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A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India’s Air

To help improve India’s air quality, researchers from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School have laid out five key...

14 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Coral Reefs could Survive Global Warming, says Study

According to a study published in the journal Current Biology, the coral-algal partnerships have endured numerous climate change events since the age...

14 Aug 2018 News Analysis
The Big Picture: World Environment Day: Identify the Dangers of the Plastic Era

Context And Background The United Nations observes 5th of June every year as the World Environment Day, to make people aware about the environment...

14 Aug 2018 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
The Big Picture – Tackling NPAs: The New Strategy

Independent asset management companies and steering committees will be set up for faster resolution of bad loans in the banking system, Finance...

14 Aug 2018 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Report on Fair Market Conduct

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) constituted a Committee on Fair Market Conduct in 2017 under the Chairmanship of Shri T.K. Viswanathan....

14 Aug 2018 News Analysis
The Big Picture: Lateral Door to the Indian Bureaucracy

The government has opened up senior-level bureaucratic posts in several departments to the private sector individuals who are “talented and...

14 Aug 2018 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Jodhpur tops Railway Cleanliness Survey Conducted by the Quality Council of India

Jodhpur and Marwar in Rajasthan were declared the cleanest railway stations in the recently released survey conducted by the Quality Council of India...

14 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Undoing A Legacy of Injustice

(This editorial appears today in The Hindu, August 13, 2018, and provides a good backgrounder and way-forward on the issue of decriminalization of...

13 Aug 2018 News Editorials
Do’s and Don’ts on Examination Eve

The evening and the night before the examination day is crucial. How you spend this night will be a factor in your performance. Here are the tried...

13 Aug 2018 GS Prelims Strategy
Strategy for Mains

‘Strategy for Mains’ has been prepared using inputs from various honest and trustworthy sources like ex-students with experience of...

13 Aug 2018 Mains Strategy
India May Miss 100 GW Solar Power Target by 2022: Crisil Report

According to a recent report released by rating agency CRISIL, India may not reach its ambitious National Solar Mission target to add 100 gigawatts...

13 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Important Facts for Prelims (13th August 2018)

VS Naipaul Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, an Indian-origin British author and Nobel laureate known for his critical commentary on colonialism,...

13 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

Understanding Essay Writing An essay is a short piece of writing that sheds light on any given topic. M.H. Abrams, the American literary critic,...

13 Aug 2018 Essay Strategy
ISRO to Launch TV Channel

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will have have a year-long centenary programme to honour its legendary founding father and space...

13 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Preparation Strategy for Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam in the Last 30 Days

Vishnu Mahajan (AIR 70, UPSC 2015) Dear Aspirants, Civil Services Preliminary Exam is the first phase of the Civil Services Exam but not...

13 Aug 2018 GS Prelims Strategy
New Approach to Immigration in U.K

Confederation of British Industry has published a report ‘Open and Controlled – A New Approach to Migration’ calling for a...

11 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Important Facts for Prelims (11th August, 2018)

One District One Product Summit The President of India inaugurated the ‘One District One Product’ Summit in Lucknow, Uttar...

11 Aug 2018 News Analysis
Adopt a Heritage: Project for Development of Tourist Friendly Destinations

‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme was called a “sell-out” when the Red Fort was adopted by Dalmia Bharat which committed 25...

10 Aug 2018 News Editorials
Does the Anti-Trafficking Bill Address Trafficking?

(This is The Hindu’s ‘Yes, No, It’s Complicated’ for the 10th of August; it addresses a vital concern regarding...

10 Aug 2018 News Editorials
Important Facts for Prelims (10th August, 2018)

SWAYAM Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM), was launched on July 9, 2017 by Ministry of Human Resource Development to...

