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The Big Picture: Biomedical Waste Management during Covid Pandemic

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			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Biomedical Waste Management during Covid Pandemic',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WSuR-NUUFEE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges before India on multiple fronts &ndash;health, economy and also the environment.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One such impact the Covid outbreak has posed on the environment is the<strong> exponential increase in biomedical waste generation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Covid as a Challenge:</strong> Biomedical waste<strong> poses various health and environmental hazards,</strong> and this is the wider challenge that the pandemic has posed before us.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although there are guidelines to handle medical waste with utmost care and dispose of them safely, the exponential rise in the quantity of biomedical waste due to the pandemic has made the task very challenging.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data as per CPCB:</strong> As per the estimates of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)</strong></a>, the average quantity of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-&shy;19</strong> </a>related biomedical waste generation during May, 2021 is about 203 Tonnes Per Day.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>peak generation of biomedical waste was about 250 Tonnes</strong> per day.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The earlier peak generation in the year 2020 was in the range of 180 &ndash; 220 Tonnes Per Day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This 250 tons includes only Covid related waste.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The peak amount of waste generated by India on a daily basis is 1000 tons. Covid waste is only 25% of it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Biomedical Waste</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong> Biomedical waste is defined as human and animal anatomical waste, treatment apparatus like needles, syringes and other materials used in health care facilities in the process of treatment and research.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Covid-19 related Biomedical waste includes: personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, face masks, head cover, plastic coverall, hazmat suit, syringes among other gears and medical equipment used by both healthcare providers and patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hazardous Waste:</strong> Biomedical waste is a<strong> biologically and chemically hazardous waste containing biological and microbiological contamination.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has the<strong> potential of spreading various types of diseases.</strong></li>
<li>The covid related biomedical waste contains various medicines that are toxic in nature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions for Biomedical Waste Management:</strong> The Ministry of Environment, Forest &amp; Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the <strong>&lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bio-medical-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016</a>&rsquo;</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, a separate facility called <strong>Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF)</strong> is there.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a set up where biomedical waste generated from member health care facilities is imparted necessary treatment to reduce adverse effects that the waste may pose on human health and environment.</li>
<li>The treated recyclable waste is finally sent for disposal in a secured landfill or for recycling.</li>
<li>About 200 such facilities are there in India to manage the waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has also <strong>ratified the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-waste-dumping-proposal-stands-defeated" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basel Convention</a></strong> on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Biomedical waste management rules<strong> came into force in 1998 and have undergone many amendments since then.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rules provide that the biomedical waste shall be properly collected, treated and disposed of.</li>
<li>The rules also provide that all the data that is collected from the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) has to be submitted to CPCB and finally it should go to the MoEFCC.</li>
<li>The<strong> latest major amendment was made in 2016.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There were also a few amendments to the rules in 2018 and 2019 <strong>which included the colour coding of the containers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The objective of the rules is to properly <strong>manage the per day bio-medical waste from Healthcare Facilities (HCFs)</strong> across the country.</li>
<li>Under the amendment in the rules in 2016, the<strong> ambit of the rules has been expanded</strong> to include vaccination camps, blood donation camps, surgical camps or any other healthcare activity.</li>
<li>The <strong>rules back the pre-treatment of the laboratory waste,</strong> microbiological waste, blood samples and blood bags through disinfection or sterilisation on-site in the manner<strong> prescribed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organization (WHO)</a></strong> or by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)</a>.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bio-medical waste has been classified into 4 categories instead of the earlier 10 categories to improve the segregation of waste at source.</li>
<li>The rules prescribe more stringent standards for incinerators to reduce the emission of pollutants in the environment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Basel Convention</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Adopted on March 22, 1989 by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Basel, Switzerland, the <strong>&ldquo;Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal&rdquo;,</strong> generally known as the Basel Convention, came into force in 1992.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>international treaty that aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It particularly focuses on preventing transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides for cooperation between the parties, including exchange of information on issues relevant to the implementation of the Convention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India is a member of the Basel Convention.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It ratified the convention in June 1992 and brought it into force on 22nd September 1992.</li>
<li>However, India has <strong>not ratified the Basel ban amendment.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Adopted by the parties in the Basel Convention in 1995, the amendment prohibits all export of hazardous wastes, including electronic wastes and obsolete ships from 29 wealthiest countries of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to non-OECD countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Challenges in Biomedical Waste Management</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Major Waste Generated at Home:</strong> The Covid related biomedical waste is generated not just in the hospitals but also at homes. Only 20% of the patients had to go to hospital.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>80% of Covid patients are recuperating/have recuperated at home.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>They are generating the biomedical waste at the places where it can not be treated properly.</strong></li>
<li>There is no proper facility for the management of the biomedical waste generated at home; it is <strong>being dumped in the ordinary municipal waste.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with Local Hospitals:</strong> Although India has the facility of managing this high amount of waste but because a large amount of this waste is being generated at homes and at provincial and local level hospitals, the waste is getting mismanaged.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These local hospitals are not as updated in facilities and infrastructure and hence, don&rsquo;t have proper biomedical waste management facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Municipal Workers at Risk:</strong> As such a large amount of covid waste is being generated at home,<strong> it makes the municipal workers the frontline workers too.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Data shows that these workers too have been impacted extensively amid the pandemic, a lot of them have died too.</li>
<li>There is a common perception that the virus must have been transmitted by respiratory droplets, aerosols or by touching an infected surface.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, there is less attention given to the poor management of the biomedical waste, <strong>a large number of people, specially the municipality workers getting infected due to coming in contact with the waste disposed of in the open.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Awareness:</strong> People are also not aware of how to segregate the waste at source and this is a bigger concern.</li>
<li><strong>Issue with the Waste Management Rules:</strong> The legal provisions for the same are designed to tackle biomedical waste at hospitals only.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They do not provide any information about how to manage such waste at home or any place other than hospitals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unequal Distribution of CBWTF:</strong> India has about 200 <strong>Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTF)</strong> across the country but they are located only in a few cities/districts like Mumbai or in Delhi.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in far off corners of the country, there is no such treatment facility at all.</li>
<li>Maharashtra had the highest number of such facilities (29) followed by Karnataka (26) and Gujarat (20). Kerala, which had witnessed the highest rate of daily generation, had only one CBWTF.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Accurate Data:</strong> The CPCB, during the first wave of the pandemic, was very quick in providing clear guidelines and a mobile app for collecting data on biomedical waste generation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But with the occurrence of the second wave, the impact is so bad that the hospitals are not even able to upload any data now.</li>
<li>Also, considering the fact that the second wave has hit India in a worse way, the covid related biomedical waste generated should have been a lot more than 250 tons (probably around 500 tons) as in the first wave the daily biomedical waste generation was 200 tons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judiciously Managing the Waste:</strong> The potential of biomedical waste of spreading a disease through the environment, largely by polluting water, is extremely high.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The biomedical waste generated should be collected and treated properly and must not be allowed to reach the water bodies as then it will be a problem too big to handle.</li>
<li>The biomedical waste generated should either be incinerated or gasified.</li>
<li>Along with managing the biomedical waste generated, nature should also be taken care of.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The waste must be managed so judiciously so that it does not contribute to climate change or trigger any other harm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of State Agencies:</strong> The state agencies responsible for providing the data to higher authorities have to play a crucial part in ensuring that data is not missed and no wrong data is forwarded to the CPCB.</li>
<li><strong>Awareness Among People:</strong> The waste segregation and management is done by the state agencies by colour coding like the red coloured container means that the biomedical waste is highly hazardous.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>So the people must also be aware about these color codings as they represent the hazard level of each biomedical waste.</li>
<li>If people will have knowledge about such basic things then they will be more cautious about keeping themselves away from such hazardous waste.</li>
<li>People must also understand that even if they are not infected, they should not put their masks and gloves in the same municipal bins that they have; waste segregation is a must.</li>
<li>People have to follow the SOPs generated by not just the WHO but other various health agencies to control the infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SOPs for Waste Management at Home:</strong> The CPCB shall come out with SOPs for managing biomedical waste at home for rural as well as urban communities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While burning biomedical waste is not an option in urban areas as the pollution levels are already high, burning biomedical waste in pits can be a possible way of managing waste in the village areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ultimate goal of biomedical waste management is to drastically reduce the environmental damage that is posed by this waste. A healthy environment at the end of the day is essential for healthy lives.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The COVID-related biomedical waste has to be disposed of in a scientific manner as per the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Awareness drives are the need of the hour and only through these drives can we take care of all these challenges that the pandemic is posing before us.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government shall introduce the SOPs to the common people as well as the municipality workers to handle this waste at home or any other place in order to avoid more damages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'WHO BioHub Initiative',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>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> and<strong> Switzerland</strong> have launched a <strong>BioHub facility</strong> that will allow <strong>pathogens sharing</strong> between laboratories and facilitate &ldquo;analysis and preparedness&rdquo; against them.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About BioHub Facility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The facility will help in <strong>safe reception, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/computation-analysis-of-indian-genes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sequencing</a>,</strong> <strong>storage and preparation</strong> of <strong>biological materials</strong> for distribution to other laboratories, so as to facilitate global preparedness against these pathogens.</li>
<li>It will <strong>enable member states to share biological materials with and via the BioHub</strong> under pre-agreed conditions, including biosafety, biosecurity, and other applicable regulations.</li>
<li>In parallel, WHO will <strong>broaden its BioHub System for the use of biological materials by qualified entities</strong> &ndash; such as manufacturers &ndash; for the development of medical by-products for fair allocation to countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic and other outbreaks and epidemics have underscored the <strong>importance of rapidly sharing pathogens</strong> to help the global scientific community <strong>assess the risk and develop countermeasures</strong> such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pathogens<strong> have been shared bilaterally</strong> between countries: A process that<strong> can be sluggish and deny the benefits</strong> to some.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will ensure the <strong>timely sharing of epidemiological and clinical data</strong> as well as<strong> biological materials.</strong></li>
<li>The move will help<strong> contribute to the establishment of an international exchange system</strong> for novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pathogens</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A pathogen is <strong>a biological agent that causes disease or illness.</strong> <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zoonotic pathogen</strong></a> refers to pathogens naturally transmitted between animals and humans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Pathogens:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Virus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Viruses are made up of a piece of genetic code, such as DNA or RNA, and protected by a coating of protein. Viruses invade host cells within the body. They then use the components of the host cell to replicate, producing more viruses.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of diseases caused by viruses:</strong> Chickenpox, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bird-flu-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flu (influenza)</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day-2020#:~:text=AIDS%20is%20a%20pandemic%20disease,key%20populations%20and%20their%20partners." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS)</a>, Mumps, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measles-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">measles and rubella</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bacteria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bacteria are microorganisms made of a single cell. They are very diverse, have a variety of shapes and features, and have the ability to live in just about any environment, including in and on the body.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of diseases caused by bacteria:</strong> Cholera, <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/leprosy-health-gs-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leprosy</a></strong>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-tb-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tuberculosis</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/marmots" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plague</strong></a>, Syphilis, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anthrax-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anthrax</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fungi:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fungi can be found just about everywhere in the environment, including indoors, outdoors, and on human skin. They cause infection when they overgrow.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of Fungal Infection: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mucormycosis-fungal-infection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mucormycosis</a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/white-fungus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> White Fungus</a>,</strong> Yellow Fungus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parasites:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Parasites are organisms that behave like tiny animals, living in or on a host and feeding from or at the expense of the host. Though parasitic infections are more common in tropical and subtropical regions, they can occur anywhere.</li>
<li><strong>Diseases caused by Parasite: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-day-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malaria</a>,</strong> African trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kala-azar-elimination-bihar-to-miss-deadline#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20types%20of,causes%20skin%20and%20mucosal%20lesions." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>leishmaniasis</strong></a>, and toxoplasmosis etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Antimicrobial Resistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>resistance</strong></a> acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/science-technology/who-launches-global-facility-for-pathogen-storage-sharing-and-analysis-77089#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organization%20(WHO,analysis%20and%20preparedness%20against%20them." 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/who-biohub-initiative'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Defining Hate Speech',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As there is no clear definition of what constitutes a &ldquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/truths-and-hate-speech-sc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hate Speech</strong></a>&rdquo; in the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-379" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Penal Code (IPC)</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/committee-on-criminal-law-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Committee for Reforms in Criminal Laws</strong></a> constituted by the Union Home Ministry to suggest reforms to the British-era IPC, is attempting for the first time to define such speech.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hate Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In general, it <strong>refers to words whose intent is to create hatred</strong> towards a particular group, that group may be a community, religion or race.This speech may or may not have meaning, but is <strong>likely to result in violence.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/data-on-police-organisations-bprd#:~:text=km%20is%2079.80.-,Bureau%20of%20Police%20Research%20and%20Development,modernization%20of%20the%20police%20force." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bureau of Police Research and Development</strong></a> recently published a manual for investigating agencies on cyber harassment cases that <strong>defined hate speech</strong> as a <strong>language that denigrates, insults, threatens or targets an individual based on their identity and other traits</strong> (such as sexual orientation or disability or religion etc.).</li>
<li>In the <strong>267<sup>th</sup> Report</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/law-commission-of-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Law Commission of India</strong></a>, hate speech is stated as <strong>an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons</strong> defined in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief and the like.</li>
<li>In order to determine whether a particular instance of speech is a hate speech or not, the <strong>context of the speech plays an important role.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Reasons of Hate Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Individuals believe <strong>in stereotypes</strong> that are ingrained in their minds and these stereotypes lead them to believe that <strong>a class or group of persons are inferior to them</strong> and as such cannot have the same rights as them.</li>
<li>The <strong>stubbornness to stick to a particular ideology</strong> without caring for the right to co-exist peacefully adds further fuel to the fire of hate speech.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Penal Provisions Related to Hate Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Under Indian Penal Code:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sections 153A and 153B of the IPC:</strong> Punishes acts that cause enmity and hatred between two groups.</li>
<li><strong>Section 295A of the IPC:</strong> Deals with punishing acts which deliberately or with malicious intention outrage the religious feelings of a class of persons.</li>
<li><strong>Sections 505(1) and 505(2):</strong> Make the publication and circulation of content which may cause ill-will or hatred between different groups an offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under Representation of People&rsquo;s Act:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Section 8 of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-representation-of-the-people-act-part-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Representation of People&rsquo;s Act, 1951 (RPA)</a>:</strong> Prevents a person convicted of the illegal use of the freedom of speech from contesting an election.</li>
<li><strong>Sections 123(3A) and 125 of the RPA:</strong> Bars the promotion of animosity on the grounds of race, religion, community, caste, or language in reference to elections and include it under corrupt electoral practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestion for Changes in IPC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Viswanathan Committee 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>It proposed inserting Sections 153 C (b) and Section 505 A in the IPC</strong> for incitement to commit an offence on grounds of religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability or tribe.</li>
<li>It <strong>proposed punishment of up to two years along with Rs. 5,000 fine.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bezbaruah Committee 2014:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>proposed amendment to Section 153 C IPC</strong> (promoting or attempting to promote acts prejudicial to human dignity), punishable by five years and fine or both and <strong>Section 509 A IPC</strong> (word, gesture or act intended to insult member of a particular race), punishable by three years or fine or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For a country like India with a massive population of diverse backgrounds and culture, <strong>subjects like hate speech become a complex issue to deal with</strong> as <strong>it is difficult to differentiate between free and hate speech.</strong></li>
<li>Several factors are to be considered while restraining speeches like the number of strong opinions, offensive to certain communities, the effect on the values of dignity, liberty, and equality. Certainly, <strong>there are laws for such atrocities but a major part of work is still left.</strong></li>
<li>Therefore <strong>giving a proper definition to hate speech would be the first step to deal with the menace</strong> and other initiatives such as <strong>spreading awareness amongst the public is the need of the hour.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panel-to-define-offences-of-speech-expression/article34644940.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/defining-hate-speech'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Vesak Celebration',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Prime Minister addressed <strong>&ldquo;Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations&rdquo;</strong> on <strong>Buddha Purnima.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The event is being organised by the <strong>Ministry of Culture</strong> in collaboration with the <strong>International Buddhist Confederation</strong> (IBC) and will witness the participation of all the <strong>supreme heads</strong> of the <strong>Buddhist Sanghas</strong> from <strong>around the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Buddha Purnima:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is celebrated to mark the <strong>birth of Gautam Buddha</strong>, the founder of <strong>Buddhism.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also <strong>known as Vesak.</strong> In <strong>1999</strong>, it became a <strong>UN-designated day</strong>, to acknowledge the contribution of Buddhism to society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is considered a <strong>'triple-blessed day'</strong> - as <strong>Tathagata Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parnirvana.</strong></li>
<li>Buddha Purnima <strong>falls on a full moon night</strong>, usually between April and May, and it is a gazetted holiday in India.</li>
<li>Many devotees visit <strong>Mahabodhi Temple</strong>, a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></a>, located in <strong>Bodh Gaya, Bihar</strong>, on this occasion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bodhi Temple is the location <strong>where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Buddhist Confederation (IBC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IBC is the <strong>biggest religious Buddhist confederation.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>purpose</strong> of this body is to create a role for Buddhism on the global stage so as to help to preserve heritage, share knowledge, and promote values and to represent a united front for Buddhism to enjoy meaningful participation in the global discourse.</li>
<li>In <strong>November 2011, New Delhi was host to Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC)</strong>, where the attendees unanimously adopted a resolution to form an international umbrella body &ndash; the <strong>International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).</strong></li>
<li><strong>HQ: Delhi, India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Gautam Buddha:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He was <strong>born as Siddhartha Gautama in circa 563 BCE, in Lumbini</strong> and belonged to the <strong>Sakya clan.</strong></li>
<li>Gautam <strong>attained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree</strong> at Bodhgaya, Bihar.</li>
<li>Buddha gave his <strong>first sermon in the village of Sarnath</strong>, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This event is known as <strong>Dharma Chakra Pravartana</strong> (turning of the wheel of law).</li>
<li>He <strong>died at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at Kushinagara</strong>, Uttar Pradesh. The event is known as<strong> Mahaparinibban or Mahaparinirvana.</strong></li>
<li>He is <strong>believed to be the eighth of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu (Dashavatar).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Buddhism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/buddhism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Buddhism</strong></a> started in India over 2,600 years ago.</li>
<li>The <strong>main teachings of Buddhism</strong> are encapsulated in the basic concept of four <strong>noble truths or ariya-sachchani</strong> and <strong>eight-fold path or ashtangika marg.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dukkha (Sufferings) and its extinction</strong> are <strong>central to the Buddha&rsquo;s doctrine.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The essence of Buddhism is the <strong>attainment of enlightenment or nirvana</strong> which was not a place but an experience and could be attained in this life.</li>
<li>There is <strong>no supreme god or deity</strong> in Buddhism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Buddhist Councils:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622018440_pasted%20image 0 (1).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622018440_pasted image 0 (1).png" width="350" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Schools of Buddhism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mahayana (Idol Worship), Hinayana, Theravada, Vajrayana (Tantric buddhism), Zen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Buddhism Texts (Tipitaka):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Vinaya Pitaka</strong> (rules applicable to monastic life), <strong>Sutta Pitaka</strong> (main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha), <strong>Abhidhamma Pitaka</strong> (a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>concept of ahimsa</strong> was its chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.</li>
<li>Its <strong>contribution to the art and architecture of India</strong> was notable. The <strong>stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, and Gaya</strong> are wonderful pieces of architecture.</li>
<li>It <strong>promoted education through residential universities</strong> like those at <strong>Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramasila.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>language of Pali and other local languages</strong> developed through the teachings of Buddhism.</li>
<li>It had also <strong>promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UNESCO&rsquo;s Heritage Sites Related to Buddhism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar</li>
<li>Buddhist Monuments at <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/mauryan-art-and-architecture-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sanchi</strong></a>, MP</li>
<li>Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/ajanta-and-ellora-caves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ajanta Caves</strong></a> Aurangabad, Maharashtra.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/buddha-purnima-2021-date-significance-and-importance-7303079/" 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/vesak-celebration'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'One Stop Centres',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Women and Child Development</strong> will set up <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-stop-centre-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>One Stop Centres (OSCs)</strong> </a>across <strong>10 countries</strong> to provide assistance to Indian women who are survivors of gender-based violence.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The missions where the OSCs will come up are <strong>Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and Singapore.</strong></li>
<li>It will also set up <strong>300 OSCs in the country</strong> in addition to the nearly <strong>700 existing</strong> ones across all districts.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforming-centrally-sponsored-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>centrally sponsored scheme</strong></a> for addressing the <strong>problem of violence against women. It was launched in April 2015.</strong></li>
<li>It is a subscheme of the umbrella scheme for <strong>National Mission for Empowerment of Women</strong> including <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indira Gandhi Mattritav Sahyaog Yojana</a>.</strong></li>
