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Disability and Facility of a Scribe: SC

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) directed the Central government to frame proper guidelines to regulate and facilitate grant of a...

12 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Saksham Portal and Seaweed Mission: TIFAC

Why in News The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) has launched two new initiatives - SAKSHAM (Shramik Shakti Manch)...

12 Feb 2021 News Analysis
MGNREGS Praised By the Standing Committee on Labour

Why in News Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour in its report “Social Security and Welfare Measures for Inter-State...

12 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Indian Laws and Blocking of Internet Content: Centre vs Twitter

Why in News Recently, the government of India reprimanded Twitter (micro-blogging website) for not complying with its order to block more than a...

12 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Chamoli Flash Floods

This article is based on “Rethinking run-of-the-river hydro projects” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 11/02/2021. It...

11 Feb 2021 News Editorials
Gaganyaan Mission

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister of Science and Technology informed that the human spaceflight module of Gaganyaan will be launched after...

11 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Low Convictions Rate Under UAPA Act

Why in News According to data recently presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha, only 2.2% of cases registered under the...

11 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Privatisation of Banks

Why in News The Union Budget 2021 has announced the privatisation of two public sector banks and one general insurance company in the upcoming...

11 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Impact of Crude Oil Price Hike

Why in News Recently, the price of Brent crude crossed the USD 60 per barrel mark after over a year. The rise in prices is because of production...

11 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Climate Change Report on Hindukush Karakoram Ranges

Why in News According to the 'Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region' report, snowfall over the higher reaches of the Hindukush...

11 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Digital Health Services

This article is based on “The salience of digital medical services was highlighted during the pandemic” which was published in The...

10 Feb 2021 News Editorials
UAE’s Hope Mars Mission

Why in News Recently, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE’s) first-ever interplanetary Hope Probe mission has successfully entered orbit around...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
India-Poland Relations

Why in News Recently, Poland has invited India’s Prime Minister while he will be visiting Portugal for the European Union-India summit (May...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Arka Shubha: New Marigold Variety

Why in News The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) has developed a new marigold variety named Arka Shubha. Key...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Sedition Law

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court protected a political leader and six senior journalists from arrest in multiple sedition FIRs registered...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News The draft notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) which runs...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
NDMA Guidelines to Tackle Glacial Bursts

Why in News A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is suspected to have caused the flash floods in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. In October...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
South China Sea Dispute

Why in News Recently, China warned off a USA warship sailing near contested Paracel islands in the South China Sea (SCS). Key...

10 Feb 2021 News Analysis
India-Myanmar Relations

This article is based on “The long and the short of India’s Naypyitaw dilemma” which was published in The Hindu on 09/02/2021. It...

09 Feb 2021 News Editorials
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News Over a lakh migratory water birds arrived at the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh in winter 2020-21. Key...