10 Aug 2018 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India’s Air',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>To help improve India&rsquo;s air quality, researchers from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School have laid out five key evidence-based policy recommendations in a new report, titled <strong>&lsquo;A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India&rsquo;s Air&rsquo;</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If India were to achieve its own air quality standards,<strong> life expectancy</strong> would increase by <strong>more than one year</strong> on an average.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This number would increase to <strong>four years</strong> if India were to meet the <strong>World Health Organisation&rsquo;s (WHO) norms</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Although there will be no easy solution, the researchers were optimistic because of the<strong> incredible innovations currently being experimented</strong> with throughout India. Some of the greatest gains would be seen in big cities such as Delhi.</p>
</li>
<li>Air quality is measured based on the number of small particles in <strong>every cubic metre</strong> of air capable of entering the <strong>bloodstream</strong> through the lungs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More than <strong>660 million Indians</strong> live in areas that exceed the country&rsquo;s standard for what is considered safe exposure to fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5).</li>
<li>According to a January 2018 survey by Greenpeace Environment Trust that covered 630 million Indians, 550 million live in areas where particulate matter exceeds the national standard, and many live in areas where air pollution levels are more than twice the stipulated standard.</li>
<li>The study found that the <strong>odd-even scheme</strong> in Delhi was effective in reducing particulate matter (PM) 2.5 by 13% during the first half of January 2016.&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there was no effect in April 2016, when the scheme was reintroduced.</li>
<li>This could have been due to <strong>greater dispersion</strong> caused by <strong>warmer temperatures.</strong></li>
<li>Therefore, driving restrictions could be the most <strong>effective as emergency measures</strong> during the worst periods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ambient air pollution alone may cost India <strong>more than $500 billion a year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Health Impacts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Air pollution is estimated to be the fourth leading fatal health risk worldwide after metabolic risks, dietary risks and tobacco smoke.</li>
<li>Major concerns to human health from air pollution include effects on breathing and respiratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer and premature deaths.</li>
<li>Elderly persons, children and people with chronic lung disease, influenza or asthma are more prone.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Recommendations of the Report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Information about polluters be <strong>made public</strong>,</li>
<li>Provide regulators with<strong> real-time data</strong>,</li>
<li>Improve emissions monitoring by better aligning <strong>auditors&rsquo; incentives</strong>,</li>
<li>Use <strong>monetary charges</strong> for excess emissions and</li>
<li>Use <strong>markets to reduce abatement</strong> costs and pollution.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Particulate Matter (PM)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Particulate matter, also called particle pollution is a mixture of solid particles such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke and liquid droplets found in the air.</li>
<li>These microscopic particles are so light they float on air and lodge deep in the lungs, and have been linked to higher rates of lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and heart disease.</li>
<li>Particle pollution includes:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally <strong>10 micrometers and smaller</strong>; and</li>
<li>PM2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally <strong>2.5 micrometers and smaller</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.</li>
<li>Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Steps Taken to Curb Air Pollution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Control measures so far instituted include <strong>introduction of unleaded petrol (1998)</strong>, <strong>catalytic converter</strong> in passenger cars (1995), <strong>reduction of sulfur content in diesel (2000)</strong> and reduction of benzene content in fuels (2000).</li>
<li>Other step include <strong>drafting of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981</strong> to arrest deteriorating air pollution levels.</li>
<li>The central government released the <strong>National Air Quality Index (AQI)</strong> for public information under the aegis of the CPCB. AQI has been developed for <strong>eight pollutants&mdash; PM2.5, PM10, NH3, Pb, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide.</strong></li>
<li>The legislative and judicial response include <strong>odd-even scheme</strong>, <strong>ban on registration of luxury SUVs</strong> and <strong>diesel cars above 2000cc in the national capital</strong>, green cess on commercial vehicles, National Green Tribunal&rsquo;s (NGT) directions to strictly implement orders regarding the ban on burning of waste.</li>
<li>Having <strong>ozone monitoring stations</strong> in cities (there has been a 148 per cent increase in ozone-related deaths since 1990), giving <strong>easy access to cheap solar technology</strong>, improved transport facilities,<strong> treatment plants</strong> for industrial discharge and domestic garbage, and facilitating biogas plants and seeder machinery to curb open burning should be immediately attended to.</li>
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court accepted the suggestions of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to have<strong> hologram-based coloured stickers</strong> on vehicles to indicate the <strong>nature of fuel being used</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sticker of <strong>light blue colour</strong> will be used for<strong> petrol and CNG-run vehicles</strong>, while similar sticker of <strong>orange colour</strong> will be placed on <strong>diesel vehicles</strong>.</li>
<li>The SC also <strong>suggested</strong> to consider green number plates for electric and hybrid vehicles.</li>
<li>This will help authorities identify vehicles running on high-polluting fuel from specified routes on particular days. The hologram-based stickers will also <strong>contain the registration date</strong> of the vehicle.</li>
<li>The use of more polluting vehicles can be restricted in a congested or a polluted zone temporarily or permanently depending on the pollution level by the <strong>local authority</strong> based on <strong>Air Quality Index</strong> of the area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Coral Reefs could Survive Global Warming, says Study',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>According to a study published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>, the coral-algal partnerships have endured numerous climate change events since the age of dinosaurs and there may be hope for marine reefs to survive modern-day global warming as well.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The relationship between corals and the mutualistic micro-algae that enable them to build reefs is <strong>considerably older</strong> and <strong>more diverse</strong> than previously assumed.</li>
<li>
<p>Past estimates placed the initiation of these symbiotic relationships at 50 to 65 million years ago, however this research indicates that modern corals and their algal partners have been entwined with each other for much longer &mdash; since the time of the dinosaurs, <strong>approximately 160 million years ago</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>The micro-algae,<strong> commonly called zooxanthellae</strong>, lives inside the cells of corals, allowing them to acquire energy from sunlight and to build the massive, economically valuable reef formations upon which countless marine organisms rely for habitat.</li>
<li>The team used genetic evidence &mdash; including DNA sequences, phylogenetic analyses and genome comparisons &mdash; to calculate the micro-algae&rsquo;s approximate age of origin.</li>
<li>They also used classical morphological techniques, in which they compared visual characteristics of these symbionts using light and electron microscopy, along with computer modelling and other methods, to discover that in addition to being older, the algae family is far more diverse than previously perceived.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Coral Reefs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Corals are the living, invertebrate marine animals that live in a symbiotic relation with microscopic algae &lsquo;zooxanthellae&rsquo;. Corals provide shade and shelter to the algae that in turn provide food to the coral polyps.</li>
<li>Corals secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeleton and when they die, hard layer of calcium carbonate is formed which is inhabited by new coral polyps. These new coral polyps add to the hard layer after their death.</li>
<li>Eventually, these layers reach the surface and form table like structures called coral reefs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Suitable Conditions for Coral Growth</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Corals occur in shallow, clean and warm water with annual average ocean water temperature of 20-21&deg;C, which largely limits their extent to no more than 30 degrees north and south latitude.</li>
<li>Corals also require enough sunlight and moderate salinity to grow as they do not grow in fresh water.</li>
<li>In addition, calm sea and water condition are favorable for their growth.</li>
<li>They form in the waters fed by warm oceanic currents.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Threats to Coral Reefs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bleaching&nbsp;</strong>occurs when abnormal environmental conditions (climate change/global warming), such as warmer sea temperatures, cause corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae (Zooxanthella), draining them of their colour.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Algae are vital to the coral, which uses the organic products of photosynthesis to help it grow.</li>
<li>The loss of algae makes the host vulnerable to disease and means it will eventually die.</li>
<li>However, coral can recover if the water temperature drops and the algae are able to recolonise them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Destructive fishing practices:</strong> These include cyanide fishing, blast or dynamite fishing, bottom trawling, and muro-ami (banging on the reef with sticks).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bottom-trawling is one of the greatest threats to cold-water coral reefs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sedimentation</strong>: Erosion caused by construction (both along coasts and inland), mining, logging, and farming is leading to increased sediment in rivers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This ends up in the ocean, where it can 'smother' corals by depriving them of the light needed to survive. The destruction of mangrove forests, which normally trap large amounts of sediment, is exacerbating the problem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Urban and industrial waste, sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs. These toxins are dumped directly into the ocean or carried by river systems from sources upstream.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some pollutants, such as sewage and runoff from farming, increase the level of nitrogen in seawater, causing an overgrowth of algae, which 'smothers' reefs by cutting off their sunlight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: World Environment Day: Identify the Dangers of the Plastic Era',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MEFW9BC5swE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Context And Background</h3>
<p>The United Nations observes 5th of June every year as the World Environment Day, to make people aware about the environment and its protection. Although, the United Nations declared it in 1972, but World Environment Day was first celebrated on the 5th of June 1974. This year, 45th World Environment day is being observed.</p>
<h3>India to be the Global Host</h3>
<p>This year, India has been chosen to be the Global Host of the World Environment Day. On this occasion, various governments, industries, communities and the citizens have been requested to unanimously find permanent alternatives and stop the use of non-biodegradable plastic; as they are polluting the oceans, destroying the marine habitat and posing as a danger for the human health. The situation is so bleak that within the time span that a fast bowler delivers an over, four trucks full of garbage are dumped into the ocean. It has a theme every year and this year, the theme is <strong>Beat Plastic Pollution</strong>.</p>
<div class="border">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>What is United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #800000;">United nations Environment Programme is the global voice on the issue of environment. It inspires, informs and induces people and states to improve their quality of life, without compromising with the lives of the upcoming generations. Thus, it provides leadership and encouragement for the protection of the environment. United Nations works with the various governments of the world, private sectors, civil societies, and other units of the United Nations, as well as other International Organisations.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>(Team Drishti Input)</strong></em></span></p>
</div>
<p><strong>About Plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The American scientist of Belgian descent, Leo Baekeland is considered to be to be the inventor of Plastic.</li>
<li>He invented Plastic while experimenting with chemicals like Formaldehyde and Phenol.</li>
<li>The Plastic so formed was called <strong>&ldquo;Bakelite&rdquo;</strong>. After this, Plastic gained acceptance far and wide, very quickly.</li>
<li>Various forms of Plastics were being made in the laboratories across the world, including plastics involved in the packaging industry, like Polystyrene, Nylon and Polyethylene.</li>
<li>Before this, plastic like materials were made from <strong>Celluloid,</strong> which was obtained from plants.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Burgeoning production and consumption of Plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Decades ago, plastic was invented for the ease of people, but lately, it has become it has become an ulcer for the Environment.</li>
<li>In all the steps from its production to consumption, plastic has become dangerous for the environment and ecology.</li>
<li>In addition to soil and water, air is also being polluted because of plastic and polythene.</li>
<li>Lately, aquatic organisms of both, freshwater and saline water habitat, have been found to have adversities caused by plastic chemicals in their bodies.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Plastic everywhere</strong></p>
<p>Despite everything, there has been no decline in the sale of plastic and polythene. In fact, the main reason behind this, is the people&rsquo;s perception that objects made of plastic are attractive and easy to clean. Plastic objects made of tupperware are an excellent example of the same. Apart from this, the cheap rates of objects made of plastic makes them affordable by everyone. Today, homes, markets, and garbage pits are all full of plastic and this is happening on a global level.</p>
<p><strong>Oceans are also full of plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Increasing pollution in the oceans is becoming a matter of concern. Tasmanian sea, between Australia and New Zealand, is one of the areas worst affected by plastic pollution.</li>
<li>Thousands of tonnes of plastic dumped on land find its way to the oceans. Not able to be decomposed easily, it lies on the sea bed for time indefinite.</li>
<li>The amount of heavy metals and saline wastes reaching the Indian ocean from the Indian subcontinent alone, is crores of tons every year.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fatal for the marine Ecosystem</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Millions of tons of plastic wastes reach oceans everyday, which affects the faunal biodiversity and causes adverse effects on the life of the aquatic flora and fauna as well.</li>
<li>This huge quantity of plastic, in addition to being a problem for the environment, is also life threatening for aquatic flora and fauna.</li>
<li>In addition to being a huge reservoir of water, spread across earth, oceans also support, within themselves, and around, many small and delicate ecosystems; which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Plastic adversely affects these as well.</li>
<li>Worldwide, about 90% of marine organisms and birds are consuming plastic in some form or the other.</li>
<li>According to studies conducted on the Arctic Sea, if this situation continues, the amount of plastic will exceed the number of fishes in the ocean by 2050.</li>
<li>In the 1960s, only 5% of plastic was found in the birds&rsquo; food; whereas, it is estimated that by 2050, 99% of marine animals and birds will have plastic in their stomachs.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Microbeads</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #800000;">There are certain tiny bits of plastic, called Microbeads. They have a size not exceeding 5 mm in diameter. The Indian Bureau of standards also declared these non-biodegradable microbeads as harmful for use in consumer goods. Countries like America, Canada and Netherlands are passing laws to limit the used of microbeads in private and public industries; but India has not passed any such law yet.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>(Team Drishti Input)</strong></em></span></p>
</div>
<p><strong>We are living in an era of plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We are all habituated of using plastic in all the spheres of our lives, and this habit has developed as a result of continual use of plastic since many decades.</li>
<li>Once thought to be a miracle, plastic has turned out to be omnipresent in what we wear, carry or play with&hellip; there is hardly any arena where plastic has not been introduced yet.</li>
<li>First, we fulfilled our necessities with plastic, and then went on to develop new necessities of plastic. Even though it is not visible, plastic has become an integral part of our lives-like the blood running in our veins.</li>
<li>Garbage from plastics have come across as a major problem in the South-East Asia, and India too, is not aloof from this situation.</li>
<li>Soft Plastic bags and the plastic used in the packaging of materials, is hampering the environment. Moreover, the situation is worsened by the usage of plastic water and soft drink bottles, whose numbers run in crores per day. Despite of all the restrictions, its usage is increasing day by day.</li>
<li>For countries like India, and many more, plastic is continuously becoming a major challenge, but there seems to be no way to get rid of this albatross around our necks.</li>
<li>Worldwide, China is the largest producer of plastic, but no country is able to pressurize China into stopping this menace.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A major risk to life and environment</strong></p>
<p>Plastic has also entered the food we consume, courtesy its perpetual use around us. Scientists have been saying for a prolonged time, that if this situation continues, plastic will soon become a risk for our lives. But, along with making our lives easier, it is also the root cause of the difficulties we are facing&hellip; especially non-reusable plastic, which is thrown after a single use, like bags, packaging and water bottles, etc. If we do not control the situation, then it may soon annihilate the whole human society.</p>
<p><strong>Some facts related to plastic pollution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Given the speed with which we are using it, by 2020, there will be 12 Billion tonnes of plastic wastes accumulated worldwide, which will require hundreds of years to decompose.</li>
<li>Every year, 500 Billion plastic bags are used globally.</li>
<li>Yearly, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic reaches the oceans, which is equivalent to a truck full of garbage every minute.</li>
<li>The amount of plastic produced in the last decade is more than the total amount of plastic produced in the last century.</li>
<li>Of all the plastic we use, 50% of it is used only once.</li>
<li>Every minutes, 10 million plastic bottles are bought.</li>
<li>Plastic contributes to 10% of all the wastes we produce.</li>
<li>Every year, more than 8 Million tonnes of plastic pollutes the oceans.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What can be done?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite of all the efforts being made to minimise its use, we are unable to see any positive outcomes yet due to lack of active participation from the people.</li>
<li>Plastic bags have been banned in 25 states and union territories, but its implementation still lags far behind what the numbers depict.</li>
<li>25,940 tonnes of plastic wastes are produced in India everyday; of which, 40% is not collected.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Theories of circular economy needs to be adopted</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This issue can be addressed by applying the theories of the circular economy. These theories include elimination of pollution, sustainable use of materials, creation of a natural capital in the nutritional and reproductive systems by changing the designs.</li>
<li>Circular economy is not just applicable to the global currents of plastic and clothes, but can also contribute significantly to the achievement of sustainable development goals.</li>
<li>In addition to this, there should be a system which promotes innovation; which can be connected to the design of plastic packaging, in its collection, sorting and afterwards, its reuse or recycle.</li>
<li>The best way to deal with plastic is none other than recycling. Recycling means, obtaining plastic from plastic wastes and using it to make new products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Mass participation of the people is imperative</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the Cleanliness Mission (Swachh Bharat) being carried on in the country, plastic wastes predominate villages, towns, cities-metropolitans; and it is littered all around.</li>
<li>Ignorance on the part of the government and local municipalities coupled with the contribution of the common people is responsible for the grave nature of the problem. This is the reason why, today, plastic is present, in the food we eat and the water we drink. No huge step is required in our battle against plastic; rather, we need to inculcate environment friendly actions in our daily habits. Every person has a responsibility towards the environment, and it is the collective responsibility of the population that we protect the environment for the sake of our future generations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Use jute or cloth bags while shopping.</li>
<li>Reuse the plastic bags.</li>
<li>Usen reusable crockery.</li>
<li>Reduce the purchase of packaged food items.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016</strong></p>
<p>According to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, separation of plastic wastes is expected, which will ensure that plastic and other materials can be obtained again. This will decrease the harm which is being caused to the environment.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to these rules, the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags has been increased to 50 micros from 40 microns.</li>
<li>The existing law, limited to municipal districts earlier has been extended to villages, because plastic has found its way to the villages as well.</li>
<li>By prior-registration of plastic manufacturers, suppliers and vendors; collection of plastic waste management has also begun.</li>
</ul>
<p>It needs to be pointed that presently, only one law exists to curb the use of plastic in the country, stating that no producer or vendor can sell plastic less than 50 microns in diameter. Since this law is not applicable to sell other kinds of plastic, their production has not been lowered.</p>
<p><strong>Use of plastic in the construction of roads</strong></p>
<p>Once used, the items made of plastic are thrown into the bin. However, a technique to construct roads with this plastic has been developed lately. Plastic wastes are being used to construct roads in Tatanagar, Jamshedpur, Mumbai and Tamil Nadu.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Plastic waste is mixed with Bitumen (Asphalt and Tar), which increases the durability and water resistance of the roads.</li>
<li>Bitumen is a waste product obtained from the refinement of crude oil and India imports majority of its petroleum products.</li>
<li>Thus, the consumption of bitumen will go down, if plastic wastes are used in road construction; this will save us foreign currency and pollution caused by such wastes will also be minimised.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is high time we rethink on the methods of producing and using this omnipresent plastic, which has become an indispensable part of the modern economy. On a global level, the problem of pollution caused by plastic has reached an alarming level; and it is only increasing by the day. Currently, the use of plastic is cosmopolitan, and as its demand increases, so does the usage. Since plastic requires a long time to be decomposed, and causes water, air and soil pollution; therefore, we need to take mass and immediate action regarding the production of plastic In order to free ourselves of this problem, it is a prerequisite for us to fulfil our duties on a personal level; only then will the earth be saved. Serious actions in this direction is required. As a society, we need to create a sustainable system, which reduces the use of plastic and prevents it from deteriorating our environment.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-world-environment-day-identify-the-dangers-of-the-plastic-era'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture – Tackling NPAs: The New Strategy',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i9yJRMBGt2M" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<div class="border">
<p>Independent asset management companies and steering committees will be set up for faster resolution of bad loans in the banking system, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said as the government accepted a five-pronged plan of the Sunil Mehta-panel. The finance minister said the <strong>committee did not recommend setting up a 'bad bank'</strong> to deal with the mounting NPAs in state-owned banks.</p>
</div>
<h3>Sunil Mehta Panel Recommendations</h3>
<p>The panel under the chairmanship of PNB non-executive chairman Sunil Mehta has recommended a five pronged approach in Project<strong> &ldquo;Sashakt&rdquo;</strong> consisting of the following:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SME resolution approach</strong> for dealing with bad loans up to Rs 50 crore, involving creation of a steering committee by banks for formulating and validating the schemes, with a provision for additional funds.</li>
<li><strong>Bank-led resolution approach</strong> for loans between ₹50 crore and Rs. 500 crore, with the resolution being achieved in 180 days.</li>
<li><strong>Asset Management Company (AMC)/Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) led resolution approach</strong> to deal with NPA cases of more than Rs 500 crore. Alternative Investment Fund will raise resources from banks and institutional investors so that it can bid for the insolvent assets under insolvency and bankruptcy.</li>
<li><strong>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)/IBC approach</strong> for assets larger than Rs 500 crore already before the NCLT and any other assets whose resolution is still pending.</li>
<li><strong>Asset-trading platform</strong> for both performing and non-performing assets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How effective will these recommendations prove to be?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will make the task of resolution of loans for the banks easier as it prescribes for predefined norms and fixed time limits.</li>
<li>Auctioning will help in resolving the problem of stressed assets as competition in bidding will increase prices of stressed assets.</li>
<li>As government does not need to interfere for small as well as medium loans, the process will become smoother for these loans.</li>
<li>The reduction in delinquency limit to 90 days will speed up the process of resolution of loans.</li>
<li>The plan will help in turning around the assets in such a manner that will create additional jobs by reviving businesses and preventing job losses which would otherwise have occurred from these foreclosures.</li>
<li>It will bring in credible long term external capital to limit the burden on the domestic banking sector.</li>
<li>It will ensure a robust Governance and credit architecture is put in place to prevent similar build up of non-performing loans in the future.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Limitations of the panel&rsquo;s report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The panel solely presents the bankers&rsquo; perspective and is comprised only of PSU bankers.</li>
<li>The relatively short period in which the panel came up with the report has also raised questions like whether adequate time was given to such a complex and humongous issue.</li>
<li>For loans less than Rs. 50 Crore, a time limit of 90 days is suggested. Most banks already have a time limit of 90 days for resolution of such loans. By giving it another extension of 90 days, the panel has subverted the RBI's circular of February this year that mandated the banks to report a bad loan to RBI by the 91st day and plan to take it to insolvency thereafter.</li>
<li>The suggestion of giving extra loans to revive the asset is meeting with criticism that this will lead to the evergreening of loans. Borrowers will be continuously getting loans so that they can pay the previous ones.</li>
<li>For loans of Rs 50-500 crore, the panel has suggested another bank-led resolution within 180 days. This process already exists under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is important that people within banking, law and finance come together to devise a solution for dealing with this burgeoning problem of stressed assets.</li>
<li>It is often seen that the Asset Reconstruction Companies struggle in the legal battles and are not able to recover the assets. It is important that the legal way out of this issue is institutionalized.</li>
<li>The banks need to be given more power to discipline the borrowers. The bankers need to be trained in order to skill them for lending more judiciously. For the same, legal mechanisms also need to be put up in place.</li>
<li>As we have separate commercial lending banks and retail banks, their merger has done more harm than good. It is high time we consider the separation of the two types of banks once again so that the general public does not have to bear the brunts of irresponsible lending by the banks.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
</ul>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-tackling-npas-the-new-strategy'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Report on Fair Market Conduct',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) constituted a Committee on Fair Market Conduct in 2017 under the Chairmanship of Shri T.K. Viswanathan. The committee submitted its report in August 2018. The Committee was mandated to review:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The existing legal framework that deals with market abuse to ensure fair conduct in the securities market.</li>
<li>Review the surveillance, investigation and enforcement mechanisms being undertaken by SEBI to make them more effective in protecting market integrity and the interest of investors from market abuse.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Proposals</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rather than relying on the provisions of Companies Act, the committee has recommended that the <strong>SEBI Act should be amended to allow SEBI to prosecute entities that manipulate their accounts</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till now, SEBI had to invoke its insider trading laws to press charges against perpetrators.</li>
<li>This is a good move considering that SEBI has been a more proactive regulator than the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>definition of fraudulent trades</strong> under the Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Markets (PFUTP) rules has been widened to include <strong>front-running, orchestrated trades, circular trading and benchmark fixing</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Markets) Regulations, were enacted in 1995 which empowers SEBI to investigate into violations committed by any person including an investor, issuer or an intermediary associated with the securities markets.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Whistle-blowers play a key role in alerting regulators to malpractice and the report recommends that SEBI, rather than the Central Government, be empowered to grant immunity to whistle-blowers.</li>
<li>The panel has suggested that companies maintain electronic records of all price-sensitive information shared with outsiders and lists of those related to insiders as this can help in detecting cases of insider trading.</li>
<li>However, a <strong>couple of recommendations could be considered as a</strong> <strong>drawback</strong> as they could result in <strong>regulatory overreach</strong>.&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is the suggestion to characterise trading by market players in excess of their &lsquo;verifiable financial resources&rsquo; as the fraud.</li>
<li>The other is to grant SEBI powers to intercept calls.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In India, the Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) is mandated to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market.</li>
<li>However, this has had little effect on the conduct of market players, with scams, frauds and accounting manipulations cropping up all too frequently.</li>
<li>Also, developments in technology have led to increasing cyber threats that could lead to the manipulation of markets.</li>
<li>These changes have led to the need to review the securities law dealing with market abuse and the methods used for detecting, investigating and carrying out enforcement against market abuse.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-fair-market-conduct'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Lateral Door to the Indian Bureaucracy',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RQp-5PQTOJs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The government has opened up senior-level bureaucratic posts in several departments to the private sector individuals who are &ldquo;talented and motivated&rdquo; and willing to contribute in nation building. A circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) also informed the public that the government is looking for ten &ldquo;outstanding individuals&rdquo; with expertise in various fields to join the government at the level of Joint Secretary.&rdquo;</p>
<p>This is being considered as a step towards lateral recruitment to senior positions in the government.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Joint Secretary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Joint Secretary is a post and a rank under the Central Staffing Scheme of the Government of India.</li>
<li>Joint secretary is an ex-cadre post, that means that it is a temporary post and anyone can occupy it, but the position holder should have mostly had an experience as a civil servant, generally from the Indian Administrative Service, and should be a government official of high seniority.</li>
<li>The authority for creation of this post solely rests with the Cabinet of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Powers and Responsibilities</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Joint secretaries rank 26th on Indian Order of Precedence</li>
<li>Joint Secretary is the overall in-charge of the Wing of the Departments which are allocated and entrusted to him.</li>
<li>Joint secretaries are at a crucial level of senior management in the government of India and lead policy-making as well as implementation of various programs and schemes in the department assigned to them.</li>
<li>Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries worldwide are responsible for filing all affidavits and responses before the Supreme Court of respective countries.</li>
<li>They report to the secretary/additional secretary in the ministry or department.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Criteria and Other Details</h3>
<p>The persons applying for the post of a joint secretary should</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Be of more than 40 years of age</li>
<li>Be a graduate from a recognized university or institute. Higher qualifications would be an added advantage.</li>
<li>Applications to the following departments are sought: revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture, cooperation and farmers&rsquo; welfare, road transport and highway, shipping, environment, forests and climate change, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Experience</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Officers of any state or union territory government with relevant experience who are already working at an equivalent level or are eligible for an appointment to an equivalent level in their cadre.</li>
<li>Individuals working at comparable levels in public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, statutory organizations, universities, recognized research institutes.</li>