<li>One stop centre will be established <strong>across the country</strong> and <strong>at least one OSC in every mission around the world</strong> to <strong>provide integrated support and assistance</strong> under one roof to women affected by violence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Indian missions</strong> represent an important form of contact between the Indians around the world and the government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To support <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/domestic-violence-during-lockdown&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1622017058874000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-z0nyblqJPKZ__-RkIhtk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>women affected by the violence</strong></a> that they may face <strong>within the family or at the workplace or within the community</strong>, in private or public places.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Specially for women who face <strong>sexual, physical, psychological, emotional and economic abuse</strong>, irrespective of their caste, creed, race, class, education status, age, culture, or marital status.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is funded through <strong>Nirbhaya Fund</strong> and the <strong>central government provides 100% financial assistance</strong> to the state governments /Union Territories administrations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nirbhaya Fund</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-january-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Nirbhaya Fund</strong></a> Framework provides for a <strong>non-lapsable corpus fund for safety and security of women.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>established in 2013.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is administered by the<strong> Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)</strong> of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) of the Government of India.</li>
<li>It can be utilized <strong>for projects and initiatives related to women safety.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Auditing:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Audit will be done as per <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/comptroller-and-auditor-general-of-india-cag#:~:text=Shri%20Rajiv%20Mehrishi%20is%20the%20incumbent%20CAG%20of%20India." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller &amp; Auditor General of India</strong> </a>norms and social audit will also be undertaken by civil society groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Emergency response and rescue services.</li>
<li>Medical assistance.</li>
<li>Assistance to women in lodging the FIR.</li>
<li>Psycho-social support and counselling.</li>
<li>Legal aid and counselling.</li>
<li>Shelter.</li>
<li>Video conferencing facility.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Legislative Framework to Prevent Violence Against Women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/be-mains-ready-daily-answer-writing-practice-question/papers/2020/bmr-be-mains-ready-safety-of-women-implications-some-major-legal-initiatives-taken#:~:text=The%20Sexual%20Harassment%20of%20Women,it%20in%20public%20or%20private." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approved-changes-to-pocso-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), 2012</a>.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/change-in-the-provision-of-the-domestic-violence-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/05-12-2019#:~:text=The%20Dowry%20Prohibition%20Act%2C%201961,at%20their%20place%20of%20work." target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961</a></strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Other Initiatives for Women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-constitutes-panel-on-sexual-harassment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SHe-Box portal</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-10th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-25th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-creche-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Creche Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-stops-rural-women-from-getting-involved-in-entrepreneurship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahila e-haat</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-for-gender-equality-in-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GATI Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kiran-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KIRAN Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centres-in-10-missions-to-help-women-survivors-of-gender-based-violence/article34643697.ece#:~:text=Share%20Article-,Ministry%20of%20Women%20and%20Child%20Development%20to%20set%20up%20300,survivors%20of%20gender%2Dbased%20violence." 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/one-stop-centres'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The latest <strong>Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021, for the creation of a Lakshadweep Development Authority (LDA)</strong> is widely resented by the people of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshadweep-declared-an-organic-union-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lakshadweep</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Constitution of Lakshadweep Development Authority:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It <strong>empowers the government, identified as the administrator, to constitute Planning and Development Authorities</strong> under it to plan the development of any area identified as having &ldquo;bad layout or obsolete development&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">The authority would be a <strong>body corporate with a government-appointed chairman</strong>, a town planning officer and three &lsquo;expert&rsquo; government nominees besides two local authority representatives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">These <strong>authorities are to prepare land use maps, carry out zonation for type of land use</strong> and indicate areas for proposed national highways, arterial roads, ring roads, major streets, railways, tramways, airports, theatres, museums etc.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Only <strong>cantonment areas are exempted</strong> from this.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Defines &lsquo;Development&rsquo;:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It defines development <strong>as the carrying out of building, engineering, mining, quarrying or other operations in, on, over or under land</strong>, the cutting of a hill or any portion thereof or the making of any material change in any building or land or in the use of any building or land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Fees for Changing Zones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It stipulates that islanders must <strong>pay a processing fee for zone changes.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It implies that <strong>localities would be required to pay fees to gain approval to alter zones as per the development plan</strong>, as well as fees for permission to develop their own land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Penalties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It establishes penalties such as <strong>imprisonment</strong> for obstructing the development plan's work or workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>People&rsquo;s Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Real Estate Interests:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">People suspect that this might have been issued <strong>at the behest of &lsquo;real estate interests&rsquo; seeking to usurp the small holdings</strong> of property owned by the islanders, a majority of them <strong>(94.8% as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2011-census-data-on-migration#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202011%20Census,state%20from%20the%20two%20states.&amp;text=According%20to%20it%20migrants%20from,combined%20population%20of%2029.2%20million." target="_blank" rel="noopener">2011 census</a>)</strong> belonging to the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribes (ST)</a>.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Proposals to bring <strong>real estate development concepts</strong> such as <strong>&lsquo;transferable development rights&rsquo;</strong> to the island have raised people's fear of <strong>forced migration en masse.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Forcible Relocation &amp; Eviction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It vests such powers with the authority that it can prepare comprehensive development plans for any area and <strong>relocate people regardless of their will.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It <strong>provides for forcible eviction</strong>, puts the <strong>onus on the owner</strong> to develop his holding as per the plan prepared by the authority as also to heavily penalise them in the event of non-compliance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Destruction of Culture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">The island community is a <strong>close-knit group with families living in close proximity.</strong> The regulation will destroy the way of life practised by them for generations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ecological Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It <strong>is</strong> <strong>neither ecologically sustainable nor socially viable</strong> and the <strong>people&rsquo;s representatives were not consulted before drafting it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Lakshadweep</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>smallest Union Territory</strong>, Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.</li>
<li>It is directly under the <strong>control of the Centre through an administrator.</strong></li>
<li>There are <strong>three main group of islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Amindivi Islands</li>
<li>Laccadive Islands</li>
<li>Minicoy Island.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amindivi Islands</strong> are the <strong>northernmost</strong> while <strong>Minicoy island</strong> is the <strong>southernmost.</strong></li>
<li>All are tiny islands of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/translocation-of-corals-in-mumbai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coral</a> origin (Atoll)</strong> and are <strong>surrounded by fringing reefs.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Capital is Kavaratti</strong> and it is also the principal town of the UT.</li>
<li><strong>Pitti island</strong>, which is uninhabited, has a bird sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Population:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than 93% of the population who are indigenous, are Muslims and majority of them <strong>belong to the Shafi School of the Sunni Sect.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Malayalam</strong> is spoken in all the islands <strong>except Minicoy</strong> where people <strong>speak Mahl</strong> which is written in Divehi script and is spoken in Maldives also.</li>
<li>The <strong>entire indigenous population has been classified as Scheduled Tribes</strong> because of their economic and social backwardness. There are <strong>no <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-castes-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Castes</a></strong> in this Union Territory.</li>
<li>The <strong>main occupation</strong> of the people is fishing, coconut cultivation and coir twisting. Tourism is an emerging industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organic Agricultural Area:</strong> Recently, the entire Lakshadweep group of islands has been declared as an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshadweep-declared-an-organic-union-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>organic agricultural area</strong></a> under the <strong>Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622009269_map.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622009269_map.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/widespread-resentment-in-lakshadweep-over-a-slew-of-bad-law-proposals/article34634201.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/draft-lakshadweep-development-authority-regulation-2021'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Pendency of Cases',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronanvirus-pandemic-virtual-hearing-india-courts-judiciary-system-7328862/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Spike in other caseload&rsquo;'</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 25/05/2021. It talks about the delays and inefficiencies arising from the huge pendencies of cases in the Indian courts.</p>
</div>
<p>The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of socio-economic-political setup in India and quite obviously Judiciary hasn&rsquo;t been immune to it. By and large, the courts have not worked with a full caseload since March 2020.</p>
<p>As a result, when the lockdown of March 2020 was declared, there were 3.68 crore cases across all levels; which have already shot up to 4.42 crore.</p>
<p>These delays and inefficiencies arising from the heavy dockets in Indian courts have long been a matter of concern and complements the saying that justice delayed is justice denied.</p>
<p>Thus<a href="/printpdf/the-big-picture-strengthening-judicial-apparatus#:~:text=Huge%20Pendency%3A%20Close%20to%202.7,in%20the%20next%20three%20decades." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Judicial reforms</strong></a>, if taken seriously, expeditious and effective justice can see the light of day.</p>
<h3>Reasons for Delay</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Persisting Vacancies:</strong> Across India, there are vacancies against even the sanctioned strengths of courts and in the worst performing states those vacancies exceed 30 per cent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to this, the average waiting period for trial in lower courts is around 10 years and 2-5 years in HCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor State of Subordinate Judiciary:</strong> District courts across the country also suffer from inadequate infrastructure and poor working conditions, which need drastic improvement, particularly if they are to meet the digital expectations raised by the higher judiciary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, there is a yawning digital divide between courts, practitioners and clients in metropolitan cities and those outside. Overcoming the hurdles of decrepit infrastructure and digital illiteracy will take years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government, the Biggest Litigant:</strong> Poorly drafted orders have resulted in contested tax revenues equal to 4.7 per cent of the GDP and it is rising.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Crowding out investment: Roughly Rs 50,000 crore are locked up in stalled projects and investments are reducing. Both these complications have arisen because of injunctions and stay orders granted by the courts primarily due to poorly drafted and poorly reasoned orders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Less budgetary allocation:</strong> The budget allocated to the judiciary is between 0.08 and 0.09 per cent of the GDP. Only four countries &mdash; Japan, Norway, Australia and Iceland &mdash; have a lesser budget allocation and they do not have problems of pendency like India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increasing Strength of Judicial Service:</strong> One of the solutions is to substantially increase the strength of the judicial services by appointing more judges at the subordinate level &mdash; improvements must start from the bottom of the pyramid. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strengthening the subordinate judiciary also means providing it with administrative and technical support and prospects for promotion, development and training.</li>
<li>Institutionalising All-India Judicial Service can be a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adequate Budgeting:</strong> The appointments and improvements will require significant but absolutely necessary expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission and the India Justice Report 2020 have raised the issue and suggested ways to earmark and deploy funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hibernating Unnecessary PILs:</strong> The Supreme Court should mandate summary disposal of all &lsquo;hibernating&rsquo; <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pils-from-public-interest-to-publicity-interest-litigations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PILs</strong></a> &ndash; those pending for more than 10 years before HCs &ndash; if they do not concern a question of significant public policy or law.</li>
<li><strong>Correcting Historical Inequalities:</strong> Reforms in Judiciary should also encompass addressing social inequalities within the judiciary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Women judges, and judges from historically-marginalised castes and classes must finally be given a fair share of seats at the table.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution:</strong> It should be mandated that all commercial litigation will be entertained only if there is an affidavit from the petitioner that mediation and conciliation have been attempted and have failed. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mechanisms such as ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution), Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas should be effectively utilised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Courts are sitting on a pendency bomb and it has never been more urgent to strengthen the judiciary. Thus, there is a need to take a holistic and realistic view of the present situation of the Indian Judiciary.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Courts are sitting on a pendency bomb and it has never been more urgent to strengthen the Indian judiciary. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pendency-of-cases'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'India - Israel Agreement on Agriculture Cooperation',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India and Israel have signed<strong> &ldquo;a three-year work program agreement&rdquo;</strong> for development in <strong>agriculture cooperation.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621944094_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621944094_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Three-year Work Program:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The programme<strong> aims</strong> to grow existing <strong>Centres of Excellence, establish new centers, increase CoE&rsquo;s value chain,</strong> bring the<strong> Centres of Excellence</strong> into the <strong>self-sufficient mode,</strong> and encourage <strong>private sector companies and collaboration.</strong></li>
<li>Both countries are implementing the<strong> &ldquo;INDO-ISRAEL Agricultural Project Centres of Excellence&rdquo; </strong>and<strong> &ldquo;INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indo-Israeli Agricultural Cooperation Project <strong>started in 2008</strong> following the signing of a three-year Action Plan based on a Government to Government Agreement.</li>
<li>Both started an agricultural fund <strong>worth $50 million</strong> that focused on <strong>dairy, farming technology and micro-irrigation.</strong></li>
<li><strong>By March 2014, 10 centres of excellence operated</strong> throughout India offering free training sessions for farmers on efficient agricultural techniques using Israeli technological expertise. Vertical farming, drip irrigation and soil solarization are taught at the centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence (IIVOE):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a new concept aimed at <strong>creating a model ecosystem in agriculture across eight states,</strong> alongside 13 Centers of Excellence within 75 villages.</li>
<li>The program <strong>will promote the increase of net income and better the livelihood of the individual farmer,</strong> transforming traditional farms into modern-intensive farms based on <strong>Indo-Israel Agriculture Action Plan (IIAP)</strong> standards.</li>
<li>Large-scale and complete value chain approach with economic sustainability, embedded with Israeli novel technologies and methodologies will be <strong>tailored to local conditions.</strong></li>
<li>The IIVOE program<strong> will focus on:</strong> (1) Modern Agriculture infrastructure, (2) Capacity Building, (3) Market linkage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indo-Israel Bilateral Cooperation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/collaboration-with-israel-in-defence-sector-under-fdi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic cooperation</strong></a> between the two countries began during the <strong>Sino-India War of 1962.</strong></li>
<li>In 1965, Israel <strong>supplied M-58 160-mm mortar ammunition to India</strong> in the war <strong>against Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>It was one of the few countries that chose <strong>not to condemn <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day-1#:~:text=The%20day%2C%20which%20was%20first,Prime%20Minister%20Atal%20Bihari%20Vajpayee." target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s Pokhran nuclear tests </a></strong>in 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From US$ 200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily trade in diamonds), bilateral merchandise trade stood at US$ 5.65 billion (excluding defence) in 2018-19, with the balance of trade being in India&rsquo;s favour by US$ 1.8 billion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Trade in diamonds constitutes close to 40% of bilateral trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is <strong>Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia.</strong></li>
<li>Israeli companies have<strong> invested in India in energy, renewable energy, telecom, real estate, water technologies,</strong> and are focusing on <strong>setting up R&amp;D centers</strong> or <strong>production units</strong> in India.</li>
<li>The first recipients of grants from the <strong>Israel-India Industrial R&amp;D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)</strong> were announced in <strong>July 2018,</strong> including companies working to better the lives of Indians and Israelis through efficient water use, improving communications infrastructure, solar energy use, and life-changing surgeries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fund aims to help Israeli entrepreneurs enter the Indian market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Israel has been <strong>among the top four arms suppliers to India for almost two decades now,</strong> notching military sales worth around USD 1 billion every year.</li>
<li>The Indian armed forces have<strong> inducted a wide array of Israeli weapon systems</strong> over the years, which range from <strong>Phalcon AWACS</strong> (airborne warning and control systems) and<strong> Heron, Searcher-II</strong> and <strong>Harop drones</strong> to <strong>Barak</strong> anti-missile defence systems and <strong>Spyder</strong> quick-reaction anti-aircraft missile systems.</li>
<li>The acquisitions also include a host of Israeli missiles and precision-guided munitions, from <strong>Python and Derby air-to-air missiles</strong> to<strong> Crystal Maze and Spice-2000 bombs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, an Israeli team arrived in India with a multi-pronged mission, codenamed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-breathing-space-india-israel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Breathing Space</strong></a> to work with Indian authorities on the Covid-19 response.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-israel-sign-agreement-on-agriculture-cooperation-7328840/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-israel-agreement-on-agriculture-cooperation'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'National Award for Recycling Carbon Technology',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Bangalore based<strong> startup</strong> has received the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-awards-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Award 2021</strong></a> <strong>from Technology Development Board (TDB)</strong> for developing a commercial solution<strong> for conversion of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to chemicals and fuels.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The startup has received funding under the <strong>Nano Mission.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The startup <strong>developed efficient catalysts and methodologies</strong> for the <strong>conversion of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to methanol and other chemicals.</strong></li>
<li>It has led to <strong>improvisation of process engineering</strong> to enhance the production of chemicals and fuels from anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> generated from various sources including coal and natural gas power generation sectors, steel industry, cement industry, and chemical industries.</li>
<li>It has integrated multiple components involved in the <strong>CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration)</strong> to develop a complete solution for the environmental issues due to global warming.</li>
<li>The <strong>Recycling Carbon Technology</strong> will be transferred to <strong>Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR),</strong> an autonomous institute of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/science-technology-and-innovation-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department of Science and Technology.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/carbon-sequestration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS):</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a process that <strong>captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources</strong> like coal-fired power plants and <strong>either reuses or stores it</strong> so it will <strong>not enter the atmosphere.</strong></li>
<li>Carbon dioxide <strong>storage in geologic formations</strong> includes oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams and deep saline reservoirs - structures that have stored crude oil, natural gas, brine and carbon dioxide over millions of years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Technology Development Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>TDB is<strong> a statutory body</strong> established by the Technology Development Board Act, 1995.</li>
<li>It was established in 1996 and functions under the <strong>Department of Science of Technology.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>provides financial assistance to companies</strong> working for commercialization of indigenous technologies and adaptation of imported technologies for domestic applications.</li>
<li>As part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Technology Day (11<sup>th</sup> May)</strong></a>, the TDB<strong> presents the National Awards,</strong> to industrial concerns who have successfully commercialized an indigenous technology.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Nano Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India launched the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iconsat-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nano Mission</a> in 2007</strong> as an "umbrella capacity-building programme".</li>
<li>It is being implemented by the <strong>Department of Science and Technology (DST)</strong> under the <strong>Ministry of Science and Technology.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1721344#:~:text=Recycling%20Carbon%20technology%20by%20Bangalore%20startup%20receives%20TDB%20National%20Award%202021&amp;text=A%20Bangalore%20based%20startup%20has,2%20to%20chemicals%20and%20fuels." 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-award-for-recycling-carbon-technology'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Semiconductor Chips Shortage in Vehicle Manufacturing',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, an unusual<strong> shortage of inputs, especially semiconductor chips,</strong> has made <strong>India-based vehicle manufactures</strong> (car manufactures and premium bikes) curtail production across categories.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Semiconductor Chips:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Semiconductors are<strong> materials which have a conductivity between conductors</strong> (generally metals) <strong>and nonconductors or insulators</strong> (such as most ceramics). Semiconductors can be pure elements, such as <strong>silicon or germanium,</strong> or compounds such as<strong> gallium arsenide or cadmium selenide.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Conductivity</strong> is the measure of the ease at which an electric charge or heat can pass through a material.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621942131_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621942131_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>semiconductor chip is an electric circuit</strong> with many components such as transistors and wiring formed on a semiconductor wafer. An electronic device comprising numerous of these components is called <strong>Integrated Circuit (IC),</strong> and can be found in electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, appliances, gaming hardware and medical equipment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These devices find <strong>widespread use in almost all industries, especially in the automobile industry.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Electronic parts and components today account for <strong>40% of the cost of a new internal combustion engine car,</strong> up from less than 20% two decades ago. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Semiconductor Chips account for a bulk of this increase.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Shortage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Covid and Lockdowns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and the subsequent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns</strong></a> across the world that forced shut crucial chip-making facilities in countries including Japan, South Korea, China and the US.</li>
<li>Its shortage causes<strong> cascading effects,</strong> given that the first one creates pent-up demand that becomes the cause for the follow-up famine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Consumption:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of transistors mounted in IC chips has doubled every two years. Notably, the<strong> increase in chip consumption over the last decade is also partly attributable</strong> to the rising contribution of electronic components in a car&rsquo;s bill of materials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reduced Supply:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Consumers of semiconductor chips, which are mainly <strong>car manufacturers and consumer electronics manufactures,</strong> have not been receiving enough of this crucial input to continue production. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chip shortage is measured in chip lead time, which is the <strong>gap between when a chip is ordered and when it is delivered. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Production of Automobiles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With just-in-time deliveries, carmakers typically kept low inventory holdings and <strong>relied on an electronics industry supply chain</strong> to feed production lines as per demand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delayed Supply and Reduced Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has caused <strong>delaying vehicle deliveries,</strong> some companies have reportedly started <strong>discarding features and high-end electronic capabilities</strong> on a temporary basis to deal with the chip shortage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>present slump in the automobile industry seems to be a temporary</strong> phase. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccination" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vaccination</strong></a> drive and economic recovery will provide a much needed trigger.</li>
<li>However, at least for some time, there is a <strong>need to reduce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goods and Services Tax (GST)</a></strong> on entry level cars and that on the two wheelers. <strong>The state governments also need to reduce the road tax.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-semiconductor-chips-shortage-and-how-carmakers-are-coping-7327321/" 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/semiconductor-chips-shortage-in-vehicle-manufacturing'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'FDI Inflow Touches $82 Bn in FY21',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>In the <strong>Financial Year 2020-21,</strong> India sees<strong> growth of 10% (to $82 bn)</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a>. FDI<strong> equity investments rise 19%</strong> to $60 billion.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In <strong>2019-20,</strong> India had <strong>received $74.39</strong> billion in FDI, with almost<strong> $50 billion</strong> coming in the form of<strong> equity investments.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621941331_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621941331_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Top Investors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Singapore</strong> emerged as the<strong> top investor</strong> with almost a third of all investments, <strong>followed by the US</strong> which accounted for <strong>23% of FDI</strong> and <strong>Mauritius from where 9%</strong> of the foreign capital flows originated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sharpest Growth from Saudi Arabia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sharpest growth among the<strong> top 10 FDI-origin countries</strong> was recorded from <strong>Saudi Arabia.</strong></li>
