Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

Jayanti: New Species of Cricket

Why in News Recently, a new species of Cricket named 'Indimimus jayanti' was found in the Kurra caves of Chhattisgarh. The new species was named...

29 May 2021 News Analysis
Cyclone Yaas

Why in News Recently, cyclone Yaas made landfall south of Balasore in Odisha. Earlier, another cyclonic storm named ‘Cyclone Tauktae’...

29 May 2021 News Analysis
Yellow Fungus

Why in News After black and white fungus, the recent case of yellow fungus has become a cause for concern. Key Points About: Yellow fungus,...

29 May 2021 News Analysis
DBT for Mid Day Meal Scheme

Why in News The Ministry of Education has approved the proposal to provide monetary assistance to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of...

29 May 2021 News Analysis
Veer Savarkar Jayanti

Why in News On 28th May, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar) on his birth anniversary. He was an...

29 May 2021 News Analysis
Information Technology Rules, 2021

This article is based on “Nine-pin bowling aimed at free speech, privacy” which was published in The Hindu on 28/05/2021. It talks...

28 May 2021 News Editorials
Mekedatu Project: River Cauvery

Why in News Recently, the Karnataka government has decided to challenge before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) its decision to appoint a joint...

28 May 2021 News Analysis
RBI’s Annual Report 2020-21

Why in News Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Annual Report for 2020-21. Key Points Foreign Exchange: Gain from foreign...

28 May 2021 News Analysis
The Climate Breakthroughs Summit

Why in News Recently, world leaders convened at the Climate Breakthroughs Summit to demonstrate progress in critical sectors of the global economy,...

28 May 2021 News Analysis
Begum Sultan Jahan

Why in News Recently, the death anniversary of Begum Sultan Jahan was observed. She was a Philanthropist, Prolific writer, Feminist, Symbol of...

28 May 2021 News Analysis
Currency Swap Facility

Why in News Recently, Bangladesh cleared a USD 200 million currency swap facility for Sri Lanka, to help boost its economy. Key...

28 May 2021 News Analysis
Blackbuck Population Increased in Odisha

Why in News Recently, a census carried out by the Odisha State Forest Department revealed that Odisha's blackbuck population has doubled in the last...

28 May 2021 News Analysis
Pandemic & Infodemic Relation

This article is based on “In a pandemic, the power of the rumour” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 26/05/2021. It talks...

27 May 2021 News Editorials
Sun Halo/Kaleidoscope Effect

Why in News Recently, the people of Bangalore witnessed a bright rainbow ring around the sun for a few moments - a rare optical and atmospheric...

27 May 2021 News Analysis
Traceability Provision in New IT Rules 2021

Why in News Recently, messaging platform WhatsApp has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the traceability provision in the New IT Rules...

27 May 2021 News Analysis
Rights of Van Gujjars

Why in News The Uttarakhand High Court has reprimanded the State government for stopping some Van Gujjar families on the way to Govind Pashu Vihar...

27 May 2021 News Analysis
National Mission on use of Biomass in Coal Based Thermal Power Plants

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Power has decided to set up a National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants. Key...

27 May 2021 News Analysis
National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana

Why in News Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that Assets Under Management (AUM) under the National...

27 May 2021 News Analysis
New Rules for Increased FDI in Insurance Sector

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Finance amended Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015 and clarified on the final rules...

27 May 2021 News Analysis
Reviewing Act East Policy

This article is based on “What’s going wrong with India’s Act East policy?” which was published in The Indian Express on...