<li>Those working at comparable levels in private sector companies, consultancy organizations, international or multinational organizations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Was the Need?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Shortfall of IAS and IPS officers- The issue of dearth of IAS and IPS officers was highlighted in the Baswan Committee Report as well. However, the number of officers which can be inducted through UPSC CSE is limited and this may lead to compromise with the quality of the recruits and problems in training them at LBSNAA.</li>
<li>Administration has become complex in terms of maintaining peace and order and the government aims to develop various fields of economy.</li>
<li>The officers recruited by the means of competitive examination have the knowledge of all the generalities but lack expert knowledge in any particular field.</li>
<li>Very often, the officers who are given training for a particular domain are transferred to some other due to administrative reasons.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Has this happened for the first time?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many eminent personalities have been directly brought into the government services in the past. Nandan Nilekani, Vijay Kelkar, Arvind Subramanian and Raghuram Rajan are all cases in point.</li>
<li>Montek Singh Ahluwalia was appointed as the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.</li>
<li>Space scientist Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, who headed the Indian Space Research Organisation, and who also effectively played his role as chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and as member of the Rajya Sabha; was appointed as a member of the erstwhile Planning Commission of India.</li>
<li>Dr. Manmohan singh was appointed as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and later became Chief Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance and then Secretary in the Finance Ministry.</li>
</ul>
<p>All these persons have performed brilliantly and have been successful in their respective careers.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What led to the decision?</strong></p>
<p>The proposal of lateral entry is aimed at bringing in fresh ideas and new approaches to governance and also to augment manpower.</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>&mdash; DoPT notification</em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <em>Shashi Tharoor-led Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs</em> in May 2016 recommended for the expansion of the pool of applicants for the posts of ambassadors and high commissioners to beyond officers of the Indian Foreign Service and invite "eminent persons who have excelled in the field of community affairs, diaspora issues, foreign policy, area studies, literature, journalism etc".</li>
<li><em>Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal</em> recommended it in 2015.</li>
<li>In 2005, the <em>second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)</em> recommended an institutionalized, transparent process for lateral entry at both the Central and state levels.</li>
<li>The need for specialized skills and knowledge to inform policy-making and administration is more important than ever and consequently. <em>The Surinder Nath Committee and the Hota Committee</em> followed suit in 2003 and 2004, respectively, as did the second ARC.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Revision of Civil Services Examination</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><em>The Union Public Service Commission has so far constituted following committees for review of different aspects of Civil Services Examination including the language issues:</em></li>
<li>Kothari Committee &ndash; In 1976, the Kothari committee recommended a sequential system of examination based on the dictum that &ldquo;the average quality would get richer as the stream proceeds from one &lsquo;stage to the next'. Accordingly the examination was designed as a sequential three stage process - an objective type Preliminary examination, a Main examination and finally a Personality Test.</li>
<li>In 1989, Satish Chandra Committee was appointed to suggest reforms and accordingly, an &lsquo;Essay' paper was introduced and the marks for the Interview were enhanced.</li>
<li>Y.K. Alagh Committee, in 2001, recommended significant changes and it was this committee along with the committee discussed next that led to the introduction of a Civil Services Aptitude Test at the Preliminary level from the year 2011.</li>
<li>S.K. Khanna committee, chaired by ex-chairman, All India Council for Technical Education with engineering and management professors and bureaucrats as its members tried to remove the confusion that was created by so many former committees. The committee recommended a CSAT format, which was discussed within the UPSC and a draft sent to the government for approval. The present CSAT was notified.</li>
<li>Nigavekar Committee is thought to induce a system in UPSC pattern to judge the communications skills of the candidate, be it in any language.</li>
<li>Baswan Committee about which we had already discussed was the last such committee to give recommendations to the UPSC.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>How the civil servants are selected in other countries</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In Ireland and the United Kingdom, experience gained in both the civil service and the private sector is taken into account when appointments are made.</li>
<li>In USA also the private intellectual is used in high posts what is known as the spoils system.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Advantages of Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will bring subject field expertise who can contribute in a multitude of ways to nation building. Domains like environment and energy, which are forming the new fronts of development, need to be worked upon with prior knowledge and experience.</li>
<li>This will also serve as a platform for inoculating new ideas and fresh methodologies in the governance.</li>
<li>The competitive nature of the private players will bring more focused and target-oriented approach in the rather archaic civil services.</li>
<li>Right now, the civil services suffer from complacency and red-tapism. This step may bring more customer focus in the public welfare schemes and projects.</li>
<li>Private sector is observed to have stricter norms regarding corruption, better risk management methodologies and other skills to the bureaucracy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Regarding Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The process of selection is one of the key issues related to this concept. As of now, the recruitments to these posts are made by the virtue of a competitive exam conducted by UPSC which is a constitutional body. This ensures transparency and fairness in the selection procedure. However, if the lateral entry selections are made by any other body, chances of it being politically influenced are high.</li>
<li>The three to five year time limit for the lateral entry recruits is not enough for making any significant contribution to the department they are inducted to.</li>
<li>It is possible that the new recruits may use this opportunity to make contacts and private gains as the period of their service is too short to be taken as a career alternative.</li>
<li>As the private sector is profit-driven, the persons working in that may also have the same approach which is quite contrary to the administrative service as it is welfare-driven.</li>
<li>Even if the lateral entrants possess knowledge regarding the subject matter they may be severely lacking the knowledge of ground-level realities and motivation to serve the nation.</li>
<li>The evaluation of the performance of such high level posts will be difficult due to the amorphous and complex nature of the job and till the selected applicant is being evaluated for his job he would be going to get terminated as there is time limit of three to five years.</li>
<li>One of the prominent questions which may arise out of this new system is that whether there will be reservations for the scheduled and other backwards classes in it.</li>
<li>Many recruits from private sectors like those in Air India and Vayudoot (State owned regional airline) couldn't leave a mark.</li>
<li>Sometimes, even the East India Company is cited as an example of a failure that occurs when a profit seeking entity takes over the task of governance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though the concept of lateral entry is innovative and will bring more inclusivity and diversity in the governance, it needs to be implemented properly in a phased manner.</li>
<li>It needs to be ensured that the process of selection of lateral entrants remains fair and transparent.</li>
<li>The lateral entrants should be provided with proper training so that they can use their ideas for the benefit of the public.</li>
<li>The time period of inductance should be extended. This will ensure more accountability on the part of entrants and will give them career security as well.</li>
<li>It is also imperative that along with including personalities from diverse arenas, the existing system is reformed internally, made competitive and freed of political pressures. It is high time that the bureaucratic system sheds off the colonial burden, develops a culture of honesty and trust and inculcates innovative ideas.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-lateral-door-to-the-indian-bureaucracy'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Jodhpur tops Railway Cleanliness Survey Conducted by the Quality Council of India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Jodhpur and Marwar</strong> in Rajasthan were declared the <strong>cleanest railway stations</strong> in the recently released <strong>survey</strong> conducted by the <strong>Quality Council of India (QCI)</strong> covering 407 major railway stations -- 75 in A1 category and 332 in A category stations.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first survey was conducted by the <strong>IRCTC</strong> followed by <strong>QCI</strong> in the second and third surveys.</li>
<li><strong>Clean toilets at platforms, clean tracks and dustbins at stations</strong> were some of the criterias for judging railway stations for cleanliness.</li>
<li><strong>Jaipur</strong> has bagged the second rank followed by <strong>Tirupati</strong> in the third spot.</li>
<li><strong>Mathura</strong>, a station frequented by devotees to the Krishna temple, is adjudged the least clean station among the major 75 stations.</li>
<li>As per policymakers in Railways, the survey showed improvement in overall cleanliness at stations as compared to 2017.</li>
<li>In the <strong>cleanest zone category,</strong> <strong>North Western Railway (NWR)</strong> topped the list followed by <strong>The South Central Railway (SCR)</strong> and <strong>The East Coast Railway (ECR)</strong> in the second and third position.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Quality Council of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Quality Council of India (QCI)</strong> set up in 1997 is a pioneering experiment of the Government of India in setting up organizations in partnership with the <strong>Indian industry</strong>.</li>
<li>Its mandate is to establish and operate the <strong>National Accreditation Structure (NAS)</strong> for conformity assessment bodies and providing accreditation in the field of <strong>health, education and quality promotion</strong> .</li>
<li>Besides the role of putting in place the accreditation structure, it also promotes the adoption of quality standards relating to <strong>Quality Management Systems , Food Safety Management Systems</strong> and Product Certification and Inspection Bodies through the accreditation services provided by <strong>National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)</strong>.</li>
<li>Indian industry is represented in QCI by three premier industry associations namely <strong>ASSOCHAM; CII; and FICCI.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jodhpur-tops-railway-cleanliness-survey-conducted-by-the-quality-council-of-india'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Undoing A Legacy of Injustice',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial appears today in The Hindu, August 13, 2018, and provides a good backgrounder and way-forward on the issue of decriminalization of beggary)</p>
</div>
<p>In, Harsh Mander v. Union of India and Karnika Sawhney v. Union of India, the Delhi High Court strikes down the Begging Act saying that &lsquo;certain sections of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959, as extended to Delhi&rsquo; is unconstitutional.</p>
<p>The Indian Constitution is evolving. Earlier citizens of the country tended to be treated as &lsquo;subjects&rsquo; (a colonial hangover), whereas now, citizens are being treated as &lsquo;rights-bearing&rsquo; individuals. There have been other similar laws, like the Criminal Tribes Act (1871), passed by the British that were racist in nature as such laws tended to segregate and mark as &lsquo;criminal&rsquo; entire groups and communities based on their birth, occupation and nature.</p>
<p>The Begging Act, though passed in independent India, was not completely free from colonial-type prejudices. This law was passed in the erstwhile State of Bombay and was gradually adopted by many states like Delhi in form and matter. This law not only criminalizes begging but also criminalizes the dependents (i.e. family) of a beggar. The &lsquo;offence of begging&rsquo; could send a beggar to 3 years in prison for first offence and up to 10 years for subsequent offenses. This Act gives the power to police to arrest without a warrant and gives magistrates the power to commit beggars to a &lsquo;certified institution&rsquo; which is typically a detention center. The act also authorizes the separation of children older than 5 years from their beggar parents.</p>
<p>Begging had been defined in the Act thus:<em> &ldquo;soliciting or receiving alms, in a public place whether or not under any pretence such as singing, dancing, fortune telling, performing or offering any article for sale&rdquo; and &ldquo;having no visible means of subsistence and wandering about or remaining in any public place in such condition or manner, as makes it likely that the person doing so exist soliciting or receiving alms&rdquo;.</em> Thus, this Act went beyond begging and targeted groups and communities whose life-style did not match the &lsquo;mainstream stereotypes of the sedentary, law-abiding citizen with a settled job&rsquo;. This goes against the grain of equality enshrined in the Constitution. This has racist undertones that openly discriminate against the poor and destitute and &lsquo;whose presence is perceived to be a bother and a nuisance&rsquo;.</p>
<p>Even in countries of the western, developed world, there had been a general disgust for the poor. There were poorhouses in Europe, in the 19<sup>th</sup> century that tried to segregate the poor from the others. These poorhouses were &lsquo;based on a philosophy of first criminalizing poverty, and then making it invisible by physically removing &ldquo;offenders&rdquo; from public spaces&rsquo;. A similar phenomenon was manifested when in the time of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Delhi government took beggars off the streets - in an attempt to save the country from embarrassment in front of visiting athletes and spectators. In fact, similar exercises are carried out regularly during the preparation of national events such as Independence Day and Republic Day.</p>
<p>To conclude, the Honourable Court has rightly said that &lsquo;it was the state&rsquo;s responsibility to provide the basic necessities for survival &mdash; food, clothing, shelter &mdash; to all its citizens&rsquo; and that &lsquo;poverty was the result of the state&rsquo;s inability &mdash; or unwillingness &mdash; to discharge these obligations&rsquo;. It also added that &lsquo;the state could not turn around and criminalize the most visible and public manifestation of its own failures &mdash; and indeed, penalize people who were doing nothing more than communicating the reality of their situation to the public&rsquo;. This dismantling of a vicious and enduring legacy of colonialism need to be followed by other courts of the country - the IPC needs to cleaned of any and all such laws that &lsquo;subjectifies&rsquo; Indian citizens.</p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Understand that poverty is a systemic and structural problem that will not go away with the simple repeal of an Act.</li>
<li>Therefore, in order to reform society, to remove poverty, the Legislature must swing into action and replace these punitive measures with programs for rehabilitation and integration for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of the society.</li>
<li>We should also cherish and support the transformative character of the Constitution, which is at the forefront undoing legacies of injustice and securing for all individuals and communities the right to equality.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delhi-high-court-decriminalises-beggary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read More...</a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/undoing-a-legacy-of-injustice'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Do’s and Don’ts on Examination Eve',
			'catname' => 'GS Prelims Strategy',
			'desc' => '<p>The evening and the night before the examination day is crucial. <em>How you spend this night will be a factor in your performance. Here are the tried and tested recommendations that should work for sincere aspirants.</em></p>
<h3>Food And Sleep &mdash; Most Important</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sleep early, sleep well, set two alarms.</strong> You may be sleeping late and irregularly in the last week or month before the exam. But the night before the D-day is too crucial to be deprived of sleep and peace of mind. You must have heard of stories where people clear Prelims even when they didn&rsquo;t sleep the night before it. Don&rsquo;t get moved by such stories and ensure that you sleep for a healthy six to eight hours; a sleep-deprived you will make errors in examination because you won't be able to focus in the exam hall. If you have insomnia and need sleeping pills, then plan that well ahead. And set two alarms on different machines (<g class="gr_ gr_186 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="186" data-gr-id="186">smart phone</g> and alarm clock) and ensure they are far enough from <g class="gr_ gr_185 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="185" data-gr-id="185">bed</g> and set to full volume.</li>
<li><strong>Eat early; eat tried and tested food.</strong> <g class="gr_ gr_189 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="189" data-gr-id="189">Light</g> meal is important at night; do not stuff your stomach with food, you need to feel good in the morning and not worry about constipation, digestion and acidity. Also, do not experiment with food; avoid junk food, carbonated drinks or alcohol. Eat what is known to sit well with your stomach.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Do not think <g class="gr_ gr_180 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="180" data-gr-id="180">on</g> <g class="gr_ gr_179 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="179" data-gr-id="179">bed</g>; save your brain for the exam day.</strong> It is natural to worry about your prospects in the PT exam. And almost twelve hours before it, when you are in bed, your mind will remind you of it more than anything else. Try to take control of your mind; tell yourself that &lsquo;all is well.&rsquo; Either you will think and worry, or you will sleep. Worrying won&rsquo;t improve anything, including your scores in the PT exam, in the morning.</li>
<li><strong>What&rsquo;s your morning food?</strong> Be kind on your stomach; don&rsquo;t give it surprises. You need to feel light and alert; food will play a role in that. Do you like oats porridge, with some banana and honey?</li>
<li><strong>What are you eating between exam sessions?</strong> If you are with <g class="gr_ gr_174 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="174" data-gr-id="174">family</g>, then you are probably carrying lunch to the exam hall. Carry food suitable for the season; choose fruits, light whole wheat bread sandwiches. Avoid surveying the area in <g class="gr_ gr_175 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="175" data-gr-id="175">lunch time</g> for new food; look after your stomach for some more hours; eat carelessly after the PT.</li>
<li><strong>Avoid hyperactive friends, relatives and strangers.</strong> There are &lsquo;forever worried&rsquo; aspirants who live in perpetual fear of UPSC and imagine rejection all the time instead of focusing on preparation. Avoid such people; keep off paranoia and believe in yourself. Also, a family member or a distant relative could be bothersome and should be avoided. Avoid talking to strangers in Metro or bus to exam hall; people generally have an exalted view of UPSC and IAS and they may hail or praise you unnecessarily. Don&rsquo;t be a part of the emotional theatrical behaviour of others.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Logistics: Admit Card, Stationery, Money, Travel</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Keep the e-Admit Card ready.</strong> Keep the legibly printed admit card ready, on your table. Preferably, keep extra copies in your bag and other pockets; take no chances. To make it <g class="gr_ gr_194 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="194" data-gr-id="194">fool proof</g>, upload a soft copy to a cloud drive such as Google drive and memorize the short link (e.g. goo. <g class="gr_ gr_195 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="195" data-gr-id="195">gl</g>/EXAMple). The UPSC rules also say that &ldquo;<em>you are responsible for safe custody</em> of the e-Admit Card and in the event of any other person using this e-Admit Card, the onus lies on you to prove that you have not used the service of <g class="gr_ gr_192 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="192" data-gr-id="192">any</g> impersonator.&rdquo; Also, <em>&ldquo;candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card will have to bring a <strong>photo identity proof</strong> viz. Aadhar Card, Driving Licence, Passport, Voter I Card etc. and two passport size photographs one for each session for appearing in the examination with an undertaking.&rdquo;</em></li>
<li><strong>Keep black <g class="gr_ gr_158 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="158" data-gr-id="158">ball point</g> pens ready.</strong> Your stationery box should have black <g class="gr_ gr_164 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="164" data-gr-id="164">ball point</g> pens to fill the OMR sheet. You may carry pencils also for rough work. One black pen may ditch you; keep two or more with you preferably of the make that you like and which does not leak or bloat when used to <g class="gr_ gr_154 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="154" data-gr-id="154">fill</g> <g class="gr_ gr_155 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep gr-progress" id="155" data-gr-id="155">circle</g>.</li>
<li><strong>Read the instructions given by UPSC.</strong> Not many people do that; you don&rsquo;t have to learn from them. Read all instructions the UPSC gives and check out the &ldquo;Poster&rdquo; containing instructions displayed outside the Examination Hall.</li>
<li><strong>Plan your exam-day travel before bed.&nbsp;</strong>You should have Google <g class="gr_ gr_184 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="184" data-gr-id="184">mapsearched</g> the examination centre and should know its location. If you are going with friends, then you should have planned the taxi or decided about using Ola, Uber and so on. Remember, you must reach the exam hall at least twenty minutes before the scheduled start which is 9:30 AM. Account for rain, Metro breakdown or your Metro card failure, traffic jam, tyre puncture etc. In short, give yourself a headstart. <em>&ldquo;You will not be admitted to the examination if you report 10 minutes after the scheduled commencement of the examination.&rdquo;</em></li>
<li><strong>Check the UPSC website.</strong> It does happen <g class="gr_ gr_148 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="148" data-gr-id="148">some times</g> that the UPSC publishes <g class="gr_ gr_149 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="149" data-gr-id="149">notification</g> on change <g class="gr_ gr_150 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="150" data-gr-id="150">on</g> centres (though it doesn&rsquo;t happen just a day before the exam). You won&rsquo;t lose much by checking the website for any updates just the same.</li>
<li><strong>Decide your exam-day clothes.</strong> Avoid clothes that don&rsquo;t suit the season (e.g. wear cotton, avoid itchy stuff if in Delhi). Check weather update; keep umbrella, sunglasses, extra spectacles ready if needed.</li>
<li><strong>Decide on last-minute revision material.</strong> If you need last-minute reassurances (revision minutes before gate entry or during break) then decide and keep your material in <g class="gr_ gr_161 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="161" data-gr-id="161">bag</g>. Many people study around exam halls; it is a personal choice. It is best avoided. Easier said than done. And on the PT day, if you are among the lucky ones who can afford to visit homes in break time, then <em>do not take a nap and fall asleep</em> on <g class="gr_ gr_166 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="166" data-gr-id="166">cosy</g> home bed.</li>
<li><strong>Keep paper, tissues, drinking water in <g class="gr_ gr_146 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="146" data-gr-id="146">bag</g>.</strong> Keep old newspaper in <g class="gr_ gr_145 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="145" data-gr-id="145">bag</g> to handle food or to use for sitting in the park or on pavements during the break. Keep tissues, potable water too in your bag.</li>
<li><strong>What&rsquo;s your roll number, aspirant?</strong> Memorise it; you will need it over the next year if you are a serious candidate. On the PT day, you will not need to see <g class="gr_ gr_153 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="153" data-gr-id="153">your</g> admit card to find your seat location in the exam hall. Also, any <em>&ldquo;error in filling in details in the OMR sheet especially with regard to Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code, will render the answer sheet liable for rejection.&rdquo;</em></li>
<li><strong>Carry a <g class="gr_ gr_157 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="157" data-gr-id="157">wrist watch</g> to exam hall; no IT gadgets, no valuable items.</strong> Avoid carrying a phone, Bluetooth devices, calculator in PT exam (however, non-programmable type calculator is allowed in GS Mains), and expensive goods in your carry bag to the exam hall. <g class="gr_ gr_167 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="167" data-gr-id="167">Commission</g> is not responsible for <g class="gr_ gr_169 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="169" data-gr-id="169">loss</g> of such things, <g class="gr_ gr_171 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="171" data-gr-id="171">clearly</g> say the UPSC rules. And you don&rsquo;t want to invite disciplinary action or get banned by the UPSC for infringement of rules.</li>
<li><strong>You know your Exam Centre, right?</strong> Be absolutely sure you know your exam centre. It does happen that there are many exam venues in the same area which could be confusing especially when they have similar names such as the NP Girls School and NP Bengali Girls School (both at Gole Market, Delhi). It is good to google your centre days before the exam and <g class="gr_ gr_162 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="162" data-gr-id="162">call</g> the school administration for clarity if needed. And verify the venue of examination the moment you arrive.</li>
<li>UPSC rules say, <em>&ldquo;Orthopedically / Visually Impaired candidates, who have opted for their own scribe, may note that their own scribe will be allowed for the exam only with a<strong> separate e-Admit Card</strong> for such scribe. The e-Admit Cards for the own scribes will be issued separately.&rdquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; background-color: #e7ffb8;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px; background-color: #a4c404;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>A Quick Review</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 221px;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 221px;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>You are sleeping early and long enough; you are putting alarm(s) for the morning.</li>
<li>You are eating early, and not trying new foods.</li>
<li>You are avoiding hyperactive friends, relatives.</li>
<li>You have the e-admit card, ID proof, black <g class="gr_ gr_136 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="136" data-gr-id="136">ball point</g> pen, wallet with enough money ready.</li>
<li>You are carrying a <g class="gr_ gr_137 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="137" data-gr-id="137">wrist watch</g> to <g class="gr_ gr_139 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="139" data-gr-id="139">exam</g> hall and no IT gadgets or valuable items.</li>
<li>You have planned your <g class="gr_ gr_138 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="138" data-gr-id="138">examday</g> travel (metro, bus, taxi, clothes you wear).</li>
<li>You have checked the UPSC website for <g class="gr_ gr_135 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="135" data-gr-id="135">any</g> update.</li>
<li>You know your roll number.</li>
<li>You are doubly sure of the examination venue.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prelims/gs-prelims-strategy/dos-and-donts-on-examination-eve'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Strategy for Mains',
			'catname' => 'Mains Strategy',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>&lsquo;Strategy for Mains&rsquo; has been prepared using inputs from various honest and trustworthy sources like ex-students with experience of appearing in Mains, students who have excelled in last year&rsquo;s Mains and from candidates who have over the years shared their valuable insight on Mains examination with us.</p>
<p>This strategy is also very flexible in that it allows you to concentrate on your daily studies while aggressively pushing yourself towards newer boundaries. Please do not hesitate to challenge or customize the various stratagems you&rsquo;ll find mentioned here because we want you to adapt and evolve according to your own strengths and weaknesses when preparing for the Mains examination. We wish you good luck on your efforts and sincerely hope your name appears on the final cut-off list!</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Team Drishti</em></p>
</div>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">Do&rsquo;s and Dont&rsquo;s</span></h3>
<p><strong>What&rsquo;s done is done, don&rsquo;t look back</strong></p>
<p>One of the first suggestions that we are going to make is not to fell succumb to stress and hopelessness if you could not made it through prelims this year.This is because even if somebody doesn&rsquo;t clear the Prelims this year, and if he or she is a serious contender, there is always the possibility of clearing the Prelims in the next year. Preparation done today i.e in 2018 will surely help in 2019!</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">Understanding Mains</span></h3>
<p><strong>&lsquo;Horses for courses&rsquo; approach</strong></p>
<p>The fundamental difference between CSE Prelims and Mains is that while the Prelims focusses on recognition (of information) and requires an exhaustive study covering a wide variety of topics, Mains need the ability to recall, analyse and express (ideas and information, including one&rsquo;s own thoughts) properly which can only be done through an intensive study of the topic. Therefore it is very important to stay focussed and cover in-depth, the topics that you have picked for Mains and in doing so you have to match your skills with the subject at hand. Using the right approach and picking the right parts of the syllabus for intensive study will not only help manage time but also garner more marks in the end.</p>
<p>It is also equally important to understand the syllabus for the Mains pretty well. The syllabus is designed in such a manner that it cannot be directly studied in isolation from current happenings. Moreover the syllabus is open-ended and requires much analysis and an understanding of the underlying trends and ideas. In order to help you grasp the Mains syllabus we have divided it into &lsquo;core and peripheral&rsquo; areas. Core areas are essential to help build the &lsquo;Mains vocabulary&rsquo; and should not be ignored at any costs. If due to the paucity of time one is unable to thoroughly study all of the core areas of the syllabus, at least the basic level of study, by going through the relevant NCERTs, must be done. The peripheral areas can be safely kept aside for study in free time or can be covered when the core areas are done.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper I</span></h3>
<p><strong>Indian National Movement and Post Independence consolidation of India.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The questions are interlinked pertaining to a number of affairs. For example- Linking Gandhian ideology to the national movement. So focus should on underlying themes rather than the events.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bipin Chandra&rsquo;s India&rsquo;s Struggle for Independence and India Since independence.</li>
<li>Also Focus on current based themes such as anniversaries of any important event during the Freedom Struggle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Society</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare current affairs based questions. For Basics &ndash; Indian Society Class XI Ncert.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Geography</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare important geographical phenomena with special focus on Human Geography.</li>
<li>Class XI and XII NCERTs.</li>
<li>Focus on Important Geophysical phenomenon - Earthquakes, Tsunami, Landslide etc in news.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>World History</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Focus areas are the Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions and the World Wars.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Class IX and X NCERTs</li>
<li>Mastering Modern World History - Norman Lowe</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper&ndash;II</span></h3>
<p><strong>Federal relation between Union &amp; States Separation of Powers between various institutions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Usually current based Questions are asked.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For basics, follow Lakshmikant without getting into detail like for Prelims.</li>
<li>For Current DCAT or any other standard magazine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comparison of Indian Constitution with various constitutions of important countries</strong></p>
<p><strong>Government Policies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India Year Book 2018.</li>
<li>Last one year Yojana and Kurukshetra. (For effort maximization refer to Academic Vitamins in DCAT for in depth analysis).</li>
<li>Focus on CAG report on government schemes in news.</li>
<li>Also focus on Flagship schemes of the government and their impact.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>NGOs and SHGs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Question related to issues in news are mostly asked.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Internet for basic functions of NGOs and SHGs and their role in Indian democracy.</li>
<li>DCAT Magazine Articles, TTP, Academic Vitamins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issues relating to poverty and hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Question related to issues in news are mostly asked.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DCAT Magazine Articles, TTP, Academic Vitamins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>E-Governance</strong></p>
<p><strong>International Relations</strong></p>
<p><strong>International institutions</strong></p>
<p><strong>Electoral Reforms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare from current affairs. For eg. The simultaneous holding of elections.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DCAT August Issue for in depth analysis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper III</span></h3>
<p><strong>Agricultural Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare time tested areas like Farm subsidies, MSP, Irrigation etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Macroeconomic issues that are &lsquo;in the news&rsquo; including issues on infrastructure like waterways, railways and ports</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare topics like Monetary Policy, RBI&rsquo;s role in the economy, Employment viz. skill training, Economic Survey Vol. II, 25 years of LPG subsidy, Civil Aviation Policy etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Science &amp; Tech.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare from current affairs topics New Technologies, India&rsquo;s Defence and Space program, Milestone development in Medical Science, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Hindu Science and Tech segment for the last one year. (Refer to archives in case you have missed any segment).</li>
<li>DCAT september issue supplement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Environment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare exclusively from current affairs but also study the science behind the facts. For example, topics like CAMPA Bill or the man animal conflict viz. culling etc.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Economic Survey chapter on Climate Change.</li>
<li>DCAT supplement.</li>
<li>India Year Book environment chapter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Disaster Management</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare from current affairs keeping an eye out for policy frameworks. Topics like Urban flooding and water crisis, Drought and Farmer&rsquo;s suicides, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the National Disaster Management Plan should be prepared.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NCERT class XI: Physical environment.</li>