<li>Investments jumped from $90 million <strong>in 2019-20</strong> to <strong>$2.8 billion in 2020-21.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>FDI Equity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FDI equity flows<strong> from the US more than doubled</strong> during the year compared with 2019-20, while<strong> investments from the UK surged 44%. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top FDI Destinations;</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gujarat</strong> was the <strong>top</strong> FDI destination in 2020-21, accounting fo<strong>r 37% of</strong> the foreign equity inflows, followed by <strong>Maharashtra (2<sup>nd</sup>)</strong> which got <strong>27% of</strong> the equity inflows.</li>
<li><strong>Karnataka (3<sup>rd</sup>)</strong> accounted for another 13% of the equity investments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Computer software and hardware</strong> has emerged as the top sector during 2020-21 with about <strong>44% share</strong> of the total FDI equity inflow.</li>
<li>These are followed by <strong>construction (infrastructure) activities</strong> (13%) and<strong> services sector (8%),</strong> respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Foreign Direct Investment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI</strong></a> is the process whereby residents of one country (the home country) acquire ownership of assets for the purpose of controlling the production, distribution and other activities of a firm in another country (the host country).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is different from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increase-in-foreign-portfolio-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Portfolio Investment</strong></a> where the foreign entity merely buys stocks and bonds of a company. FPI does not provide the investor with control over the business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Three Components:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Equity capital</strong> is the foreign direct investor&rsquo;s purchase of shares of an enterprise in a country other than its own.</li>
<li><strong>Reinvested earnings</strong> comprise the direct investors&rsquo; share of earnings not distributed as dividends by affiliates, or earnings not remitted to the direct investor. Such retained profits by affiliates are reinvested.</li>
<li><strong>Intra-company loans</strong> or intra-company debt transactions refer to short- or long-term borrowing and lending of funds between direct investors (or enterprises) and affiliate enterprises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Routes through which India gets FDI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Automatic Route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity does not require the prior approval of the government or the RBI.</li>
<li><strong>Government Route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity has to take the approval of the government.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unified-single-window-clearance-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP)</strong></a> facilitates the single window clearance of applications which are through approval route.</li>
<li>It is administered by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dipp-renamed-as-dpiit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade</strong></a> (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government Measures to Promote FDI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2020,</strong> factors such as a swift response in combating the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid crisis</strong></a>, favourable demographics, impressive mobile and internet penetration, massive consumption and technology uptake, played an important role in attracting the investments.</li>
<li>Launch of Schemes attracting investments, such as, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/export-promotion-council-for-technical-textiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National technical Textile Mission</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pli-scheme-for-ten-more-sectors" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Production Linked Incentive Scheme</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-kisan-sampada-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana</strong></a>, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has elaborated upon the initiatives under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-on-atmanirbhar-bharat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a> to encourage investments in different sectors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As a part of its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India initiative</strong></a> to promote domestic manufacturing,<strong> India deregulated FDI rules</strong> for several sectors over the last few years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/fdi-inflow-touches-82-bn-in-fy21/article34636548.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/fdi-inflow-touches-82-bn-in-fy21'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Government of India Act, 1919',
			'catname' => 'Paper 1',
			'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1918, Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy, produced their scheme of constitutional reforms, known as the<strong> Montagu-Chelmsford (or Mont-Ford) Reforms,</strong> which led to the enactment of the <strong>Government of India Act of 1919.</strong></li>
<li>Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms which came into force in 1921.</li>
<li>The sole purpose of this Act was to ensure Indians of their representation in the Government.</li>
<li>The Act introduced reforms at the Central as well as Provincial levels of Government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Salient Features of the Act</h3>
<p><strong>Central Level Government: </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Subjects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The matters, which were of National importance or related to more than one province were governed at the central level, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Foreign Affairs, Defence, Political Relations, Communication, Public Debt, Civil and Criminal Laws, Wire services etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Central Legislature was made more powerful and more representative by this Act.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Executive:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act made the <strong>Governor-General the chief executive authority.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There had to be the<strong> Executive Council of the Viceroy</strong> of eight members, out of which three were to be Indians.</li>
<li>The governor-general could restore cuts in grants, certify bills rejected by the central legislature and issue ordinances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforms in Legislature: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bicameral Legislature:</strong> The Act<strong> introduced</strong> bicameral legislature; the Lower House or Central Legislative Assembly and the Upper House or Council of State.</li>
<li>The legislators, under the new reforms,<strong> could now ask questions and supplementaries, pass adjournment motions</strong> and <strong>vote a part of the budget,</strong> but <strong>75% of the budget</strong> was still <strong>not votable.</strong></li>
<li>The legislature had virtually <strong>no control over the Governor-General and his Executive Council.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Composition of Lower House:</strong> The Lower House would consist of 145 members, who were either nominated or indirectly elected from the provinces. It had a tenure of 3 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>41 nominated</strong> (26 official and 15 non-official members)</li>
<li><strong>104 elected</strong> (52 General, 30 Muslims, 2 Sikhs, 20 Special).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition Upper House:</strong> The Upper House would have 60 members. It had a tenure of 5 years and had only male members.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>26 nominated</strong></li>
<li><strong>34 elected</strong> (20 General, 10 Muslims, 3 Europeans and 1 Sikh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of Viceroy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Legislature was addressed by the Viceroy.</strong></li>
<li>He could call for the meetings, or adjourn the meetings or even repeal the Legislature.</li>
<li>The tenure of the Legislature was 3 years, which could be extended by the Viceroy, as he saw fit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of Central Legislature:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The central government enjoyed unrestricted control over the provincial governments.</li>
<li>The Central Legislature was authorised to make laws for all of India, for all Officers and common people, whether they were in India or not.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restrictions on Central Legislature:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Certain restrictions were imposed on the legislature:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was necessary to get the permission of the Governor General to introduce a bill, such as amendment of existing law or amendment of ordinance of Governor General, foreign relations and relations with Indian states, armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The legislature of <strong>India could not change or reverse any law passed by the British Parliament</strong> in relation to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Provincial Level Government:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Subjects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It included the matters which were related to a specific Province such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Public Health, Local Self-government, Education, General administration, Medical facilities, Land-revenue, Water supply, Famine relief, Law and Order, Agriculture etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Introduction to Diarchy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act<strong> introduced diarchy (rule of two individuals/parties) for the executive</strong> at the level of the provincial government.</li>
<li>The diarchy was implemented in eight provinces:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Assam, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bombay, Madras and Punjab.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>provincial governments were given more powers</strong> under the system of Dyarchy.</li>
<li>The <strong>governor was to be the executive head in the province.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Division of Subjects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Subjects were divided into two lists: <strong>&lsquo;reserved&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;transferred&rsquo;.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>reserved list,</strong> under which the <strong>subjects were to be administered by the governor</strong> through his executive council of bureaucrats. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It included subjects such as law and order, finance, land revenue, irrigation etc.</li>
<li><strong>All important subjects were kept in the reserved subjects</strong> of the Provincial Executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The transferred subjects were to be <strong>administered by ministers nominated from among the elected members</strong> of the legislative council.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It included subjects such as education, health, local government, industry, agriculture, excise, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In case of <strong>failure of constitutional machinery</strong> in the province the<strong> governor could take over the administration</strong> of transferred subjects also.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restriction in Interference:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Secretary Of State for India</strong> and the<strong> Governor General</strong> could interfere in respect of reserved subjects while in respect of the transferred subjects, the scope for their interference was restricted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforms in Legislature:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provincial legislative councils were further expanded and <strong>70% of the members were to be elected.</strong></li>
<li>The system of <strong>communal and class electorates</strong> was further consolidated.</li>
<li><strong>Women were also given the right to vote.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>legislative councils could reject the budget</strong> but the<strong> governor could restore it, if necessary. </strong></li>
<li>The <strong>legislators enjoyed freedom of speech.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of the Governor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Governor could overrule the ministers on any grounds that he considered special. Also, he retained complete control over the finances.</li>
<li>The legislative councils could initiate legislation but the governor&rsquo;s assent was required.</li>
<li>The <strong>governor could veto bills and issue ordinances.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Awakening Among Indians:</strong> Indians received secret information about administration and became aware of their duties. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This<strong> instilled a sense of nationalism and awakening among Indians</strong> and they <strong>moved towards achieving the goal of Swaraj. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expansion of Voting Rights:</strong> Election areas expanded in India and <strong>people began to understand the importance of voting. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Self Government in Provinces:</strong> The Act<strong> led to the existence of provincial self-government</strong> in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act <strong>gave the people the power to administer</strong> and administrative pressure from the government was greatly reduced.</li>
<li><strong>It prepared Indians to discharge responsibilities</strong> in the provincial administration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drawbacks of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Irresponsible Central Government:</strong> No responsible government was envisaged in the Act at the all-India level.</li>
<li><strong>Spread of Communalism:</strong> The flawed electoral system and limited franchise failed to gain popularity. It promoted a sense of communalism in a separate electoral system.</li>
<li><strong>Limited Extension of Electorates:</strong> The electorate was extended to some one-and-a-half million for the central legislature, while the population of India was around 260 million, as per one estimate.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Administrative Control:</strong> At the centre, the legislature had no control over the viceroy and his executive council. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>provincial ministers had no control over finances</strong> and over the bureaucrats; this would lead to constant friction between the two.</li>
<li>Ministers were often not consulted on important matters too and could be overruled by the governor on any matter that the latter considered special.</li>
<li>The <strong>Governor enjoyed unrestricted powers,</strong> he could also take a decision against the decision of his council and ministers. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Almost all important matters related to administration depended on the governor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inappropriate Division of Subjects:</strong> Division of subjects was not satisfactory at the centre. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>central legislature was given very little power and no control over finances.</strong></li>
<li>At the level of provinces, division of subjects and parallel administration of two parts was irrational and, hence, unworkable. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Subjects like irrigation, finance, police, press and justice were &lsquo;reserved&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Outcomes of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Public Reaction:</strong> The Congress met in a special session in August 1918 at Bombay under <strong>Hasan Imam&rsquo;s</strong> presidency and <strong>declared the reforms to be &ldquo;disappointing&rdquo; and &ldquo;unsatisfactory&rdquo; and demanded effective self-government instead.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Montford reforms were termed <strong>&ldquo;unworthy and disappointing - a sunless dawn&rdquo; by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bal-gangadhar-tilak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bal Gangadhar Tilak</a>. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Annie Besant</strong> found the reforms <strong>&ldquo;unworthy of England to offer and India to accept&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Veteran Congress leaders led by Surendranath Banerjea were<strong> in favour of accepting the government proposals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Encouraged the Struggle for Power:</strong> The Act encouraged the struggle for power in both Indians and the British. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a result a large number of communal riots took place which continued to increase from 1922 to 1927.</li>
<li>The <strong>Swaraj Party was founded in 1923</strong> and won a substantial number of seats in the elections, except Madras. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Whereas in Bombay and Central Provinces were successful in blocking the majority of other supplies with the salaries of ministers.</li>
<li>Thus the governors of both the provinces were <strong>forced to abolish the diarchy regime</strong> and took the transferred subjects under their control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enactment of the Rowlatt Act:</strong> While trying to appease Indians, the Government of India was ready with repression. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Throughout the war, repression of nationalists had continued. The terrorists and revolutionaries had been hunted down, hanged and imprisoned. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many other nationalists such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70-years-of-indian-council-for-cultural-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad</strong> </a>had also been kept behind bars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government now decided to arm itself with more far-reaching powers, which went against the accepted principles of rule of law, to be able to suppress those nationalists who would refuse to be satisfied with the official reforms.</li>
<li><strong>In March 1919</strong> it passed the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/100-years-of-rowlatt-satyagraha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Rowlatt Act</strong> </a>even though every single Indian member of the Central Legislative Council opposed it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This <strong>Act authorized the government to imprison any person without trial and conviction in a court of law.</strong></li>
<li>The Act enabled the government to suspend the right of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/habeas-corpus-cases-in-jammu-kashmir" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Habeas Corpus</strong></a> which had been the foundation of civil liberties in Britain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/government-of-india-act-1919'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Whiteflies: Threat to Agriculture',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent study,<strong> exotic <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invasive-species-charru-mussel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invasive</a> whiteflies</strong> in India are causing <strong>direct and indirect yield losses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry crop plants.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Whiteflies</strong> are<strong> tiny, sap-sucking insects</strong> that may become abundant in vegetable and ornamental plantings, especially during warm weather. They excrete sticky honeydew and<strong> cause yellowing or death of leaves.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Spread of Whiteflies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> first reported invasive spiralling whitefly <em>(Aleurodicus dispersus)</em></strong> is now distributed throughout India <strong>except Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>Similarly, the <strong>rugose spiralling whitefly</strong> <em><strong>(Aleurodicus rugioperculatus)</strong> </em>which was reported in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu in 2016 has now spread throughout the country including the islands of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep.</li>
<li><em>Aleurodicus dispersus</em> and <em>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</em> have been <strong>reported on over 320 and 40 plant species,</strong> respectively.</li>
<li>Most of the whitefly species are<strong> native to the Caribbean islands or Central America.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Spread:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The host range of all of the invasive whiteflies has been increasing due to their <strong>polyphagous nature</strong> (ability to feed on various kinds of food) and <strong>prolific breeding.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>increasing import of plants and increasing globalization and movement of people</strong> has aided the spread of different varieties and their subsequent growth into invasive species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Damage to Crops:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Whiteflies reduce the production yield and also damage crops. Approximately <strong>1.35 lakh hectares of coconut and oil palm</strong> in India are <strong>affected by the rugose spiralling whitefly.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Other invasive whiteflies</strong> were also found to<strong> expand their host range on valuable plant species,</strong> especially coconut, banana, mango, sapota, guava, cashew, oil palm, and ornamental plants such as bottle palm, false bird of paradise, butterfly palm and important medicinal plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ineffectiveness of Insecticides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Whiteflies have been difficult to control by using available synthetic insecticides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Controlling Whiteflies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Biological Control Methods:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They are currently being controlled by naturally occurring <strong>insect predators, parasitoids</strong> (natural enemies of pests, provide biological control of pests in greenhouses and crop fields) and <strong>entomopathogenic fungi</strong> (fungi that can kill insects).</li>
<li><strong>Entomopathogenic fungi</strong> specific to whiteflies are isolated, purified, grown in the lab or mass-produced and applied into the whitefly infested field in combination with the release of lab-reared potential predators and parasitoids.</li>
<li>They are not just<strong> environmentally friendly</strong> but also<strong> economically feasible.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Pests/Insects Attacking Crops</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/armyworm-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fall Armyworm (FAW) Attack:</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a dangerous transboundary insect with a high potential to spread rapidly due to its natural distribution capacity and opportunities presented by international trade.</li>
<li>In 2020, the Directorate of Agriculture reported an armyworm attack on the standing crops in the northeastern Dhemaji district of Assam and the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Food and Agriculture Organisation</strong></a> <strong>(FAO)</strong> has launched a <strong>Global Action for FAW</strong> Control as a response to the international threat posed by the armyworms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/locust-invasion-in-gujarat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Locust Invasion</strong></a>:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A locust (Migratory insect also known as tiddi) is a large, mainly tropical grasshopper with strong powers of flight. They differ from ordinary grasshoppers in their ability to change behaviour (gregarize) and form swarms that can migrate over large distances.</li>
<li>Locust adults can eat their own weight every day, i.e. about two grams of fresh vegetation per day. A very small swarm eats as much in one day as about 35,000 people, posing a devastating threat to crops and food security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maharashtra-to-take-emergency-measures-to-tackle-pink-bollworm-pbw#:~:text=The%20pink%20bollworm%20(Pectinophora%20gossypiella,a%20pest%20in%20cotton%20farming.&amp;text=In%20parts%20of%20India%2C%20the,single%20Bt%20gene%20(Cry1Ac)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pink Bollworm (PBW)</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <em>(Pectinophora gossypiella)</em>, is an insect known for being a pest in<strong> cotton farming.</strong></li>
<li>The pink bollworm is native to Asia, but has become an invasive species in most of the world&rsquo;s cotton-growing regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Continuous monitoring</strong> of the <strong>occurrence of invasive species,</strong> their host plants and <strong>geographical expansion</strong> is needed, and if required, import of<strong> potential natural enemies</strong> for bio-control programmes can also be carried out.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-whiteflies-came-saw-and-conquered-indias-crops/article34623516.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/whiteflies-threat-to-agriculture'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'NGT Upholds Rights of Pastoralists in Banni Grasslands',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt#:~:text=What%20is%20National%20Green%20Tribunal,forests%20and%20other%20natural%20resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a> ordered all encroachments to be removed from <strong>Gujarat's Banni grasslands</strong> within six months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The court also said the<strong> Maldharis (Pastoralists)</strong> will continue to hold the <strong>right to conserve the community forests</strong> in the area, granted to them as per the provisions in <strong>Section 3 of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a specialised body set up under the <strong>National Green Tribunal Act (2010)</strong> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.</li>
<li>NGT is <strong>mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months</strong> of filing the same.</li>
<li>The NGT has five places of sittings, <strong>New Delhi</strong> is the Principal place of sitting and <strong>Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata</strong> and <strong>Chennai</strong> are the<strong> other four.</strong></li>
<li>Being a<strong> statutory adjudicatory body</strong> like Courts, apart from original jurisdiction on filing of an application, NGT also has<strong> appellate jurisdiction</strong> to hear appeal as a <strong>Court (Tribunal).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Banni Grassland:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Banni is the <strong>largest grassland of Asia</strong> situated <strong>near the Great Rann of Kutch</strong> in<strong> Gujarat.</strong></li>
<li>It is spread <strong>over 2,618 kilometres</strong> and accounts for almost <strong>45% of the pastures</strong> in Gujarat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem and Vegetation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands,</strong> are mixed side by side in Banni.</li>
<li>Vegetation in Banni is sparse and highly dependent on rainfall.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Banni grasslands, traditionally, were managed following a system of rotational grazing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Banni is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt tolerant), as well as scattered tree cover and scrub.</li>
<li>The area is <strong>rich in flora and fauna,</strong> with 192 species of plants, 262 species of birds, several species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reserve Forest:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1955, the court <strong>notified that the grassland will be a reserve forest</strong> (the most restricted forests classified according to <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Forest Act 1927</strong></a>).</li>
<li>In 2019, the <strong>tribunal ordered</strong> to demarcate the boundaries of the Banni grassland and restricted non-forest activities.</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/rhinos-to-be-re-introduced-in-uttarakhand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong> </a>has identified this grassland reserve as <strong>one of the last remaining habitats of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/introduction-of-african-cheetah-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cheetah</a> in India</strong> and a possible reintroduction site for the species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621935493_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621935493_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Maldharis:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maldharis are<strong> a tribal herdsmen community inhabiting Banni.</strong></li>
<li>Originally nomads, they came to be known as Maldharis after settling in Junagarh (mainly Gir Forest).</li>
<li>The literal meaning of Maldhari <strong>is keeper (dhari)</strong> of the animal stock (mal).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The livestock include <strong>sheep, goats, cows, buffalo, and camels.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gir-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gir Forest National Park</strong></a> is home to around 8,400 Maldharis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions of the Forest Rights Act 2006:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the provisions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Act</strong></a>, <strong>forest dwellers cannot be displaced unless the rights settlement process</strong> has been completed.</li>
<li>Moreover, the Act has a special provision for setting <strong>up &lsquo;Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH)&rsquo;,</strong> for the conservation of the species.</li>
<li>It strengthens the <strong>conservation regime</strong> of the forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of the FDST (Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes) and OTFD (Other Traditional Forest Dwellers).</li>
<li>The Act identifies four <strong>types of rights:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Title rights:</strong> It gives FDST and OTFD the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.</li>
<li><strong>Use rights:</strong> The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/msp-hiked-for-minor-forest-produce" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Minor Forest Produce</strong></a>, grazing areas etc.</li>
<li><strong>Relief and development rights:</strong> To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.</li>
<li><strong>Forest management rights:</strong> It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/ngt-upholds-rights-of-pastoralists-in-banni-grasslands-wants-encroachments-removed-77075" 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/ngt-upholds-rights-of-pastoralists-in-banni-grasslands'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Exports of GI Certified Gholvad Sapota: Maharashtra',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A consignment of <strong>Dahanu Gholvad sapota</strong> has been <strong>exported to the United Kingdom</strong> from Maharashtra&rsquo;s Palghar district, providing <strong>a major boost to shipments of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products</strong> from India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sapota (Chikoo)</strong> is grown in <strong>many states</strong>- Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Karnataka</strong> is known to be the <strong>highest grower of the fruit, followed by Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621927530_new%202.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621927530_new 2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Gholvad Sapota:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>fruit is known</strong> for its <strong>sweet and unique taste.</strong> It is believed that the unique taste is derived from <strong>calcium rich soil of Gholvad village</strong> in Palghar district (Maharashtra).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other GI Certified Products from Maharashtra:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-06th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Alphonso Mango</strong></a>, Puneri Pagadi, Nashik Valley Wine, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/warli-art#:~:text=Warli%20is%20a%20traditional%20art%20form%20of%20Maharashtra.&amp;text=These%20paintings%20are%20distinctive%20with,natural%20elements%20in%20our%20environment." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warli Painting</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Geographical Indication (GI) Certification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>GI is an indication used <strong>to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is used for <strong>agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999</strong> seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act is <strong>administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks-</strong> who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.</li>
<li>The Geographical Indications <strong>Registry is located at Chennai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.</strong> It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.</li>