26 May 2021 News Editorials

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Jayanti: New Species of Cricket',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a new species of Cricket named <strong>'Indimimus jayanti'</strong> was found in the<strong> Kurra caves of Chhattisgarh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new species was <strong>named after Professor Jayant Biswas,</strong> one of the leading cave explorers in the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622285236_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622285236_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the New Spider Cricket:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new species of cricket has been identified under the <strong>genus Arachnomimus Saussure, 1897.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Jayanti</strong> has led to the <strong>new subgenus 'Indimimus'.</strong></li>
<li>Males of the new Jayanti subgenus <strong>cannot produce sound</strong> and their <strong>females don&rsquo;t have ears.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the New Subgenus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The newly discovered subgenus, Indimimus, is different from the two subgenera, <strong>Arachnomimus and Euarachnomimus,</strong> because of the <strong>male genitalia structure.</strong></li>
<li>Insects have <strong>a lock-and-key model genitalia structure</strong> which is unique to each subgenus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arachnomimus Saussure, 1897:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Arachnomimus is the <strong>genus name given by Swiss Entomologist Henri Louis Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric de Saussure in 1878</strong> to crickets that resembled spiders.</li>
<li>Crickets of this group are <strong>commonly called spider crickets</strong> because of their smaller body size and long legs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can <strong>help in designing hearing aids for humans.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The new species<strong> may be communicating by beating their abdomen or any other body part on the cave walls. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Vibrational communication</strong> is one of the softest but fastest modes of signal transmission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vibrational communication can be regarded as an interaction between the physical properties of the environment and insect's anatomy and physiology and resulting behavior.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further studies on their skills of vibrational communication may help in designing hearing aids for humans which can capture quietest signals and amplify to an audible hearing range.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the discovery of Jayanti from India, the <strong>genus Arachnomimus is now known from 12 species.</strong> Distribution of these species is very wide, ranging from Brazil to Malaysia.</li>
<li>In India, the diversity of spider crickets is still unexplored. Given India is home to four <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/26-11-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biodiversity hotspots</strong></a>, and all the hotspots have unexplored caves, there is <strong>significant scope for many more discoveries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Crickets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cricket, any of approximately 2,400 species of leaping insects that are worldwide in distribution and known for the musical chirping of the male.</li>
<li>They have mainly cylindrical bodies, round heads, and long antennae. Behind the head is a smooth, robust pronotum.</li>
<li>Crickets are noticeable for their loud calls, especially at night. Male crickets produce this sound by rubbing their wings against each other to attract females.</li>
<li>The females listen to these calls using ears located on their legs and approach the males for mating and reproduction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/spider-cricket-jayanti-discovery-chhattisgarh-explained-7334078/" 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/jayanti-new-species-of-cricket'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Cyclone Yaas',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, cyclone <strong>Yaas</strong> made landfall south of <strong>Balasore in Odisha.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, another <strong>cyclonic storm named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-tauktae" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Cyclone Tauktae&rsquo;</a></strong> had affected the Indian states of Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, along with two Union Territories: Daman &amp; Diu and Lakshadweep.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The cyclone has been <strong>named Yaas by Oman.</strong> The word Yaas has originated from the Persian language and means <strong>&lsquo;Jasmin&rsquo;</strong> in English.</li>
<li>Typically, <strong>tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region</strong> (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea) <strong>develop during the pre-monsoon</strong> (April to June) and <strong>post-monsoon</strong> (October to December) periods.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>May-June</strong> and <strong>October-November</strong> are known to produce cyclones of severe intensity that affect the Indian coasts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been classified as a<strong> very severe cyclone.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-yaas-makes-landfall-in-balasore-triggers-heavy-damage/article34652295.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Meteorological Department (IMD)</strong></a> classifies cyclones on the <strong>basis of the maximum sustained surface wind speed</strong> (MSW) they generate.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The cyclones are classified as<strong> severe</strong> (MSW of 48-63 knots),<strong> very severe</strong> (MSW of 64-89 knots), <strong>extremely severe</strong> (MSW of 90-119 knots) and <strong>super cyclonic storm</strong> (MSW of 120 knots or more).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Areas Affected:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It affected the <strong>bordering regions of West Bengal and Odisha</strong> and weakened into a cyclonic storm, leaving behind a<strong> trail of destruction on the eastern coast.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bay of Bengal Getting Warmer:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bay of Bengal, where cyclone Yaas has formed, is at least <strong>two degrees warmer than what is normal for this time of the year.</strong></li>
<li>The north Bay of Bengal is exceptionally warm with temperatures up to 32 degrees.<strong></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tropical cyclone</strong></a> is an<strong> intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans</strong> and is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.</li>
<li>A<strong> characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the eye,</strong> a central region of clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure.</li>
<li>Storms of this type are called <strong>hurricanes in the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific and typhoons in SouthEast Asia and China.</strong> They are called<strong> tropical cyclones in the southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region and Willy-willies in north-western Australia.</strong></li>
<li>Storms <strong>rotate counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere </strong>and <strong>clockwise in the southern hemisphere.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>conditions favourable</strong> for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Large sea surface</strong> with temperature higher than 27&deg; C.</li>
<li>Presence of the <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-31" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coriolis force</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Small <strong>variations in the vertical wind speed.</strong></li>
<li>A pre-existing <strong>weak low- pressure area</strong> or low-level-cyclonic circulation.</li>
<li>Upper <strong>divergence</strong> above the sea level system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281357_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281357_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Naming of Tropical Cyclones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-yaas-makes-landfall-in-balasore-triggers-heavy-damage/article34652295.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>WMO (World Meteorological Organization)</strong></a> guidelines, countries in every region are supposed to give names for cyclones.</li>
<li>The <strong>North Indian Ocean Region</strong> covers tropical cyclones formed over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.</li>
<li>The 13 members, which come under the region, are <strong>Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.</strong></li>
<li>IMD, one of the six <strong>Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMC)</strong> in the world, is mandated to issue advisories and name tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean Region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an agency of the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bay of Bengal vs Arabian Sea (Cyclones)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bay of Bengal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As it is <strong>concave or shallow where when strong winds push water, it gets concentrated as a storm.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>shaped like a trough that makes it more hospitable for storms</strong> to gain force. Moreover, the <strong>high sea surface temperature makes matters more worse</strong> in the Bay triggering the intensity of the storms.</li>
<li>Additionally, it <strong>gets more rainfall</strong> with sluggish winds and warm air currents around it that keep temperatures relatively high all year. The <strong>constant inflow of fresh warm water from the perennial rivers</strong> like Brahmaputra, Ganga makes it further impossible to mix with the cooler water below.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of landmass between the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Bengal</strong> tend cyclonic winds to move into the coastal areas causing heavy rainfall.</li>
<li>The <strong>absence of air movements from north-western India towards the Bay in the post-monsoon phase is also another reason</strong> for the chances of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arabian Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is much <strong>calmer</strong> as the<strong> stronger winds help dissipate the heat and lack of constant fresh water</strong> helps the warm water to mix with the cool water underneath, reducing the surface temperature.</li>
<li>The Arabian Sea enjoys the <strong>locational advantage</strong> as the winds from the Pacific Ocean encounter the Western Ghats and the Himalayas cutting down on its intensity and sometimes never reaching the Arabian Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281491_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281491_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-yaas-makes-landfall-in-balasore-triggers-heavy-damage/article34652295.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/cyclone-yaas'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Yellow Fungus',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>After black and white fungus, the recent case of yellow fungus has become a cause for concern.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Yellow fungus, <strong>also called mucor septic</strong>, initially <strong>develops by the presence of moulds</strong> (a type of fungi) in the environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>may be present</strong> with unnecessary fatigue, rashes, burning sensation <strong>on skin</strong> etc.</li>
<li>Humidity levels below 30-40% can promote the growth of fungus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>may not start from the lungs but it invades internal organs of the body</strong> and affects the entire functioning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potential Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prolonged use of steroids, contaminated environment, uncontrolled diabetes, unhygienic habits, lesser immunity, comorbidities.</li>
<li>The treatment for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> includes steroids and immunosuppressants that leave the body with weak immunity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Weight loss, reduced appetite, lethargy are the <strong>common symptoms</strong> of yellow fungus infection.</li>
<li>If not detected in time, symptoms can become <strong>more severe including pus leakage, sunken eyes, organ failure, slow healing of wounds and necrosis</strong> (cells in the living tissues die prematurely).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till now the only <strong>known treatment for yellow fungus is Amphotericin B injection</strong>, which is an antifungal drug also being <strong>used to treat black fungus.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maintaining hygiene, not consuming stale food, keeping the humidity in the room in check, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mucormycosis-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Black Fungus</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mucormycosis, previously known as zygomycosis</strong> and sometimes termed as black fungus, is generally spread by breathing in, eating food contaminated by, or <strong>getting spores of molds of the Mucorales type</strong> in an open wound.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/white-fungus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>White Fungus</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>White Fungus or <strong>Candidiasis</strong> is a fungal infection <strong>caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/yellow-fungus-fungal-infection-covid-pandemic-7329896/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1622281148600000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ICmjwLT8wuot7Ub9SfIo5" 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/yellow-fungus'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'DBT for Mid Day Meal Scheme ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Education</strong> has approved the proposal <strong>to</strong> <strong>provide monetary assistance to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the cooking cost component of the Mid-Day-Meal (MDM) Scheme</strong>, to all eligible children.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implications of DBT for MDM Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With schools closed for months due to Covid-19, this move will <strong>give a fillip to the Midday Meal programme.</strong></li>
<li>This is <strong>in addition</strong> to the Government of India&rsquo;s announcement of distribution of free-of-cost food grains at Rs. 5/kg per person per month to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-garib-kalyan-ann-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>help safeguard the nutritional levels of children </strong>and<strong> aid in protecting their immunity</strong> during the challenging pandemic times.</li>
<li>This <strong>one time special welfare measure</strong> will <strong>benefit about 11.8 crore children studying in class I to VIII in the 11.20 lakh Government and Government aided schools</strong> across the country.</li>
<li>The <strong>central government will provide additional funds of about Rs. 1200 crore</strong> to state governments and UT administrations for this purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Mid-Day-Meal Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong> It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforming-centrally-sponsored-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>centrally sponsored scheme</strong></a> which was <strong>launched in 1995.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is considered as the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest school feeding programme</strong> aimed <strong>to attain the goal of universalization of primary education.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong> Ministry of <strong>Education.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To address hunger and malnutrition, increase enrolment and attendance in school, improve socialisation among castes, provide employment at grassroot level especially to women.</li>
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Provides <strong>cooked meals to every child within the age group of six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII</strong> who enrolls and attends the school.</li>
<li>Cooked meal having <strong>nutritional standards</strong> of 450 calories and 12 gm of protein for primary (I-V class) and 700 calories and 20 gm protein for upper primary (VI-VIII class).</li>
<li>If the <strong>Mid-Day Meal is not provided in school on any school day</strong> due to non-availability of food grains or any other reason, <strong>the State Government shall pay food security allowance</strong> by 15<sup>th</sup> of the succeeding month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries:</strong> All children in government and aided schools and madrasas supported under <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mid-day-meal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samagra Shiksha</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> It has been visioned as an aid for simpler/faster flow of information and funds to the beneficiaries and to reduce the fraud in the delivery system.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong> It is a mission or an initiative by the government of India started on 1<sup>st</sup> January 2013 as a way to reform the government delivery system. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Central Plan Scheme Monitoring System (CPSMS), the earlier version of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/public-financial-management-system-pfms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Financial Management System (PFMS</a>)</strong>, of the Office of Controller General of Accounts, was chosen to act as the common platform for routing of the Direct Benefit Transfer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components of DBT:</strong> Primary components in the implementation of DBT schemes include Beneficiary Account Validation System, a robust payment and reconciliation platform integrated with RBI, NPCI, Public &amp; Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks (core banking solutions of banks, settlement systems of RBI, Aadhaar Payment Bridge of NPCI) etc.</li>
<li><strong>Other Schemes involving DBT:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> National Food Security Mission</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-krishi-sinchayee-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> PM KISAN</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin</a></strong>, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-pension-system-and-atal-pension-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atal Pension Yojana</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayush-wellness-centres-under-national-ayush-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> National AYUSH Mission</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622276690_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622276690_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1722407" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dbt-for-mid-day-meal-scheme'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Veer Savarkar Jayanti',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On <strong>28<sup>th</sup> May</strong>, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter, <strong>Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar)</strong> on his <strong>birth anniversary.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He was an Indian independence activist, politician, lawyer and writer.</li>
<li>He is also known as <strong>Swatantryaveer Savarkar.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> Born on <strong>28<sup>th</sup> May,1883 in Bhagur</strong>, a village near Nashik in <strong>Maharashtra.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Related Organisations and Work:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Founded a secret society called <strong>Abhinav Bharat Society.</strong></li>
<li>Went to the United Kingdom and was involved with organizations such as <strong>India House and the Free India Society.</strong></li>
<li>He was the <strong>president of Hindu Mahasabha from 1937 to 1943.</strong></li>
<li>Savarkar wrote a book titled <strong>&lsquo;The History of the War of Indian Independence&rsquo;</strong> in which he wrote about the guerilla warfare tricks used in <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-179" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1857 Sepoy Mutiny</a>.</strong></li>
<li>He also wrote the book <strong>&lsquo;Hindutva: who is hindu?&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trial and Sentences:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Arrested in 1909</strong> on charges of plotting an armed revolt against the <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-193" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morley-Minto reform (Indian Councils Act 1909)</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Arrested in 1910</strong> for his <strong>connections with the revolutionary group India House.</strong></li>
<li>One of the charges on Savarkar was abetment to murder of Nashik Collector Jackson and the second was waging a conspiracy under Indian Penal Code 121-A against the King emperor.</li>
<li>Following the two trials, Savarkar was convicted and sentenced to <strong>50-years imprisonment also known as Kala Pani</strong> and transported in 1911 to the <strong>Cellular Jail</strong> in the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> He died on 26th February 1966 due to fasting on his own wish of death.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was a secret society founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar <strong>in</strong> <strong>1904.</strong></li>
<li>Initially founded at Nasik as Mitra Mela, the society was associated with several revolutionaries and political activists with branches in various parts of India and London.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India House</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was <strong>founded by Shyamji Kishan Verma in 1905</strong> in London.</li>
<li>It was opened to promote nationalist views among Indian students in London.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Free India Society</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Savarkar</strong> went to London in 1906. He soon founded the Free India Society, based on the thoughts of the Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini (Savarkar had written a biography of Mazzini).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hindu Mahasabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha</strong> is one of the oldest organizations of India as it was <strong>formed in 1907</strong>. Eminent leaders <strong>extended this Organization in 1915 on ALL India basis.</strong></li>
<li>The Eminent personalities who founded this Organisation and who presided over the ALL INDIA Sessions held include Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Lal Lajpat Rai, Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1722343" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/veer-savarkar-jayanti-1'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Information Technology Rules, 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/nine-pin-bowling-aimed-at-free-speech-privacy/article34661717.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Nine-pin bowling aimed at free speech, privacy&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 28/05/2021. It talks about the challenges associated with the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.</p>
</div>
<p>The Government of India had framed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/information-technology-rules-2021#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Electronics,OTT)%20platforms%20and%20digital%20news." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021,</strong></a> in February this year. These rules require the social media intermediaries/ platforms to adhere to a vastly tighter set of rules within three months, which ended on May 25.</p>
<p>Till now almost all major social media intermediaries have not adhered to all the requirements.</p>
<p>But non-compliance can only make things worse, especially in a situation in which the relationship between some platforms such as Twitter and the Government seems to have broken down.</p>
<p>While there are positive aspects about the said guidelines, there are, equally, glaring ambiguities and susceptibilities that appear to be in conflict with the basic tenets of democracy and constitutional values.</p>
<h3>Positives of The Rules</h3>
<p>The Rules must be credited for they mandate duties such as:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Removal of non-consensual intimate pictures within 24 hours,</li>
<li>Publication of compliance reports to increase transparency,</li>
<li>Setting up a dispute resolution mechanism for content removal,</li>
<li>Adding a label to information for users to know whether content is advertised, owned, sponsored or exclusively controlled.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues With the Rules</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rules Ultra-vires to the IT Act:</strong> It is of significant concern that the purview of the IT Act, 2000, has been expanded to bring digital news media under its regulatory ambit without legislative action.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There has been criticism about bringing in a plethora of new rules that ought to be normally triggered only via legislative action.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Depriving of Fair Recourse:</strong> An intermediary is now supposed to take down content within 36 hours upon receiving orders from the Government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This deprives the intermediary of a fair recourse in the event that it disagrees with the Government&rsquo;s order due to a strict timeline.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Undermining Free Speech:</strong> The rules place fetters upon free speech by fixing the Government as the ultimate adjudicator of objectionable speech online.</li>
<li><strong>Traceability Issue:</strong> Till now social media platforms have the immunity that users received from end-to-end encryption was that intermediaries did not have access to the contents of their messages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Imposing this mandatory requirement of traceability will break this immunity, thereby weakening the security of the privacy of these conversations.</li>
<li>The threat here is not only one of privacy but to the extent of invasion and deprivation from a safe space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Counterproductive in Absence of Data Privacy Law:</strong> It could prove counterproductive in a country where the citizens still do not have a data privacy law to guard themselves against excesses committed by any party.</li>
<li><strong>Compliance Burden:</strong> The Rules create futile additional operational costs for intermediaries by requiring them to have Indian resident nodal officers, compliance officers and grievance officers. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This may not be in favour of many small digital entities and may open the floodgates for all kinds of interventions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Uniform Application of Law:</strong> Regulation has an important place in the scheme of things, and no one advocates giving a free pass to digital platforms. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the laws to combat unlawful content are already in place. What is required is their uniform application.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deliberating with Stakeholders:</strong> There are indeed many problems with the new rules, but the major issue was that these were introduced without much public consultation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The solution to ongoing criticism about these rules is to start afresh with the publication of a white paper.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Backing:</strong> After that, if regulation is still deemed to be necessary, then it must be implemented through legislation that is debated in Parliament instead of relying upon executive rule-making powers.</li>
<li><strong>Expediting Data Protection Law:</strong> Making platforms share more information could prove counterproductive in a country where the citizens still do not have a data privacy law to guard themselves against excesses committed by any party.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, there is a need to expedite the passing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>personal data protection bill, 2019.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Supreme Court, in the case of Life Insurance Corpn. Of India vs Prof. Manubhai D. Shah (1992) had elevated &lsquo;the freedom to circulate one&rsquo;s views as the lifeline of any democratic institution&rsquo;.</p>
<p>In this context, five industry bodies, including the CII, FICCI and the U.S.-India Business Council have sought an extension of 6-12 months for compliance. This is an opportunity for the Government to hear out the industry, and also shed its high-handed way of rule-making.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; background-color: #fcfcf0; border-color: #ff0000;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>While there are positive aspects about the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, there are, equally, glaring ambiguities and susceptibilities. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/information-technology-rules-2021-1'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Mekedatu Project: River Cauvery',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Karnataka government has decided to challenge before the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/10-years-of-national-green-tribunal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong> </a>its decision <strong>to appoint a joint committee.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>joint committee</strong> is supposed to <strong>look into allegations of unauthorised construction activity taking place in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mekedatu-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mekedatu</a></strong>, where Karnataka had proposed to construct a dam across the Cauvery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mekedatu,</strong> meaning goat&rsquo;s leap, is a<strong> deep gorge</strong> situated at the confluence of the rivers <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/godavari-and-cauvery-river-interlinking-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cauvery and its tributary Arkavathi.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204210_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204210_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mekedatu Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Rs. 9,000 crore project <strong>aims to store and supply water for drinking purposes for the Bengaluru city.</strong> Around <strong>400 megawatts (MW) of power is also proposed to be generated</strong> through the project.</li>
