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Encouraging governments and the private sector to buy low carbon steel and cement.</li>
<li>Sourcing and sharing data for common standards and targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Development Industrial Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UNIDO is the <strong>specialized agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong> that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are 170 Member countries as of 1<sup>st</sup> April 2019.</li>
<li><strong>India is also a member</strong> country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discussion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members regularly discuss and decide UNIDO&rsquo;s guiding principles and policies in the sessions of the Policy Making Organs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mission of UNIDO, as described in the <strong>Lima Declaration adopted</strong> at the fifteenth session of the <strong>UNIDO General Conference in 2013,</strong> is to promote and accelerate <strong>inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID)</strong> in Member States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mandate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UNIDO&rsquo;s mandate is fully recognized in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SDG-9</strong></a>, which calls to <strong>&ldquo;Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Vienna, Austria.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source: PIB</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cem-industrial-deep-decarbonization-initiative'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Mega Food Park Scheme',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries virtually inaugurated the <strong>Indus Best Mega Food Park at Raipur, Chhattisgarh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is built under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/zoram-mega-food-park-mizoram" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mega Food Park Scheme.</strong></a> By this food park, about <strong>5000 people will get employment and about 25000 farmers will be benefited.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched in <strong>2008-09</strong> to give a major <strong>boost to the food processing sector</strong> by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with a particular focus on perishables.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Ministry of Food Processing Industries</strong> is implementing the Mega Food Park Scheme in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Mega Food Parks <strong>create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain</strong> from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster-based approach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide a <strong>mechanism to link agricultural production to the market</strong> by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers so as to <strong>ensure maximizing value addition, minimizing wastage, increasing farmers income</strong> and creating <strong>employment opportunities</strong> particularly in the rural sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Approach:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Scheme is <strong>based on the &ldquo;Cluster&rdquo; approach</strong> and envisages creation of state of art support infrastructure in a <strong>well-defined agri/horticultural zone</strong> for setting up of <strong>modern food processing units</strong> in the industrial plots provided in the park with a <strong>well-established supply chain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Mega food Park typically consists of supply chain infrastructure including <strong>collection centers (cc), primary processing centers (ppc) central processing centers (cpc), cold chain</strong> and around <strong>25-30 fully developed plots</strong> for entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>central government provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50 Crore</strong> per Mega Food Park (MFP) project.</li>
<li>The MFP project is<strong> implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)</strong> which is a Body Corporate registered under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/companies-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Companies Act, 2013.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SPV is a subsidiary company that is formed to <strong>undertake a specific business purpose or activity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Present Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Presently, <strong>22 Mega Food Parks are operational.</strong> It is in line with the &lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a>&rsquo; and &lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat</strong></a>&rsquo; vision of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622799467_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622799467_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="600" height="427" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1724026" 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/mega-food-park-scheme'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Blue-finned Mahseer',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong></a> has moved <strong>Blue-finned Mahseer</strong> from <strong>Endangered to the Least Concern&rsquo; status</strong> on its <strong>Red List.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622796339_image%201.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622796339_image 1.png" width="350" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Mahseer belongs to the genus <em><strong>Tor</strong></em>, of which there are <strong>several subspecies to be found in India</strong> and in other range countries in South Asia.</li>
<li>The Blue-finned Mahseer or <em><strong>Tor Khudree is one of the subspecies of the Mahseer.</strong></em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mainly found in the<strong> Mota Mola</strong> <strong>river east of Pune.</strong> This species is also found in other <strong>rivers of the Deccan Plateau.</strong></li>
<li>The species is migratory; <strong>moving upstream during rains. It prefers clean, fast flowing and well oxygenated waters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Threatened by <strong>habitat manipulation, over harvesting and competition from other fish species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Freshwater Ecosystem Indicator:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is very <strong>sensitive to dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature and sudden climatic changes.</strong> It just cannot bear pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They have cultural and religious significance as well as they are <strong>protected in &lsquo;temple sanctuaries&rsquo; across India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tata Power (private company) is involved in <strong>conservation of the blue-finned for 50 years in Lonavala (near Pune), Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>IUCN Red List</strong>: Least Concern</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IUCN is a <strong>membership union uniquely</strong> composed of both government and civil society organisations.</li>
<li>Created in 1948, <strong>it is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.</strong> It is headquartered in <strong>Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Red List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is the <strong>world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status</strong> of plant and animal species.</li>
<li>It <strong>divides</strong> <strong>species into nine categories:</strong> Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.</li>