<li>DCAT October issue supplement.</li>
<li>ARC recommendations (only summary).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Internal Security</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Traditional topics connected with current affairs is the way to go. For example, Cross border terrorism and Mob lynchings , AFSPA, Money laundering viz. Fugitive Absconders Bill, NRC and Assam Accord etc.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DCAT October issue Supplement.</li>
<li>Internal Security of India-Tata Mcgraw Hills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper-IV</span></h3>
<p><strong>Case Studies</strong></p>
<p>Best prepared after consulting previous years Q&amp;As. There are lots of case studies out there so knowing which ones to read and which ones to not read will save a lot of time. Please go through previous DCAT issues and the forthcoming Ethics supplement that we are working on.</p>
<p><strong>Ethics</strong></p>
<p>Prepare on topics that have current relevance, like Doping (ethics in sports). Also prepare on ethical issues in corporate governance, Civil Service, environment and the art of ethical living, international issues and relations.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Leadership</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare ethical biographies and understand the reasons behind some of the historical decisions taken by the leaders (like Gandhi) who shaped Indian history and society.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The art of coverage of Mains syllabus</strong> is a secret that very few will share in all honesty. The untold secret of Mains prep is the fact that the syllabus cannot be covered 100%. The most brilliant of candidates will testify that even their own coverage of the syllabus was not completely 100%. The best way to, therefore, prepare for the Mains is to selectively choose or leave topics. But such decisions have to be taken after due considerations and not just randomly. Topics that have been in the news are generally considered as more important. So they must be prepared at all costs.</p>
<p>There are going to be areas of the syllabus that you will be familiar with and there will be topics that will be relatively easier for you to master. These areas should serve as your strength and in no way should you take them lightly. These areas should rather be intensively studied, so that whenever a question comes from &lsquo;your area of expertise&rsquo; you can answer them with gusto and lucidity. For areas in the syllabus that you find challenging it is best to tackle them relentlessly until you succeed but it must also be kept in mind that time is of the essence here. Do not waste time chasing after topics, the study of which require unreasonable amounts of time. Remember to maximize your gains and cut your losses</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">The art of Answer Writing</span></h3>
<p>Please go through the following points and remember them by heart because it will help you not only in CSE Mains but also everytime you open a question paper in any examination at your life.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To write an answer first understand the question. Every question should be read and re-read at least two to three times before attempting an answer. In the meaning of the question lies the secret to a good answer. Only if the aspirant can understand what the question is demanding then he or she can treat it with finesse. Please consult the table given here to see what different types of questions mean.</li>
<li>Before attempting an answer it is necessary to have at least a bare minimum framework for the answer. Things like how to begin, what point should come where and how to close the answer, should be decided before-hand. This helps streamline thoughts and saves valuable time. You can use the rough pages in the answer sheet for this purpose.</li>
<li>Always and as a rule of thumb answer only what the question demands. Do not write unnecessary things or give useless data (false information is even worse) related to the topic but not demanded by the question. This will generate a negative impression on the examiner and may even affect the marking process. It will also save time. If there are multiple parts in a question, remember to answer the question completely and not just one part - do justice to all parts of the question. Also do not overshoot the word limit as it would be a double penalty as one would lose out on time and may also be penalized by the paper checker.</li>
<li>When writing an answer always end on a positive note. Even after an intense criticism, find a way to end on a positive note. This is because the Mains test is meant for budding Civil Servants and not University students. Civil Servants are supposed to be positive individuals with a positive outlook in life. So, remember to put yourself in the shoes of a Civil Servant while answering any question in the Mains examination. Remember the saying &lsquo;every dark cloud has its silver lining&rsquo; and apply it to your answer writing.</li>
<li>This is perhaps one of the most popular and yet one of the best advices for someone aiming to conquer the Mains exam - Practice Makes A Man Perfect. Practising answer-writing is a quintessential part of any Mains preparation. Write answers (including essays) daily and try to get them evaluated by either peers or professionals. Any form of evaluation is better than practising answer-writing all by oneself. You may join the Drishti IAS Mains test series for evaluating your answers. Remember that keeping stock of progress is very important and should be done at regular intervals.</li>
<li>Last but not the least, it is imperative to address the language side of the UPSC answer-writing technique UPSC wants its candidates to write in precise, easy to understand language while avoiding &lsquo;flowery language&rsquo;. This basically means that if an aspirant has a good command over the language he or she is writing in, it is best to write simple and fluid sentences while avoiding complex words and unnecessary stylistic elements. For those who have to struggle a bit with the written language it is best to write in points or bullets the main parts of the answer, while writing simple and easy introductions and conclusions in paragraphs. It is therefore important to remember that for CSE Mains, <em>&lsquo;content is more important than expression&rsquo;,</em> but at the same time mistakes in things like grammar and spellings may sometimes cause a reduction in marks. So, it does no harm in practising answer-writing that is expressive and yet free from common spelling and grammatical mistakes.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #f5d7fc;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">
<p><strong>Directive</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">
<p>&nbsp;<strong>Meaning</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">
<p>&nbsp;<strong>Answer Structure</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Comment</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 50px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Comment choose your position on the subject/issue and stick to it.</li>
<li>Provide arguments and examples/facts to support your choice.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 50px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Start with an introduction.</li>
<li>Follow with a body containing your opinions and the relevant examples/facts.</li>
<li>Finish with a short and precise conclusion.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 68px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 68px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Critically Comment</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 68px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Critically Comment mention both sides of the arguments including both the positive and negative points.</li>
<li>Your opinions in the answer should be based on facts.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 68px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin the answer by writing the positive arguments first, followed by the negative arguments.</li>
<li>Based on your opinion conclude by supporting either the positive or the negative argument.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 55px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 55px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Examine</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 55px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Examine probe deeper into the given subject/issue.</li>
<li>Support your answer by going into details like the causes, implications and what is being done about it.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 55px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin with a brief discussion of the various aspects of the issue at hand.</li>
<li>Follow it up with the details and conclude in the same paragraph.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 117px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 117px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Critically Examine</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 117px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A Critical Examination requires going into details of the issue while also mentioning the strengths and weaknesses.</li>
<li>The answer must also carry whatever consequences/implications the issue may have. This includes consequences for any action taken over the issue.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 117px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To answer, first write the strengths or the positive aspects, then write the weaknesses or the negative aspects.</li>
<li>Third paragraph should carry the consequences.</li>
<li>Conclude briefly without taking sides.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 107px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 107px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Discuss</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 107px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Discussion requires a broadly covered and all encompassing answer.</li>
<li>Also have to mention both Positive/negative and strength/weakness.</li>
<li>The causes and consequences are also to be mentioned.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 107px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin with an introduction.</li>
<li>Then write the Positive/Negative part.</li>
<li>Follow it up by framing the causes and consequences.</li>
<li>In next paragraph provide the solutions, remedies/prescription or suggestions for the issue.</li>
<li>Conclude by covering the issue holistically.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 101px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 101px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Evaluate</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 101px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Evaluate, assess both sides of the statement.</li>
<li>Follow it up by mentioning the worth or usefulness of the subject.</li>
<li>Also mention both the positive and negative arguments.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 101px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin with an introduction to the topic then write in paragraphs the positive and negative arguments respectively.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 12px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Critically Evaluate</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Almost the same as to Evaluate with the exception of requiring to establish the &ldquo;value&rdquo; of something.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Same as above.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 67px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Analyse</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 67px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Analyse, break the main idea into constituent ideas.</li>
<li>Then simply Examine each part separately.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 67px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Write a short introduction.</li>
<li>Then explain the broken down ideas one by one.</li>
<li>Write a conclusion addressing the main idea.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mains/mains-strategy/strategy-for-mains'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'India May Miss 100 GW Solar Power Target by 2022: Crisil Report',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>According to a recent report released by rating agency CRISIL, India may not reach its ambitious National Solar Mission target to add 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity by 2022.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, India has a capacity to generate 21.65 GW of solar power and is expected to make an additional 56-58 GW of solar capacity addition between FY19 and FY23.</li>
<li>A safeguard duty on solar modules from China and Malaysia has slowed the solar capacity addition. The fast-growing Indian market for solar components is dominated by Chinese companies due to their competitive pricing.</li>
<li>The surge in imports led the government to impose a safeguard duty from 30 July for two years on solar cells and modules imported from China and Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> What is a safeguard duty?<br />A safeguard duty or technically, product safeguard duty is a tariff or tax imposed by a country on the import of a specific commodity on the ground that the import is creating injuries to the local manufactures. Low pricing or cheap imports is an important reason for imposing safeguard duty.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Individual states have also set aggressive targets under their respective solar policies. However, state government projects are not as well-funded and they have less access to cheap financing.</li>
<li>India's solar mission target for the rooftop segment of 40 GW by 2022 is the key concern. Under this segment, the rooftops of commercial and industrial units are used to generate power to reduce dependence on the grid. However, since the cost of solar power at rooftops is expected to be higher it is not expected to add more than 8 GW by 2023.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was launched in 2009 with a target for Grid Connected Solar Projects of 20,000 MW by 2022.</li>
<li>The sector has witnessed rapid development with installed solar capacity increasing rapidly from 18 MW to about 3800 MW during 2010 - 15.</li>
<li>In 2015, Government of India gave its approval for stepping up of India&rsquo;s solar power capacity target by five times, reaching 1,00,000 MW by 2022.</li>
<li>The target will principally comprise of 40 GW Rooftop and 60 GW through Large and Medium Scale Grid Connected Solar Power Projects.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>The Government of India has set itself a target of 100 GW of solar power by 2022, of which 60 GW is to come from utilities and 40 GW from rooftop solar installations. While the 60 GW target seems achievable, the country is lagging behind on the target set for rooftop solar.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With a view to accelerating the deployment of rooftop solar power in the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed the &lsquo;Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI)&rsquo; scheme.</li>
<li>The government has set a target of reaching 100 GW of solar power installed capacity in the country by 2022, of which 40 GW is targeted through the solar rooftop.</li>
<li>The Ministry is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Power Programme in which subsidy/incentives are being provided for residential, institutional, social and Government sector. States/UTs have also taken conducive policy and regulatory measures for the promotion of solar rooftop.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What is rooftop solar?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rooftop solar installations &mdash; as opposed to large-scale solar power generation plants &mdash; can be installed on the roofs of buildings. As such, they fall under two brackets: commercial and residential. This simply has to do with whether the solar panels are being installed on top of commercial buildings or residential complexes.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What are the benefits?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rooftop solar provides companies and residential areas the option of an alternative source of electricity to that provided by the grid. While the main benefit of this is to the environment, since it reduces the dependence on fossil-fuel generated electricity, solar power can also augment the grid supply in places where it is erratic.</li>
<li>Rooftop solar also has the great benefit of being able to provide electricity to those areas that are not yet connected to the grid &mdash; remote locations and areas where the terrain makes it difficult to set up power stations and lay power lines.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why is it not being adopted widely?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One of the major problems with rooftop solar &mdash; and what affects solar energy generation in general &mdash; is the variability in supply. Not only can the efficiency of the solar panels vary on any given day depending on how bright the sunlight is, but the solar panels also produce no electricity during the night. Arguably, the night is when off-grid locations most need alternative sources of electricity.</li>
<li>Another major reason why rooftop solar is not becoming popular is that the current electricity tariff structure renders it an unviable option. Many states have adopted a net metering policy, which allows disaggregated power producers to sell excess electricity to the grid. However, the subsidised tariffs charged to residential customers undermine the economic viability of installing rooftop solar panels. The potential profit simply does not outweigh the costs.</li>
<li>Storage technology for electricity is still underdeveloped and storage solutions are expensive. Residential areas also come with the associated issues of use restrictions of the roof &mdash; if the roof is being used for solar generation, then it cannot be used for anything else.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-may-miss-100-gw-solar-power-target-by-2022-crisil-report'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (13th August 2018)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>VS Naipaul</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, an Indian-origin British author and Nobel laureate known for his critical commentary on colonialism, religion and politics, died aged 85.</li>
<li>He was born on Aug 17, 1932, in Chaguanas, Trinidad, where his paternal grandfather had emigrated from India in the 1880s as an indentured servant to work on the sugar plantations.</li>
<li>His first novel was "The Mystic Masseur (1957)". His other important novels are A House for Mr Biswas, The Mimic Men, The Loss of El Dorado, Guerrillas, A Bend in the River, etc.</li>
<li>He was awarded Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Parker Solar Probe</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NASA has launched a Parker Solar Probe spacecraft to the sun that will fly closer to the star than anything ever sent before. The spacecraft was carried by Delta-IV Heavy rocket.</li>
<li>Protected by a revolutionary new heat shield, the spacecraft will fly past Venus in October. The Solar Probe Spacecraft is expected to make 24 close approaches over the next seven years.</li>
<li>Previous closest probe launched was Helios 2 in 1976.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nasa-set-to-launch-parker-solar-probe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more...</a></p>
<h3>Malayaha Tamils</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malayaha Tamils is a nearly million-strong hill population consisting of Tamil community in Sri Lanka.</li>
<li>They are distinct from those living in the war-affected areas, as they comprise of descendants of labourers that the British brought down from South India to work on the estates.</li>
<li>They have served as the primary workforce in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s tea estates, contributing significantly to the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange earned through the sector.</li>
<li>The Malayaha Tamil community wants the issue of their identity to be resolved. Even though certain sections of the community are not in favour of disowning their Indian roots completely, they do not want to be addressed as &ldquo;Indian Tamils&rdquo; as this nomenclature of theirs has been &ldquo;a source of political and administrative discrimination and social antipathy&rdquo;, besides carrying a &ldquo;historical baggage.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The community has been historically neglected and confined to British-era line-room accommodations, which are small, cramped dwellings where many still live.</li>
<li>Recently, over 400 families from the community took possession of their new houses built with Indian assistance. The construction of the homes is part of India&rsquo;s commitment to building 4,000 homes in the island&rsquo;s central highlands that is home to Malayaha Tamils.</li>
</ul>
<h3>INSV Tarini</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An all-woman crew commanding the INSV Tarini who successfully completed circumnavigation expedition around the globe in more than eight months were conferred prestigious Nari Shakti Purashkar 2017.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The expedition, christened 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', was flagged off from the INS Mandovi boat pool on September 10 last year.</li>
<li>The expedition titled &lsquo;Navika Sagar Parikrama&rsquo;, is in consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential. It also aims to showcase &lsquo;Nari Shakti&rsquo; on the world platform and help revolutionise societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising the visibility of their participation in challenging environs.</li>
<li>The crew used an indigenously built INSV Tarini, a 55-foot sailing vessel built indigenously in India thus showcasing the &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative on the International forum.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:&nbsp;</strong>Nari Shakti Purashkar</p>
<p>Nari Shakti Puraskar is a series of India's National Honours conferred on individual women for their exceptional achievement.</p>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-13th-august-2018'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination',
			'catname' => 'Essay Strategy',
			'desc' => '<h3>Understanding Essay Writing</h3>
<p>An essay is a short piece of writing that sheds light on any given topic. M.H. Abrams, the American literary critic, notes that the essay is <em>&ldquo;Any short composition in prose that undertakes to discuss a matter, express a point of view, or persuade us to accept a thesis on any subject.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p>Broadly speaking, there are two types of essays - formal and informal. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), we are concerned with the formal essay. The formal essay is relatively impersonal, the author writes it as an authority and such essays tend to be less emotional. Formal essays can also have factual elements in it, like quoted statistics from a government report etc. It is never in the form of a conversation, never uses first-person references and seldom gets intimate with the audience. In short, a formal essay has a certain degree of seriousness attached to it.</p>
<p><strong>Essay writing for CSE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For the CSE essay paper, two essays have to be written under 3 hours in the 1000-1200 word limit. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250.</li>
<li>The essay paper is divided into two sections - A and B, each carrying a choice of 4 essays each, and the aspirant has to choose only one essay from each section.</li>
<li>The instructions in the syllabus are clear in what is being expected from the aspirant. Aspirants are &lsquo;expected to keep their thoughts closely to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly.It furthur tates that, credit will be given for effective and coherent expression&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The underlined keywords are important because after content, these are the exact parameters on which the essay will be evaluated.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Beginning Essay Writing</h3>
<p>Practice makes perfect. For scoring good marks in the essay, one needs practice. But, before we get to the practising part, we should do some basic homework first. We would start by looking at what a well structured essay is, how it can be planned, what elements can be added to make the essay more scoring, and most importantly, how to do it all within the prescribed time limit.</p>
<p><strong>Basic structure of an essay</strong></p>
<p>The most common method of structuring a essay is breaking it up into paragraphs. In this technique, besides the introduction and the conclusion, there will be body-paragraphs. In these body-paragraphs, the aspirant will have to fit in all his content.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Body-paragraphs can broadly be supportive, critical or narrative.</strong> Ideally, one can start any argument in an aptly phrased narrative paragraph which describe the topic in some detail and then move on to a supportive paragraph containing a few positive facts/ideas on the topic. Though critical paragraphs look best when they are placed last, there are no such rules, and for some topics it can be used as the opening paragraph for the topic.</li>
<li>The most important part of the essay is perhaps the introduction. First impressions are very important, and a well thought out introduction will definitely make a positive impression on the examiner. We will discuss how to write a proper introduction later in this strategy.</li>
<li>Similarly, the conclusion is where one can score additional marks if done properly. This will also be discussed later.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Keywords of the essay syllabus</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>'closely':</strong> Any deviation from the topic will be tolerated only up to a certain point. One must, therefore, as a rule stick as closely as possible to the topic at hand. Any example, quote, anecdote or reference must be on topic or related closely to it.</li>
<li><strong>'arrange':</strong> The essay must be in an arranged form. The aspirant is supposed to plan ahead and form a structure of the essay before actually writing it down.</li>
<li><strong>'orderly':</strong> The ideas or arguments put forward in the essay must follow an order. A haphazard essay that does not flow sequentially, must be avoided at all costs.</li>
<li><strong>'concise':</strong> The essay and the matter discussed therein must be expressed as precisely possible. Clarity of thought and brevity of expression is what is looked for in the CSE essay.</li>
<li><strong>'effective':</strong> The essay must be written in a language that makes a strong impression. Thus, one needs to be conveying a point with every sentence, every paragraph. Flowery language is best avoided.</li>
<li><strong>'coherent':</strong> Coherence is required of all forms of writing, including answer writing, but in the CSE essay one must be extra careful to check that all individual sentences in the essay are making sense. Also, paragraphs as a whole must convey a clear and well thought out exposition on the theme of the essay.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Planning to write an essay</strong></p>
<p><em>A good essay needs planning. There are three steps to it - defining or understanding what the essay is going to be about in very clear terms, brainstroming on the topic and thirdly, devising the outline of the essay.</em></p>
<p><strong>Central idea of the thesis statement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All CSE essays have a thesis statement. For example, in CSE 2016, the following essay was asked&mdash; <em>&lsquo;Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare&rsquo;</em>. Here the central idea is &lsquo;innovation&rsquo;. The aspirant is supposed to explore those dimensions of innovation that affect &lsquo;economic growth and social welfare&rsquo;. In doing so, the aspirant should not veer from the central topic of innovation but if possible add a few related ideas which may supplement the overall central idea that not only socio-economic but also other areas like technology and culture are affected by forces of innovation.</li>
<li>In another essay asked in CSE&mdash;<em> &lsquo;Water disputes between States in federal India&rsquo; &ndash; </em>the central idea is how the water disputes between various Indian states have played out and what are its various dimensions. Constitutional, legal, social and political dimensions, for ex, are a must for addressing this topic. In order to find out the various dimensions of any given topic we should perform a brainstorming exercise.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Brainstorming for essay writing </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Brainstorming for essay is a crucial step. Brainstorming helps you get all the ideas at one place for quick reference. There are no hard and fast rules, but typically one can begin with the given topic and immediately start listing the things that come to mind. One can ideally devote an entire page for this exercise.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Brainstorming guide</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first requirement for brainstorming is focus. One should be able to focus single-mindedly on the job at hand, which in this case is jotting down as many points as possible regarding the essay topic.</li>
<li>Boundaries must also be properly defined. If the topic does not absolutely require a particularly complex point or if it does not require following a difficult train of thought, it should be avoided. Keeping the essay as simple as possible without sacrificing the most valid points is what we should be looking for.</li>
<li>Then we must set a time limit for the brainstorming session. Ideally, for CSE that time limit works out to about 25 minutes per essay. Within that time limit one is supposed to come up with all the necessary points and plans for writing the essay.</li>
<li>Another important point to be made here is that aspirants should have a fair understanding regarding&nbsp; the expectations of the CSE examiner from the essay. Every topic will have some basic ideas that the aspirants must necessarily try to explore or address. During brainstorming such a requirement can be searched for.</li>
<li>In the brainstorming exercise one may also take help of diagrams, flow-charts, mind-maps etc., if needed. Sometimes doing this may clear things up to a great extent or even save precious time.</li>
<li>Three things that one must exclusively do while brainstorming are &mdash; <em>identify causes and factors, define the various issues and make a list of associated ideas.</em> Doing this is key to success in the entire brainstorming exercise.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Adding elements to the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any good essay will definitely have a multitude of elements and dimensions to it. For CSE essay writing, there are certain basic rules that one can follow while searching for these elements and dimensions.</li>
<li>The first of such rules would be to<strong> follow and uphold Constitutional values at all times</strong>. This is very crucial for essay writing in CSE, that the values enshrined in our Constitution reflect in whatever idea, problem or solution we discuss in the essay. At no point should one try and support an idea that is unconstitutional.</li>
<li>One must also <strong>be democratic while addressing issues</strong>. The concepts of &lsquo;freedom and equality&rsquo; should be the guiding principles while suggesting solutions and while criticising events or issues.</li>
<li>Generally, one must also <strong>avoid taking absolutist/non-compromising positions</strong>. In fact, the best way to handle complex problems is to find the middle ground.</li>
<li>One must also <strong>try not to make sweeping generalisations</strong> on any given issue. Instead, there should be hints of patience, justice and understanding in addressing or discussing any given topic.</li>
<li>Lastly, there are two more things that an aspirant need to keep in mind while attempting the CSE essay. <strong>(A) Do not question the topic itself,</strong> which is to say, in other words, do not contradict yourself. Pick a position (ideally, the middle path) and stay true to it throughout the essay. <strong>(B) Never use positively, things that are universally considered or used in a negative sense,</strong> and vice-versa. <em>For ex,</em> one must not say that &lsquo;terrorism&rsquo; under certain conditions is equivalent to a freedom struggle, even though quotes like <em>&lsquo;one man&rsquo;s terrorist is another man&rsquo;s freedom fighter&rsquo;</em> are quite common.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Elements in an essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The three basic elements &mdash; <em>social, political and economic</em> &mdash; form the bedrock of a good CSE essay.</li>
<li>To these, one may add other dimensions like Constitutional, legal, technological, technical etc.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Another important element is the <em>persona</em> Good personal experiences or anecdotes can no doubt be used to increase the effectiveness of the essay but these should stay within the accepted framework of ethical conduct.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PESTLE Analysis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political &ndash; Economic &ndash; Sociological &ndash; Technological &ndash; Legal &ndash; Environmental Analysis.</strong></li>
<li>Use PESTLE Analysis to figure out the various aspects, dimensions, factors etc of any given topic.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Outlining the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Before writing the essay, it is best to outline it. To outline an essay means to figure out what to say in the introduction/conclusion, which idea comes where, or even what quote to use for the essay etc.</li>
<li>Outlining the essay in rough helps us grasp the entirety of the essay before actually writing it. It helps us get the big picture, and also see what we could be missing.</li>
<li>It is said that once we can figure out the conclusion to our essay, it becomes much easier to not only begin but finish it with confidence.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Writing An Essay&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong>Sticking to the time limit</strong></p>
<p>In the CSE, one has to write two essays in 3 hours which translates into 1 hour 30 minutes for each essay. Out of this, around 45 minutes to 1 hour will be required to write one essay. One can add another 10 minutes for the revision of one essay. This leaves us with roughly 30 minutes of time to prepare the essay in rough, and it includes time for carrying out the brainstorming and outlining exercises.</p>
<p><strong>How to introduce the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The goal of the introduction should be to arouse the reader&rsquo;s interest in the topic and to prepare the reader for what is to follow.</li>
<li>A good introduction to the essay can be a brief explanation of the essay topic itself. It can be made further interesting by adding to it some personal experience, or some relevant anecdotes or quotes</li>
<li>The introduction should not be confusing or lacking in clarity, rather it should be able to immediately clear up any doubts regarding the topic if there is any.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Writing in paragraphs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a stand-alone paragraph, the concluding sentence announces that the paragraph is finished, complete. In an essay, the concluding sentence of a paragraph is more likely to play the role of a transitional device, joining one paragraph to the next.</li>
<li>Flow is very important in an essay. It is also connected to writing order. Writing orders are of two types</li>
<li>Known-to-New is the order of writing where the author by choice goes from known (given) concepts to unknown ones. New material is gradually added to build on the unknown.</li>
<li>Simple-to-Complex is the order of writing where the author first establishes a base of concepts that are easily understood and then develops over it increasingly complex ideas.</li>
<li>One can use the FREQOES method to add matter to the various paragraphs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How to conclude the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The purpose of the conclusion is to bring a smooth end to the essay. It is also important to note that a strong finish is as important as a strong opening. Both are important for scoring better marks.
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; float: right; background-color: #f2cbcb;">
<tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #ed1313;">
<td style="width: 180px;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>FREQOES</strong></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 180px;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Facts and statistics</li>
<li>Reasons</li>
<li>Examples</li>
<li>Quotes</li>
<li>Opinions</li>
<li>Experiences</li>
<li>Senses</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</li>
<li>The essay can be concluded in the following ways - restating the main points in brief and with different wordings (summarizing), suggesting a way forward or a course of action, or adding an interesting personal comment or any relevant anecdote.</li>
<li>Another way to conclude the essay is by returning to the discussion begun in the introduction. This is called the &lsquo;cyclic return&rsquo; and a lot of essays follow this simple method of concluding an essay.</li>
<li>The conclusion should bear a positive outlook, it should see the silver lining in the clouds. It should also be as clear and concise as possible.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Revising the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To revise, read the essay in its entirety, underlining (preferably with scale and pencil) important words or phrases. Correct spelling or grammatical mistakes if any. Make sure the pages look clean and tidy.</li>