09 Feb 2021 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Disability and Facility of a Scribe: SC',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court (SC)</strong> </a>directed the Central government to frame <strong>proper guidelines to regulate and facilitate</strong> grant of a <strong>facility of a scribe</strong> to persons with disability in writing exams.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the SC <strong>observed that persons suffering from disabilities are also socially backward and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disabled-are-entitled-to-same-benefits-of-sc-st-quota-sc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entitled to the same benefits of relaxation</a> as Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates</strong> in public employment and education.</li>
<li><strong>Scribe</strong> is a person who writes or word processes a student's dictated answers in exams.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An appeal was filed by a candidate with <strong>Writer&rsquo;s cramp, a chronic neurological condition</strong> which causes extreme difficulty in writing.</li>
<li>He was <strong>denied a scribe</strong> for the Civil Services Exam by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/autonomous-bodies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)</strong></a> in 2018, on the ground that he did not come within the definition of person with <strong>benchmark disability.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Court&rsquo;s Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Facility of a Scribe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Facility of a scribe can be<strong> provided to persons with disabilities other than those having benchmark disabilities</strong> as given under the <strong>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Benchmark disability</strong> refers to having <strong>at least 40% disability</strong> of any type recognized under the RPwD Act 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Directions to Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Issued a broader direction to the Union Government in the <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to ensure the framing of proper guidelines which would regulate and facilitate the grant of a facility of a scribe</strong> to persons with disability within the meaning of <strong>Section 2(s) of RPwD Act</strong> where the nature of the disability operates to impose a barrier to the candidate writing an examination.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Asked the ministry that while formulating procedures, it may<strong> lay down appropriate norms to ensure that the condition of the candidate is duly certified by such competent medical authority</strong> as may be prescribed so as to ensure that only genuine candidates in need of the facility are able to avail of it.</li>
<li><strong>Section 2 (s)</strong> defines &lsquo;person with disability&rsquo;. It means a person with long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>principle of reasonable accommodation</strong> in the Act captures the positive obligation of the State and private parties to provide additional support to persons with disabilities to facilitate their full and effective participation in society.</li>
<li>The <strong>2016 Act has a more inclusive definition of &ldquo;persons with disability&rdquo;</strong> evidencing <strong>a shift from a stigmatising medical model of disability to a social model of disability</strong> which recognises that it is the societal and physical constraint that are at the heart of exclusion of persons with disabilities from full and effective participation in society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Writer&rsquo;s Cramp</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Writer&rsquo;s cramp is a specific type of focal dystonia that <strong>affects one's fingers, hand, or forearm.</strong></li>
<li>Focal dystonia of the hands is a neurological movement disorder. The <strong>brain sends incorrect information to the muscles,</strong> causing involuntary, excessive muscle contractions. These signals can make one&rsquo;s hands twist into odd postures.</li>
<li>Writer&rsquo;s cramp is known as a task-specific dystonia. It<strong> happens almost only when one performs a particular activity</strong> like writing or typing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept.</li>
<li><strong>Benchmark disability</strong> refers to having at least<strong> 40% disability</strong> of any type recognized under the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The types of disabilities have been <strong>increased from 7 to 21.</strong></li>
<li>The Act added mental illness, autism, spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, speech and language disability, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thalassemia-bal-sewa-yojna" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>thalassemia</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-haemophilia-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hemophilia</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-sickle-cell-day-2020#:~:text=Key%20Points-,Sickle%20Cell%20Disease,to%20cells%20throughout%20the%20body." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sickle cell disease</strong></a>, multiple disabilities including deaf blindness, acid attack victims and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/z-scan-method-for-parkinson-s-disease#:~:text=Parkinson%27s%20disease%20is%20a%20chronic,dropping%20the%20levels%20of%20dopamine.&amp;text=Medication%20can%20help%20control%20the,from%206%20to%2060%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parkinson&rsquo;s disease</strong> </a>which were largely ignored in earlier Act.</li>
<li>In addition, the Government has been authorized to notify any other category of specified disability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reservation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>increased the quantum of reservation</strong> for people suffering from disabilities from 3% to 4% in government jobs and from 3% to 5% in higher education institutes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education. Government funded educational institutions as well as the government recognized institutions will have to provide inclusive education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Accessibility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stress has been given to ensure accessibility in public buildings in a prescribed time frame along with the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/accessible-india-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Accessible India Campaign</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulatory Body:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the State Commissioners will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies, monitoring implementation of the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Special Fund:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A separate National and State Fund be created to provide financial support to the persons with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-bats-for-more-facilities-for-disabled/article33815027.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Saksham Portal and Seaweed Mission: TIFAC',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)</strong> has launched <strong>two new initiatives - SAKSHAM</strong> (Shramik Shakti Manch) Job Portal and a <strong>Seaweed Mission.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>TIFAC is <strong>an autonomous organization</strong> set up in 1988 under the <strong>Department of Science &amp; Technology</strong> to look ahead in the technology domain, <strong>assess the technology trajectories, and support innovation</strong> by networked actions in select areas of national importance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SAKSHAM Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a dynamic portal for jobs/mapping the skills of Shramiks (workers) vis-a-vis requirements of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(MSMEs)</strong></a> and other industries all across the country. It is <strong>an all India Portal.</strong></li>
<li>It will facilitate <strong>creation of 10 lakh blue collar jobs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>High Technology Enabled:</strong> The portal with the demand and supply data uses algorithm and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> tools, for geo spatial information on demand and availability of <em>Shramiks</em>, and also provides analysis on skill training programmes of <em>Shramiks.</em></li>
<li><strong>Automatic Updation:</strong> The data/information pertaining to the <em>Shramiks</em> and the industries (especially MSME) are being updated automatically through various whatsapp and other links.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For Workers:</strong> This would <strong>empower Shramiks by projecting their candidature directly to the MSMEs</strong> &amp; other employers and would also <strong>address aspects related to their skill proficiency levels.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will<strong> minimise migration of <em>Shramiks</em> -</strong> provide job opportunity in proximate MSMEs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Industry:</strong> This would also <strong>eliminate the dependence of industry on the middlemen</strong>/labour contractor for their manpower requirements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shramshakti-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ShramShakti Portal</strong></a> (Ministry of Tribal Affairs).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aseem-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEEM Portal</strong></a> (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-migrant-information-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NMIS Dashboard</strong> </a>(National Disaster Management Authority).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Seaweeds Mission: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Out of the global seaweed production of 32 million tons fresh weight valued around 12 billion US dollars, China produces 57%, Indonesia 28% followed by South Korea, whereas <strong>India is having a mere share of 0.01-0.02%.</strong></li>
<li>Despite several advantages, commercial seaweeds cultivation has not taken place in the country at an appropriate scale, as being practiced in South-East Asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Mission:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has been<strong> launched for commercial farming of seaweeds</strong> and its processing for value addition towards boosting the national economy.</li>
<li>It <strong>envisages following activities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Establishing model demonstration farms</strong> over one hectare for cultivation of economically important seaweeds in nearshore and onshore along the Indian coast.</li>
<li><strong>Establishment of seaweed nurseries</strong> for supplying seed material for large scale farming of economically important seaweeds in the country.</li>
<li>Establishment and <strong>demonstration of processing technologies/recipes for edible seaweeds</strong> in line with consumer acceptability or cultural food habits.</li>
<li>An activity on<strong> seaweed cluster development</strong> including value chain development, supply chain development, collection of data on environmental, economic and social impacts of seaweed projects in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong> By an estimate, if seaweed cultivation is done in 10 million hectares or 5% of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)</strong> </a>area of India, it can <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Provide <strong>employment</strong> to 50 million people.</li>
<li>Set up a <strong>new seaweed industry.</strong></li>
<li>Contribute to<strong> national <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Growth%20in%20Fiscal%20Year%202019,6.1%25%20in%202018%2D19." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Enhance <strong>ocean productivity.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Abate <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener">algal blooms</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Sequester</strong> millions of tons <strong>CO<sub>2</sub></strong>.</li>
<li>Could<strong> produce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bioethanol</a></strong> of 6.6 billion litres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Seaweeds</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are the <strong>primitive, marine non-flowering marine algae without root, stem and leaves,</strong> play a major role in marine ecosystems.</li>
<li>Large seaweeds form dense underwater forests known as<strong> kelp forests,</strong> which act as underwater nurseries for fish, snails and sea urchins.</li>
<li>Some <strong>species of seaweeds</strong> viz. Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, Gracilaria crassa, Gracilaria verrucosa, Sargassum spp. and Turbinaria spp.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Seaweeds, found <strong>mostly in the intertidal region,</strong> in shallow and deep waters of the sea and also in <strong>estuaries and backwaters.</strong></li>
<li>The southern<strong> Gulf of Mannar&rsquo;s</strong> rocky intertidal and lower intertidal regions have rich populations of several seaweed species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecological Importance: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bioindicator:</strong> When waste from agriculture, industries, aquaculture and households are let into the ocean, it causes nutrient imbalance leading to algal blooming, the sign of marine chemical damage. Seaweeds<strong> absorb the excess nutrients</strong> and balance out the ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Iron Sequestrator:</strong> These aquatic organisms heavily rely on iron for photosynthesis. When the quantity of this mineral exceeds healthy levels and becomes dangerous to marine life, seaweeds trap it and prevent damage. Similarly, most heavy metals found in marine ecosystems are trapped and removed by seaweeds.</li>
<li><strong>Oxygen and Nutrient Supplier:</strong> On their part, the seaweeds derive nutrition through photosynthesis of sunlight and nutrients present in seawater. They release oxygen through every part of their bodies. They also supply organic nutrients to other marine life forms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role in Climate Mitigation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Seaweed has a significant role in mitigating climate change. By afforesting 9% of the ocean with seaweed, it is possible to sequester 53 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. Hence, there is a proposal termed as &lsquo;ocean afforestation&rsquo; for farming seaweed to remove carbon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Utilities:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They can be used as <strong>fertilizers</strong> and to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pegasus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>increase aquaculture production.</strong></a></li>
<li>When livestock is fed with seaweed, <strong>methane emission from cattle may be reduced</strong> substantially.</li>
<li>They can be buried in beach dunes to <strong>combat beach erosion.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>used as an ingredient</strong> in preparing toothpaste, cosmetics and paints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1697085" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'MGNREGS Praised By the Standing Committee on Labour',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/parliamentary-committee-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee</strong> </a>on Labour in its report <strong>&ldquo;Social Security and Welfare Measures for Inter-State Migrant Workers&rdquo;</strong> praised <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</strong></a> for providing <strong>sustainable livelihood</strong> to the <strong>unskilled workers</strong> including the inter-state <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-migrants-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>migrant labourers.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Standing Committees Observation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>MGNREGS:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 provides for a <strong>specific and significant welfare provision, constitutive of the very idea of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">citizenship</a>.</strong></li>
<li>There is no<strong> &ldquo;better scheme&rdquo;</strong> to provide<strong> &ldquo;sustainable livelihood&rdquo;</strong> to unskilled workers.</li>
<li>Over 7 crore households (10.43 crore individuals) have already availed of the scheme and 330 crore person days have been created till February 2021 during the current <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>financial year</strong></a>. This is the <strong>highest for any year since inception of the scheme in 2006.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Migrant Workers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>1.08 crore migrant workers returned to their home</strong> states during the <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>absence of reliable and authentic data/information</strong> on the numbers of migrant workforce and their movement back to their home States following the outbreak of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Pandemic</strong></a> has apparently <strong>impacted the relief and rehabilitation measures.</strong></li>
<li>There were a number of appreciable initiatives launched by the Government <strong>(eg: <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/27-03-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</a>)</strong>, which are aimed at benefiting the Migrant Labour.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>However, no guidelines were issued</strong> nor enforced for distribution of relief material to stranded Migrant Labourers.</li>
<li><strong>No element of Social Audit</strong> prescribed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Standing Committees Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Instant and Immediate Relief:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 Pandemic</strong> </a>and the resultant challenges and lacunae observed in the system must be addressed so as to <strong>strengthen the preparedness to effectively deal with any such emergent situations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Credible Database to be Prepared:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Credible databases of unorganized workers especially that of migrant labourers be put in place to <strong>ensure seamless delivery of relief packages to them at the time of distress.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier in december 2020, the Government has decided to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/database-of-migrants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>create a database of migrant workers, including workers in the informal economy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world.</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched on 2<sup>nd</sup> February 2006</li>
<li>The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed on 23<sup>rd</sup> August 2005.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The primary objective of the scheme is <strong>to guarantee 100 days of employment</strong> in every financial year to <strong>adult members of any rural household</strong> willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Legal Right to Work:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike earlier employment guarantee schemes, the act <strong>aims at addressing the causes of chronic poverty through a rights-based framework.</strong></li>
<li>At least <strong>one-third of beneficiaries have to be women.</strong></li>
<li>Wages must be paid according to the statutory minimum wages specified for agricultural labourers in the state under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/labour-laws-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minimum Wages Act, 1948</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Demand-Driven Scheme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The most important part of MGNREGA&rsquo;s design is <strong>its legally-backed guarantee for any rural adult to get work within 15 days</strong> of demanding it, failing which an &lsquo;unemployment allowance&rsquo; must be given.</li>
<li>This demand-driven scheme enables the self-selection of workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decentralised planning:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is an emphasis on strengthening the process of decentralisation by giving a significant role in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)</strong></a> in planning and implementing these works.</li>
<li>The act mandates <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/appointment-of-government-servants-as-gram-panchayat-administrator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gram sabhas</a> to recommend the works</strong> that are to be undertaken and at least 50% of the works must be executed by them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613117208_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613117208_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The pandemic has demonstrated the <strong>importance of decentralised governance. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gram panchayats need to be provided with adequate resources, powers, and responsibilities</strong> to sanction works, provide work on demand, and authorise wage payments to ensure there are no delays in payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Auditing</strong> creates accountability of performance, especially towards immediate stakeholders. Hence, there is a <strong>need to to create awareness regarding government policies and measures in rural areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-better-scheme-than-nregs-for-sustainable-livelihood-of-unskilled-workers-house-panel-7184983/" 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/mgnregs-praised-by-the-standing-committee-on-labour'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Indian Laws and Blocking of Internet Content: Centre vs Twitter',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> government of India reprimanded Twitter (micro-blogging website) for not complying with its order to block more than a thousand accounts</strong> for alleged spread of provocative content and misinformation on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>farmers&rsquo; protest.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613112112_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613112112_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="626" height="348" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Current Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Centre has issued notice to the micro-blogging site after it restored more than 250 accounts</strong> that had been suspended earlier on the government&rsquo;s &lsquo;legal demand&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The government wants the platform (Twitter) to comply with its earlier order of<strong> 31<sup>st</sup> January, 2021</strong> by which it was <strong>asked to block accounts</strong> and a controversial hashtag that spoke of an impending &lsquo;genocide&rsquo; of farmers for allegedly promoting misinformation about the protests, adversely affecting public order.</li>
<li>The <strong>micro-blogging site</strong> reinstated the accounts and tweets on its own and later <strong>refused to go back on the decision, contending that it found no violation of its policy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Law Related to Blocking of Internet Services/Content:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Information Technology Act, 2000:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In India, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-it-rules-issued-by-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000</strong></a>, as amended from time to time, governs all activities related to the use of computer resources.</li>
<li>It covers all<strong> &lsquo;intermediaries&rsquo;</strong> who play a role in the use of computer resources and electronic records.</li>
<li>The<strong> role of the intermediaries</strong> has been spelt out in separate rules framed for the purpose in 2011- <strong>The Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Section 69 of the IT Act:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It confers on the Central and State governments the <strong>power to issue directions &ldquo;to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information</strong> generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The <strong>grounds on which these powers may be exercised</strong> are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state.</li>
<li>Friendly relations with foreign states.</li>
<li>Public order, or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to these.</li>
<li>For investigating any offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Process of Blocking Internet Websites:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Section 69A,</strong> for similar reasons and grounds (as stated above), <strong>enables the Centre to ask any agency of the government, or any intermediary, to block access to the public of any information generated,</strong> transmitted, received or stored or hosted <strong>on any computer resource.</strong></li>
<li>Any such request for blocking access <strong>must be based on reasons given in writing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Intermediaries as per the IT Act 2000:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intermediary is defined in<strong> Section 2(1) (w)</strong> of the IT Act 2000.</li>
<li>The term &lsquo;intermediaries&rsquo; includes <strong>providers of telecom service, network service, Internet service and web hosting,</strong> besides <strong>search engines, online payment and auction sites, online marketplaces and cyber cafes.</strong></li>
<li>It includes any person who, on behalf of another, <strong>&ldquo;receives, stores or transmits&rdquo; any electronic record. Social media platforms</strong> would fall under this definition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Obligations of Intermediaries under the Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intermediaries are<strong> required to preserve and retain specified information in a manner and format prescribed by the Centre</strong> for a specified duration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Contravention of this provision <strong>may attract a prison term that may go up to three years,</strong> besides a fine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>When a direction is given for monitoring,</strong> the intermediary and any person in charge of a computer resource should extend technical assistance in the form of giving access or securing access to the resource involved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Failure to extend such assistance may entail a <strong>prison term of up to seven years, besides a fine.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Failure to comply with a direction to block access</strong> to the public on a government&rsquo;s written request also<strong> attracts a prison term of up to seven years, besides a fine.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liability of Intermediaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Section 79</strong> of the IT Act 2000 makes it clear that &ldquo;an <strong>intermediary shall not be liable for any third-party information,</strong> data, or communication link made available or hosted by him&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Third party information</strong> means any information dealt with by a network service provider in his capacity as an intermediary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This<strong> protects intermediaries</strong> such as Internet and data service providers and those hosting websites <strong>from being made liable</strong> for content that users may post or generate.</li>
<li><strong>Sections 79</strong> also introduced the concept of<strong> &ldquo;notice and take down&rdquo;</strong> provision. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides that an <strong>intermediary would lose its immunity</strong> if upon receiving actual knowledge or on being notified that any information, data or communication link residing in or connected to a computer resource controlled by it is being used to <strong>commit an unlawful act</strong> and it fails to expeditiously remove or disable access to that material.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Stand Related to Intermediaries in IT Act 2000:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<em><strong> Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015),</strong></em> the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong> </a>read down the provision to mean that the <strong>intermediaries ought to act only upon receiving actual knowledge that a court order has been passed,</strong> asking [them] to expeditiously remove or disable access to certain material.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Intermediaries to Show Compliance to IT Act:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>International Requirement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Most nations have framed laws</strong> mandating cooperation by Internet service providers or web hosting service providers and other intermediaries <strong>to cooperate with law and order authorities in certain circumstances.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>To Fight Cybercrime:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Cooperation between technology services companies and law enforcement agencies is now deemed a <strong>vital part of fighting <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rising-cybercrimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cybercrime</a></strong> and various other crimes that are committed using computer resources.</li>
<li>These cover <strong>hacking, digital impersonation and theft of data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>To Prevent Misuse of Internet:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The potential of the misuse has led to law enforcement officials constantly seeking to curb the ill-effects of using the medium.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-laws-must-be-followed-government-to-twitter/article33798461.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-laws-and-blocking-of-internet-content-centre-vs-twitter'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Chamoli Flash Floods',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/rethinking-run-of-the-river-hydro-projects-101612965305568.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Rethinking run-of-the-river hydro projects&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 11/02/2021. It talks about the increasing frequency of flash floods in the Himalayan region.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>glacial burst in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand</strong></a> is an eye-opener to the ongoing disruption of the ecological balance. A similar flash flood caused by a glacial lake burst ravaged the Kedarnath Shrine at the peak of the pilgrimage season in 2013.</p>
<p>It is very rare that, anywhere in the world, two such big disasters in a region take place in a short duration of less than a decade. There is enough data to suggest that climate change is responsible for the increasing number of severe flash floods due to glacial melt.</p>
<p>However, apart from climate change, the sudden spurt of environmentally-unfriendly development activities is responsible for the frequent occurrence of the disaster due to flash floods.</p>
<h3>Climate Crisis Aggravating Flash Floods</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A new report by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) held that 36% of the volume of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region will be gone by the end of 2100 even if the world manages to keep the temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius target of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate Agreement.</strong></a></li>
<li>Similarly, the data from the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong></a> reveal that the melting of the glaciers has increased in the first 20 years of this century.</li>
<li>The faster melting of Ganga glaciers will impact the livelihood of close to 600 million people living in the Ganga river basin, extending from Uttarakhand in the north to Bangladesh in the south.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Flash Floods: A Man-Made Disaster</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Himalayas, a Volatile Mountain System:</strong> The Himalayas are a young and therefore volatile mountain system. Even a minor change in the orientation of its rocks can trigger landslides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite this, high-intensity stone quarrying, frequent blasting of mountains, and digging of tunnels through the base of the fragile mountain system for the back-to-back under-construction dams are going in the Himalayan region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overlooking Environmental Norms:</strong> Moreover, little attention has been paid to the damage caused to local ecology and loss of forest cover in the upper reaches of the central Himalayas by building hydel dams and construction of wider roads overlooking environmental norms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The upper reaches of Uttarakhand, the source for several small riverine systems feeding the Ganga, already have 16 dams and another 13 under construction.</li>
<li>The state government has proposed another 54 dams to harness the hydel energy potential of these rivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hydropower, not Entirely Green Projects:</strong> Hydropower is a low-emission energy source, but by design, these projects are not environmentally suitable.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is because the river water is diverted for power generation, and this destroys the riverine ecology.</li>
<li>The blasting and tunneling that happens while building a dam dry up mountain springs, which provide water for drinking and agriculture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Run of the River (ROR) projects are seen as a &ldquo;green&rdquo; alternative to high-dam hydropower projects such as the Tehri Hydropower Project.</li>
<li>This is because an ROR dam diverts the river flow in a controlled environment to generate electricity and sends the water back to the river, whereas a high-dam project stores river water in a reservoir.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Broad Framework For Vulnerable Zones:</strong> With the increasing frequency of flash floods in the Himalayan region, a broad framework for robust early warning systems, infrastructure development, construction, and excavation in vulnerable zones must be evolved.</li>
<li><strong>Reexamining HydroPower Option:</strong> IPCC report has assessed that the climate crisis has altered the frequency and magnitude of the natural hazards in high mountain regions of the world. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, there is a need for adherence to the Chopra Committee recommendations, which studied the impact of receding glaciers on hydroelectric power projects (HEPs) and objected to the construction of HEPs in paraglacial regions (between 2,200 to 2,500 meters above the sea level).</li>
<li>Therefore, the hydropower projects must be weighed against their benefits and challenges.</li>
<li>Apart from this, other alternatives like solar energy, wind energy should be pursued as the green growth model of development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adhering to NDMA Guidelines:</strong> The NDMA guidelines say that the construction of any habitation should be prohibited in the high hazard zone.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Restricting constructions and development in glacial lake outburst flood-prone areas is a very efficient means to reduce risks at no cost.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Research on Glacial Lakes:</strong> Detailed Project Analysis should be conducted to understand which of the 12,000-odd glacial lakes in Uttarakhand are prone to flooding. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such research should feed into environmental impact assessment reports and guide decisions on developmental projects in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The exact cause of the recent Chamoli glacial lake outburst disaster will unfold in the coming times, but there is no doubt that the impact would have been far less with more prudent development of projects in the region. Policymakers should realize that damaging today and repairing tomorrow is not an option in the Himalayan region.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f6fff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the context of increasing flash floods in the Himalayan region, there is a need for reexamining the ways in which mountains and high-altitude regions have been positioned in the country&rsquo;s development discourse. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mrEJUPwF1pI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/cutting-trans-fat-the-hindu-editorial-on-healthier-food/article33795606.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Cutting trans fat: On healthier food&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 10<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/chamoli-flash-floods'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Gaganyaan Mission',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of Science and Technology informed that the human spaceflight module of <strong>Gaganyaan</strong> will be launched after the <strong>second unmanned mission planned in 2022-23.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was initially envisaged that the Rs. 10,000 crore<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper3-mission-gaganyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Gaganyaan mission</strong></a> aims to send a three-member crew to space for five to seven days by 2022 when India completes 75 years of independence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>First <strong>unmanned mission is planned in December 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been delayed due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>induced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gaganyaan is a mission by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</strong></a></li>
<li>Under the Gaganyaan schedule:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Three flights will be sent into orbit.</li>