<li>It is also <strong>a part of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organisation&rsquo;s</a> Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Recent Examples:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-to-two-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sohrai Khovar painting</a></strong>, Telangana&rsquo;s Telia Rumal , <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tirur-vettila-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tirur Vetilla</strong></a> (Kerala), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dindigul-lock-and-kandangi-saree" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-for-odisha-rasagola" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha Rasagola</strong></a>, etc.</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/apeda-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority</strong></a> (APEDA - Ministry of Commerce and Industry) has a focus on promotion of exports of GI products.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/home-delivery-of-shahi-lichi-and-zardalu-mango" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shahi Litchi</strong></a> from <strong>Bihar</strong> has been exported to the United Kingdom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is the second largest producer of litchi</strong> (Litchi chin) in the world, after China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier, a consignment of <strong>GI certified Banganapalli &amp; Survarnarekha mangoes</strong> sourced from farmers in <strong>Krishna &amp; Chittor districts of Andhra Pradesh</strong> was exported to South Korea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1720028" 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/exports-of-gi-certified-gholvad-sapota-maharashtra'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Protected Planet Report 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The report, titled <strong>Protected Planet Report 2020</strong>, underlined the progress the world has made toward the<strong> ambitious goals agreed by countries in 2010</strong> at the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity</a>.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> legally binding treaty</strong> to conserve biodiversity that has been in force since 1993.</li>
<li>Nearly all countries including India have ratified it (notably, the <strong>US has signed but not ratified).</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal</strong>, Canada and it <strong>operates under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/making-peace-with-nature-unep-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Environment Programme</a>.</strong></li>
<li>A supplementary agreement to the Convention known as the <strong>Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety</strong> (adopted at COP5, 2000) seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.</li>
<li>The <strong>Nagoya Protocol</strong> on <strong>Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)</strong> was adopted in Nagoya, Japan at COP10.</li>
<li>The COP-10 <strong>also adopted a ten-year framework for action</strong> by all countries to save biodiversity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Officially known as <strong>&ldquo;Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020&rdquo;</strong>, it provided a set of 20 targets, collectively known as the <strong>Aichi Targets for biodiversity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Protected Planet Reports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reports are released by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/making-peace-with-nature-unep-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</a> World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong> </a>with support from the <strong>National Geographic Society</strong>, a global non-profit.</li>
<li>These are <strong>biennial landmark publications</strong> that assess the state of protected and conserved areas around the world.</li>
<li>The report is the first in the series to include data on <strong>Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM)</strong> in addition to protected areas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>OECM</strong> are a conservation designation for areas that are achieving the effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity outside of protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The 2020 edition provides the final report on the status of <strong>Aichi Biodiversity Target 11</strong>, and looks to the future as the world prepares to adopt a new post-2020 global biodiversity framework.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aichi Biodiversity Target 11</strong></a> aimed to conserve 17% of land and inland water ecosystems and 10% of its coastal waters and oceans by 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of the Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increase in Protected Area:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As many as 82% of countries and territories have increased their share of protected area and coverage of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) since 2010.</li>
<li>Protected areas covering almost 21 million km2 have been added to the global network.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in OECMs:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since OECMs were first recorded in 2019, these areas have added a further 1.6 million km2 to the global network.</li>
<li>Despite being limited to only five countries and territories, the available data on OECMs show that <strong>they make a significant contribution to coverage and connectivity.</strong></li>
<li>Of the area now covered by protected areas and OECMs, 42% was added in the past decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>KBAs are <strong>sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity</strong>, in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.</li>
<li>On an average, <strong>62.6% of KBA either fully or partially overlap</strong> with protected areas and OECMs.</li>
<li>The average percentage of each KBA within protected areas and OECMs is 43.2% for terrestrial; 42.2% for inland water and 44.2% for marine (within national waters).</li>
<li>There was <strong>an increase of 5 percentage points</strong> or less in each case since 2010, the greatest growth in marine and coastal areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Management effectiveness assessments</strong> have been conducted across only 18.29% of the area covered by protected areas, and it is likely that many do not meet the standards for full effectiveness.</li>
<li><strong>Integrating protected areas and OECMs</strong> across landscapes and seascapes, and in development sectors, remains a crucial challenge for ensuring the persistence of biodiversity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Measurable targets for integrated land-use and marine spatial planning are needed to facilitate progress.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governance</strong> is a key contributor to effective conservation. Both protected areas and OECMs can have a variety of governance regimes: government, private, governance by indigenous peoples and local communities, or any combination of these. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Data are still poor on governance</strong> diversity and quality for protected areas and OECMs.</li>
<li>New guidance and better reporting can provide new opportunities to better recognise and support the conservation efforts of diverse groups, including indigenous peoples, local communities, and private actors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Protected Area in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protected areas are <strong>regions or zones of land or sea which are given certain levels of protection for conservation of biodiversity</strong> and socio-environmental values. In these areas, <strong>human intervention</strong> and exploitation of resources is <strong>limited.</strong></li>
<li>India has a <strong>network of 903 Protected Areas covering about 5%</strong> of its total geographic area.</li>
<li>India has the following kinds of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/management-effectiveness-evaluation-of-protected-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>protected areas</strong></a>, in the sense of the word designated by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, Reserved and protected forests, Conservation reserves and community reserves, Private protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Greater <strong>application of the global standard</strong> for effectiveness, the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, will help to address weaknesses.</li>
<li><strong>Increasing recognition of the role</strong> that protected and conserved areas can play as nature-based solutions to climate change and other global challenges, and their contribution to realising multiple <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=To%20bring%20sustainable%20development%20in,over%20the%20next%2015%20years.&amp;text=SDGs%20are%20not%20legally%20binding." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a>, provides a strong justification for investing in more effective national and global networks.</li>
<li>The further<strong> identification and recognition of OECMs</strong> is likely to contribute significantly to improved performance on all criteria, including connectivity, ecological representation, governance diversity and coverage (including areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem services).</li>
<li>A <strong>global network of effective and equitable protected and conserved areas</strong> will play a vital role in safeguarding the health of people and the planet for generations to come.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/more-protected-82-countries-raised-cover-for-vulnerable-areas-in-a-decade-77025" 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/protected-planet-report-2020'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'COP 28',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Arab Emirates</strong> announced an<strong> offer to host</strong> the<strong> 28<sup>th</sup> session</strong> of <strong>Conference of Parties</strong> (COP 28) to the <strong>UNFCCC</strong> in <strong>Abu Dhabi in 2023.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>COP 26</strong> was<strong> postponed</strong> in <strong>2020</strong> and will take place in <strong>Glasgow,</strong> UK in November 2021.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About UNFCCC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNFCCC</a>)</strong>, signed in <strong>1992</strong> at the <strong>United Nations Conference on Environment and Development</strong> also known as the<strong> Earth Summit,</strong> the<strong> Rio Summit or the Rio Conference.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is among the select few countries to have<strong> hosted the COP of all three Rio conventions on climate change (UNFCCC), biodiversity<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-cop-13-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> (Convention on Biological Diversity)</a></strong> and<strong> land</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-convention-to-combat-desertification-cop-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UNFCCC entered into force on <strong>21<sup>st</sup> March 1994,</strong> and has been <strong>ratified</strong> by <strong>197 countries.</strong></li>
<li>It is the<strong> parent treaty of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 Paris Agreement</a>.</strong> It is also the<strong> parent treaty of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop25-climate-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 1997 Kyoto Protocol</a>.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>UNFCCC secretariat</strong> (UN Climate Change) is the <strong>United Nations entity</strong> tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. It is <strong>located in Bonn, Germany.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous repercussions within a time frame so as to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally and enable sustainable development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Conference of the Parties (COP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>COP is the<strong> apex decision-making authority</strong> of UNFCCC.</li>
<li>The COP<strong> meets every year,</strong> unless the Parties decide otherwise. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995.</li>
<li>The COP <strong>meets in Bonn,</strong> the seat of the secretariat, unless a Party offers to host the session.</li>
<li>The office of the COP President normally <strong>rotates among the five United Nations regional groups</strong> which are - Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others.</li>
<li>The President is usually the environment minister of his or her home country. S/he is elected by acclamation immediately after the opening of a COP session.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>COP&rsquo;s with Significant Outcomes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>1995: COP1 (Berlin, Germany)</strong></li>
<li><strong>1997: COP 3 (Kyoto Protocol)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It legally binds developed countries to emission reduction targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2002: COP 8 (New Delhi, India) Delhi Declaration.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Focuses on the development needs of the poorest countries and the need for technology transfer for mitigating climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2007: COP13 (Bali, Indonesia)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Parties agreed on the Bali Road Map and Bali action plan, which charted the way towards a post-2012 outcome. The Plan has five main categories: shared vision, mitigation, adaptation, technology and financing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2010: COP 16 (Cancun)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Resulted in the Cancun Agreements, a comprehensive package by governments to assist developing nations in dealing with climate change.</li>
<li>The Green Climate Fund, the Technology Mechanism and the Cancun Adaptation Framework were established.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2011: COP 17 (Durban)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Governments commit to a new universal climate change agreement by 2015 for the period beyond 2020 (Resulted in the Paris Agreement of 2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2015: <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP21 (Paris)</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To keep global temperature well <strong>below 2.0C</strong> above pre-industrial times and endeavor them to limit them even <strong>more to 1.5C.</strong></li>
<li>It requires rich nations to maintain <strong>USD 100bn</strong> a year funding pledge<strong> beyond</strong> the year <strong>2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2016: <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/the-marrakesh-meet-cop-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP22 (Marrakech)</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To move forward on writing the rule book of the Paris Agreement.</li>
<li>Launched the Marrakech Partnership for Climate Action.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2017: COP23, Bonn (Germany)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Countries continued to negotiate the finer details of how the agreement will work from 2020 onwards.</li>
<li>First set of negotiations since the US, under the presidency of Donald Trump, announced its intention earlier this year to withdraw from the Paris deal.</li>
<li>It was the first COP to be hosted by a small-island developing state with Fiji taking up the presidency, even though it was being held in Bonn.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2018: <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP 24, Katowice (Poland)</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It finalized a &ldquo;rulebook&rdquo; to operationalise the 2015 Paris Agreement.</li>
<li>The rulebook covers climate financing facilities and the actions to be taken as per <strong>Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2019: COP25, Madrid (Spain)</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was held in <strong>Madrid (Spain).</strong></li>
<li><strong>There were no concrete plans</strong> regarding the growing climatic urgency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop-28'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Environment Tax',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-many-benefits-of-an-eco-tax/article34629283.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The many benefits of an eco tax&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 24/05/2021. It talks about the benefits &amp; challenges associated with the environmental tax.</p>
</div>
<p>Environmental challenges are increasing the pressure on governments to find ways to reduce environmental damage while minimising harm to economic growth. The Covid-19 pandemic has also forced countries all over the world to rethink climate change and the need for preservation of the environment.</p>
<p>In this context, an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/green-tax" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environmental tax</strong></a> is a novel idea to enforce or introduce taxes on substances, which pollute the environment, the ultimate aim being the substantial reduction of pollution.</p>
<p>India currently focuses majorly on the command-and-control approach in tackling pollution. The success of an environmental tax in India would depend on its architecture, that is, how well it is planned and designed.</p>
<h3>Environment Tax &amp; Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim and purpose of environmental taxes is to curb or reduce the extent and amount of the use or consumption of harmful substances or activities, or depletion of a resource.</li>
<li><strong>Constituents:</strong> Environmental tax reforms generally involve three complementary activities: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eliminating existing subsidies and taxes that have a harmful impact on the environment.</li>
<li>Restructuring existing taxes in an environmentally supportive manner.</li>
<li>Initiating new environmental taxes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rationale:</strong> To the extent that promotion of &lsquo;environment&rsquo; is a public good, like all public goods, financing of this public good should also be from the general pool of taxes including the environmental taxes.</li>
<li><strong>Intended Benefits:</strong> The implementation of an environmental tax in India will have broad benefits:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Environmental:</strong> It can induce appropriate environmental decisions by raising the relative costs of polluting inputs and outputs and thereby correcting the negative externalities of a polluting activity.</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal:</strong> Environmental tax reforms can mobilise revenues to finance basic public services when raising revenue through other sources proves to be difficult or burdensome.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Status of Environmental Tax in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, any entity that diverts forest land for non-forest purposes is required to provide financial compensation for the purpose of afforestation in non-forest or degraded land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2002, the Supreme Court had directed that a Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) should be created to manage the funds generated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Similarly, India&rsquo;s Clean Environment Cess or coal cess acts as a carbon tax. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The coal cess is levied on coal, lignite and peat at the rate of ₹ 400 per tonne, and the funds raised are managed by the National Clean Environment Fund.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inflationary Effect:</strong> Environmental regulations may have significant costs on the private sector in the form of slow productivity growth and high cost of compliance, resulting in the possible increase in the prices of goods and services.</li>
<li><strong>Diversion of Funds:</strong> A large part of taxes raised for environmental purposes are being diverted or lying unutilized.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most countries&rsquo; experiences suggest negligible impact on the GDP, though such revenues have not necessarily been used for environmental considerations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affecting Competitiveness:</strong> The adding of costs to a producer within one country or region, that is not imposed on producers outside that country or region, may of course impact on the competitiveness of the local producer.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Assessment of Externalities:</strong> The environmental tax rate ought to be equal to the marginal social cost arising from the negative externalities associated with the production, consumption or disposal of goods and services.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This requires an evaluation of the damage to the environment based on scientific assessments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisioning:</strong> In developing countries like India, the revenue can be used to a greater extent for the provision of environmental public goods and addressing environmental health issues.</li>
<li><strong>Better Targeting:</strong> In India, environmental taxes can target three main areas: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Differential taxation on vehicles in the transport sector purely oriented towards fuel efficiency and GPS-based congestion charges;</li>
<li>In the energy sector by taxing fuels which feed into energy generation;</li>
<li>Waste generation and use of natural resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Environmental-Fiscal Reforms:</strong> There is also a need to integrate environmental taxes in the Goods and Service Tax framework as highlighted by the Madras School of Economics in its studies.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Green taxes shall have a deterrent effect, sensitizing the citizens about pollution control and management. Hence, this is the right time for India to adopt environmental fiscal reforms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f1edfc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Green taxes shall have a deterrent effect, sensitizing the citizens about pollution control and management. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/environment-tax'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Lithuania Quits China’s 17+1',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Lithuania</strong> quit<strong> China&rsquo;s 17+1</strong> cooperation forum with <strong>central and eastern Europe,</strong> by calling it <strong>&ldquo;divisive&rdquo;,</strong> now it is <strong>16+1.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lithuania (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/baltic-nations#:~:text=The%20Vice%20President%20of%20India,important%20countries%20in%20the%20region." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baltic Country</a>)</strong> urged other <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EU (European Union)</strong> </a>members to pursue <strong>&ldquo;a much more effective 27+1 approach and communication with China.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About 17+1:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>17+1 (China and Central and Eastern Europe Countries) initiative</strong> is a <strong>China-led format</strong> founded <strong>in 2012</strong> in <strong>Budapest</strong> with an aim to expand cooperation between Beijing and the<strong> CEE (Central and Eastern Europe)</strong> member countries, with investments and trade for the development of the CEE region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Member Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The initiative includes <strong>twelve EU</strong> member states and<strong> five Balkan states &mdash;</strong> Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim and Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The framework focuses on infrastructure projects such as bridges, motorways, railway lines and modernisation of ports in the member states.</li>
<li>The platform is largely seen as an extension of China&rsquo;s flagship <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road initiative (BRI).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India has consistently opposed BRI</strong> as a key part of it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background of Declining Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Narrative towards 17+1 Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s narrative towards the 17+1 initiative is about improving its relations with the European countries that are less developed as compared to the Western European states.</li>
<li>Trade relations between China and the CEE countries remained modest, leading to an increasing trade deficit since its inception.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Distance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Czech Republic President&rsquo;s decision to skip the ninth summit of the 17+1 initiative citing lack of actual investments, had showcased the differences between Beijing and Prague.</li>
<li>Some CEE countries refused to attend the BRI event in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Huawei Equation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some CEE countries signed a declaration with the US to ban <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5g-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s 5G network</strong></a> expansion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Baltic Countries</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856734_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856734_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Baltic states, the <strong>northeastern region of Europe,</strong> includes the countries of <strong>Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania,</strong> on the eastern shores of the <strong>Baltic Sea.</strong></li>
<li>The Baltic states are bounded on the west and north by the<strong> Baltic Sea,</strong> which gives the region its name, on the east by Russia, on the southeast by Belarus, and on the southwest by Poland and an exclave of Russia.</li>
<li>The Baltic region is <strong>not rich in natural resources. Though Estonia</strong> is an important producer of <strong>oil shale,</strong> a large share of mineral and energy<strong> resources is imported.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India and Baltic countries</strong> have historical connection and common linguistic roots. The cutting edge technology and innovation ecosystems of the Baltic countries complement India&rsquo;s huge market and appetite for these technologies.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Balkan Countries</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856705_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856705_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The geographic term is used for ten sovereign states: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.</li>
<li>The region takes its name from the <strong>Balkan Mountain, and Balkan Countries</strong> are found in<strong> Southern Europe.</strong></li>
<li>It is a unique territory <strong>inhabited by South Slavs</strong> who form the majority of the population in Balkan Region.</li>
<li>Region has a very diverse<strong> ethno-linguistic scenario.</strong> The Bulgarians, Macedonians, and Slovenes speak their own Slavic languages, while the Slavs of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro all speak dialects of<strong> Serbo-Croatian.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/lithuania-quits-divisive-china-group/article34629296.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/lithuania-quits-china-s-17-1'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Kharif Strategy for Oilseeds',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare</strong> has formulated <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kharif</a> Strategy 2021</strong> to achieve <strong>self-sufficiency in edible oils.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Kharif Season</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Crops are sown from June to July and Harvesting is done in between September-October.</li>
<li>Crops are: Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut, soyabean etc.</li>
<li>States are: Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Kharif Strategy 2021:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An ambitious plan for the<strong> free distribution of high yielding varieties of seeds</strong> to the farmers for the Kharif season 2021 in the form of mini-kits.</li>
<li>Strategy for both area and productivity enhancement has been formulated for <strong>soybean and groundnut</strong> under the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/green-revolution-krishonnati-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Food Security Mission (Oil Seeds and Oil Palm).</strong></a></li>
<li>It will bring an additional 6.37 lakh hectare area under oilseeds and is likely to produce 120.26 lakh quintals of oilseeds and edible oil amounting to 24.36 lakh quintals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basic Information Related to Oilseeds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Oilseed crops are the <strong>second most important determinant of the agricultural economy,</strong> next only to cereals within the segment of field crops. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The self-sufficiency in oilseeds attained through the<strong> &ldquo;Yellow Revolution&rdquo;</strong> during early 1990&rsquo;s, could not be sustained beyond a short period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oilseed crops are <strong>primarily grown for the purpose of obtaining vegetable oils from them.</strong> Oil content in them varies from 20% in soybeans to 40% in sunflowers and canola (rapeseed).</li>
<li>India is able to produce a huge amount of oilseeds because of the favourable environmental conditions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Castor seed, sesamum, rapeseed, groundnut, mustard, soyabean, linseed, niger seed, sunflower and safflower are<strong> some of the important oilseeds India is known to produce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Despite <strong>being the fifth largest oilseed crop producing country</strong> in the world, India is also <strong>one of the largest importers of vegetable oils</strong> today. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India buys more than two-thirds of its total edible oil imports as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-resumes-purchase-of-malaysian-palm-oil" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>palm oil</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has a marked position in the world in the production of a large amount of oilseeds.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After China, India is the <strong>second largest producer of groundnut</strong> and is<strong> third in position in the production of Rapeseed</strong> after China and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Oilseeds Producing Areas in India are:</strong> Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission (Oil Seeds and Oil Palm):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To augment the availability of edible oils and reduce the import of edible oils by increasing the production and productivity of oilseeds and oil palm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Merger of NMOOP under NFSM:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>National Mission on Oilseeds &amp; Oil Palm (NMOOP)</strong> was<strong> launched in 2014-15</strong> and continued upto 2017-18.</li>
<li><strong>From 2018-19</strong> onwards, the NMOOP is<strong> being implemented under NFSM</strong> as NFSM-Oilseeds &amp; Oil palm comprising the <strong>sub components</strong> NFSM- <strong>Oilseeds,</strong> NFSM-<strong>Oil Palm</strong> and NFSM-<strong>Tree Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Pronged Strategy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increasing<strong> Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR)</strong> with focus on varietal replacement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>SRR</strong> is the percentage of area sown out of total area of crop planted in the season by using certified/quality seeds other than the farm saved seed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Productivity improvement</strong> by adoption of proven and <strong>climatic resilient technologies</strong> like water saving devices (sprinklers/rain gun), zero tillage, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/multi-cropping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inter-cropping</strong></a>, relay cropping, strategic application of micronutrient and soil ameliorants.</li>
<li><strong>Area expansion</strong> through diversification of low yielding food grains.</li>
<li><strong>Capacity building.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Supporting cluster demonstrations</strong> for the adoption of good agricultural practices.</li>
<li><strong>Creation of 36 oilseed hubs</strong> with a focus on regional approach for larger availability of quality seeds.</li>
<li><strong>Post-harvest management</strong> at farm and village level.</li>
<li>Formation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmers-producer-organisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The cost sharing pattern between Central and State Governments, is in the<strong> ratio of 60:40 for general category of States</strong> and <strong>90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States.</strong></li>