<li>One may add or omit a few words but it should not be overdone. It is also not advisable that entirely new ideas/sentences are inserted in the essay at the time of revision, unless such information is critical to the essay.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Some tips on essay writing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One can go through the CSE previous year&rsquo;s essays and understand the concepts, dimensions and solutions required to solve those. Having a simple understanding of complex social problems is the secret to writing a good essay for the CSE.</li>
<li>One can also keep handy a small collection of quotes or quotable phrases and citable anecdotes to be used while writing the essay. This keeps one prepared for writing any type of essay.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mains/essay-strategy/essay-writing-for-civil-services-examination'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'ISRO to Launch TV Channel ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will have have a year-long centenary programme to honour its legendary founding father and space pioneer, Vikram Sarabhai</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As a tribute to Sarabhai, the ISRO has also decided to roll out a dedicated TV channel showcasing space applications and science issues to educate the youngsters in remote areas of the country.</li>
<li>Its tribute to Sarabhai starts with naming the first Indian Moon landing spacecraft of the Chandrayana-2 mission &lsquo;Vikram&rsquo;. The mission is slated to take place in January 2019.</li>
<li>According to ISRO Chief Dr Kailasavadivoo Sivan &ldquo;ISRO will further initiate capacity building programmes for students from class 8 to 10 to inculcate scientific temper among them&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The space agency will select students and organise training camps for 25 to 30 days and during this period the students will be allowed to visit the laboratory and make their small satellite.</li>
<li>ISRO is also planning to set up six incubation centres across the country for startups with ideas in the field of space technology. Technology cells would be started for industry and academia to improve the existing linkages.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<h4><strong>Note</strong>: Vikram Sarabhai</h4>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, (born August 12, 1919, Ahmadabad, India&mdash;died December 30, 1971, Kovalam), is an Indian physicist and industrialist who initiated space research and helped develop nuclear power in India.</li>
<li>Remembered as the founding father of the Indian space programme, Sarabhai set up the Physical Research laboratory in his hometown in Ahmedabad in 1947 which was a precursor to the ISRO.</li>
<li>After the death of physicist Homi Bhabha in 1966, Sarabhai was appointed the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.</li>
<li>Sarabhai was awarded two of India&rsquo;s highest honours, the Padma Bhushan (1966) and the Padma Vibhushan (awarded posthumously in 1972).</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/isro-to -launch-tv-channel'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Preparation Strategy for Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam in the Last 30 Days',
			'catname' => 'GS Prelims Strategy',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p style="text-align: right;">Vishnu Mahajan (AIR 70, UPSC 2015)</p>
<p>Dear Aspirants,</p>
<p>Civil Services Preliminary Exam is the first phase of the Civil Services Exam but not necessarily the simplest. There is a wide difference between the syllabi of the Preliminary and Main Exam, the nature of questions and consequently the preparation strategy needs to be well thought out. I would like to share my experience and learning over the last 2-3 years and hope that it might be helpful to other aspiring students.</p>
<p>However, at the very outset, I would also like to say that there is no fixed, deterministic path to success in this highly subjective, uncertain exam. What follows is my subjective experience which might work for some and might not work for someone else.</p>
<p>With CSAT (a major stabilizing factor, at least for someone with a basic understanding of 10th standard Maths) made a qualifying exam, GS assumes prime importance. This means that the total time spent dedicatedly on Prelims prep must be sufficient to allow multiple revisions and retention of GS topics since one cannot rely on CSAT to pull one through. For the last year&rsquo;s Prelims (2015), I spent a good 2.5 months (June, July and half of August) studying only for Prelims without giving any time to Optional or Mains GS. For the 2014 Prelims, I had only spent around 1.5 months and relied heavily on CSAT. The strategy paid off and I comfortably cleared the Prelims with 140 marks in GS compared to 102 in 2014. The cutoffs might be even higher this year and Prelims must not be taken lightly.</p>
<p>The last 30 days should be a time of intensive revision in a planned and organized manner. With so many subjects and topics, the Civil Services Exam syllabus has an extremely low retention span as you juggle between history, culture, environment, polity every day. It means that without <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="109" data-gr-id="109">last minute</g> revision, all earlier preparation might not bear fruit as one starts forgetting after a week of lag.</p>
<p>In case you have covered the syllabus once as of now, you should strive for 2 cycles of revision before the exam with special focus on topics you don&rsquo;t feel comfortable with. In case you have not covered the syllabus once, you should prioritize and study in that order.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Prioritizing</strong></p>
<p>Questions on conventional topics like History, Polity, Economy, Geography are for them fairly straightforward and NCERTs with a basic conceptual understanding should suffice. For Polity, do read Laxmikanth&rsquo;s book from cover to cover. The book is fairly comprehensive and from an exam point of view, very well written and organized.</p>
<p>Covering the above topics is a must as these are the ones with least uncertainty, straight-forward questions <g class="gr_ gr_112 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="112" data-gr-id="112">and</g> <g class="gr_ gr_114 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="114" data-gr-id="114">well defined</g> scope. These also do not require reference to multiple sources, a single book for each of these is usually sufficient.</p>
<p>It is also instructive to keep in mind the massive competition that you are up against. More than 4 lakh students actually sit in the exam. Many of them prepare as if their life depended on it, many would be veterans taking the exam for the fifth or sixth time. Unless you cover these safe topics well, it would be extremely difficult to have an edge over the lakhs of other applicants.</p>
<p>Only after these safe topics are covered, should you venture deep into topics like Science and Tech, Environment, Culture which are vast and have an undefined scope with endless study <g class="gr_ gr_151 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="151" data-gr-id="151">material.</g> These are the topics where you can make <g class="gr_ gr_149 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="149" data-gr-id="149">the difference</g> and outperform others. In this sense, they also become the deciding factor especially Culture and Environment which have become UPSC&rsquo;s pet topics over the past few years. So after you are done with the basic stuff of Polity, History, Economy <g class="gr_ gr_150 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="150" data-gr-id="150">and</g> Geography, most of the time should go in covering as much as possible from these slightly ad-hoc topics. Go through previous years&rsquo; papers and try to get a sense of the type of questions that are asked from Environment and Culture and read on those lines.</p>
<h3>Take Mock Tests with a Pinch of Salt</h3>
<p>I tried some mock tests for prelims with one or two coaching <g class="gr_ gr_128 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="128" data-gr-id="128">centres</g> but found them to be highly unrepresentative of the actual UPSC exam. Questions in these mock tests are deliberately made confusing, ambiguous, tricky and convoluted. While it helps you practice time management in <g class="gr_ gr_110 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="110" data-gr-id="110">exam like</g> conditions, the results should not be taken as any sort of indicator of performance.</p>
<p><strong>Past year tests</strong></p>
<p>The most reliable source of practice is past year test papers. Even here, some questions would be based on <g class="gr_ gr_145 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="145" data-gr-id="145">current</g> affairs of that particular year. However, the questions from the static portions should give you a good sense of the type of questions asked in the exam and help you with reality checks and identifying your weak areas along the way. The more recent ones could be practiced as mock tests while the older ones can be done subject wise as you prepare a particular topic.</p>
<h3>CSAT</h3>
<p>While CSAT is now a qualifying exam, some amount of practice would definitely help <g class="gr_ gr_115 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="115" data-gr-id="115">setting</g> the pace and in time management.</p>
<h3>Final Week Before The Exam</h3>
<p>In the last week, try to remain calm and not fret about any topics you have not covered. It is helpful to focus on topics which are fact heavy and where memorization is required e.g. UNESCO sites, Ramsar sites, National Parks, Rivers, etc. You might not be able to make much of a marginal difference in conceptual topics like Economy in the final days and hence can rely on prior knowledge for such topics.</p>
<h3>Topic Wise Books</h3>
<p>Detailed out below is a topic-wise list of books and sources I followed for the Prelims Exam. While there is a copious amount of study material available in Delhi markets and on the internet, I tried to limit myself to 1-2 sources for each topic. This helps in revision, retention and keeping the study manageable. I would not advise to further complicate the already complex syllabus by referring to multiple books and then not being able to revise them. Revision is the key and will define how much of what you study you can actually recollect and remember in the exam. For example, a number of books are available <g class="gr_ gr_159 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="159" data-gr-id="159">on</g> Modern History. However, I stuck with Bipan Chandra&rsquo;s NCERT and some sections of Spectrum and read the portions I underlined over and over again.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #fff9e3;">
<tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #ffc800;">
<td style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p><strong>Topics</strong></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p><strong>Sources I Followed</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>History (Ancient)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>RS Sharma Ancient History old NCERT</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>History (Medieval)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Romila Thapar 7th or 8th class NCERT and selected sections (only culture part) of Satish Chandra&rsquo;s 11th class NCERT.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>History (Modern)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Bipan Chandra XII NCERT + Spectrum</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 35px;">
<p>Art &amp; Culture</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 35px;">
<p>Apart from above history NCERTs, Fine Arts NCERT, CCRT website (topics like Dance, Drama not covered in books), NIOS notes on Science (e.g. Ancient and Medieval era science), UNESCO sites from Wikipedia.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Polity (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Laxmikanth, Indian Constitution at Work NCERT, Newspapers (Hindu/Indian Exp.)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 35px;">
<p>Economy (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 35px;">
<p>Day to Day Economics by Satish Deodhar, Indian Economic Development NCERT, XII Macroeconomics NCERT, Newspaper, a few chapters from Ramesh Singh (e.g. Banking is nice)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 35px;">
<p>Science and Tech (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 35px;">
<p>Class 9 and 10 NCERT, Biotech topics in +2 Bio NCERT, Newspaper, Rajya Sabha TV show &ldquo;Science Monitor&rdquo;, random Google search on current topics not covered well in newspapers</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 51px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 51px;">
<p>Environment (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 51px;">
<p>GK today booklet, Science NCERTs have chapters on Environment, Some Mrunal articles and videos about international treaties were good, Wikipedia for national parks, Ramsar sites <g class="gr_ gr_170 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="170" data-gr-id="170">and</g> other such sites, Random google search on allied topics relevant to current issues e.g. if Air pollution is in news, read random stuff about it</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Geography &ndash; World</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>XI NCERTs, 2nd half of GC Leong (Biomes)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Geography &ndash; India (Physical + India)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>XI NCERTs</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Important Current National and International Events</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Newspapers (Hindu/Indian Express) &ndash; kept notes and revised them</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Schemes &amp; Policies</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Not much. Made a list of schemes regularly appearing in news and read about them on government websites.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 67px;">
<p>Other Internet or offline sources followed</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 67px;">
<p>Did not follow anything regularly. Rather, searched for an issue/topic I did not feel comfortable with and read as much as possible whether PIB (Features section), PRS, IDSA&rsquo;s &lsquo;ask an expert&rsquo;, Foreign Ministry&rsquo;s &lsquo;In Focus&rsquo;, Rajya Sabha TV&rsquo;s &lsquo;Big Picture&rsquo;, &lsquo;Science Monitor&rsquo;, &lsquo;State of the Economy&rsquo;, &lsquo;India&rsquo;s World&rsquo; are good sources.&nbsp;</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br /><em>Wishing all the very best to all aspiring students.</em></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prelims/gs-prelims-strategy/preparation-strategy-for-civil-services-preliminary-exam-in-the-last-30-days'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'New Approach to Immigration in U.K',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Confederation of British Industry has published a report &lsquo;Open and Controlled &ndash; A New Approach to Migration&rsquo; calling for a &ldquo;new approach&rdquo; towards UK&rsquo;s immigration policies.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report has suggested that the government should scrap net migration targets after Brexit and continue to allow visa-free entry into the UK by EU citizens.</li>
<li>According to the report, <g class="gr_ gr_24 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="24" data-gr-id="24">UK&rsquo;s</g> immigration policy needs to shift away from attempting to reduce numbers and should instead be focused on ensuring that people coming to the UK make a positive contribution to the economy.</li>
<li>From agriculture to technology, the report outlines why overseas workers matter <g class="gr_ gr_23 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="23" data-gr-id="23">for</g> various sectors across the UK economy.</li>
<li>It also suggested that trade deals with countries such as India and Australia would be easier to forge if Britain reviewed its approach to visas, and brought migration policy to the trade discussion table.</li>
<li>The existing visa restrictions inhibit trade and foreign direct investment.</li>
<li>The report has recommended reforming the Tier 2 visa route (the main work route for those coming to the U.K., including from India) to ensure that employers could access the range of skills that they need and scrapping the annual number of Tier 2 visas issued.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government recently took doctors and nurses out of the annual limit, but with EU workers leaving the U.K. in larger numbers, the demand for Tier 2 visas has risen, leaving businesses unable to hire the talent they needed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Stand</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has repeatedly raised concerns about Britain&rsquo;s unwillingness to ease visa restrictions for professionals, students <g class="gr_ gr_25 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="25" data-gr-id="25">and</g> others.</li>
<li>In particular, Britain&rsquo;s decision to exclude India from a relaxation of visa norms for students provoked criticism from India, raising bilateral tensions.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-approach-to-immigration-in-uk'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (11th August, 2018)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>One District One Product Summit</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The President of India inaugurated the &lsquo;One District One Product&rsquo; Summit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;
<table border="1" style="width: 53.4364%; border-collapse: collapse; float: right;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;"><strong>District</strong></td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;"><strong>&nbsp;Products</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Agra</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Leather</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Ferozabad</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Glass bangles</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Kashganj</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Jari and Jardozi</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Chitrakoot</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Wooden Toys</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Kanpur</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Leather products</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Moradabad</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;"><g class="gr_ gr_94 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="94" data-gr-id="94">Metal craft</g></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Amroha</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Musical instruments</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Varanasi</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Silk products</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</li>
<li>Under the scheme, the state government of Uttar Pradesh has set a goal of <strong>providing employment to 25 lakh people in five years</strong> through the financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 crores.</li>
<li>The scheme can create <g class="gr_ gr_104 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="104" data-gr-id="104">large</g> number of employment opportunities for the youth and strengthen the inclusive and sustainable development of Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>This scheme will also increase the growth of small, medium and traditional industries of the districts.</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh contributes around 44% <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="109" data-gr-id="109">in</g> the total handicraft exports of the country. Industries such as handicrafts, food processing, engineering goods, carpets, readymade clothes, leather goods etc <g class="gr_ gr_110 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="110" data-gr-id="110">earns</g> foreign exchange as well as provide employment. Therefore, this sector will play an important role in the development of Uttar Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Repurpose Used Cooking Oil</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO), an initiative that will enable collection and conversion of used cooking oil to bio-diesel. FSSAI has recently notified standards for used cooking oil.</li>
<li>FSSAI may also look at introducing regulations to ensure that companies that use large quantities of cooking oil hand it over to registered collecting agencies to convert it into biofuel.</li>
<li>Under this initiative, 64 companies at 101 locations have been identified to enable collection of used cooking oil.</li>
<li>According to FSSAI, India has the potential to recover 220 crore <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="101" data-gr-id="101">litres</g> of used cooking oil for the production of biodiesel by 2022 through a <g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="87" data-gr-id="87">co-ordinated</g> action.</li>
<li>FSSAI wants businesses using more than 100 <g class="gr_ gr_100 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="100" data-gr-id="100">litres</g> of oil for frying, to maintain a stock register and ensure that used cooking oil is handed over to only registered <g class="gr_ gr_99 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="99" data-gr-id="99">collecting</g> agencies.</li>
<li>According to FSSAI regulations, the maximum permissible limits for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) have been set at 25%, beyond which the cooking oil is unsafe for consumption.</li>
<li>FSSAI is also working in partnership with Biodiesel Association of India and the food industry to ensure effective compliance of used cooking oil regulations.</li>
<li>FSSAI has additionally launched a micro-site to monitor the progress of the collection and conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Zero Budget Natural Farming</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) refers to a set of Natural Farming methods where the cost of growing and harvesting Plants is effectively Zero. It believes in Natural Growth of Crops without adding any fertilizers and pesticides or any Foreign Elements to crops or Land.</li>
<li>Recently Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have shown interest in ZBNF practices and Promotion of Project in respective States.</li>
<li>Keeping in mind, India's growing food <g class="gr_ gr_96 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="96" data-gr-id="96">needs ,</g> ZBNF is a right step to ensure Food Security in the Country.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Benefits</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will check the menace of soil and water pollution and ensure <g class="gr_ gr_106 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="106" data-gr-id="106">better</g> quality of produce.</li>
<li>It will reduce the initial costs of the farmers which will indirectly help the Government in their efforts in doubling their incomes.</li>
<li>It will contribute to <g class="gr_ gr_103 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="103" data-gr-id="103">Sustainable</g> use of Natural Resources.</li>
<li>It will lead to <g class="gr_ gr_95 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="95" data-gr-id="95">increase</g> in GDP share from Agriculture.</li>
<li>It can generate employment opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors.</li>
<li>It will solve the problem of Hidden Hunger as crops produced through this methods are <g class="gr_ gr_86 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="86" data-gr-id="86">micro nutrient</g> rich.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Operation Madad</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Operation &ldquo;Madad&rdquo; has been launched by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi for assisting the state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations due to the unprecedented flooding experienced in many parts of Kerala, owing to incessant rainfall and release of excess water from Idukki and other dams.</li>
<li>The Southern Naval Command is one of the three main formations of the Indian Navy. It has its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala.</li>
<li>The SNC is the Training Command of Indian Navy and is responsible for the training of all its personnel, both officers as well as sailors, from basic to advance stages.</li>
</ul>
<h3>PENCIL Portal</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour</strong> (PENCIL) Portal is an electronic platform that aims at involving Centre, State, District, Governments, civil society and the general public in achieving the target of child <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="107" data-gr-id="107">labour</g> free society.</li>
<li>It has been launched for the effective implementation of <g class="gr_ gr_89 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="89" data-gr-id="89">Child</g> Labour Act and <g class="gr_ gr_90 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="90" data-gr-id="90">National</g> Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme.</li>
<li>PENCIL Portal has five components- Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project and Convergence.</li>
<li>The Districts will nominate District Nodal Officers (DNOs) who will receive the complaints.</li>
<li>Within 48 hours of receiving the complaints, DNOs will check the authenticity of the complaint and thereafter will take the rescue measures in coordination with police.</li>
<li>PENCIL portal is administered by <g class="gr_ gr_92 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="92" data-gr-id="92">Ministry</g> of Labour &amp; Employment.</li>
<li>Under National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme, children in the age group of 9-14 years, rescued/withdrawn from work are enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, <g class="gr_ gr_88 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="88" data-gr-id="88">mid day</g> meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into <g class="gr_ gr_105 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="105" data-gr-id="105">formal</g> education system.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-11th-august-2018'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Adopt a Heritage: Project for Development of Tourist Friendly Destinations',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<p>&lsquo;Adopt a Heritage&rsquo; Scheme&nbsp;was called a &ldquo;sell-out&rdquo; when the Red Fort was adopted by Dalmia Bharat which committed 25 crore Rupees for it as per the MoU.&nbsp;The government explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for 'Red Fort 'is &lsquo;only&rsquo; for the development, operations <g class="gr_ gr_100 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="100" data-gr-id="100">and</g> maintenance of tourism amenities in and around the monument. It envisages limited &lsquo;access&rsquo; <g class="gr_ gr_99 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="99" data-gr-id="99">of</g> non-core areas and &lsquo;no handing over of <g class="gr_ gr_98 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="98" data-gr-id="98">monument</g>&rsquo; is involved.</p>
<h3>What is &lsquo;Adopt a Heritage&rsquo; Scheme?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and State/UTs governments.</li>
<li>The Project aims to develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote &lsquo;responsible tourism&rsquo;.</li>
<li>It was launched on 27 September 2017 (World Tourism Day) by the President of India.</li>
<li>It aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies, and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable. It is to be done through the development, operation <g class="gr_ gr_222 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="222" data-gr-id="222">and</g> maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities at ASI/ State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.</li>
<li>Agencies/Companies would become <strong>&lsquo;Monument Mitras&rsquo;</strong> through the innovative concept of &lsquo;Vision Bidding&rsquo;, where the agency with the best vision for the heritage site will be given an opportunity to associate pride with their CSR activities.</li>
<li>The project primarily <em><strong>focusses on providing basic amenities</strong></em> that includes cleanliness, public conveniences, drinking water, ease of access for differently abled and senior citizens, standardized signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance system, night viewing facilities, and an enhanced tourism experience that will result in more tourist footfalls, both domestic and foreign.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rationale Behind &lsquo;Adopt a Heritage&rsquo;</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The heritage sites are facing common challenges primarily related to the operations and maintenance of the various infrastructural as well as service assets.</li>
<li>There is a need to develop a robust mechanism for the provision of basic amenities on an immediate basis and advanced amenities on a long term basis.</li>
<li>The government needs more resources for maintenance of heritage. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects 3,686 ancient monuments and archaeological sites, including 36 world heritage sites. So far, 31 agencies or Monument Mitras have been approved to adopt 95 monuments/tourist sites and 4 MoUs have been signed. The Government intends to expand the scheme.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Objectives: Priority Areas of the Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Developing basic tourism infrastructure</li>
<li>Inclusive tourist experience for heritage site/monument or tourist site</li>
<li>Promoting cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods</li>
<li>Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner through world class infrastructure at the site</li>
<li>Creating employment through the active involvement of local communities</li>
<li>Harnessing tourism potential for its effects in employment generation and economic development</li>
<li>Developing sustainable tourism infrastructure and ensuring proper operations and maintenance</li>
</ul>
<h3>Approach: What is the Vision Bidding?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The heritage sites/monuments are categorized as <strong>green, blue and orange</strong> on the basis of tourist footfall and visibility. For example, Red Fort and Taj Mahal are green monuments while Kotla Firoz Shah (Delhi) is orange.</li>
<li>The Monument Mitras are supposed to present a vision for the development of all necessary/mandatory basic amenities and advanced amenities for each of the heritage site that they take up as a package (combination of Green-Blue-Orange) enlisted and any other heritage sites, monuments and tourist site.</li>
<li>The most competitive and innovative vision is considered as the successful bidding entity.</li>
<li>Bids are primarily evaluated on the basis of <g class="gr_ gr_85 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="85" data-gr-id="85">capacity</g> of bidders, their success stories in delivering similar projects, value addition to the selected heritage sites. <br />This concept of innovative bidding is defined as &lsquo;Vision Bidding&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Previous attempts for Corporate Involvement in Heritage Management</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government in 2011 formed a National Culture Fund. Since then, 34 projects have been completed under it through public-private partnerships.</li>
<li>Another similar scheme under the UPA government was &lsquo;Campaign Clean India,&rsquo; in which the government had identified 120 monuments/destinations. Under this scheme, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) had adopted Qutab Minar as a pilot project in 2012, while ONGC adopted six monuments &mdash; Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Golkonda Fort, Mamallapuram, Red Fort, and Taj Mahal &mdash; as part of its CSR.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Experience of Italy</strong></p>
<p>Italy has the largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites in the world. The cash-strapped government has been successfully collaborating with corporates since 2014 for heritage maintenance after shunning them for decades.</p>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme is essentially a non-revenue generating project and the public outcry is unfounded.</li>
<li>It is part of responsible tourism where the &lsquo;Monument Mitra&rsquo; essentially spends his CSR funds for upkeep and maintenance <g class="gr_ gr_84 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="84" data-gr-id="84">etc.,</g> and gets limited visibility.</li>
<li>It is a rational move for sustainable development of cultural and natural heritage of India.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/adopt-a-heritage-project-for-development-of-tourist-friendly-destinations'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Does the Anti-Trafficking Bill Address Trafficking?',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<p><em>(This is The Hindu&rsquo;s &lsquo;Yes, No, It&rsquo;s Complicated&rsquo; for the 10th of August; it addresses a vital concern regarding anti-trafficking legislation.)</em></p>
<p><strong>Name of the Bill in the debate:</strong> The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018</p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong> Despite the passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 that substituted Section 370 of the IPC with newer Sections 370 and 370A which defined trafficking and laid out the punishment for it, data shows that instances of trafficking have increased.</p>
<h3>What goes for the Bill? The Bill goes beyond criminalization; it tries to combat the organized nature of trafficking</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill aims to <strong>systematically combat the organized nature of trafficking</strong> as it ties together prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of victims into one policy framework. It will develop and monitor a database for every crime committed under this act and also use this information for systematic surveillance of offenders - this should help not only in preventing human trafficking but may also preempt it to a certain extent.</li>
<li>The Bill <strong>introduces aggravated forms of trafficking</strong> such as trafficking for the purposes of begging or bearing children, or for marriage, through an administration of narcotic drugs, hormones or chemical substances (for the purposes of reaching early sexual maturity), etc.</li>
<li>The Bill <strong>provides for witness protection.</strong> Also, the Bill seeks to maintain the confidentiality of victims by providing for recording of statements via video conferencing and/or by using in camera proceedings.</li>
<li>The Bill also<strong> introduces for the first time a rehabilitation fund</strong> for victims of trafficking. This fund will be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of victims. The Bill further seeks to help victims rebuild their lives by providing them with capital, infrastructure, education and skill development. This should empower victims enough to give them access to justice and also to prevent their future re-victimization.</li>
<li>Most importantly, the Bill, for the first time, <strong>seeks to coordinate with foreign countries and international organizations</strong> so as to facilitate an inter-State and international transfer of evidence. Taking point at the national level will be the National Anti-Trafficking Bureau; at State and District levels there will be State and District Anti-Trafficking Committees respectively.</li>
<li>Lastly, the Bill proposes that in order to break the organized nature of human trafficking, there will be <strong>attachment and forfeiture of property of those involved in this crime</strong>. The proceeds from this will be added to the above-mentioned rehabilitation fund. Moreover, there are provisions for freezing bank accounts of those involved which should cripple the organized trafficking networks.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What goes against the Bill? It fails in its fundamental purpose, i.e. it does not address the issue of trafficking.</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill <strong>fundamentally criminalizes </strong><g class="gr_ gr_330 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="330" data-gr-id="330">offences</g><strong> that are already marked as </strong><g class="gr_ gr_104 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="104" data-gr-id="104">offences</g><strong> under various laws.</strong> For example, &lsquo;trafficking for the purpose of begging&rsquo; is a new <g class="gr_ gr_105 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="105" data-gr-id="105">offence</g> under this Bill but it already is an <g class="gr_ gr_106 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="106" data-gr-id="106">offence</g> under anti-begging laws. Another example, &ldquo;encouraging or abetting any person to migrate illegally into India or Indians into some other country&rdquo; which is a provision in the Bill is already dealt with under the Passports Act, 1967 and the Foreigners Act, 1946.</li>
<li>The Bill also <strong>leaves the door wide open for opinionated interpretations</strong> with not-so-properly-defined phrases like &ldquo;aggravated form of trafficking&rdquo;. It is common knowledge that more the laws and the vaguer they are, more the legal loopholes. Especially when laws overlap with one another there could be a misinterpretation, which could be disadvantageous to both law enforcement and victims alike.</li>
<li>The Bill also <strong>impinges on certain freedoms.</strong> Consider this extract: &ldquo;Whoever solicits or publicises electronically, taking or distributing obscene photographs or videos or providing materials or soliciting or guiding tourists or using agents or any other form which may lead to the trafficking of a person shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment. (emphasis added)&rdquo; This means that one can be arrested or websites can be shut down without the need for any trafficking to actually take place. Such provisions are vague and over-board and have been previously struck down by the Supreme Court under the Information Technology Act, 2000.</li>