<li>There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Gaganyaan system module, called the <strong>Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.</strong></li>
<li>It will circle Earth at a<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/types-of-orbit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> low-earth-orbit</strong></a> at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613036839_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613036839_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Payloads:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The payload will consist of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Crew module -</strong> spacecraft carrying human beings.</li>
<li><strong>Service module -</strong> powered by two liquid propellant engines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/isro-s-satellite-launch-cms-01" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GSLV Mk III</strong></a>, also called the <strong>LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,)</strong> the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Training in Russia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In June 2019, the <strong>Human Space Flight Centre of the ISRO and the Russian government-owned Glavkosmos</strong> signed a contract for the training, which includes Russian support in the selection of candidates, their medical examination, and space training.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>candidates will study in detail the systems of the Soyuz</strong> manned spaceship, as well as be trained in short-term weightlessness mode aboard the <strong>Il-76MDK aircraft.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Soyuz is a Russian spacecraft.</strong> The Soyuz carries people and supplies to and from the space station.</li>
<li>The <strong>Il-76MDK</strong> is a military transport plane specially designed for parabolic flights of trainee astronauts and space tourists.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help in <strong>enhancement of science and technology levels</strong> in the country and <strong>help inspire youth.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Gaganyaan will involve numerous agencies, laboratories, disciplines, industries and departments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will help in<strong> improvement of industrial growth.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Recently, the Government has announced a new organisation, <strong>IN-SPACe,</strong> part of reforms <strong>to increase <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/private-sector-participation-in-space" target="_blank" rel="noopener">private participation in the space sector</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will help in <strong>development of technology for social benefits.</strong></li>
<li>It will help in<strong> improving international collaboration.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-set-up-its-own-space-station" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Space Station</a> (ISS)</strong> put up by multiple countries may not be enough. Regional ecosystems will be needed and Gaganyaan <strong>will focus on regional needs: food, water and energy security.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Other Upcoming Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Chandrayaan-3 Mission:</strong> India has planned a new moon mission named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chandrayaan-3</strong></a>. It is likely to be launched in early 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Shukrayaan Mission:</strong> The ISRO is also planning <strong>a</strong> <strong>mission to Venus,</strong> tentatively called Shukrayaan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gaganyaan-india-isro-7183266/" 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/gaganyaan-mission'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Low Convictions Rate Under UAPA Act',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to data recently presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajya Sabha</strong></a>, <strong>only 2.2% of cases</strong> registered under the <strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967</strong> between the years 2016-2019 ended in convictions by court.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry quoted figures from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/crime-in-india-2019-report-ncrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2019 Crime in India Report</strong> </a>compiled by the <strong>National Crime Records Bureau</strong> (NCRB).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Enactment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAPA was<strong> originally passed in 1967.</strong> It is an upgrade on the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act -<strong> TADA</strong> (lapsed in 1995) and the<strong> Prevention of Terrorism Act - POTA</strong> (repealed in 2004).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Main Provisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till the year 2004, <strong>&ldquo;unlawful"</strong> activities referred to<strong> actions related to secession and cession of territory.</strong> Following the 2004 amendment, <strong>&ldquo;terrorist act" was added to the list of offences.</strong></li>
<li>The Act assigns<strong> absolute power to the central government,</strong> by way of which if the Centre deems an activity as unlawful then it may, by way of an Official Gazette, declare it so.</li>
<li>Under the UAPA, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in<strong> maximum 180 days</strong> after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.</li>
<li><strong>Both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged.</strong> It will be applicable to the offenders in the same manner, even if crime is committed on a foreign land, outside India.</li>
<li>It has <strong>death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishments.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendment in 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In August 2019, Parliament cleared the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unlawful-activities-prevention-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill</strong></a>, 2019 to designate individuals as terrorists if the individual commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes terrorism or is otherwise involved in terrorism.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>similar provision already existed</strong> in Part 4 and 6 of the legislation for organisations that can be designated as a<strong> &ldquo;terrorist organisation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Act empowers the Director General of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-investigation-agency-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Investigation Agency</a> (NIA)</strong> to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the said agency.</li>
<li>The Act also empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases of terrorism in addition to those conducted by the DSP or ACP or above rank officer in the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues With UAPA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undermines Individual Liberty:</strong> It gives the state authority vague powers to detain and arrest individuals who it believes to be indulged in terrorist activities. Thus, the state gives itself more powers vis-a-vis individual liberty guaranteed under<strong> Article 21 of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indirect Restriction on Right to Dissent:</strong> The right of dissent is<strong> a part and parcel of fundamental right to free speech and expression</strong> and therefore, cannot be abridged in any circumstances except for mentioned in Article 19 (2). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The UAPA, 2019 empowers the ruling government, under the garb of curbing terrorism, to impose indirect restriction on right of dissent which is detrimental for a developing democratic society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Undermines Federalism:</strong> Some experts feel that it is against the federal structure since it <strong>neglects the authority of state police in terrorism cases,</strong> given that &lsquo;Police&rsquo; is a<strong> state subject under 7<sup>th</sup> schedule of Indian Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Preventing Misuse:</strong> Terrorism is undoubtably a big threat and must be tackled with stringent counter-terrorism laws. But only if provisions of UAPA are followed in letter and spirit, without its callous usage to wrongfully implicate individuals.</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining Balance between the Fundamental Freedoms and the Interest of the State:</strong> Drawing the line between individual freedom and state obligation to provide security is a case of classical dilemma. It is up to the officers to ensure professional integrity, follow the principle of objectivity and avoid any misuse.</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Review:</strong> There is a greater role for the judiciary here to carefully examine the cases of alleged misuse. Arbitrariness and subjectivity under the law should be checked through<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/judicial-review-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Judicial review</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/22-of-cases-registered-under-the-uapa-from-2016-2019-ended-in-court-conviction/article33804099.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/low-convictions-rate-under-uapa-act'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Privatisation of Banks',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021#:~:text=Key%20Points,(BE)%202021%2D22." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Union Budget 2021</strong></a> has announced the <strong>privatisation of two public sector banks and one general insurance company</strong> in the upcoming fiscal 2021-22.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The move, coming after 51 years of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nationalization-of-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> nationalisation of government-owned banks in 1969</strong></a>, will give the private sector a key role in the banking sector.</li>
<li>Presently, India has <strong>22 private banks </strong>and<strong> 10 <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/small-finance-bank-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small finance banks.</a></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 government decided to nationalise the <strong>14 largest private banks</strong> in 1969. The idea was to<strong> align the banking sector with the socialistic approach</strong> of the then government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>State Bank of India (SBI) had been nationalised in 1955 itself, and the insurance sector in 1956.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Various governments in the last 20 years were for and against privatisation of Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks. In 2015, the government had suggested privatisation but the then <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> Governor did not favour the idea.</li>
<li>The current steps of privatisation, along with setting up an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bad-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asset Reconstruction Company (Bad Bank)</strong></a> entirely owned by banks, underline an<strong> approach of finding market-led solutions to challenges in the financial sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Privatisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Degrading Financial Position of Public Sector Banks:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Years of capital injections and <strong>governance reforms have not been able to improve the financial position of public sector banks significantly.</strong></li>
<li>Many of them have <strong>higher levels of stressed assets</strong> than private banks, and also lag the latter on profitability, market capitalisation and dividend payment record.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613032203_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613032203_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="697" height="310" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Part of a Long-Term Project:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Privatisation of two public sector banks will set the ball rolling for a <strong>long-term project that envisages only a handful of state-owned banks,</strong> with the rest either consolidated with strong banks or privatised. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>initial plan of the government was to privatise four.</strong> Depending on the success with the first two, the government is likely to go for divestment in another two or three banks in the next financial year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will free up the government, the majority owner, from continuing to provide equity support to the banks year after year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Through a series of moves over the last few years, the government is now left with <strong>12 state-owned banks, from 28 earlier.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government is trying to<strong> strengthen the strong banks</strong> and also minimise their numbers through privatisation to reduce its burden of support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations of Different Committees:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many committees had proposed bringing down the government stake in public banks below 51%:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amalgamation-of-three-public-sector-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Narasimham Committee</a> proposed 33%.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/merger-of-psbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> P J Nayak Committee</a> suggested below 50%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>An<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/internal-working-group-recommendations-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> RBI Working Group</strong></a> recently suggested the entry of business houses into the banking sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection of Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two banks that will be privatised will be selected through a process in which <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> will make recommendations, which will be considered by a core group of secretaries on disinvestment and then the<strong> Alternative Mechanism (or Group of Ministers).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with PSU Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>High Non-Performing Assets (NPAs):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After a series of mergers and equity injections by the government, the performance of public sector banks has shown improvement over the last couple of years. However, compared with private banks, they continue to have <strong>high <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NPAs</a> and stressed assets</strong> although this has started declining.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After the Covid-related regulatory relaxations are lifted, banks are expected to report higher NPAs and loan losses. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the RBI&rsquo;s recent <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-stability-report-rbi-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Financial Stability Report</a>,</strong> gross NPA ratio of all commercial banks may increase from 7.5% in September 2020 to 13.5% by September 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This would mean the government would again need to inject equity into weak public sector banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance of Private Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rising Market Share:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Private banks&rsquo; market share in loans has risen to 36% in 2020 from 21.26% in 2015, while public sector banks&rsquo; share has fallen to 59.8% from 74.28%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Better Products and Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Competition heated up after the RBI allowed more private banks since the 1990s. They have expanded the market share through <strong>new products, technology, and better services,</strong> and also attracted better valuations in stock markets.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HDFC Bank (set up in 1994) has a market capitalisation of Rs. 8.80 lakh crore while SBI commands just Rs. 3.50 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with Private Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Governance Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rediscovering-development-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank</strong></a> MD and CEO was sacked for allegedly extending dubious loans.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-yes-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yes Bank</strong></a> CEO was not given extension by the RBI and now faces investigations by various agencies.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshmi-vilas-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lakshmi Vilas Bank faced operational issues</strong></a> and was recently merged with DBS Bank of Singapore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under-reported NPAs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When the RBI ordered an asset quality review of banks in 2015, many private sector banks, including Yes Bank, were found <strong>under-reporting NPAs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to improve the governance and management of PSBs, there is a need to implement the recommendations of the<strong> PJ Nayak committee.</strong></li>
<li>Rather than blind privatisation, PSBs can be made into a corporation like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initial-public-offer-lic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)</strong></a>. While maintaining government ownership, this will give more autonomy to PSBs.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/privatisation-of-public-sector-banks-union-budget-npas-psu-7183446/" 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/privatisation-of-banks'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Impact of Crude Oil Price Hike',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> price of Brent crude crossed the USD 60 per barrel mark after over a year.</strong> The rise in prices is<strong> because of production cuts</strong> by oil-producing countries and<strong> expectations of improvements in global demand</strong> as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 vaccine</strong></a> is rolled out across the world.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In April 2020, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oil-prices-below-zero" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped below zero</strong></a> for the first time in history, to a negative USD 40.32 per barrel.</li>
<li><strong>Two crude oils</strong> which are either traded themselves or whose prices are reflected in other types of crude oil include <strong>West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Oil Pricing:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generally, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/talks-on-oil-cut-deal-at-g-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries</a> (OPEC)</strong> used to<strong> work as a cartel</strong> and fix prices in a favourable band.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>OPEC is led by Saudi Arabia,</strong> which is the<strong> largest exporter of crude oil</strong> in the world (single-handedly exporting 10% of the global demand).</li>
<li>OPEC has a <strong>total of 13 Member Countries</strong> viz. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Angola, and Venezuela.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>OPEC <strong>could bring down prices by increasing oil production</strong> and raise prices by cutting production.</li>
<li>The global oil pricing mainly <strong>depends upon the partnership between the global oil exporters instead of a well-functioning competition.</strong></li>
<li>Cutting oil production or <strong>completely shutting down an oil well is a difficult decision,</strong> because restarting it is immensely costly and complicated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Moreover, if a country cuts production, it risks losing market share if other countries do not follow the suit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, OPEC has been working with Russia, as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>OPEC+</strong> </a>to fix the global prices and supply.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2016,<strong> OPEC allied with other top non-OPEC oil-exporting nations</strong> to form an even more powerful entity named OPEC+ or OPEC Plus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Present Price Hike:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Limited Supply:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Major oil-producing countries <strong>had cut oil production last year</strong> amid a sharp fall in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia pledged extra supply cuts in February and March 2020 following reductions by other members of the<strong> Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)</strong> and its allies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In early January 2021, the <strong>OPEC and Russia</strong> (as OPEC+) agreed to <strong>cut back on oil production to increase prices.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rising Demand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> production and rollout of vaccines</strong> for Covid-19 and the <strong>rising consumption post the Covid lockdowns</strong> last year have both led to a revival in international crude oil prices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Current Account Deficit:</strong> The increase in oil prices will <strong>increase the country&rsquo;s import bill,</strong> and further <strong>disturb its current account deficit</strong> (excess of imports of goods and services over exports).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to estimates, a one-dollar increase in crude oil price increases the oil bill by around USD 1.6 billion per year.</li>
<li><strong>India imports 80% of its crude oil requirements</strong> and the average price of Indian basket of crude oil has already risen to USD 54.8 barrel for January 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inflation:</strong> The increase in crude prices could also also further increase <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inflation-data-august-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inflationary pressures</strong></a> that have been building up over the past few months.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will <strong>decrease the space for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/repo-rate-unchanged-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monetary policy committee</a> to ease policy rates</strong> further.</li>
<li>The government <strong>had hiked central taxes on petrol and diesel</strong> by Rs. 13 per litre and Rs. 11 per litre in 2020 to boost revenues amid lower economic activity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal Health:</strong> If oil prices continue to increase, the government shall be forced to cut taxes on petroleum and diesel which may cause loss of revenue and deteriorate its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fiscal balance.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The growth slowdown in the last two years has already resulted in a precarious fiscal situation because of tax revenue shortfalls.</li>
<li>The revenue lost will erode the government&rsquo;s ability to spend or meet its fiscal commitments in the form of budgetary transfers to states, payment of dues and compensation for revenue shortfalls to state governments under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>goods and services tax (GST)</strong></a> framework.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Positive Outcomes:</strong> However, there could be a positive side for India too from the oil price hike.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The value of Indian oil and gas companies could be positively impacted. The government could get greater value from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-s-disinvestment-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disinvestment</strong></a> in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.</li>
<li><strong>Remittances</strong> from the Persian Gulf could <strong>increase.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Difference between Brent and WTI</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brent</strong> crude oil <strong>originates from oil fields in the North Sea</strong> between the Shetland Islands and Norway.</li>
<li><strong>West Texas Intermediate (WTI)</strong> is sourced from<strong> US oil fields,</strong> primarily in Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Light and Sweet:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both oils are relatively light, but<strong> Brent has a slightly higher API gravity,</strong> making WTI the lighter of the two.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity</strong> is an indicator of the density of crude oil or refined products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WTI with a lower sulphur content</strong> (0.24%) than Brent (0.37%), is <strong>considered "sweeter".</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benchmark Prices:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brent crude price</strong> is the international benchmark price <strong>used by the OPEC</strong> while <strong>WTI crude price</strong> is a benchmark for<strong> US oil prices.</strong></li>
<li>Since India imports primarily from OPEC countries, <strong>Brent is the benchmark for oil prices in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost of Shipping:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cost of shipping <strong>for Brent crude is typically lower,</strong> since it is produced near the sea and it can be put on ships immediately.</li>
<li><strong>Shipping of WTI is priced higher</strong> since it is produced in landlocked areas like Cushing, Oklahoma where the storage facilities are limited.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/crude-oil-price-rise-explained-7181078/" 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/impact-of-crude-oil-price-hike'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Climate Change Report on Hindukush Karakoram Ranges',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/assessment-of-climate-change-over-the-indian-region-moes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 'Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region'</strong></a> report, <strong>snowfall</strong> over the higher reaches of the <strong>Hindukush Himalayan mountain ranges</strong> has been <strong>increasing</strong> in recent decades, which has <strong>shielded the region from glacier shrinkage.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The recent<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> massive flooding in the Alaknanda river</strong></a>, probably due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ndma-guidelines-to-tackle-glacial-bursts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>glacial bursts</strong></a> has highlighted the issue of higher<strong> glacier retreat in recent decades due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">global warming</a></strong>, however, the report indicates a contrasting picture of the Hindukush Himalayas.</li>
<li>Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region Report has been<strong> published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).</strong> It is <strong>India&rsquo;s first-ever national forecast on the impact of global warming</strong> on the subcontinent in the coming century.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>HinduKush Himalayan (HKH) Region</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The HKH region spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.</li>
<li>It traverses about 5 million square kilometres and hosts a large and culturally diverse population.</li>
<li>It is <strong>considered the Third Pole</strong> (after the North and South Poles), and has significant implications for climate.</li>
<li>It contains <strong>vast cryospheric zones</strong> (frozen water parts) and is also the world&rsquo;s largest store of snow and ice outside the polar region.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613027791_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613027791_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="480" height="370" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings of the Report:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Several areas of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hindu-kush-himalayan-region#:~:text=research%20and%20development.-,Hindu%2DKush%2DHimalayan%20(HKH)%20Region,large%20and%20culturally%20diverse%20population." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hindukush Karakoram Himalayas</strong></a> have experienced a <strong>declining trend in snowfall</strong> and also <strong>retreat of glaciers</strong> in recent decades.</li>
<li><strong>In contrast,</strong> the <strong>high-elevation Karakoram Himalayas</strong> have experienced <strong>higher winter snowfall</strong> that has shielded the region from glacier shrinkage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Karakorams are part of a complex of mountain ranges</strong> at the centre of Asia, including the HinduKush to the west, the Pamirs to the northwest, the Kunlun Mountains to the northeast, and the Himalayas to the southeast.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Even when the<strong> winter snowfall has increased over the high-elevation Karakoram Himalayas,</strong> the <strong>overall climate along the Hindukush Karakoram region is undergoing warming</strong> at a higher rate during the winter season as compared to other seasons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Faster Heating of Himalayas:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Weather dynamics is intricate in the Himalayan region, arising due to <strong>extensive interactions of tropical and extratropical weather systems.</strong></li>
<li>The Himalayas have been<strong> warming at a faster rate</strong> than the rest of Indian landmass during 1951 - 2018.</li>
<li>Besides, the warming reported from this region is <strong>higher than global mean temperatures.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Warming:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The decadal warming trend recorded over these ranges from 1951 to 2014 was <strong>1.3 degree Celsius.</strong> This is a rise from 0.16 degree Celsius recorded from 1900 to 1950, when global warming was less pronounced.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increasing Annual Mean Surface Temperature:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Report has forecast an increase in annual mean surface temperature by 2.2 degree Celsius during 2040 - 2069 and a further increase by 3.3 degree Celsius during 2070 &ndash; 2099, along these ranges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extreme Precipitation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to this warming trend, there is<strong> an expected increase in the precipitation</strong> projected over the region. It is predicted that there will be a significant increase in extreme precipitation over the Hindukush Karakoram region, with maximum consecutive five-day precipitation events.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Driver of Monsoon:</strong> The Hindukush Karakoram ranges, along with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tibetan Plateau</strong></a>, are the <strong>main drivers of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Summer Monsoon</a>. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Source of Subsistence:</strong> These ranges form the source to 10 major river systems in Asia, supporting drinking water, irrigation and power supply to 1.3 billion people in the continent. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Major Indian rivers which replenish due to the melted snow are <strong>Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra.</strong></li>
<li>After the North and the South poles, the Hindukush &ndash; Karakoram ranges, along with the Tibetan Plateau, hold the largest reserves of freshwater.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hindukush-karakoram-ranges-climate-change-7181701/" 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/climate-change-report-on-hindukush-karakoram-ranges'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Digital Health Services',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/healthcare-technology-telemedicine-7181551/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The salience of digital medical services was highlighted during the pandemic&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 09/02/2021. It talks about the benefits and challenges associated with Digital Health Services.</p>
</div>
<p>In the last few years, it&rsquo;s been extremely encouraging to see how integrating technology and new innovative tools can improve public service delivery. For example, the development of IndiaStack and the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile) trinity.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Covid-19 pandemic re-emphasized the need to reimagine the health system in the digital space. The recent launch of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-digital-health-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong></a> highlights the use of digital technology in the health sector.</p>
<p>Further, as the cost of treating chronic conditions is increasing and doctor shortages are imminent worldwide, digital health can provide much-needed transformation in pursuit of realizing the goal of the health of all.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to realize the vision for universal health coverage, the Government of India launched the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) in 2020.</li>
<li>The NDHM is a complete digital health ecosystem. The digital platform will be launched with four key features &mdash; health ID, personal health records, Digi Doctor, and health facility registry.</li>
<li>The NDHM is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</li>
<li>NDHM is a manifestation of one of the guidelines of the National Health Policy 2017 that had envisaged the creation of a digital health technology eco-system aiming at developing an integrated health information system.</li>
<li>It is a landmark move that is based on the principles of the India health stack and aims to connect the different touch-points of the health ecosystem, such as Health Information Provider to Health Information User to Consent Manager, through digital tools to provide affordable access to quality healthcare.</li>
<li>The NDHM also aims to ensure that preventive and assistive healthcare come under the same broader umbrella.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Benefits of Digital Health Services</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tackling the Spread of a Pandemic:</strong> Once data is recorded and available for analysis, it can help the systems determine both prevalence and genomic data to provide information on disease transmission and geospatial coverage.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Innovative use of digital tools such as deep learning and cloud emergency response algorithms has significantly aided emergency room workers during the pandemic to reduce response time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Patient-Friendly Health:</strong> The deployment of artificial intelligence tools for all aspects of the health system, including triaging, diagnostics, among others, will substantially reduce delays, and, therefore, the costs associated with healthcare.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Digital transformation of healthcare is at the core of addressing issues such as resource limitations, a varied population mix, and an urgent need to increase medical reach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preventive Care:</strong> Emerging technologies not only expedite the development of new drugs but also introduce a completely new class of therapies, such as digital therapeutics (DTx).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DTx are software-based solutions that can treat disease or disorder which are linked to lifestyle issues.</li>
<li>Thus, digital health has a growing impact on the delivery of care and provides the opportunity to tackle the next frontier in healthcare by shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Helps in Clinical Trials:</strong> Digital health can harness the power of data that can aid in the analysis of samples and images to diagnose as well as drive better clinical decision-making.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Risk of Online Fraud:</strong> The lack of access to care and diminishing trust towards the healthcare system can make patients turning to inefficient therapies and online medical quackery.</li>