<li>It is recognized as the <strong>most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/blue-finned-mahseer-out-of-iucn-red-list-7343295/" 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/blue-finned-mahseer'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'China's 'Artificial Sun' EAST',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, China&rsquo;s<strong> Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)</strong> achieved a peak temperature of <strong>288 million</strong> degrees Fahrenheit, which is over <strong>ten times hotter</strong> than the sun.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China is not the only country</strong> that has achieved high plasma temperatures. In 2020, <strong>South Korea&rsquo;s KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research)</strong> <strong>reactor</strong> set a new record by maintaining a plasma temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius for 20 seconds.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tokamak</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The tokamak is an <strong>experimental machine</strong> designed to harness the <strong>energy of fusion.</strong></li>
<li>Inside a <strong>tokamak</strong>, the energy produced through the fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel.</li>
<li>Like a conventional power plant, a <strong>fusion power plant uses</strong> this heat to produce steam and then electricity by way of <strong>turbines and generators.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The EAST reactor is <strong>an advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device</strong> located at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) in Hefei, China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>EAST first became operational in 2006.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The purpose of the artificial sun is <strong>to replicate the process of nuclear fusion, which is the same reaction that powers the sun.</strong></li>
<li>This is part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-thermonuclear-experimental-reactor-iter-assembly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)</strong></a> facility, which will become the world&rsquo;s <strong>largest</strong> nuclear fusion reactor when it becomes <strong>operational in 2035.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>ITER Members</strong> include China, the European Union, <strong>India</strong>, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>based on the Nuclear Fusion Process</strong> that is carried out by the Sun and the Stars.</li>
<li>For nuclear fusion to occur, <strong>tremendous heat and pressure are applied on hydrogen atoms</strong> so that they fuse together. The <strong>nuclei of deuterium and tritium</strong> - both found in hydrogen - are <strong>made to fuse together</strong> to <strong>create a helium nucleus</strong>, a neutron along with a whole lot of energy.</li>
<li>The gaseous hydrogen fuel <strong>is heated to temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius</strong> so that it <strong>forms a hot plasma</strong> (electrically charged gas) of <strong>subatomic particles.</strong></li>
<li>With the help of a strong magnetic field, the plasma is kept away from the walls of the reactor to ensure it does not cool down and lose its potential to generate large amounts of energy. The <strong>plasma is confined for long durations for fusion to take place.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Tokamaks in China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the EAST, China is currently operating the <strong>HL-2A reactor</strong> as well as <strong>J-TEXT.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>December 2020, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-artificial-sun" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HL-2M Tokamak</a></strong>, China&rsquo;s largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, was successfully <strong>powered up for the first time</strong> &mdash; a key milestone in the <strong>growth of China&rsquo;s nuclear power research capabilities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is significant as far as <strong>China&rsquo;s Green Development</strong> is concerned.</li>
<li><strong>Nuclear fusion</strong> is a process through which <strong>high levels of energy are produced without generating large quantities of waste.</strong> Unlike fission, fusion <strong>also does not emit greenhouse gases</strong> and is considered a safer process with lower risk of accidents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nuclear Reactions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A nuclear reaction is the process in which <strong>two nuclei, or a nucleus</strong> and an <strong>external subatomic particle</strong>, collide to produce <strong>one or more</strong> new nuclides.</li>
<li>Thus, a nuclear reaction must cause <strong>a transformation</strong> of at least one nuclide to another.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nuclear Fission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The nucleus of an <strong>atom splits</strong> into <strong>two daughter nuclei.</strong></li>
<li>This decay can be <strong>natural spontaneous splitting</strong> by radioactive decay, or can actually be simulated in a lab by achieving necessary conditions (bombarding with neutrons, alpha particles, etc.).</li>
<li>The resulting fragments tend to have a combined mass which is less than the original. The <strong>missing mass</strong> is usually converted into <strong>nuclear energy.</strong></li>
<li>Currently <strong>all commercial</strong> nuclear reactors are based on <strong>nuclear fission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nuclear Fusion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nuclear Fusion is defined as the <strong>combining of two lighter nuclei</strong> into a <strong>heavier one.</strong></li>
<li>Such nuclear fusion reactions are the source of energy in the Sun and other stars.</li>
<li>It takes considerable energy to force the <strong>nuclei to fuse.</strong> The conditions needed for this process are extreme &ndash; <strong>millions of degrees</strong> of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>hydrogen bomb</strong> is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction. However, a nuclear bomb based on the fission of uranium or plutonium is placed at the core of the hydrogen bomb to provide initial energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-chinas-artificial-sun-experimental-fusion-reactor-that-has-set-a-new-record-7341397/" 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/china-s-artificial-sun-east'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2021 Report: ILO',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-employment-and-social-outlook-trends-2020-ilo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Labour Organisation (ILO)</strong></a> has released the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-employment-and-social-outlook-trends-2020-ilo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends (WESO) report</a> 2021.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622798981_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622798981_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="702" height="296" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impact of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has pushed <strong>over 100 million more workers into poverty</strong> worldwide. The world would be <strong>75 million jobs short</strong> at the end of this year compared to if the pandemic had not occurred.</li>
<li>Relative to 2019, an estimated <strong>additional 108 million workers are now extremely or moderately poor</strong>, meaning that they and their family members are having to live on less than USD 3.20 per day (It is the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> poverty line for lower-middle-income countries) in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>purchasing power parity</strong></a> <strong>terms</strong>.</li>
<li>The sharp increase in poverty rates is <strong>due to lost working hours as economies went into <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a></strong>, outright job losses, and a decline in access to good quality jobs.</li>
<li>Five years of <strong>progress towards the eradication of working poverty have been undone</strong>, as working poverty rates have now reverted to those of 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rising Inequality:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The pandemic has <strong>exacerbated existing inequalities in the labour market</strong>, with lower-skilled workers, women, young people or migrants among the most affected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Loss of Working Hours:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many people have <strong>held onto their jobs but have seen their working hours cut dramatically.</strong></li>