<li>It was first <strong>approved by the Karnataka state government in 2017.</strong></li>
<li>It received<strong> approval from the erstwhile Ministry of Water Resources</strong> for the detailed project report and is awaiting approval from the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The approval from MoEFCC is crucial because <strong>63% of the forest area of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cauvery-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary</a> will be submerged.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2018, Tamil Nadu approached 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> against the project even if <strong>Karnataka had held that it would not affect the flow of water to Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
<li>In June 2020, during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karnataka-ordered-to-release-cauvery-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cauvery Water Management Authority</strong></a>&rsquo;s meeting, <strong>Tamil Nadu reiterated its opposition to the project.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Opposition by Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tamil Nadu is <strong>opposed to any project being proposed in the upper riparian</strong> unless it was approved by the SC.</li>
<li>Karnataka has <strong>no right to construct any reservoir on an inter-state river without the consent of the lower riparian state</strong> i.e. Tamil Nadu in this case.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project is against the final order of the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inter-state-river-water-sharing-disputes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)</strong></a> in which the SC held that no state can claim exclusive ownership or assert rights to deprive other states of the waters of inter-state rivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>CWDT and the SC have found that the existing storage facilities available in the Cauvery basin were adequate</strong> for storing and distributing water so Karnataka&rsquo;s proposal is ex-facie (on the face of it) untenable and should be <strong>rejected outright.</strong></li>
<li>It has also held that the<strong> reservoir is not just for drinking water alone, but to increase the extent of irrigation,</strong> which is in clear violation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Award.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cauvery River Dispute<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204658_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204658_image3.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="333" height="232" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>River Cauvery (Kaveri):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is known as <strong>&lsquo;Ponni&rsquo; in Tamil</strong> also known as <strong>Ganga of the south,</strong> and it is the <strong>fourth largest river of southern India.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>sacred river of southern India.</strong> It<strong> rises on Brahmagiri Hill</strong> of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Western Ghats</strong></a> in southwestern Karnataka state, flows in a southeasterly direction through the states of <strong>Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,</strong> and descends the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-the-eastern-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Eastern Ghats</strong></a> in a series of great falls and <strong>drains into Bay of Bengal</strong> through <strong>Pondicherry.</strong></li>
<li>Some of its tributaries are<strong> Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Lakshmana Theertha, Shimsa, Kabini and Harangi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Dispute:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Historical Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the river originates in Karnataka, flows through Tamil Nadu with major tributaries coming from Kerala and drains into Bay of Bengal through Pondicherry the <strong>dispute therefore involves 3 states and one Union Territory.</strong></li>
<li>The genesis of the dispute is <strong>150 years old and dates back to the two agreements of arbitration in 1892 and 1924</strong> between the then <strong>Madras presidency and Mysore.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>entailed the principle that the upper riparian state must obtain consent of lower riparian state</strong> for any construction activity viz. reservoir on the river Cauvery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From<strong> 1974, Karnataka started diverting water</strong> into its four newly made reservoirs, without the consent of Tamil Nadu resulting in a dispute.</li>
<li>To resolve the matter, the<strong> CWDT was established in 1990</strong> which took 17 years to arrive at the<strong> final order (2007)</strong> on how Cauvery water should be shared between the 4 riparian states in normal rainfall conditions.</li>
<li>In distress years, a pro-rata basis shall be used, it instructed. The government again took 6 year and <strong>notified the order in 2013.</strong></li>
<li>This was challenged in SC which directed Karnataka to release 12000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu prompting protests in the State.</li>
<li>The final verdict of the SC came in 2018 where it declared the <strong>Cauvery a national asset</strong> and largely<strong> upheld the water-sharing arrangements finalised by the CWDT</strong> and also reduced the allocation of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the SC, <strong>Karnataka</strong> would get 284.75 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft), <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> 404.25 tmcft, <strong>Kerala</strong> 30 tmcft and <strong>Puducherry</strong> 7 tmcft.</li>
<li>It also directed the Centre to notify the <strong>Cauvery Management Scheme.</strong> The central government notified the &lsquo;Cauvery Water Management Scheme&rsquo; in June 2018, constituting the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karnataka-ordered-to-release-cauvery-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Cauvery Water Management Authority</strong></a>&rsquo; and the <strong>&lsquo;Cauvery Water Regulation Committee&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> states need to shed the regional approach</strong> as the solution lies in cooperation and coordination, not in conflict. The<strong> planning must be done at the basin level</strong> to make the solution sustainable and ecologically viable.</li>
<li>In the long term, there is a<strong> need to recharge the river through afforestation, river linking,</strong> etc and<strong> increased focus is needed on increasing water use efficiency</strong> viz. micro irrigation, <strong>awareness in people to prudently use water</strong> and water smart strategies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mekedatu-karnataka-to-challenge-ngt-decision/article34656187.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/mekedatu-project-river-cauvery'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'RBI’s Annual Report 2020-21',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong> </a>released its Annual Report for 2020-21.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Foreign Exchange:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gain from foreign exchange transactions <strong>rose from Rs 29,993 crore to Rs 50,629 crore in 2020-21.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Foreign Exchange is the<strong> trading of one currency for another.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surplus Transfer to the Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>RBI has been able to<strong> transfer a higher amount to the government as surplus</strong> this year following a <strong>sharp fall in provisions</strong> (drop in expenditure was on account of a lower provision)<strong> and gains from foreign exchange</strong> transactions during the year ended March 2021.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It transferred <strong>Rs. 99,122</strong> crore to the government which is likely to<strong> boost the government&rsquo;s finances.</strong> It helped the government even as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid pandemic</strong></a> continued.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Provision for Giving Surplus to the Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934,</strong> after making provisions for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, contribution to staff and superannuation funds and for all matters for which provisions are to be made by or under the Act or that are usually provided by bankers, the <strong>balance of the profits of the Reserve Bank is required to be paid to the central government.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rupee Against Dollar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rupee strengthened by <strong>3.5%</strong> against the US dollar<strong> (at end-March 2021 over end-March 2020)</strong> but <strong>underperformed vis-a-vis other Asian countries</strong> during 2020-21.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decreased Bank Frauds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bank frauds of Rs.1 lakh and more fell by 25%</strong> in value to Rs.1.38 trillion in the year 2020-21 with the number of such cases also seeing a <strong>decline of 15% during the year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Digital Payments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Covid-19 pandemic<strong> increased</strong> the proliferation of digital modes of payments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Total <strong>digital transaction volume in 2020-21 stood at 4,371 crore,</strong> as against <strong>3,412 crore in 2019-20.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The prospects for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/fintech-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> FinTech</strong></a> in India&rsquo;s financial system in 2021-22 will depend upon the degree of entrenchment of digital usage.</li>
<li>Various <strong>initiatives such as an innovation hub, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/norms-for-regulatory-sandbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">regulatory sandbox</a> and offline payment solutions</strong> are underway to ensure that in the digital ecosystem, India maintains its position as a leader.</li>
<li>The <strong>RBI is also in the process of extending the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mobile-application-for-geo-tagging-pmksy#:~:text=Geo%2Dtagging%20is%20the%20process,of%20latitude%20and%20longitude%20coordinates." target="_blank" rel="noopener">geo-tagging</a> framework put in place to capture location of bank branches and ATMs</strong> to cover payment system touch points, enabling accurate capture of their location across the country.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>possibility of leveraging India&rsquo;s domestic payment systems to facilitate cross-border transactions</strong> is being explored, and corridors and charges for inward remittances will be reviewed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Liquidity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The RBI will <strong>ensure a comfortable level of liquidity in the system</strong> during 2021- 22 in <strong>alignment with the stance of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-monetary-policy-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monetary policy.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is exemplified by the introduction of the secondary market <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G-sec acquisition programme (G-SAP).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monetary transmission will continue</strong> unimpeded while<strong> maintaining financial stability.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Monetary transmission<strong> refers to the process by which a central bank&rsquo;s monetary policy signals (like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repo rate</a>) are passed on,</strong> through the financial system to influence the businesses and households.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the vaccination drive picks up and cases of infections fall, a sharp turnaround in growth is likely, supported by strong favourable<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/core-sector-output-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> base effects.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> base effect refers to the effect that the choice of a basis of comparison or reference can have on the result</strong> of the comparison between data points.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>RBI predicted <strong>10.5% <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GDP (Gross Domestic Product)</a></strong> growth for the year 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/rbi-annual-report-for-2020-21-fall-in-provisions-sharp-forex-gains-led-to-higher-rbi-surplus-7333556/" 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/rbi-s-annual-report-2020-21'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'The Climate Breakthroughs Summit',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, world leaders convened at the <strong>Climate Breakthroughs Summit</strong> to demonstrate progress in critical sectors of the global economy, including steel, shipping, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/green-hydrogen-for-green-roadmap" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>green hydrogen</strong></a> and nature.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a collaboration between the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/davos-dialogue-world-economic-forum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></a>, <strong>Mission Possible Partnership,</strong> the <strong>United Nations Climate Champions,</strong> and the<strong> United Kingdom (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop-28" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP 26</a></strong> Presidency).</li>
<li>It aims to demonstrate the need for systemic change to accelerate the global transition to a <strong>zero-carbon economy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>&ldquo;Zero carbon economy&rdquo;</strong> refers to the green ecological economy based on low energy consumption and low pollution, where emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-transforming-to-a-net-zero-emissions-energy-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(net-zero)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>One of its key campaigns is the<strong> &lsquo;Race to Zero&rsquo; campaign</strong> that mobilises support of 708 cities, 24 regions, 2,360 businesses, 163 investors, and 624 higher education institutions to move towards zero-carbon recovery for a sustainable future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Highlights of the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> made a call for coordinated action to secure global net-zero emissions and fulfill its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels by 2050.</li>
<li><strong>Maersk,</strong> the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest container shipping line and vessel operator, joined Race to Zero</strong> with the commitment to halving the emission by 2030.</li>
<li><strong>As many as 40 health care institutions worldwide have committed to halving emissions by 2030</strong> and reaching net zero by 2050. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These 40 institutions represent more than 3,000 health care facilities in 18 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The transitions of individual companies and institutions such as these are<strong> being supported by sector-wide plans,</strong> reflected in the revised <strong>Climate Action Pathways, launched with the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The pathways set out sectoral visions for achieving a 1.5&deg;C resilient world in 2050, providing a roadmap to help countries and non-State actors alike to identify actions needed by 2021, 2025, 2030 and 2040 to deliver a zero-carbon world in time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Decarbonizing</strong> both <strong>heavy industry</strong> (aluminium, concrete and cement, chemicals, metals and mining, plastics and steel) <strong>and light industry</strong> (consumer goods, fashion, ICT and mobile, and retail) is <strong>technically and economically feasible.</strong></li>
<li>This <strong>can be done through</strong> reducing materials and energy use; increasing their productivity; and decarbonising production processes while implementing transitional solutions such as natural climate solutions where direct emissions reduction cannot be achieved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It supports implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a> by enabling collaboration between <strong>governments and the cities, regions, businesses</strong> and<strong> investors</strong> that must act on <strong>climate change.</strong></li>
<li>The focus is on <strong>environmental, economic</strong> and<strong> social system transformation, promoting higher ambition</strong> of all stakeholders to collectively strive for the<strong> 1.5 &deg;C temperature</strong> goal and a climate-neutral and<strong> resilient world.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Race to Zero Campaign</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Race to Zero is the <strong>UN-backed global campaign</strong> rallying <strong>non-state actors &ndash;</strong> including companies, cities, regions, financial and educational institutions &ndash; to take rigorous and immediate action to halve<strong> global emissions by 2030</strong> and deliver a healthier, fairer, <strong>zero-carbon world in time.</strong></li>
<li>Race To Zero mobilizes actors outside of national governments to join the<strong> Climate Ambition Alliance.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Climate Ambition Alliance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The CAA currently includes 120 nations and several other private players that have committed to achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.</li>
<li>Signatories are responsible for 23% of current greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide and 53% of global GDP.</li>
<li><strong>India is not part</strong> of this Alliance.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/un-calls-for-swift-zero-carbon-recovery-action-at-climate-summit-77143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-climate-breakthroughs-summit'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Begum Sultan Jahan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the death anniversary of Begum Sultan Jahan was observed.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>She was a Philanthropist, Prolific writer, Feminist, Symbol of Women Empowerment, First female Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622200001_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622200001_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> In 1858 (Bhopal).</li>
<li><strong>Ruler of Bhopal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>She was the <strong>last Begum of Bhopal. Ruled from 1909 to 1926</strong> after which she was succeeded by her son. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fourth female ruler of Bhopal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Set up the <strong>municipality system, introduced municipal elections</strong> and constructed<strong> a walled city and a palace</strong> for herself.</li>
<li>Took steps for<strong> improving public health, sanitation, and water supply</strong> in the walled city and implemented<strong> widespread vaccination drives</strong> for its residents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Feminist Icon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Her progressive policies for women, at a time when they were shackled by the forces of patriarchy, have made her a feminist icon even today.</li>
<li>Constructed <strong>a Meeting Hall for Ladies in Lahore in 1913.</strong></li>
<li>Organised <strong>an exhibition called &lsquo;Numaish Masunuaat e Hind&rsquo; in Bhopal</strong> to encourage women and promote handicrafts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Philanthropist:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Established the <strong>Sultan Jahan Endowment Trust</strong> with a corpus of Rs three lakhs for helping needy students.</li>
<li><strong>Funded</strong> a Madrasa in Deoband (UP), Nadwatul Uloom in Lucknow and even Madarsa Sultania in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.</li>
<li>Institutions such as<strong> Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi and some renowned colleges in Bombay and Calcutta</strong> received generous grants from her.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educationist:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Authored 41 books, translated a number of English books into Urdu.</li>
<li><strong>Authored a book, Dars-e-Hayat,</strong> about the education and parenting of young girls.</li>
<li><strong>Revamped the syllabus</strong> and added subjects such as English, Urdu, Arithmetic, Home Science and crafts of the Sultania School she started.</li>
<li>Started a nursing school called <strong>Lady Minto Nursing School.</strong></li>
<li>She was the<strong> first women chancellor of AMU (Aligarh Muslim University).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During AMU&rsquo;s centenary celebrations in December 2020, the Prime paid tribute to Begum Jahan and her contribution to the historic institution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> 12<sup>th</sup> May 1930.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/last-begum-of-bhopal-how-begum-sultan-jahan-fought-patriarchy-and-educated-a-generation-of-women-7332398/" 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/begum-sultan-jahan'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Currency Swap Facility',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Bangladesh cleared a USD 200 million currency swap facility for Sri Lanka,</strong> to help boost its economy.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>word swap</strong> means <strong>exchange.</strong> A <strong>currency swap</strong> between the two countries is an <strong>agreement or contract to exchange currencies</strong> with predetermined terms and conditions.</li>
<li>In the <strong>present context,</strong> a currency swap is effectively<strong> a loan that Bangladesh will give to Sri Lanka in dollars,</strong> with an agreement that the <strong>debt will be repaid with interest in Sri Lankan rupees. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Central banks and Governments</strong> engage in currency swaps<strong> with foreign counterparts</strong> to meet <strong>short term foreign exchange liquidity</strong> requirements or to ensure adequate foreign currency to<strong> avoid Balance of Payments (BOP)</strong> <strong>crisis</strong> till longer arrangements can be made.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For Sri Lanka,</strong> this is<strong> cheaper than borrowing from the market,</strong> and a lifeline as it struggles to maintain adequate forex reserves even as repayment of its external debts looms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These swap operations carry<strong> no exchange rate or other market risks</strong> as transaction terms are set in advance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Exchange rate risk,</strong> also known as<strong> currency risk,</strong> is the financial risk arising from <strong>fluctuations in the value of a base currency against a foreign currency</strong> in which a company or individual has assets or obligations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unusual for Bangladesh:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh has <strong>not been viewed so far as a provider of financial assistance to other countries.</strong> It has been<strong> among the most impoverished countries of the world,</strong> and <strong>still receives billions of dollars in financial aid.</strong></li>
<li>But <strong>over the last two decades,</strong> it has <strong>managed to elevate its economy itself majorly,</strong> and in<strong> 2020,</strong> was the <strong>fastest growing in South Asia.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The country has <strong>managed to pull millions out of poverty.</strong> Its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-outlook-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>per capita income just overtook India&rsquo;s.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This <strong>may be the first time that Bangladesh is extending a helping hand</strong> to another country, so this is a landmark of sorts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Approach to India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, the President of Sri Lanka<strong> requested India for a USD 1 billion credit swap,</strong> and separately,<strong> a moratorium</strong> on debts that the country has to repay to India.</li>
<li>But India-Sri Lanka relations have been <strong>tense over Colombo&rsquo;s decision to cancel a valued container terminal project at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-new-project-in-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colombo Port</a></strong>, which made India put off the decision.</li>
<li><strong>Earlier, in July 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended a USD 400 million credit swap facility to Sri Lanka,</strong> which the Central Bank of Sri Lanka settled in February. The arrangement was not extended.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>RBI&rsquo;s Framework for Swap Facilities for SAARC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/currency-swap-arrangement-for-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> SAARC currency swap facility</strong> </a>came into operation on <strong>15<sup>th</sup> November, 2012.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> revised framework</strong> is valid from 14<sup>th</sup> November, 2019 to 13<sup>th</sup> November, 2022.</li>
<li>The <strong>RBI can offer a swap arrangement within the overall corpus of USD 2 billion.</strong></li>
<li>The swap drawals can be made in US dollar, euro or Indian rupee. The framework provides <strong>certain concessions for swap drawals in Indian rupee.</strong></li>
<li>The facility will be <strong>available to all SAARC member countries,</strong> subject to their signing the bilateral swap agreements.</li>
<li>The<strong> presumption was that only India, as the regional group&rsquo;s largest economy, could do this.</strong> The <strong>Bangladesh-Sri Lanka arrangement shows that is no longer valid.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Balance of Payment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-merchandise-trade-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Balance of Payment (BoP)</strong></a> of a country can be defined as <strong>a systematic statement of all economic transactions of a country with the rest of the world</strong> during a specific period usually one year.</li>
<li>Overall the <strong>BoP account can be a surplus or a deficit.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If there is a deficit then it can be bridged by taking money from the<strong> Foreign Exchange (Forex) Account.</strong></li>
<li>If the reserves in the forex account are falling short then this scenario is referred to as <strong>BoP crisis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components of BOP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Current Account:</strong> It shows <strong>export and import of visibles and invisibles</strong> (includes goods and services).</li>
<li><strong>Capital Account:</strong> It shows a capital expenditure and income for a country. It gives <strong>a summary of the net flow of both private and public investment</strong> into an economy.</li>
<li><strong>Errors and Omissions:</strong> Sometimes the balance of payment does not balance. This imbalance is shown in the BoP as errors and omissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Foreign Exchange Reserves</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forex-reserves-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign exchange reserves</strong></a> are <strong>assets denominated in a foreign currency that are held by a central bank.</strong></li>
<li>These may include <strong>foreign currencies, bonds, treasury bills, and other government securities.</strong></li>
<li>These reserves are used<strong> to back liabilities and influence monetary policy. </strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladesh-clears-currency-swap-facility-to-boost-sri-lankas-depleting-foreign-reserves/article34651289.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/currency-swap-facility'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Blackbuck Population Increased in Odisha',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a <strong>census</strong> carried out by the Odisha State Forest Department revealed that <strong>Odisha's blackbuck population has doubled</strong> in the last six years.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622191183_pasted%20image 0 (2).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622191183_pasted image 0 (2).png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Blackbuck:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Blackbuck <em>(Antilope cervicapra)</em>, or the Indian Antelope</strong>, is a species of antelope <strong>native to India and Nepal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>considered as the epitome of grassland.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.</strong></li>
<li>The blackbuck is a <strong>diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).</strong></li>
<li>It has been <strong>declared as the State Animal</strong> of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Importance:</strong> It is <strong>a symbol of purity for Hinduism</strong> as its skin and horns are regarded as a sacred object. For <strong>Buddhism</strong>, it is a symbol of <strong>good luck.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/wildlife-protection-act-wpa-1972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act </a>1972:</strong> Schedule I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Status</strong></a>: Least Concern</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix III</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Habitat Fragmentation, Deforestation, Natural Calamities, Illegal Hunting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Protected Areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary - Gujarat</li>
<li>Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary - Tamil Nadu</li>