<li><strong>Issue of Health Literacy:</strong> Despite the use of digital technologies, the development of health status is also dependent on health literacy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Those with lower health literacy levels are generally in a worse state of health, visit the doctor more often, use fewer prevention techniques, and on the whole, are more costly for the healthcare system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Addressing Out-of-pocket Expenditure:</strong> Before the transition from traditional health care to digital healthcare, there is a need to protect the poor from the uncertainties of doctor hunting, receiving irrational treatment from unqualified medical practitioners, provide drugs and address the inability to pay for high-end diagnostics.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unless the costs of outpatient treatment are catered, out-of-pocket expenditure will continue before a patient needs hospitalization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Misuse of Data:</strong> Before embracing digital healthcare, there is a need for certain checks and balances to ensure there is no misuse of the data.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, the government should expedite enacting the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which will ensure that consent for use of data can only be sought with the defined purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The concept of digital health is the cultural transformation of how disruptive technologies that provide digital and objective data accessible to both caregivers and patients leads to an equal level doctor-patient relationship with shared decision-making and the democratization of care.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fcfff5;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss how the concept of digital health can lead to the democratization of care.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ppdST2F4hZM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/take-nature-for-granted-at-your-own-peril/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Take Nature for granted at your own peril&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Economic Times on February 9<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/digital-health-services'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'UAE’s Hope Mars Mission',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Arab Emirates' (UAE&rsquo;s) first-ever interplanetary Hope Probe mission</strong> has successfully <strong>entered orbit around <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tianwen-1-china-s-mars-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mars</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hope Probe Mission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The UAE&rsquo;s Mars Mission called &lsquo;Hope&rsquo; was announced in 2015 with the aim of creating mankind&rsquo;s first integrated model of the Red planet&rsquo;s (Mars) atmosphere.</li>
<li>&lsquo;Hope&rsquo; was developed by UAE scientists in the USA and was launched in July 2020 from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Specification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Mars Hope Probe <strong>weights just 1.5 tonnes,</strong> about the same size as an SUV. It is <strong>expected to complete one orbit around the planet every 55 hours.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>overall life of UAE&rsquo;s Mars mission is around one Martian year,</strong> which is about 687 days on Earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scientific Instruments:</strong> The Probe carries three scientific instruments:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Emirates eXploration Imager (EXI):</strong> A high-resolution camera.</li>
<li><strong>Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS):</strong> A far-UV imaging spectrograph.</li>
<li><strong>Emirates Mars InfraRed Spectrometer (EMIRS):</strong> It will examine temperature profiles, ice, water vapor and dust in the atmosphere of Mars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expected Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>UAE&rsquo;s mission will collect data on Martian climate dynamics and help scientists understand why Mars' atmosphere is decaying into space.</li>
<li>The instruments will collect different data points on the atmosphere to also gauge seasonal and daily changes.</li>
<li>Together, this will shed light on how energy and particles, like oxygen and hydrogen, move through the atmosphere of Mars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the successful Mars orbit insertion, the <strong>UAE becomes the fifth entity to reach the Red Planet, joining NASA,</strong> the Soviet Union, the European Space Agency and India.</li>
<li>Success of this mission will help UAE in building a knowledge-based economy, leading to <strong>more investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)</strong> for young Emiratis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The probe reached Mars in the year the <strong>UAE celebrates its 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>&lsquo;Hope&rsquo; mission is not only important for UAE, but also for the whole of Arab world, as it is the<strong> Arab world's first interplanetary mission. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Missions to Mars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the UAE&rsquo;s &lsquo;Hope Probe&rsquo;, two more unmanned spacecrafts from the USA and China are set to arrive at Mars over the next several days.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All three missions <strong>were launched in July to take advantage of the close alignment of Earth and Mars.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>combination orbiter and lander from China</strong> is scheduled to reach Mars, which will circle Mars until the rover separates and attempts to land in order to look for signs of ancient life.</li>
<li>A <strong>rover from the USA named &lsquo;Perseverance&rsquo;</strong> is also set to reach Mars soon. It will be the <strong>first leg in a decade-long USA-European project</strong> to bring Mars rocks back to Earth to be examined for evidence the planet once harbored microscopic life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives Behind Mars Exploration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists and researchers around the world are pretty much curious about Mars because of the possibility that the planet was once warm enough to allow water to flow through it, which means life could have existed there too.</li>
<li>Despite being starkly different in many ways, the Red Planet has several<strong> Earth-like features&ndash;</strong> such as clouds, polar ice caps, volcanoes, and seasonal weather patterns.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, no human has set foot on Mars yet because the atmosphere on Mars is very thin, consisting of mostly carbon dioxide with no breathable oxygen, making it difficult for astronauts to survive there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Mars Orbiter Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also known as Mangalyaan, it was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong> </a>(ISRO) in November 2013.</li>
<li>It was launched on board a PSLV C25 rocket with aim of studying Martian surface and mineral composition as well as scan its atmosphere for methane (an indicator of life on Mars).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-uaes-hope-probe-is-set-to-enter-mars-orbit-what-happens-next-7181137/" 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/uae-s-hope-mars-mission'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'India-Poland Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Poland</strong> has invited India&rsquo;s Prime Minister while he will be visiting <strong>Portugal</strong> for the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a>-India summit (May 2021),</strong> and<strong> Cornwall, United Kingdom</strong> to attend the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/g-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> G7</strong> </a><strong>grouping where India is a special invitee (June 2021).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Poland is also negotiating with India for a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble#:~:text=Key%20Points,and%20open%20travel%20and%20tourism." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> travel bubble arrangement</strong></a> to resume direct flights suspended due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creating a travel bubble <strong>involves reconnecting countries or states which have shown a good level of success in containing the Covid-19 pandemic</strong> domestically.</li>
<li>Such a bubble would <strong>allow the members of the group to restart trade ties</strong> with each other and open travel and tourism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612954030_image10.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612954030_image10.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="384" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Poland <strong>diplomatic relations</strong> were <strong>established in 1954,</strong> leading to the opening of the <strong>Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957.</strong></li>
<li>The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism.</li>
<li>During the<strong> Communist era of Poland (1944 to 1989), bilateral relations were close and cordial,</strong> with regular high level visits, coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organizations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements.</li>
<li>The <strong>relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989.</strong></li>
<li>A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after Poland joined the<strong> European Union</strong> in 2004, and became one of India&rsquo;s key economic partners in Central Europe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic &amp; Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Export:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland is <strong>India&rsquo;s largest trade partner and export destination in the Central European region,</strong> with bilateral trade growing almost seven-fold over the last ten years.</li>
<li>As per Indian statistics, the overall value of <strong>bilateral trade in 2019 was USD 2.36 billion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s export to Poland contributed to 0.48% of overall India&rsquo;s export. Only 0.15% of India&rsquo;s import was covered by Poland in 2019.</li>
<li>As per the statistics, the increase of bilateral trade by 2.5% was visible in 2019 in comparison with previous years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian investments in Poland are valued at over <strong>USD 3 billion.</strong></li>
<li>Total Polish investment in India is estimated at <strong>USD 672 million.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From April 2000 to March 2019, India recorded over <strong>USD 672 million of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FDI</a> from Poland,</strong> 0.16%of its total FDI inflows in that period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sectoral Collaboration: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Agro and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-processing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Food processing</a> sectors:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland possesses world class food processing including preservation/storage technologies while India is one of the largest producers for many fruits, dairy and agro products.</li>
<li>An MoU on agriculture for technical and institutional cooperation was signed between both countries in April 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Technology (IT) Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Around <strong>thirteen Indian IT companies, employing more than 10,000 professionals, are currently active in Poland</strong> and are also operating their Europe operation from here.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Textile Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has presently a share of only<strong> 3.73% overall in the Polish Textile and Apparel Imports (valued at USD 400 million).</strong></li>
<li>There is of course, much potential for increase in its exports, provided conducive circumstances are created for Indian Exporters.</li>
<li>Presently, about 30-40% of goods exported by India to Poland are re-exported to other EU Countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mining/Energy Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland possesses reputed <strong>clean coal technologies</strong> and Polish public sector companies have played a substantial role in development of mining and power sectors in India.</li>
<li>India and Poland signed a<strong> Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)</strong> in 2019 to enhance <strong>bilateral cooperation in the coal and mining sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given Poland&rsquo;s strategic location, shortages in healthcare personnel and 25% growth in the pharma market in the last 5 years, there are <strong>good opportunities for Indian exporters and investors.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural and Educational Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a strong tradition of Indology studies in<strong> Poland, with Polish scholars having translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19<sup>th</sup> Century.</strong></li>
<li>Polish Mission organised the <strong>150<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</a></strong> in 2019. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Polish Post (Poczta Polska)<strong> issued a Commemorative Stamp on the 150<sup>th</sup> Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</strong> which was released on the occasion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On the occasion of 550<sup>th</sup> Prakash Purab of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/guru-nanak-dev-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Guru Nanak Dev ji</strong></a>, Mission and Gurudwara Sahib of Poland <strong>jointly organised functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland.</strong></li>
<li>The first <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-of-yoga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Day of Yoga</strong></a> was organized in 21 cities in Poland on June 21, 2015. An estimated 11000 people participated in public events.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Estimated at approximately<strong> 10,000, the Indian community in Poland consists of traders (textiles, garments and electronics)</strong> who came after the collapse of communism, and professionals with multinational or Indian companies and software/IT experts, including a rising number of Indian students.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/as-pm-plans-two-europe-visits-poland-pitches-for-warsaw-stop/article33792728.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-poland-relations'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Arka Shubha: New Marigold Variety',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)</strong> has developed a new marigold variety named <strong>Arka Shubha.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>High Carotene Content:</strong> Arka Shubha has carotene content of around 2.8% (for all marigolds, it's maximum upto 1.4%) which is the highest among all plant sources.</li>
<li><strong>Used after Spoiled:</strong> This new variety of marigold can be used for extraction of crude carotene even if spoiled after full bloom, unlike that of other varieties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ornamental &amp; Carotene Extraction:</strong> This new variety not only has ornamental purpose but is also a good source of crude carotene.</li>
<li><strong>Poultry Feed:</strong> Its petals could be used as poultry feed to get quality yolk.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Import Dependency:</strong> India imports most of its carotene from other countries, including China. This development can significantly reduce import dependency. Therefore, both cultivation area and investment on carotene extraction should be increased.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Carotene</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Carotenes are carotenoid pigments that are oxygen-free. Mostly they are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain only carbon and hydrogen.</li>
<li>Their color varies from yellow to orange to red. The color is attributed to the chain of alternating single and double bonds.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Carotene is responsible for the orange colour of carrots.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>&alpha;-carotene, &beta;-carotene, and lycopene are examples of carotenes.</li>
<li>Carotene is used in the pharmaceutical sector, there is always a high demand for it.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Institute of Horticultural Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian Institute of Horticultural Research <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)</strong></a> is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare.</li>
<li>IIHR has a<strong> main research station at Bengaluru</strong> and regional experiment stations at Bhubaneswar in Orissa and Chettalli in Karnataka with two Krishi Vigyan Kendras.</li>
<li>The institute's main research agenda was to increase the yields of horticultural crop varieties by developing high yielding varieties in fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and medicinal products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/bengaluru-scientists-develop-new-marigold-variety/article33795721.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/arka-shubha-new-marigold-variety'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Sedition Law',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong> </a>protected a political leader and six senior journalists from arrest in multiple <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sedition-law-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sedition</strong></a> FIRs registered against them.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Background of Sedition Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sedition laws were <strong>enacted in 17<sup>th</sup> century England</strong> when lawmakers believed that <strong>only good opinions of the government should survive,</strong> as bad opinions were detrimental to the government and monarchy.</li>
<li>The law was originally drafted<strong> in 1837 by Thomas Macaulay, the British historian-politician,</strong> but was <strong>inexplicably omitted when the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-road-map-for-criminal-justice-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Penal Code (IPC)</a> was enacted in 1860.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/why-indias-sedition-law-needs-to-be-buried" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 124A</a> was inserted in 1870</strong> by an amendment introduced <strong>by Sir James Stephen</strong> when it felt the need for a specific section to deal with the offence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was one of the many draconian laws enacted to stifle any voices of dissent at that time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612950997_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612950997_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="617" height="353" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sedition Law Today:</strong> Sedition is <strong>a crime under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code</strong> (IPC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Section 124A IPC:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It defines sedition as an offence committed when <strong>"any person by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred</strong> or contempt, or excites or attempts to <strong>excite disaffection towards the government</strong> established by law in India".</li>
<li>Disaffection includes <strong>disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.</strong> However, comments without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, will not constitute an offence under this section.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Punishment for the Offence of Sedition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sedition is a <strong>non-bailable offence.</strong> Punishment under the Section 124A ranges from <strong>imprisonment up to three years to a life term,</strong> to which fine may be added.</li>
<li>A person charged under this law is<strong> barred from a government job.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They have to live without their passport and must produce themselves in the court at all times as and when required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Supreme Court Decisions on Sedition Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SC highlighted debates over sedition in<strong> 1950</strong> in its decisions in <em><strong>Brij Bhushan vs the State of Delhi</strong> </em>and <strong><em>Romesh Thappar vs the State of Madras.</em></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In these cases, the court held that a law which <strong>restricted speech on the ground that it would disturb public order was unconstitutional.</strong></li>
<li>It also held that <strong>disturbing the public order will mean nothing less than endangering the foundations of the State</strong> or threatening its overthrow.</li>
<li>Thus, these decisions prompted the <strong>First Constitution Amendment, where <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-on-right-to-protest#:~:text=Article%2019%20confers%20upon%20citizens,or%20inaction%20of%20the%20State." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 19</a> (2) was rewritten to replace &ldquo;undermining the security of the State&rdquo; with &ldquo;in the interest of public order&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>1962,</strong> the SC decided on the constitutionality of Section 124A in <em><strong>Kedar Nath Singh vs State of Bihar.</strong></em><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It upheld the constitutionality of sedition, but <strong>limited its application</strong> to &ldquo;acts involving intention or tendency to create disorder, or disturbance of law and order, or incitement to violence&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It<strong> distinguished these</strong> from &ldquo;very strong speech&rdquo; or the use of &ldquo;vigorous words&rdquo; strongly critical of the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>1995,</strong> the SC, in <em><strong>Balwant Singh vs State of Punjab</strong></em>, held that mere sloganeering which evoked no public response did not amount to sedition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Support of Section 124A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 124A of the IPC has its utility in <strong>combating anti-national, secessionist and terrorist elements.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> protects the elected government from attempts to overthrow</strong> the government with violence and illegal means. The continued existence of the government established by law is an essential condition of the <strong>stability of the State.</strong></li>
<li>If <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contempt-of-court-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>contempt of court</strong></a> invites penal action, contempt of government should also attract punishment.</li>
<li>Many districts in different states face a <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/naxalism-left-wing-extremism-internal-security-threat-vulnerabilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maoist insurgency</a> and rebel groups virtually run a parallel administration.</strong> These groups openly advocate the overthrow of the state government by revolution.</li>
<li>Against this backdrop, the abolition of Section 124A would be ill-advised merely because it has been wrongly invoked in some highly publicized cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments against Section 124A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 124A is a<strong> relic of colonial legacy</strong> and unsuited in a democracy. It is a constraint on the legitimate exercise of<strong> constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.</strong></li>
<li>Dissent and criticism of the government are essential ingredients of robust public debate in a vibrant democracy. They should not be constructed as sedition. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Right to question, criticize and change rulers is very fundamental to the idea of democracy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>British, who introduced sedition to oppress Indians,</strong> have themselves abolished the law in their country. There is no reason why India should not abolish this section.</li>
<li>The<strong> terms used</strong> under Section 124A like 'disaffection' are<strong> vague and subject to different interpretations to the whims and fancies</strong> of the investigating officers.</li>
<li>IPC and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unlawful-activities-prevention-act-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 2019</strong></a> have provisions that penalize "disrupting the public order" or "overthrowing the government with violence and illegal means". These are sufficient for protecting national integrity. There is no need for Section 124A.</li>
<li>The sedition law is <strong>being misused as a tool to persecute political dissent.</strong> A wide and concentrated executive discretion is inbuilt into it which permits the blatant abuse.</li>
<li>In 1979, India<strong> ratified the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protesting-is-a-fundamental-right-un#:~:text=The%20ICCPR%20is%20a%20key,International%20Bill%20of%20Human%20Rights." target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)</a>,</strong> which sets forth internationally recognized standards for the protection of freedom of expression. However, misuse of sedition and arbitrary slapping of charges are inconsistent with India's international commitments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is the largest democracy of the world and the <strong>right to free speech and expression is an essential ingredient of democracy.</strong> The expression or thought that is not in consonance with the policy of the government of the day should not be considered as sedition.</li>
<li><strong>Section 124A should not be misused</strong> as a tool to curb free speech. The SC caveat, given in Kedar Nath case, on prosecution under the law can check its misuse. It needs to be <strong>examined under the changed facts and circumstances</strong> and also on the anvil of ever-evolving tests of <strong>necessity, proportionality and arbitrariness.</strong></li>
<li>The higher judiciary should use its supervisory powers to <strong>sensitize the magistracy and police to the constitutional provisions protecting free speech.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>definition of sedition should be narrowed down,</strong> to include only the issues pertaining to the territorial integrity of India as well as the sovereignty of the country.</li>
<li>The<strong> word &lsquo;sedition&rsquo; is extremely nuanced and needs to be applied with caution.</strong> It is like a cannon that ought not to be used to shoot a mouse; but the arsenal also demands possession of cannons, mostly as a deterrent, and on occasion for shooting.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/republic-day-violence-sc-stays-arrest-of-shashi-tharoor-rajdeep-sardesai-and-five-journalists/article33789972.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/sedition-law-2'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>draft notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> on an<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/eco-sensitive-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)</strong> </a>which runs around the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wayanad-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)</strong> </a>has triggered protests in Wayanad (Kerala).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Draft Notification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 118.5 sq km area has been earmarked as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), of which 99.5 sq km is outside the sanctuary and the remaining 19 sq km comprises revenue villages within the sanctuary.</li>
<li>There will be<strong> restrictions on several human activities in ESZ,</strong> including a ban on all new and existing mining, stone quarrying and crushing units and new industries causing pollution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>also includes a ban on establishment of major hydroelectric projects</strong> and setting up of new sawmills, brick kilns and commercial use of firewood within ESZ.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Besides,<strong> no new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted</strong> within 1km of the boundary of the protected area or up to the extent of ESZ, whichever is nearer.</li>
<li>It also <strong>bars felling of trees in private lands without prior permission of the competent authority</strong> in the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose of the Notification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>an important step towards ensuring the safety of people</strong> around the Wildlife Sanctuary, because the lives of farmers on the forest fringes is miserable owing to the <strong>increasing incidents of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/man-animal-conflict-to-be-listed-as-disaster-by-up-govt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wild animal attacks</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As many as 147 persons were killed in wildlife attacks in the district in the past 38 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As many as 57 enclosure villages situated inside WWS fall within the eco-sensitive zone.</li>
<li>Critics have argued that the draft notification <strong>would cripple both agriculture and business sectors</strong> and will deal a blow to the district as the notification imposes curbs on vehicular traffic.</li>
<li>It will <strong>badly affect the lives of thousands of farmers</strong> on the fringes of the sanctuary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As much as 29,291 acres of private land on the fringes of the sanctuary would come under the zone and the development of this area would stop for ever.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612948691_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612948691_image6.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="358" height="501" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> Located in Kerala, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) is an<strong> integral part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-elephant-corridor-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve</a>.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Spread over 344.44 sq km, WWS is contiguous to the tiger reserves of Nagerhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li><strong>Kabini river (a tributary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/godavari-and-cauvery-river-interlinking-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery river</a>)</strong> flows through the sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> It was declared a Sanctuary in the year 1973.</li>
<li><strong>Biodiversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> forest types</strong> include South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and plantations of teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia.</li>
<li>Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel etc. are the major mammals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Eco-Sensitive Zones</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Eco-Sensitive Zones or Ecologically Fragile Areas are <strong>areas within 10 kms around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In case of places with sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, <strong>even areas beyond 10 km width can be included</strong> in the eco-sensitive zone.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ESZs are<strong> notified by MoEFCC,</strong> under <strong>Environment Protection Act, 1986.</strong></li>
<li>The basic aim is <strong>to regulate certain activities</strong> around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need for rethinking on the impacts of the environmental policies at the local level, the type and prospects of local participation and most importantly the prospects of alternative income generating opportunities for successful conservation initiatives.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-cm-takes-up-sanctuary-zone-issue/article33785872.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/eco-sensitive-zone-around-wayanad-wildlife-sanctuary'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'NDMA Guidelines to Tackle Glacial Bursts',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A <strong>Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)</strong> is suspected to have <strong>caused the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flash floods</a>&nbsp;</strong>in <strong>Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In October 2020, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)</strong></a> had issued detailed guidelines on how to reduce and deal with disasters caused by GLOFs/Glacial Bursts.</li>
<li>The NDMA guidelines suggest that risk reduction can be done by<strong> identifying and mapping potentially dangerous lakes, taking structural measures to prevent their sudden breach,</strong> and establishing mechanisms to save lives and property in times of a breach.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A GLOF refers to the flooding that occurs <strong>when the water dammed by a glacier or a moraine</strong> (accumulations of dirt and rocks fallen onto the glacier surface) <strong>is released suddenly.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When glaciers melt, the water in glacial lakes accumulates behind loose, natural &ldquo;glacial/moraine dams&rdquo; made of ice, sand, pebbles and ice residue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Unlike earthen dams, the weak structure of the moraine dam<strong> leads to the abrupt breach of the dam on top of the glacial lake</strong> which could cause flash floods in the downstream areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to NDMA, <strong>glacial retreat due to climate change</strong> occurring in most parts of the <strong>Hindu Kush Himalaya</strong> has given rise to the <strong>formation of numerous new glacial lakes,</strong> which are the <strong>major cause of GLOFs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glacial Lakes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Glacial lakes are <strong>typically formed at the foot of a glacier.</strong></li>
<li>As glaciers move and flow, they erode the soil and sediment around them, leaving depressions and grooves on the land. Meltwater from the glacier fills up the hole, making a lake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Lakes form when meltwater ponds, and this can happen on the ice surface <strong>(supraglacial lakes),</strong> in front of the ice<strong> (proglacial lakes),</strong> or even underneath the ice <strong>(subglacial lakes).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Glacier lakes can <strong>affect ice flow</strong> by reducing friction at the ice-bed interface, encouraging basal sliding.</li>
<li>They can <strong>change the albedo of the ice surface,</strong> encouraging more surface melt.</li>
<li>Proglacial lakes <strong>cause <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iceberg-a68a#:~:text=Calving%20of%20Glaciers&amp;text=Calving%20is%20the%20glaciological%20term,is%20known%20as%20dry%20calving." target="_blank" rel="noopener">calving</a>,</strong> which affects mass balance and can decouple mountain glaciers from climate.</li>
<li>Glacier lakes can be hazardous; moraine and ice dams can fail, <strong>causing catastrophic glacier lake outburst floods</strong> or jokulhlaups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Number of Glacial Lakes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to recent studies, <strong>there has been a rapid increase in the number of glacial lakes due to a retreat in the glaciers</strong> caused by warming temperatures (due to global warming), and their potential to cause large scale flooding and destruction. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Kedarnath tragedy in 2013,</strong> for example, had involved a breach in a large glacial lake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to a study sponsored by the <a href="/daily-news-analysis/central-water-commission-on-kerala-floods#:~:text=of%20a%20reservoir.-,Central%20Water%20Commission%20(CWC),the%20Ministry%20of%20Water%20Resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Water Commission (CWC)</strong></a>, conducted during 2011-15, there are 352, 283 and 1,393 glacial lakes and water bodies in the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Guidelines on Risk Reduction: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Identifying Potentially Dangerous Lakes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Potentially dangerous lakes <strong>can be identified</strong> based on field observations, records of past events, geomorphologic and geotechnical characteristics of the lake/dam and surroundings, and other physical conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Promoting use of <strong>Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery</strong> (a form of radar that is used to create two-dimensional images) <strong>to automatically detect changes in water bodies,</strong> including new lake formations, during the monsoon months.</li>
<li>Methods and protocols could also be developed to<strong> allow remote monitoring of lake bodies from space.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Channeling Potential Floods:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To manage lakes structurally, the NDMA recommends <strong>reducing the volume of water with methods such as controlled breaching,</strong> pumping or siphoning out water, and making a tunnel through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uniform Codes for Construction Activity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Developing a broad framework for <strong>infrastructure development, construction and excavation</strong> in vulnerable zones.</li>
<li>There is a need to accept<strong> procedures for land use planning</strong> in the GLOF prone areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of implemented and operational GLOF EWS is very small, even at the global scale.</li>
<li>In the Himalayan region, there are at<strong> three reported instances</strong> (two in Nepal and one in China) of implementation of sensor- and monitoring-based technical systems for GLOF early warning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Training Local Manpower:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Apart from pressing specialised forces such as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/59th-raising-day-of-the-itbp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ITBP</strong> </a>and the Army, NDMA has emphasised the need for <strong>trained local manpower.</strong></li>
<li>It has been observed that over <strong>80% of search and rescue is carried out by the local community</strong> before the intervention of the state machinery and specialised search and rescue teams.</li>