<li>In 2020, <strong>8.8% of global working hours were lost</strong> compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 -- the equivalent of <strong>255 million full-time jobs.</strong></li>
<li>While the situation has improved, <strong>global working hours have far from bounced back</strong>, and the world will <strong>still be short the equivalent of 100 million full-time jobs by the end of this year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unemployment Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unemployment rate of 6.3% <strong>this year (2020-21)</strong>, falling to <strong>5.7% next year (2021-22)</strong> but still up on the <strong>pre-pandemic rate of 5.4% in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Women&rsquo;s Unemployment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Women have <strong>suffered disproportionate job losses</strong> while seeing their unpaid working time increase.</li>
<li>The <strong>burden of intensified childcare and homeschooling activities</strong> has disproportionately fallen on them.</li>
<li>As a result, <strong>women&rsquo;s employment dropped by 5% compared with 3.9% for men.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect on Workers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There will be <strong>pandemic's longer-term &ldquo;scarring&rdquo; effects</strong> on workers and enterprises.</li>
<li>Looking ahead, the projected <strong>employment growth will be insufficient to close the gaps opened up by the crisis,</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Concerted policy efforts are needed to prevent long-lasting damage.</li>
<li>It recommended among other things ensuring <strong>worldwide access to vaccines</strong> and<strong> financial assistance for developing countries</strong> &ndash; including through <strong>debt restructuring, or enhancing social protection systems.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Labour Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>created in 1919</strong>, as part of the <strong>Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I</strong>, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It became a <strong>specialized agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> in 1946.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>a tripartite organization</strong>, the only one of its kind bringing together representatives of governments, employers and workers in its executive bodies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is a founding member</strong> of the ILO with a total 1<strong>87 member States.</strong></li>
<li><strong>In 2020</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chair-of-ilo-governing-body-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India assumed the Chairmanship</strong></a> of the Governing Body of ILO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Geneva in Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Awards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1969, ILO received the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/nobel-prize-2020#:~:text=the%20original%20sequence.-,Peace,weapon%20of%20war%20and%20conflict." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Peace Prize</strong> </a>for improving fraternity and peace among nations, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to other developing nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> has not just been a public health crisis, <strong>it's also been an employment and human crisis.</strong></li>
<li>Without a <strong>deliberate effort to accelerate the creation of decent jobs, and support the most vulnerable members</strong> of society and the recovery of the hardest-hit economic sectors, <strong>the lingering effects of the pandemic could be with us for years</strong> in the form of lost human and economic potential, and higher poverty and inequality.</li>
<li>There is an urgent need to build back better &mdash; <strong>create productive employment opportunities and foster long-term labour market prospects</strong> for the most vulnerable.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-employment-and-social-outlook-trends-2021-report-ilo'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Census 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/hold-the-decadal-census-of-india-2021-101622631785057.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Conduct the decadal Census of India, 2021&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 02/06/2021. It talks about the importance of census and why the 2021 census should not be delayed.</p>
</div>
<p>Many legacies of the colonial raj continued after 1947. The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India</strong></a> is one of the many. The term census is derived from the latin term from censere, which means to assess.</p>
<p>Population censuses, typically with a semi-decadal (five-year) or decadal frequency are recognised as indispensable to national resource planning. In India, a census is conducted every decade and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2021</strong></a> will be the 16th national census of the country.</p>
<p>However, owing to Covid-19 pandemic, we are midway into 2021 and there is no sign of the Census. As the census shapes political structures, economic decisions, development goals, delaying it will have its costs.</p>
<h3>Census in India: Background &amp; Importance</h3>
<p>In 1858, the Government of India Act 1858 was passed in the British parliament, the company was liquidated, and its authorities were transferred to the British Crown. By this time, the British Crown had taken near-absolute control of India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Intention:</strong> In order to administer the dominion, the British government needed detailed, reliable data on the people and where they lived. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The British government sought to conduct Census in India, as they had been doing it at home since 1801.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> The newly established office of the registrar general and census commissioner launched and completed the first Census of India in 1881.</li>
<li><strong>Positive Feedback Loop:</strong> While the intended objective of the Census was to exploit Indian resources and Indians to the maximum, once the data became available, it found traction among a diverse range of user groups. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Education departments used the data to plan for primary education.</li>
<li>Public works departments used it to plan road networks.</li>
<li>Planners used it to locate electric power plants, trunk lines &amp; railways.</li>
<li>As the data began to impact infrastructure, it facilitated large-scale population movements and rapid growth of port cities like Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong> India is recognised for its 'Unity in diversity' and the Census gives the citizens a chance to study this diversity and associated facets of their nation through its society, demography, economics, anthropology, sociology, statistics, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides valuable information for planning and formulation policies for Central and the State Governments and is widely used by National and International Agencies, Scholars, business people, industrialists, and many more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why should we care about the Census in 2021?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Delimitation Exercise:</strong> The political balance in the Lok Sabha is about to transform when the next delimitation exercise concludes in 2026. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If census 2021 doesn&rsquo;t happen, the states with the poorest record of population management, largely in northern India, will increase their relative presence massively.</li>