<li>For few interventions, like purchase of breeder seeds by both State and Central seed producing agencies, supply of seed mini-kits to the farmers, <strong>100% funding is provided by Government of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1720267" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Biomedical Waste Management during Covid Pandemic',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WSuR-NUUFEE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges before India on multiple fronts &ndash;health, economy and also the environment.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One such impact the Covid outbreak has posed on the environment is the<strong> exponential increase in biomedical waste generation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Covid as a Challenge:</strong> Biomedical waste<strong> poses various health and environmental hazards,</strong> and this is the wider challenge that the pandemic has posed before us.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although there are guidelines to handle medical waste with utmost care and dispose of them safely, the exponential rise in the quantity of biomedical waste due to the pandemic has made the task very challenging.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data as per CPCB:</strong> As per the estimates of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)</strong></a>, the average quantity of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-&shy;19</strong> </a>related biomedical waste generation during May, 2021 is about 203 Tonnes Per Day.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>peak generation of biomedical waste was about 250 Tonnes</strong> per day.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The earlier peak generation in the year 2020 was in the range of 180 &ndash; 220 Tonnes Per Day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This 250 tons includes only Covid related waste.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The peak amount of waste generated by India on a daily basis is 1000 tons. Covid waste is only 25% of it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Biomedical Waste</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong> Biomedical waste is defined as human and animal anatomical waste, treatment apparatus like needles, syringes and other materials used in health care facilities in the process of treatment and research.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Covid-19 related Biomedical waste includes: personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, face masks, head cover, plastic coverall, hazmat suit, syringes among other gears and medical equipment used by both healthcare providers and patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hazardous Waste:</strong> Biomedical waste is a<strong> biologically and chemically hazardous waste containing biological and microbiological contamination.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has the<strong> potential of spreading various types of diseases.</strong></li>
<li>The covid related biomedical waste contains various medicines that are toxic in nature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions for Biomedical Waste Management:</strong> The Ministry of Environment, Forest &amp; Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the <strong>&lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bio-medical-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016</a>&rsquo;</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, a separate facility called <strong>Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF)</strong> is there.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a set up where biomedical waste generated from member health care facilities is imparted necessary treatment to reduce adverse effects that the waste may pose on human health and environment.</li>
<li>The treated recyclable waste is finally sent for disposal in a secured landfill or for recycling.</li>
<li>About 200 such facilities are there in India to manage the waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has also <strong>ratified the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-waste-dumping-proposal-stands-defeated" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basel Convention</a></strong> on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Biomedical waste management rules<strong> came into force in 1998 and have undergone many amendments since then.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rules provide that the biomedical waste shall be properly collected, treated and disposed of.</li>
<li>The rules also provide that all the data that is collected from the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) has to be submitted to CPCB and finally it should go to the MoEFCC.</li>
<li>The<strong> latest major amendment was made in 2016.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There were also a few amendments to the rules in 2018 and 2019 <strong>which included the colour coding of the containers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The objective of the rules is to properly <strong>manage the per day bio-medical waste from Healthcare Facilities (HCFs)</strong> across the country.</li>
<li>Under the amendment in the rules in 2016, the<strong> ambit of the rules has been expanded</strong> to include vaccination camps, blood donation camps, surgical camps or any other healthcare activity.</li>
<li>The <strong>rules back the pre-treatment of the laboratory waste,</strong> microbiological waste, blood samples and blood bags through disinfection or sterilisation on-site in the manner<strong> prescribed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organization (WHO)</a></strong> or by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)</a>.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bio-medical waste has been classified into 4 categories instead of the earlier 10 categories to improve the segregation of waste at source.</li>
<li>The rules prescribe more stringent standards for incinerators to reduce the emission of pollutants in the environment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Basel Convention</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Adopted on March 22, 1989 by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Basel, Switzerland, the <strong>&ldquo;Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal&rdquo;,</strong> generally known as the Basel Convention, came into force in 1992.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>international treaty that aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It particularly focuses on preventing transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides for cooperation between the parties, including exchange of information on issues relevant to the implementation of the Convention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India is a member of the Basel Convention.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It ratified the convention in June 1992 and brought it into force on 22nd September 1992.</li>
<li>However, India has <strong>not ratified the Basel ban amendment.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Adopted by the parties in the Basel Convention in 1995, the amendment prohibits all export of hazardous wastes, including electronic wastes and obsolete ships from 29 wealthiest countries of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to non-OECD countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Challenges in Biomedical Waste Management</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Major Waste Generated at Home:</strong> The Covid related biomedical waste is generated not just in the hospitals but also at homes. Only 20% of the patients had to go to hospital.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>80% of Covid patients are recuperating/have recuperated at home.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>They are generating the biomedical waste at the places where it can not be treated properly.</strong></li>
<li>There is no proper facility for the management of the biomedical waste generated at home; it is <strong>being dumped in the ordinary municipal waste.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with Local Hospitals:</strong> Although India has the facility of managing this high amount of waste but because a large amount of this waste is being generated at homes and at provincial and local level hospitals, the waste is getting mismanaged.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These local hospitals are not as updated in facilities and infrastructure and hence, don&rsquo;t have proper biomedical waste management facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Municipal Workers at Risk:</strong> As such a large amount of covid waste is being generated at home,<strong> it makes the municipal workers the frontline workers too.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Data shows that these workers too have been impacted extensively amid the pandemic, a lot of them have died too.</li>
<li>There is a common perception that the virus must have been transmitted by respiratory droplets, aerosols or by touching an infected surface.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, there is less attention given to the poor management of the biomedical waste, <strong>a large number of people, specially the municipality workers getting infected due to coming in contact with the waste disposed of in the open.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Awareness:</strong> People are also not aware of how to segregate the waste at source and this is a bigger concern.</li>
<li><strong>Issue with the Waste Management Rules:</strong> The legal provisions for the same are designed to tackle biomedical waste at hospitals only.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They do not provide any information about how to manage such waste at home or any place other than hospitals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unequal Distribution of CBWTF:</strong> India has about 200 <strong>Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTF)</strong> across the country but they are located only in a few cities/districts like Mumbai or in Delhi.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in far off corners of the country, there is no such treatment facility at all.</li>
<li>Maharashtra had the highest number of such facilities (29) followed by Karnataka (26) and Gujarat (20). Kerala, which had witnessed the highest rate of daily generation, had only one CBWTF.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Accurate Data:</strong> The CPCB, during the first wave of the pandemic, was very quick in providing clear guidelines and a mobile app for collecting data on biomedical waste generation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But with the occurrence of the second wave, the impact is so bad that the hospitals are not even able to upload any data now.</li>
<li>Also, considering the fact that the second wave has hit India in a worse way, the covid related biomedical waste generated should have been a lot more than 250 tons (probably around 500 tons) as in the first wave the daily biomedical waste generation was 200 tons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judiciously Managing the Waste:</strong> The potential of biomedical waste of spreading a disease through the environment, largely by polluting water, is extremely high.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The biomedical waste generated should be collected and treated properly and must not be allowed to reach the water bodies as then it will be a problem too big to handle.</li>
<li>The biomedical waste generated should either be incinerated or gasified.</li>
<li>Along with managing the biomedical waste generated, nature should also be taken care of.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The waste must be managed so judiciously so that it does not contribute to climate change or trigger any other harm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of State Agencies:</strong> The state agencies responsible for providing the data to higher authorities have to play a crucial part in ensuring that data is not missed and no wrong data is forwarded to the CPCB.</li>
<li><strong>Awareness Among People:</strong> The waste segregation and management is done by the state agencies by colour coding like the red coloured container means that the biomedical waste is highly hazardous.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>So the people must also be aware about these color codings as they represent the hazard level of each biomedical waste.</li>
<li>If people will have knowledge about such basic things then they will be more cautious about keeping themselves away from such hazardous waste.</li>
<li>People must also understand that even if they are not infected, they should not put their masks and gloves in the same municipal bins that they have; waste segregation is a must.</li>
<li>People have to follow the SOPs generated by not just the WHO but other various health agencies to control the infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SOPs for Waste Management at Home:</strong> The CPCB shall come out with SOPs for managing biomedical waste at home for rural as well as urban communities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While burning biomedical waste is not an option in urban areas as the pollution levels are already high, burning biomedical waste in pits can be a possible way of managing waste in the village areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ultimate goal of biomedical waste management is to drastically reduce the environmental damage that is posed by this waste. A healthy environment at the end of the day is essential for healthy lives.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The COVID-related biomedical waste has to be disposed of in a scientific manner as per the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Awareness drives are the need of the hour and only through these drives can we take care of all these challenges that the pandemic is posing before us.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government shall introduce the SOPs to the common people as well as the municipality workers to handle this waste at home or any other place in order to avoid more damages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'WHO BioHub Initiative',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>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> and<strong> Switzerland</strong> have launched a <strong>BioHub facility</strong> that will allow <strong>pathogens sharing</strong> between laboratories and facilitate &ldquo;analysis and preparedness&rdquo; against them.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About BioHub Facility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The facility will help in <strong>safe reception, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/computation-analysis-of-indian-genes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sequencing</a>,</strong> <strong>storage and preparation</strong> of <strong>biological materials</strong> for distribution to other laboratories, so as to facilitate global preparedness against these pathogens.</li>
<li>It will <strong>enable member states to share biological materials with and via the BioHub</strong> under pre-agreed conditions, including biosafety, biosecurity, and other applicable regulations.</li>
<li>In parallel, WHO will <strong>broaden its BioHub System for the use of biological materials by qualified entities</strong> &ndash; such as manufacturers &ndash; for the development of medical by-products for fair allocation to countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic and other outbreaks and epidemics have underscored the <strong>importance of rapidly sharing pathogens</strong> to help the global scientific community <strong>assess the risk and develop countermeasures</strong> such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pathogens<strong> have been shared bilaterally</strong> between countries: A process that<strong> can be sluggish and deny the benefits</strong> to some.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will ensure the <strong>timely sharing of epidemiological and clinical data</strong> as well as<strong> biological materials.</strong></li>
<li>The move will help<strong> contribute to the establishment of an international exchange system</strong> for novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pathogens</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A pathogen is <strong>a biological agent that causes disease or illness.</strong> <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zoonotic pathogen</strong></a> refers to pathogens naturally transmitted between animals and humans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Pathogens:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Virus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Viruses are made up of a piece of genetic code, such as DNA or RNA, and protected by a coating of protein. Viruses invade host cells within the body. They then use the components of the host cell to replicate, producing more viruses.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of diseases caused by viruses:</strong> Chickenpox, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bird-flu-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flu (influenza)</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day-2020#:~:text=AIDS%20is%20a%20pandemic%20disease,key%20populations%20and%20their%20partners." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS)</a>, Mumps, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measles-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">measles and rubella</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bacteria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bacteria are microorganisms made of a single cell. They are very diverse, have a variety of shapes and features, and have the ability to live in just about any environment, including in and on the body.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of diseases caused by bacteria:</strong> Cholera, <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/leprosy-health-gs-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leprosy</a></strong>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-tb-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tuberculosis</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/marmots" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plague</strong></a>, Syphilis, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anthrax-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anthrax</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fungi:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fungi can be found just about everywhere in the environment, including indoors, outdoors, and on human skin. They cause infection when they overgrow.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of Fungal Infection: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mucormycosis-fungal-infection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mucormycosis</a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/white-fungus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> White Fungus</a>,</strong> Yellow Fungus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parasites:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Parasites are organisms that behave like tiny animals, living in or on a host and feeding from or at the expense of the host. Though parasitic infections are more common in tropical and subtropical regions, they can occur anywhere.</li>
<li><strong>Diseases caused by Parasite: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-day-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malaria</a>,</strong> African trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kala-azar-elimination-bihar-to-miss-deadline#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20types%20of,causes%20skin%20and%20mucosal%20lesions." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>leishmaniasis</strong></a>, and toxoplasmosis etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Antimicrobial Resistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>resistance</strong></a> acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/science-technology/who-launches-global-facility-for-pathogen-storage-sharing-and-analysis-77089#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organization%20(WHO,analysis%20and%20preparedness%20against%20them." 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/who-biohub-initiative'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Defining Hate Speech',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As there is no clear definition of what constitutes a &ldquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/truths-and-hate-speech-sc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hate Speech</strong></a>&rdquo; in the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-379" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Penal Code (IPC)</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/committee-on-criminal-law-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Committee for Reforms in Criminal Laws</strong></a> constituted by the Union Home Ministry to suggest reforms to the British-era IPC, is attempting for the first time to define such speech.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hate Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In general, it <strong>refers to words whose intent is to create hatred</strong> towards a particular group, that group may be a community, religion or race.This speech may or may not have meaning, but is <strong>likely to result in violence.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/data-on-police-organisations-bprd#:~:text=km%20is%2079.80.-,Bureau%20of%20Police%20Research%20and%20Development,modernization%20of%20the%20police%20force." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bureau of Police Research and Development</strong></a> recently published a manual for investigating agencies on cyber harassment cases that <strong>defined hate speech</strong> as a <strong>language that denigrates, insults, threatens or targets an individual based on their identity and other traits</strong> (such as sexual orientation or disability or religion etc.).</li>
<li>In the <strong>267<sup>th</sup> Report</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/law-commission-of-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Law Commission of India</strong></a>, hate speech is stated as <strong>an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons</strong> defined in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief and the like.</li>
<li>In order to determine whether a particular instance of speech is a hate speech or not, the <strong>context of the speech plays an important role.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Reasons of Hate Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Individuals believe <strong>in stereotypes</strong> that are ingrained in their minds and these stereotypes lead them to believe that <strong>a class or group of persons are inferior to them</strong> and as such cannot have the same rights as them.</li>
<li>The <strong>stubbornness to stick to a particular ideology</strong> without caring for the right to co-exist peacefully adds further fuel to the fire of hate speech.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Penal Provisions Related to Hate Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Under Indian Penal Code:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sections 153A and 153B of the IPC:</strong> Punishes acts that cause enmity and hatred between two groups.</li>
<li><strong>Section 295A of the IPC:</strong> Deals with punishing acts which deliberately or with malicious intention outrage the religious feelings of a class of persons.</li>
<li><strong>Sections 505(1) and 505(2):</strong> Make the publication and circulation of content which may cause ill-will or hatred between different groups an offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under Representation of People&rsquo;s Act:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Section 8 of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-representation-of-the-people-act-part-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Representation of People&rsquo;s Act, 1951 (RPA)</a>:</strong> Prevents a person convicted of the illegal use of the freedom of speech from contesting an election.</li>
<li><strong>Sections 123(3A) and 125 of the RPA:</strong> Bars the promotion of animosity on the grounds of race, religion, community, caste, or language in reference to elections and include it under corrupt electoral practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestion for Changes in IPC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Viswanathan Committee 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>It proposed inserting Sections 153 C (b) and Section 505 A in the IPC</strong> for incitement to commit an offence on grounds of religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability or tribe.</li>
<li>It <strong>proposed punishment of up to two years along with Rs. 5,000 fine.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bezbaruah Committee 2014:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>proposed amendment to Section 153 C IPC</strong> (promoting or attempting to promote acts prejudicial to human dignity), punishable by five years and fine or both and <strong>Section 509 A IPC</strong> (word, gesture or act intended to insult member of a particular race), punishable by three years or fine or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For a country like India with a massive population of diverse backgrounds and culture, <strong>subjects like hate speech become a complex issue to deal with</strong> as <strong>it is difficult to differentiate between free and hate speech.</strong></li>
<li>Several factors are to be considered while restraining speeches like the number of strong opinions, offensive to certain communities, the effect on the values of dignity, liberty, and equality. Certainly, <strong>there are laws for such atrocities but a major part of work is still left.</strong></li>
<li>Therefore <strong>giving a proper definition to hate speech would be the first step to deal with the menace</strong> and other initiatives such as <strong>spreading awareness amongst the public is the need of the hour.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panel-to-define-offences-of-speech-expression/article34644940.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/defining-hate-speech'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Vesak Celebration',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Prime Minister addressed <strong>&ldquo;Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations&rdquo;</strong> on <strong>Buddha Purnima.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The event is being organised by the <strong>Ministry of Culture</strong> in collaboration with the <strong>International Buddhist Confederation</strong> (IBC) and will witness the participation of all the <strong>supreme heads</strong> of the <strong>Buddhist Sanghas</strong> from <strong>around the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Buddha Purnima:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is celebrated to mark the <strong>birth of Gautam Buddha</strong>, the founder of <strong>Buddhism.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also <strong>known as Vesak.</strong> In <strong>1999</strong>, it became a <strong>UN-designated day</strong>, to acknowledge the contribution of Buddhism to society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is considered a <strong>'triple-blessed day'</strong> - as <strong>Tathagata Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parnirvana.</strong></li>
<li>Buddha Purnima <strong>falls on a full moon night</strong>, usually between April and May, and it is a gazetted holiday in India.</li>
<li>Many devotees visit <strong>Mahabodhi Temple</strong>, a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></a>, located in <strong>Bodh Gaya, Bihar</strong>, on this occasion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bodhi Temple is the location <strong>where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Buddhist Confederation (IBC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IBC is the <strong>biggest religious Buddhist confederation.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>purpose</strong> of this body is to create a role for Buddhism on the global stage so as to help to preserve heritage, share knowledge, and promote values and to represent a united front for Buddhism to enjoy meaningful participation in the global discourse.</li>
<li>In <strong>November 2011, New Delhi was host to Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC)</strong>, where the attendees unanimously adopted a resolution to form an international umbrella body &ndash; the <strong>International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).</strong></li>
<li><strong>HQ: Delhi, India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Gautam Buddha:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He was <strong>born as Siddhartha Gautama in circa 563 BCE, in Lumbini</strong> and belonged to the <strong>Sakya clan.</strong></li>
<li>Gautam <strong>attained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree</strong> at Bodhgaya, Bihar.</li>
<li>Buddha gave his <strong>first sermon in the village of Sarnath</strong>, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This event is known as <strong>Dharma Chakra Pravartana</strong> (turning of the wheel of law).</li>
<li>He <strong>died at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at Kushinagara</strong>, Uttar Pradesh. The event is known as<strong> Mahaparinibban or Mahaparinirvana.</strong></li>
<li>He is <strong>believed to be the eighth of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu (Dashavatar).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Buddhism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/buddhism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Buddhism</strong></a> started in India over 2,600 years ago.</li>
<li>The <strong>main teachings of Buddhism</strong> are encapsulated in the basic concept of four <strong>noble truths or ariya-sachchani</strong> and <strong>eight-fold path or ashtangika marg.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dukkha (Sufferings) and its extinction</strong> are <strong>central to the Buddha&rsquo;s doctrine.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The essence of Buddhism is the <strong>attainment of enlightenment or nirvana</strong> which was not a place but an experience and could be attained in this life.</li>
<li>There is <strong>no supreme god or deity</strong> in Buddhism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Buddhist Councils:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622018440_pasted%20image 0 (1).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622018440_pasted image 0 (1).png" width="350" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Schools of Buddhism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mahayana (Idol Worship), Hinayana, Theravada, Vajrayana (Tantric buddhism), Zen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Buddhism Texts (Tipitaka):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Vinaya Pitaka</strong> (rules applicable to monastic life), <strong>Sutta Pitaka</strong> (main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha), <strong>Abhidhamma Pitaka</strong> (a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>concept of ahimsa</strong> was its chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.</li>
<li>Its <strong>contribution to the art and architecture of India</strong> was notable. The <strong>stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, and Gaya</strong> are wonderful pieces of architecture.</li>
<li>It <strong>promoted education through residential universities</strong> like those at <strong>Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramasila.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>language of Pali and other local languages</strong> developed through the teachings of Buddhism.</li>
<li>It had also <strong>promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UNESCO&rsquo;s Heritage Sites Related to Buddhism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar</li>
<li>Buddhist Monuments at <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/mauryan-art-and-architecture-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sanchi</strong></a>, MP</li>
<li>Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/ajanta-and-ellora-caves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ajanta Caves</strong></a> Aurangabad, Maharashtra.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/buddha-purnima-2021-date-significance-and-importance-7303079/" 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/vesak-celebration'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'One Stop Centres',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Women and Child Development</strong> will set up <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-stop-centre-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>One Stop Centres (OSCs)</strong> </a>across <strong>10 countries</strong> to provide assistance to Indian women who are survivors of gender-based violence.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The missions where the OSCs will come up are <strong>Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and Singapore.</strong></li>
<li>It will also set up <strong>300 OSCs in the country</strong> in addition to the nearly <strong>700 existing</strong> ones across all districts.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforming-centrally-sponsored-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>centrally sponsored scheme</strong></a> for addressing the <strong>problem of violence against women. It was launched in April 2015.</strong></li>
<li>It is a subscheme of the umbrella scheme for <strong>National Mission for Empowerment of Women</strong> including <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indira Gandhi Mattritav Sahyaog Yojana</a>.</strong></li>