<li><strong>The local teams could also assist in planning</strong> and setting up emergency shelters, distributing relief packages, identifying missing people, and addressing the needs for food, healthcare, water supply etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Alarm Systems:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Besides classical alarming infrastructure consisting of acoustic alarms by sirens, modern communication technology using cell and smartphones can complement or even replace traditional alarming infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/uttarakhand-glacier-flash-flood-rishiganga-death-toll-7180258/" 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/ndma-guidelines-to-tackle-glacial-bursts'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'South China Sea Dispute',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>China warned off a USA warship</strong> sailing near contested <strong>Paracel islands in the South China Sea (SCS).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><strong>About</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Claim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China lays claim to nearly all of the South China Sea,</strong> including the Paracel Islands.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, Taiwan, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam also claim parts of the region,<strong> believed to hold valuable oil and gas deposits.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has alleged that the USA warship broke into China&rsquo;s <em>Xisha</em> (Paracel) island&rsquo;s territorial waters without the permission of the Chinese government and <strong>accused USA for &ldquo;seriously violating China&rsquo;s sovereignty&rdquo; and &ldquo;harming regional peace.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The USA has argued that such exercises are in line with international law and help <strong>defend the right of passage</strong> through the region amid competing claims by China and other governments.</li>
<li>It is in sync with the USA's continuous efforts to counter China&rsquo;s assertion in SCS. Recently the USA Navy sent an aircraft carrier group into the South China Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South China Sea</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> South China Sea is<strong> an arm of western Pacific Ocean</strong> in Southeast Asia. It is south of China, east &amp; south of Vietnam, west of the Philippines and north of the island of Borneo.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is<strong> connected by Taiwan Strait</strong> with the East China Sea and by <strong>Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bordering states &amp; territories (clockwise from north):</strong> the People&rsquo;s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Importance:&nbsp;</strong>This sea holds tremendous strategic importance for its location as it is the <strong>connecting link between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (Strait of Malacca).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-investment-report-unctad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD)</strong></a> one-third of the global shipping passes through it, carrying trillions of trade which makes it a significant geopolitical water body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942060_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942060_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons For Dispute in the South China Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Contesting Claims Over Islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>The Paracel Islands</strong> are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.</li>
<li><strong>The Spratly Islands</strong> are claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Philippines.</li>
<li><strong>The Scarborough Shoal</strong> is claimed by Philippines, China and Taiwan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Assertion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since 2010, <strong>China has been converting uninhabited islets into artificial islets</strong> to bring it under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNCLOS</strong></a> (examples would include Haven Reef, Johnson South Reef and Fiery Cross Reef).</li>
<li><strong>China has been changing the size and structure of the reefs</strong> by modifying their physical land features. <strong>It has also established airstrips on Parcel and Spratly.</strong></li>
<li>Chinese fishing fleets are engaged in paramilitary work on behalf of the state rather than the commercial enterprise of fishing.</li>
<li>The US is very critical of this building of artificial islands and terms these actions of China as building a <strong>&lsquo;great wall of sand&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Undefined geographic scope</strong> of the South China Sea.</li>
<li><strong>Disagreement over dispute settlement</strong> mechanisms.</li>
<li>Undefined legal status of the <strong>Code of Conduct (COC)</strong> add to it.</li>
<li>The different histories of distant, largely uninhabited archipelagos of the sea make the matter more complicated and multifaceted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942392_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942392_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India's Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has maintained that it is not a party to the SCS dispute and its presence in the SCS is not to contain China but to <strong>secure its own economic interests, especially that of its energy security needs.</strong></li>
<li>However, China&rsquo;s increasing ability to decide and expand its role in the South China Sea has compelled India to reevaluate its approach on the issue.</li>
<li>As a key element of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy</strong></a>, India has started<strong> internationalizing disputes</strong> in the <strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong> to oppose China&rsquo;s threatening tactics in SCS.</li>
<li>Further, India is using its Buddhist legacy to make a strong bond with the Southeast Asian region.</li>
<li>India has also deployed its navy with Vietnam in the South China <strong>Sea for protection of sea lanes of communication (SLOC),</strong> denying China any space for assertion.</li>
<li>Also, India is part of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad initiative</a> (India, US, Japan, Australia)</strong> and lynchpin of Indo-Pacific narrative. These initiatives are viewed as a containment strategy by China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/beijing-warns-off-us-warship-in-s-china-sea/article33762768.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/south-china-sea-dispute'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'India-Myanmar Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-long-and-the-short-of-indias-naypyitaw-dilemma/article33785809.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The long and the short of India&rsquo;s Naypyitaw dilemma&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 09/02/2021. It talks about the strategic importance of Myanmar and the implications of the recent Coup D&rsquo;etat.</p>
</div>
<p>The long-lingering power struggle in Myanmar has finally ended. The Myanmar junta or Myanmar&rsquo;s military has toppled the democratically elected government in a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coup-d-etat-in-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coup D&rsquo;etat.</strong> </a>This has smashed decade-long hopes for a truly democratic Myanmar.</p>
<p>As the future of Myanmar&rsquo;s democracy is now uncertain and given its strategic importance, this Coup D&rsquo;etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India.</p>
<h3>Strategic Importance of Myanmar for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> India and Myanmar relationship officially got underway after the Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1951, after which the foundation for a more meaningful relationship was established during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s visit in 1987.</li>
<li><strong>Muti-faceted Relationship:</strong> India and Myanmar have traditionally had much in common, with cultural, historical, ethnic, and religious ties, in addition to sharing a long geographical land border and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
<li><strong>Geo-Strategic Location of Myanmar:</strong> Myanmar is geopolitically significant to India as it stands at the center of the India-Southeast Asia geography.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country that shares a land border with northeastern India, stretching some 1,624 kilometers.</li>
<li>The two countries also share a 725-km maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confluence of Two Foreign policy Doctrines:</strong> Myanmar is the only country that sits at the intersection of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-neighbourhood-diplomacy#:~:text=Policy%20of%20the%20Government%20of,other%20countries%20in%20the%20neighborhood." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Neighborhood First&rdquo; policy</strong></a> and its<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Act East&rdquo; policy.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar is an essential element in India&rsquo;s practice of regional diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific and serves as a land bridge to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Competition With China:</strong> If India is to become an assertive regional player in Asia, it has to work toward developing policies that would improve and strengthen its relationship with neighboring countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in pursuance of this, China is a big roadblock, as it aims to diminish India&rsquo;s influence in its neighborhood. Therefore, both India and China are fighting for gaining influence in Myanmar.</li>
<li>For example, as part of its policy for the Indian Ocean called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)</strong></a>, India developed the Sittwe port in Myanmar&rsquo;s Rakhine state.</li>
<li>The Sittwe port is meant to be India&rsquo;s answer to the Chinese-fronted Kyaukpyu port, which is intended to cement China&rsquo;s geostrategic footprint in Rakhine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Critical For India&rsquo;s National Security Interests:</strong> North-eastern states in India are affected by left-wing extremism and narcotics trade routes (golden triangle).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To counter these threats, the Indian and Myanmar armies have carried out many joint military operations like Operation Sunshine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> Many Indian companies made significant economic and trade agreements in infrastructure and other areas.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some other Indian companies such as Essar, GAIL, and ONGC Videsh Ltd. have invested in Myanmar&rsquo;s energy sector.</li>
<li>To elevate its &ldquo;Made in India&rdquo; arms industry, India has identified Myanmar as key to increasing its military exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Implications of Coup on India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political Realignments:</strong> The coup has attracted strong reactions and the threat of sanctions from the United States and the West. This could lead to unique political realignments in Myanmar.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These decisive western sanctions may force Myanmar&rsquo;s military to get closer to China, which may not be in the interest of India.</li>
<li>Moreover, a failed Myanmar state at India&rsquo;s doorstep and a weakened Myanmar falling into the clutches of China as a satellite state may increase China&rsquo;s bidding in regional affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rohingya Issue on Back Burner:</strong> Any effort to restore democracy in Myanmar will require supporting Aung San Suu Kyi. However, due to her silence on the Rohingya crisis, the plight of the hapless Rohingya may take a backseat or be conveniently forgotten.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is not in India&rsquo;s national security interest in the north-east.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Catch-22 Condition:</strong> While India&rsquo;s national interests, under the new circumstances, would clearly lie in dealing with whoever is in power in Myanmar, India would find it difficult to openly support the junta given the strong western and American stance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cultural Diplomacy:</strong> Myanmar&rsquo;s importance to India&rsquo;s conduct of cultural diplomacy through the lens of Buddhism for tourism purposes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Buddhist Circuit&rdquo; initiative, which seeks to double foreign tourist arrivals and revenue by connecting ancient Buddhist heritage sites across different states in India, should resonate with Buddhist-majority Myanmar.</li>
<li>This could also build up India&rsquo;s diplomatic reservoir of goodwill and trust with Buddhist-majority countries such as Myanmar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Connectivity:</strong> India should realize that Myanmar is vital to fulfilling its ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, facilitating connectivity is central to improving India-Myanmar economic relations.</li>
<li>In this context, Infrastructure projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) should be financed into fruition expeditiously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Rohingyas Issue:</strong> The quicker the Rohingya issue is resolved, the easier it will be for India to manage its relations with Myanmar and Bangladesh, focusing instead more on bilateral and subregional economic cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multilateral Forums:</strong> Finally, cooperation in different multilateral forums such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC strengthens the relationship between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the strategic importance of Myanmar, it is therefore in India&rsquo;s geostrategic interest to see Myanmar prevail as a stable and autonomous country, thereby making possible greater bilateral engagement in India-Myanmar relations.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7fff0;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Given the strategic importance of Myanmar, the recent Coup D&rsquo;etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P3N0wjvIqCk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/staying-watchful-the-hindu-editorial-on-rbi-and-prices/article33776392.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Staying watchful: On RBI and prices&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindu on February 8<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-myanmar-relations-2'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Over a lakh migratory water birds arrived at the <strong>Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh</strong> in winter 2020-21.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1975, Pong dam was <strong>built across the Beas River.</strong> It is also called the <strong>Pong reservoir</strong> or the<strong> Maharana Pratap Sagar.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>1983,</strong> the <strong>entire reservoir was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> by the Himachal Pradesh government.</li>
<li>In <strong>1994,</strong> the Government of India declared it a<strong> &ldquo;Wetland of National Importance&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Pong Dam Lake was <strong>declared as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/addition-to-ramsar-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramsar Site</a> in November 2002.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612868297_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612868297_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="567" height="294" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Destination for Migratory Birds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sanctuary plays host to around 220 species of birds belonging to 54 families. Migratory birds from all over Hindukush Himalayas and also as far as Siberia come here during winter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rivers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The lake is <strong>fed by Beas River and its numerous perennial tributaries</strong> such as Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner.</li>
<li>The lake <strong>harbours around 22 species of fish,</strong> including rare fish like sal and gad. The adequate water level of the lake makes it an ideal destination to indulge in water sports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vegetation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sanctuary area is covered with <strong>tropical and subtropical forests,</strong> which shelters a great number of Indian Wildlife animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eucalyptus, acacia, jamun, shisham, mango, mulberry, ficus, kachnar, amla and prunus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Barking deer, sambar, wild boars, nilgai, leopards and oriental small-clawed otters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Avian-Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Black-headed gulls, Red necked grebes, plovers, terns, ducks, water-fowl egrets, and more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Parks in Himachal Pradesh</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Great Himalayan National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Great Himalayan National Park, located in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu district, was officially declared as a National Park in 1999.</li>
<li>In 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park received the status of being a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></a> for its wonderful contribution towards biodiversity conservation.</li>
<li>Species which are found here are like Greater Blue Sheep, Indian Pika, Rhesus monkey, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Red fox, Mongoose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pin Valley National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pin Valley National Park, located in Lahaul and Spiti District, was established in 1987.</li>
<li>Various endangered species including the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> snow leopard</strong></a> and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Siberian ibex</a></strong> find their natural habitat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inderkilla National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Inderkilla National Park is located in the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh and established in 2010.</li>
<li>Animals of the Himalayan region like leopards, deers and, birds which even include the rare birds of the summer season, and insect species are varied and can be seen from time to time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Khirganga National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Khirganga National Park is located in Kullu and was established in 2010.</li>
<li>The national park is situated at a height of around 5,500 meters and is spread across an area of about 710 square kilometers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Simbalbara National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Simbalbara National Park is located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District.</li>
<li>The national park was established in 1958 as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 19.03 square kilometers.</li>
<li>In 2010, it was turned into a national park by merging an additional 8.88 square kilometers of the area to its boundaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-1-lakh-migratory-water-birds-visited-himachal-pradeshs-pong-dam-lake-sanctuary-this-winter-7180140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Disability and Facility of a Scribe: SC',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court (SC)</strong> </a>directed the Central government to frame <strong>proper guidelines to regulate and facilitate</strong> grant of a <strong>facility of a scribe</strong> to persons with disability in writing exams.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the SC <strong>observed that persons suffering from disabilities are also socially backward and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disabled-are-entitled-to-same-benefits-of-sc-st-quota-sc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entitled to the same benefits of relaxation</a> as Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates</strong> in public employment and education.</li>
<li><strong>Scribe</strong> is a person who writes or word processes a student's dictated answers in exams.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An appeal was filed by a candidate with <strong>Writer&rsquo;s cramp, a chronic neurological condition</strong> which causes extreme difficulty in writing.</li>
<li>He was <strong>denied a scribe</strong> for the Civil Services Exam by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/autonomous-bodies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)</strong></a> in 2018, on the ground that he did not come within the definition of person with <strong>benchmark disability.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Court&rsquo;s Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Facility of a Scribe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Facility of a scribe can be<strong> provided to persons with disabilities other than those having benchmark disabilities</strong> as given under the <strong>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Benchmark disability</strong> refers to having <strong>at least 40% disability</strong> of any type recognized under the RPwD Act 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Directions to Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Issued a broader direction to the Union Government in the <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to ensure the framing of proper guidelines which would regulate and facilitate the grant of a facility of a scribe</strong> to persons with disability within the meaning of <strong>Section 2(s) of RPwD Act</strong> where the nature of the disability operates to impose a barrier to the candidate writing an examination.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Asked the ministry that while formulating procedures, it may<strong> lay down appropriate norms to ensure that the condition of the candidate is duly certified by such competent medical authority</strong> as may be prescribed so as to ensure that only genuine candidates in need of the facility are able to avail of it.</li>
<li><strong>Section 2 (s)</strong> defines &lsquo;person with disability&rsquo;. It means a person with long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>principle of reasonable accommodation</strong> in the Act captures the positive obligation of the State and private parties to provide additional support to persons with disabilities to facilitate their full and effective participation in society.</li>
<li>The <strong>2016 Act has a more inclusive definition of &ldquo;persons with disability&rdquo;</strong> evidencing <strong>a shift from a stigmatising medical model of disability to a social model of disability</strong> which recognises that it is the societal and physical constraint that are at the heart of exclusion of persons with disabilities from full and effective participation in society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Writer&rsquo;s Cramp</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Writer&rsquo;s cramp is a specific type of focal dystonia that <strong>affects one's fingers, hand, or forearm.</strong></li>
<li>Focal dystonia of the hands is a neurological movement disorder. The <strong>brain sends incorrect information to the muscles,</strong> causing involuntary, excessive muscle contractions. These signals can make one&rsquo;s hands twist into odd postures.</li>
<li>Writer&rsquo;s cramp is known as a task-specific dystonia. It<strong> happens almost only when one performs a particular activity</strong> like writing or typing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept.</li>
<li><strong>Benchmark disability</strong> refers to having at least<strong> 40% disability</strong> of any type recognized under the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The types of disabilities have been <strong>increased from 7 to 21.</strong></li>
<li>The Act added mental illness, autism, spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, speech and language disability, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thalassemia-bal-sewa-yojna" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>thalassemia</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-haemophilia-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hemophilia</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-sickle-cell-day-2020#:~:text=Key%20Points-,Sickle%20Cell%20Disease,to%20cells%20throughout%20the%20body." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sickle cell disease</strong></a>, multiple disabilities including deaf blindness, acid attack victims and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/z-scan-method-for-parkinson-s-disease#:~:text=Parkinson%27s%20disease%20is%20a%20chronic,dropping%20the%20levels%20of%20dopamine.&amp;text=Medication%20can%20help%20control%20the,from%206%20to%2060%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parkinson&rsquo;s disease</strong> </a>which were largely ignored in earlier Act.</li>
<li>In addition, the Government has been authorized to notify any other category of specified disability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reservation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>increased the quantum of reservation</strong> for people suffering from disabilities from 3% to 4% in government jobs and from 3% to 5% in higher education institutes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education. Government funded educational institutions as well as the government recognized institutions will have to provide inclusive education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Accessibility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stress has been given to ensure accessibility in public buildings in a prescribed time frame along with the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/accessible-india-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Accessible India Campaign</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulatory Body:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the State Commissioners will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies, monitoring implementation of the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Special Fund:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A separate National and State Fund be created to provide financial support to the persons with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-bats-for-more-facilities-for-disabled/article33815027.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Saksham Portal and Seaweed Mission: TIFAC',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)</strong> has launched <strong>two new initiatives - SAKSHAM</strong> (Shramik Shakti Manch) Job Portal and a <strong>Seaweed Mission.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>TIFAC is <strong>an autonomous organization</strong> set up in 1988 under the <strong>Department of Science &amp; Technology</strong> to look ahead in the technology domain, <strong>assess the technology trajectories, and support innovation</strong> by networked actions in select areas of national importance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SAKSHAM Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a dynamic portal for jobs/mapping the skills of Shramiks (workers) vis-a-vis requirements of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(MSMEs)</strong></a> and other industries all across the country. It is <strong>an all India Portal.</strong></li>
<li>It will facilitate <strong>creation of 10 lakh blue collar jobs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>High Technology Enabled:</strong> The portal with the demand and supply data uses algorithm and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> tools, for geo spatial information on demand and availability of <em>Shramiks</em>, and also provides analysis on skill training programmes of <em>Shramiks.</em></li>
<li><strong>Automatic Updation:</strong> The data/information pertaining to the <em>Shramiks</em> and the industries (especially MSME) are being updated automatically through various whatsapp and other links.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For Workers:</strong> This would <strong>empower Shramiks by projecting their candidature directly to the MSMEs</strong> &amp; other employers and would also <strong>address aspects related to their skill proficiency levels.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will<strong> minimise migration of <em>Shramiks</em> -</strong> provide job opportunity in proximate MSMEs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Industry:</strong> This would also <strong>eliminate the dependence of industry on the middlemen</strong>/labour contractor for their manpower requirements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shramshakti-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ShramShakti Portal</strong></a> (Ministry of Tribal Affairs).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aseem-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEEM Portal</strong></a> (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-migrant-information-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NMIS Dashboard</strong> </a>(National Disaster Management Authority).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Seaweeds Mission: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Out of the global seaweed production of 32 million tons fresh weight valued around 12 billion US dollars, China produces 57%, Indonesia 28% followed by South Korea, whereas <strong>India is having a mere share of 0.01-0.02%.</strong></li>
<li>Despite several advantages, commercial seaweeds cultivation has not taken place in the country at an appropriate scale, as being practiced in South-East Asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Mission:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has been<strong> launched for commercial farming of seaweeds</strong> and its processing for value addition towards boosting the national economy.</li>
<li>It <strong>envisages following activities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Establishing model demonstration farms</strong> over one hectare for cultivation of economically important seaweeds in nearshore and onshore along the Indian coast.</li>
<li><strong>Establishment of seaweed nurseries</strong> for supplying seed material for large scale farming of economically important seaweeds in the country.</li>
<li>Establishment and <strong>demonstration of processing technologies/recipes for edible seaweeds</strong> in line with consumer acceptability or cultural food habits.</li>
<li>An activity on<strong> seaweed cluster development</strong> including value chain development, supply chain development, collection of data on environmental, economic and social impacts of seaweed projects in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong> By an estimate, if seaweed cultivation is done in 10 million hectares or 5% of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)</strong> </a>area of India, it can <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Provide <strong>employment</strong> to 50 million people.</li>
<li>Set up a <strong>new seaweed industry.</strong></li>
<li>Contribute to<strong> national <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Growth%20in%20Fiscal%20Year%202019,6.1%25%20in%202018%2D19." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Enhance <strong>ocean productivity.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Abate <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener">algal blooms</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Sequester</strong> millions of tons <strong>CO<sub>2</sub></strong>.</li>
<li>Could<strong> produce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bioethanol</a></strong> of 6.6 billion litres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Seaweeds</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are the <strong>primitive, marine non-flowering marine algae without root, stem and leaves,</strong> play a major role in marine ecosystems.</li>
<li>Large seaweeds form dense underwater forests known as<strong> kelp forests,</strong> which act as underwater nurseries for fish, snails and sea urchins.</li>
<li>Some <strong>species of seaweeds</strong> viz. Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, Gracilaria crassa, Gracilaria verrucosa, Sargassum spp. and Turbinaria spp.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Seaweeds, found <strong>mostly in the intertidal region,</strong> in shallow and deep waters of the sea and also in <strong>estuaries and backwaters.</strong></li>
<li>The southern<strong> Gulf of Mannar&rsquo;s</strong> rocky intertidal and lower intertidal regions have rich populations of several seaweed species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecological Importance: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bioindicator:</strong> When waste from agriculture, industries, aquaculture and households are let into the ocean, it causes nutrient imbalance leading to algal blooming, the sign of marine chemical damage. Seaweeds<strong> absorb the excess nutrients</strong> and balance out the ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Iron Sequestrator:</strong> These aquatic organisms heavily rely on iron for photosynthesis. When the quantity of this mineral exceeds healthy levels and becomes dangerous to marine life, seaweeds trap it and prevent damage. Similarly, most heavy metals found in marine ecosystems are trapped and removed by seaweeds.</li>
<li><strong>Oxygen and Nutrient Supplier:</strong> On their part, the seaweeds derive nutrition through photosynthesis of sunlight and nutrients present in seawater. They release oxygen through every part of their bodies. They also supply organic nutrients to other marine life forms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role in Climate Mitigation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Seaweed has a significant role in mitigating climate change. By afforesting 9% of the ocean with seaweed, it is possible to sequester 53 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. Hence, there is a proposal termed as &lsquo;ocean afforestation&rsquo; for farming seaweed to remove carbon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Utilities:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They can be used as <strong>fertilizers</strong> and to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pegasus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>increase aquaculture production.</strong></a></li>
<li>When livestock is fed with seaweed, <strong>methane emission from cattle may be reduced</strong> substantially.</li>
<li>They can be buried in beach dunes to <strong>combat beach erosion.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>used as an ingredient</strong> in preparing toothpaste, cosmetics and paints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1697085" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'MGNREGS Praised By the Standing Committee on Labour',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/parliamentary-committee-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee</strong> </a>on Labour in its report <strong>&ldquo;Social Security and Welfare Measures for Inter-State Migrant Workers&rdquo;</strong> praised <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</strong></a> for providing <strong>sustainable livelihood</strong> to the <strong>unskilled workers</strong> including the inter-state <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-migrants-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>migrant labourers.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Standing Committees Observation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>MGNREGS:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 provides for a <strong>specific and significant welfare provision, constitutive of the very idea of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">citizenship</a>.</strong></li>
<li>There is no<strong> &ldquo;better scheme&rdquo;</strong> to provide<strong> &ldquo;sustainable livelihood&rdquo;</strong> to unskilled workers.</li>
<li>Over 7 crore households (10.43 crore individuals) have already availed of the scheme and 330 crore person days have been created till February 2021 during the current <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>financial year</strong></a>. This is the <strong>highest for any year since inception of the scheme in 2006.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Migrant Workers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>1.08 crore migrant workers returned to their home</strong> states during the <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>absence of reliable and authentic data/information</strong> on the numbers of migrant workforce and their movement back to their home States following the outbreak of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Pandemic</strong></a> has apparently <strong>impacted the relief and rehabilitation measures.</strong></li>
<li>There were a number of appreciable initiatives launched by the Government <strong>(eg: <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/27-03-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</a>)</strong>, which are aimed at benefiting the Migrant Labour.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>However, no guidelines were issued</strong> nor enforced for distribution of relief material to stranded Migrant Labourers.</li>
<li><strong>No element of Social Audit</strong> prescribed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Standing Committees Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Instant and Immediate Relief:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 Pandemic</strong> </a>and the resultant challenges and lacunae observed in the system must be addressed so as to <strong>strengthen the preparedness to effectively deal with any such emergent situations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Credible Database to be Prepared:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Credible databases of unorganized workers especially that of migrant labourers be put in place to <strong>ensure seamless delivery of relief packages to them at the time of distress.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier in december 2020, the Government has decided to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/database-of-migrants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>create a database of migrant workers, including workers in the informal economy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world.</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched on 2<sup>nd</sup> February 2006</li>
<li>The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed on 23<sup>rd</sup> August 2005.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The primary objective of the scheme is <strong>to guarantee 100 days of employment</strong> in every financial year to <strong>adult members of any rural household</strong> willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Legal Right to Work:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike earlier employment guarantee schemes, the act <strong>aims at addressing the causes of chronic poverty through a rights-based framework.</strong></li>