<li>In 2017, the <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong> State Government approved the plan of setting up the <strong>Blackbuck <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tillari-conservation-reserve-notified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conservation Reserve</a></strong> in the trans-Yamuna belt near Prayagraj. It would be the first conservation reserve dedicated to the blackbuck.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Blackbuck in Odisha:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The blackbuck is <strong>known in Odisha as Krushnasara Mruga.</strong></li>
<li>Blackbucks are confined to <strong>Balukhand-Konark coastal plain / wildlife sanctuary</strong> in Puri District; <strong>Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas</strong> in Ganjam District.</li>
<li>As per the latest census, the antelopes numbered 7,358, compared to 2,194 in 2011.</li>
<li>Improvement of habitats, protection given by the local people and forest staff were some of the <strong>reasons for the increase of the population.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Antelopes Found in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kanha-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Barasingha/Swamp Deer</strong></a>, Chital/Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Sangai/Brow-Antlered Deer, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/himalayan-serow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Himalayan Serow</strong></a>, Barking Deer/Indian Muntjac, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-tahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nilgiri Tahr</strong></a>/Nilgiri Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Himalayan Tahr, Nilgai/Blue Bull, Chinkara/Indian Gazelle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/odisha-s-blackbucks-double-in-6-years-reveals-census-77138" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/blackbuck-population-increased-in-odisha'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Pandemic & Infodemic Relation',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/in-a-pandemic-the-power-of-the-rumour-101622024234451.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;In a pandemic, the power of the rumour&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 26/05/2021. It talks about the challenges put forward by the combined effect of Covid-19 pandemic and infodemic.</p>
</div>
<p>Covid-19 is the first pandemic in history where technology and social media are being used on a massive scale, and widespread dissemination of health rumours has been rampant, prompting the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)</strong></a> to also call the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pandemic-and-infodemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic and &ldquo;infodemic&rdquo;</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Infodemic is an overabundance of information that makes it difficult for people to identify truthful and trustworthy sources from false or misleading ones.</p>
<p>In the present state of emergency, health information specifically on social media, is often published, shared, and re-shared. Irrespective of its veracity, the fake news frequently leads to the spread of misinformation and rumours under the guise of truth.</p>
<p>One such fear misformation is about the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 vaccine</strong></a>. Due to this, Vaccine hesitancy was named as one of the top 10 threats to global health by WHO.</p>
<h3>Pandemic &amp; Infodemic Linkage</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Paradigm Shift:</strong> There is a paradigm shift from the 20<sup>th</sup>-century ecosystem dominated by print and broadcast media to an increasingly digital, mobile and social media dominated ecosystem.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The lack of filtering on online platforms negates any authentication mechanisms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cognitive Overload of Information:</strong> The pandemic gives rise to confusion, ambiguity, anxiety, and uncertainty, which, in turn, may lead to increased transmission of health rumours.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The accuracy, veracity, and perceived credibility of the source are ignored, more so on social media where users are already cognitively overloaded with too much information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public&rsquo;s Coping Mechanism:</strong> Many studies have found that during a crisis (e.g. natural disaster, terror attack, global pandemic), sharing rumours works like a coping mechanism. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>People draw a false sense of relief, such that anxiety or fears associated with the uncertain situation is momentarily reduced.</li>
<li>However, in the long-run, during a pandemic, prior research finds that health rumours, exchanged in a community, can instil fear.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Systemic Baggage:</strong> In a developing country like India, the rumor-mongering stems from distrust in health institutions and experts, misunderstanding related to herd immunity, fear related to rapid vaccine development.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These factors reinforce the conspiracy theories and misinformation circulating widely on social media.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leveraging Positive Role of Social Media:</strong> Though social media is acting as a fertile ground for dangerous rumour-mongering, it can act as an indispensable source of vital information.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, governments and health agencies must establish an engaging web presence to debunk misinformation and fill the knowledge gaps.</li>
<li>Further, engaging celebrities and social media influencers can motivate people who are less eager to take the vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Responsibility of Social Media Platforms:</strong> Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp should be proactive in adding features that allow users to access verified information<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, they must double their efforts in flagging misinformation and rapidly removing health rumours.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Hygiene:</strong> Though Covid-19 and social media have highlighted the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, the conversation about information hygiene must now happen in the society. Information hygiene includes:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Verifying the authentic source of fact.</li>
<li>Double checking with some fact checking website.</li>
<li>Asking some expert opinion on that particular issue.</li>
<li>Applying rational thinking while going through a forwarded news on social media.</li>
<li>Applying these ideas before sharing the same.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>While India&rsquo;s core crisis today is vaccine shortage, and data on hesitancy is inadequate, it would be a mistake to ignore the role of the latter as supplies shore up.</p>
<p>The challenge will not be in supply, but ensuring that citizens understand that a vaccine is the most effective protective mechanism that is currently known and available. Putting the rumours to rest is a national imperative.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f1f0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the challenges presented by pandemic and infodemic linkage.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pandemic-infodemic-relation'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Sun Halo/Kaleidoscope Effect',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>people of Bangalore witnessed a bright rainbow ring around the sun</strong> for a few moments - a rare optical and atmospheric phenomenon called <strong>&ldquo;22 degree circular Halo&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622116045_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622116045_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Point</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The phenomenon<strong> popularly known as the 22 degree circular halo of the sun or occasionally the Moon</strong> (also called a moon ring or winter halo), <strong>occurs when the sun&rsquo;s or moon&rsquo;s rays get deflected/refracted through the hexagonal ice crystals </strong>present<strong> in cirrus clouds.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is<strong> also called the Kaleidoscopic Effect.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These halos <strong>are called 22-degree halos,</strong> as the halo or ring has an <strong>apparent radius of 22 degrees</strong> around the sun/moon.</li>
<li><strong>Circular halos specifically are produced by cirrus clouds,</strong> which are thin, detached, hair-like clouds. These clouds are formed very high up in the atmosphere, at a height of over 20,000 feet.</li>
<li>Just like a rainbow, a halo is visible when viewed from the right angle &mdash; sometimes appearing just white but often with colours of the spectrum also clearly present.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The halo is the<strong> brightest at the inner edge</strong> of the circular disk, with no light inside the disk as no light is refracted at smaller angles.</li>
<li><strong>Red</strong> light is <strong>refracted less</strong> than other colours of light, so the halo&rsquo;s <strong>inner edge</strong> is <strong>reddish.</strong> Other<strong> shades</strong> typically tend to<strong> overlap and wash out.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/bengaluru-residents-witness-rare-halo-around-the-sun-photos-go-viral-7328456/" 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/sun-halo-kaleidoscope-effect'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Traceability Provision in New IT Rules 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, messaging platform WhatsApp has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the <strong>traceability provision</strong> in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-it-rules-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New IT Rules 2021</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) had sent a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/data-protection-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>notice to WhatsApp asking it to withdraw a controversial update to its privacy policy</strong></a> which might be a threat to Data Protection of Indians.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Traceability Provision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>requires intermediaries to enable identification of the first originator</strong> of information on their platforms.</li>
<li>Rule 4(2) of the Intermediary Rules states that <strong>a significant social media intermediary</strong> providing services primarily in the nature of <strong>messaging shall enable the identification of the first originator of the information</strong> on its computer resource <strong>as may be required by a judicial order or an order passed by a competent authority under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-laws-and-blocking-of-internet-content-centre-vs-twitter#:~:text=Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000%3A,computer%20resources%20and%20electronic%20records." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Information and Technology (IT) Act 2000</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Failure to comply with this requirement would <strong>take away the indemnity</strong> provided to social media intermediaries under<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-laws-and-blocking-of-internet-content-centre-vs-twitter#:~:text=Section%2079%20of%20the%20IT,his%20capacity%20as%20an%20intermediary." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Section 79 of the IT Act</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns Raised:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Infringes Rights to privacy and freedom of speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This breaks end-to-end encryption and impermissibly infringes upon users&rsquo; fundamental <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-to-privacy-legitimate-state-interest#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20described%20privacy,decision%20of%20K.S.%20Puttaswamy%20v.&amp;text=The%20right%20to%20privacy%20is%20protected%20as%20an%20intrinsic%20part,Part%20III%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rights to privacy</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-dissent#:~:text=Significance%20of%20Right%20to%20Dissent,assemble%20peaceably%20and%20without%20arms." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Freedom of speech</strong></a>.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/access-to-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 19(1)(a)</strong></a> of the Indian Constitution guarantees the <strong>freedom of speech and expression.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>right to privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty</strong> under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1#:~:text=Protection%20of%20Life%20and%20Personal,both%20citizens%20and%20non%2Dcitizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 21</strong></a> and as a part of the freedoms guaranteed by Part III of the Constitution <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privacy-judgement-and-the-aftermath#:~:text=Context,and%20liberty%20under%20Article%2021." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Puttaswamy Judgement 2017)</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>States throughout the world have recognised</strong> the &ldquo;important benefits&rdquo; of <strong>end-to-end encryption</strong> and the dangers of undermining that security protocol.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discourages Free Expression:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Freedom of Speech and Right to Privacy <strong>encourages users to express their ideas and opinions, report unlawful activities</strong>, and <strong>challenge popular views without fear of reprisal</strong>, whereas enabling the identification of the first originator of information in India subverts privacy and <strong>discourages free expression of views.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Will Curb Freedom of Media:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such a requirement would <strong>put journalists at risk of retaliation for investigating issues that may be unpopular, civil or</strong> for discussing certain rights and criticizing or advocating for politicians or policies.</li>
<li><strong>Clients and attorneys</strong> who could become reluctant to share confidential information for fear that the privacy and security of their communications are <strong>no longer ensured.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Traceability not Effective in Finding Originator:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Traceability would not be effective in finding the originator of a particular message because <strong>people commonly see content on websites or social media platforms and then copy and paste them into chats.</strong></li>
<li>It would also be <strong>impossible to understand the context</strong> of how it was originally shared.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Section 79 of the IT Act 2000</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It says any <strong>intermediary shall not be held legally</strong> <strong>or otherwise liable for any third party information, data, or communication link</strong> made available or hosted on its platform. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<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>protection shall be applicable if the said intermediary does not</strong> in any way <strong>initiate the transmission</strong> of the message in question, <strong>select the receiver of the transmitted message</strong> and <strong>does not modify any information</strong> contained in the transmission.</li>
<li>It is <strong>not granted if the intermediary, despite being informed or notified by the government or its agencies, does not immediately disable access</strong> to the material under question.</li>
<li>The intermediary <strong>must not tamper with any evidence of these messages or content</strong> present on its platform, failing which it loses its protection under the Act.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>End-to-End Encryption vs Traceability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>End-to-end encryption was <strong>designed to help ensure that nobody other than the person you are talking to can know that you sent a particular message.</strong> This is the exact opposite of traceability, which would reveal who sent what to whom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>End-to-end encryption</strong> is a system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Traceability would force private companies to collect and store who-said-what and who-shared-what for billions of messages sent each day.</strong> This will require platforms to collect more data than they need, solely for the purpose of turning it over to law enforcement agencies.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/tracing-messages-will-violate-privacy-chill-free-speech-whatsapp-7331846/" 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/traceability-provision-in-new-it-rules-2021'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Rights of Van Gujjars',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Uttarakhand High Court</strong> has <strong>reprimanded the State government for stopping some Van Gujjar</strong> families on the way <strong>to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park</strong> and said their <strong>right to life is being violated</strong> by the authorities.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Van Gujjars pursue seasonal migration from the Terai-Bhabar and Siwalik region of Uttarakhand to the higher bugyals in the Western Himalayas in summer</strong> and vice versa in winter. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This <strong>phenomenon of transhumance</strong> pursued by the community is among the few climate-adaptive and resilience strategies that ensures their pastoral livelihood remains viable and sustainable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Van Gujjars <strong>possess legitimate permits</strong> across their summer (Govind Pashu Vihar National Park) and winter homesteads. However, they are <strong>not</strong> <strong>permitted by authorities</strong> to enter the Park.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rights of Pastoralists</strong> <strong>under<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Forests Rights Act 2006</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has ensured that <strong>even pastoralists possess rights to access grazing pastures in lieu of the Community Forest Resource right</strong> they are eligible for. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Section 2 (a) <strong>prescribes for the rights of pastoral communities on customary common forest land</strong> within the traditional or customary boundaries of a village.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>also prescribes the seasonal use of a landscape in case of pastoral</strong> <strong>communities</strong>, including in unclassed forests, reserve forests, un-demarcated forests, deemed forests, protected forests, sanctuaries and national parks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High Court&rsquo;s Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Upholds the <strong>right of Van Gujjars to migrate to their summer homesteads</strong> in the <strong>bugyals (Himalayan alpine meadows)</strong> located within the <strong>Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.</strong></li>
<li>The court relied on <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 21</strong></a> <strong>(Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) of the constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 21 of the Constitution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It declares that <strong>no person shall be deprived of his<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fundamental-rights-and-oci-cardholders#:~:text=Article%2021%3A%20It%20declares%20that,both%20citizens%20and%20non%2Dcitizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> life or personal liberty</a> except</strong> according to <strong>procedure established by law.</strong></li>
<li>This right is <strong>available to both citizens and non-citizens.</strong></li>
<li>The right to life is <strong>not merely confined to animal existence or survival</strong> but also includes the right to live with human dignity and all <strong>those aspects of life</strong> which go to make a man&rsquo;s life <strong>meaningful, complete and worth living.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Van Gujjars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Van Gujjars are the <strong>forest-dwelling nomadic community</strong> inhabiting the <strong>foothills of Himalayan States such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>Usually, they <strong>migrate to the bugyals (grasslands)</strong> located in the upper Himalayas with their buffaloes and return only at the end of monsoons to their makeshift huts, deras, in the foothills.</li>
<li>They traditionally <strong>practice buffalo husbandry</strong>; a family owns up to 25 heads of buffaloes. They rely on buffaloes for milk, which gets them a good price in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh markets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Govind Pashu Vihar National Park</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is located in the <strong>Uttarkashi district</strong> of the state of <strong>Uttarakhand.</strong> The park lies in the higher reaches of the <strong>Garhwal Himalayas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The park was <strong>established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year of 1955.</strong> It was <strong>declared as a National Park in the year of 1990.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fauna include the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/snow-leopard-2#:~:text=The%20GSLEP%20is%20a%20high,Kazakhstan%2C%20Tajikistan%2C%20and%20Uzbekistan." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Snow Leopard</strong></a>, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Western Tragopan etc.</li>
<li>Some of the noteworthy trees present in the sanctuary include deodar cedar, chir pine, silver fir, blue pine and several <strong>deciduous species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Within the park is the <strong>Har-ki-dun valley</strong> which is a known <strong>spot for trekking</strong>, while the <strong>Ruinsara high altitude lake</strong> is also popular as a tourist destination.</li>
<li>The park creates an upper water catchment of <strong>River Tons.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tons river</strong> is a significant tributary of <strong>Yamuna River</strong> and reaches the upper <strong>stretches of Garhwal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Other Protected Areas in Uttarakhand</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jim Corbett National Park (first National Park of India).</li>
<li>Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park which together are a <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rajaji-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajaji National Park</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttrakhand-approves-land-transfer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gangotri National Park</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/let-the-van-gujjars-remain-nomadic-77115" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rights-of-van-gujjars'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'National Mission on use of Biomass in Coal Based Thermal Power Plants',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Ministry of Power has decided to set up a <strong>National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The proposed National Mission on biomass will also contribute to the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>It would further <strong>support the energy transition in the country</strong> and our targets to move towards <strong>cleaner energy sources.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>address the issue of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air pollution</a></strong> due to farm <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning</strong></a> and to <strong>reduce carbon footprints of thermal power generation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increase the <strong>level of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reducing-emissions-from-coal-based-power-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biomass co-firing</a> from present 5% to higher levels</strong> to have a larger share of carbon neutral power generation from the thermal power plants.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Biomass co-firing</strong> stands for adding biomass as a partial substitute fuel in high efficiency coal boilers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Take up R&amp;D (Research &amp; Development)</strong> activity in boiler design to handle the higher amount of silica, alkalis in the biomass pellets.</li>
<li><strong>Facilitate overcoming the constraints in supply chain of biomass</strong> pellets and agro- residue and its transport upto to the power plants.</li>
<li>Consider <strong>regulatory issues in biomass co-firing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Proposed Structure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Mission would have a <strong>Steering Committee headed by the Secretary (Ministry of Power)</strong> comprising all stakeholders including <strong>representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas , Ministry of New &amp; Renewable Energy etc.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-thermal-power-corporation-limited" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Thermal Power Corporation Limited</strong></a> will play a larger role in providing logistics and infrastructure support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Duration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The duration of the proposed National Mission would be a <strong>minimum 5 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives to Reduce Pollution from Coal Power Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Stringent emission standards</strong> for coal based thermal power plants have been notified.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Compulsory adoption of emissions standards for installing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sulfur-dioxide-emission-norms-delayed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD)</strong> </a>units that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Approved automatic transfer of coal linkage from inefficient power plants</strong> <strong>to new supercritical plants</strong> subject to certain conditions to promote setting up of supercritical units in place of old ones.</li>
<li>Thermal power plants within 50 km of sewage treatment facilities will <strong>mandatorily use treated sewage water.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives to Reduce Air Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UJALA scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Solar Alliance</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biomass</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Biomass</strong> is plant or animal material used as fuel to produce electricity or heat. Examples are wood, energy crops and waste from forests, yards, or farms.</li>
<li>Biomass has always been an <strong>important energy source for the country considering the benefits it offers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is<strong> renewable, widely available, carbon-neutral</strong> and has the potential to provide <strong>significant employment in the rural areas.</strong></li>
<li>It is also capable of providing firm energy. About <strong>32% of the total primary energy use in the country is still derived from biomass</strong> and more than <strong>70% of the country&rsquo;s population depends upon it</strong> for its energy needs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Biomass power &amp; cogeneration programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Initiated by the <strong>Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.</strong></li>
<li>For efficient utilization of biomass, <strong>bagasse based cogeneration in sugar mills and biomass power generation</strong> have been taken up under the programme.</li>
<li><strong>Biomass materials used for power generation include</strong> Rice husk, straw, cotton stalk, coconut shells, soya husk, de-oiled cakes, coffee waste, jute wastes, groundnut shells, saw dust etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Promoting technologies for optimum use</strong> of the country's biomass resources for grid power generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1721473" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-mission-on-use-of-biomass-in-coal-based-thermal-power-plants'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfrda-sets-up-panel-on-cyber-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)</strong></a> announced that <strong>Assets Under Management (AUM)</strong> under the <strong>National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)</strong>, crossed the <strong>milestone of Rs. 6 trillion.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>AUM</strong> is the <strong>total market value of the investments</strong> that a person or entity handles on behalf of investors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Pension System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from <strong>January 2004</strong> (except for armed forces).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018 to <strong>streamline the NPS and make it more attractive</strong>, the Union Cabinet approved <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/streamlining-of-national-pension-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>changes in the scheme</strong> </a>to benefit central government employees covered under NPS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NPS is being <strong>implemented and regulated by PFRDA</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><strong>National Pension System Trust (NPST)</strong> established by PFRDA is the registered owner of all assets under NPS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Structure:</strong> NPS is structured into <strong>two tiers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tier-I account:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the <strong>non-withdrawable permanent retirement account</strong> into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tier-II account:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a <strong>voluntary withdrawable account</strong> which is allowed only when there is an active Tier I account in the name of the subscriber.</li>
<li>The <strong>withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NPS was made available to <strong>all Citizens of India from May 2009.</strong></li>
<li>Any individual citizen of India (both resident and Non-resident) in the <strong>age group of 18-65 years</strong> can join NPS.</li>