<li>The Bill also requires that <strong>trafficking </strong><g class="gr_ gr_473 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="473" data-gr-id="473">be</g><strong> established only under Section 370</strong> and its various subsections of the IPC. This means that before someone can be termed a victim he/she will have to prove that he/she had been &ldquo;transported, recruited, <g class="gr_ gr_119 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="119" data-gr-id="119">harboured</g>, received or transferred for the purposes of exploiting her/him by using force, abduction, deception, or by abuse of power&rdquo;. Without this prior proving, the provisions of the Bill cannot be invoked which turns the Bill into a difficult albeit firm legislation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Complications in the Bill? A wasted opportunity?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill had been revised multiple times before arriving at its current structure. This shows a level of commitment in bringing out a good and genuine legislation. Satisfactory features of the current Bill include &ldquo;search and seizure; rescue and medical examination of persons; and safety, care and protection of persons rescued&rdquo;. Future iterations of the Bill could even include a provision for punishment of government officials including the police, for omission or neglect of duty.</li>
<li>The Bill is silent on many important types of <g class="gr_ gr_166 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="166" data-gr-id="166">specialised</g> human trafficking like: &ldquo;trafficking for supply chains, commercial surrogacy, clinical trials, human organ trade, intergenerational trafficking, orphanage tourism and sex tourism&rdquo;. Especially, the Bill is silent on &lsquo;demand reduction&rsquo;, a concept that says that we have reduced demand for commercial sex in order to reduce human trafficking; the Bill is also silent on &lsquo;non-institutionalised rehabilitation&rsquo; an example of which can be &lsquo;community-based rehabilitation&rsquo; of bonded <g class="gr_ gr_167 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="167" data-gr-id="167">labourers</g>, sex-workers etc. Currently, the world over, the &lsquo;institutional approach to victim care&rsquo; is being actively discredited and demands for non-institutional care is growing. Thus, the adding of two new vaguely defined institutions viz. &lsquo;protection homes and rehabilitation homes&rsquo; is not entirely progressive.</li>
<li>Fundamentally, the Bill does not properly define the term &lsquo;victim&rsquo;. The established practice is that a &lsquo;victim&rsquo; is someone who is &lsquo;rescued&rsquo; by the police. In the strict legal parlance, those rescued by NGOs, parents, friends etc. are not victims under the law, which is a disturbing thought.</li>
<li>On the ground, the reality is shocking. According to activists, a lot of the times traffickers themselves get &lsquo;rescued&rsquo; by the police (by pretending to be one among the victims) in order to &lsquo;keep an eye on the rescued victims and silence them&rsquo;. Especially if the traffickers are hand in glove with corrupt policemen they will be able to not only get away with their crimes in <g class="gr_ gr_384 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="384" data-gr-id="384">the above-mentioned</g> manner but also pretend to be a victim and claim compensations, rehabilitation, small capital for business etc. - things that were meant to help only genuine victims.</li>
<li>Lastly, it is unclear how far justice will be served simply by notifying existing sessions courts as designated courts (for human trafficking purposes). The Bill does not provide new courts or judges for its purpose. District courts too, do not need to hear such cases on a priority basis. Thus, there is a possibility that this Bill may undo the gains gotten from decades of &lsquo;evolving more sensitive and <g class="gr_ gr_157 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="157" data-gr-id="157">specialised</g> courts such as Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act courts, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences courts, and family courts&rsquo;. Also, in what can be a blunder, the Bill makes the rehabilitation fund &lsquo;available to the bureaucracy for the purposes of prevention, protection, prosecution&rsquo;, things which are by definition not rehabilitation. The Bill as such completely misreads the concept of rehabilitation and therefore is in the need of a thorough revision.</li>
</ul>
<p><br />It should be clear from the above discussion that The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, is far from complete. An opinion can be that laws like these need time to evolve, and gradually after time, we may get to what one may call a final version of the Bill. In any case, this Bill scores points for being able to take the first step towards a very important issue i.e the stopping of human trafficking.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/does-the-anti-trafficking-bill-address-trafficking'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (10th August, 2018)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>SWAYAM</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM)</strong>, was launched on July 9, 2017 by Ministry of Human Resource Development to provide one integrated platform and portal for online courses.</li>
<li>This covers all higher education subjects and skill sector courses.</li>
<li>The objective is to ensure that the every student in the country has access to the best quality higher education at the affordable cost.</li>
<li>Academicians from hundreds of institutions throughout the country are involved in developing &amp; delivering Massive open online courses (MOOCs) through SWAYAM in almost all disciplines from senior schooling to Post Graduation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Unnat Bharat Programme 2.0</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government has recently launched <strong>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0</strong>, which covers 750 Higher Educational Institutes.</li>
<li>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan aims <strong>to link the Higher Education Institutions with atleast 5 villages</strong>, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.</li>
<li>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India.</li>
<li>It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors.</li>
<li>Objective of the scheme are-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities</li>
<li>Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people</li>
<li>To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government Programs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Environmental Performance Index</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ministry of Environment has refuted the The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report, 2018 which has <strong>ranked India at 177 out of 180 countries.</strong></li>
<li>As per the report, <strong>India&rsquo;s poor performance is linked to its Environmental Health policy objectiv</strong>e and the increase in deaths due to increasing PM2.5 levels.</li>
<li>India was ranked 141 in the 2016 edition of the report.</li>
<li>The 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)<strong> ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators</strong> across ten issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality.</li>
<li>Innovations in the 2018 EPI data and methodology have generated new rankings founded on the latest advances in environmental science and analysis.</li>
<li>In general, high scorers exhibit long-standing commitments to protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and decoupling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from economic activity.</li>
<li>Low scores on the EPI are indicative of the need for national sustainability efforts on a number of fronts, especially cleaning up air quality, protecting biodiversity, and reducing GHG emissions.</li>
<li>This index is prepared by Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.</li>
<li>Switzerland leads the world in sustainability, followed by France, Denmark, Malta and Sweden in the EPI.</li>
<li>Overall, India (at 177) and Bangladesh (179) is among the least five performers followed by Nepal (176), Dem Rep. of Congo(178) and Burundi(180).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Michelle Bachelet as New UN Rights Chief</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday nominated Chile's twice-serving president and prominent women's rights advocate Michelle Bachelet to be the global body's next human rights chief.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> <strong>United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UN Human Rights Council, formed in 2006 comprises 47 member countries within the United Nations, Which has been tasked with the upholding of Human Rights.</li>
<li>The UN Human Rights High Commissioner is the principle official who speaks out for human rights across the whole UN system, strengthening human rights mechanisms; fighting discrimination in all its forms; widening the democratic space and protecting the most vulnerable from all forms of human rights abuses.</li>
<li>The council meets three times a year to examine the issues related to human rights violations worldwide.<br />It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a bid to boost rural road connectivity, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) beyond the 12th five year plan period.</li>
<li>PMGSY was launched on 25th December, 2000 <strong>to provide all weather road connectivity in rural areas of the country</strong>.</li>
<li>The program envisages to provide rural connectivity consisting of 500 persons and above in the plain areas and 250 persons and above in the hilly States , desert areas, Tribal areas and selected Tribal and Backward Districts.</li>
<li>The Union Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal implementing authority of the scheme.</li>
<li>It also envisages to complete GIS mapping of all roads by 2018.</li>
<li>The concept of Green and innovative technologies is also encouraged under the scheme.</li>
<li>It also launched a mobile application &lsquo;Meri Sadak&rsquo; to enable citizens to register complaints regarding the quality and pace of construction of PMGSY roads.</li>
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		'title' => 'A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India’s Air',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>To help improve India&rsquo;s air quality, researchers from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School have laid out five key evidence-based policy recommendations in a new report, titled <strong>&lsquo;A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India&rsquo;s Air&rsquo;</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If India were to achieve its own air quality standards,<strong> life expectancy</strong> would increase by <strong>more than one year</strong> on an average.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This number would increase to <strong>four years</strong> if India were to meet the <strong>World Health Organisation&rsquo;s (WHO) norms</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Although there will be no easy solution, the researchers were optimistic because of the<strong> incredible innovations currently being experimented</strong> with throughout India. Some of the greatest gains would be seen in big cities such as Delhi.</p>
</li>
<li>Air quality is measured based on the number of small particles in <strong>every cubic metre</strong> of air capable of entering the <strong>bloodstream</strong> through the lungs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More than <strong>660 million Indians</strong> live in areas that exceed the country&rsquo;s standard for what is considered safe exposure to fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5).</li>
<li>According to a January 2018 survey by Greenpeace Environment Trust that covered 630 million Indians, 550 million live in areas where particulate matter exceeds the national standard, and many live in areas where air pollution levels are more than twice the stipulated standard.</li>
<li>The study found that the <strong>odd-even scheme</strong> in Delhi was effective in reducing particulate matter (PM) 2.5 by 13% during the first half of January 2016.&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there was no effect in April 2016, when the scheme was reintroduced.</li>
<li>This could have been due to <strong>greater dispersion</strong> caused by <strong>warmer temperatures.</strong></li>
<li>Therefore, driving restrictions could be the most <strong>effective as emergency measures</strong> during the worst periods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ambient air pollution alone may cost India <strong>more than $500 billion a year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Health Impacts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Air pollution is estimated to be the fourth leading fatal health risk worldwide after metabolic risks, dietary risks and tobacco smoke.</li>
<li>Major concerns to human health from air pollution include effects on breathing and respiratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer and premature deaths.</li>
<li>Elderly persons, children and people with chronic lung disease, influenza or asthma are more prone.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Recommendations of the Report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Information about polluters be <strong>made public</strong>,</li>
<li>Provide regulators with<strong> real-time data</strong>,</li>
<li>Improve emissions monitoring by better aligning <strong>auditors&rsquo; incentives</strong>,</li>
<li>Use <strong>monetary charges</strong> for excess emissions and</li>
<li>Use <strong>markets to reduce abatement</strong> costs and pollution.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Particulate Matter (PM)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Particulate matter, also called particle pollution is a mixture of solid particles such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke and liquid droplets found in the air.</li>
<li>These microscopic particles are so light they float on air and lodge deep in the lungs, and have been linked to higher rates of lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and heart disease.</li>
<li>Particle pollution includes:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally <strong>10 micrometers and smaller</strong>; and</li>
<li>PM2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally <strong>2.5 micrometers and smaller</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.</li>
<li>Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Steps Taken to Curb Air Pollution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Control measures so far instituted include <strong>introduction of unleaded petrol (1998)</strong>, <strong>catalytic converter</strong> in passenger cars (1995), <strong>reduction of sulfur content in diesel (2000)</strong> and reduction of benzene content in fuels (2000).</li>
<li>Other step include <strong>drafting of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981</strong> to arrest deteriorating air pollution levels.</li>
<li>The central government released the <strong>National Air Quality Index (AQI)</strong> for public information under the aegis of the CPCB. AQI has been developed for <strong>eight pollutants&mdash; PM2.5, PM10, NH3, Pb, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide.</strong></li>
<li>The legislative and judicial response include <strong>odd-even scheme</strong>, <strong>ban on registration of luxury SUVs</strong> and <strong>diesel cars above 2000cc in the national capital</strong>, green cess on commercial vehicles, National Green Tribunal&rsquo;s (NGT) directions to strictly implement orders regarding the ban on burning of waste.</li>
<li>Having <strong>ozone monitoring stations</strong> in cities (there has been a 148 per cent increase in ozone-related deaths since 1990), giving <strong>easy access to cheap solar technology</strong>, improved transport facilities,<strong> treatment plants</strong> for industrial discharge and domestic garbage, and facilitating biogas plants and seeder machinery to curb open burning should be immediately attended to.</li>
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court accepted the suggestions of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to have<strong> hologram-based coloured stickers</strong> on vehicles to indicate the <strong>nature of fuel being used</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sticker of <strong>light blue colour</strong> will be used for<strong> petrol and CNG-run vehicles</strong>, while similar sticker of <strong>orange colour</strong> will be placed on <strong>diesel vehicles</strong>.</li>
<li>The SC also <strong>suggested</strong> to consider green number plates for electric and hybrid vehicles.</li>
<li>This will help authorities identify vehicles running on high-polluting fuel from specified routes on particular days. The hologram-based stickers will also <strong>contain the registration date</strong> of the vehicle.</li>
<li>The use of more polluting vehicles can be restricted in a congested or a polluted zone temporarily or permanently depending on the pollution level by the <strong>local authority</strong> based on <strong>Air Quality Index</strong> of the area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Coral Reefs could Survive Global Warming, says Study',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>According to a study published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>, the coral-algal partnerships have endured numerous climate change events since the age of dinosaurs and there may be hope for marine reefs to survive modern-day global warming as well.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The relationship between corals and the mutualistic micro-algae that enable them to build reefs is <strong>considerably older</strong> and <strong>more diverse</strong> than previously assumed.</li>
<li>
<p>Past estimates placed the initiation of these symbiotic relationships at 50 to 65 million years ago, however this research indicates that modern corals and their algal partners have been entwined with each other for much longer &mdash; since the time of the dinosaurs, <strong>approximately 160 million years ago</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>The micro-algae,<strong> commonly called zooxanthellae</strong>, lives inside the cells of corals, allowing them to acquire energy from sunlight and to build the massive, economically valuable reef formations upon which countless marine organisms rely for habitat.</li>
<li>The team used genetic evidence &mdash; including DNA sequences, phylogenetic analyses and genome comparisons &mdash; to calculate the micro-algae&rsquo;s approximate age of origin.</li>
<li>They also used classical morphological techniques, in which they compared visual characteristics of these symbionts using light and electron microscopy, along with computer modelling and other methods, to discover that in addition to being older, the algae family is far more diverse than previously perceived.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Coral Reefs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Corals are the living, invertebrate marine animals that live in a symbiotic relation with microscopic algae &lsquo;zooxanthellae&rsquo;. Corals provide shade and shelter to the algae that in turn provide food to the coral polyps.</li>
<li>Corals secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeleton and when they die, hard layer of calcium carbonate is formed which is inhabited by new coral polyps. These new coral polyps add to the hard layer after their death.</li>
<li>Eventually, these layers reach the surface and form table like structures called coral reefs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Suitable Conditions for Coral Growth</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Corals occur in shallow, clean and warm water with annual average ocean water temperature of 20-21&deg;C, which largely limits their extent to no more than 30 degrees north and south latitude.</li>
<li>Corals also require enough sunlight and moderate salinity to grow as they do not grow in fresh water.</li>
<li>In addition, calm sea and water condition are favorable for their growth.</li>
<li>They form in the waters fed by warm oceanic currents.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Threats to Coral Reefs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bleaching&nbsp;</strong>occurs when abnormal environmental conditions (climate change/global warming), such as warmer sea temperatures, cause corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae (Zooxanthella), draining them of their colour.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Algae are vital to the coral, which uses the organic products of photosynthesis to help it grow.</li>
<li>The loss of algae makes the host vulnerable to disease and means it will eventually die.</li>
<li>However, coral can recover if the water temperature drops and the algae are able to recolonise them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Destructive fishing practices:</strong> These include cyanide fishing, blast or dynamite fishing, bottom trawling, and muro-ami (banging on the reef with sticks).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bottom-trawling is one of the greatest threats to cold-water coral reefs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sedimentation</strong>: Erosion caused by construction (both along coasts and inland), mining, logging, and farming is leading to increased sediment in rivers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This ends up in the ocean, where it can 'smother' corals by depriving them of the light needed to survive. The destruction of mangrove forests, which normally trap large amounts of sediment, is exacerbating the problem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Urban and industrial waste, sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs. These toxins are dumped directly into the ocean or carried by river systems from sources upstream.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some pollutants, such as sewage and runoff from farming, increase the level of nitrogen in seawater, causing an overgrowth of algae, which 'smothers' reefs by cutting off their sunlight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: World Environment Day: Identify the Dangers of the Plastic Era',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MEFW9BC5swE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Context And Background</h3>
<p>The United Nations observes 5th of June every year as the World Environment Day, to make people aware about the environment and its protection. Although, the United Nations declared it in 1972, but World Environment Day was first celebrated on the 5th of June 1974. This year, 45th World Environment day is being observed.</p>
<h3>India to be the Global Host</h3>
<p>This year, India has been chosen to be the Global Host of the World Environment Day. On this occasion, various governments, industries, communities and the citizens have been requested to unanimously find permanent alternatives and stop the use of non-biodegradable plastic; as they are polluting the oceans, destroying the marine habitat and posing as a danger for the human health. The situation is so bleak that within the time span that a fast bowler delivers an over, four trucks full of garbage are dumped into the ocean. It has a theme every year and this year, the theme is <strong>Beat Plastic Pollution</strong>.</p>
<div class="border">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>What is United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #800000;">United nations Environment Programme is the global voice on the issue of environment. It inspires, informs and induces people and states to improve their quality of life, without compromising with the lives of the upcoming generations. Thus, it provides leadership and encouragement for the protection of the environment. United Nations works with the various governments of the world, private sectors, civil societies, and other units of the United Nations, as well as other International Organisations.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>(Team Drishti Input)</strong></em></span></p>
</div>
<p><strong>About Plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The American scientist of Belgian descent, Leo Baekeland is considered to be to be the inventor of Plastic.</li>
<li>He invented Plastic while experimenting with chemicals like Formaldehyde and Phenol.</li>
<li>The Plastic so formed was called <strong>&ldquo;Bakelite&rdquo;</strong>. After this, Plastic gained acceptance far and wide, very quickly.</li>
<li>Various forms of Plastics were being made in the laboratories across the world, including plastics involved in the packaging industry, like Polystyrene, Nylon and Polyethylene.</li>
<li>Before this, plastic like materials were made from <strong>Celluloid,</strong> which was obtained from plants.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Burgeoning production and consumption of Plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Decades ago, plastic was invented for the ease of people, but lately, it has become it has become an ulcer for the Environment.</li>
<li>In all the steps from its production to consumption, plastic has become dangerous for the environment and ecology.</li>
<li>In addition to soil and water, air is also being polluted because of plastic and polythene.</li>
<li>Lately, aquatic organisms of both, freshwater and saline water habitat, have been found to have adversities caused by plastic chemicals in their bodies.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Plastic everywhere</strong></p>
<p>Despite everything, there has been no decline in the sale of plastic and polythene. In fact, the main reason behind this, is the people&rsquo;s perception that objects made of plastic are attractive and easy to clean. Plastic objects made of tupperware are an excellent example of the same. Apart from this, the cheap rates of objects made of plastic makes them affordable by everyone. Today, homes, markets, and garbage pits are all full of plastic and this is happening on a global level.</p>
<p><strong>Oceans are also full of plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Increasing pollution in the oceans is becoming a matter of concern. Tasmanian sea, between Australia and New Zealand, is one of the areas worst affected by plastic pollution.</li>
<li>Thousands of tonnes of plastic dumped on land find its way to the oceans. Not able to be decomposed easily, it lies on the sea bed for time indefinite.</li>
<li>The amount of heavy metals and saline wastes reaching the Indian ocean from the Indian subcontinent alone, is crores of tons every year.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fatal for the marine Ecosystem</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Millions of tons of plastic wastes reach oceans everyday, which affects the faunal biodiversity and causes adverse effects on the life of the aquatic flora and fauna as well.</li>
<li>This huge quantity of plastic, in addition to being a problem for the environment, is also life threatening for aquatic flora and fauna.</li>
<li>In addition to being a huge reservoir of water, spread across earth, oceans also support, within themselves, and around, many small and delicate ecosystems; which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Plastic adversely affects these as well.</li>
<li>Worldwide, about 90% of marine organisms and birds are consuming plastic in some form or the other.</li>
<li>According to studies conducted on the Arctic Sea, if this situation continues, the amount of plastic will exceed the number of fishes in the ocean by 2050.</li>
<li>In the 1960s, only 5% of plastic was found in the birds&rsquo; food; whereas, it is estimated that by 2050, 99% of marine animals and birds will have plastic in their stomachs.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Microbeads</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #800000;">There are certain tiny bits of plastic, called Microbeads. They have a size not exceeding 5 mm in diameter. The Indian Bureau of standards also declared these non-biodegradable microbeads as harmful for use in consumer goods. Countries like America, Canada and Netherlands are passing laws to limit the used of microbeads in private and public industries; but India has not passed any such law yet.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>(Team Drishti Input)</strong></em></span></p>
</div>
<p><strong>We are living in an era of plastic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We are all habituated of using plastic in all the spheres of our lives, and this habit has developed as a result of continual use of plastic since many decades.</li>
<li>Once thought to be a miracle, plastic has turned out to be omnipresent in what we wear, carry or play with&hellip; there is hardly any arena where plastic has not been introduced yet.</li>
<li>First, we fulfilled our necessities with plastic, and then went on to develop new necessities of plastic. Even though it is not visible, plastic has become an integral part of our lives-like the blood running in our veins.</li>
<li>Garbage from plastics have come across as a major problem in the South-East Asia, and India too, is not aloof from this situation.</li>
<li>Soft Plastic bags and the plastic used in the packaging of materials, is hampering the environment. Moreover, the situation is worsened by the usage of plastic water and soft drink bottles, whose numbers run in crores per day. Despite of all the restrictions, its usage is increasing day by day.</li>
<li>For countries like India, and many more, plastic is continuously becoming a major challenge, but there seems to be no way to get rid of this albatross around our necks.</li>
<li>Worldwide, China is the largest producer of plastic, but no country is able to pressurize China into stopping this menace.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A major risk to life and environment</strong></p>
<p>Plastic has also entered the food we consume, courtesy its perpetual use around us. Scientists have been saying for a prolonged time, that if this situation continues, plastic will soon become a risk for our lives. But, along with making our lives easier, it is also the root cause of the difficulties we are facing&hellip; especially non-reusable plastic, which is thrown after a single use, like bags, packaging and water bottles, etc. If we do not control the situation, then it may soon annihilate the whole human society.</p>
<p><strong>Some facts related to plastic pollution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Given the speed with which we are using it, by 2020, there will be 12 Billion tonnes of plastic wastes accumulated worldwide, which will require hundreds of years to decompose.</li>
<li>Every year, 500 Billion plastic bags are used globally.</li>
<li>Yearly, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic reaches the oceans, which is equivalent to a truck full of garbage every minute.</li>
<li>The amount of plastic produced in the last decade is more than the total amount of plastic produced in the last century.</li>
<li>Of all the plastic we use, 50% of it is used only once.</li>
<li>Every minutes, 10 million plastic bottles are bought.</li>
<li>Plastic contributes to 10% of all the wastes we produce.</li>
<li>Every year, more than 8 Million tonnes of plastic pollutes the oceans.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What can be done?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite of all the efforts being made to minimise its use, we are unable to see any positive outcomes yet due to lack of active participation from the people.</li>
<li>Plastic bags have been banned in 25 states and union territories, but its implementation still lags far behind what the numbers depict.</li>
<li>25,940 tonnes of plastic wastes are produced in India everyday; of which, 40% is not collected.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Theories of circular economy needs to be adopted</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This issue can be addressed by applying the theories of the circular economy. These theories include elimination of pollution, sustainable use of materials, creation of a natural capital in the nutritional and reproductive systems by changing the designs.</li>
<li>Circular economy is not just applicable to the global currents of plastic and clothes, but can also contribute significantly to the achievement of sustainable development goals.</li>
<li>In addition to this, there should be a system which promotes innovation; which can be connected to the design of plastic packaging, in its collection, sorting and afterwards, its reuse or recycle.</li>
<li>The best way to deal with plastic is none other than recycling. Recycling means, obtaining plastic from plastic wastes and using it to make new products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Mass participation of the people is imperative</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the Cleanliness Mission (Swachh Bharat) being carried on in the country, plastic wastes predominate villages, towns, cities-metropolitans; and it is littered all around.</li>
<li>Ignorance on the part of the government and local municipalities coupled with the contribution of the common people is responsible for the grave nature of the problem. This is the reason why, today, plastic is present, in the food we eat and the water we drink. No huge step is required in our battle against plastic; rather, we need to inculcate environment friendly actions in our daily habits. Every person has a responsibility towards the environment, and it is the collective responsibility of the population that we protect the environment for the sake of our future generations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Use jute or cloth bags while shopping.</li>
<li>Reuse the plastic bags.</li>
<li>Usen reusable crockery.</li>
<li>Reduce the purchase of packaged food items.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016</strong></p>
<p>According to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, separation of plastic wastes is expected, which will ensure that plastic and other materials can be obtained again. This will decrease the harm which is being caused to the environment.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to these rules, the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags has been increased to 50 micros from 40 microns.</li>
<li>The existing law, limited to municipal districts earlier has been extended to villages, because plastic has found its way to the villages as well.</li>
<li>By prior-registration of plastic manufacturers, suppliers and vendors; collection of plastic waste management has also begun.</li>
</ul>
<p>It needs to be pointed that presently, only one law exists to curb the use of plastic in the country, stating that no producer or vendor can sell plastic less than 50 microns in diameter. Since this law is not applicable to sell other kinds of plastic, their production has not been lowered.</p>
<p><strong>Use of plastic in the construction of roads</strong></p>
<p>Once used, the items made of plastic are thrown into the bin. However, a technique to construct roads with this plastic has been developed lately. Plastic wastes are being used to construct roads in Tatanagar, Jamshedpur, Mumbai and Tamil Nadu.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Plastic waste is mixed with Bitumen (Asphalt and Tar), which increases the durability and water resistance of the roads.</li>
<li>Bitumen is a waste product obtained from the refinement of crude oil and India imports majority of its petroleum products.</li>
<li>Thus, the consumption of bitumen will go down, if plastic wastes are used in road construction; this will save us foreign currency and pollution caused by such wastes will also be minimised.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is high time we rethink on the methods of producing and using this omnipresent plastic, which has become an indispensable part of the modern economy. On a global level, the problem of pollution caused by plastic has reached an alarming level; and it is only increasing by the day. Currently, the use of plastic is cosmopolitan, and as its demand increases, so does the usage. Since plastic requires a long time to be decomposed, and causes water, air and soil pollution; therefore, we need to take mass and immediate action regarding the production of plastic In order to free ourselves of this problem, it is a prerequisite for us to fulfil our duties on a personal level; only then will the earth be saved. Serious actions in this direction is required. As a society, we need to create a sustainable system, which reduces the use of plastic and prevents it from deteriorating our environment.</p>',
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	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture – Tackling NPAs: The New Strategy',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i9yJRMBGt2M" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<div class="border">
<p>Independent asset management companies and steering committees will be set up for faster resolution of bad loans in the banking system, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said as the government accepted a five-pronged plan of the Sunil Mehta-panel. The finance minister said the <strong>committee did not recommend setting up a 'bad bank'</strong> to deal with the mounting NPAs in state-owned banks.</p>
</div>
<h3>Sunil Mehta Panel Recommendations</h3>
<p>The panel under the chairmanship of PNB non-executive chairman Sunil Mehta has recommended a five pronged approach in Project<strong> &ldquo;Sashakt&rdquo;</strong> consisting of the following:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SME resolution approach</strong> for dealing with bad loans up to Rs 50 crore, involving creation of a steering committee by banks for formulating and validating the schemes, with a provision for additional funds.</li>
<li><strong>Bank-led resolution approach</strong> for loans between ₹50 crore and Rs. 500 crore, with the resolution being achieved in 180 days.</li>