<li>On the contrary, South and West India will be disadvantaged.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need for a wider palette of demographic variables to inform the exercise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution of Proceeds:</strong> Finance commissions provide guidance on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the states. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the Goods and Services Tax makes deciding the basis of distribution more controversial, the population plays a key role in routing revenue and like in delimitation, disadvantages success and rewards failure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checking the Polarised Discourse:</strong> Many arguments made by majoritarian politicians are about what they allege to be a shrinking majority and explosive growth of minorities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Census is the objective, all-India process for determining the situation on the ground.</li>
<li>Not only does this give us population data, we can also use various statistical measures such as birth and death rates, fertility rates, gross and net birth rates, and thereby bringing facts to a polarised discourse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Targeted Investments:</strong> There are talks of large-scale investments in infrastructure to restart the economic cycle in Post-Covid-19 period. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Census helps target the investments, by giving planners a sense of who benefits, how much, and at what cost.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Hence, given the importance of Census the decadel exercise of 2021 must be conducted keeing in the mind the following measures:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthening the Data Quality:</strong> This can be done by minimising the coverage error and content error (through increased list of questions in the survey). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help in changing the discourse of the government&rsquo;s programme implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strenthenging the System:</strong> Proper training of enumerators (data collectors) and organizers should be organised. Also, enumerators should be well paid to keep them motivated, as they are the focal point of data collection and ensuring data accuracy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A safe, transparent, unbiased environment should be provided to the interviewers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening the Campaigns:</strong> Launching massive publicity campaigns in order to make people aware about the importance of Census in their life should be organized.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relevant community political &amp; religious leaders, college students (conducting flash mobs) should be involved in order to spread awareness and educate people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Census is the basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade, monitoring the ongoing Schemes of the Goverment and most importantly, planning for the future. That is why the Slogan is "Our Census - Our Future''.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fce6ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>As the census shapes political structures, economic decisions, development goals, delaying the 2021 census will have its costs. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/census-2021-2'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'India Abstains from Latest Resolution Against Israel',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Palestine blamed India for suppressing its human rights of all people</strong> as India abstained from the latest resolution on the Palestinian issue.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India abstained from voting on a resolution</strong> at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-human-rights-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Human Rights Council</strong> </a>(UNHRC) that came up in the backdrop of the latest round of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ai-aqsa-mosque-sheikh-jarrah-israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between Israel and Gaza strip</strong></a>, the coastal part of the Palestinian territories.</li>
<li>UNHRC is<strong> an inter-governmental body</strong> within the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN) system responsible for <strong>strengthening the promotion and protection of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> human rights</a> around the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622722160_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622722160_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="629" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Resolution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It called on the UNHRC <strong>to set up a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/call-for-permanent-commission-for-israel-and-palestinian-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permanent commission</a> to probe human rights violations in Gaza,</strong> West Bank and Palestine.</li>
<li>It was <strong>adopted with the vote of 24 members.</strong> Nine voted against, and 14, including India, abstained. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Among the<strong> countries that abstained</strong> on the vote, along with India, were France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, the Netherlands, Poland, and South Korea.</li>
<li>China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Russia were<strong> among those who voted in favour;</strong> Germany, the UK, and Austria<strong> voted against the resolution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As it was passed, an <strong>independent commission of inquiry</strong> was formed to investigate <strong>violations of international law by Israel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Palestine's Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> resolution</strong> is not an aberration to the Human Rights Council. It is the <strong>by-product of extensive multilateral consultations.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel&rsquo;s grave violations</strong> by States, UN&rsquo;s experts, Human Rights Treaty bodies, and international organisations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Palestinian people were <strong>deprived of applicability of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">international human rights law.</a></strong></li>
<li>The<strong> root causes of the injustice</strong> against the Palestinian people was <strong>dispossession, displacement, <a href="/gs-special/gs-special-world-history/colonialism#:~:text=Colonialism%20implies%20domination%20of%20people%27s,is%20more%20formal%20and%20aggressive." target="_blank" rel="noopener">colonisation</a> by Israel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Therefore,<strong> India&rsquo;s abstention stifles the important work of Human Rights Council</strong> at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India <strong>missed an opportunity to join the international community</strong> at this turning point, both crucial and long overdue, on the path to accountability, justice and peace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Till Date India&rsquo;s Position on Israel-Palestine Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India<strong> recognised Israel in 1950</strong> but it is also the<strong> first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)</strong> as the sole representative of the Palestinian.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is also <strong>one of the first countries to recognise the statehood of Palestine in 1988.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In<strong> 2014,</strong> India<strong> favored UNHRC&rsquo;s resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza.</strong> Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.</strong></li>
<li>As a part of Link West Policy, <strong>India has de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li>In June 2019, India <strong>voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-ecosoc-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)</strong> </a>that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