<li>However, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rights-of-overseas-citizens-of-india#:~:text=Overseas%20Citizen%20of%20India,person%2C%20among%20other%20eligibility%20criteria." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin)</strong></a> card holders and <strong>Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs) are not eligible for opening of NPS accounts.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atal Pension Yojana:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scheme was <strong>launched in May, 2015</strong>, with the <strong>objective of creating a universal social security system for all Indians</strong>, especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector.</li>
<li>The scheme has been <strong>implemented comprehensively across the country covering all states and Union Territories </strong>with<strong> male to female subscription ratio of 57:43.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, only <strong>5% of the eligible population has been covered</strong> under APY till date.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administered By:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PFRDA through NPS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Any citizen of India</strong> can join the APY scheme. The age of the subscriber should be between <strong>18-40 years.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>contribution levels would vary and would be low if a subscriber joins early</strong> and increases if she joins late.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides a <strong>minimum guaranteed pension</strong> ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 on attaining 60 years of age.</li>
<li>The <strong>amount of pension is guaranteed for lifetime to the spouse</strong> on death of the subscriber.</li>
<li>In the event of death of both the subscriber and the spouse, <strong>the entire pension corpus is paid to the nominee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>statutory Authority</strong> established by an enactment of the Parliament, to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the <strong>National Pension System (NPS).</strong></li>
<li>It works under the <strong>Department of Financial Services</strong> under the Ministry of Finance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It performs the function of <strong>appointing various intermediate agencies like Pension Fund Managers, Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA)</strong> etc.</li>
<li>It develops, <strong>promotes and regulates the pension industry under the NPS</strong> and also <strong>administers the APY.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1721880#:~:text=The%20Pension%20Fund%20Regulatory%20and,APY)%2C%20after%2013%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-pension-system-and-atal-pension-yojana'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'New Rules for Increased FDI in Insurance Sector',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Finance</strong> amended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/insurance-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015</strong></a> and clarified on the final rules for increased <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI (Foreign Direct Investment)</strong></a> in the Insurance Sector.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Parliament had passed the <strong>Insurance Amendment Bill 2021</strong> to increase the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI</strong></a> limit in the insurance sector to <strong>74% from 49%.</strong></li>
<li>The Ministry of Finance has notified <strong>'Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment Rules, 2021&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of New Rules:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Management Persons to be Resident Indian Citizens:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For an Indian insurance company having foreign investment -<strong> majority of its directors, key management persons, and at least one among</strong> the chairperson of its Board, its managing director and its chief executive officer - <strong>will be a resident Indian citizen.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Meaning of Foreign Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Total foreign investment here would mean the <strong>sum of both direct</strong> and <strong>indirect</strong> foreign investment. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Direct investment</strong> by a foreigner will be called <strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong>, while <strong>investment by an Indian company</strong> (which is <strong>owned or controlled by foreigners</strong>) into another Indian entity is considered as <strong>Indirect Foreign Investment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The increase in foreign ownership to 74% <strong>can result in inclusion of global best practices in terms of insurance products</strong> going forward. It will<strong> also help in bringing down the cost of insurance products</strong> in India.</li>
<li>It is <strong>good for Indian Promoters</strong>, it will <strong>let them keep control of management and board</strong>, the additional capital <strong>inflow will help them</strong> with funds to push for growth.</li>
<li>It will <strong>benefit small insurance players</strong> or the ones where the sponsors don&rsquo;t have the ability to put in more capital and hence it will benefit in strengthening them and <strong>increasing competition</strong> across the industry.</li>
<li>It is <strong>likely to help local private insurers</strong> grow fast and expand their presence across India, which has one of the lowest insurance penetration levels globally.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Insurance Penetration in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Insurance penetration in India is <strong>currently at 3.7% of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a></strong> compared to the world <strong>average of 6.31%.</strong></li>
<li>Growth in the <strong>life <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/insurance-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">insurance sector</a></strong> has slowed to <strong>11-12% currently</strong> from <strong>15-20% until fiscal 2020</strong>, as the pandemic pushed customers to save cash instead of spending on stocks or life insurance policies.</li>
<li>As of <strong>31<sup>st</sup> March, 2021</strong>, there were <strong>only</strong> <strong>24 life and 34 non-life direct insurers</strong> in India, whereas there were <strong>243 life insurance companies (1956) and 107 non-life insurance companies (1973)</strong> at the <strong>time of nationalisation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Step (Model Insurance Villages):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)</strong> has mooted the concept of <strong>&lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-insurance-villages" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Insurance Village (MIV)</a>&rsquo;</strong> to boost <strong>insurance penetration in rural areas.</strong></li>
<li>The idea is to offer <strong>comprehensive insurance protection</strong> to all the major insurable risks that <strong>villagers are exposed</strong> to and make available covers at <strong>affordable or subsidised cost.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Following the recommendations of the <strong>Malhotra Committee report, in 1999</strong>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)</strong></a> was constituted as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry.</li>
<li>The <strong>IRDA</strong> was incorporated as <strong>a statutory body in April 2000.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>key objectives</strong> of the IRDA include the promotion of competition so as to enhance customer satisfaction through increased consumer choice and lower premiums while ensuring the financial security of the insurance market.</li>
<li>It is <strong>headquartered in Hyderabad.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There should be sufficient appetite for investment from long term investors including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-capital-infusion-into-niif#:~:text=Sovereign%20wealth%20fund%3A,from%20a%20country's%20surplus%20reserves." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sovereign wealth funds</strong></a>, global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfrda-sets-up-panel-on-cyber-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pension funds</strong></a> and insurance firms.</li>
<li>The sector needs capital and larger participation of the international partner for evolution and availability of global products in India and for better penetration.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/insurance-fdi-rules-set-govt-looks-to-whet-investor-appetite-7330392/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-rules-for-increased-fdi-in-insurance-sector'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Reviewing Act East Policy',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-singapore-relationship-southeast-asia-policy-7330227/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;What&rsquo;s going wrong with India&rsquo;s Act East policy?&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 26/05/2021. It talks about the recent developments that are testing Indian diplomacy in the Southeast Asia region.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the relation between Singapore and India got a little bit tense due to New Delhi Chief Minister's recent remarks about a Singapore variant of Covid reaction.</p>
<p>Although the External Affairs ministry was quick to disown the critical comments, many Indian policymakers and foreign policy analysts presented a wider and larger challenge to India&rsquo;s standing in Southeast Asia as a whole.</p>
<p>Three developments over the past five years are testing Indian diplomacy in the region. First, the rising profile of China combined with growing China-India tensions; second, disappointment in the region with India&rsquo;s economic under-performance; and, third, rising concern in the region with India&rsquo;s approach towards its minorities, especially Muslims and Christians.</p>
<p>These developments warrant a review of domestic politics and how it impacts the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East policy of India.</strong></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Evolution of Act East Policy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ever since 1992 when Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao enunciated a &ldquo;Look East Policy&rdquo; reaching out to Southeast Asia, India has engaged the region on all fronts &mdash; diplomatic and security, economic and people-to-people.</li>
<li>Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh built on Narasimha Rao&rsquo;s foundation and constructed a robust relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), so much so that in 2007 Singapore&rsquo;s founder-mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, a longstanding India sceptic, went to the extent of naming China and India as the two engines of Asian economic growth.</li>
<li>Continuing this approach, present Prime Minister Narendra Modi graduated Look East into an Act East policy.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Recent Challenges to Act East Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Economic Underperformance:</strong> China&rsquo;s accelerated rise since the trans-Atlantic financial crisis 2008-09 and the growing assertiveness initially generated a strong pro-India sentiment in the region with many ASEAN countries wanting India to balance China&rsquo;s enhanced power. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, India&rsquo;s economic slowdown and inward orientation, expressed through the decision to stay out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement</strong></a>, has disappointed regional business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns About Hindu Majoritarianism:</strong> In most ASEAN countries, ethnic Chinese practise Islam, Buddhism or Christianity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The growing concern about Hindu majoritarianism in India has impacted civil society attitudes in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.</li>
<li>Further, India deployed the soft power of &ldquo;Buddhist diplomacy&rdquo; but that too has not gained much traction as inter-religious tensions in the region grow.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong> Regarding handling of pandemic, China has handled the challenge efficiently while India is seen to have bungled. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has generated a pro-China sentiment among the region&rsquo;s ethnic Chinese communities and development of ASEAN&rsquo;s increasingly accommodative approach towards China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Combine Effect:</strong> Taken together, all these developments weakened the business-to-business (B2B) and people-to-people (P2P) connection between India and ASEAN despite the best efforts of hard-pressed diplomats to maintain good government-to-government (G2G) relations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reviewing RCEP Decision:</strong> Acknowledging India&rsquo;s economic power and value as a market, the RCEP members have left the door open for India to invite it to be an observer member.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Given the global economic scenario in present times and the near future, it would be in India&rsquo;s interest to dispassionately review its position on RCEP and carry out structural reforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging Soft power:</strong> Cultural and civilizational linkages are India&rsquo;s niche advantage while pursuing Act East Policy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, policymakers should refrain from such policies that apprears to be majoritarian in nature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tackling China:</strong> Just like China is showing its assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, India must increase its engagement in the South China Sea.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India's engagement with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> and ASEAN countries is a step in the right direction.</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian prime minister proposed an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;SAGAR (Security &amp; Growth For ALL in the Region) Initiative&rdquo;</strong></a> for the safe, secure and stable maritime domain. It focuses on creating partnerships among interested states in enhancing maritime security, sustainably using marine resources, disaster prevention &amp; management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Recent trends suggest that despite the best intentions of an Act East Policy, India&rsquo;s standing and image in Southeast Asia have suffered. Therefore, Indian diplomacy must take a fresh look at its Act East policy.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f0f2f7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Recent developments are testing Indian diplomacy and Act East Policy in the Southeast Asian region. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reviewing-act-east-policy'
		]
	],
	'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`, articles.star_rating AS `articles__star_rating`, articles.display_in_states AS `articles__display_in_states` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 23,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 336,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/careers',
		'title' => 'We are hiring Full Time Content Developers, to know more, please click here.',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Jayanti: New Species of Cricket',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a new species of Cricket named <strong>'Indimimus jayanti'</strong> was found in the<strong> Kurra caves of Chhattisgarh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new species was <strong>named after Professor Jayant Biswas,</strong> one of the leading cave explorers in the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622285236_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622285236_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the New Spider Cricket:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new species of cricket has been identified under the <strong>genus Arachnomimus Saussure, 1897.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Jayanti</strong> has led to the <strong>new subgenus 'Indimimus'.</strong></li>
<li>Males of the new Jayanti subgenus <strong>cannot produce sound</strong> and their <strong>females don&rsquo;t have ears.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the New Subgenus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The newly discovered subgenus, Indimimus, is different from the two subgenera, <strong>Arachnomimus and Euarachnomimus,</strong> because of the <strong>male genitalia structure.</strong></li>
<li>Insects have <strong>a lock-and-key model genitalia structure</strong> which is unique to each subgenus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arachnomimus Saussure, 1897:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Arachnomimus is the <strong>genus name given by Swiss Entomologist Henri Louis Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric de Saussure in 1878</strong> to crickets that resembled spiders.</li>
<li>Crickets of this group are <strong>commonly called spider crickets</strong> because of their smaller body size and long legs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can <strong>help in designing hearing aids for humans.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The new species<strong> may be communicating by beating their abdomen or any other body part on the cave walls. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Vibrational communication</strong> is one of the softest but fastest modes of signal transmission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vibrational communication can be regarded as an interaction between the physical properties of the environment and insect's anatomy and physiology and resulting behavior.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further studies on their skills of vibrational communication may help in designing hearing aids for humans which can capture quietest signals and amplify to an audible hearing range.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the discovery of Jayanti from India, the <strong>genus Arachnomimus is now known from 12 species.</strong> Distribution of these species is very wide, ranging from Brazil to Malaysia.</li>
<li>In India, the diversity of spider crickets is still unexplored. Given India is home to four <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/26-11-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biodiversity hotspots</strong></a>, and all the hotspots have unexplored caves, there is <strong>significant scope for many more discoveries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Crickets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cricket, any of approximately 2,400 species of leaping insects that are worldwide in distribution and known for the musical chirping of the male.</li>
<li>They have mainly cylindrical bodies, round heads, and long antennae. Behind the head is a smooth, robust pronotum.</li>
<li>Crickets are noticeable for their loud calls, especially at night. Male crickets produce this sound by rubbing their wings against each other to attract females.</li>
<li>The females listen to these calls using ears located on their legs and approach the males for mating and reproduction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/spider-cricket-jayanti-discovery-chhattisgarh-explained-7334078/" 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/jayanti-new-species-of-cricket'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Cyclone Yaas',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, cyclone <strong>Yaas</strong> made landfall south of <strong>Balasore in Odisha.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, another <strong>cyclonic storm named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-tauktae" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Cyclone Tauktae&rsquo;</a></strong> had affected the Indian states of Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, along with two Union Territories: Daman &amp; Diu and Lakshadweep.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The cyclone has been <strong>named Yaas by Oman.</strong> The word Yaas has originated from the Persian language and means <strong>&lsquo;Jasmin&rsquo;</strong> in English.</li>
<li>Typically, <strong>tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region</strong> (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea) <strong>develop during the pre-monsoon</strong> (April to June) and <strong>post-monsoon</strong> (October to December) periods.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>May-June</strong> and <strong>October-November</strong> are known to produce cyclones of severe intensity that affect the Indian coasts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been classified as a<strong> very severe cyclone.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-yaas-makes-landfall-in-balasore-triggers-heavy-damage/article34652295.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Meteorological Department (IMD)</strong></a> classifies cyclones on the <strong>basis of the maximum sustained surface wind speed</strong> (MSW) they generate.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The cyclones are classified as<strong> severe</strong> (MSW of 48-63 knots),<strong> very severe</strong> (MSW of 64-89 knots), <strong>extremely severe</strong> (MSW of 90-119 knots) and <strong>super cyclonic storm</strong> (MSW of 120 knots or more).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Areas Affected:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It affected the <strong>bordering regions of West Bengal and Odisha</strong> and weakened into a cyclonic storm, leaving behind a<strong> trail of destruction on the eastern coast.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bay of Bengal Getting Warmer:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bay of Bengal, where cyclone Yaas has formed, is at least <strong>two degrees warmer than what is normal for this time of the year.</strong></li>
<li>The north Bay of Bengal is exceptionally warm with temperatures up to 32 degrees.<strong></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tropical cyclone</strong></a> is an<strong> intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans</strong> and is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.</li>
<li>A<strong> characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the eye,</strong> a central region of clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure.</li>
<li>Storms of this type are called <strong>hurricanes in the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific and typhoons in SouthEast Asia and China.</strong> They are called<strong> tropical cyclones in the southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region and Willy-willies in north-western Australia.</strong></li>
<li>Storms <strong>rotate counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere </strong>and <strong>clockwise in the southern hemisphere.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>conditions favourable</strong> for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Large sea surface</strong> with temperature higher than 27&deg; C.</li>
<li>Presence of the <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-31" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coriolis force</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Small <strong>variations in the vertical wind speed.</strong></li>
<li>A pre-existing <strong>weak low- pressure area</strong> or low-level-cyclonic circulation.</li>
<li>Upper <strong>divergence</strong> above the sea level system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281357_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281357_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Naming of Tropical Cyclones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-yaas-makes-landfall-in-balasore-triggers-heavy-damage/article34652295.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>WMO (World Meteorological Organization)</strong></a> guidelines, countries in every region are supposed to give names for cyclones.</li>
<li>The <strong>North Indian Ocean Region</strong> covers tropical cyclones formed over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.</li>
<li>The 13 members, which come under the region, are <strong>Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.</strong></li>
<li>IMD, one of the six <strong>Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMC)</strong> in the world, is mandated to issue advisories and name tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean Region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an agency of the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bay of Bengal vs Arabian Sea (Cyclones)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bay of Bengal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As it is <strong>concave or shallow where when strong winds push water, it gets concentrated as a storm.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>shaped like a trough that makes it more hospitable for storms</strong> to gain force. Moreover, the <strong>high sea surface temperature makes matters more worse</strong> in the Bay triggering the intensity of the storms.</li>
<li>Additionally, it <strong>gets more rainfall</strong> with sluggish winds and warm air currents around it that keep temperatures relatively high all year. The <strong>constant inflow of fresh warm water from the perennial rivers</strong> like Brahmaputra, Ganga makes it further impossible to mix with the cooler water below.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of landmass between the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Bengal</strong> tend cyclonic winds to move into the coastal areas causing heavy rainfall.</li>
<li>The <strong>absence of air movements from north-western India towards the Bay in the post-monsoon phase is also another reason</strong> for the chances of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arabian Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is much <strong>calmer</strong> as the<strong> stronger winds help dissipate the heat and lack of constant fresh water</strong> helps the warm water to mix with the cool water underneath, reducing the surface temperature.</li>
<li>The Arabian Sea enjoys the <strong>locational advantage</strong> as the winds from the Pacific Ocean encounter the Western Ghats and the Himalayas cutting down on its intensity and sometimes never reaching the Arabian Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281491_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622281491_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-yaas-makes-landfall-in-balasore-triggers-heavy-damage/article34652295.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/cyclone-yaas'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Yellow Fungus',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>After black and white fungus, the recent case of yellow fungus has become a cause for concern.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Yellow fungus, <strong>also called mucor septic</strong>, initially <strong>develops by the presence of moulds</strong> (a type of fungi) in the environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>may be present</strong> with unnecessary fatigue, rashes, burning sensation <strong>on skin</strong> etc.</li>
<li>Humidity levels below 30-40% can promote the growth of fungus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>may not start from the lungs but it invades internal organs of the body</strong> and affects the entire functioning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potential Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prolonged use of steroids, contaminated environment, uncontrolled diabetes, unhygienic habits, lesser immunity, comorbidities.</li>
<li>The treatment for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> includes steroids and immunosuppressants that leave the body with weak immunity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Weight loss, reduced appetite, lethargy are the <strong>common symptoms</strong> of yellow fungus infection.</li>
<li>If not detected in time, symptoms can become <strong>more severe including pus leakage, sunken eyes, organ failure, slow healing of wounds and necrosis</strong> (cells in the living tissues die prematurely).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till now the only <strong>known treatment for yellow fungus is Amphotericin B injection</strong>, which is an antifungal drug also being <strong>used to treat black fungus.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maintaining hygiene, not consuming stale food, keeping the humidity in the room in check, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mucormycosis-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Black Fungus</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mucormycosis, previously known as zygomycosis</strong> and sometimes termed as black fungus, is generally spread by breathing in, eating food contaminated by, or <strong>getting spores of molds of the Mucorales type</strong> in an open wound.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/white-fungus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>White Fungus</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>White Fungus or <strong>Candidiasis</strong> is a fungal infection <strong>caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/yellow-fungus-fungal-infection-covid-pandemic-7329896/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1622281148600000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ICmjwLT8wuot7Ub9SfIo5" 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/yellow-fungus'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'DBT for Mid Day Meal Scheme ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Education</strong> has approved the proposal <strong>to</strong> <strong>provide monetary assistance to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the cooking cost component of the Mid-Day-Meal (MDM) Scheme</strong>, to all eligible children.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implications of DBT for MDM Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With schools closed for months due to Covid-19, this move will <strong>give a fillip to the Midday Meal programme.</strong></li>
<li>This is <strong>in addition</strong> to the Government of India&rsquo;s announcement of distribution of free-of-cost food grains at Rs. 5/kg per person per month to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-garib-kalyan-ann-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>help safeguard the nutritional levels of children </strong>and<strong> aid in protecting their immunity</strong> during the challenging pandemic times.</li>
<li>This <strong>one time special welfare measure</strong> will <strong>benefit about 11.8 crore children studying in class I to VIII in the 11.20 lakh Government and Government aided schools</strong> across the country.</li>