<li><strong>Asset Management Company (AMC)/Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) led resolution approach</strong> to deal with NPA cases of more than Rs 500 crore. Alternative Investment Fund will raise resources from banks and institutional investors so that it can bid for the insolvent assets under insolvency and bankruptcy.</li>
<li><strong>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)/IBC approach</strong> for assets larger than Rs 500 crore already before the NCLT and any other assets whose resolution is still pending.</li>
<li><strong>Asset-trading platform</strong> for both performing and non-performing assets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How effective will these recommendations prove to be?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will make the task of resolution of loans for the banks easier as it prescribes for predefined norms and fixed time limits.</li>
<li>Auctioning will help in resolving the problem of stressed assets as competition in bidding will increase prices of stressed assets.</li>
<li>As government does not need to interfere for small as well as medium loans, the process will become smoother for these loans.</li>
<li>The reduction in delinquency limit to 90 days will speed up the process of resolution of loans.</li>
<li>The plan will help in turning around the assets in such a manner that will create additional jobs by reviving businesses and preventing job losses which would otherwise have occurred from these foreclosures.</li>
<li>It will bring in credible long term external capital to limit the burden on the domestic banking sector.</li>
<li>It will ensure a robust Governance and credit architecture is put in place to prevent similar build up of non-performing loans in the future.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Limitations of the panel&rsquo;s report</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The panel solely presents the bankers&rsquo; perspective and is comprised only of PSU bankers.</li>
<li>The relatively short period in which the panel came up with the report has also raised questions like whether adequate time was given to such a complex and humongous issue.</li>
<li>For loans less than Rs. 50 Crore, a time limit of 90 days is suggested. Most banks already have a time limit of 90 days for resolution of such loans. By giving it another extension of 90 days, the panel has subverted the RBI's circular of February this year that mandated the banks to report a bad loan to RBI by the 91st day and plan to take it to insolvency thereafter.</li>
<li>The suggestion of giving extra loans to revive the asset is meeting with criticism that this will lead to the evergreening of loans. Borrowers will be continuously getting loans so that they can pay the previous ones.</li>
<li>For loans of Rs 50-500 crore, the panel has suggested another bank-led resolution within 180 days. This process already exists under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is important that people within banking, law and finance come together to devise a solution for dealing with this burgeoning problem of stressed assets.</li>
<li>It is often seen that the Asset Reconstruction Companies struggle in the legal battles and are not able to recover the assets. It is important that the legal way out of this issue is institutionalized.</li>
<li>The banks need to be given more power to discipline the borrowers. The bankers need to be trained in order to skill them for lending more judiciously. For the same, legal mechanisms also need to be put up in place.</li>
<li>As we have separate commercial lending banks and retail banks, their merger has done more harm than good. It is high time we consider the separation of the two types of banks once again so that the general public does not have to bear the brunts of irresponsible lending by the banks.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
</ul>',
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	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Report on Fair Market Conduct',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) constituted a Committee on Fair Market Conduct in 2017 under the Chairmanship of Shri T.K. Viswanathan. The committee submitted its report in August 2018. The Committee was mandated to review:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The existing legal framework that deals with market abuse to ensure fair conduct in the securities market.</li>
<li>Review the surveillance, investigation and enforcement mechanisms being undertaken by SEBI to make them more effective in protecting market integrity and the interest of investors from market abuse.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Proposals</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rather than relying on the provisions of Companies Act, the committee has recommended that the <strong>SEBI Act should be amended to allow SEBI to prosecute entities that manipulate their accounts</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till now, SEBI had to invoke its insider trading laws to press charges against perpetrators.</li>
<li>This is a good move considering that SEBI has been a more proactive regulator than the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>definition of fraudulent trades</strong> under the Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Markets (PFUTP) rules has been widened to include <strong>front-running, orchestrated trades, circular trading and benchmark fixing</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Markets) Regulations, were enacted in 1995 which empowers SEBI to investigate into violations committed by any person including an investor, issuer or an intermediary associated with the securities markets.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Whistle-blowers play a key role in alerting regulators to malpractice and the report recommends that SEBI, rather than the Central Government, be empowered to grant immunity to whistle-blowers.</li>
<li>The panel has suggested that companies maintain electronic records of all price-sensitive information shared with outsiders and lists of those related to insiders as this can help in detecting cases of insider trading.</li>
<li>However, a <strong>couple of recommendations could be considered as a</strong> <strong>drawback</strong> as they could result in <strong>regulatory overreach</strong>.&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is the suggestion to characterise trading by market players in excess of their &lsquo;verifiable financial resources&rsquo; as the fraud.</li>
<li>The other is to grant SEBI powers to intercept calls.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In India, the Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) is mandated to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market.</li>
<li>However, this has had little effect on the conduct of market players, with scams, frauds and accounting manipulations cropping up all too frequently.</li>
<li>Also, developments in technology have led to increasing cyber threats that could lead to the manipulation of markets.</li>
<li>These changes have led to the need to review the securities law dealing with market abuse and the methods used for detecting, investigating and carrying out enforcement against market abuse.</li>
</ul>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-fair-market-conduct'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Lateral Door to the Indian Bureaucracy',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RQp-5PQTOJs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The government has opened up senior-level bureaucratic posts in several departments to the private sector individuals who are &ldquo;talented and motivated&rdquo; and willing to contribute in nation building. A circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) also informed the public that the government is looking for ten &ldquo;outstanding individuals&rdquo; with expertise in various fields to join the government at the level of Joint Secretary.&rdquo;</p>
<p>This is being considered as a step towards lateral recruitment to senior positions in the government.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Joint Secretary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Joint Secretary is a post and a rank under the Central Staffing Scheme of the Government of India.</li>
<li>Joint secretary is an ex-cadre post, that means that it is a temporary post and anyone can occupy it, but the position holder should have mostly had an experience as a civil servant, generally from the Indian Administrative Service, and should be a government official of high seniority.</li>
<li>The authority for creation of this post solely rests with the Cabinet of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Powers and Responsibilities</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Joint secretaries rank 26th on Indian Order of Precedence</li>
<li>Joint Secretary is the overall in-charge of the Wing of the Departments which are allocated and entrusted to him.</li>
<li>Joint secretaries are at a crucial level of senior management in the government of India and lead policy-making as well as implementation of various programs and schemes in the department assigned to them.</li>
<li>Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries worldwide are responsible for filing all affidavits and responses before the Supreme Court of respective countries.</li>
<li>They report to the secretary/additional secretary in the ministry or department.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Criteria and Other Details</h3>
<p>The persons applying for the post of a joint secretary should</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Be of more than 40 years of age</li>
<li>Be a graduate from a recognized university or institute. Higher qualifications would be an added advantage.</li>
<li>Applications to the following departments are sought: revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture, cooperation and farmers&rsquo; welfare, road transport and highway, shipping, environment, forests and climate change, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Experience</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Officers of any state or union territory government with relevant experience who are already working at an equivalent level or are eligible for an appointment to an equivalent level in their cadre.</li>
<li>Individuals working at comparable levels in public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, statutory organizations, universities, recognized research institutes.</li>
<li>Those working at comparable levels in private sector companies, consultancy organizations, international or multinational organizations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Was the Need?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Shortfall of IAS and IPS officers- The issue of dearth of IAS and IPS officers was highlighted in the Baswan Committee Report as well. However, the number of officers which can be inducted through UPSC CSE is limited and this may lead to compromise with the quality of the recruits and problems in training them at LBSNAA.</li>
<li>Administration has become complex in terms of maintaining peace and order and the government aims to develop various fields of economy.</li>
<li>The officers recruited by the means of competitive examination have the knowledge of all the generalities but lack expert knowledge in any particular field.</li>
<li>Very often, the officers who are given training for a particular domain are transferred to some other due to administrative reasons.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Has this happened for the first time?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many eminent personalities have been directly brought into the government services in the past. Nandan Nilekani, Vijay Kelkar, Arvind Subramanian and Raghuram Rajan are all cases in point.</li>
<li>Montek Singh Ahluwalia was appointed as the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.</li>
<li>Space scientist Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, who headed the Indian Space Research Organisation, and who also effectively played his role as chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and as member of the Rajya Sabha; was appointed as a member of the erstwhile Planning Commission of India.</li>
<li>Dr. Manmohan singh was appointed as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and later became Chief Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance and then Secretary in the Finance Ministry.</li>
</ul>
<p>All these persons have performed brilliantly and have been successful in their respective careers.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What led to the decision?</strong></p>
<p>The proposal of lateral entry is aimed at bringing in fresh ideas and new approaches to governance and also to augment manpower.</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>&mdash; DoPT notification</em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <em>Shashi Tharoor-led Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs</em> in May 2016 recommended for the expansion of the pool of applicants for the posts of ambassadors and high commissioners to beyond officers of the Indian Foreign Service and invite "eminent persons who have excelled in the field of community affairs, diaspora issues, foreign policy, area studies, literature, journalism etc".</li>
<li><em>Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal</em> recommended it in 2015.</li>
<li>In 2005, the <em>second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)</em> recommended an institutionalized, transparent process for lateral entry at both the Central and state levels.</li>
<li>The need for specialized skills and knowledge to inform policy-making and administration is more important than ever and consequently. <em>The Surinder Nath Committee and the Hota Committee</em> followed suit in 2003 and 2004, respectively, as did the second ARC.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Revision of Civil Services Examination</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><em>The Union Public Service Commission has so far constituted following committees for review of different aspects of Civil Services Examination including the language issues:</em></li>
<li>Kothari Committee &ndash; In 1976, the Kothari committee recommended a sequential system of examination based on the dictum that &ldquo;the average quality would get richer as the stream proceeds from one &lsquo;stage to the next'. Accordingly the examination was designed as a sequential three stage process - an objective type Preliminary examination, a Main examination and finally a Personality Test.</li>
<li>In 1989, Satish Chandra Committee was appointed to suggest reforms and accordingly, an &lsquo;Essay' paper was introduced and the marks for the Interview were enhanced.</li>
<li>Y.K. Alagh Committee, in 2001, recommended significant changes and it was this committee along with the committee discussed next that led to the introduction of a Civil Services Aptitude Test at the Preliminary level from the year 2011.</li>
<li>S.K. Khanna committee, chaired by ex-chairman, All India Council for Technical Education with engineering and management professors and bureaucrats as its members tried to remove the confusion that was created by so many former committees. The committee recommended a CSAT format, which was discussed within the UPSC and a draft sent to the government for approval. The present CSAT was notified.</li>
<li>Nigavekar Committee is thought to induce a system in UPSC pattern to judge the communications skills of the candidate, be it in any language.</li>
<li>Baswan Committee about which we had already discussed was the last such committee to give recommendations to the UPSC.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>How the civil servants are selected in other countries</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In Ireland and the United Kingdom, experience gained in both the civil service and the private sector is taken into account when appointments are made.</li>
<li>In USA also the private intellectual is used in high posts what is known as the spoils system.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Advantages of Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will bring subject field expertise who can contribute in a multitude of ways to nation building. Domains like environment and energy, which are forming the new fronts of development, need to be worked upon with prior knowledge and experience.</li>
<li>This will also serve as a platform for inoculating new ideas and fresh methodologies in the governance.</li>
<li>The competitive nature of the private players will bring more focused and target-oriented approach in the rather archaic civil services.</li>
<li>Right now, the civil services suffer from complacency and red-tapism. This step may bring more customer focus in the public welfare schemes and projects.</li>
<li>Private sector is observed to have stricter norms regarding corruption, better risk management methodologies and other skills to the bureaucracy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Regarding Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The process of selection is one of the key issues related to this concept. As of now, the recruitments to these posts are made by the virtue of a competitive exam conducted by UPSC which is a constitutional body. This ensures transparency and fairness in the selection procedure. However, if the lateral entry selections are made by any other body, chances of it being politically influenced are high.</li>
<li>The three to five year time limit for the lateral entry recruits is not enough for making any significant contribution to the department they are inducted to.</li>
<li>It is possible that the new recruits may use this opportunity to make contacts and private gains as the period of their service is too short to be taken as a career alternative.</li>
<li>As the private sector is profit-driven, the persons working in that may also have the same approach which is quite contrary to the administrative service as it is welfare-driven.</li>
<li>Even if the lateral entrants possess knowledge regarding the subject matter they may be severely lacking the knowledge of ground-level realities and motivation to serve the nation.</li>
<li>The evaluation of the performance of such high level posts will be difficult due to the amorphous and complex nature of the job and till the selected applicant is being evaluated for his job he would be going to get terminated as there is time limit of three to five years.</li>
<li>One of the prominent questions which may arise out of this new system is that whether there will be reservations for the scheduled and other backwards classes in it.</li>
<li>Many recruits from private sectors like those in Air India and Vayudoot (State owned regional airline) couldn't leave a mark.</li>
<li>Sometimes, even the East India Company is cited as an example of a failure that occurs when a profit seeking entity takes over the task of governance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though the concept of lateral entry is innovative and will bring more inclusivity and diversity in the governance, it needs to be implemented properly in a phased manner.</li>
<li>It needs to be ensured that the process of selection of lateral entrants remains fair and transparent.</li>
<li>The lateral entrants should be provided with proper training so that they can use their ideas for the benefit of the public.</li>
<li>The time period of inductance should be extended. This will ensure more accountability on the part of entrants and will give them career security as well.</li>
<li>It is also imperative that along with including personalities from diverse arenas, the existing system is reformed internally, made competitive and freed of political pressures. It is high time that the bureaucratic system sheds off the colonial burden, develops a culture of honesty and trust and inculcates innovative ideas.</li>
</ul>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-lateral-door-to-the-indian-bureaucracy'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Jodhpur tops Railway Cleanliness Survey Conducted by the Quality Council of India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Jodhpur and Marwar</strong> in Rajasthan were declared the <strong>cleanest railway stations</strong> in the recently released <strong>survey</strong> conducted by the <strong>Quality Council of India (QCI)</strong> covering 407 major railway stations -- 75 in A1 category and 332 in A category stations.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first survey was conducted by the <strong>IRCTC</strong> followed by <strong>QCI</strong> in the second and third surveys.</li>
<li><strong>Clean toilets at platforms, clean tracks and dustbins at stations</strong> were some of the criterias for judging railway stations for cleanliness.</li>
<li><strong>Jaipur</strong> has bagged the second rank followed by <strong>Tirupati</strong> in the third spot.</li>
<li><strong>Mathura</strong>, a station frequented by devotees to the Krishna temple, is adjudged the least clean station among the major 75 stations.</li>
<li>As per policymakers in Railways, the survey showed improvement in overall cleanliness at stations as compared to 2017.</li>
<li>In the <strong>cleanest zone category,</strong> <strong>North Western Railway (NWR)</strong> topped the list followed by <strong>The South Central Railway (SCR)</strong> and <strong>The East Coast Railway (ECR)</strong> in the second and third position.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Quality Council of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Quality Council of India (QCI)</strong> set up in 1997 is a pioneering experiment of the Government of India in setting up organizations in partnership with the <strong>Indian industry</strong>.</li>
<li>Its mandate is to establish and operate the <strong>National Accreditation Structure (NAS)</strong> for conformity assessment bodies and providing accreditation in the field of <strong>health, education and quality promotion</strong> .</li>
<li>Besides the role of putting in place the accreditation structure, it also promotes the adoption of quality standards relating to <strong>Quality Management Systems , Food Safety Management Systems</strong> and Product Certification and Inspection Bodies through the accreditation services provided by <strong>National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)</strong>.</li>
<li>Indian industry is represented in QCI by three premier industry associations namely <strong>ASSOCHAM; CII; and FICCI.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jodhpur-tops-railway-cleanliness-survey-conducted-by-the-quality-council-of-india'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Undoing A Legacy of Injustice',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial appears today in The Hindu, August 13, 2018, and provides a good backgrounder and way-forward on the issue of decriminalization of beggary)</p>
</div>
<p>In, Harsh Mander v. Union of India and Karnika Sawhney v. Union of India, the Delhi High Court strikes down the Begging Act saying that &lsquo;certain sections of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959, as extended to Delhi&rsquo; is unconstitutional.</p>
<p>The Indian Constitution is evolving. Earlier citizens of the country tended to be treated as &lsquo;subjects&rsquo; (a colonial hangover), whereas now, citizens are being treated as &lsquo;rights-bearing&rsquo; individuals. There have been other similar laws, like the Criminal Tribes Act (1871), passed by the British that were racist in nature as such laws tended to segregate and mark as &lsquo;criminal&rsquo; entire groups and communities based on their birth, occupation and nature.</p>
<p>The Begging Act, though passed in independent India, was not completely free from colonial-type prejudices. This law was passed in the erstwhile State of Bombay and was gradually adopted by many states like Delhi in form and matter. This law not only criminalizes begging but also criminalizes the dependents (i.e. family) of a beggar. The &lsquo;offence of begging&rsquo; could send a beggar to 3 years in prison for first offence and up to 10 years for subsequent offenses. This Act gives the power to police to arrest without a warrant and gives magistrates the power to commit beggars to a &lsquo;certified institution&rsquo; which is typically a detention center. The act also authorizes the separation of children older than 5 years from their beggar parents.</p>
<p>Begging had been defined in the Act thus:<em> &ldquo;soliciting or receiving alms, in a public place whether or not under any pretence such as singing, dancing, fortune telling, performing or offering any article for sale&rdquo; and &ldquo;having no visible means of subsistence and wandering about or remaining in any public place in such condition or manner, as makes it likely that the person doing so exist soliciting or receiving alms&rdquo;.</em> Thus, this Act went beyond begging and targeted groups and communities whose life-style did not match the &lsquo;mainstream stereotypes of the sedentary, law-abiding citizen with a settled job&rsquo;. This goes against the grain of equality enshrined in the Constitution. This has racist undertones that openly discriminate against the poor and destitute and &lsquo;whose presence is perceived to be a bother and a nuisance&rsquo;.</p>
<p>Even in countries of the western, developed world, there had been a general disgust for the poor. There were poorhouses in Europe, in the 19<sup>th</sup> century that tried to segregate the poor from the others. These poorhouses were &lsquo;based on a philosophy of first criminalizing poverty, and then making it invisible by physically removing &ldquo;offenders&rdquo; from public spaces&rsquo;. A similar phenomenon was manifested when in the time of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Delhi government took beggars off the streets - in an attempt to save the country from embarrassment in front of visiting athletes and spectators. In fact, similar exercises are carried out regularly during the preparation of national events such as Independence Day and Republic Day.</p>
<p>To conclude, the Honourable Court has rightly said that &lsquo;it was the state&rsquo;s responsibility to provide the basic necessities for survival &mdash; food, clothing, shelter &mdash; to all its citizens&rsquo; and that &lsquo;poverty was the result of the state&rsquo;s inability &mdash; or unwillingness &mdash; to discharge these obligations&rsquo;. It also added that &lsquo;the state could not turn around and criminalize the most visible and public manifestation of its own failures &mdash; and indeed, penalize people who were doing nothing more than communicating the reality of their situation to the public&rsquo;. This dismantling of a vicious and enduring legacy of colonialism need to be followed by other courts of the country - the IPC needs to cleaned of any and all such laws that &lsquo;subjectifies&rsquo; Indian citizens.</p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Understand that poverty is a systemic and structural problem that will not go away with the simple repeal of an Act.</li>
<li>Therefore, in order to reform society, to remove poverty, the Legislature must swing into action and replace these punitive measures with programs for rehabilitation and integration for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of the society.</li>
<li>We should also cherish and support the transformative character of the Constitution, which is at the forefront undoing legacies of injustice and securing for all individuals and communities the right to equality.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delhi-high-court-decriminalises-beggary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read More...</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/undoing-a-legacy-of-injustice'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Do’s and Don’ts on Examination Eve',
		'catname' => 'GS Prelims Strategy',
		'desc' => '<p>The evening and the night before the examination day is crucial. <em>How you spend this night will be a factor in your performance. Here are the tried and tested recommendations that should work for sincere aspirants.</em></p>
<h3>Food And Sleep &mdash; Most Important</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sleep early, sleep well, set two alarms.</strong> You may be sleeping late and irregularly in the last week or month before the exam. But the night before the D-day is too crucial to be deprived of sleep and peace of mind. You must have heard of stories where people clear Prelims even when they didn&rsquo;t sleep the night before it. Don&rsquo;t get moved by such stories and ensure that you sleep for a healthy six to eight hours; a sleep-deprived you will make errors in examination because you won't be able to focus in the exam hall. If you have insomnia and need sleeping pills, then plan that well ahead. And set two alarms on different machines (<g class="gr_ gr_186 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="186" data-gr-id="186">smart phone</g> and alarm clock) and ensure they are far enough from <g class="gr_ gr_185 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="185" data-gr-id="185">bed</g> and set to full volume.</li>
<li><strong>Eat early; eat tried and tested food.</strong> <g class="gr_ gr_189 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="189" data-gr-id="189">Light</g> meal is important at night; do not stuff your stomach with food, you need to feel good in the morning and not worry about constipation, digestion and acidity. Also, do not experiment with food; avoid junk food, carbonated drinks or alcohol. Eat what is known to sit well with your stomach.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Do not think <g class="gr_ gr_180 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="180" data-gr-id="180">on</g> <g class="gr_ gr_179 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="179" data-gr-id="179">bed</g>; save your brain for the exam day.</strong> It is natural to worry about your prospects in the PT exam. And almost twelve hours before it, when you are in bed, your mind will remind you of it more than anything else. Try to take control of your mind; tell yourself that &lsquo;all is well.&rsquo; Either you will think and worry, or you will sleep. Worrying won&rsquo;t improve anything, including your scores in the PT exam, in the morning.</li>
<li><strong>What&rsquo;s your morning food?</strong> Be kind on your stomach; don&rsquo;t give it surprises. You need to feel light and alert; food will play a role in that. Do you like oats porridge, with some banana and honey?</li>
<li><strong>What are you eating between exam sessions?</strong> If you are with <g class="gr_ gr_174 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="174" data-gr-id="174">family</g>, then you are probably carrying lunch to the exam hall. Carry food suitable for the season; choose fruits, light whole wheat bread sandwiches. Avoid surveying the area in <g class="gr_ gr_175 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="175" data-gr-id="175">lunch time</g> for new food; look after your stomach for some more hours; eat carelessly after the PT.</li>
<li><strong>Avoid hyperactive friends, relatives and strangers.</strong> There are &lsquo;forever worried&rsquo; aspirants who live in perpetual fear of UPSC and imagine rejection all the time instead of focusing on preparation. Avoid such people; keep off paranoia and believe in yourself. Also, a family member or a distant relative could be bothersome and should be avoided. Avoid talking to strangers in Metro or bus to exam hall; people generally have an exalted view of UPSC and IAS and they may hail or praise you unnecessarily. Don&rsquo;t be a part of the emotional theatrical behaviour of others.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Logistics: Admit Card, Stationery, Money, Travel</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Keep the e-Admit Card ready.</strong> Keep the legibly printed admit card ready, on your table. Preferably, keep extra copies in your bag and other pockets; take no chances. To make it <g class="gr_ gr_194 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="194" data-gr-id="194">fool proof</g>, upload a soft copy to a cloud drive such as Google drive and memorize the short link (e.g. goo. <g class="gr_ gr_195 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="195" data-gr-id="195">gl</g>/EXAMple). The UPSC rules also say that &ldquo;<em>you are responsible for safe custody</em> of the e-Admit Card and in the event of any other person using this e-Admit Card, the onus lies on you to prove that you have not used the service of <g class="gr_ gr_192 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="192" data-gr-id="192">any</g> impersonator.&rdquo; Also, <em>&ldquo;candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card will have to bring a <strong>photo identity proof</strong> viz. Aadhar Card, Driving Licence, Passport, Voter I Card etc. and two passport size photographs one for each session for appearing in the examination with an undertaking.&rdquo;</em></li>
<li><strong>Keep black <g class="gr_ gr_158 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="158" data-gr-id="158">ball point</g> pens ready.</strong> Your stationery box should have black <g class="gr_ gr_164 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="164" data-gr-id="164">ball point</g> pens to fill the OMR sheet. You may carry pencils also for rough work. One black pen may ditch you; keep two or more with you preferably of the make that you like and which does not leak or bloat when used to <g class="gr_ gr_154 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="154" data-gr-id="154">fill</g> <g class="gr_ gr_155 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep gr-progress" id="155" data-gr-id="155">circle</g>.</li>
<li><strong>Read the instructions given by UPSC.</strong> Not many people do that; you don&rsquo;t have to learn from them. Read all instructions the UPSC gives and check out the &ldquo;Poster&rdquo; containing instructions displayed outside the Examination Hall.</li>
<li><strong>Plan your exam-day travel before bed.&nbsp;</strong>You should have Google <g class="gr_ gr_184 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="184" data-gr-id="184">mapsearched</g> the examination centre and should know its location. If you are going with friends, then you should have planned the taxi or decided about using Ola, Uber and so on. Remember, you must reach the exam hall at least twenty minutes before the scheduled start which is 9:30 AM. Account for rain, Metro breakdown or your Metro card failure, traffic jam, tyre puncture etc. In short, give yourself a headstart. <em>&ldquo;You will not be admitted to the examination if you report 10 minutes after the scheduled commencement of the examination.&rdquo;</em></li>
<li><strong>Check the UPSC website.</strong> It does happen <g class="gr_ gr_148 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="148" data-gr-id="148">some times</g> that the UPSC publishes <g class="gr_ gr_149 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="149" data-gr-id="149">notification</g> on change <g class="gr_ gr_150 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="150" data-gr-id="150">on</g> centres (though it doesn&rsquo;t happen just a day before the exam). You won&rsquo;t lose much by checking the website for any updates just the same.</li>
<li><strong>Decide your exam-day clothes.</strong> Avoid clothes that don&rsquo;t suit the season (e.g. wear cotton, avoid itchy stuff if in Delhi). Check weather update; keep umbrella, sunglasses, extra spectacles ready if needed.</li>
<li><strong>Decide on last-minute revision material.</strong> If you need last-minute reassurances (revision minutes before gate entry or during break) then decide and keep your material in <g class="gr_ gr_161 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="161" data-gr-id="161">bag</g>. Many people study around exam halls; it is a personal choice. It is best avoided. Easier said than done. And on the PT day, if you are among the lucky ones who can afford to visit homes in break time, then <em>do not take a nap and fall asleep</em> on <g class="gr_ gr_166 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="166" data-gr-id="166">cosy</g> home bed.</li>
<li><strong>Keep paper, tissues, drinking water in <g class="gr_ gr_146 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="146" data-gr-id="146">bag</g>.</strong> Keep old newspaper in <g class="gr_ gr_145 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="145" data-gr-id="145">bag</g> to handle food or to use for sitting in the park or on pavements during the break. Keep tissues, potable water too in your bag.</li>
<li><strong>What&rsquo;s your roll number, aspirant?</strong> Memorise it; you will need it over the next year if you are a serious candidate. On the PT day, you will not need to see <g class="gr_ gr_153 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="153" data-gr-id="153">your</g> admit card to find your seat location in the exam hall. Also, any <em>&ldquo;error in filling in details in the OMR sheet especially with regard to Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code, will render the answer sheet liable for rejection.&rdquo;</em></li>
<li><strong>Carry a <g class="gr_ gr_157 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="157" data-gr-id="157">wrist watch</g> to exam hall; no IT gadgets, no valuable items.</strong> Avoid carrying a phone, Bluetooth devices, calculator in PT exam (however, non-programmable type calculator is allowed in GS Mains), and expensive goods in your carry bag to the exam hall. <g class="gr_ gr_167 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="167" data-gr-id="167">Commission</g> is not responsible for <g class="gr_ gr_169 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="169" data-gr-id="169">loss</g> of such things, <g class="gr_ gr_171 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="171" data-gr-id="171">clearly</g> say the UPSC rules. And you don&rsquo;t want to invite disciplinary action or get banned by the UPSC for infringement of rules.</li>
<li><strong>You know your Exam Centre, right?</strong> Be absolutely sure you know your exam centre. It does happen that there are many exam venues in the same area which could be confusing especially when they have similar names such as the NP Girls School and NP Bengali Girls School (both at Gole Market, Delhi). It is good to google your centre days before the exam and <g class="gr_ gr_162 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="162" data-gr-id="162">call</g> the school administration for clarity if needed. And verify the venue of examination the moment you arrive.</li>