<li>At least <strong>one-third of beneficiaries have to be women.</strong></li>
<li>Wages must be paid according to the statutory minimum wages specified for agricultural labourers in the state under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/labour-laws-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minimum Wages Act, 1948</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Demand-Driven Scheme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The most important part of MGNREGA&rsquo;s design is <strong>its legally-backed guarantee for any rural adult to get work within 15 days</strong> of demanding it, failing which an &lsquo;unemployment allowance&rsquo; must be given.</li>
<li>This demand-driven scheme enables the self-selection of workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decentralised planning:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is an emphasis on strengthening the process of decentralisation by giving a significant role in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)</strong></a> in planning and implementing these works.</li>
<li>The act mandates <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/appointment-of-government-servants-as-gram-panchayat-administrator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gram sabhas</a> to recommend the works</strong> that are to be undertaken and at least 50% of the works must be executed by them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613117208_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613117208_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The pandemic has demonstrated the <strong>importance of decentralised governance. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gram panchayats need to be provided with adequate resources, powers, and responsibilities</strong> to sanction works, provide work on demand, and authorise wage payments to ensure there are no delays in payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Auditing</strong> creates accountability of performance, especially towards immediate stakeholders. Hence, there is a <strong>need to to create awareness regarding government policies and measures in rural areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-better-scheme-than-nregs-for-sustainable-livelihood-of-unskilled-workers-house-panel-7184983/" 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/mgnregs-praised-by-the-standing-committee-on-labour'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Indian Laws and Blocking of Internet Content: Centre vs Twitter',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> government of India reprimanded Twitter (micro-blogging website) for not complying with its order to block more than a thousand accounts</strong> for alleged spread of provocative content and misinformation on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>farmers&rsquo; protest.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613112112_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613112112_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="626" height="348" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Current Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Centre has issued notice to the micro-blogging site after it restored more than 250 accounts</strong> that had been suspended earlier on the government&rsquo;s &lsquo;legal demand&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The government wants the platform (Twitter) to comply with its earlier order of<strong> 31<sup>st</sup> January, 2021</strong> by which it was <strong>asked to block accounts</strong> and a controversial hashtag that spoke of an impending &lsquo;genocide&rsquo; of farmers for allegedly promoting misinformation about the protests, adversely affecting public order.</li>
<li>The <strong>micro-blogging site</strong> reinstated the accounts and tweets on its own and later <strong>refused to go back on the decision, contending that it found no violation of its policy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Law Related to Blocking of Internet Services/Content:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Information Technology Act, 2000:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In India, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-it-rules-issued-by-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000</strong></a>, as amended from time to time, governs all activities related to the use of computer resources.</li>
<li>It covers all<strong> &lsquo;intermediaries&rsquo;</strong> who play a role in the use of computer resources and electronic records.</li>
<li>The<strong> role of the intermediaries</strong> has been spelt out in separate rules framed for the purpose in 2011- <strong>The Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Section 69 of the IT Act:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It confers on the Central and State governments the <strong>power to issue directions &ldquo;to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information</strong> generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The <strong>grounds on which these powers may be exercised</strong> are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state.</li>
<li>Friendly relations with foreign states.</li>
<li>Public order, or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to these.</li>
<li>For investigating any offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Process of Blocking Internet Websites:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Section 69A,</strong> for similar reasons and grounds (as stated above), <strong>enables the Centre to ask any agency of the government, or any intermediary, to block access to the public of any information generated,</strong> transmitted, received or stored or hosted <strong>on any computer resource.</strong></li>
<li>Any such request for blocking access <strong>must be based on reasons given in writing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Intermediaries as per the IT Act 2000:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intermediary is defined in<strong> Section 2(1) (w)</strong> of the IT Act 2000.</li>
<li>The term &lsquo;intermediaries&rsquo; includes <strong>providers of telecom service, network service, Internet service and web hosting,</strong> besides <strong>search engines, online payment and auction sites, online marketplaces and cyber cafes.</strong></li>
<li>It includes any person who, on behalf of another, <strong>&ldquo;receives, stores or transmits&rdquo; any electronic record. Social media platforms</strong> would fall under this definition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Obligations of Intermediaries under the Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intermediaries are<strong> required to preserve and retain specified information in a manner and format prescribed by the Centre</strong> for a specified duration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Contravention of this provision <strong>may attract a prison term that may go up to three years,</strong> besides a fine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>When a direction is given for monitoring,</strong> the intermediary and any person in charge of a computer resource should extend technical assistance in the form of giving access or securing access to the resource involved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Failure to extend such assistance may entail a <strong>prison term of up to seven years, besides a fine.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Failure to comply with a direction to block access</strong> to the public on a government&rsquo;s written request also<strong> attracts a prison term of up to seven years, besides a fine.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liability of Intermediaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Section 79</strong> of the IT Act 2000 makes it clear that &ldquo;an <strong>intermediary shall not be liable for any third-party information,</strong> data, or communication link made available or hosted by him&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Third party information</strong> means any information dealt with by a network service provider in his capacity as an intermediary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This<strong> protects intermediaries</strong> such as Internet and data service providers and those hosting websites <strong>from being made liable</strong> for content that users may post or generate.</li>
<li><strong>Sections 79</strong> also introduced the concept of<strong> &ldquo;notice and take down&rdquo;</strong> provision. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides that an <strong>intermediary would lose its immunity</strong> if upon receiving actual knowledge or on being notified that any information, data or communication link residing in or connected to a computer resource controlled by it is being used to <strong>commit an unlawful act</strong> and it fails to expeditiously remove or disable access to that material.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Stand Related to Intermediaries in IT Act 2000:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<em><strong> Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015),</strong></em> the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong> </a>read down the provision to mean that the <strong>intermediaries ought to act only upon receiving actual knowledge that a court order has been passed,</strong> asking [them] to expeditiously remove or disable access to certain material.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Intermediaries to Show Compliance to IT Act:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>International Requirement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Most nations have framed laws</strong> mandating cooperation by Internet service providers or web hosting service providers and other intermediaries <strong>to cooperate with law and order authorities in certain circumstances.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>To Fight Cybercrime:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Cooperation between technology services companies and law enforcement agencies is now deemed a <strong>vital part of fighting <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rising-cybercrimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cybercrime</a></strong> and various other crimes that are committed using computer resources.</li>
<li>These cover <strong>hacking, digital impersonation and theft of data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>To Prevent Misuse of Internet:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The potential of the misuse has led to law enforcement officials constantly seeking to curb the ill-effects of using the medium.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-laws-must-be-followed-government-to-twitter/article33798461.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-laws-and-blocking-of-internet-content-centre-vs-twitter'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Chamoli Flash Floods',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/rethinking-run-of-the-river-hydro-projects-101612965305568.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Rethinking run-of-the-river hydro projects&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 11/02/2021. It talks about the increasing frequency of flash floods in the Himalayan region.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>glacial burst in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand</strong></a> is an eye-opener to the ongoing disruption of the ecological balance. A similar flash flood caused by a glacial lake burst ravaged the Kedarnath Shrine at the peak of the pilgrimage season in 2013.</p>
<p>It is very rare that, anywhere in the world, two such big disasters in a region take place in a short duration of less than a decade. There is enough data to suggest that climate change is responsible for the increasing number of severe flash floods due to glacial melt.</p>
<p>However, apart from climate change, the sudden spurt of environmentally-unfriendly development activities is responsible for the frequent occurrence of the disaster due to flash floods.</p>
<h3>Climate Crisis Aggravating Flash Floods</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A new report by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) held that 36% of the volume of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region will be gone by the end of 2100 even if the world manages to keep the temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius target of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate Agreement.</strong></a></li>
<li>Similarly, the data from the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong></a> reveal that the melting of the glaciers has increased in the first 20 years of this century.</li>
<li>The faster melting of Ganga glaciers will impact the livelihood of close to 600 million people living in the Ganga river basin, extending from Uttarakhand in the north to Bangladesh in the south.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Flash Floods: A Man-Made Disaster</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Himalayas, a Volatile Mountain System:</strong> The Himalayas are a young and therefore volatile mountain system. Even a minor change in the orientation of its rocks can trigger landslides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite this, high-intensity stone quarrying, frequent blasting of mountains, and digging of tunnels through the base of the fragile mountain system for the back-to-back under-construction dams are going in the Himalayan region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overlooking Environmental Norms:</strong> Moreover, little attention has been paid to the damage caused to local ecology and loss of forest cover in the upper reaches of the central Himalayas by building hydel dams and construction of wider roads overlooking environmental norms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The upper reaches of Uttarakhand, the source for several small riverine systems feeding the Ganga, already have 16 dams and another 13 under construction.</li>
<li>The state government has proposed another 54 dams to harness the hydel energy potential of these rivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hydropower, not Entirely Green Projects:</strong> Hydropower is a low-emission energy source, but by design, these projects are not environmentally suitable.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is because the river water is diverted for power generation, and this destroys the riverine ecology.</li>
<li>The blasting and tunneling that happens while building a dam dry up mountain springs, which provide water for drinking and agriculture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Run of the River (ROR) projects are seen as a &ldquo;green&rdquo; alternative to high-dam hydropower projects such as the Tehri Hydropower Project.</li>
<li>This is because an ROR dam diverts the river flow in a controlled environment to generate electricity and sends the water back to the river, whereas a high-dam project stores river water in a reservoir.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Broad Framework For Vulnerable Zones:</strong> With the increasing frequency of flash floods in the Himalayan region, a broad framework for robust early warning systems, infrastructure development, construction, and excavation in vulnerable zones must be evolved.</li>
<li><strong>Reexamining HydroPower Option:</strong> IPCC report has assessed that the climate crisis has altered the frequency and magnitude of the natural hazards in high mountain regions of the world. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, there is a need for adherence to the Chopra Committee recommendations, which studied the impact of receding glaciers on hydroelectric power projects (HEPs) and objected to the construction of HEPs in paraglacial regions (between 2,200 to 2,500 meters above the sea level).</li>
<li>Therefore, the hydropower projects must be weighed against their benefits and challenges.</li>
<li>Apart from this, other alternatives like solar energy, wind energy should be pursued as the green growth model of development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adhering to NDMA Guidelines:</strong> The NDMA guidelines say that the construction of any habitation should be prohibited in the high hazard zone.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Restricting constructions and development in glacial lake outburst flood-prone areas is a very efficient means to reduce risks at no cost.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Research on Glacial Lakes:</strong> Detailed Project Analysis should be conducted to understand which of the 12,000-odd glacial lakes in Uttarakhand are prone to flooding. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such research should feed into environmental impact assessment reports and guide decisions on developmental projects in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The exact cause of the recent Chamoli glacial lake outburst disaster will unfold in the coming times, but there is no doubt that the impact would have been far less with more prudent development of projects in the region. Policymakers should realize that damaging today and repairing tomorrow is not an option in the Himalayan region.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f6fff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the context of increasing flash floods in the Himalayan region, there is a need for reexamining the ways in which mountains and high-altitude regions have been positioned in the country&rsquo;s development discourse. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mrEJUPwF1pI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/cutting-trans-fat-the-hindu-editorial-on-healthier-food/article33795606.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Cutting trans fat: On healthier food&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 10<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/chamoli-flash-floods'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Gaganyaan Mission',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of Science and Technology informed that the human spaceflight module of <strong>Gaganyaan</strong> will be launched after the <strong>second unmanned mission planned in 2022-23.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was initially envisaged that the Rs. 10,000 crore<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper3-mission-gaganyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Gaganyaan mission</strong></a> aims to send a three-member crew to space for five to seven days by 2022 when India completes 75 years of independence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>First <strong>unmanned mission is planned in December 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been delayed due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>induced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gaganyaan is a mission by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</strong></a></li>
<li>Under the Gaganyaan schedule:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Three flights will be sent into orbit.</li>
<li>There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Gaganyaan system module, called the <strong>Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.</strong></li>
<li>It will circle Earth at a<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/types-of-orbit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> low-earth-orbit</strong></a> at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613036839_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613036839_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Payloads:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The payload will consist of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Crew module -</strong> spacecraft carrying human beings.</li>
<li><strong>Service module -</strong> powered by two liquid propellant engines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/isro-s-satellite-launch-cms-01" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GSLV Mk III</strong></a>, also called the <strong>LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,)</strong> the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Training in Russia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In June 2019, the <strong>Human Space Flight Centre of the ISRO and the Russian government-owned Glavkosmos</strong> signed a contract for the training, which includes Russian support in the selection of candidates, their medical examination, and space training.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>candidates will study in detail the systems of the Soyuz</strong> manned spaceship, as well as be trained in short-term weightlessness mode aboard the <strong>Il-76MDK aircraft.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Soyuz is a Russian spacecraft.</strong> The Soyuz carries people and supplies to and from the space station.</li>
<li>The <strong>Il-76MDK</strong> is a military transport plane specially designed for parabolic flights of trainee astronauts and space tourists.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help in <strong>enhancement of science and technology levels</strong> in the country and <strong>help inspire youth.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Gaganyaan will involve numerous agencies, laboratories, disciplines, industries and departments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will help in<strong> improvement of industrial growth.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Recently, the Government has announced a new organisation, <strong>IN-SPACe,</strong> part of reforms <strong>to increase <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/private-sector-participation-in-space" target="_blank" rel="noopener">private participation in the space sector</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will help in <strong>development of technology for social benefits.</strong></li>
<li>It will help in<strong> improving international collaboration.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-set-up-its-own-space-station" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Space Station</a> (ISS)</strong> put up by multiple countries may not be enough. Regional ecosystems will be needed and Gaganyaan <strong>will focus on regional needs: food, water and energy security.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Other Upcoming Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Chandrayaan-3 Mission:</strong> India has planned a new moon mission named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chandrayaan-3</strong></a>. It is likely to be launched in early 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Shukrayaan Mission:</strong> The ISRO is also planning <strong>a</strong> <strong>mission to Venus,</strong> tentatively called Shukrayaan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gaganyaan-india-isro-7183266/" 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/gaganyaan-mission'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Low Convictions Rate Under UAPA Act',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to data recently presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajya Sabha</strong></a>, <strong>only 2.2% of cases</strong> registered under the <strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967</strong> between the years 2016-2019 ended in convictions by court.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry quoted figures from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/crime-in-india-2019-report-ncrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2019 Crime in India Report</strong> </a>compiled by the <strong>National Crime Records Bureau</strong> (NCRB).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Enactment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAPA was<strong> originally passed in 1967.</strong> It is an upgrade on the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act -<strong> TADA</strong> (lapsed in 1995) and the<strong> Prevention of Terrorism Act - POTA</strong> (repealed in 2004).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Main Provisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till the year 2004, <strong>&ldquo;unlawful"</strong> activities referred to<strong> actions related to secession and cession of territory.</strong> Following the 2004 amendment, <strong>&ldquo;terrorist act" was added to the list of offences.</strong></li>
<li>The Act assigns<strong> absolute power to the central government,</strong> by way of which if the Centre deems an activity as unlawful then it may, by way of an Official Gazette, declare it so.</li>
<li>Under the UAPA, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in<strong> maximum 180 days</strong> after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.</li>
<li><strong>Both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged.</strong> It will be applicable to the offenders in the same manner, even if crime is committed on a foreign land, outside India.</li>
<li>It has <strong>death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishments.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amendment in 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In August 2019, Parliament cleared the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unlawful-activities-prevention-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill</strong></a>, 2019 to designate individuals as terrorists if the individual commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes terrorism or is otherwise involved in terrorism.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>similar provision already existed</strong> in Part 4 and 6 of the legislation for organisations that can be designated as a<strong> &ldquo;terrorist organisation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Act empowers the Director General of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-investigation-agency-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Investigation Agency</a> (NIA)</strong> to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the said agency.</li>
<li>The Act also empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases of terrorism in addition to those conducted by the DSP or ACP or above rank officer in the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues With UAPA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undermines Individual Liberty:</strong> It gives the state authority vague powers to detain and arrest individuals who it believes to be indulged in terrorist activities. Thus, the state gives itself more powers vis-a-vis individual liberty guaranteed under<strong> Article 21 of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indirect Restriction on Right to Dissent:</strong> The right of dissent is<strong> a part and parcel of fundamental right to free speech and expression</strong> and therefore, cannot be abridged in any circumstances except for mentioned in Article 19 (2). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The UAPA, 2019 empowers the ruling government, under the garb of curbing terrorism, to impose indirect restriction on right of dissent which is detrimental for a developing democratic society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Undermines Federalism:</strong> Some experts feel that it is against the federal structure since it <strong>neglects the authority of state police in terrorism cases,</strong> given that &lsquo;Police&rsquo; is a<strong> state subject under 7<sup>th</sup> schedule of Indian Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Preventing Misuse:</strong> Terrorism is undoubtably a big threat and must be tackled with stringent counter-terrorism laws. But only if provisions of UAPA are followed in letter and spirit, without its callous usage to wrongfully implicate individuals.</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining Balance between the Fundamental Freedoms and the Interest of the State:</strong> Drawing the line between individual freedom and state obligation to provide security is a case of classical dilemma. It is up to the officers to ensure professional integrity, follow the principle of objectivity and avoid any misuse.</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Review:</strong> There is a greater role for the judiciary here to carefully examine the cases of alleged misuse. Arbitrariness and subjectivity under the law should be checked through<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/judicial-review-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Judicial review</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/22-of-cases-registered-under-the-uapa-from-2016-2019-ended-in-court-conviction/article33804099.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/low-convictions-rate-under-uapa-act'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Privatisation of Banks',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021#:~:text=Key%20Points,(BE)%202021%2D22." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Union Budget 2021</strong></a> has announced the <strong>privatisation of two public sector banks and one general insurance company</strong> in the upcoming fiscal 2021-22.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The move, coming after 51 years of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nationalization-of-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> nationalisation of government-owned banks in 1969</strong></a>, will give the private sector a key role in the banking sector.</li>
<li>Presently, India has <strong>22 private banks </strong>and<strong> 10 <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/small-finance-bank-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small finance banks.</a></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 government decided to nationalise the <strong>14 largest private banks</strong> in 1969. The idea was to<strong> align the banking sector with the socialistic approach</strong> of the then government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>State Bank of India (SBI) had been nationalised in 1955 itself, and the insurance sector in 1956.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Various governments in the last 20 years were for and against privatisation of Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks. In 2015, the government had suggested privatisation but the then <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> Governor did not favour the idea.</li>
<li>The current steps of privatisation, along with setting up an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bad-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asset Reconstruction Company (Bad Bank)</strong></a> entirely owned by banks, underline an<strong> approach of finding market-led solutions to challenges in the financial sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Privatisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Degrading Financial Position of Public Sector Banks:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Years of capital injections and <strong>governance reforms have not been able to improve the financial position of public sector banks significantly.</strong></li>
<li>Many of them have <strong>higher levels of stressed assets</strong> than private banks, and also lag the latter on profitability, market capitalisation and dividend payment record.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613032203_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613032203_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="697" height="310" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Part of a Long-Term Project:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Privatisation of two public sector banks will set the ball rolling for a <strong>long-term project that envisages only a handful of state-owned banks,</strong> with the rest either consolidated with strong banks or privatised. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>initial plan of the government was to privatise four.</strong> Depending on the success with the first two, the government is likely to go for divestment in another two or three banks in the next financial year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will free up the government, the majority owner, from continuing to provide equity support to the banks year after year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Through a series of moves over the last few years, the government is now left with <strong>12 state-owned banks, from 28 earlier.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government is trying to<strong> strengthen the strong banks</strong> and also minimise their numbers through privatisation to reduce its burden of support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations of Different Committees:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many committees had proposed bringing down the government stake in public banks below 51%:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amalgamation-of-three-public-sector-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Narasimham Committee</a> proposed 33%.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/merger-of-psbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> P J Nayak Committee</a> suggested below 50%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>An<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/internal-working-group-recommendations-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> RBI Working Group</strong></a> recently suggested the entry of business houses into the banking sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection of Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two banks that will be privatised will be selected through a process in which <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> will make recommendations, which will be considered by a core group of secretaries on disinvestment and then the<strong> Alternative Mechanism (or Group of Ministers).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with PSU Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>High Non-Performing Assets (NPAs):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After a series of mergers and equity injections by the government, the performance of public sector banks has shown improvement over the last couple of years. However, compared with private banks, they continue to have <strong>high <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NPAs</a> and stressed assets</strong> although this has started declining.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After the Covid-related regulatory relaxations are lifted, banks are expected to report higher NPAs and loan losses. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the RBI&rsquo;s recent <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-stability-report-rbi-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Financial Stability Report</a>,</strong> gross NPA ratio of all commercial banks may increase from 7.5% in September 2020 to 13.5% by September 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This would mean the government would again need to inject equity into weak public sector banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance of Private Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rising Market Share:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Private banks&rsquo; market share in loans has risen to 36% in 2020 from 21.26% in 2015, while public sector banks&rsquo; share has fallen to 59.8% from 74.28%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Better Products and Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Competition heated up after the RBI allowed more private banks since the 1990s. They have expanded the market share through <strong>new products, technology, and better services,</strong> and also attracted better valuations in stock markets.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HDFC Bank (set up in 1994) has a market capitalisation of Rs. 8.80 lakh crore while SBI commands just Rs. 3.50 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with Private Banks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Governance Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rediscovering-development-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank</strong></a> MD and CEO was sacked for allegedly extending dubious loans.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-yes-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yes Bank</strong></a> CEO was not given extension by the RBI and now faces investigations by various agencies.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshmi-vilas-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lakshmi Vilas Bank faced operational issues</strong></a> and was recently merged with DBS Bank of Singapore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under-reported NPAs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When the RBI ordered an asset quality review of banks in 2015, many private sector banks, including Yes Bank, were found <strong>under-reporting NPAs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to improve the governance and management of PSBs, there is a need to implement the recommendations of the<strong> PJ Nayak committee.</strong></li>
<li>Rather than blind privatisation, PSBs can be made into a corporation like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initial-public-offer-lic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)</strong></a>. While maintaining government ownership, this will give more autonomy to PSBs.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/privatisation-of-public-sector-banks-union-budget-npas-psu-7183446/" 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/privatisation-of-banks'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Impact of Crude Oil Price Hike',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> price of Brent crude crossed the USD 60 per barrel mark after over a year.</strong> The rise in prices is<strong> because of production cuts</strong> by oil-producing countries and<strong> expectations of improvements in global demand</strong> as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 vaccine</strong></a> is rolled out across the world.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In April 2020, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oil-prices-below-zero" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped below zero</strong></a> for the first time in history, to a negative USD 40.32 per barrel.</li>
<li><strong>Two crude oils</strong> which are either traded themselves or whose prices are reflected in other types of crude oil include <strong>West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Oil Pricing:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generally, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/talks-on-oil-cut-deal-at-g-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries</a> (OPEC)</strong> used to<strong> work as a cartel</strong> and fix prices in a favourable band.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>OPEC is led by Saudi Arabia,</strong> which is the<strong> largest exporter of crude oil</strong> in the world (single-handedly exporting 10% of the global demand).</li>