<li>In March 2021, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-criminal-court-icc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Criminal Court (ICC)</strong></a> launched investigatations into the war crimes in <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Palestinian territories occupied by Israel (West Bank and the Gaza Strip).</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Israel wanted India to take a stand against it,</strong> however it did not happen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>So far, India has<strong> tried to maintain the image of its historical moral supporter for Palestinian self-determination,</strong> and at the same time to <strong>engage in the military, economic, and other strategic relations with Israel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s policy on the longest running conflict in the world has <strong>gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine</strong> for the first four decades, to a<strong> tense balancing act with its three-decade-old friendly ties with Israel.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In today's multipolar world, <strong>India needs to have a balanced approach.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>world at large needs to come together for a peaceful solution</strong> but the reluctance of the Israeli government and other involved parties have aggravated the issue more. Thus a <strong>balanced approach would help to maintain favorable relations with Arab countries as well as Israel.</strong></li>
<li>The recent <strong>normalization agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, known as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Abraham Accords</a>,</strong> are the steps in the right direction. All regional powers should envisage peace between the two countries on line of Abraham Accords.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/palestine-flays-indias-abstention-from-un-human-rights-council-vote/article34708618.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-abstains-from-latest-resolution-against-israel'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'New Pension Rules for Civil Servants',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Central Government has amended its pension rules</strong> putting new restrictions on officials of intelligence and security organisations after retirement.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has <strong>amended Rule-8(3)(a) of the CCS (Central Civil Services) Pension Rules-1972.</strong></li>
<li>The Centre has notified <strong>Central Civil Services (Pension) Amendment Rules, 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The said rules were <strong>first drafted in 1972</strong> and have been <strong>amended 47 times.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2008</strong>, <strong>Rule 8</strong> pertaining to <strong>&ldquo;pension subject to future good conduct&rdquo;</strong> was first <strong>amended</strong> by inserting the condition that <strong>retired intelligence and security officials will not publish any material that affects the &ldquo;sovereignty and integrity of India</strong>, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, or relation with a foreign State or which would lead to incitement of an offence&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amended Rule-8(3)(a):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Officials retired from</strong> certain <strong>intelligence or security establishments (included under 2<sup>nd</sup> schedule of RTI Act)</strong> will <strong>not be allowed to write anything about their organisation</strong> without permission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Second Schedule</strong> of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005</strong></a> covers <strong>26 organisations</strong> including the Intelligence Bureau, R&amp;AW, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/directorate-of-revenue-intelligence-dri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Directorate of Revenue Intelligence</a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBI</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/narcotics-control-bureau" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCB</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bsf-raising-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BSF</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/central-reserve-police-force" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CRPF</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/59th-raising-day-of-the-itbp#:~:text=The%20ITBP%20was%20raised%20on,km%20of%20Indo%2DChina%20Border." target="_blank" rel="noopener">ITBP </a></strong>and<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/central-armed-police-forces" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> CISF</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Requires the <strong>retired officials to sign an undertaking - Form 26</strong> - and <strong>declare that without the prior approval of the competent authority they will not publish any information</strong> related to the &ldquo;domain of the organisation and obtained by virtue of my working in the said organisation&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The <strong>amendment expands the scope</strong> to include any information related to &ldquo;domain of the organisation, any reference or information about any personnel and his designation, and expertise or knowledge gained by virtue of working in that organisation.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose of the Amendment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amendment was in process for around four years after the <strong>Committee of Secretaries recommended it.</strong></li>
<li>The move was <strong>prompted by concern</strong>s arising out of the fact that some high-profile retired officers had written books on their tenure, and some of these had revealed information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This amendment to Rule 8 means that <strong>pension can be withheld or withdrawn if the pensioner disobeys the rules.</strong></li>
<li>This change in rules is <strong>likely to impact retired officials of security and intelligence organisations who write in newspapers</strong> and magazines or author books on their former organisations and experiences.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rules Pertaining to Government Servants</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rule 9 of CCS Pension Rules-1972 (Departmental Proceeding after Retirement):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It says that if any government official has <strong>committed any misconduct and retires</strong>, he or she <strong>may face departmental proceedings only until four years</strong> after the date of committing that misconduct.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It puts <strong>some restrictions on Government Employees while in Service.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Rule 7</strong>: It restricts government servants from resorting to or abetting any form of <strong>strike or coercion.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rule 8</strong>: It restricts them, except with government sanction, from <strong>owning or participating in the editing or management of any newspaper</strong> or other periodical publication or electronic media.</li>
<li><strong>Rule 9</strong>: It restricts a government servant from <strong>making statements of fact or opinion</strong> in writing or in a telecast or a broadcast &ldquo;which has the effect of an <strong>adverse criticism of any current or recent policy</strong> or action of the Central Government or a State Government&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restriction on Political Activity while in Service:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Conduct Rules bars government servants</strong> from being associated with any political party or organisation, and from taking part or assisting any political activity.</li>
<li>An <strong>amendment in 2014</strong> said, &ldquo;Every government employee shall at all times maintain political neutrality&rdquo; and &ldquo;commit himself to and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and democratic values&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rule 26, All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits Rules) 1958 (Employment after Retirement):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>restricts a pensioner from any commercial employment for one year</strong> (until 2007 it was 2 years) after retirement, except with previous sanction of the central government.</li>