<li>One stop centre will be established <strong>across the country</strong> and <strong>at least one OSC in every mission around the world</strong> to <strong>provide integrated support and assistance</strong> under one roof to women affected by violence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Indian missions</strong> represent an important form of contact between the Indians around the world and the government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To support <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/domestic-violence-during-lockdown&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1622017058874000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-z0nyblqJPKZ__-RkIhtk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>women affected by the violence</strong></a> that they may face <strong>within the family or at the workplace or within the community</strong>, in private or public places.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Specially for women who face <strong>sexual, physical, psychological, emotional and economic abuse</strong>, irrespective of their caste, creed, race, class, education status, age, culture, or marital status.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is funded through <strong>Nirbhaya Fund</strong> and the <strong>central government provides 100% financial assistance</strong> to the state governments /Union Territories administrations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nirbhaya Fund</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-january-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Nirbhaya Fund</strong></a> Framework provides for a <strong>non-lapsable corpus fund for safety and security of women.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>established in 2013.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is administered by the<strong> Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)</strong> of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) of the Government of India.</li>
<li>It can be utilized <strong>for projects and initiatives related to women safety.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Auditing:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Audit will be done as per <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/comptroller-and-auditor-general-of-india-cag#:~:text=Shri%20Rajiv%20Mehrishi%20is%20the%20incumbent%20CAG%20of%20India." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller &amp; Auditor General of India</strong> </a>norms and social audit will also be undertaken by civil society groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Emergency response and rescue services.</li>
<li>Medical assistance.</li>
<li>Assistance to women in lodging the FIR.</li>
<li>Psycho-social support and counselling.</li>
<li>Legal aid and counselling.</li>
<li>Shelter.</li>
<li>Video conferencing facility.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Legislative Framework to Prevent Violence Against Women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/be-mains-ready-daily-answer-writing-practice-question/papers/2020/bmr-be-mains-ready-safety-of-women-implications-some-major-legal-initiatives-taken#:~:text=The%20Sexual%20Harassment%20of%20Women,it%20in%20public%20or%20private." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approved-changes-to-pocso-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), 2012</a>.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/change-in-the-provision-of-the-domestic-violence-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/05-12-2019#:~:text=The%20Dowry%20Prohibition%20Act%2C%201961,at%20their%20place%20of%20work." target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961</a></strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Other Initiatives for Women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-constitutes-panel-on-sexual-harassment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SHe-Box portal</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-10th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-25th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-creche-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Creche Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-stops-rural-women-from-getting-involved-in-entrepreneurship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahila e-haat</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-for-gender-equality-in-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GATI Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kiran-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KIRAN Scheme</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centres-in-10-missions-to-help-women-survivors-of-gender-based-violence/article34643697.ece#:~:text=Share%20Article-,Ministry%20of%20Women%20and%20Child%20Development%20to%20set%20up%20300,survivors%20of%20gender%2Dbased%20violence." 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/one-stop-centres'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The latest <strong>Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021, for the creation of a Lakshadweep Development Authority (LDA)</strong> is widely resented by the people of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshadweep-declared-an-organic-union-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lakshadweep</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Constitution of Lakshadweep Development Authority:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It <strong>empowers the government, identified as the administrator, to constitute Planning and Development Authorities</strong> under it to plan the development of any area identified as having &ldquo;bad layout or obsolete development&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">The authority would be a <strong>body corporate with a government-appointed chairman</strong>, a town planning officer and three &lsquo;expert&rsquo; government nominees besides two local authority representatives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">These <strong>authorities are to prepare land use maps, carry out zonation for type of land use</strong> and indicate areas for proposed national highways, arterial roads, ring roads, major streets, railways, tramways, airports, theatres, museums etc.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Only <strong>cantonment areas are exempted</strong> from this.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Defines &lsquo;Development&rsquo;:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It defines development <strong>as the carrying out of building, engineering, mining, quarrying or other operations in, on, over or under land</strong>, the cutting of a hill or any portion thereof or the making of any material change in any building or land or in the use of any building or land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Fees for Changing Zones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It stipulates that islanders must <strong>pay a processing fee for zone changes.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It implies that <strong>localities would be required to pay fees to gain approval to alter zones as per the development plan</strong>, as well as fees for permission to develop their own land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Penalties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It establishes penalties such as <strong>imprisonment</strong> for obstructing the development plan's work or workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>People&rsquo;s Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Real Estate Interests:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">People suspect that this might have been issued <strong>at the behest of &lsquo;real estate interests&rsquo; seeking to usurp the small holdings</strong> of property owned by the islanders, a majority of them <strong>(94.8% as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2011-census-data-on-migration#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202011%20Census,state%20from%20the%20two%20states.&amp;text=According%20to%20it%20migrants%20from,combined%20population%20of%2029.2%20million." target="_blank" rel="noopener">2011 census</a>)</strong> belonging to the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribes (ST)</a>.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Proposals to bring <strong>real estate development concepts</strong> such as <strong>&lsquo;transferable development rights&rsquo;</strong> to the island have raised people's fear of <strong>forced migration en masse.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Forcible Relocation &amp; Eviction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It vests such powers with the authority that it can prepare comprehensive development plans for any area and <strong>relocate people regardless of their will.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It <strong>provides for forcible eviction</strong>, puts the <strong>onus on the owner</strong> to develop his holding as per the plan prepared by the authority as also to heavily penalise them in the event of non-compliance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Destruction of Culture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">The island community is a <strong>close-knit group with families living in close proximity.</strong> The regulation will destroy the way of life practised by them for generations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ecological Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="text-align: left;">It <strong>is</strong> <strong>neither ecologically sustainable nor socially viable</strong> and the <strong>people&rsquo;s representatives were not consulted before drafting it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Lakshadweep</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>smallest Union Territory</strong>, Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.</li>
<li>It is directly under the <strong>control of the Centre through an administrator.</strong></li>
<li>There are <strong>three main group of islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Amindivi Islands</li>
<li>Laccadive Islands</li>
<li>Minicoy Island.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amindivi Islands</strong> are the <strong>northernmost</strong> while <strong>Minicoy island</strong> is the <strong>southernmost.</strong></li>
<li>All are tiny islands of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/translocation-of-corals-in-mumbai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coral</a> origin (Atoll)</strong> and are <strong>surrounded by fringing reefs.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Capital is Kavaratti</strong> and it is also the principal town of the UT.</li>
<li><strong>Pitti island</strong>, which is uninhabited, has a bird sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Population:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than 93% of the population who are indigenous, are Muslims and majority of them <strong>belong to the Shafi School of the Sunni Sect.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Malayalam</strong> is spoken in all the islands <strong>except Minicoy</strong> where people <strong>speak Mahl</strong> which is written in Divehi script and is spoken in Maldives also.</li>
<li>The <strong>entire indigenous population has been classified as Scheduled Tribes</strong> because of their economic and social backwardness. There are <strong>no <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-castes-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Castes</a></strong> in this Union Territory.</li>
<li>The <strong>main occupation</strong> of the people is fishing, coconut cultivation and coir twisting. Tourism is an emerging industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organic Agricultural Area:</strong> Recently, the entire Lakshadweep group of islands has been declared as an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshadweep-declared-an-organic-union-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>organic agricultural area</strong></a> under the <strong>Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622009269_map.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1622009269_map.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/widespread-resentment-in-lakshadweep-over-a-slew-of-bad-law-proposals/article34634201.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/draft-lakshadweep-development-authority-regulation-2021'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Pendency of Cases',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronanvirus-pandemic-virtual-hearing-india-courts-judiciary-system-7328862/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Spike in other caseload&rsquo;'</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 25/05/2021. It talks about the delays and inefficiencies arising from the huge pendencies of cases in the Indian courts.</p>
</div>
<p>The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of socio-economic-political setup in India and quite obviously Judiciary hasn&rsquo;t been immune to it. By and large, the courts have not worked with a full caseload since March 2020.</p>
<p>As a result, when the lockdown of March 2020 was declared, there were 3.68 crore cases across all levels; which have already shot up to 4.42 crore.</p>
<p>These delays and inefficiencies arising from the heavy dockets in Indian courts have long been a matter of concern and complements the saying that justice delayed is justice denied.</p>
<p>Thus<a href="/printpdf/the-big-picture-strengthening-judicial-apparatus#:~:text=Huge%20Pendency%3A%20Close%20to%202.7,in%20the%20next%20three%20decades." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Judicial reforms</strong></a>, if taken seriously, expeditious and effective justice can see the light of day.</p>
<h3>Reasons for Delay</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Persisting Vacancies:</strong> Across India, there are vacancies against even the sanctioned strengths of courts and in the worst performing states those vacancies exceed 30 per cent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to this, the average waiting period for trial in lower courts is around 10 years and 2-5 years in HCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor State of Subordinate Judiciary:</strong> District courts across the country also suffer from inadequate infrastructure and poor working conditions, which need drastic improvement, particularly if they are to meet the digital expectations raised by the higher judiciary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, there is a yawning digital divide between courts, practitioners and clients in metropolitan cities and those outside. Overcoming the hurdles of decrepit infrastructure and digital illiteracy will take years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government, the Biggest Litigant:</strong> Poorly drafted orders have resulted in contested tax revenues equal to 4.7 per cent of the GDP and it is rising.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Crowding out investment: Roughly Rs 50,000 crore are locked up in stalled projects and investments are reducing. Both these complications have arisen because of injunctions and stay orders granted by the courts primarily due to poorly drafted and poorly reasoned orders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Less budgetary allocation:</strong> The budget allocated to the judiciary is between 0.08 and 0.09 per cent of the GDP. Only four countries &mdash; Japan, Norway, Australia and Iceland &mdash; have a lesser budget allocation and they do not have problems of pendency like India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increasing Strength of Judicial Service:</strong> One of the solutions is to substantially increase the strength of the judicial services by appointing more judges at the subordinate level &mdash; improvements must start from the bottom of the pyramid. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strengthening the subordinate judiciary also means providing it with administrative and technical support and prospects for promotion, development and training.</li>
<li>Institutionalising All-India Judicial Service can be a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adequate Budgeting:</strong> The appointments and improvements will require significant but absolutely necessary expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission and the India Justice Report 2020 have raised the issue and suggested ways to earmark and deploy funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hibernating Unnecessary PILs:</strong> The Supreme Court should mandate summary disposal of all &lsquo;hibernating&rsquo; <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pils-from-public-interest-to-publicity-interest-litigations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PILs</strong></a> &ndash; those pending for more than 10 years before HCs &ndash; if they do not concern a question of significant public policy or law.</li>
<li><strong>Correcting Historical Inequalities:</strong> Reforms in Judiciary should also encompass addressing social inequalities within the judiciary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Women judges, and judges from historically-marginalised castes and classes must finally be given a fair share of seats at the table.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution:</strong> It should be mandated that all commercial litigation will be entertained only if there is an affidavit from the petitioner that mediation and conciliation have been attempted and have failed. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mechanisms such as ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution), Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas should be effectively utilised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Courts are sitting on a pendency bomb and it has never been more urgent to strengthen the judiciary. Thus, there is a need to take a holistic and realistic view of the present situation of the Indian Judiciary.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Courts are sitting on a pendency bomb and it has never been more urgent to strengthen the Indian judiciary. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pendency-of-cases'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'India - Israel Agreement on Agriculture Cooperation',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India and Israel have signed<strong> &ldquo;a three-year work program agreement&rdquo;</strong> for development in <strong>agriculture cooperation.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621944094_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621944094_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Three-year Work Program:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The programme<strong> aims</strong> to grow existing <strong>Centres of Excellence, establish new centers, increase CoE&rsquo;s value chain,</strong> bring the<strong> Centres of Excellence</strong> into the <strong>self-sufficient mode,</strong> and encourage <strong>private sector companies and collaboration.</strong></li>
<li>Both countries are implementing the<strong> &ldquo;INDO-ISRAEL Agricultural Project Centres of Excellence&rdquo; </strong>and<strong> &ldquo;INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indo-Israeli Agricultural Cooperation Project <strong>started in 2008</strong> following the signing of a three-year Action Plan based on a Government to Government Agreement.</li>
<li>Both started an agricultural fund <strong>worth $50 million</strong> that focused on <strong>dairy, farming technology and micro-irrigation.</strong></li>
<li><strong>By March 2014, 10 centres of excellence operated</strong> throughout India offering free training sessions for farmers on efficient agricultural techniques using Israeli technological expertise. Vertical farming, drip irrigation and soil solarization are taught at the centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence (IIVOE):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a new concept aimed at <strong>creating a model ecosystem in agriculture across eight states,</strong> alongside 13 Centers of Excellence within 75 villages.</li>
<li>The program <strong>will promote the increase of net income and better the livelihood of the individual farmer,</strong> transforming traditional farms into modern-intensive farms based on <strong>Indo-Israel Agriculture Action Plan (IIAP)</strong> standards.</li>
<li>Large-scale and complete value chain approach with economic sustainability, embedded with Israeli novel technologies and methodologies will be <strong>tailored to local conditions.</strong></li>
<li>The IIVOE program<strong> will focus on:</strong> (1) Modern Agriculture infrastructure, (2) Capacity Building, (3) Market linkage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indo-Israel Bilateral Cooperation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/collaboration-with-israel-in-defence-sector-under-fdi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic cooperation</strong></a> between the two countries began during the <strong>Sino-India War of 1962.</strong></li>
<li>In 1965, Israel <strong>supplied M-58 160-mm mortar ammunition to India</strong> in the war <strong>against Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>It was one of the few countries that chose <strong>not to condemn <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day-1#:~:text=The%20day%2C%20which%20was%20first,Prime%20Minister%20Atal%20Bihari%20Vajpayee." target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s Pokhran nuclear tests </a></strong>in 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From US$ 200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily trade in diamonds), bilateral merchandise trade stood at US$ 5.65 billion (excluding defence) in 2018-19, with the balance of trade being in India&rsquo;s favour by US$ 1.8 billion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Trade in diamonds constitutes close to 40% of bilateral trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is <strong>Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia.</strong></li>
<li>Israeli companies have<strong> invested in India in energy, renewable energy, telecom, real estate, water technologies,</strong> and are focusing on <strong>setting up R&amp;D centers</strong> or <strong>production units</strong> in India.</li>
<li>The first recipients of grants from the <strong>Israel-India Industrial R&amp;D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)</strong> were announced in <strong>July 2018,</strong> including companies working to better the lives of Indians and Israelis through efficient water use, improving communications infrastructure, solar energy use, and life-changing surgeries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fund aims to help Israeli entrepreneurs enter the Indian market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Israel has been <strong>among the top four arms suppliers to India for almost two decades now,</strong> notching military sales worth around USD 1 billion every year.</li>
<li>The Indian armed forces have<strong> inducted a wide array of Israeli weapon systems</strong> over the years, which range from <strong>Phalcon AWACS</strong> (airborne warning and control systems) and<strong> Heron, Searcher-II</strong> and <strong>Harop drones</strong> to <strong>Barak</strong> anti-missile defence systems and <strong>Spyder</strong> quick-reaction anti-aircraft missile systems.</li>
<li>The acquisitions also include a host of Israeli missiles and precision-guided munitions, from <strong>Python and Derby air-to-air missiles</strong> to<strong> Crystal Maze and Spice-2000 bombs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, an Israeli team arrived in India with a multi-pronged mission, codenamed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-breathing-space-india-israel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Breathing Space</strong></a> to work with Indian authorities on the Covid-19 response.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-israel-sign-agreement-on-agriculture-cooperation-7328840/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-israel-agreement-on-agriculture-cooperation'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'National Award for Recycling Carbon Technology',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Bangalore based<strong> startup</strong> has received the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-awards-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Award 2021</strong></a> <strong>from Technology Development Board (TDB)</strong> for developing a commercial solution<strong> for conversion of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to chemicals and fuels.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The startup has received funding under the <strong>Nano Mission.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The startup <strong>developed efficient catalysts and methodologies</strong> for the <strong>conversion of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to methanol and other chemicals.</strong></li>
<li>It has led to <strong>improvisation of process engineering</strong> to enhance the production of chemicals and fuels from anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> generated from various sources including coal and natural gas power generation sectors, steel industry, cement industry, and chemical industries.</li>
<li>It has integrated multiple components involved in the <strong>CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration)</strong> to develop a complete solution for the environmental issues due to global warming.</li>
<li>The <strong>Recycling Carbon Technology</strong> will be transferred to <strong>Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR),</strong> an autonomous institute of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/science-technology-and-innovation-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department of Science and Technology.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/carbon-sequestration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS):</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a process that <strong>captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources</strong> like coal-fired power plants and <strong>either reuses or stores it</strong> so it will <strong>not enter the atmosphere.</strong></li>
<li>Carbon dioxide <strong>storage in geologic formations</strong> includes oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams and deep saline reservoirs - structures that have stored crude oil, natural gas, brine and carbon dioxide over millions of years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Technology Development Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>TDB is<strong> a statutory body</strong> established by the Technology Development Board Act, 1995.</li>
<li>It was established in 1996 and functions under the <strong>Department of Science of Technology.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>provides financial assistance to companies</strong> working for commercialization of indigenous technologies and adaptation of imported technologies for domestic applications.</li>
<li>As part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Technology Day (11<sup>th</sup> May)</strong></a>, the TDB<strong> presents the National Awards,</strong> to industrial concerns who have successfully commercialized an indigenous technology.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Nano Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India launched the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iconsat-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nano Mission</a> in 2007</strong> as an "umbrella capacity-building programme".</li>
<li>It is being implemented by the <strong>Department of Science and Technology (DST)</strong> under the <strong>Ministry of Science and Technology.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1721344#:~:text=Recycling%20Carbon%20technology%20by%20Bangalore%20startup%20receives%20TDB%20National%20Award%202021&amp;text=A%20Bangalore%20based%20startup%20has,2%20to%20chemicals%20and%20fuels." 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-award-for-recycling-carbon-technology'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Semiconductor Chips Shortage in Vehicle Manufacturing',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, an unusual<strong> shortage of inputs, especially semiconductor chips,</strong> has made <strong>India-based vehicle manufactures</strong> (car manufactures and premium bikes) curtail production across categories.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Semiconductor Chips:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Semiconductors are<strong> materials which have a conductivity between conductors</strong> (generally metals) <strong>and nonconductors or insulators</strong> (such as most ceramics). Semiconductors can be pure elements, such as <strong>silicon or germanium,</strong> or compounds such as<strong> gallium arsenide or cadmium selenide.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Conductivity</strong> is the measure of the ease at which an electric charge or heat can pass through a material.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621942131_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621942131_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>semiconductor chip is an electric circuit</strong> with many components such as transistors and wiring formed on a semiconductor wafer. An electronic device comprising numerous of these components is called <strong>Integrated Circuit (IC),</strong> and can be found in electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, appliances, gaming hardware and medical equipment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These devices find <strong>widespread use in almost all industries, especially in the automobile industry.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Electronic parts and components today account for <strong>40% of the cost of a new internal combustion engine car,</strong> up from less than 20% two decades ago. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Semiconductor Chips account for a bulk of this increase.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Shortage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Covid and Lockdowns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and the subsequent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns</strong></a> across the world that forced shut crucial chip-making facilities in countries including Japan, South Korea, China and the US.</li>
<li>Its shortage causes<strong> cascading effects,</strong> given that the first one creates pent-up demand that becomes the cause for the follow-up famine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Consumption:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of transistors mounted in IC chips has doubled every two years. Notably, the<strong> increase in chip consumption over the last decade is also partly attributable</strong> to the rising contribution of electronic components in a car&rsquo;s bill of materials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reduced Supply:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Consumers of semiconductor chips, which are mainly <strong>car manufacturers and consumer electronics manufactures,</strong> have not been receiving enough of this crucial input to continue production. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chip shortage is measured in chip lead time, which is the <strong>gap between when a chip is ordered and when it is delivered. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Production of Automobiles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With just-in-time deliveries, carmakers typically kept low inventory holdings and <strong>relied on an electronics industry supply chain</strong> to feed production lines as per demand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delayed Supply and Reduced Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has caused <strong>delaying vehicle deliveries,</strong> some companies have reportedly started <strong>discarding features and high-end electronic capabilities</strong> on a temporary basis to deal with the chip shortage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>present slump in the automobile industry seems to be a temporary</strong> phase. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccination" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vaccination</strong></a> drive and economic recovery will provide a much needed trigger.</li>
<li>However, at least for some time, there is a <strong>need to reduce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goods and Services Tax (GST)</a></strong> on entry level cars and that on the two wheelers. <strong>The state governments also need to reduce the road tax.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-semiconductor-chips-shortage-and-how-carmakers-are-coping-7327321/" 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/semiconductor-chips-shortage-in-vehicle-manufacturing'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'FDI Inflow Touches $82 Bn in FY21',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>In the <strong>Financial Year 2020-21,</strong> India sees<strong> growth of 10% (to $82 bn)</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a>. FDI<strong> equity investments rise 19%</strong> to $60 billion.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In <strong>2019-20,</strong> India had <strong>received $74.39</strong> billion in FDI, with almost<strong> $50 billion</strong> coming in the form of<strong> equity investments.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621941331_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621941331_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Top Investors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Singapore</strong> emerged as the<strong> top investor</strong> with almost a third of all investments, <strong>followed by the US</strong> which accounted for <strong>23% of FDI</strong> and <strong>Mauritius from where 9%</strong> of the foreign capital flows originated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sharpest Growth from Saudi Arabia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sharpest growth among the<strong> top 10 FDI-origin countries</strong> was recorded from <strong>Saudi Arabia.</strong></li>
<li>Investments jumped from $90 million <strong>in 2019-20</strong> to <strong>$2.8 billion in 2020-21.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>FDI Equity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FDI equity flows<strong> from the US more than doubled</strong> during the year compared with 2019-20, while<strong> investments from the UK surged 44%. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top FDI Destinations;</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gujarat</strong> was the <strong>top</strong> FDI destination in 2020-21, accounting fo<strong>r 37% of</strong> the foreign equity inflows, followed by <strong>Maharashtra (2<sup>nd</sup>)</strong> which got <strong>27% of</strong> the equity inflows.</li>