<li>OPEC has a <strong>total of 13 Member Countries</strong> viz. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Angola, and Venezuela.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>OPEC <strong>could bring down prices by increasing oil production</strong> and raise prices by cutting production.</li>
<li>The global oil pricing mainly <strong>depends upon the partnership between the global oil exporters instead of a well-functioning competition.</strong></li>
<li>Cutting oil production or <strong>completely shutting down an oil well is a difficult decision,</strong> because restarting it is immensely costly and complicated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Moreover, if a country cuts production, it risks losing market share if other countries do not follow the suit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, OPEC has been working with Russia, as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>OPEC+</strong> </a>to fix the global prices and supply.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2016,<strong> OPEC allied with other top non-OPEC oil-exporting nations</strong> to form an even more powerful entity named OPEC+ or OPEC Plus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Present Price Hike:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Limited Supply:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Major oil-producing countries <strong>had cut oil production last year</strong> amid a sharp fall in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia pledged extra supply cuts in February and March 2020 following reductions by other members of the<strong> Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)</strong> and its allies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In early January 2021, the <strong>OPEC and Russia</strong> (as OPEC+) agreed to <strong>cut back on oil production to increase prices.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rising Demand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> production and rollout of vaccines</strong> for Covid-19 and the <strong>rising consumption post the Covid lockdowns</strong> last year have both led to a revival in international crude oil prices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Current Account Deficit:</strong> The increase in oil prices will <strong>increase the country&rsquo;s import bill,</strong> and further <strong>disturb its current account deficit</strong> (excess of imports of goods and services over exports).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to estimates, a one-dollar increase in crude oil price increases the oil bill by around USD 1.6 billion per year.</li>
<li><strong>India imports 80% of its crude oil requirements</strong> and the average price of Indian basket of crude oil has already risen to USD 54.8 barrel for January 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inflation:</strong> The increase in crude prices could also also further increase <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inflation-data-august-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inflationary pressures</strong></a> that have been building up over the past few months.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will <strong>decrease the space for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/repo-rate-unchanged-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monetary policy committee</a> to ease policy rates</strong> further.</li>
<li>The government <strong>had hiked central taxes on petrol and diesel</strong> by Rs. 13 per litre and Rs. 11 per litre in 2020 to boost revenues amid lower economic activity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal Health:</strong> If oil prices continue to increase, the government shall be forced to cut taxes on petroleum and diesel which may cause loss of revenue and deteriorate its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fiscal balance.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The growth slowdown in the last two years has already resulted in a precarious fiscal situation because of tax revenue shortfalls.</li>
<li>The revenue lost will erode the government&rsquo;s ability to spend or meet its fiscal commitments in the form of budgetary transfers to states, payment of dues and compensation for revenue shortfalls to state governments under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>goods and services tax (GST)</strong></a> framework.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Positive Outcomes:</strong> However, there could be a positive side for India too from the oil price hike.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The value of Indian oil and gas companies could be positively impacted. The government could get greater value from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-s-disinvestment-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disinvestment</strong></a> in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.</li>
<li><strong>Remittances</strong> from the Persian Gulf could <strong>increase.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Difference between Brent and WTI</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brent</strong> crude oil <strong>originates from oil fields in the North Sea</strong> between the Shetland Islands and Norway.</li>
<li><strong>West Texas Intermediate (WTI)</strong> is sourced from<strong> US oil fields,</strong> primarily in Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Light and Sweet:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both oils are relatively light, but<strong> Brent has a slightly higher API gravity,</strong> making WTI the lighter of the two.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity</strong> is an indicator of the density of crude oil or refined products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WTI with a lower sulphur content</strong> (0.24%) than Brent (0.37%), is <strong>considered "sweeter".</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benchmark Prices:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brent crude price</strong> is the international benchmark price <strong>used by the OPEC</strong> while <strong>WTI crude price</strong> is a benchmark for<strong> US oil prices.</strong></li>
<li>Since India imports primarily from OPEC countries, <strong>Brent is the benchmark for oil prices in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost of Shipping:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cost of shipping <strong>for Brent crude is typically lower,</strong> since it is produced near the sea and it can be put on ships immediately.</li>
<li><strong>Shipping of WTI is priced higher</strong> since it is produced in landlocked areas like Cushing, Oklahoma where the storage facilities are limited.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/crude-oil-price-rise-explained-7181078/" 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/impact-of-crude-oil-price-hike'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Climate Change Report on Hindukush Karakoram Ranges',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/assessment-of-climate-change-over-the-indian-region-moes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 'Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region'</strong></a> report, <strong>snowfall</strong> over the higher reaches of the <strong>Hindukush Himalayan mountain ranges</strong> has been <strong>increasing</strong> in recent decades, which has <strong>shielded the region from glacier shrinkage.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The recent<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> massive flooding in the Alaknanda river</strong></a>, probably due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ndma-guidelines-to-tackle-glacial-bursts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>glacial bursts</strong></a> has highlighted the issue of higher<strong> glacier retreat in recent decades due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">global warming</a></strong>, however, the report indicates a contrasting picture of the Hindukush Himalayas.</li>
<li>Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region Report has been<strong> published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).</strong> It is <strong>India&rsquo;s first-ever national forecast on the impact of global warming</strong> on the subcontinent in the coming century.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>HinduKush Himalayan (HKH) Region</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The HKH region spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.</li>
<li>It traverses about 5 million square kilometres and hosts a large and culturally diverse population.</li>
<li>It is <strong>considered the Third Pole</strong> (after the North and South Poles), and has significant implications for climate.</li>
<li>It contains <strong>vast cryospheric zones</strong> (frozen water parts) and is also the world&rsquo;s largest store of snow and ice outside the polar region.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613027791_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613027791_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="480" height="370" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings of the Report:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Several areas of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hindu-kush-himalayan-region#:~:text=research%20and%20development.-,Hindu%2DKush%2DHimalayan%20(HKH)%20Region,large%20and%20culturally%20diverse%20population." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hindukush Karakoram Himalayas</strong></a> have experienced a <strong>declining trend in snowfall</strong> and also <strong>retreat of glaciers</strong> in recent decades.</li>
<li><strong>In contrast,</strong> the <strong>high-elevation Karakoram Himalayas</strong> have experienced <strong>higher winter snowfall</strong> that has shielded the region from glacier shrinkage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Karakorams are part of a complex of mountain ranges</strong> at the centre of Asia, including the HinduKush to the west, the Pamirs to the northwest, the Kunlun Mountains to the northeast, and the Himalayas to the southeast.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Even when the<strong> winter snowfall has increased over the high-elevation Karakoram Himalayas,</strong> the <strong>overall climate along the Hindukush Karakoram region is undergoing warming</strong> at a higher rate during the winter season as compared to other seasons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Faster Heating of Himalayas:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Weather dynamics is intricate in the Himalayan region, arising due to <strong>extensive interactions of tropical and extratropical weather systems.</strong></li>
<li>The Himalayas have been<strong> warming at a faster rate</strong> than the rest of Indian landmass during 1951 - 2018.</li>
<li>Besides, the warming reported from this region is <strong>higher than global mean temperatures.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Warming:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The decadal warming trend recorded over these ranges from 1951 to 2014 was <strong>1.3 degree Celsius.</strong> This is a rise from 0.16 degree Celsius recorded from 1900 to 1950, when global warming was less pronounced.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increasing Annual Mean Surface Temperature:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Report has forecast an increase in annual mean surface temperature by 2.2 degree Celsius during 2040 - 2069 and a further increase by 3.3 degree Celsius during 2070 &ndash; 2099, along these ranges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extreme Precipitation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to this warming trend, there is<strong> an expected increase in the precipitation</strong> projected over the region. It is predicted that there will be a significant increase in extreme precipitation over the Hindukush Karakoram region, with maximum consecutive five-day precipitation events.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Driver of Monsoon:</strong> The Hindukush Karakoram ranges, along with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tibetan Plateau</strong></a>, are the <strong>main drivers of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Summer Monsoon</a>. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Source of Subsistence:</strong> These ranges form the source to 10 major river systems in Asia, supporting drinking water, irrigation and power supply to 1.3 billion people in the continent. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Major Indian rivers which replenish due to the melted snow are <strong>Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra.</strong></li>
<li>After the North and the South poles, the Hindukush &ndash; Karakoram ranges, along with the Tibetan Plateau, hold the largest reserves of freshwater.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hindukush-karakoram-ranges-climate-change-7181701/" 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/climate-change-report-on-hindukush-karakoram-ranges'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Digital Health Services',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/healthcare-technology-telemedicine-7181551/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The salience of digital medical services was highlighted during the pandemic&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 09/02/2021. It talks about the benefits and challenges associated with Digital Health Services.</p>
</div>
<p>In the last few years, it&rsquo;s been extremely encouraging to see how integrating technology and new innovative tools can improve public service delivery. For example, the development of IndiaStack and the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile) trinity.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Covid-19 pandemic re-emphasized the need to reimagine the health system in the digital space. The recent launch of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-digital-health-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong></a> highlights the use of digital technology in the health sector.</p>
<p>Further, as the cost of treating chronic conditions is increasing and doctor shortages are imminent worldwide, digital health can provide much-needed transformation in pursuit of realizing the goal of the health of all.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to realize the vision for universal health coverage, the Government of India launched the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) in 2020.</li>
<li>The NDHM is a complete digital health ecosystem. The digital platform will be launched with four key features &mdash; health ID, personal health records, Digi Doctor, and health facility registry.</li>
<li>The NDHM is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</li>
<li>NDHM is a manifestation of one of the guidelines of the National Health Policy 2017 that had envisaged the creation of a digital health technology eco-system aiming at developing an integrated health information system.</li>
<li>It is a landmark move that is based on the principles of the India health stack and aims to connect the different touch-points of the health ecosystem, such as Health Information Provider to Health Information User to Consent Manager, through digital tools to provide affordable access to quality healthcare.</li>
<li>The NDHM also aims to ensure that preventive and assistive healthcare come under the same broader umbrella.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Benefits of Digital Health Services</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tackling the Spread of a Pandemic:</strong> Once data is recorded and available for analysis, it can help the systems determine both prevalence and genomic data to provide information on disease transmission and geospatial coverage.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Innovative use of digital tools such as deep learning and cloud emergency response algorithms has significantly aided emergency room workers during the pandemic to reduce response time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Patient-Friendly Health:</strong> The deployment of artificial intelligence tools for all aspects of the health system, including triaging, diagnostics, among others, will substantially reduce delays, and, therefore, the costs associated with healthcare.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Digital transformation of healthcare is at the core of addressing issues such as resource limitations, a varied population mix, and an urgent need to increase medical reach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preventive Care:</strong> Emerging technologies not only expedite the development of new drugs but also introduce a completely new class of therapies, such as digital therapeutics (DTx).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DTx are software-based solutions that can treat disease or disorder which are linked to lifestyle issues.</li>
<li>Thus, digital health has a growing impact on the delivery of care and provides the opportunity to tackle the next frontier in healthcare by shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Helps in Clinical Trials:</strong> Digital health can harness the power of data that can aid in the analysis of samples and images to diagnose as well as drive better clinical decision-making.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Risk of Online Fraud:</strong> The lack of access to care and diminishing trust towards the healthcare system can make patients turning to inefficient therapies and online medical quackery.</li>
<li><strong>Issue of Health Literacy:</strong> Despite the use of digital technologies, the development of health status is also dependent on health literacy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Those with lower health literacy levels are generally in a worse state of health, visit the doctor more often, use fewer prevention techniques, and on the whole, are more costly for the healthcare system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Addressing Out-of-pocket Expenditure:</strong> Before the transition from traditional health care to digital healthcare, there is a need to protect the poor from the uncertainties of doctor hunting, receiving irrational treatment from unqualified medical practitioners, provide drugs and address the inability to pay for high-end diagnostics.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unless the costs of outpatient treatment are catered, out-of-pocket expenditure will continue before a patient needs hospitalization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Misuse of Data:</strong> Before embracing digital healthcare, there is a need for certain checks and balances to ensure there is no misuse of the data.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, the government should expedite enacting the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which will ensure that consent for use of data can only be sought with the defined purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The concept of digital health is the cultural transformation of how disruptive technologies that provide digital and objective data accessible to both caregivers and patients leads to an equal level doctor-patient relationship with shared decision-making and the democratization of care.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fcfff5;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss how the concept of digital health can lead to the democratization of care.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ppdST2F4hZM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/take-nature-for-granted-at-your-own-peril/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Take Nature for granted at your own peril&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Economic Times on February 9<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/digital-health-services'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'UAE’s Hope Mars Mission',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Arab Emirates' (UAE&rsquo;s) first-ever interplanetary Hope Probe mission</strong> has successfully <strong>entered orbit around <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tianwen-1-china-s-mars-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mars</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hope Probe Mission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The UAE&rsquo;s Mars Mission called &lsquo;Hope&rsquo; was announced in 2015 with the aim of creating mankind&rsquo;s first integrated model of the Red planet&rsquo;s (Mars) atmosphere.</li>
<li>&lsquo;Hope&rsquo; was developed by UAE scientists in the USA and was launched in July 2020 from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Specification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Mars Hope Probe <strong>weights just 1.5 tonnes,</strong> about the same size as an SUV. It is <strong>expected to complete one orbit around the planet every 55 hours.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>overall life of UAE&rsquo;s Mars mission is around one Martian year,</strong> which is about 687 days on Earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scientific Instruments:</strong> The Probe carries three scientific instruments:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Emirates eXploration Imager (EXI):</strong> A high-resolution camera.</li>
<li><strong>Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS):</strong> A far-UV imaging spectrograph.</li>
<li><strong>Emirates Mars InfraRed Spectrometer (EMIRS):</strong> It will examine temperature profiles, ice, water vapor and dust in the atmosphere of Mars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expected Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>UAE&rsquo;s mission will collect data on Martian climate dynamics and help scientists understand why Mars' atmosphere is decaying into space.</li>
<li>The instruments will collect different data points on the atmosphere to also gauge seasonal and daily changes.</li>
<li>Together, this will shed light on how energy and particles, like oxygen and hydrogen, move through the atmosphere of Mars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the successful Mars orbit insertion, the <strong>UAE becomes the fifth entity to reach the Red Planet, joining NASA,</strong> the Soviet Union, the European Space Agency and India.</li>
<li>Success of this mission will help UAE in building a knowledge-based economy, leading to <strong>more investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)</strong> for young Emiratis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The probe reached Mars in the year the <strong>UAE celebrates its 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>&lsquo;Hope&rsquo; mission is not only important for UAE, but also for the whole of Arab world, as it is the<strong> Arab world's first interplanetary mission. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Missions to Mars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the UAE&rsquo;s &lsquo;Hope Probe&rsquo;, two more unmanned spacecrafts from the USA and China are set to arrive at Mars over the next several days.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All three missions <strong>were launched in July to take advantage of the close alignment of Earth and Mars.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>combination orbiter and lander from China</strong> is scheduled to reach Mars, which will circle Mars until the rover separates and attempts to land in order to look for signs of ancient life.</li>
<li>A <strong>rover from the USA named &lsquo;Perseverance&rsquo;</strong> is also set to reach Mars soon. It will be the <strong>first leg in a decade-long USA-European project</strong> to bring Mars rocks back to Earth to be examined for evidence the planet once harbored microscopic life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives Behind Mars Exploration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists and researchers around the world are pretty much curious about Mars because of the possibility that the planet was once warm enough to allow water to flow through it, which means life could have existed there too.</li>
<li>Despite being starkly different in many ways, the Red Planet has several<strong> Earth-like features&ndash;</strong> such as clouds, polar ice caps, volcanoes, and seasonal weather patterns.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, no human has set foot on Mars yet because the atmosphere on Mars is very thin, consisting of mostly carbon dioxide with no breathable oxygen, making it difficult for astronauts to survive there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Mars Orbiter Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also known as Mangalyaan, it was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong> </a>(ISRO) in November 2013.</li>
<li>It was launched on board a PSLV C25 rocket with aim of studying Martian surface and mineral composition as well as scan its atmosphere for methane (an indicator of life on Mars).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-uaes-hope-probe-is-set-to-enter-mars-orbit-what-happens-next-7181137/" 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/uae-s-hope-mars-mission'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'India-Poland Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Poland</strong> has invited India&rsquo;s Prime Minister while he will be visiting <strong>Portugal</strong> for the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a>-India summit (May 2021),</strong> and<strong> Cornwall, United Kingdom</strong> to attend the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/g-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> G7</strong> </a><strong>grouping where India is a special invitee (June 2021).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Poland is also negotiating with India for a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble#:~:text=Key%20Points,and%20open%20travel%20and%20tourism." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> travel bubble arrangement</strong></a> to resume direct flights suspended due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creating a travel bubble <strong>involves reconnecting countries or states which have shown a good level of success in containing the Covid-19 pandemic</strong> domestically.</li>
<li>Such a bubble would <strong>allow the members of the group to restart trade ties</strong> with each other and open travel and tourism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612954030_image10.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612954030_image10.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="384" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Poland <strong>diplomatic relations</strong> were <strong>established in 1954,</strong> leading to the opening of the <strong>Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957.</strong></li>
<li>The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism.</li>
<li>During the<strong> Communist era of Poland (1944 to 1989), bilateral relations were close and cordial,</strong> with regular high level visits, coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organizations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements.</li>
<li>The <strong>relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989.</strong></li>
<li>A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after Poland joined the<strong> European Union</strong> in 2004, and became one of India&rsquo;s key economic partners in Central Europe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic &amp; Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Export:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland is <strong>India&rsquo;s largest trade partner and export destination in the Central European region,</strong> with bilateral trade growing almost seven-fold over the last ten years.</li>
<li>As per Indian statistics, the overall value of <strong>bilateral trade in 2019 was USD 2.36 billion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s export to Poland contributed to 0.48% of overall India&rsquo;s export. Only 0.15% of India&rsquo;s import was covered by Poland in 2019.</li>
<li>As per the statistics, the increase of bilateral trade by 2.5% was visible in 2019 in comparison with previous years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian investments in Poland are valued at over <strong>USD 3 billion.</strong></li>
<li>Total Polish investment in India is estimated at <strong>USD 672 million.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From April 2000 to March 2019, India recorded over <strong>USD 672 million of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FDI</a> from Poland,</strong> 0.16%of its total FDI inflows in that period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sectoral Collaboration: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Agro and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-processing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Food processing</a> sectors:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland possesses world class food processing including preservation/storage technologies while India is one of the largest producers for many fruits, dairy and agro products.</li>
<li>An MoU on agriculture for technical and institutional cooperation was signed between both countries in April 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Technology (IT) Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Around <strong>thirteen Indian IT companies, employing more than 10,000 professionals, are currently active in Poland</strong> and are also operating their Europe operation from here.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Textile Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has presently a share of only<strong> 3.73% overall in the Polish Textile and Apparel Imports (valued at USD 400 million).</strong></li>
<li>There is of course, much potential for increase in its exports, provided conducive circumstances are created for Indian Exporters.</li>
<li>Presently, about 30-40% of goods exported by India to Poland are re-exported to other EU Countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mining/Energy Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland possesses reputed <strong>clean coal technologies</strong> and Polish public sector companies have played a substantial role in development of mining and power sectors in India.</li>
<li>India and Poland signed a<strong> Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)</strong> in 2019 to enhance <strong>bilateral cooperation in the coal and mining sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given Poland&rsquo;s strategic location, shortages in healthcare personnel and 25% growth in the pharma market in the last 5 years, there are <strong>good opportunities for Indian exporters and investors.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural and Educational Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a strong tradition of Indology studies in<strong> Poland, with Polish scholars having translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19<sup>th</sup> Century.</strong></li>
<li>Polish Mission organised the <strong>150<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</a></strong> in 2019. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Polish Post (Poczta Polska)<strong> issued a Commemorative Stamp on the 150<sup>th</sup> Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</strong> which was released on the occasion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On the occasion of 550<sup>th</sup> Prakash Purab of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/guru-nanak-dev-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Guru Nanak Dev ji</strong></a>, Mission and Gurudwara Sahib of Poland <strong>jointly organised functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland.</strong></li>
<li>The first <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-of-yoga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Day of Yoga</strong></a> was organized in 21 cities in Poland on June 21, 2015. An estimated 11000 people participated in public events.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Estimated at approximately<strong> 10,000, the Indian community in Poland consists of traders (textiles, garments and electronics)</strong> who came after the collapse of communism, and professionals with multinational or Indian companies and software/IT experts, including a rising number of Indian students.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/as-pm-plans-two-europe-visits-poland-pitches-for-warsaw-stop/article33792728.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-poland-relations'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Arka Shubha: New Marigold Variety',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)</strong> has developed a new marigold variety named <strong>Arka Shubha.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>High Carotene Content:</strong> Arka Shubha has carotene content of around 2.8% (for all marigolds, it's maximum upto 1.4%) which is the highest among all plant sources.</li>
<li><strong>Used after Spoiled:</strong> This new variety of marigold can be used for extraction of crude carotene even if spoiled after full bloom, unlike that of other varieties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ornamental &amp; Carotene Extraction:</strong> This new variety not only has ornamental purpose but is also a good source of crude carotene.</li>
<li><strong>Poultry Feed:</strong> Its petals could be used as poultry feed to get quality yolk.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Import Dependency:</strong> India imports most of its carotene from other countries, including China. This development can significantly reduce import dependency. Therefore, both cultivation area and investment on carotene extraction should be increased.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Carotene</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Carotenes are carotenoid pigments that are oxygen-free. Mostly they are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain only carbon and hydrogen.</li>
<li>Their color varies from yellow to orange to red. The color is attributed to the chain of alternating single and double bonds.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Carotene is responsible for the orange colour of carrots.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>&alpha;-carotene, &beta;-carotene, and lycopene are examples of carotenes.</li>
<li>Carotene is used in the pharmaceutical sector, there is always a high demand for it.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Institute of Horticultural Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian Institute of Horticultural Research <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)</strong></a> is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare.</li>
<li>IIHR has a<strong> main research station at Bengaluru</strong> and regional experiment stations at Bhubaneswar in Orissa and Chettalli in Karnataka with two Krishi Vigyan Kendras.</li>
<li>The institute's main research agenda was to increase the yields of horticultural crop varieties by developing high yielding varieties in fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and medicinal products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/bengaluru-scientists-develop-new-marigold-variety/article33795721.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/arka-shubha-new-marigold-variety'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Sedition Law',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong> </a>protected a political leader and six senior journalists from arrest in multiple <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sedition-law-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sedition</strong></a> FIRs registered against them.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Background of Sedition Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sedition laws were <strong>enacted in 17<sup>th</sup> century England</strong> when lawmakers believed that <strong>only good opinions of the government should survive,</strong> as bad opinions were detrimental to the government and monarchy.</li>
<li>The law was originally drafted<strong> in 1837 by Thomas Macaulay, the British historian-politician,</strong> but was <strong>inexplicably omitted when the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-road-map-for-criminal-justice-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Penal Code (IPC)</a> was enacted in 1860.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/why-indias-sedition-law-needs-to-be-buried" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 124A</a> was inserted in 1870</strong> by an amendment introduced <strong>by Sir James Stephen</strong> when it felt the need for a specific section to deal with the offence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was one of the many draconian laws enacted to stifle any voices of dissent at that time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612950997_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612950997_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="617" height="353" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sedition Law Today:</strong> Sedition is <strong>a crime under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code</strong> (IPC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Section 124A IPC:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It defines sedition as an offence committed when <strong>"any person by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred</strong> or contempt, or excites or attempts to <strong>excite disaffection towards the government</strong> established by law in India".</li>
<li>Disaffection includes <strong>disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.</strong> However, comments without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, will not constitute an offence under this section.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Punishment for the Offence of Sedition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sedition is a <strong>non-bailable offence.</strong> Punishment under the Section 124A ranges from <strong>imprisonment up to three years to a life term,</strong> to which fine may be added.</li>
<li>A person charged under this law is<strong> barred from a government job.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They have to live without their passport and must produce themselves in the court at all times as and when required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Supreme Court Decisions on Sedition Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SC highlighted debates over sedition in<strong> 1950</strong> in its decisions in <em><strong>Brij Bhushan vs the State of Delhi</strong> </em>and <strong><em>Romesh Thappar vs the State of Madras.</em></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In these cases, the court held that a law which <strong>restricted speech on the ground that it would disturb public order was unconstitutional.</strong></li>