<li>The <strong>central government will provide additional funds of about Rs. 1200 crore</strong> to state governments and UT administrations for this purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Mid-Day-Meal Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong> It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforming-centrally-sponsored-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>centrally sponsored scheme</strong></a> which was <strong>launched in 1995.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is considered as the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest school feeding programme</strong> aimed <strong>to attain the goal of universalization of primary education.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong> Ministry of <strong>Education.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To address hunger and malnutrition, increase enrolment and attendance in school, improve socialisation among castes, provide employment at grassroot level especially to women.</li>
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Provides <strong>cooked meals to every child within the age group of six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII</strong> who enrolls and attends the school.</li>
<li>Cooked meal having <strong>nutritional standards</strong> of 450 calories and 12 gm of protein for primary (I-V class) and 700 calories and 20 gm protein for upper primary (VI-VIII class).</li>
<li>If the <strong>Mid-Day Meal is not provided in school on any school day</strong> due to non-availability of food grains or any other reason, <strong>the State Government shall pay food security allowance</strong> by 15<sup>th</sup> of the succeeding month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries:</strong> All children in government and aided schools and madrasas supported under <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mid-day-meal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samagra Shiksha</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> It has been visioned as an aid for simpler/faster flow of information and funds to the beneficiaries and to reduce the fraud in the delivery system.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong> It is a mission or an initiative by the government of India started on 1<sup>st</sup> January 2013 as a way to reform the government delivery system. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Central Plan Scheme Monitoring System (CPSMS), the earlier version of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/public-financial-management-system-pfms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Financial Management System (PFMS</a>)</strong>, of the Office of Controller General of Accounts, was chosen to act as the common platform for routing of the Direct Benefit Transfer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components of DBT:</strong> Primary components in the implementation of DBT schemes include Beneficiary Account Validation System, a robust payment and reconciliation platform integrated with RBI, NPCI, Public &amp; Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks (core banking solutions of banks, settlement systems of RBI, Aadhaar Payment Bridge of NPCI) etc.</li>
<li><strong>Other Schemes involving DBT:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> National Food Security Mission</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-krishi-sinchayee-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> PM KISAN</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin</a></strong>, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-pension-system-and-atal-pension-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atal Pension Yojana</a></strong>,<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayush-wellness-centres-under-national-ayush-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> National AYUSH Mission</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622276690_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622276690_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1722407" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dbt-for-mid-day-meal-scheme'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Veer Savarkar Jayanti',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On <strong>28<sup>th</sup> May</strong>, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter, <strong>Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar)</strong> on his <strong>birth anniversary.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He was an Indian independence activist, politician, lawyer and writer.</li>
<li>He is also known as <strong>Swatantryaveer Savarkar.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> Born on <strong>28<sup>th</sup> May,1883 in Bhagur</strong>, a village near Nashik in <strong>Maharashtra.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Related Organisations and Work:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Founded a secret society called <strong>Abhinav Bharat Society.</strong></li>
<li>Went to the United Kingdom and was involved with organizations such as <strong>India House and the Free India Society.</strong></li>
<li>He was the <strong>president of Hindu Mahasabha from 1937 to 1943.</strong></li>
<li>Savarkar wrote a book titled <strong>&lsquo;The History of the War of Indian Independence&rsquo;</strong> in which he wrote about the guerilla warfare tricks used in <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-179" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1857 Sepoy Mutiny</a>.</strong></li>
<li>He also wrote the book <strong>&lsquo;Hindutva: who is hindu?&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trial and Sentences:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Arrested in 1909</strong> on charges of plotting an armed revolt against the <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-193" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morley-Minto reform (Indian Councils Act 1909)</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Arrested in 1910</strong> for his <strong>connections with the revolutionary group India House.</strong></li>
<li>One of the charges on Savarkar was abetment to murder of Nashik Collector Jackson and the second was waging a conspiracy under Indian Penal Code 121-A against the King emperor.</li>
<li>Following the two trials, Savarkar was convicted and sentenced to <strong>50-years imprisonment also known as Kala Pani</strong> and transported in 1911 to the <strong>Cellular Jail</strong> in the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> He died on 26th February 1966 due to fasting on his own wish of death.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was a secret society founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar <strong>in</strong> <strong>1904.</strong></li>
<li>Initially founded at Nasik as Mitra Mela, the society was associated with several revolutionaries and political activists with branches in various parts of India and London.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India House</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was <strong>founded by Shyamji Kishan Verma in 1905</strong> in London.</li>
<li>It was opened to promote nationalist views among Indian students in London.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Free India Society</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Savarkar</strong> went to London in 1906. He soon founded the Free India Society, based on the thoughts of the Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini (Savarkar had written a biography of Mazzini).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hindu Mahasabha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha</strong> is one of the oldest organizations of India as it was <strong>formed in 1907</strong>. Eminent leaders <strong>extended this Organization in 1915 on ALL India basis.</strong></li>
<li>The Eminent personalities who founded this Organisation and who presided over the ALL INDIA Sessions held include Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Lal Lajpat Rai, Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1722343" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/veer-savarkar-jayanti-1'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Information Technology Rules, 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/nine-pin-bowling-aimed-at-free-speech-privacy/article34661717.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Nine-pin bowling aimed at free speech, privacy&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 28/05/2021. It talks about the challenges associated with the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.</p>
</div>
<p>The Government of India had framed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/information-technology-rules-2021#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Electronics,OTT)%20platforms%20and%20digital%20news." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021,</strong></a> in February this year. These rules require the social media intermediaries/ platforms to adhere to a vastly tighter set of rules within three months, which ended on May 25.</p>
<p>Till now almost all major social media intermediaries have not adhered to all the requirements.</p>
<p>But non-compliance can only make things worse, especially in a situation in which the relationship between some platforms such as Twitter and the Government seems to have broken down.</p>
<p>While there are positive aspects about the said guidelines, there are, equally, glaring ambiguities and susceptibilities that appear to be in conflict with the basic tenets of democracy and constitutional values.</p>
<h3>Positives of The Rules</h3>
<p>The Rules must be credited for they mandate duties such as:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Removal of non-consensual intimate pictures within 24 hours,</li>
<li>Publication of compliance reports to increase transparency,</li>
<li>Setting up a dispute resolution mechanism for content removal,</li>
<li>Adding a label to information for users to know whether content is advertised, owned, sponsored or exclusively controlled.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues With the Rules</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rules Ultra-vires to the IT Act:</strong> It is of significant concern that the purview of the IT Act, 2000, has been expanded to bring digital news media under its regulatory ambit without legislative action.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There has been criticism about bringing in a plethora of new rules that ought to be normally triggered only via legislative action.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Depriving of Fair Recourse:</strong> An intermediary is now supposed to take down content within 36 hours upon receiving orders from the Government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This deprives the intermediary of a fair recourse in the event that it disagrees with the Government&rsquo;s order due to a strict timeline.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Undermining Free Speech:</strong> The rules place fetters upon free speech by fixing the Government as the ultimate adjudicator of objectionable speech online.</li>
<li><strong>Traceability Issue:</strong> Till now social media platforms have the immunity that users received from end-to-end encryption was that intermediaries did not have access to the contents of their messages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Imposing this mandatory requirement of traceability will break this immunity, thereby weakening the security of the privacy of these conversations.</li>
<li>The threat here is not only one of privacy but to the extent of invasion and deprivation from a safe space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Counterproductive in Absence of Data Privacy Law:</strong> It could prove counterproductive in a country where the citizens still do not have a data privacy law to guard themselves against excesses committed by any party.</li>
<li><strong>Compliance Burden:</strong> The Rules create futile additional operational costs for intermediaries by requiring them to have Indian resident nodal officers, compliance officers and grievance officers. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This may not be in favour of many small digital entities and may open the floodgates for all kinds of interventions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Uniform Application of Law:</strong> Regulation has an important place in the scheme of things, and no one advocates giving a free pass to digital platforms. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the laws to combat unlawful content are already in place. What is required is their uniform application.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deliberating with Stakeholders:</strong> There are indeed many problems with the new rules, but the major issue was that these were introduced without much public consultation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The solution to ongoing criticism about these rules is to start afresh with the publication of a white paper.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Backing:</strong> After that, if regulation is still deemed to be necessary, then it must be implemented through legislation that is debated in Parliament instead of relying upon executive rule-making powers.</li>
<li><strong>Expediting Data Protection Law:</strong> Making platforms share more information could prove counterproductive in a country where the citizens still do not have a data privacy law to guard themselves against excesses committed by any party.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, there is a need to expedite the passing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>personal data protection bill, 2019.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Supreme Court, in the case of Life Insurance Corpn. Of India vs Prof. Manubhai D. Shah (1992) had elevated &lsquo;the freedom to circulate one&rsquo;s views as the lifeline of any democratic institution&rsquo;.</p>
<p>In this context, five industry bodies, including the CII, FICCI and the U.S.-India Business Council have sought an extension of 6-12 months for compliance. This is an opportunity for the Government to hear out the industry, and also shed its high-handed way of rule-making.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; background-color: #fcfcf0; border-color: #ff0000;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>While there are positive aspects about the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, there are, equally, glaring ambiguities and susceptibilities. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/information-technology-rules-2021-1'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Mekedatu Project: River Cauvery',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Karnataka government has decided to challenge before the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/10-years-of-national-green-tribunal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong> </a>its decision <strong>to appoint a joint committee.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>joint committee</strong> is supposed to <strong>look into allegations of unauthorised construction activity taking place in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mekedatu-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mekedatu</a></strong>, where Karnataka had proposed to construct a dam across the Cauvery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mekedatu,</strong> meaning goat&rsquo;s leap, is a<strong> deep gorge</strong> situated at the confluence of the rivers <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/godavari-and-cauvery-river-interlinking-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cauvery and its tributary Arkavathi.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204210_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204210_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mekedatu Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Rs. 9,000 crore project <strong>aims to store and supply water for drinking purposes for the Bengaluru city.</strong> Around <strong>400 megawatts (MW) of power is also proposed to be generated</strong> through the project.</li>
<li>It was first <strong>approved by the Karnataka state government in 2017.</strong></li>
<li>It received<strong> approval from the erstwhile Ministry of Water Resources</strong> for the detailed project report and is awaiting approval from the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The approval from MoEFCC is crucial because <strong>63% of the forest area of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cauvery-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary</a> will be submerged.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2018, Tamil Nadu approached 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> against the project even if <strong>Karnataka had held that it would not affect the flow of water to Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
<li>In June 2020, during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karnataka-ordered-to-release-cauvery-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cauvery Water Management Authority</strong></a>&rsquo;s meeting, <strong>Tamil Nadu reiterated its opposition to the project.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Opposition by Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tamil Nadu is <strong>opposed to any project being proposed in the upper riparian</strong> unless it was approved by the SC.</li>
<li>Karnataka has <strong>no right to construct any reservoir on an inter-state river without the consent of the lower riparian state</strong> i.e. Tamil Nadu in this case.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project is against the final order of the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inter-state-river-water-sharing-disputes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)</strong></a> in which the SC held that no state can claim exclusive ownership or assert rights to deprive other states of the waters of inter-state rivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>CWDT and the SC have found that the existing storage facilities available in the Cauvery basin were adequate</strong> for storing and distributing water so Karnataka&rsquo;s proposal is ex-facie (on the face of it) untenable and should be <strong>rejected outright.</strong></li>
<li>It has also held that the<strong> reservoir is not just for drinking water alone, but to increase the extent of irrigation,</strong> which is in clear violation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Award.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cauvery River Dispute<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204658_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622204658_image3.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="333" height="232" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>River Cauvery (Kaveri):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is known as <strong>&lsquo;Ponni&rsquo; in Tamil</strong> also known as <strong>Ganga of the south,</strong> and it is the <strong>fourth largest river of southern India.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>sacred river of southern India.</strong> It<strong> rises on Brahmagiri Hill</strong> of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Western Ghats</strong></a> in southwestern Karnataka state, flows in a southeasterly direction through the states of <strong>Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,</strong> and descends the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-the-eastern-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Eastern Ghats</strong></a> in a series of great falls and <strong>drains into Bay of Bengal</strong> through <strong>Pondicherry.</strong></li>
<li>Some of its tributaries are<strong> Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Lakshmana Theertha, Shimsa, Kabini and Harangi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Dispute:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Historical Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the river originates in Karnataka, flows through Tamil Nadu with major tributaries coming from Kerala and drains into Bay of Bengal through Pondicherry the <strong>dispute therefore involves 3 states and one Union Territory.</strong></li>
<li>The genesis of the dispute is <strong>150 years old and dates back to the two agreements of arbitration in 1892 and 1924</strong> between the then <strong>Madras presidency and Mysore.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>entailed the principle that the upper riparian state must obtain consent of lower riparian state</strong> for any construction activity viz. reservoir on the river Cauvery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From<strong> 1974, Karnataka started diverting water</strong> into its four newly made reservoirs, without the consent of Tamil Nadu resulting in a dispute.</li>
<li>To resolve the matter, the<strong> CWDT was established in 1990</strong> which took 17 years to arrive at the<strong> final order (2007)</strong> on how Cauvery water should be shared between the 4 riparian states in normal rainfall conditions.</li>
<li>In distress years, a pro-rata basis shall be used, it instructed. The government again took 6 year and <strong>notified the order in 2013.</strong></li>
<li>This was challenged in SC which directed Karnataka to release 12000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu prompting protests in the State.</li>
<li>The final verdict of the SC came in 2018 where it declared the <strong>Cauvery a national asset</strong> and largely<strong> upheld the water-sharing arrangements finalised by the CWDT</strong> and also reduced the allocation of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the SC, <strong>Karnataka</strong> would get 284.75 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft), <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> 404.25 tmcft, <strong>Kerala</strong> 30 tmcft and <strong>Puducherry</strong> 7 tmcft.</li>
<li>It also directed the Centre to notify the <strong>Cauvery Management Scheme.</strong> The central government notified the &lsquo;Cauvery Water Management Scheme&rsquo; in June 2018, constituting the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karnataka-ordered-to-release-cauvery-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Cauvery Water Management Authority</strong></a>&rsquo; and the <strong>&lsquo;Cauvery Water Regulation Committee&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> states need to shed the regional approach</strong> as the solution lies in cooperation and coordination, not in conflict. The<strong> planning must be done at the basin level</strong> to make the solution sustainable and ecologically viable.</li>
<li>In the long term, there is a<strong> need to recharge the river through afforestation, river linking,</strong> etc and<strong> increased focus is needed on increasing water use efficiency</strong> viz. micro irrigation, <strong>awareness in people to prudently use water</strong> and water smart strategies.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mekedatu-karnataka-to-challenge-ngt-decision/article34656187.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/mekedatu-project-river-cauvery'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'RBI’s Annual Report 2020-21',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong> </a>released its Annual Report for 2020-21.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Foreign Exchange:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gain from foreign exchange transactions <strong>rose from Rs 29,993 crore to Rs 50,629 crore in 2020-21.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Foreign Exchange is the<strong> trading of one currency for another.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surplus Transfer to the Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>RBI has been able to<strong> transfer a higher amount to the government as surplus</strong> this year following a <strong>sharp fall in provisions</strong> (drop in expenditure was on account of a lower provision)<strong> and gains from foreign exchange</strong> transactions during the year ended March 2021.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It transferred <strong>Rs. 99,122</strong> crore to the government which is likely to<strong> boost the government&rsquo;s finances.</strong> It helped the government even as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid pandemic</strong></a> continued.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Provision for Giving Surplus to the Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934,</strong> after making provisions for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, contribution to staff and superannuation funds and for all matters for which provisions are to be made by or under the Act or that are usually provided by bankers, the <strong>balance of the profits of the Reserve Bank is required to be paid to the central government.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rupee Against Dollar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rupee strengthened by <strong>3.5%</strong> against the US dollar<strong> (at end-March 2021 over end-March 2020)</strong> but <strong>underperformed vis-a-vis other Asian countries</strong> during 2020-21.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decreased Bank Frauds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bank frauds of Rs.1 lakh and more fell by 25%</strong> in value to Rs.1.38 trillion in the year 2020-21 with the number of such cases also seeing a <strong>decline of 15% during the year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Digital Payments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Covid-19 pandemic<strong> increased</strong> the proliferation of digital modes of payments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Total <strong>digital transaction volume in 2020-21 stood at 4,371 crore,</strong> as against <strong>3,412 crore in 2019-20.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The prospects for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/fintech-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> FinTech</strong></a> in India&rsquo;s financial system in 2021-22 will depend upon the degree of entrenchment of digital usage.</li>
<li>Various <strong>initiatives such as an innovation hub, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/norms-for-regulatory-sandbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">regulatory sandbox</a> and offline payment solutions</strong> are underway to ensure that in the digital ecosystem, India maintains its position as a leader.</li>
<li>The <strong>RBI is also in the process of extending the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mobile-application-for-geo-tagging-pmksy#:~:text=Geo%2Dtagging%20is%20the%20process,of%20latitude%20and%20longitude%20coordinates." target="_blank" rel="noopener">geo-tagging</a> framework put in place to capture location of bank branches and ATMs</strong> to cover payment system touch points, enabling accurate capture of their location across the country.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>possibility of leveraging India&rsquo;s domestic payment systems to facilitate cross-border transactions</strong> is being explored, and corridors and charges for inward remittances will be reviewed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Liquidity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The RBI will <strong>ensure a comfortable level of liquidity in the system</strong> during 2021- 22 in <strong>alignment with the stance of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-monetary-policy-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monetary policy.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is exemplified by the introduction of the secondary market <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G-sec acquisition programme (G-SAP).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monetary transmission will continue</strong> unimpeded while<strong> maintaining financial stability.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Monetary transmission<strong> refers to the process by which a central bank&rsquo;s monetary policy signals (like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repo rate</a>) are passed on,</strong> through the financial system to influence the businesses and households.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the vaccination drive picks up and cases of infections fall, a sharp turnaround in growth is likely, supported by strong favourable<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/core-sector-output-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> base effects.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> base effect refers to the effect that the choice of a basis of comparison or reference can have on the result</strong> of the comparison between data points.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>RBI predicted <strong>10.5% <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GDP (Gross Domestic Product)</a></strong> growth for the year 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/rbi-annual-report-for-2020-21-fall-in-provisions-sharp-forex-gains-led-to-higher-rbi-surplus-7333556/" 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/rbi-s-annual-report-2020-21'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'The Climate Breakthroughs Summit',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, world leaders convened at the <strong>Climate Breakthroughs Summit</strong> to demonstrate progress in critical sectors of the global economy, including steel, shipping, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/green-hydrogen-for-green-roadmap" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>green hydrogen</strong></a> and nature.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a collaboration between the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/davos-dialogue-world-economic-forum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></a>, <strong>Mission Possible Partnership,</strong> the <strong>United Nations Climate Champions,</strong> and the<strong> United Kingdom (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop-28" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP 26</a></strong> Presidency).</li>
<li>It aims to demonstrate the need for systemic change to accelerate the global transition to a <strong>zero-carbon economy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>&ldquo;Zero carbon economy&rdquo;</strong> refers to the green ecological economy based on low energy consumption and low pollution, where emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-transforming-to-a-net-zero-emissions-energy-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(net-zero)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>One of its key campaigns is the<strong> &lsquo;Race to Zero&rsquo; campaign</strong> that mobilises support of 708 cities, 24 regions, 2,360 businesses, 163 investors, and 624 higher education institutions to move towards zero-carbon recovery for a sustainable future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Highlights of the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> made a call for coordinated action to secure global net-zero emissions and fulfill its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels by 2050.</li>
<li><strong>Maersk,</strong> the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest container shipping line and vessel operator, joined Race to Zero</strong> with the commitment to halving the emission by 2030.</li>