<li><strong>Karnataka (3<sup>rd</sup>)</strong> accounted for another 13% of the equity investments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Computer software and hardware</strong> has emerged as the top sector during 2020-21 with about <strong>44% share</strong> of the total FDI equity inflow.</li>
<li>These are followed by <strong>construction (infrastructure) activities</strong> (13%) and<strong> services sector (8%),</strong> respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Foreign Direct Investment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI</strong></a> is the process whereby residents of one country (the home country) acquire ownership of assets for the purpose of controlling the production, distribution and other activities of a firm in another country (the host country).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is different from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increase-in-foreign-portfolio-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Portfolio Investment</strong></a> where the foreign entity merely buys stocks and bonds of a company. FPI does not provide the investor with control over the business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Three Components:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Equity capital</strong> is the foreign direct investor&rsquo;s purchase of shares of an enterprise in a country other than its own.</li>
<li><strong>Reinvested earnings</strong> comprise the direct investors&rsquo; share of earnings not distributed as dividends by affiliates, or earnings not remitted to the direct investor. Such retained profits by affiliates are reinvested.</li>
<li><strong>Intra-company loans</strong> or intra-company debt transactions refer to short- or long-term borrowing and lending of funds between direct investors (or enterprises) and affiliate enterprises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Routes through which India gets FDI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Automatic Route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity does not require the prior approval of the government or the RBI.</li>
<li><strong>Government Route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity has to take the approval of the government.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unified-single-window-clearance-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP)</strong></a> facilitates the single window clearance of applications which are through approval route.</li>
<li>It is administered by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dipp-renamed-as-dpiit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade</strong></a> (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government Measures to Promote FDI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2020,</strong> factors such as a swift response in combating the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid crisis</strong></a>, favourable demographics, impressive mobile and internet penetration, massive consumption and technology uptake, played an important role in attracting the investments.</li>
<li>Launch of Schemes attracting investments, such as, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/export-promotion-council-for-technical-textiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National technical Textile Mission</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pli-scheme-for-ten-more-sectors" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Production Linked Incentive Scheme</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-kisan-sampada-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana</strong></a>, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government has elaborated upon the initiatives under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-on-atmanirbhar-bharat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a> to encourage investments in different sectors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As a part of its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India initiative</strong></a> to promote domestic manufacturing,<strong> India deregulated FDI rules</strong> for several sectors over the last few years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/fdi-inflow-touches-82-bn-in-fy21/article34636548.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/fdi-inflow-touches-82-bn-in-fy21'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Government of India Act, 1919',
		'catname' => 'Paper 1',
		'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1918, Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy, produced their scheme of constitutional reforms, known as the<strong> Montagu-Chelmsford (or Mont-Ford) Reforms,</strong> which led to the enactment of the <strong>Government of India Act of 1919.</strong></li>
<li>Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms which came into force in 1921.</li>
<li>The sole purpose of this Act was to ensure Indians of their representation in the Government.</li>
<li>The Act introduced reforms at the Central as well as Provincial levels of Government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Salient Features of the Act</h3>
<p><strong>Central Level Government: </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Subjects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The matters, which were of National importance or related to more than one province were governed at the central level, such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Foreign Affairs, Defence, Political Relations, Communication, Public Debt, Civil and Criminal Laws, Wire services etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Central Legislature was made more powerful and more representative by this Act.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Executive:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act made the <strong>Governor-General the chief executive authority.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There had to be the<strong> Executive Council of the Viceroy</strong> of eight members, out of which three were to be Indians.</li>
<li>The governor-general could restore cuts in grants, certify bills rejected by the central legislature and issue ordinances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforms in Legislature: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bicameral Legislature:</strong> The Act<strong> introduced</strong> bicameral legislature; the Lower House or Central Legislative Assembly and the Upper House or Council of State.</li>
<li>The legislators, under the new reforms,<strong> could now ask questions and supplementaries, pass adjournment motions</strong> and <strong>vote a part of the budget,</strong> but <strong>75% of the budget</strong> was still <strong>not votable.</strong></li>
<li>The legislature had virtually <strong>no control over the Governor-General and his Executive Council.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Composition of Lower House:</strong> The Lower House would consist of 145 members, who were either nominated or indirectly elected from the provinces. It had a tenure of 3 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>41 nominated</strong> (26 official and 15 non-official members)</li>
<li><strong>104 elected</strong> (52 General, 30 Muslims, 2 Sikhs, 20 Special).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition Upper House:</strong> The Upper House would have 60 members. It had a tenure of 5 years and had only male members.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>26 nominated</strong></li>
<li><strong>34 elected</strong> (20 General, 10 Muslims, 3 Europeans and 1 Sikh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of Viceroy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Legislature was addressed by the Viceroy.</strong></li>
<li>He could call for the meetings, or adjourn the meetings or even repeal the Legislature.</li>
<li>The tenure of the Legislature was 3 years, which could be extended by the Viceroy, as he saw fit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of Central Legislature:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The central government enjoyed unrestricted control over the provincial governments.</li>
<li>The Central Legislature was authorised to make laws for all of India, for all Officers and common people, whether they were in India or not.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restrictions on Central Legislature:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Certain restrictions were imposed on the legislature:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was necessary to get the permission of the Governor General to introduce a bill, such as amendment of existing law or amendment of ordinance of Governor General, foreign relations and relations with Indian states, armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The legislature of <strong>India could not change or reverse any law passed by the British Parliament</strong> in relation to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Provincial Level Government:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Subjects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It included the matters which were related to a specific Province such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Public Health, Local Self-government, Education, General administration, Medical facilities, Land-revenue, Water supply, Famine relief, Law and Order, Agriculture etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Introduction to Diarchy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act<strong> introduced diarchy (rule of two individuals/parties) for the executive</strong> at the level of the provincial government.</li>
<li>The diarchy was implemented in eight provinces:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Assam, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bombay, Madras and Punjab.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>provincial governments were given more powers</strong> under the system of Dyarchy.</li>
<li>The <strong>governor was to be the executive head in the province.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Division of Subjects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Subjects were divided into two lists: <strong>&lsquo;reserved&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;transferred&rsquo;.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>reserved list,</strong> under which the <strong>subjects were to be administered by the governor</strong> through his executive council of bureaucrats. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It included subjects such as law and order, finance, land revenue, irrigation etc.</li>
<li><strong>All important subjects were kept in the reserved subjects</strong> of the Provincial Executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The transferred subjects were to be <strong>administered by ministers nominated from among the elected members</strong> of the legislative council.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It included subjects such as education, health, local government, industry, agriculture, excise, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In case of <strong>failure of constitutional machinery</strong> in the province the<strong> governor could take over the administration</strong> of transferred subjects also.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restriction in Interference:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Secretary Of State for India</strong> and the<strong> Governor General</strong> could interfere in respect of reserved subjects while in respect of the transferred subjects, the scope for their interference was restricted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforms in Legislature:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provincial legislative councils were further expanded and <strong>70% of the members were to be elected.</strong></li>
<li>The system of <strong>communal and class electorates</strong> was further consolidated.</li>
<li><strong>Women were also given the right to vote.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>legislative councils could reject the budget</strong> but the<strong> governor could restore it, if necessary. </strong></li>
<li>The <strong>legislators enjoyed freedom of speech.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers of the Governor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Governor could overrule the ministers on any grounds that he considered special. Also, he retained complete control over the finances.</li>
<li>The legislative councils could initiate legislation but the governor&rsquo;s assent was required.</li>
<li>The <strong>governor could veto bills and issue ordinances.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Awakening Among Indians:</strong> Indians received secret information about administration and became aware of their duties. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This<strong> instilled a sense of nationalism and awakening among Indians</strong> and they <strong>moved towards achieving the goal of Swaraj. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expansion of Voting Rights:</strong> Election areas expanded in India and <strong>people began to understand the importance of voting. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Self Government in Provinces:</strong> The Act<strong> led to the existence of provincial self-government</strong> in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act <strong>gave the people the power to administer</strong> and administrative pressure from the government was greatly reduced.</li>
<li><strong>It prepared Indians to discharge responsibilities</strong> in the provincial administration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drawbacks of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Irresponsible Central Government:</strong> No responsible government was envisaged in the Act at the all-India level.</li>
<li><strong>Spread of Communalism:</strong> The flawed electoral system and limited franchise failed to gain popularity. It promoted a sense of communalism in a separate electoral system.</li>
<li><strong>Limited Extension of Electorates:</strong> The electorate was extended to some one-and-a-half million for the central legislature, while the population of India was around 260 million, as per one estimate.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Administrative Control:</strong> At the centre, the legislature had no control over the viceroy and his executive council. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>provincial ministers had no control over finances</strong> and over the bureaucrats; this would lead to constant friction between the two.</li>
<li>Ministers were often not consulted on important matters too and could be overruled by the governor on any matter that the latter considered special.</li>
<li>The <strong>Governor enjoyed unrestricted powers,</strong> he could also take a decision against the decision of his council and ministers. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Almost all important matters related to administration depended on the governor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inappropriate Division of Subjects:</strong> Division of subjects was not satisfactory at the centre. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>central legislature was given very little power and no control over finances.</strong></li>
<li>At the level of provinces, division of subjects and parallel administration of two parts was irrational and, hence, unworkable. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Subjects like irrigation, finance, police, press and justice were &lsquo;reserved&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Outcomes of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Public Reaction:</strong> The Congress met in a special session in August 1918 at Bombay under <strong>Hasan Imam&rsquo;s</strong> presidency and <strong>declared the reforms to be &ldquo;disappointing&rdquo; and &ldquo;unsatisfactory&rdquo; and demanded effective self-government instead.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Montford reforms were termed <strong>&ldquo;unworthy and disappointing - a sunless dawn&rdquo; by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bal-gangadhar-tilak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bal Gangadhar Tilak</a>. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Annie Besant</strong> found the reforms <strong>&ldquo;unworthy of England to offer and India to accept&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Veteran Congress leaders led by Surendranath Banerjea were<strong> in favour of accepting the government proposals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Encouraged the Struggle for Power:</strong> The Act encouraged the struggle for power in both Indians and the British. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a result a large number of communal riots took place which continued to increase from 1922 to 1927.</li>
<li>The <strong>Swaraj Party was founded in 1923</strong> and won a substantial number of seats in the elections, except Madras. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Whereas in Bombay and Central Provinces were successful in blocking the majority of other supplies with the salaries of ministers.</li>
<li>Thus the governors of both the provinces were <strong>forced to abolish the diarchy regime</strong> and took the transferred subjects under their control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enactment of the Rowlatt Act:</strong> While trying to appease Indians, the Government of India was ready with repression. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Throughout the war, repression of nationalists had continued. The terrorists and revolutionaries had been hunted down, hanged and imprisoned. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many other nationalists such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70-years-of-indian-council-for-cultural-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad</strong> </a>had also been kept behind bars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government now decided to arm itself with more far-reaching powers, which went against the accepted principles of rule of law, to be able to suppress those nationalists who would refuse to be satisfied with the official reforms.</li>
<li><strong>In March 1919</strong> it passed the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/100-years-of-rowlatt-satyagraha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Rowlatt Act</strong> </a>even though every single Indian member of the Central Legislative Council opposed it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This <strong>Act authorized the government to imprison any person without trial and conviction in a court of law.</strong></li>
<li>The Act enabled the government to suspend the right of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/habeas-corpus-cases-in-jammu-kashmir" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Habeas Corpus</strong></a> which had been the foundation of civil liberties in Britain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/government-of-india-act-1919'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Whiteflies: Threat to Agriculture',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent study,<strong> exotic <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invasive-species-charru-mussel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invasive</a> whiteflies</strong> in India are causing <strong>direct and indirect yield losses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry crop plants.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Whiteflies</strong> are<strong> tiny, sap-sucking insects</strong> that may become abundant in vegetable and ornamental plantings, especially during warm weather. They excrete sticky honeydew and<strong> cause yellowing or death of leaves.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Spread of Whiteflies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> first reported invasive spiralling whitefly <em>(Aleurodicus dispersus)</em></strong> is now distributed throughout India <strong>except Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>Similarly, the <strong>rugose spiralling whitefly</strong> <em><strong>(Aleurodicus rugioperculatus)</strong> </em>which was reported in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu in 2016 has now spread throughout the country including the islands of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep.</li>
<li><em>Aleurodicus dispersus</em> and <em>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</em> have been <strong>reported on over 320 and 40 plant species,</strong> respectively.</li>
<li>Most of the whitefly species are<strong> native to the Caribbean islands or Central America.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Spread:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The host range of all of the invasive whiteflies has been increasing due to their <strong>polyphagous nature</strong> (ability to feed on various kinds of food) and <strong>prolific breeding.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>increasing import of plants and increasing globalization and movement of people</strong> has aided the spread of different varieties and their subsequent growth into invasive species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Damage to Crops:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Whiteflies reduce the production yield and also damage crops. Approximately <strong>1.35 lakh hectares of coconut and oil palm</strong> in India are <strong>affected by the rugose spiralling whitefly.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Other invasive whiteflies</strong> were also found to<strong> expand their host range on valuable plant species,</strong> especially coconut, banana, mango, sapota, guava, cashew, oil palm, and ornamental plants such as bottle palm, false bird of paradise, butterfly palm and important medicinal plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ineffectiveness of Insecticides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Whiteflies have been difficult to control by using available synthetic insecticides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Controlling Whiteflies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Biological Control Methods:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They are currently being controlled by naturally occurring <strong>insect predators, parasitoids</strong> (natural enemies of pests, provide biological control of pests in greenhouses and crop fields) and <strong>entomopathogenic fungi</strong> (fungi that can kill insects).</li>
<li><strong>Entomopathogenic fungi</strong> specific to whiteflies are isolated, purified, grown in the lab or mass-produced and applied into the whitefly infested field in combination with the release of lab-reared potential predators and parasitoids.</li>
<li>They are not just<strong> environmentally friendly</strong> but also<strong> economically feasible.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Pests/Insects Attacking Crops</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/armyworm-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fall Armyworm (FAW) Attack:</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a dangerous transboundary insect with a high potential to spread rapidly due to its natural distribution capacity and opportunities presented by international trade.</li>
<li>In 2020, the Directorate of Agriculture reported an armyworm attack on the standing crops in the northeastern Dhemaji district of Assam and the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Food and Agriculture Organisation</strong></a> <strong>(FAO)</strong> has launched a <strong>Global Action for FAW</strong> Control as a response to the international threat posed by the armyworms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/locust-invasion-in-gujarat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Locust Invasion</strong></a>:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A locust (Migratory insect also known as tiddi) is a large, mainly tropical grasshopper with strong powers of flight. They differ from ordinary grasshoppers in their ability to change behaviour (gregarize) and form swarms that can migrate over large distances.</li>
<li>Locust adults can eat their own weight every day, i.e. about two grams of fresh vegetation per day. A very small swarm eats as much in one day as about 35,000 people, posing a devastating threat to crops and food security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maharashtra-to-take-emergency-measures-to-tackle-pink-bollworm-pbw#:~:text=The%20pink%20bollworm%20(Pectinophora%20gossypiella,a%20pest%20in%20cotton%20farming.&amp;text=In%20parts%20of%20India%2C%20the,single%20Bt%20gene%20(Cry1Ac)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pink Bollworm (PBW)</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <em>(Pectinophora gossypiella)</em>, is an insect known for being a pest in<strong> cotton farming.</strong></li>
<li>The pink bollworm is native to Asia, but has become an invasive species in most of the world&rsquo;s cotton-growing regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Continuous monitoring</strong> of the <strong>occurrence of invasive species,</strong> their host plants and <strong>geographical expansion</strong> is needed, and if required, import of<strong> potential natural enemies</strong> for bio-control programmes can also be carried out.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-whiteflies-came-saw-and-conquered-indias-crops/article34623516.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/whiteflies-threat-to-agriculture'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'NGT Upholds Rights of Pastoralists in Banni Grasslands',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt#:~:text=What%20is%20National%20Green%20Tribunal,forests%20and%20other%20natural%20resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a> ordered all encroachments to be removed from <strong>Gujarat's Banni grasslands</strong> within six months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The court also said the<strong> Maldharis (Pastoralists)</strong> will continue to hold the <strong>right to conserve the community forests</strong> in the area, granted to them as per the provisions in <strong>Section 3 of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a specialised body set up under the <strong>National Green Tribunal Act (2010)</strong> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.</li>
<li>NGT is <strong>mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months</strong> of filing the same.</li>
<li>The NGT has five places of sittings, <strong>New Delhi</strong> is the Principal place of sitting and <strong>Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata</strong> and <strong>Chennai</strong> are the<strong> other four.</strong></li>
<li>Being a<strong> statutory adjudicatory body</strong> like Courts, apart from original jurisdiction on filing of an application, NGT also has<strong> appellate jurisdiction</strong> to hear appeal as a <strong>Court (Tribunal).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Banni Grassland:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Banni is the <strong>largest grassland of Asia</strong> situated <strong>near the Great Rann of Kutch</strong> in<strong> Gujarat.</strong></li>
<li>It is spread <strong>over 2,618 kilometres</strong> and accounts for almost <strong>45% of the pastures</strong> in Gujarat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem and Vegetation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands,</strong> are mixed side by side in Banni.</li>
<li>Vegetation in Banni is sparse and highly dependent on rainfall.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Banni grasslands, traditionally, were managed following a system of rotational grazing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Banni is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt tolerant), as well as scattered tree cover and scrub.</li>
<li>The area is <strong>rich in flora and fauna,</strong> with 192 species of plants, 262 species of birds, several species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reserve Forest:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1955, the court <strong>notified that the grassland will be a reserve forest</strong> (the most restricted forests classified according to <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Forest Act 1927</strong></a>).</li>
<li>In 2019, the <strong>tribunal ordered</strong> to demarcate the boundaries of the Banni grassland and restricted non-forest activities.</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/rhinos-to-be-re-introduced-in-uttarakhand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong> </a>has identified this grassland reserve as <strong>one of the last remaining habitats of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/introduction-of-african-cheetah-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cheetah</a> in India</strong> and a possible reintroduction site for the species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621935493_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621935493_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Maldharis:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maldharis are<strong> a tribal herdsmen community inhabiting Banni.</strong></li>
<li>Originally nomads, they came to be known as Maldharis after settling in Junagarh (mainly Gir Forest).</li>
<li>The literal meaning of Maldhari <strong>is keeper (dhari)</strong> of the animal stock (mal).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The livestock include <strong>sheep, goats, cows, buffalo, and camels.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gir-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gir Forest National Park</strong></a> is home to around 8,400 Maldharis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions of the Forest Rights Act 2006:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the provisions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Act</strong></a>, <strong>forest dwellers cannot be displaced unless the rights settlement process</strong> has been completed.</li>
<li>Moreover, the Act has a special provision for setting <strong>up &lsquo;Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH)&rsquo;,</strong> for the conservation of the species.</li>
<li>It strengthens the <strong>conservation regime</strong> of the forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of the FDST (Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes) and OTFD (Other Traditional Forest Dwellers).</li>
<li>The Act identifies four <strong>types of rights:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Title rights:</strong> It gives FDST and OTFD the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.</li>
<li><strong>Use rights:</strong> The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/msp-hiked-for-minor-forest-produce" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Minor Forest Produce</strong></a>, grazing areas etc.</li>
<li><strong>Relief and development rights:</strong> To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.</li>
<li><strong>Forest management rights:</strong> It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/ngt-upholds-rights-of-pastoralists-in-banni-grasslands-wants-encroachments-removed-77075" 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/ngt-upholds-rights-of-pastoralists-in-banni-grasslands'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Exports of GI Certified Gholvad Sapota: Maharashtra',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A consignment of <strong>Dahanu Gholvad sapota</strong> has been <strong>exported to the United Kingdom</strong> from Maharashtra&rsquo;s Palghar district, providing <strong>a major boost to shipments of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products</strong> from India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sapota (Chikoo)</strong> is grown in <strong>many states</strong>- Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Karnataka</strong> is known to be the <strong>highest grower of the fruit, followed by Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621927530_new%202.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621927530_new 2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Gholvad Sapota:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>fruit is known</strong> for its <strong>sweet and unique taste.</strong> It is believed that the unique taste is derived from <strong>calcium rich soil of Gholvad village</strong> in Palghar district (Maharashtra).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other GI Certified Products from Maharashtra:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-06th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Alphonso Mango</strong></a>, Puneri Pagadi, Nashik Valley Wine, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/warli-art#:~:text=Warli%20is%20a%20traditional%20art%20form%20of%20Maharashtra.&amp;text=These%20paintings%20are%20distinctive%20with,natural%20elements%20in%20our%20environment." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warli Painting</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Geographical Indication (GI) Certification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>GI is an indication used <strong>to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is used for <strong>agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999</strong> seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act is <strong>administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks-</strong> who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.</li>
<li>The Geographical Indications <strong>Registry is located at Chennai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.</strong> It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.</li>