<li>It also held that <strong>disturbing the public order will mean nothing less than endangering the foundations of the State</strong> or threatening its overthrow.</li>
<li>Thus, these decisions prompted the <strong>First Constitution Amendment, where <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-on-right-to-protest#:~:text=Article%2019%20confers%20upon%20citizens,or%20inaction%20of%20the%20State." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 19</a> (2) was rewritten to replace &ldquo;undermining the security of the State&rdquo; with &ldquo;in the interest of public order&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>1962,</strong> the SC decided on the constitutionality of Section 124A in <em><strong>Kedar Nath Singh vs State of Bihar.</strong></em><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It upheld the constitutionality of sedition, but <strong>limited its application</strong> to &ldquo;acts involving intention or tendency to create disorder, or disturbance of law and order, or incitement to violence&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It<strong> distinguished these</strong> from &ldquo;very strong speech&rdquo; or the use of &ldquo;vigorous words&rdquo; strongly critical of the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>1995,</strong> the SC, in <em><strong>Balwant Singh vs State of Punjab</strong></em>, held that mere sloganeering which evoked no public response did not amount to sedition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Support of Section 124A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 124A of the IPC has its utility in <strong>combating anti-national, secessionist and terrorist elements.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> protects the elected government from attempts to overthrow</strong> the government with violence and illegal means. The continued existence of the government established by law is an essential condition of the <strong>stability of the State.</strong></li>
<li>If <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contempt-of-court-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>contempt of court</strong></a> invites penal action, contempt of government should also attract punishment.</li>
<li>Many districts in different states face a <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/naxalism-left-wing-extremism-internal-security-threat-vulnerabilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maoist insurgency</a> and rebel groups virtually run a parallel administration.</strong> These groups openly advocate the overthrow of the state government by revolution.</li>
<li>Against this backdrop, the abolition of Section 124A would be ill-advised merely because it has been wrongly invoked in some highly publicized cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments against Section 124A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 124A is a<strong> relic of colonial legacy</strong> and unsuited in a democracy. It is a constraint on the legitimate exercise of<strong> constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.</strong></li>
<li>Dissent and criticism of the government are essential ingredients of robust public debate in a vibrant democracy. They should not be constructed as sedition. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Right to question, criticize and change rulers is very fundamental to the idea of democracy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>British, who introduced sedition to oppress Indians,</strong> have themselves abolished the law in their country. There is no reason why India should not abolish this section.</li>
<li>The<strong> terms used</strong> under Section 124A like 'disaffection' are<strong> vague and subject to different interpretations to the whims and fancies</strong> of the investigating officers.</li>
<li>IPC and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unlawful-activities-prevention-act-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 2019</strong></a> have provisions that penalize "disrupting the public order" or "overthrowing the government with violence and illegal means". These are sufficient for protecting national integrity. There is no need for Section 124A.</li>
<li>The sedition law is <strong>being misused as a tool to persecute political dissent.</strong> A wide and concentrated executive discretion is inbuilt into it which permits the blatant abuse.</li>
<li>In 1979, India<strong> ratified the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protesting-is-a-fundamental-right-un#:~:text=The%20ICCPR%20is%20a%20key,International%20Bill%20of%20Human%20Rights." target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)</a>,</strong> which sets forth internationally recognized standards for the protection of freedom of expression. However, misuse of sedition and arbitrary slapping of charges are inconsistent with India's international commitments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is the largest democracy of the world and the <strong>right to free speech and expression is an essential ingredient of democracy.</strong> The expression or thought that is not in consonance with the policy of the government of the day should not be considered as sedition.</li>
<li><strong>Section 124A should not be misused</strong> as a tool to curb free speech. The SC caveat, given in Kedar Nath case, on prosecution under the law can check its misuse. It needs to be <strong>examined under the changed facts and circumstances</strong> and also on the anvil of ever-evolving tests of <strong>necessity, proportionality and arbitrariness.</strong></li>
<li>The higher judiciary should use its supervisory powers to <strong>sensitize the magistracy and police to the constitutional provisions protecting free speech.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>definition of sedition should be narrowed down,</strong> to include only the issues pertaining to the territorial integrity of India as well as the sovereignty of the country.</li>
<li>The<strong> word &lsquo;sedition&rsquo; is extremely nuanced and needs to be applied with caution.</strong> It is like a cannon that ought not to be used to shoot a mouse; but the arsenal also demands possession of cannons, mostly as a deterrent, and on occasion for shooting.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/republic-day-violence-sc-stays-arrest-of-shashi-tharoor-rajdeep-sardesai-and-five-journalists/article33789972.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/sedition-law-2'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>draft notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> on an<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/eco-sensitive-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)</strong> </a>which runs around the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wayanad-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)</strong> </a>has triggered protests in Wayanad (Kerala).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Draft Notification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 118.5 sq km area has been earmarked as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), of which 99.5 sq km is outside the sanctuary and the remaining 19 sq km comprises revenue villages within the sanctuary.</li>
<li>There will be<strong> restrictions on several human activities in ESZ,</strong> including a ban on all new and existing mining, stone quarrying and crushing units and new industries causing pollution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>also includes a ban on establishment of major hydroelectric projects</strong> and setting up of new sawmills, brick kilns and commercial use of firewood within ESZ.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Besides,<strong> no new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted</strong> within 1km of the boundary of the protected area or up to the extent of ESZ, whichever is nearer.</li>
<li>It also <strong>bars felling of trees in private lands without prior permission of the competent authority</strong> in the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose of the Notification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>an important step towards ensuring the safety of people</strong> around the Wildlife Sanctuary, because the lives of farmers on the forest fringes is miserable owing to the <strong>increasing incidents of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/man-animal-conflict-to-be-listed-as-disaster-by-up-govt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wild animal attacks</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As many as 147 persons were killed in wildlife attacks in the district in the past 38 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As many as 57 enclosure villages situated inside WWS fall within the eco-sensitive zone.</li>
<li>Critics have argued that the draft notification <strong>would cripple both agriculture and business sectors</strong> and will deal a blow to the district as the notification imposes curbs on vehicular traffic.</li>
<li>It will <strong>badly affect the lives of thousands of farmers</strong> on the fringes of the sanctuary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As much as 29,291 acres of private land on the fringes of the sanctuary would come under the zone and the development of this area would stop for ever.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612948691_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612948691_image6.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="358" height="501" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> Located in Kerala, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) is an<strong> integral part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-elephant-corridor-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve</a>.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Spread over 344.44 sq km, WWS is contiguous to the tiger reserves of Nagerhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li><strong>Kabini river (a tributary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/godavari-and-cauvery-river-interlinking-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery river</a>)</strong> flows through the sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> It was declared a Sanctuary in the year 1973.</li>
<li><strong>Biodiversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> forest types</strong> include South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and plantations of teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia.</li>
<li>Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel etc. are the major mammals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Eco-Sensitive Zones</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Eco-Sensitive Zones or Ecologically Fragile Areas are <strong>areas within 10 kms around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In case of places with sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, <strong>even areas beyond 10 km width can be included</strong> in the eco-sensitive zone.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ESZs are<strong> notified by MoEFCC,</strong> under <strong>Environment Protection Act, 1986.</strong></li>
<li>The basic aim is <strong>to regulate certain activities</strong> around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need for rethinking on the impacts of the environmental policies at the local level, the type and prospects of local participation and most importantly the prospects of alternative income generating opportunities for successful conservation initiatives.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-cm-takes-up-sanctuary-zone-issue/article33785872.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/eco-sensitive-zone-around-wayanad-wildlife-sanctuary'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'NDMA Guidelines to Tackle Glacial Bursts',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A <strong>Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)</strong> is suspected to have <strong>caused the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flash floods</a>&nbsp;</strong>in <strong>Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In October 2020, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)</strong></a> had issued detailed guidelines on how to reduce and deal with disasters caused by GLOFs/Glacial Bursts.</li>
<li>The NDMA guidelines suggest that risk reduction can be done by<strong> identifying and mapping potentially dangerous lakes, taking structural measures to prevent their sudden breach,</strong> and establishing mechanisms to save lives and property in times of a breach.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A GLOF refers to the flooding that occurs <strong>when the water dammed by a glacier or a moraine</strong> (accumulations of dirt and rocks fallen onto the glacier surface) <strong>is released suddenly.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When glaciers melt, the water in glacial lakes accumulates behind loose, natural &ldquo;glacial/moraine dams&rdquo; made of ice, sand, pebbles and ice residue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Unlike earthen dams, the weak structure of the moraine dam<strong> leads to the abrupt breach of the dam on top of the glacial lake</strong> which could cause flash floods in the downstream areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to NDMA, <strong>glacial retreat due to climate change</strong> occurring in most parts of the <strong>Hindu Kush Himalaya</strong> has given rise to the <strong>formation of numerous new glacial lakes,</strong> which are the <strong>major cause of GLOFs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glacial Lakes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Glacial lakes are <strong>typically formed at the foot of a glacier.</strong></li>
<li>As glaciers move and flow, they erode the soil and sediment around them, leaving depressions and grooves on the land. Meltwater from the glacier fills up the hole, making a lake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Lakes form when meltwater ponds, and this can happen on the ice surface <strong>(supraglacial lakes),</strong> in front of the ice<strong> (proglacial lakes),</strong> or even underneath the ice <strong>(subglacial lakes).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Glacier lakes can <strong>affect ice flow</strong> by reducing friction at the ice-bed interface, encouraging basal sliding.</li>
<li>They can <strong>change the albedo of the ice surface,</strong> encouraging more surface melt.</li>
<li>Proglacial lakes <strong>cause <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iceberg-a68a#:~:text=Calving%20of%20Glaciers&amp;text=Calving%20is%20the%20glaciological%20term,is%20known%20as%20dry%20calving." target="_blank" rel="noopener">calving</a>,</strong> which affects mass balance and can decouple mountain glaciers from climate.</li>
<li>Glacier lakes can be hazardous; moraine and ice dams can fail, <strong>causing catastrophic glacier lake outburst floods</strong> or jokulhlaups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Number of Glacial Lakes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to recent studies, <strong>there has been a rapid increase in the number of glacial lakes due to a retreat in the glaciers</strong> caused by warming temperatures (due to global warming), and their potential to cause large scale flooding and destruction. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Kedarnath tragedy in 2013,</strong> for example, had involved a breach in a large glacial lake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to a study sponsored by the <a href="/daily-news-analysis/central-water-commission-on-kerala-floods#:~:text=of%20a%20reservoir.-,Central%20Water%20Commission%20(CWC),the%20Ministry%20of%20Water%20Resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Water Commission (CWC)</strong></a>, conducted during 2011-15, there are 352, 283 and 1,393 glacial lakes and water bodies in the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Guidelines on Risk Reduction: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Identifying Potentially Dangerous Lakes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Potentially dangerous lakes <strong>can be identified</strong> based on field observations, records of past events, geomorphologic and geotechnical characteristics of the lake/dam and surroundings, and other physical conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Promoting use of <strong>Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery</strong> (a form of radar that is used to create two-dimensional images) <strong>to automatically detect changes in water bodies,</strong> including new lake formations, during the monsoon months.</li>
<li>Methods and protocols could also be developed to<strong> allow remote monitoring of lake bodies from space.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Channeling Potential Floods:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To manage lakes structurally, the NDMA recommends <strong>reducing the volume of water with methods such as controlled breaching,</strong> pumping or siphoning out water, and making a tunnel through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uniform Codes for Construction Activity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Developing a broad framework for <strong>infrastructure development, construction and excavation</strong> in vulnerable zones.</li>
<li>There is a need to accept<strong> procedures for land use planning</strong> in the GLOF prone areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of implemented and operational GLOF EWS is very small, even at the global scale.</li>
<li>In the Himalayan region, there are at<strong> three reported instances</strong> (two in Nepal and one in China) of implementation of sensor- and monitoring-based technical systems for GLOF early warning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Training Local Manpower:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Apart from pressing specialised forces such as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/59th-raising-day-of-the-itbp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ITBP</strong> </a>and the Army, NDMA has emphasised the need for <strong>trained local manpower.</strong></li>
<li>It has been observed that over <strong>80% of search and rescue is carried out by the local community</strong> before the intervention of the state machinery and specialised search and rescue teams.</li>
<li><strong>The local teams could also assist in planning</strong> and setting up emergency shelters, distributing relief packages, identifying missing people, and addressing the needs for food, healthcare, water supply etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Alarm Systems:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Besides classical alarming infrastructure consisting of acoustic alarms by sirens, modern communication technology using cell and smartphones can complement or even replace traditional alarming infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/uttarakhand-glacier-flash-flood-rishiganga-death-toll-7180258/" 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/ndma-guidelines-to-tackle-glacial-bursts'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'South China Sea Dispute',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>China warned off a USA warship</strong> sailing near contested <strong>Paracel islands in the South China Sea (SCS).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><strong>About</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Claim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China lays claim to nearly all of the South China Sea,</strong> including the Paracel Islands.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, Taiwan, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam also claim parts of the region,<strong> believed to hold valuable oil and gas deposits.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has alleged that the USA warship broke into China&rsquo;s <em>Xisha</em> (Paracel) island&rsquo;s territorial waters without the permission of the Chinese government and <strong>accused USA for &ldquo;seriously violating China&rsquo;s sovereignty&rdquo; and &ldquo;harming regional peace.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The USA has argued that such exercises are in line with international law and help <strong>defend the right of passage</strong> through the region amid competing claims by China and other governments.</li>
<li>It is in sync with the USA's continuous efforts to counter China&rsquo;s assertion in SCS. Recently the USA Navy sent an aircraft carrier group into the South China Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South China Sea</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> South China Sea is<strong> an arm of western Pacific Ocean</strong> in Southeast Asia. It is south of China, east &amp; south of Vietnam, west of the Philippines and north of the island of Borneo.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is<strong> connected by Taiwan Strait</strong> with the East China Sea and by <strong>Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bordering states &amp; territories (clockwise from north):</strong> the People&rsquo;s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Importance:&nbsp;</strong>This sea holds tremendous strategic importance for its location as it is the <strong>connecting link between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (Strait of Malacca).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-investment-report-unctad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD)</strong></a> one-third of the global shipping passes through it, carrying trillions of trade which makes it a significant geopolitical water body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942060_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942060_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons For Dispute in the South China Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Contesting Claims Over Islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>The Paracel Islands</strong> are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.</li>
<li><strong>The Spratly Islands</strong> are claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Philippines.</li>
<li><strong>The Scarborough Shoal</strong> is claimed by Philippines, China and Taiwan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Assertion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since 2010, <strong>China has been converting uninhabited islets into artificial islets</strong> to bring it under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNCLOS</strong></a> (examples would include Haven Reef, Johnson South Reef and Fiery Cross Reef).</li>
<li><strong>China has been changing the size and structure of the reefs</strong> by modifying their physical land features. <strong>It has also established airstrips on Parcel and Spratly.</strong></li>
<li>Chinese fishing fleets are engaged in paramilitary work on behalf of the state rather than the commercial enterprise of fishing.</li>
<li>The US is very critical of this building of artificial islands and terms these actions of China as building a <strong>&lsquo;great wall of sand&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Undefined geographic scope</strong> of the South China Sea.</li>
<li><strong>Disagreement over dispute settlement</strong> mechanisms.</li>
<li>Undefined legal status of the <strong>Code of Conduct (COC)</strong> add to it.</li>
<li>The different histories of distant, largely uninhabited archipelagos of the sea make the matter more complicated and multifaceted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942392_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612942392_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India's Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has maintained that it is not a party to the SCS dispute and its presence in the SCS is not to contain China but to <strong>secure its own economic interests, especially that of its energy security needs.</strong></li>
<li>However, China&rsquo;s increasing ability to decide and expand its role in the South China Sea has compelled India to reevaluate its approach on the issue.</li>
<li>As a key element of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy</strong></a>, India has started<strong> internationalizing disputes</strong> in the <strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong> to oppose China&rsquo;s threatening tactics in SCS.</li>
<li>Further, India is using its Buddhist legacy to make a strong bond with the Southeast Asian region.</li>
<li>India has also deployed its navy with Vietnam in the South China <strong>Sea for protection of sea lanes of communication (SLOC),</strong> denying China any space for assertion.</li>
<li>Also, India is part of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad initiative</a> (India, US, Japan, Australia)</strong> and lynchpin of Indo-Pacific narrative. These initiatives are viewed as a containment strategy by China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/beijing-warns-off-us-warship-in-s-china-sea/article33762768.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/south-china-sea-dispute'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'India-Myanmar Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-long-and-the-short-of-indias-naypyitaw-dilemma/article33785809.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The long and the short of India&rsquo;s Naypyitaw dilemma&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 09/02/2021. It talks about the strategic importance of Myanmar and the implications of the recent Coup D&rsquo;etat.</p>
</div>
<p>The long-lingering power struggle in Myanmar has finally ended. The Myanmar junta or Myanmar&rsquo;s military has toppled the democratically elected government in a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coup-d-etat-in-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coup D&rsquo;etat.</strong> </a>This has smashed decade-long hopes for a truly democratic Myanmar.</p>
<p>As the future of Myanmar&rsquo;s democracy is now uncertain and given its strategic importance, this Coup D&rsquo;etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India.</p>
<h3>Strategic Importance of Myanmar for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> India and Myanmar relationship officially got underway after the Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1951, after which the foundation for a more meaningful relationship was established during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s visit in 1987.</li>
<li><strong>Muti-faceted Relationship:</strong> India and Myanmar have traditionally had much in common, with cultural, historical, ethnic, and religious ties, in addition to sharing a long geographical land border and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
<li><strong>Geo-Strategic Location of Myanmar:</strong> Myanmar is geopolitically significant to India as it stands at the center of the India-Southeast Asia geography.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country that shares a land border with northeastern India, stretching some 1,624 kilometers.</li>
<li>The two countries also share a 725-km maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confluence of Two Foreign policy Doctrines:</strong> Myanmar is the only country that sits at the intersection of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-neighbourhood-diplomacy#:~:text=Policy%20of%20the%20Government%20of,other%20countries%20in%20the%20neighborhood." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Neighborhood First&rdquo; policy</strong></a> and its<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Act East&rdquo; policy.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar is an essential element in India&rsquo;s practice of regional diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific and serves as a land bridge to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Competition With China:</strong> If India is to become an assertive regional player in Asia, it has to work toward developing policies that would improve and strengthen its relationship with neighboring countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in pursuance of this, China is a big roadblock, as it aims to diminish India&rsquo;s influence in its neighborhood. Therefore, both India and China are fighting for gaining influence in Myanmar.</li>
<li>For example, as part of its policy for the Indian Ocean called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)</strong></a>, India developed the Sittwe port in Myanmar&rsquo;s Rakhine state.</li>
<li>The Sittwe port is meant to be India&rsquo;s answer to the Chinese-fronted Kyaukpyu port, which is intended to cement China&rsquo;s geostrategic footprint in Rakhine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Critical For India&rsquo;s National Security Interests:</strong> North-eastern states in India are affected by left-wing extremism and narcotics trade routes (golden triangle).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To counter these threats, the Indian and Myanmar armies have carried out many joint military operations like Operation Sunshine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> Many Indian companies made significant economic and trade agreements in infrastructure and other areas.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some other Indian companies such as Essar, GAIL, and ONGC Videsh Ltd. have invested in Myanmar&rsquo;s energy sector.</li>
<li>To elevate its &ldquo;Made in India&rdquo; arms industry, India has identified Myanmar as key to increasing its military exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Implications of Coup on India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political Realignments:</strong> The coup has attracted strong reactions and the threat of sanctions from the United States and the West. This could lead to unique political realignments in Myanmar.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These decisive western sanctions may force Myanmar&rsquo;s military to get closer to China, which may not be in the interest of India.</li>
<li>Moreover, a failed Myanmar state at India&rsquo;s doorstep and a weakened Myanmar falling into the clutches of China as a satellite state may increase China&rsquo;s bidding in regional affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rohingya Issue on Back Burner:</strong> Any effort to restore democracy in Myanmar will require supporting Aung San Suu Kyi. However, due to her silence on the Rohingya crisis, the plight of the hapless Rohingya may take a backseat or be conveniently forgotten.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is not in India&rsquo;s national security interest in the north-east.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Catch-22 Condition:</strong> While India&rsquo;s national interests, under the new circumstances, would clearly lie in dealing with whoever is in power in Myanmar, India would find it difficult to openly support the junta given the strong western and American stance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cultural Diplomacy:</strong> Myanmar&rsquo;s importance to India&rsquo;s conduct of cultural diplomacy through the lens of Buddhism for tourism purposes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Buddhist Circuit&rdquo; initiative, which seeks to double foreign tourist arrivals and revenue by connecting ancient Buddhist heritage sites across different states in India, should resonate with Buddhist-majority Myanmar.</li>
<li>This could also build up India&rsquo;s diplomatic reservoir of goodwill and trust with Buddhist-majority countries such as Myanmar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Connectivity:</strong> India should realize that Myanmar is vital to fulfilling its ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, facilitating connectivity is central to improving India-Myanmar economic relations.</li>
<li>In this context, Infrastructure projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) should be financed into fruition expeditiously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Rohingyas Issue:</strong> The quicker the Rohingya issue is resolved, the easier it will be for India to manage its relations with Myanmar and Bangladesh, focusing instead more on bilateral and subregional economic cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multilateral Forums:</strong> Finally, cooperation in different multilateral forums such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC strengthens the relationship between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the strategic importance of Myanmar, it is therefore in India&rsquo;s geostrategic interest to see Myanmar prevail as a stable and autonomous country, thereby making possible greater bilateral engagement in India-Myanmar relations.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7fff0;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Given the strategic importance of Myanmar, the recent Coup D&rsquo;etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P3N0wjvIqCk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/staying-watchful-the-hindu-editorial-on-rbi-and-prices/article33776392.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Staying watchful: On RBI and prices&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindu on February 8<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-myanmar-relations-2'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Over a lakh migratory water birds arrived at the <strong>Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh</strong> in winter 2020-21.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1975, Pong dam was <strong>built across the Beas River.</strong> It is also called the <strong>Pong reservoir</strong> or the<strong> Maharana Pratap Sagar.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>1983,</strong> the <strong>entire reservoir was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> by the Himachal Pradesh government.</li>
<li>In <strong>1994,</strong> the Government of India declared it a<strong> &ldquo;Wetland of National Importance&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Pong Dam Lake was <strong>declared as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/addition-to-ramsar-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramsar Site</a> in November 2002.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612868297_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612868297_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="567" height="294" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Destination for Migratory Birds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sanctuary plays host to around 220 species of birds belonging to 54 families. Migratory birds from all over Hindukush Himalayas and also as far as Siberia come here during winter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rivers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The lake is <strong>fed by Beas River and its numerous perennial tributaries</strong> such as Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner.</li>
<li>The lake <strong>harbours around 22 species of fish,</strong> including rare fish like sal and gad. The adequate water level of the lake makes it an ideal destination to indulge in water sports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vegetation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sanctuary area is covered with <strong>tropical and subtropical forests,</strong> which shelters a great number of Indian Wildlife animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eucalyptus, acacia, jamun, shisham, mango, mulberry, ficus, kachnar, amla and prunus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Barking deer, sambar, wild boars, nilgai, leopards and oriental small-clawed otters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Avian-Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Black-headed gulls, Red necked grebes, plovers, terns, ducks, water-fowl egrets, and more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Parks in Himachal Pradesh</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Great Himalayan National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Great Himalayan National Park, located in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu district, was officially declared as a National Park in 1999.</li>
<li>In 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park received the status of being a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></a> for its wonderful contribution towards biodiversity conservation.</li>
<li>Species which are found here are like Greater Blue Sheep, Indian Pika, Rhesus monkey, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Red fox, Mongoose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pin Valley National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pin Valley National Park, located in Lahaul and Spiti District, was established in 1987.</li>
<li>Various endangered species including the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> snow leopard</strong></a> and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Siberian ibex</a></strong> find their natural habitat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inderkilla National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Inderkilla National Park is located in the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh and established in 2010.</li>
<li>Animals of the Himalayan region like leopards, deers and, birds which even include the rare birds of the summer season, and insect species are varied and can be seen from time to time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Khirganga National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Khirganga National Park is located in Kullu and was established in 2010.</li>
<li>The national park is situated at a height of around 5,500 meters and is spread across an area of about 710 square kilometers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Simbalbara National Park:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Simbalbara National Park is located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District.</li>
<li>The national park was established in 1958 as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 19.03 square kilometers.</li>
<li>In 2010, it was turned into a national park by merging an additional 8.88 square kilometers of the area to its boundaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-1-lakh-migratory-water-birds-visited-himachal-pradeshs-pong-dam-lake-sanctuary-this-winter-7180140/" 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/pong-dam-lake-wildlife-sanctuary'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 21
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 302
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

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