<li><strong>Non-compliance</strong> can lead the central government declaring that the employee &ldquo;shall not be entitled to the whole or such part of the pension and for such period as may be specified&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joining Politics after Retirement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is <strong>no rule</strong> to stop government servants from joining politics after their retirement.</li>
<li>In 2013, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission</strong></a> had written to the <strong>DoPT</strong> (Department of Personnel and Training) and <strong>Law Ministry</strong>, suggesting a <strong>cooling-off period</strong> for bureaucrats joining politics after retirement, but it was rejected. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law advised &ldquo;that <strong>any such restriction</strong> (against officials joining politics or contesting polls) <strong>may not stand the test of valid classification under Article 14</strong> (equality before the law) <strong>of the Constitution of India&rdquo;.</strong> And the DoPT told the EC that its suggestions &ldquo;may not be appropriate and feasible.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-restrictions-on-government-servants-before-and-after-retirement-7341594/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-pension-rules-for-civil-servants'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Model Tenancy Act',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Cabinet has approved the <strong>Model Tenancy Act</strong> to be sent to the States and Union Territories to <strong>enact legislation or amend laws on rental properties.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-model-tenancy-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft Act</strong></a> had been published by the <strong>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs</strong> in 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622709352_image%202.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622709352_image 2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Some Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Written Agreement is Mandatory:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mandatory for there to be a <strong>written agreement</strong> between the property owner and the tenant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishes Independent Authority and Rent Court:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Establishes an independent authority in every state and UT for<strong> registration of tenancy agreements</strong> and even a separate court <strong>to take up tenancy related disputes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maximum Limit for Security Deposit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Limit the <strong>tenant&rsquo;s advance security deposit to a maximum of two months rent</strong> for residential purposes and to a <strong>maximum of six months</strong> for <strong>non-residential purposes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Describes Rights and Obligations of both Landlord and Tenant:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>landlord</strong> will be responsible for activities like structural repairs except those necessitated by damage caused by the tenant, whitewashing of walls and painting of doors and windows, etc.</li>
<li>The <strong>tenant</strong> will be responsible for drain cleaning, switches and socket repairs, kitchen fixtures repairs, replacement of glass panels in windows, doors and maintenance of gardens and open spaces, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>24-hour Prior Notice by the Landlord:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A landowner will have to give <strong>24-hour prior notice before entering the rented premises</strong> to carry out repairs or replacement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism for Vacating the Premises:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If a landlord has <strong>fulfilled all the conditions stated</strong> in the rent agreement - giving notice etc.- and the <strong>tenant fails to vacate the premises</strong> on the expiration of the period of tenancy or termination of tenancy, the landlord is <strong>entitled to double the monthly rent for two months</strong> and four times after that.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will <strong>apply</strong> to premises let out for <strong>residential, commercial or educational</strong> <strong>use</strong>, but <strong>not for industrial use.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>also won&rsquo;t cover</strong> hotels, lodging houses, inns, etc.</li>
<li>It will be applied prospectively and <strong>will not affect existing tenancies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census</strong></a> <strong>2011</strong>, nearly <strong>1.1 crore houses</strong> were lying vacant in the country and making these houses available on rent will complement the vision of<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/affordable-rental-housing-complexes-for-urban-migrants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> &lsquo;Housing for All&rsquo; by 2022</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The authority will provide a <strong>speedy mechanism in resolving disputes</strong> and other related matters.</li>
<li>It will help overhaul the <strong>legal framework</strong> with respect to rental housing across the country.</li>
<li>It will enable creation of <strong>adequate rental housing stock</strong> for all the income groups thereby addressing the <strong>issue of homelessness.</strong></li>
<li>It will enable <strong>institutionalisation of rental housing</strong> by gradually shifting it towards the formal market.</li>
<li>It is expected to give a <strong>fillip to private participation in rental housing</strong> as a business model for addressing the huge housing shortage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act is<strong> not binding on the states as land and urban development remain state subjects.</strong></li>
<li>Like in the case with <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/rera-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RERA</strong></a> (Real Estate (Regulation and Development Act), the fear is that states may choose not to follow guidelines, diluting the essence of the Model Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723636" 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/model-tenancy-act-1'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'New Missions to Venus: NASA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</strong></a> announced <strong>two new robotic missions to Venus.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, scientists obtained <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recent-findings-about-venus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new data about Venus by bouncing radio waves</strong> </a>off the planet.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two sister missions aim to <strong>understand how Venus became an inferno-like world capable of melting lead at the surface.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>DaVinci Plus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be the first of the two, <strong>it will analyze the thick, cloudy Venusian atmosphere</strong> in an attempt to <strong>determine whether the inferno planet ever had an ocean and was possibly habitable.</strong> A small craft will plunge through the atmosphere to measure the gases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Veritas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be the second one seeking a <strong>geologic history by mapping the rocky planet&rsquo;s surface.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new missions will <strong>give fresh views of the planet&rsquo;s atmosphere, made up mostly of carbon dioxide, down to the core.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Previous Missions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>US:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mariner</strong> series 1962-1974, <strong>Pioneer</strong> Venus 1 and Pioneer Venus 2 in 1978, Magellan in 1989.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Venera</strong> series of space crafts 1967-1983, <strong>Vegas</strong> 1 and 2 in 1985.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Japan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Akatsuki</strong> in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Europe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Venus Express</strong> in 2005.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India plans to launch a new orbiter named <strong>Shukrayaan</strong> to Venus in 2024.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Venus</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. It is the <strong>second planet from the Sun and sixth in the solar system in size and mass.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622708274_image%201.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622708274_image 1.png" style="float: right;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>second brightest</strong> natural object in the night sky <strong>after the Moon</strong>, probably that is the reason why it was the <strong>first planet to have its</strong> <strong>motions plotted across the sky</strong>, as early as the second millennium BC.</li>