<li><strong>As many as 40 health care institutions worldwide have committed to halving emissions by 2030</strong> and reaching net zero by 2050. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These 40 institutions represent more than 3,000 health care facilities in 18 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The transitions of individual companies and institutions such as these are<strong> being supported by sector-wide plans,</strong> reflected in the revised <strong>Climate Action Pathways, launched with the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The pathways set out sectoral visions for achieving a 1.5&deg;C resilient world in 2050, providing a roadmap to help countries and non-State actors alike to identify actions needed by 2021, 2025, 2030 and 2040 to deliver a zero-carbon world in time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Decarbonizing</strong> both <strong>heavy industry</strong> (aluminium, concrete and cement, chemicals, metals and mining, plastics and steel) <strong>and light industry</strong> (consumer goods, fashion, ICT and mobile, and retail) is <strong>technically and economically feasible.</strong></li>
<li>This <strong>can be done through</strong> reducing materials and energy use; increasing their productivity; and decarbonising production processes while implementing transitional solutions such as natural climate solutions where direct emissions reduction cannot be achieved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It supports implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a> by enabling collaboration between <strong>governments and the cities, regions, businesses</strong> and<strong> investors</strong> that must act on <strong>climate change.</strong></li>
<li>The focus is on <strong>environmental, economic</strong> and<strong> social system transformation, promoting higher ambition</strong> of all stakeholders to collectively strive for the<strong> 1.5 &deg;C temperature</strong> goal and a climate-neutral and<strong> resilient world.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Race to Zero Campaign</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Race to Zero is the <strong>UN-backed global campaign</strong> rallying <strong>non-state actors &ndash;</strong> including companies, cities, regions, financial and educational institutions &ndash; to take rigorous and immediate action to halve<strong> global emissions by 2030</strong> and deliver a healthier, fairer, <strong>zero-carbon world in time.</strong></li>
<li>Race To Zero mobilizes actors outside of national governments to join the<strong> Climate Ambition Alliance.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Climate Ambition Alliance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The CAA currently includes 120 nations and several other private players that have committed to achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.</li>
<li>Signatories are responsible for 23% of current greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide and 53% of global GDP.</li>
<li><strong>India is not part</strong> of this Alliance.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/un-calls-for-swift-zero-carbon-recovery-action-at-climate-summit-77143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-climate-breakthroughs-summit'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Begum Sultan Jahan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the death anniversary of Begum Sultan Jahan was observed.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>She was a Philanthropist, Prolific writer, Feminist, Symbol of Women Empowerment, First female Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622200001_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622200001_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> In 1858 (Bhopal).</li>
<li><strong>Ruler of Bhopal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>She was the <strong>last Begum of Bhopal. Ruled from 1909 to 1926</strong> after which she was succeeded by her son. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fourth female ruler of Bhopal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Set up the <strong>municipality system, introduced municipal elections</strong> and constructed<strong> a walled city and a palace</strong> for herself.</li>
<li>Took steps for<strong> improving public health, sanitation, and water supply</strong> in the walled city and implemented<strong> widespread vaccination drives</strong> for its residents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Feminist Icon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Her progressive policies for women, at a time when they were shackled by the forces of patriarchy, have made her a feminist icon even today.</li>
<li>Constructed <strong>a Meeting Hall for Ladies in Lahore in 1913.</strong></li>
<li>Organised <strong>an exhibition called &lsquo;Numaish Masunuaat e Hind&rsquo; in Bhopal</strong> to encourage women and promote handicrafts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Philanthropist:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Established the <strong>Sultan Jahan Endowment Trust</strong> with a corpus of Rs three lakhs for helping needy students.</li>
<li><strong>Funded</strong> a Madrasa in Deoband (UP), Nadwatul Uloom in Lucknow and even Madarsa Sultania in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.</li>
<li>Institutions such as<strong> Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi and some renowned colleges in Bombay and Calcutta</strong> received generous grants from her.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educationist:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Authored 41 books, translated a number of English books into Urdu.</li>
<li><strong>Authored a book, Dars-e-Hayat,</strong> about the education and parenting of young girls.</li>
<li><strong>Revamped the syllabus</strong> and added subjects such as English, Urdu, Arithmetic, Home Science and crafts of the Sultania School she started.</li>
<li>Started a nursing school called <strong>Lady Minto Nursing School.</strong></li>
<li>She was the<strong> first women chancellor of AMU (Aligarh Muslim University).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During AMU&rsquo;s centenary celebrations in December 2020, the Prime paid tribute to Begum Jahan and her contribution to the historic institution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> 12<sup>th</sup> May 1930.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/last-begum-of-bhopal-how-begum-sultan-jahan-fought-patriarchy-and-educated-a-generation-of-women-7332398/" 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/begum-sultan-jahan'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Currency Swap Facility',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Bangladesh cleared a USD 200 million currency swap facility for Sri Lanka,</strong> to help boost its economy.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>word swap</strong> means <strong>exchange.</strong> A <strong>currency swap</strong> between the two countries is an <strong>agreement or contract to exchange currencies</strong> with predetermined terms and conditions.</li>
<li>In the <strong>present context,</strong> a currency swap is effectively<strong> a loan that Bangladesh will give to Sri Lanka in dollars,</strong> with an agreement that the <strong>debt will be repaid with interest in Sri Lankan rupees. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Central banks and Governments</strong> engage in currency swaps<strong> with foreign counterparts</strong> to meet <strong>short term foreign exchange liquidity</strong> requirements or to ensure adequate foreign currency to<strong> avoid Balance of Payments (BOP)</strong> <strong>crisis</strong> till longer arrangements can be made.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For Sri Lanka,</strong> this is<strong> cheaper than borrowing from the market,</strong> and a lifeline as it struggles to maintain adequate forex reserves even as repayment of its external debts looms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These swap operations carry<strong> no exchange rate or other market risks</strong> as transaction terms are set in advance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Exchange rate risk,</strong> also known as<strong> currency risk,</strong> is the financial risk arising from <strong>fluctuations in the value of a base currency against a foreign currency</strong> in which a company or individual has assets or obligations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unusual for Bangladesh:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh has <strong>not been viewed so far as a provider of financial assistance to other countries.</strong> It has been<strong> among the most impoverished countries of the world,</strong> and <strong>still receives billions of dollars in financial aid.</strong></li>
<li>But <strong>over the last two decades,</strong> it has <strong>managed to elevate its economy itself majorly,</strong> and in<strong> 2020,</strong> was the <strong>fastest growing in South Asia.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The country has <strong>managed to pull millions out of poverty.</strong> Its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-outlook-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>per capita income just overtook India&rsquo;s.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This <strong>may be the first time that Bangladesh is extending a helping hand</strong> to another country, so this is a landmark of sorts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Approach to India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, the President of Sri Lanka<strong> requested India for a USD 1 billion credit swap,</strong> and separately,<strong> a moratorium</strong> on debts that the country has to repay to India.</li>
<li>But India-Sri Lanka relations have been <strong>tense over Colombo&rsquo;s decision to cancel a valued container terminal project at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-new-project-in-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colombo Port</a></strong>, which made India put off the decision.</li>
<li><strong>Earlier, in July 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended a USD 400 million credit swap facility to Sri Lanka,</strong> which the Central Bank of Sri Lanka settled in February. The arrangement was not extended.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>RBI&rsquo;s Framework for Swap Facilities for SAARC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/currency-swap-arrangement-for-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> SAARC currency swap facility</strong> </a>came into operation on <strong>15<sup>th</sup> November, 2012.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> revised framework</strong> is valid from 14<sup>th</sup> November, 2019 to 13<sup>th</sup> November, 2022.</li>
<li>The <strong>RBI can offer a swap arrangement within the overall corpus of USD 2 billion.</strong></li>
<li>The swap drawals can be made in US dollar, euro or Indian rupee. The framework provides <strong>certain concessions for swap drawals in Indian rupee.</strong></li>
<li>The facility will be <strong>available to all SAARC member countries,</strong> subject to their signing the bilateral swap agreements.</li>
<li>The<strong> presumption was that only India, as the regional group&rsquo;s largest economy, could do this.</strong> The <strong>Bangladesh-Sri Lanka arrangement shows that is no longer valid.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Balance of Payment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-merchandise-trade-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Balance of Payment (BoP)</strong></a> of a country can be defined as <strong>a systematic statement of all economic transactions of a country with the rest of the world</strong> during a specific period usually one year.</li>
<li>Overall the <strong>BoP account can be a surplus or a deficit.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If there is a deficit then it can be bridged by taking money from the<strong> Foreign Exchange (Forex) Account.</strong></li>
<li>If the reserves in the forex account are falling short then this scenario is referred to as <strong>BoP crisis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components of BOP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Current Account:</strong> It shows <strong>export and import of visibles and invisibles</strong> (includes goods and services).</li>
<li><strong>Capital Account:</strong> It shows a capital expenditure and income for a country. It gives <strong>a summary of the net flow of both private and public investment</strong> into an economy.</li>
<li><strong>Errors and Omissions:</strong> Sometimes the balance of payment does not balance. This imbalance is shown in the BoP as errors and omissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Foreign Exchange Reserves</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forex-reserves-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign exchange reserves</strong></a> are <strong>assets denominated in a foreign currency that are held by a central bank.</strong></li>
<li>These may include <strong>foreign currencies, bonds, treasury bills, and other government securities.</strong></li>
<li>These reserves are used<strong> to back liabilities and influence monetary policy. </strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladesh-clears-currency-swap-facility-to-boost-sri-lankas-depleting-foreign-reserves/article34651289.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/currency-swap-facility'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Blackbuck Population Increased in Odisha',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a <strong>census</strong> carried out by the Odisha State Forest Department revealed that <strong>Odisha's blackbuck population has doubled</strong> in the last six years.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622191183_pasted%20image 0 (2).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622191183_pasted image 0 (2).png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Blackbuck:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Blackbuck <em>(Antilope cervicapra)</em>, or the Indian Antelope</strong>, is a species of antelope <strong>native to India and Nepal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>considered as the epitome of grassland.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.</strong></li>
<li>The blackbuck is a <strong>diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).</strong></li>
<li>It has been <strong>declared as the State Animal</strong> of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Importance:</strong> It is <strong>a symbol of purity for Hinduism</strong> as its skin and horns are regarded as a sacred object. For <strong>Buddhism</strong>, it is a symbol of <strong>good luck.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/wildlife-protection-act-wpa-1972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act </a>1972:</strong> Schedule I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Status</strong></a>: Least Concern</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix III</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Habitat Fragmentation, Deforestation, Natural Calamities, Illegal Hunting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Protected Areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary - Gujarat</li>
<li>Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary - Tamil Nadu</li>
<li>In 2017, the <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong> State Government approved the plan of setting up the <strong>Blackbuck <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tillari-conservation-reserve-notified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conservation Reserve</a></strong> in the trans-Yamuna belt near Prayagraj. It would be the first conservation reserve dedicated to the blackbuck.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Blackbuck in Odisha:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The blackbuck is <strong>known in Odisha as Krushnasara Mruga.</strong></li>
<li>Blackbucks are confined to <strong>Balukhand-Konark coastal plain / wildlife sanctuary</strong> in Puri District; <strong>Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas</strong> in Ganjam District.</li>
<li>As per the latest census, the antelopes numbered 7,358, compared to 2,194 in 2011.</li>
<li>Improvement of habitats, protection given by the local people and forest staff were some of the <strong>reasons for the increase of the population.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Antelopes Found in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kanha-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Barasingha/Swamp Deer</strong></a>, Chital/Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Sangai/Brow-Antlered Deer, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/himalayan-serow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Himalayan Serow</strong></a>, Barking Deer/Indian Muntjac, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-tahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nilgiri Tahr</strong></a>/Nilgiri Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Himalayan Tahr, Nilgai/Blue Bull, Chinkara/Indian Gazelle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/odisha-s-blackbucks-double-in-6-years-reveals-census-77138" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/blackbuck-population-increased-in-odisha'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Pandemic & Infodemic Relation',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/in-a-pandemic-the-power-of-the-rumour-101622024234451.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;In a pandemic, the power of the rumour&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 26/05/2021. It talks about the challenges put forward by the combined effect of Covid-19 pandemic and infodemic.</p>
</div>
<p>Covid-19 is the first pandemic in history where technology and social media are being used on a massive scale, and widespread dissemination of health rumours has been rampant, prompting the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)</strong></a> to also call the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pandemic-and-infodemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic and &ldquo;infodemic&rdquo;</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Infodemic is an overabundance of information that makes it difficult for people to identify truthful and trustworthy sources from false or misleading ones.</p>
<p>In the present state of emergency, health information specifically on social media, is often published, shared, and re-shared. Irrespective of its veracity, the fake news frequently leads to the spread of misinformation and rumours under the guise of truth.</p>
<p>One such fear misformation is about the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 vaccine</strong></a>. Due to this, Vaccine hesitancy was named as one of the top 10 threats to global health by WHO.</p>
<h3>Pandemic &amp; Infodemic Linkage</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Paradigm Shift:</strong> There is a paradigm shift from the 20<sup>th</sup>-century ecosystem dominated by print and broadcast media to an increasingly digital, mobile and social media dominated ecosystem.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The lack of filtering on online platforms negates any authentication mechanisms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cognitive Overload of Information:</strong> The pandemic gives rise to confusion, ambiguity, anxiety, and uncertainty, which, in turn, may lead to increased transmission of health rumours.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The accuracy, veracity, and perceived credibility of the source are ignored, more so on social media where users are already cognitively overloaded with too much information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public&rsquo;s Coping Mechanism:</strong> Many studies have found that during a crisis (e.g. natural disaster, terror attack, global pandemic), sharing rumours works like a coping mechanism. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>People draw a false sense of relief, such that anxiety or fears associated with the uncertain situation is momentarily reduced.</li>
<li>However, in the long-run, during a pandemic, prior research finds that health rumours, exchanged in a community, can instil fear.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Systemic Baggage:</strong> In a developing country like India, the rumor-mongering stems from distrust in health institutions and experts, misunderstanding related to herd immunity, fear related to rapid vaccine development.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These factors reinforce the conspiracy theories and misinformation circulating widely on social media.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leveraging Positive Role of Social Media:</strong> Though social media is acting as a fertile ground for dangerous rumour-mongering, it can act as an indispensable source of vital information.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, governments and health agencies must establish an engaging web presence to debunk misinformation and fill the knowledge gaps.</li>
<li>Further, engaging celebrities and social media influencers can motivate people who are less eager to take the vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Responsibility of Social Media Platforms:</strong> Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp should be proactive in adding features that allow users to access verified information<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, they must double their efforts in flagging misinformation and rapidly removing health rumours.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Hygiene:</strong> Though Covid-19 and social media have highlighted the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, the conversation about information hygiene must now happen in the society. Information hygiene includes:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Verifying the authentic source of fact.</li>
<li>Double checking with some fact checking website.</li>
<li>Asking some expert opinion on that particular issue.</li>
<li>Applying rational thinking while going through a forwarded news on social media.</li>
<li>Applying these ideas before sharing the same.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>While India&rsquo;s core crisis today is vaccine shortage, and data on hesitancy is inadequate, it would be a mistake to ignore the role of the latter as supplies shore up.</p>
<p>The challenge will not be in supply, but ensuring that citizens understand that a vaccine is the most effective protective mechanism that is currently known and available. Putting the rumours to rest is a national imperative.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f1f0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the challenges presented by pandemic and infodemic linkage.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pandemic-infodemic-relation'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Sun Halo/Kaleidoscope Effect',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>people of Bangalore witnessed a bright rainbow ring around the sun</strong> for a few moments - a rare optical and atmospheric phenomenon called <strong>&ldquo;22 degree circular Halo&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622116045_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622116045_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Point</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The phenomenon<strong> popularly known as the 22 degree circular halo of the sun or occasionally the Moon</strong> (also called a moon ring or winter halo), <strong>occurs when the sun&rsquo;s or moon&rsquo;s rays get deflected/refracted through the hexagonal ice crystals </strong>present<strong> in cirrus clouds.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is<strong> also called the Kaleidoscopic Effect.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These halos <strong>are called 22-degree halos,</strong> as the halo or ring has an <strong>apparent radius of 22 degrees</strong> around the sun/moon.</li>
<li><strong>Circular halos specifically are produced by cirrus clouds,</strong> which are thin, detached, hair-like clouds. These clouds are formed very high up in the atmosphere, at a height of over 20,000 feet.</li>
<li>Just like a rainbow, a halo is visible when viewed from the right angle &mdash; sometimes appearing just white but often with colours of the spectrum also clearly present.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The halo is the<strong> brightest at the inner edge</strong> of the circular disk, with no light inside the disk as no light is refracted at smaller angles.</li>
<li><strong>Red</strong> light is <strong>refracted less</strong> than other colours of light, so the halo&rsquo;s <strong>inner edge</strong> is <strong>reddish.</strong> Other<strong> shades</strong> typically tend to<strong> overlap and wash out.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/bengaluru-residents-witness-rare-halo-around-the-sun-photos-go-viral-7328456/" 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/sun-halo-kaleidoscope-effect'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Traceability Provision in New IT Rules 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, messaging platform WhatsApp has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the <strong>traceability provision</strong> in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-it-rules-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New IT Rules 2021</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) had sent a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/data-protection-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>notice to WhatsApp asking it to withdraw a controversial update to its privacy policy</strong></a> which might be a threat to Data Protection of Indians.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Traceability Provision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>requires intermediaries to enable identification of the first originator</strong> of information on their platforms.</li>
<li>Rule 4(2) of the Intermediary Rules states that <strong>a significant social media intermediary</strong> providing services primarily in the nature of <strong>messaging shall enable the identification of the first originator of the information</strong> on its computer resource <strong>as may be required by a judicial order or an order passed by a competent authority under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-laws-and-blocking-of-internet-content-centre-vs-twitter#:~:text=Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000%3A,computer%20resources%20and%20electronic%20records." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Information and Technology (IT) Act 2000</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Failure to comply with this requirement would <strong>take away the indemnity</strong> provided to social media intermediaries under<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-laws-and-blocking-of-internet-content-centre-vs-twitter#:~:text=Section%2079%20of%20the%20IT,his%20capacity%20as%20an%20intermediary." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Section 79 of the IT Act</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns Raised:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Infringes Rights to privacy and freedom of speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This breaks end-to-end encryption and impermissibly infringes upon users&rsquo; fundamental <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-to-privacy-legitimate-state-interest#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20described%20privacy,decision%20of%20K.S.%20Puttaswamy%20v.&amp;text=The%20right%20to%20privacy%20is%20protected%20as%20an%20intrinsic%20part,Part%20III%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rights to privacy</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-dissent#:~:text=Significance%20of%20Right%20to%20Dissent,assemble%20peaceably%20and%20without%20arms." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Freedom of speech</strong></a>.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/access-to-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 19(1)(a)</strong></a> of the Indian Constitution guarantees the <strong>freedom of speech and expression.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>right to privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty</strong> under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1#:~:text=Protection%20of%20Life%20and%20Personal,both%20citizens%20and%20non%2Dcitizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 21</strong></a> and as a part of the freedoms guaranteed by Part III of the Constitution <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privacy-judgement-and-the-aftermath#:~:text=Context,and%20liberty%20under%20Article%2021." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Puttaswamy Judgement 2017)</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>States throughout the world have recognised</strong> the &ldquo;important benefits&rdquo; of <strong>end-to-end encryption</strong> and the dangers of undermining that security protocol.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discourages Free Expression:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Freedom of Speech and Right to Privacy <strong>encourages users to express their ideas and opinions, report unlawful activities</strong>, and <strong>challenge popular views without fear of reprisal</strong>, whereas enabling the identification of the first originator of information in India subverts privacy and <strong>discourages free expression of views.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Will Curb Freedom of Media:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such a requirement would <strong>put journalists at risk of retaliation for investigating issues that may be unpopular, civil or</strong> for discussing certain rights and criticizing or advocating for politicians or policies.</li>
<li><strong>Clients and attorneys</strong> who could become reluctant to share confidential information for fear that the privacy and security of their communications are <strong>no longer ensured.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Traceability not Effective in Finding Originator:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Traceability would not be effective in finding the originator of a particular message because <strong>people commonly see content on websites or social media platforms and then copy and paste them into chats.</strong></li>
<li>It would also be <strong>impossible to understand the context</strong> of how it was originally shared.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Section 79 of the IT Act 2000</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It says any <strong>intermediary shall not be held legally</strong> <strong>or otherwise liable for any third party information, data, or communication link</strong> made available or hosted on its platform. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<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>protection shall be applicable if the said intermediary does not</strong> in any way <strong>initiate the transmission</strong> of the message in question, <strong>select the receiver of the transmitted message</strong> and <strong>does not modify any information</strong> contained in the transmission.</li>