<li>It is also <strong>a part of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organisation&rsquo;s</a> Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Recent Examples:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-to-two-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sohrai Khovar painting</a></strong>, Telangana&rsquo;s Telia Rumal , <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tirur-vettila-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tirur Vetilla</strong></a> (Kerala), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dindigul-lock-and-kandangi-saree" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-for-odisha-rasagola" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha Rasagola</strong></a>, etc.</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/apeda-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority</strong></a> (APEDA - Ministry of Commerce and Industry) has a focus on promotion of exports of GI products.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/home-delivery-of-shahi-lichi-and-zardalu-mango" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shahi Litchi</strong></a> from <strong>Bihar</strong> has been exported to the United Kingdom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is the second largest producer of litchi</strong> (Litchi chin) in the world, after China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier, a consignment of <strong>GI certified Banganapalli &amp; Survarnarekha mangoes</strong> sourced from farmers in <strong>Krishna &amp; Chittor districts of Andhra Pradesh</strong> was exported to South Korea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1720028" 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/exports-of-gi-certified-gholvad-sapota-maharashtra'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Protected Planet Report 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The report, titled <strong>Protected Planet Report 2020</strong>, underlined the progress the world has made toward the<strong> ambitious goals agreed by countries in 2010</strong> at the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity</a>.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> legally binding treaty</strong> to conserve biodiversity that has been in force since 1993.</li>
<li>Nearly all countries including India have ratified it (notably, the <strong>US has signed but not ratified).</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal</strong>, Canada and it <strong>operates under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/making-peace-with-nature-unep-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Environment Programme</a>.</strong></li>
<li>A supplementary agreement to the Convention known as the <strong>Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety</strong> (adopted at COP5, 2000) seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.</li>
<li>The <strong>Nagoya Protocol</strong> on <strong>Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)</strong> was adopted in Nagoya, Japan at COP10.</li>
<li>The COP-10 <strong>also adopted a ten-year framework for action</strong> by all countries to save biodiversity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Officially known as <strong>&ldquo;Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020&rdquo;</strong>, it provided a set of 20 targets, collectively known as the <strong>Aichi Targets for biodiversity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Protected Planet Reports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reports are released by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/making-peace-with-nature-unep-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</a> World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong> </a>with support from the <strong>National Geographic Society</strong>, a global non-profit.</li>
<li>These are <strong>biennial landmark publications</strong> that assess the state of protected and conserved areas around the world.</li>
<li>The report is the first in the series to include data on <strong>Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM)</strong> in addition to protected areas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>OECM</strong> are a conservation designation for areas that are achieving the effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity outside of protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The 2020 edition provides the final report on the status of <strong>Aichi Biodiversity Target 11</strong>, and looks to the future as the world prepares to adopt a new post-2020 global biodiversity framework.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aichi Biodiversity Target 11</strong></a> aimed to conserve 17% of land and inland water ecosystems and 10% of its coastal waters and oceans by 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of the Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increase in Protected Area:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As many as 82% of countries and territories have increased their share of protected area and coverage of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) since 2010.</li>
<li>Protected areas covering almost 21 million km2 have been added to the global network.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in OECMs:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since OECMs were first recorded in 2019, these areas have added a further 1.6 million km2 to the global network.</li>
<li>Despite being limited to only five countries and territories, the available data on OECMs show that <strong>they make a significant contribution to coverage and connectivity.</strong></li>
<li>Of the area now covered by protected areas and OECMs, 42% was added in the past decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>KBAs are <strong>sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity</strong>, in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.</li>
<li>On an average, <strong>62.6% of KBA either fully or partially overlap</strong> with protected areas and OECMs.</li>
<li>The average percentage of each KBA within protected areas and OECMs is 43.2% for terrestrial; 42.2% for inland water and 44.2% for marine (within national waters).</li>
<li>There was <strong>an increase of 5 percentage points</strong> or less in each case since 2010, the greatest growth in marine and coastal areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Management effectiveness assessments</strong> have been conducted across only 18.29% of the area covered by protected areas, and it is likely that many do not meet the standards for full effectiveness.</li>
<li><strong>Integrating protected areas and OECMs</strong> across landscapes and seascapes, and in development sectors, remains a crucial challenge for ensuring the persistence of biodiversity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Measurable targets for integrated land-use and marine spatial planning are needed to facilitate progress.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governance</strong> is a key contributor to effective conservation. Both protected areas and OECMs can have a variety of governance regimes: government, private, governance by indigenous peoples and local communities, or any combination of these. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Data are still poor on governance</strong> diversity and quality for protected areas and OECMs.</li>
<li>New guidance and better reporting can provide new opportunities to better recognise and support the conservation efforts of diverse groups, including indigenous peoples, local communities, and private actors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Protected Area in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protected areas are <strong>regions or zones of land or sea which are given certain levels of protection for conservation of biodiversity</strong> and socio-environmental values. In these areas, <strong>human intervention</strong> and exploitation of resources is <strong>limited.</strong></li>
<li>India has a <strong>network of 903 Protected Areas covering about 5%</strong> of its total geographic area.</li>
<li>India has the following kinds of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/management-effectiveness-evaluation-of-protected-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>protected areas</strong></a>, in the sense of the word designated by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, Reserved and protected forests, Conservation reserves and community reserves, Private protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Greater <strong>application of the global standard</strong> for effectiveness, the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, will help to address weaknesses.</li>
<li><strong>Increasing recognition of the role</strong> that protected and conserved areas can play as nature-based solutions to climate change and other global challenges, and their contribution to realising multiple <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=To%20bring%20sustainable%20development%20in,over%20the%20next%2015%20years.&amp;text=SDGs%20are%20not%20legally%20binding." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a>, provides a strong justification for investing in more effective national and global networks.</li>
<li>The further<strong> identification and recognition of OECMs</strong> is likely to contribute significantly to improved performance on all criteria, including connectivity, ecological representation, governance diversity and coverage (including areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem services).</li>
<li>A <strong>global network of effective and equitable protected and conserved areas</strong> will play a vital role in safeguarding the health of people and the planet for generations to come.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/more-protected-82-countries-raised-cover-for-vulnerable-areas-in-a-decade-77025" 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/protected-planet-report-2020'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'COP 28',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Arab Emirates</strong> announced an<strong> offer to host</strong> the<strong> 28<sup>th</sup> session</strong> of <strong>Conference of Parties</strong> (COP 28) to the <strong>UNFCCC</strong> in <strong>Abu Dhabi in 2023.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>COP 26</strong> was<strong> postponed</strong> in <strong>2020</strong> and will take place in <strong>Glasgow,</strong> UK in November 2021.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About UNFCCC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNFCCC</a>)</strong>, signed in <strong>1992</strong> at the <strong>United Nations Conference on Environment and Development</strong> also known as the<strong> Earth Summit,</strong> the<strong> Rio Summit or the Rio Conference.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is among the select few countries to have<strong> hosted the COP of all three Rio conventions on climate change (UNFCCC), biodiversity<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-cop-13-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> (Convention on Biological Diversity)</a></strong> and<strong> land</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-convention-to-combat-desertification-cop-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UNFCCC entered into force on <strong>21<sup>st</sup> March 1994,</strong> and has been <strong>ratified</strong> by <strong>197 countries.</strong></li>
<li>It is the<strong> parent treaty of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 Paris Agreement</a>.</strong> It is also the<strong> parent treaty of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop25-climate-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 1997 Kyoto Protocol</a>.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>UNFCCC secretariat</strong> (UN Climate Change) is the <strong>United Nations entity</strong> tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. It is <strong>located in Bonn, Germany.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous repercussions within a time frame so as to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally and enable sustainable development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Conference of the Parties (COP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>COP is the<strong> apex decision-making authority</strong> of UNFCCC.</li>
<li>The COP<strong> meets every year,</strong> unless the Parties decide otherwise. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995.</li>
<li>The COP <strong>meets in Bonn,</strong> the seat of the secretariat, unless a Party offers to host the session.</li>
<li>The office of the COP President normally <strong>rotates among the five United Nations regional groups</strong> which are - Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others.</li>
<li>The President is usually the environment minister of his or her home country. S/he is elected by acclamation immediately after the opening of a COP session.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>COP&rsquo;s with Significant Outcomes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>1995: COP1 (Berlin, Germany)</strong></li>
<li><strong>1997: COP 3 (Kyoto Protocol)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It legally binds developed countries to emission reduction targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2002: COP 8 (New Delhi, India) Delhi Declaration.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Focuses on the development needs of the poorest countries and the need for technology transfer for mitigating climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2007: COP13 (Bali, Indonesia)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Parties agreed on the Bali Road Map and Bali action plan, which charted the way towards a post-2012 outcome. The Plan has five main categories: shared vision, mitigation, adaptation, technology and financing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2010: COP 16 (Cancun)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Resulted in the Cancun Agreements, a comprehensive package by governments to assist developing nations in dealing with climate change.</li>
<li>The Green Climate Fund, the Technology Mechanism and the Cancun Adaptation Framework were established.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2011: COP 17 (Durban)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Governments commit to a new universal climate change agreement by 2015 for the period beyond 2020 (Resulted in the Paris Agreement of 2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2015: <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP21 (Paris)</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To keep global temperature well <strong>below 2.0C</strong> above pre-industrial times and endeavor them to limit them even <strong>more to 1.5C.</strong></li>
<li>It requires rich nations to maintain <strong>USD 100bn</strong> a year funding pledge<strong> beyond</strong> the year <strong>2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2016: <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/the-marrakesh-meet-cop-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP22 (Marrakech)</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To move forward on writing the rule book of the Paris Agreement.</li>
<li>Launched the Marrakech Partnership for Climate Action.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2017: COP23, Bonn (Germany)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Countries continued to negotiate the finer details of how the agreement will work from 2020 onwards.</li>
<li>First set of negotiations since the US, under the presidency of Donald Trump, announced its intention earlier this year to withdraw from the Paris deal.</li>
<li>It was the first COP to be hosted by a small-island developing state with Fiji taking up the presidency, even though it was being held in Bonn.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2018: <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COP 24, Katowice (Poland)</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It finalized a &ldquo;rulebook&rdquo; to operationalise the 2015 Paris Agreement.</li>
<li>The rulebook covers climate financing facilities and the actions to be taken as per <strong>Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2019: COP25, Madrid (Spain)</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was held in <strong>Madrid (Spain).</strong></li>
<li><strong>There were no concrete plans</strong> regarding the growing climatic urgency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop-28'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Environment Tax',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-many-benefits-of-an-eco-tax/article34629283.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The many benefits of an eco tax&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 24/05/2021. It talks about the benefits &amp; challenges associated with the environmental tax.</p>
</div>
<p>Environmental challenges are increasing the pressure on governments to find ways to reduce environmental damage while minimising harm to economic growth. The Covid-19 pandemic has also forced countries all over the world to rethink climate change and the need for preservation of the environment.</p>
<p>In this context, an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/green-tax" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environmental tax</strong></a> is a novel idea to enforce or introduce taxes on substances, which pollute the environment, the ultimate aim being the substantial reduction of pollution.</p>
<p>India currently focuses majorly on the command-and-control approach in tackling pollution. The success of an environmental tax in India would depend on its architecture, that is, how well it is planned and designed.</p>
<h3>Environment Tax &amp; Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim and purpose of environmental taxes is to curb or reduce the extent and amount of the use or consumption of harmful substances or activities, or depletion of a resource.</li>
<li><strong>Constituents:</strong> Environmental tax reforms generally involve three complementary activities: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Eliminating existing subsidies and taxes that have a harmful impact on the environment.</li>
<li>Restructuring existing taxes in an environmentally supportive manner.</li>
<li>Initiating new environmental taxes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rationale:</strong> To the extent that promotion of &lsquo;environment&rsquo; is a public good, like all public goods, financing of this public good should also be from the general pool of taxes including the environmental taxes.</li>
<li><strong>Intended Benefits:</strong> The implementation of an environmental tax in India will have broad benefits:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Environmental:</strong> It can induce appropriate environmental decisions by raising the relative costs of polluting inputs and outputs and thereby correcting the negative externalities of a polluting activity.</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal:</strong> Environmental tax reforms can mobilise revenues to finance basic public services when raising revenue through other sources proves to be difficult or burdensome.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Status of Environmental Tax in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, any entity that diverts forest land for non-forest purposes is required to provide financial compensation for the purpose of afforestation in non-forest or degraded land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2002, the Supreme Court had directed that a Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) should be created to manage the funds generated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Similarly, India&rsquo;s Clean Environment Cess or coal cess acts as a carbon tax. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The coal cess is levied on coal, lignite and peat at the rate of ₹ 400 per tonne, and the funds raised are managed by the National Clean Environment Fund.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inflationary Effect:</strong> Environmental regulations may have significant costs on the private sector in the form of slow productivity growth and high cost of compliance, resulting in the possible increase in the prices of goods and services.</li>
<li><strong>Diversion of Funds:</strong> A large part of taxes raised for environmental purposes are being diverted or lying unutilized.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most countries&rsquo; experiences suggest negligible impact on the GDP, though such revenues have not necessarily been used for environmental considerations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affecting Competitiveness:</strong> The adding of costs to a producer within one country or region, that is not imposed on producers outside that country or region, may of course impact on the competitiveness of the local producer.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Assessment of Externalities:</strong> The environmental tax rate ought to be equal to the marginal social cost arising from the negative externalities associated with the production, consumption or disposal of goods and services.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This requires an evaluation of the damage to the environment based on scientific assessments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisioning:</strong> In developing countries like India, the revenue can be used to a greater extent for the provision of environmental public goods and addressing environmental health issues.</li>
<li><strong>Better Targeting:</strong> In India, environmental taxes can target three main areas: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Differential taxation on vehicles in the transport sector purely oriented towards fuel efficiency and GPS-based congestion charges;</li>
<li>In the energy sector by taxing fuels which feed into energy generation;</li>
<li>Waste generation and use of natural resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Environmental-Fiscal Reforms:</strong> There is also a need to integrate environmental taxes in the Goods and Service Tax framework as highlighted by the Madras School of Economics in its studies.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Green taxes shall have a deterrent effect, sensitizing the citizens about pollution control and management. Hence, this is the right time for India to adopt environmental fiscal reforms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f1edfc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Green taxes shall have a deterrent effect, sensitizing the citizens about pollution control and management. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/environment-tax'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Lithuania Quits China’s 17+1',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Lithuania</strong> quit<strong> China&rsquo;s 17+1</strong> cooperation forum with <strong>central and eastern Europe,</strong> by calling it <strong>&ldquo;divisive&rdquo;,</strong> now it is <strong>16+1.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lithuania (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/baltic-nations#:~:text=The%20Vice%20President%20of%20India,important%20countries%20in%20the%20region." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baltic Country</a>)</strong> urged other <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EU (European Union)</strong> </a>members to pursue <strong>&ldquo;a much more effective 27+1 approach and communication with China.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About 17+1:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>17+1 (China and Central and Eastern Europe Countries) initiative</strong> is a <strong>China-led format</strong> founded <strong>in 2012</strong> in <strong>Budapest</strong> with an aim to expand cooperation between Beijing and the<strong> CEE (Central and Eastern Europe)</strong> member countries, with investments and trade for the development of the CEE region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Member Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The initiative includes <strong>twelve EU</strong> member states and<strong> five Balkan states &mdash;</strong> Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim and Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The framework focuses on infrastructure projects such as bridges, motorways, railway lines and modernisation of ports in the member states.</li>
<li>The platform is largely seen as an extension of China&rsquo;s flagship <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road initiative (BRI).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India has consistently opposed BRI</strong> as a key part of it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background of Declining Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Narrative towards 17+1 Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s narrative towards the 17+1 initiative is about improving its relations with the European countries that are less developed as compared to the Western European states.</li>
<li>Trade relations between China and the CEE countries remained modest, leading to an increasing trade deficit since its inception.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Distance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Czech Republic President&rsquo;s decision to skip the ninth summit of the 17+1 initiative citing lack of actual investments, had showcased the differences between Beijing and Prague.</li>
<li>Some CEE countries refused to attend the BRI event in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Huawei Equation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some CEE countries signed a declaration with the US to ban <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5g-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s 5G network</strong></a> expansion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Baltic Countries</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856734_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856734_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Baltic states, the <strong>northeastern region of Europe,</strong> includes the countries of <strong>Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania,</strong> on the eastern shores of the <strong>Baltic Sea.</strong></li>
<li>The Baltic states are bounded on the west and north by the<strong> Baltic Sea,</strong> which gives the region its name, on the east by Russia, on the southeast by Belarus, and on the southwest by Poland and an exclave of Russia.</li>
<li>The Baltic region is <strong>not rich in natural resources. Though Estonia</strong> is an important producer of <strong>oil shale,</strong> a large share of mineral and energy<strong> resources is imported.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India and Baltic countries</strong> have historical connection and common linguistic roots. The cutting edge technology and innovation ecosystems of the Baltic countries complement India&rsquo;s huge market and appetite for these technologies.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Balkan Countries</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856705_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621856705_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The geographic term is used for ten sovereign states: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.</li>
<li>The region takes its name from the <strong>Balkan Mountain, and Balkan Countries</strong> are found in<strong> Southern Europe.</strong></li>
<li>It is a unique territory <strong>inhabited by South Slavs</strong> who form the majority of the population in Balkan Region.</li>
<li>Region has a very diverse<strong> ethno-linguistic scenario.</strong> The Bulgarians, Macedonians, and Slovenes speak their own Slavic languages, while the Slavs of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro all speak dialects of<strong> Serbo-Croatian.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/lithuania-quits-divisive-china-group/article34629296.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/lithuania-quits-china-s-17-1'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Kharif Strategy for Oilseeds',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare</strong> has formulated <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kharif</a> Strategy 2021</strong> to achieve <strong>self-sufficiency in edible oils.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Kharif Season</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Crops are sown from June to July and Harvesting is done in between September-October.</li>
<li>Crops are: Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut, soyabean etc.</li>
<li>States are: Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Kharif Strategy 2021:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An ambitious plan for the<strong> free distribution of high yielding varieties of seeds</strong> to the farmers for the Kharif season 2021 in the form of mini-kits.</li>
<li>Strategy for both area and productivity enhancement has been formulated for <strong>soybean and groundnut</strong> under the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/green-revolution-krishonnati-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Food Security Mission (Oil Seeds and Oil Palm).</strong></a></li>
<li>It will bring an additional 6.37 lakh hectare area under oilseeds and is likely to produce 120.26 lakh quintals of oilseeds and edible oil amounting to 24.36 lakh quintals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basic Information Related to Oilseeds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Oilseed crops are the <strong>second most important determinant of the agricultural economy,</strong> next only to cereals within the segment of field crops. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The self-sufficiency in oilseeds attained through the<strong> &ldquo;Yellow Revolution&rdquo;</strong> during early 1990&rsquo;s, could not be sustained beyond a short period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oilseed crops are <strong>primarily grown for the purpose of obtaining vegetable oils from them.</strong> Oil content in them varies from 20% in soybeans to 40% in sunflowers and canola (rapeseed).</li>
<li>India is able to produce a huge amount of oilseeds because of the favourable environmental conditions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Castor seed, sesamum, rapeseed, groundnut, mustard, soyabean, linseed, niger seed, sunflower and safflower are<strong> some of the important oilseeds India is known to produce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Despite <strong>being the fifth largest oilseed crop producing country</strong> in the world, India is also <strong>one of the largest importers of vegetable oils</strong> today. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India buys more than two-thirds of its total edible oil imports as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-resumes-purchase-of-malaysian-palm-oil" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>palm oil</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has a marked position in the world in the production of a large amount of oilseeds.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After China, India is the <strong>second largest producer of groundnut</strong> and is<strong> third in position in the production of Rapeseed</strong> after China and Canada.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Oilseeds Producing Areas in India are:</strong> Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission (Oil Seeds and Oil Palm):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To augment the availability of edible oils and reduce the import of edible oils by increasing the production and productivity of oilseeds and oil palm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Merger of NMOOP under NFSM:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>National Mission on Oilseeds &amp; Oil Palm (NMOOP)</strong> was<strong> launched in 2014-15</strong> and continued upto 2017-18.</li>
<li><strong>From 2018-19</strong> onwards, the NMOOP is<strong> being implemented under NFSM</strong> as NFSM-Oilseeds &amp; Oil palm comprising the <strong>sub components</strong> NFSM- <strong>Oilseeds,</strong> NFSM-<strong>Oil Palm</strong> and NFSM-<strong>Tree Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Pronged Strategy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increasing<strong> Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR)</strong> with focus on varietal replacement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>SRR</strong> is the percentage of area sown out of total area of crop planted in the season by using certified/quality seeds other than the farm saved seed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Productivity improvement</strong> by adoption of proven and <strong>climatic resilient technologies</strong> like water saving devices (sprinklers/rain gun), zero tillage, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/multi-cropping" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inter-cropping</strong></a>, relay cropping, strategic application of micronutrient and soil ameliorants.</li>
<li><strong>Area expansion</strong> through diversification of low yielding food grains.</li>
<li><strong>Capacity building.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Supporting cluster demonstrations</strong> for the adoption of good agricultural practices.</li>
<li><strong>Creation of 36 oilseed hubs</strong> with a focus on regional approach for larger availability of quality seeds.</li>
<li><strong>Post-harvest management</strong> at farm and village level.</li>
<li>Formation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmers-producer-organisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The cost sharing pattern between Central and State Governments, is in the<strong> ratio of 60:40 for general category of States</strong> and <strong>90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States.</strong></li>
<li>For few interventions, like purchase of breeder seeds by both State and Central seed producing agencies, supply of seed mini-kits to the farmers, <strong>100% funding is provided by Government of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1720267" 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/kharif-strategy-for-oilseeds'
	]
]
$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) 25
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 337
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

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