<li>Unlike the other planets in our solar system, <strong>Venus and Uranus spin clockwise</strong> on their axis.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>hottest planet</strong> in the solar system because of the <strong>high concentration of carbon dioxide</strong> which works to produce an intense <strong><a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse effect</a>.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>day on Venus is longer than a year.</strong> It takes Venus <strong>longer to rotate once on its axis than to complete one orbit of the Sun.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That&rsquo;s <strong>243 Earth days to rotate once</strong> - the longest rotation of any planet in the Solar System - and only <strong>224.7 Earth days to complete one orbit of the Sun.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Venus &amp; Earth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Venus has been called <strong>Earth&rsquo;s twin</strong> because of the <strong>similarities in their masses, sizes, and densities and their similar relative locations</strong> in the solar system.</li>
<li>No planet approaches closer to Earth than Venus; at its nearest <strong>it is the closest large body to Earth other than the Moon.</strong></li>
<li>Venus has <strong>90 times the atmospheric pressure of Earth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason For Studying Venus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help to learn <strong>how Earth-like planets evolve and what conditions exist on Earth-sized <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-super-earth-planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exoplanets</a></strong> (planets that orbit a star other than our sun).</li>
<li>It will help in modelling <strong>Earth&rsquo;s climate</strong>, and serves as a cautionary tale on how dramatically a planet&rsquo;s climate can change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/nasa-picks-venus-as-hot-spot-for-two-new-robotic-missions-7341904/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-missions-to-venus-nasa'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'First Human Case of H10N3 Bird Flu',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>China</strong> has reported the <strong>first case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu</strong> in Jiangsu province.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>H10N3 is <strong>a subtype of the Influenza A virus</strong> which is <strong>commonly known as the bird flu virus.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>a low pathogenic, or relatively less severe, strain of the virus in poultry</strong> and the <strong>risk of it spreading on a large scale is very low.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Among animals, it can <strong>spread through respiratory droplets</strong>, similar to <strong>flu</strong> and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The strain is <strong>not a very common</strong> virus, <strong>only about 160 isolates of the virus have been reported in the past 40 years</strong> (till 2018), that too, mostly in wild birds or waterfowl in Asia and some parts of North America. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>None</strong> had been detected <strong>in chickens as of now.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>many different strains of avian influenza in China and some sporadically infect people</strong>, generally those working with poultry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there have been <strong>no significant numbers of human infections with bird flu since the H7N9 strain</strong> killed around 300 people <strong>during 2016-2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Bird Flu</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bird flu</strong>, also known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bird-flu-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Avian influenza (AI)</strong></a>, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of <strong>food-producing birds</strong> (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as <strong>pet birds and wild birds.</strong></li>
<li>Occasionally <strong>mammals, including humans</strong>, may contract avian influenza.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Influenza Viruses:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Influenza viruses are grouped into three types; <strong>A, B, and C.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Only type A</strong> is known to <strong>infect animals</strong> and is <strong>zoonotic</strong>, meaning it can also infect humans. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Avian influenza virus subtypes</strong> include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), A(H9N2) and A(H10N3).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Type <strong>B and C mostly infect humans</strong> and typically cause mild disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Influenza viruses</strong> are classified into subtypes based on <strong>two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA)</strong> and <strong>Neuraminidase (NA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, a virus that has an HA 7 protein and NA 9 protein is designated as subtype H7N9.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1)</strong> virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them.</li>
<li><strong>HPAI Asian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gene-editing-to-halt-human-flu-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H5N1</a></strong> is especially deadly for poultry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Avian Influenza outbreaks can lead to devastating consequences for the country, particularly the poultry industry.</li>
<li>Farmers might experience a high level of mortality in their flocks, with rates often around 50%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strict <strong>biosecurity measures</strong> and <strong>good hygiene</strong> are essential in protecting against disease outbreaks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eradication:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the infection is detected in animals, <strong>a policy of culling infected and contact animals</strong> is normally used in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fresh cases of bird flu</strong> were reported in different states of India <strong>between December 2020-January 2021</strong> causing alarm across the country.</li>
<li><strong>Previously in 2019</strong>, India was <strong>declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1)</strong>, which had also been <strong>notified to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>OIE</strong> is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is headquartered in Paris, France.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-reports-human-case-of-h10n3-bird-flu/article34694809.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/first-human-case-of-h10n3-bird-flu'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Child Labour In India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/breaking-the-cycle-of-child-labour-is-in-indias-hands/article34702648.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Breaking the cycle of child labour is in India&rsquo;s hands&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 02/06/2021. It talks about the menace of child labour in India.</p>