<li>It is <strong>not granted if the intermediary, despite being informed or notified by the government or its agencies, does not immediately disable access</strong> to the material under question.</li>
<li>The intermediary <strong>must not tamper with any evidence of these messages or content</strong> present on its platform, failing which it loses its protection under the Act.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>End-to-End Encryption vs Traceability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>End-to-end encryption was <strong>designed to help ensure that nobody other than the person you are talking to can know that you sent a particular message.</strong> This is the exact opposite of traceability, which would reveal who sent what to whom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>End-to-end encryption</strong> is a system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Traceability would force private companies to collect and store who-said-what and who-shared-what for billions of messages sent each day.</strong> This will require platforms to collect more data than they need, solely for the purpose of turning it over to law enforcement agencies.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/tracing-messages-will-violate-privacy-chill-free-speech-whatsapp-7331846/" 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/traceability-provision-in-new-it-rules-2021'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Rights of Van Gujjars',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Uttarakhand High Court</strong> has <strong>reprimanded the State government for stopping some Van Gujjar</strong> families on the way <strong>to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park</strong> and said their <strong>right to life is being violated</strong> by the authorities.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Van Gujjars pursue seasonal migration from the Terai-Bhabar and Siwalik region of Uttarakhand to the higher bugyals in the Western Himalayas in summer</strong> and vice versa in winter. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This <strong>phenomenon of transhumance</strong> pursued by the community is among the few climate-adaptive and resilience strategies that ensures their pastoral livelihood remains viable and sustainable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Van Gujjars <strong>possess legitimate permits</strong> across their summer (Govind Pashu Vihar National Park) and winter homesteads. However, they are <strong>not</strong> <strong>permitted by authorities</strong> to enter the Park.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rights of Pastoralists</strong> <strong>under<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Forests Rights Act 2006</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has ensured that <strong>even pastoralists possess rights to access grazing pastures in lieu of the Community Forest Resource right</strong> they are eligible for. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Section 2 (a) <strong>prescribes for the rights of pastoral communities on customary common forest land</strong> within the traditional or customary boundaries of a village.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>also prescribes the seasonal use of a landscape in case of pastoral</strong> <strong>communities</strong>, including in unclassed forests, reserve forests, un-demarcated forests, deemed forests, protected forests, sanctuaries and national parks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High Court&rsquo;s Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Upholds the <strong>right of Van Gujjars to migrate to their summer homesteads</strong> in the <strong>bugyals (Himalayan alpine meadows)</strong> located within the <strong>Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.</strong></li>
<li>The court relied on <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 21</strong></a> <strong>(Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) of the constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 21 of the Constitution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It declares that <strong>no person shall be deprived of his<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fundamental-rights-and-oci-cardholders#:~:text=Article%2021%3A%20It%20declares%20that,both%20citizens%20and%20non%2Dcitizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> life or personal liberty</a> except</strong> according to <strong>procedure established by law.</strong></li>
<li>This right is <strong>available to both citizens and non-citizens.</strong></li>
<li>The right to life is <strong>not merely confined to animal existence or survival</strong> but also includes the right to live with human dignity and all <strong>those aspects of life</strong> which go to make a man&rsquo;s life <strong>meaningful, complete and worth living.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Van Gujjars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Van Gujjars are the <strong>forest-dwelling nomadic community</strong> inhabiting the <strong>foothills of Himalayan States such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>Usually, they <strong>migrate to the bugyals (grasslands)</strong> located in the upper Himalayas with their buffaloes and return only at the end of monsoons to their makeshift huts, deras, in the foothills.</li>
<li>They traditionally <strong>practice buffalo husbandry</strong>; a family owns up to 25 heads of buffaloes. They rely on buffaloes for milk, which gets them a good price in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh markets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Govind Pashu Vihar National Park</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is located in the <strong>Uttarkashi district</strong> of the state of <strong>Uttarakhand.</strong> The park lies in the higher reaches of the <strong>Garhwal Himalayas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The park was <strong>established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year of 1955.</strong> It was <strong>declared as a National Park in the year of 1990.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fauna include the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/snow-leopard-2#:~:text=The%20GSLEP%20is%20a%20high,Kazakhstan%2C%20Tajikistan%2C%20and%20Uzbekistan." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Snow Leopard</strong></a>, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Western Tragopan etc.</li>
<li>Some of the noteworthy trees present in the sanctuary include deodar cedar, chir pine, silver fir, blue pine and several <strong>deciduous species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Within the park is the <strong>Har-ki-dun valley</strong> which is a known <strong>spot for trekking</strong>, while the <strong>Ruinsara high altitude lake</strong> is also popular as a tourist destination.</li>
<li>The park creates an upper water catchment of <strong>River Tons.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tons river</strong> is a significant tributary of <strong>Yamuna River</strong> and reaches the upper <strong>stretches of Garhwal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Other Protected Areas in Uttarakhand</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jim Corbett National Park (first National Park of India).</li>
<li>Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park which together are a <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rajaji-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajaji National Park</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttrakhand-approves-land-transfer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gangotri National Park</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/let-the-van-gujjars-remain-nomadic-77115" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rights-of-van-gujjars'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'National Mission on use of Biomass in Coal Based Thermal Power Plants',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Ministry of Power has decided to set up a <strong>National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The proposed National Mission on biomass will also contribute to the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>It would further <strong>support the energy transition in the country</strong> and our targets to move towards <strong>cleaner energy sources.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>address the issue of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air pollution</a></strong> due to farm <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning</strong></a> and to <strong>reduce carbon footprints of thermal power generation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increase the <strong>level of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reducing-emissions-from-coal-based-power-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biomass co-firing</a> from present 5% to higher levels</strong> to have a larger share of carbon neutral power generation from the thermal power plants.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Biomass co-firing</strong> stands for adding biomass as a partial substitute fuel in high efficiency coal boilers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Take up R&amp;D (Research &amp; Development)</strong> activity in boiler design to handle the higher amount of silica, alkalis in the biomass pellets.</li>
<li><strong>Facilitate overcoming the constraints in supply chain of biomass</strong> pellets and agro- residue and its transport upto to the power plants.</li>
<li>Consider <strong>regulatory issues in biomass co-firing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Proposed Structure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Mission would have a <strong>Steering Committee headed by the Secretary (Ministry of Power)</strong> comprising all stakeholders including <strong>representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas , Ministry of New &amp; Renewable Energy etc.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-thermal-power-corporation-limited" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Thermal Power Corporation Limited</strong></a> will play a larger role in providing logistics and infrastructure support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Duration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The duration of the proposed National Mission would be a <strong>minimum 5 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives to Reduce Pollution from Coal Power Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Stringent emission standards</strong> for coal based thermal power plants have been notified.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Compulsory adoption of emissions standards for installing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sulfur-dioxide-emission-norms-delayed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD)</strong> </a>units that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Approved automatic transfer of coal linkage from inefficient power plants</strong> <strong>to new supercritical plants</strong> subject to certain conditions to promote setting up of supercritical units in place of old ones.</li>
<li>Thermal power plants within 50 km of sewage treatment facilities will <strong>mandatorily use treated sewage water.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives to Reduce Air Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UJALA scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Solar Alliance</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biomass</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Biomass</strong> is plant or animal material used as fuel to produce electricity or heat. Examples are wood, energy crops and waste from forests, yards, or farms.</li>
<li>Biomass has always been an <strong>important energy source for the country considering the benefits it offers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is<strong> renewable, widely available, carbon-neutral</strong> and has the potential to provide <strong>significant employment in the rural areas.</strong></li>
<li>It is also capable of providing firm energy. About <strong>32% of the total primary energy use in the country is still derived from biomass</strong> and more than <strong>70% of the country&rsquo;s population depends upon it</strong> for its energy needs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Biomass power &amp; cogeneration programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Initiated by the <strong>Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.</strong></li>
<li>For efficient utilization of biomass, <strong>bagasse based cogeneration in sugar mills and biomass power generation</strong> have been taken up under the programme.</li>
<li><strong>Biomass materials used for power generation include</strong> Rice husk, straw, cotton stalk, coconut shells, soya husk, de-oiled cakes, coffee waste, jute wastes, groundnut shells, saw dust etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Promoting technologies for optimum use</strong> of the country's biomass resources for grid power generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1721473" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-mission-on-use-of-biomass-in-coal-based-thermal-power-plants'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfrda-sets-up-panel-on-cyber-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)</strong></a> announced that <strong>Assets Under Management (AUM)</strong> under the <strong>National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)</strong>, crossed the <strong>milestone of Rs. 6 trillion.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>AUM</strong> is the <strong>total market value of the investments</strong> that a person or entity handles on behalf of investors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Pension System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from <strong>January 2004</strong> (except for armed forces).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018 to <strong>streamline the NPS and make it more attractive</strong>, the Union Cabinet approved <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/streamlining-of-national-pension-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>changes in the scheme</strong> </a>to benefit central government employees covered under NPS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NPS is being <strong>implemented and regulated by PFRDA</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><strong>National Pension System Trust (NPST)</strong> established by PFRDA is the registered owner of all assets under NPS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Structure:</strong> NPS is structured into <strong>two tiers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tier-I account:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the <strong>non-withdrawable permanent retirement account</strong> into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tier-II account:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a <strong>voluntary withdrawable account</strong> which is allowed only when there is an active Tier I account in the name of the subscriber.</li>
<li>The <strong>withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NPS was made available to <strong>all Citizens of India from May 2009.</strong></li>
<li>Any individual citizen of India (both resident and Non-resident) in the <strong>age group of 18-65 years</strong> can join NPS.</li>
<li>However, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rights-of-overseas-citizens-of-india#:~:text=Overseas%20Citizen%20of%20India,person%2C%20among%20other%20eligibility%20criteria." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin)</strong></a> card holders and <strong>Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs) are not eligible for opening of NPS accounts.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atal Pension Yojana:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scheme was <strong>launched in May, 2015</strong>, with the <strong>objective of creating a universal social security system for all Indians</strong>, especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector.</li>
<li>The scheme has been <strong>implemented comprehensively across the country covering all states and Union Territories </strong>with<strong> male to female subscription ratio of 57:43.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, only <strong>5% of the eligible population has been covered</strong> under APY till date.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administered By:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PFRDA through NPS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Any citizen of India</strong> can join the APY scheme. The age of the subscriber should be between <strong>18-40 years.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>contribution levels would vary and would be low if a subscriber joins early</strong> and increases if she joins late.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides a <strong>minimum guaranteed pension</strong> ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 on attaining 60 years of age.</li>
<li>The <strong>amount of pension is guaranteed for lifetime to the spouse</strong> on death of the subscriber.</li>
<li>In the event of death of both the subscriber and the spouse, <strong>the entire pension corpus is paid to the nominee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>statutory Authority</strong> established by an enactment of the Parliament, to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the <strong>National Pension System (NPS).</strong></li>
<li>It works under the <strong>Department of Financial Services</strong> under the Ministry of Finance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It performs the function of <strong>appointing various intermediate agencies like Pension Fund Managers, Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA)</strong> etc.</li>
<li>It develops, <strong>promotes and regulates the pension industry under the NPS</strong> and also <strong>administers the APY.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1721880#:~:text=The%20Pension%20Fund%20Regulatory%20and,APY)%2C%20after%2013%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-pension-system-and-atal-pension-yojana'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'New Rules for Increased FDI in Insurance Sector',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Finance</strong> amended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/insurance-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015</strong></a> and clarified on the final rules for increased <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI (Foreign Direct Investment)</strong></a> in the Insurance Sector.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Parliament had passed the <strong>Insurance Amendment Bill 2021</strong> to increase the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI</strong></a> limit in the insurance sector to <strong>74% from 49%.</strong></li>
<li>The Ministry of Finance has notified <strong>'Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment Rules, 2021&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of New Rules:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Management Persons to be Resident Indian Citizens:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For an Indian insurance company having foreign investment -<strong> majority of its directors, key management persons, and at least one among</strong> the chairperson of its Board, its managing director and its chief executive officer - <strong>will be a resident Indian citizen.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Meaning of Foreign Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Total foreign investment here would mean the <strong>sum of both direct</strong> and <strong>indirect</strong> foreign investment. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Direct investment</strong> by a foreigner will be called <strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong>, while <strong>investment by an Indian company</strong> (which is <strong>owned or controlled by foreigners</strong>) into another Indian entity is considered as <strong>Indirect Foreign Investment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The increase in foreign ownership to 74% <strong>can result in inclusion of global best practices in terms of insurance products</strong> going forward. It will<strong> also help in bringing down the cost of insurance products</strong> in India.</li>
<li>It is <strong>good for Indian Promoters</strong>, it will <strong>let them keep control of management and board</strong>, the additional capital <strong>inflow will help them</strong> with funds to push for growth.</li>
<li>It will <strong>benefit small insurance players</strong> or the ones where the sponsors don&rsquo;t have the ability to put in more capital and hence it will benefit in strengthening them and <strong>increasing competition</strong> across the industry.</li>
<li>It is <strong>likely to help local private insurers</strong> grow fast and expand their presence across India, which has one of the lowest insurance penetration levels globally.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Insurance Penetration in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Insurance penetration in India is <strong>currently at 3.7% of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a></strong> compared to the world <strong>average of 6.31%.</strong></li>
<li>Growth in the <strong>life <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/insurance-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">insurance sector</a></strong> has slowed to <strong>11-12% currently</strong> from <strong>15-20% until fiscal 2020</strong>, as the pandemic pushed customers to save cash instead of spending on stocks or life insurance policies.</li>
<li>As of <strong>31<sup>st</sup> March, 2021</strong>, there were <strong>only</strong> <strong>24 life and 34 non-life direct insurers</strong> in India, whereas there were <strong>243 life insurance companies (1956) and 107 non-life insurance companies (1973)</strong> at the <strong>time of nationalisation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Step (Model Insurance Villages):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)</strong> has mooted the concept of <strong>&lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-insurance-villages" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Insurance Village (MIV)</a>&rsquo;</strong> to boost <strong>insurance penetration in rural areas.</strong></li>
<li>The idea is to offer <strong>comprehensive insurance protection</strong> to all the major insurable risks that <strong>villagers are exposed</strong> to and make available covers at <strong>affordable or subsidised cost.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Following the recommendations of the <strong>Malhotra Committee report, in 1999</strong>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)</strong></a> was constituted as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry.</li>
<li>The <strong>IRDA</strong> was incorporated as <strong>a statutory body in April 2000.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>key objectives</strong> of the IRDA include the promotion of competition so as to enhance customer satisfaction through increased consumer choice and lower premiums while ensuring the financial security of the insurance market.</li>
<li>It is <strong>headquartered in Hyderabad.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There should be sufficient appetite for investment from long term investors including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-capital-infusion-into-niif#:~:text=Sovereign%20wealth%20fund%3A,from%20a%20country's%20surplus%20reserves." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sovereign wealth funds</strong></a>, global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfrda-sets-up-panel-on-cyber-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pension funds</strong></a> and insurance firms.</li>
<li>The sector needs capital and larger participation of the international partner for evolution and availability of global products in India and for better penetration.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/insurance-fdi-rules-set-govt-looks-to-whet-investor-appetite-7330392/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-rules-for-increased-fdi-in-insurance-sector'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Reviewing Act East Policy',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-singapore-relationship-southeast-asia-policy-7330227/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;What&rsquo;s going wrong with India&rsquo;s Act East policy?&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 26/05/2021. It talks about the recent developments that are testing Indian diplomacy in the Southeast Asia region.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the relation between Singapore and India got a little bit tense due to New Delhi Chief Minister's recent remarks about a Singapore variant of Covid reaction.</p>
<p>Although the External Affairs ministry was quick to disown the critical comments, many Indian policymakers and foreign policy analysts presented a wider and larger challenge to India&rsquo;s standing in Southeast Asia as a whole.</p>
<p>Three developments over the past five years are testing Indian diplomacy in the region. First, the rising profile of China combined with growing China-India tensions; second, disappointment in the region with India&rsquo;s economic under-performance; and, third, rising concern in the region with India&rsquo;s approach towards its minorities, especially Muslims and Christians.</p>
<p>These developments warrant a review of domestic politics and how it impacts the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East policy of India.</strong></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Evolution of Act East Policy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ever since 1992 when Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao enunciated a &ldquo;Look East Policy&rdquo; reaching out to Southeast Asia, India has engaged the region on all fronts &mdash; diplomatic and security, economic and people-to-people.</li>
<li>Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh built on Narasimha Rao&rsquo;s foundation and constructed a robust relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), so much so that in 2007 Singapore&rsquo;s founder-mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, a longstanding India sceptic, went to the extent of naming China and India as the two engines of Asian economic growth.</li>
<li>Continuing this approach, present Prime Minister Narendra Modi graduated Look East into an Act East policy.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Recent Challenges to Act East Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Economic Underperformance:</strong> China&rsquo;s accelerated rise since the trans-Atlantic financial crisis 2008-09 and the growing assertiveness initially generated a strong pro-India sentiment in the region with many ASEAN countries wanting India to balance China&rsquo;s enhanced power. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, India&rsquo;s economic slowdown and inward orientation, expressed through the decision to stay out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement</strong></a>, has disappointed regional business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns About Hindu Majoritarianism:</strong> In most ASEAN countries, ethnic Chinese practise Islam, Buddhism or Christianity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The growing concern about Hindu majoritarianism in India has impacted civil society attitudes in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.</li>
<li>Further, India deployed the soft power of &ldquo;Buddhist diplomacy&rdquo; but that too has not gained much traction as inter-religious tensions in the region grow.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong> Regarding handling of pandemic, China has handled the challenge efficiently while India is seen to have bungled. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has generated a pro-China sentiment among the region&rsquo;s ethnic Chinese communities and development of ASEAN&rsquo;s increasingly accommodative approach towards China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Combine Effect:</strong> Taken together, all these developments weakened the business-to-business (B2B) and people-to-people (P2P) connection between India and ASEAN despite the best efforts of hard-pressed diplomats to maintain good government-to-government (G2G) relations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reviewing RCEP Decision:</strong> Acknowledging India&rsquo;s economic power and value as a market, the RCEP members have left the door open for India to invite it to be an observer member.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Given the global economic scenario in present times and the near future, it would be in India&rsquo;s interest to dispassionately review its position on RCEP and carry out structural reforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging Soft power:</strong> Cultural and civilizational linkages are India&rsquo;s niche advantage while pursuing Act East Policy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, policymakers should refrain from such policies that apprears to be majoritarian in nature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tackling China:</strong> Just like China is showing its assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, India must increase its engagement in the South China Sea.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India's engagement with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> and ASEAN countries is a step in the right direction.</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian prime minister proposed an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;SAGAR (Security &amp; Growth For ALL in the Region) Initiative&rdquo;</strong></a> for the safe, secure and stable maritime domain. It focuses on creating partnerships among interested states in enhancing maritime security, sustainably using marine resources, disaster prevention &amp; management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Recent trends suggest that despite the best intentions of an Act East Policy, India&rsquo;s standing and image in Southeast Asia have suffered. Therefore, Indian diplomacy must take a fresh look at its Act East policy.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f0f2f7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Recent developments are testing Indian diplomacy and Act East Policy in the Southeast Asian region. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reviewing-act-east-policy'
	]
]
$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`, articles.star_rating AS `articles__star_rating`, articles.display_in_states AS `articles__display_in_states` 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',
		'articles__star_rating' => 'integer',
		'articles.star_rating' => 'integer',
		'star_rating' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_in_states' => 'string',
		'articles.display_in_states' => 'string',
		'display_in_states' => 'string'
	],
	'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) 23
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 336
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”