</div>
<p>With increased economic insecurity, lack of social protection and reduced household income, the Covid-19 pandemic is pushing the children from poor households to contribute to the family income with the risk of exposure to exploitative work.</p>
<p>Subsequent lockdowns have worsened the situation, posing a real risk of backtracking the gains made in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/child-labour-and-forced-labour-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>eliminating child labour.</strong></a></p>
<p>The true extent of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on child labour is yet to be measured but all indications show that it would be significant as children are unable to attend school and parents are unable to find work.</p>
<p>However, not all the factors that contribute to child labour were created by the pandemic; most of them were pre-existing and have been exposed or amplified by it. Though the pandemic has amplified its contributing factors, policy and programmatic interventions can save children.</p>
<h3>Status of Child Labour in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful.</li>
<li>The Census of India 2011 reports 10.1 million working children in the age group of 5-14 years, out of whom 8.1 million are in rural areas mainly engaged as cultivators (26%) and agricultural labourers (32.9%).</li>
<li>The side-effects of working at a young age are: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Risks of contracting occupational diseases like skin diseases, diseases of the lungs, weak eyesight, TB etc.;</li>
<li>Vulnerability to sexual exploitation at the workplace;</li>
<li>Deprived of education.</li>
<li>They grow up unable to avail development opportunities and end up as unskilled workers for the rest of their lives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Child Labour: Constitutional And Legal Provsions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to Article 23 of the Indian Constitution any type of forced labour is prohibited.</li>
<li>Article 24 states that a child under 14 years cannot be employed to perform any hazardous work.</li>
<li>Article 39 states that &ldquo;the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused&rdquo;.</li>
<li>In the same manner, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/world-day-against-child-labour-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Child Labour Act (Prohibition and Regulation) 1986</strong></a> prohibits children under the age of 14 years to be working in hazardous industries and processes.</li>
<li>Policy interventions such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA 2005</strong></a>, the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Right to Education Act 2009</strong></a> and the Mid Day Meal Scheme have paved the way for children to be in schools along with guaranteed wage employment (unskilled) for rural families.</li>
<li>Further, with the ratification International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 138 and 182 in 2017, the Indian government have demonstrated its commitment to the elimination of child labour including those engaged in hazardous occupations.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Associated Issues With the Child Labour</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cause &amp; Effect Relationship:</strong> Child labour and exploitation are the result of many factors, including poverty, social norms condoning them, lack of decent work opportunities for adults and adolescents, migration and emergencies. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These factors are not only the cause but also a consequence of social inequities reinforced by discrimination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threat to National Eonomy:</strong> The continuing persistence of child labour and exploitation poses a threat to national economies and has severe negative short and long-term consequences for children such as denial of education and undermining physical and mental health.</li>
<li><strong>Child Labour in Informal Sector</strong>: Though child labour is banned the law, across India child labourers can be found in a variety of informal industries like in brick kilns, carpet weaving, garment making, agriculture, fisheries, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Disguised Child Labour:</strong> Despite rates of child labour declining over the last few years, children are still being used in disguised form of child labour like domestic help.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Work performed may not appear to be immediately dangerous, but it may produce long-term and devastating consequences for their education, their skills acquisition.</li>
<li>Hence their future possibilities to overcome the vicious circle of poverty, incomplete education and poor quality jobs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Linkage With Child Trafficking:</strong> Child trafficking is also linked to child labour and it always results in child abuse.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trafficked children are subjected to prostitution, forced into marriage or illegally adopted; they provide cheap or unpaid labour, are forced to work as house servants or beggars and may be recruited into armed groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Role of Panchayat:</strong> As nearly 80% of child labour in India emanates from rural areas, the Panchayat can play a dominant role in mitigating child labour. In this context, panchayat should:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generate awareness about the ill-effects of child labour,</li>
<li>Encourage parents to send their children to school,</li>
<li>Create an environment where children stop working and get enrolled in schools instead,</li>
<li>Ensure that children have sufficient facilities available in schools,</li>
<li>Inform industry owners about the laws prohibiting child labour and the penalties for violating these laws,</li>
<li>Activate Balwadis and Aanganwadis in the village so that working mothers do not leave the responsibility of younger children on their older siblings.</li>
<li>Motivate Village Education Committees (VECs) to improve the conditions of schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Integrated Approach:</strong> Child labour and other forms of exploitation are preventable through integrated approaches that strengthen child protection systems as well as simultaneously addressing poverty and inequity, improve access to and quality of education and mobilize public support for respecting children&rsquo;s rights.</li>
<li><strong>Treating Children as Active Stakeholder:</strong> Children have the power to play a significant role in preventing and responding to child labour. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are key actors in child protection and can give valuable insights into how they perceive their involvement and what they expect from the government and other stakeholders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Children belong in schools not workplaces. Child labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Child labour acts as a major barrier to education, affecting both attendance and performance in school.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 627px; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #e8eeff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Child labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/child-labour-in-india'
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]
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	'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
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$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 336
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
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include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp, line 100
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/articlebox.ctp, line 5
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Search/index.ctp, line 85
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93

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