<li>UPSC rules say, <em>&ldquo;Orthopedically / Visually Impaired candidates, who have opted for their own scribe, may note that their own scribe will be allowed for the exam only with a<strong> separate e-Admit Card</strong> for such scribe. The e-Admit Cards for the own scribes will be issued separately.&rdquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; background-color: #e7ffb8;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px; background-color: #a4c404;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>A Quick Review</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 221px;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 221px;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>You are sleeping early and long enough; you are putting alarm(s) for the morning.</li>
<li>You are eating early, and not trying new foods.</li>
<li>You are avoiding hyperactive friends, relatives.</li>
<li>You have the e-admit card, ID proof, black <g class="gr_ gr_136 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="136" data-gr-id="136">ball point</g> pen, wallet with enough money ready.</li>
<li>You are carrying a <g class="gr_ gr_137 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="137" data-gr-id="137">wrist watch</g> to <g class="gr_ gr_139 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="139" data-gr-id="139">exam</g> hall and no IT gadgets or valuable items.</li>
<li>You have planned your <g class="gr_ gr_138 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="138" data-gr-id="138">examday</g> travel (metro, bus, taxi, clothes you wear).</li>
<li>You have checked the UPSC website for <g class="gr_ gr_135 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="135" data-gr-id="135">any</g> update.</li>
<li>You know your roll number.</li>
<li>You are doubly sure of the examination venue.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prelims/gs-prelims-strategy/dos-and-donts-on-examination-eve'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Strategy for Mains',
		'catname' => 'Mains Strategy',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>&lsquo;Strategy for Mains&rsquo; has been prepared using inputs from various honest and trustworthy sources like ex-students with experience of appearing in Mains, students who have excelled in last year&rsquo;s Mains and from candidates who have over the years shared their valuable insight on Mains examination with us.</p>
<p>This strategy is also very flexible in that it allows you to concentrate on your daily studies while aggressively pushing yourself towards newer boundaries. Please do not hesitate to challenge or customize the various stratagems you&rsquo;ll find mentioned here because we want you to adapt and evolve according to your own strengths and weaknesses when preparing for the Mains examination. We wish you good luck on your efforts and sincerely hope your name appears on the final cut-off list!</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Team Drishti</em></p>
</div>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">Do&rsquo;s and Dont&rsquo;s</span></h3>
<p><strong>What&rsquo;s done is done, don&rsquo;t look back</strong></p>
<p>One of the first suggestions that we are going to make is not to fell succumb to stress and hopelessness if you could not made it through prelims this year.This is because even if somebody doesn&rsquo;t clear the Prelims this year, and if he or she is a serious contender, there is always the possibility of clearing the Prelims in the next year. Preparation done today i.e in 2018 will surely help in 2019!</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">Understanding Mains</span></h3>
<p><strong>&lsquo;Horses for courses&rsquo; approach</strong></p>
<p>The fundamental difference between CSE Prelims and Mains is that while the Prelims focusses on recognition (of information) and requires an exhaustive study covering a wide variety of topics, Mains need the ability to recall, analyse and express (ideas and information, including one&rsquo;s own thoughts) properly which can only be done through an intensive study of the topic. Therefore it is very important to stay focussed and cover in-depth, the topics that you have picked for Mains and in doing so you have to match your skills with the subject at hand. Using the right approach and picking the right parts of the syllabus for intensive study will not only help manage time but also garner more marks in the end.</p>
<p>It is also equally important to understand the syllabus for the Mains pretty well. The syllabus is designed in such a manner that it cannot be directly studied in isolation from current happenings. Moreover the syllabus is open-ended and requires much analysis and an understanding of the underlying trends and ideas. In order to help you grasp the Mains syllabus we have divided it into &lsquo;core and peripheral&rsquo; areas. Core areas are essential to help build the &lsquo;Mains vocabulary&rsquo; and should not be ignored at any costs. If due to the paucity of time one is unable to thoroughly study all of the core areas of the syllabus, at least the basic level of study, by going through the relevant NCERTs, must be done. The peripheral areas can be safely kept aside for study in free time or can be covered when the core areas are done.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper I</span></h3>
<p><strong>Indian National Movement and Post Independence consolidation of India.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The questions are interlinked pertaining to a number of affairs. For example- Linking Gandhian ideology to the national movement. So focus should on underlying themes rather than the events.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bipin Chandra&rsquo;s India&rsquo;s Struggle for Independence and India Since independence.</li>
<li>Also Focus on current based themes such as anniversaries of any important event during the Freedom Struggle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Society</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare current affairs based questions. For Basics &ndash; Indian Society Class XI Ncert.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Geography</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare important geographical phenomena with special focus on Human Geography.</li>
<li>Class XI and XII NCERTs.</li>
<li>Focus on Important Geophysical phenomenon - Earthquakes, Tsunami, Landslide etc in news.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>World History</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Focus areas are the Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions and the World Wars.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Class IX and X NCERTs</li>
<li>Mastering Modern World History - Norman Lowe</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper&ndash;II</span></h3>
<p><strong>Federal relation between Union &amp; States Separation of Powers between various institutions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Usually current based Questions are asked.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For basics, follow Lakshmikant without getting into detail like for Prelims.</li>
<li>For Current DCAT or any other standard magazine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comparison of Indian Constitution with various constitutions of important countries</strong></p>
<p><strong>Government Policies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India Year Book 2018.</li>
<li>Last one year Yojana and Kurukshetra. (For effort maximization refer to Academic Vitamins in DCAT for in depth analysis).</li>
<li>Focus on CAG report on government schemes in news.</li>
<li>Also focus on Flagship schemes of the government and their impact.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>NGOs and SHGs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Question related to issues in news are mostly asked.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Internet for basic functions of NGOs and SHGs and their role in Indian democracy.</li>
<li>DCAT Magazine Articles, TTP, Academic Vitamins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issues relating to poverty and hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Question related to issues in news are mostly asked.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DCAT Magazine Articles, TTP, Academic Vitamins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>E-Governance</strong></p>
<p><strong>International Relations</strong></p>
<p><strong>International institutions</strong></p>
<p><strong>Electoral Reforms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare from current affairs. For eg. The simultaneous holding of elections.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DCAT August Issue for in depth analysis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper III</span></h3>
<p><strong>Agricultural Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare time tested areas like Farm subsidies, MSP, Irrigation etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Macroeconomic issues that are &lsquo;in the news&rsquo; including issues on infrastructure like waterways, railways and ports</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare topics like Monetary Policy, RBI&rsquo;s role in the economy, Employment viz. skill training, Economic Survey Vol. II, 25 years of LPG subsidy, Civil Aviation Policy etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Science &amp; Tech.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare from current affairs topics New Technologies, India&rsquo;s Defence and Space program, Milestone development in Medical Science, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Hindu Science and Tech segment for the last one year. (Refer to archives in case you have missed any segment).</li>
<li>DCAT september issue supplement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Environment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare exclusively from current affairs but also study the science behind the facts. For example, topics like CAMPA Bill or the man animal conflict viz. culling etc.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Economic Survey chapter on Climate Change.</li>
<li>DCAT supplement.</li>
<li>India Year Book environment chapter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Disaster Management</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare from current affairs keeping an eye out for policy frameworks. Topics like Urban flooding and water crisis, Drought and Farmer&rsquo;s suicides, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the National Disaster Management Plan should be prepared.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NCERT class XI: Physical environment.</li>
<li>DCAT October issue supplement.</li>
<li>ARC recommendations (only summary).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Internal Security</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Traditional topics connected with current affairs is the way to go. For example, Cross border terrorism and Mob lynchings , AFSPA, Money laundering viz. Fugitive Absconders Bill, NRC and Assam Accord etc.</li>
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DCAT October issue Supplement.</li>
<li>Internal Security of India-Tata Mcgraw Hills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">GS Paper-IV</span></h3>
<p><strong>Case Studies</strong></p>
<p>Best prepared after consulting previous years Q&amp;As. There are lots of case studies out there so knowing which ones to read and which ones to not read will save a lot of time. Please go through previous DCAT issues and the forthcoming Ethics supplement that we are working on.</p>
<p><strong>Ethics</strong></p>
<p>Prepare on topics that have current relevance, like Doping (ethics in sports). Also prepare on ethical issues in corporate governance, Civil Service, environment and the art of ethical living, international issues and relations.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sources
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Leadership</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prepare ethical biographies and understand the reasons behind some of the historical decisions taken by the leaders (like Gandhi) who shaped Indian history and society.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The art of coverage of Mains syllabus</strong> is a secret that very few will share in all honesty. The untold secret of Mains prep is the fact that the syllabus cannot be covered 100%. The most brilliant of candidates will testify that even their own coverage of the syllabus was not completely 100%. The best way to, therefore, prepare for the Mains is to selectively choose or leave topics. But such decisions have to be taken after due considerations and not just randomly. Topics that have been in the news are generally considered as more important. So they must be prepared at all costs.</p>
<p>There are going to be areas of the syllabus that you will be familiar with and there will be topics that will be relatively easier for you to master. These areas should serve as your strength and in no way should you take them lightly. These areas should rather be intensively studied, so that whenever a question comes from &lsquo;your area of expertise&rsquo; you can answer them with gusto and lucidity. For areas in the syllabus that you find challenging it is best to tackle them relentlessly until you succeed but it must also be kept in mind that time is of the essence here. Do not waste time chasing after topics, the study of which require unreasonable amounts of time. Remember to maximize your gains and cut your losses</p>
<h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">The art of Answer Writing</span></h3>
<p>Please go through the following points and remember them by heart because it will help you not only in CSE Mains but also everytime you open a question paper in any examination at your life.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To write an answer first understand the question. Every question should be read and re-read at least two to three times before attempting an answer. In the meaning of the question lies the secret to a good answer. Only if the aspirant can understand what the question is demanding then he or she can treat it with finesse. Please consult the table given here to see what different types of questions mean.</li>
<li>Before attempting an answer it is necessary to have at least a bare minimum framework for the answer. Things like how to begin, what point should come where and how to close the answer, should be decided before-hand. This helps streamline thoughts and saves valuable time. You can use the rough pages in the answer sheet for this purpose.</li>
<li>Always and as a rule of thumb answer only what the question demands. Do not write unnecessary things or give useless data (false information is even worse) related to the topic but not demanded by the question. This will generate a negative impression on the examiner and may even affect the marking process. It will also save time. If there are multiple parts in a question, remember to answer the question completely and not just one part - do justice to all parts of the question. Also do not overshoot the word limit as it would be a double penalty as one would lose out on time and may also be penalized by the paper checker.</li>
<li>When writing an answer always end on a positive note. Even after an intense criticism, find a way to end on a positive note. This is because the Mains test is meant for budding Civil Servants and not University students. Civil Servants are supposed to be positive individuals with a positive outlook in life. So, remember to put yourself in the shoes of a Civil Servant while answering any question in the Mains examination. Remember the saying &lsquo;every dark cloud has its silver lining&rsquo; and apply it to your answer writing.</li>
<li>This is perhaps one of the most popular and yet one of the best advices for someone aiming to conquer the Mains exam - Practice Makes A Man Perfect. Practising answer-writing is a quintessential part of any Mains preparation. Write answers (including essays) daily and try to get them evaluated by either peers or professionals. Any form of evaluation is better than practising answer-writing all by oneself. You may join the Drishti IAS Mains test series for evaluating your answers. Remember that keeping stock of progress is very important and should be done at regular intervals.</li>
<li>Last but not the least, it is imperative to address the language side of the UPSC answer-writing technique UPSC wants its candidates to write in precise, easy to understand language while avoiding &lsquo;flowery language&rsquo;. This basically means that if an aspirant has a good command over the language he or she is writing in, it is best to write simple and fluid sentences while avoiding complex words and unnecessary stylistic elements. For those who have to struggle a bit with the written language it is best to write in points or bullets the main parts of the answer, while writing simple and easy introductions and conclusions in paragraphs. It is therefore important to remember that for CSE Mains, <em>&lsquo;content is more important than expression&rsquo;,</em> but at the same time mistakes in things like grammar and spellings may sometimes cause a reduction in marks. So, it does no harm in practising answer-writing that is expressive and yet free from common spelling and grammatical mistakes.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #f5d7fc;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">
<p><strong>Directive</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">
<p>&nbsp;<strong>Meaning</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top;">
<p>&nbsp;<strong>Answer Structure</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Comment</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 50px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Comment choose your position on the subject/issue and stick to it.</li>
<li>Provide arguments and examples/facts to support your choice.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 50px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Start with an introduction.</li>
<li>Follow with a body containing your opinions and the relevant examples/facts.</li>
<li>Finish with a short and precise conclusion.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 68px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 68px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Critically Comment</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 68px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Critically Comment mention both sides of the arguments including both the positive and negative points.</li>
<li>Your opinions in the answer should be based on facts.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 68px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin the answer by writing the positive arguments first, followed by the negative arguments.</li>
<li>Based on your opinion conclude by supporting either the positive or the negative argument.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 55px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 55px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Examine</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 55px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Examine probe deeper into the given subject/issue.</li>
<li>Support your answer by going into details like the causes, implications and what is being done about it.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 55px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin with a brief discussion of the various aspects of the issue at hand.</li>
<li>Follow it up with the details and conclude in the same paragraph.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 117px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 117px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Critically Examine</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 117px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A Critical Examination requires going into details of the issue while also mentioning the strengths and weaknesses.</li>
<li>The answer must also carry whatever consequences/implications the issue may have. This includes consequences for any action taken over the issue.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 117px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To answer, first write the strengths or the positive aspects, then write the weaknesses or the negative aspects.</li>
<li>Third paragraph should carry the consequences.</li>
<li>Conclude briefly without taking sides.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 107px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 107px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Discuss</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 107px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Discussion requires a broadly covered and all encompassing answer.</li>
<li>Also have to mention both Positive/negative and strength/weakness.</li>
<li>The causes and consequences are also to be mentioned.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 107px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin with an introduction.</li>
<li>Then write the Positive/Negative part.</li>
<li>Follow it up by framing the causes and consequences.</li>
<li>In next paragraph provide the solutions, remedies/prescription or suggestions for the issue.</li>
<li>Conclude by covering the issue holistically.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 101px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 101px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Evaluate</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 101px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Evaluate, assess both sides of the statement.</li>
<li>Follow it up by mentioning the worth or usefulness of the subject.</li>
<li>Also mention both the positive and negative arguments.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 101px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Begin with an introduction to the topic then write in paragraphs the positive and negative arguments respectively.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 12px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Critically Evaluate</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Almost the same as to Evaluate with the exception of requiring to establish the &ldquo;value&rdquo; of something.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Same as above.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67px;">
<td width="119" style="width: 15.4336%; height: 67px; vertical-align: middle;">
<p>Analyse</p>
</td>
<td width="328" style="width: 42.5617%; height: 67px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To Analyse, break the main idea into constituent ideas.</li>
<li>Then simply Examine each part separately.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="322" style="width: 41.9252%; height: 67px; vertical-align: top;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Write a short introduction.</li>
<li>Then explain the broken down ideas one by one.</li>
<li>Write a conclusion addressing the main idea.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mains/mains-strategy/strategy-for-mains'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'India May Miss 100 GW Solar Power Target by 2022: Crisil Report',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>According to a recent report released by rating agency CRISIL, India may not reach its ambitious National Solar Mission target to add 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity by 2022.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, India has a capacity to generate 21.65 GW of solar power and is expected to make an additional 56-58 GW of solar capacity addition between FY19 and FY23.</li>
<li>A safeguard duty on solar modules from China and Malaysia has slowed the solar capacity addition. The fast-growing Indian market for solar components is dominated by Chinese companies due to their competitive pricing.</li>
<li>The surge in imports led the government to impose a safeguard duty from 30 July for two years on solar cells and modules imported from China and Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> What is a safeguard duty?<br />A safeguard duty or technically, product safeguard duty is a tariff or tax imposed by a country on the import of a specific commodity on the ground that the import is creating injuries to the local manufactures. Low pricing or cheap imports is an important reason for imposing safeguard duty.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Individual states have also set aggressive targets under their respective solar policies. However, state government projects are not as well-funded and they have less access to cheap financing.</li>
<li>India's solar mission target for the rooftop segment of 40 GW by 2022 is the key concern. Under this segment, the rooftops of commercial and industrial units are used to generate power to reduce dependence on the grid. However, since the cost of solar power at rooftops is expected to be higher it is not expected to add more than 8 GW by 2023.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was launched in 2009 with a target for Grid Connected Solar Projects of 20,000 MW by 2022.</li>
<li>The sector has witnessed rapid development with installed solar capacity increasing rapidly from 18 MW to about 3800 MW during 2010 - 15.</li>
<li>In 2015, Government of India gave its approval for stepping up of India&rsquo;s solar power capacity target by five times, reaching 1,00,000 MW by 2022.</li>
<li>The target will principally comprise of 40 GW Rooftop and 60 GW through Large and Medium Scale Grid Connected Solar Power Projects.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>The Government of India has set itself a target of 100 GW of solar power by 2022, of which 60 GW is to come from utilities and 40 GW from rooftop solar installations. While the 60 GW target seems achievable, the country is lagging behind on the target set for rooftop solar.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With a view to accelerating the deployment of rooftop solar power in the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed the &lsquo;Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI)&rsquo; scheme.</li>
<li>The government has set a target of reaching 100 GW of solar power installed capacity in the country by 2022, of which 40 GW is targeted through the solar rooftop.</li>
<li>The Ministry is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Power Programme in which subsidy/incentives are being provided for residential, institutional, social and Government sector. States/UTs have also taken conducive policy and regulatory measures for the promotion of solar rooftop.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What is rooftop solar?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rooftop solar installations &mdash; as opposed to large-scale solar power generation plants &mdash; can be installed on the roofs of buildings. As such, they fall under two brackets: commercial and residential. This simply has to do with whether the solar panels are being installed on top of commercial buildings or residential complexes.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What are the benefits?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rooftop solar provides companies and residential areas the option of an alternative source of electricity to that provided by the grid. While the main benefit of this is to the environment, since it reduces the dependence on fossil-fuel generated electricity, solar power can also augment the grid supply in places where it is erratic.</li>
<li>Rooftop solar also has the great benefit of being able to provide electricity to those areas that are not yet connected to the grid &mdash; remote locations and areas where the terrain makes it difficult to set up power stations and lay power lines.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why is it not being adopted widely?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One of the major problems with rooftop solar &mdash; and what affects solar energy generation in general &mdash; is the variability in supply. Not only can the efficiency of the solar panels vary on any given day depending on how bright the sunlight is, but the solar panels also produce no electricity during the night. Arguably, the night is when off-grid locations most need alternative sources of electricity.</li>
<li>Another major reason why rooftop solar is not becoming popular is that the current electricity tariff structure renders it an unviable option. Many states have adopted a net metering policy, which allows disaggregated power producers to sell excess electricity to the grid. However, the subsidised tariffs charged to residential customers undermine the economic viability of installing rooftop solar panels. The potential profit simply does not outweigh the costs.</li>
<li>Storage technology for electricity is still underdeveloped and storage solutions are expensive. Residential areas also come with the associated issues of use restrictions of the roof &mdash; if the roof is being used for solar generation, then it cannot be used for anything else.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-may-miss-100-gw-solar-power-target-by-2022-crisil-report'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (13th August 2018)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>VS Naipaul</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, an Indian-origin British author and Nobel laureate known for his critical commentary on colonialism, religion and politics, died aged 85.</li>
<li>He was born on Aug 17, 1932, in Chaguanas, Trinidad, where his paternal grandfather had emigrated from India in the 1880s as an indentured servant to work on the sugar plantations.</li>
<li>His first novel was "The Mystic Masseur (1957)". His other important novels are A House for Mr Biswas, The Mimic Men, The Loss of El Dorado, Guerrillas, A Bend in the River, etc.</li>
<li>He was awarded Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Parker Solar Probe</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NASA has launched a Parker Solar Probe spacecraft to the sun that will fly closer to the star than anything ever sent before. The spacecraft was carried by Delta-IV Heavy rocket.</li>
<li>Protected by a revolutionary new heat shield, the spacecraft will fly past Venus in October. The Solar Probe Spacecraft is expected to make 24 close approaches over the next seven years.</li>
<li>Previous closest probe launched was Helios 2 in 1976.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nasa-set-to-launch-parker-solar-probe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more...</a></p>
<h3>Malayaha Tamils</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malayaha Tamils is a nearly million-strong hill population consisting of Tamil community in Sri Lanka.</li>
<li>They are distinct from those living in the war-affected areas, as they comprise of descendants of labourers that the British brought down from South India to work on the estates.</li>
<li>They have served as the primary workforce in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s tea estates, contributing significantly to the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange earned through the sector.</li>
<li>The Malayaha Tamil community wants the issue of their identity to be resolved. Even though certain sections of the community are not in favour of disowning their Indian roots completely, they do not want to be addressed as &ldquo;Indian Tamils&rdquo; as this nomenclature of theirs has been &ldquo;a source of political and administrative discrimination and social antipathy&rdquo;, besides carrying a &ldquo;historical baggage.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The community has been historically neglected and confined to British-era line-room accommodations, which are small, cramped dwellings where many still live.</li>
<li>Recently, over 400 families from the community took possession of their new houses built with Indian assistance. The construction of the homes is part of India&rsquo;s commitment to building 4,000 homes in the island&rsquo;s central highlands that is home to Malayaha Tamils.</li>
</ul>
<h3>INSV Tarini</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An all-woman crew commanding the INSV Tarini who successfully completed circumnavigation expedition around the globe in more than eight months were conferred prestigious Nari Shakti Purashkar 2017.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The expedition, christened 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', was flagged off from the INS Mandovi boat pool on September 10 last year.</li>
<li>The expedition titled &lsquo;Navika Sagar Parikrama&rsquo;, is in consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential. It also aims to showcase &lsquo;Nari Shakti&rsquo; on the world platform and help revolutionise societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising the visibility of their participation in challenging environs.</li>
<li>The crew used an indigenously built INSV Tarini, a 55-foot sailing vessel built indigenously in India thus showcasing the &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative on the International forum.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:&nbsp;</strong>Nari Shakti Purashkar</p>
<p>Nari Shakti Puraskar is a series of India's National Honours conferred on individual women for their exceptional achievement.</p>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-13th-august-2018'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination',
		'catname' => 'Essay Strategy',
		'desc' => '<h3>Understanding Essay Writing</h3>
<p>An essay is a short piece of writing that sheds light on any given topic. M.H. Abrams, the American literary critic, notes that the essay is <em>&ldquo;Any short composition in prose that undertakes to discuss a matter, express a point of view, or persuade us to accept a thesis on any subject.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p>Broadly speaking, there are two types of essays - formal and informal. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), we are concerned with the formal essay. The formal essay is relatively impersonal, the author writes it as an authority and such essays tend to be less emotional. Formal essays can also have factual elements in it, like quoted statistics from a government report etc. It is never in the form of a conversation, never uses first-person references and seldom gets intimate with the audience. In short, a formal essay has a certain degree of seriousness attached to it.</p>
<p><strong>Essay writing for CSE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For the CSE essay paper, two essays have to be written under 3 hours in the 1000-1200 word limit. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250.</li>
<li>The essay paper is divided into two sections - A and B, each carrying a choice of 4 essays each, and the aspirant has to choose only one essay from each section.</li>
<li>The instructions in the syllabus are clear in what is being expected from the aspirant. Aspirants are &lsquo;expected to keep their thoughts closely to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly.It furthur tates that, credit will be given for effective and coherent expression&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The underlined keywords are important because after content, these are the exact parameters on which the essay will be evaluated.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Beginning Essay Writing</h3>
<p>Practice makes perfect. For scoring good marks in the essay, one needs practice. But, before we get to the practising part, we should do some basic homework first. We would start by looking at what a well structured essay is, how it can be planned, what elements can be added to make the essay more scoring, and most importantly, how to do it all within the prescribed time limit.</p>
<p><strong>Basic structure of an essay</strong></p>
<p>The most common method of structuring a essay is breaking it up into paragraphs. In this technique, besides the introduction and the conclusion, there will be body-paragraphs. In these body-paragraphs, the aspirant will have to fit in all his content.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Body-paragraphs can broadly be supportive, critical or narrative.</strong> Ideally, one can start any argument in an aptly phrased narrative paragraph which describe the topic in some detail and then move on to a supportive paragraph containing a few positive facts/ideas on the topic. Though critical paragraphs look best when they are placed last, there are no such rules, and for some topics it can be used as the opening paragraph for the topic.</li>
<li>The most important part of the essay is perhaps the introduction. First impressions are very important, and a well thought out introduction will definitely make a positive impression on the examiner. We will discuss how to write a proper introduction later in this strategy.</li>
<li>Similarly, the conclusion is where one can score additional marks if done properly. This will also be discussed later.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Keywords of the essay syllabus</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>'closely':</strong> Any deviation from the topic will be tolerated only up to a certain point. One must, therefore, as a rule stick as closely as possible to the topic at hand. Any example, quote, anecdote or reference must be on topic or related closely to it.</li>
<li><strong>'arrange':</strong> The essay must be in an arranged form. The aspirant is supposed to plan ahead and form a structure of the essay before actually writing it down.</li>
<li><strong>'orderly':</strong> The ideas or arguments put forward in the essay must follow an order. A haphazard essay that does not flow sequentially, must be avoided at all costs.</li>
<li><strong>'concise':</strong> The essay and the matter discussed therein must be expressed as precisely possible. Clarity of thought and brevity of expression is what is looked for in the CSE essay.</li>
<li><strong>'effective':</strong> The essay must be written in a language that makes a strong impression. Thus, one needs to be conveying a point with every sentence, every paragraph. Flowery language is best avoided.</li>
<li><strong>'coherent':</strong> Coherence is required of all forms of writing, including answer writing, but in the CSE essay one must be extra careful to check that all individual sentences in the essay are making sense. Also, paragraphs as a whole must convey a clear and well thought out exposition on the theme of the essay.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Planning to write an essay</strong></p>
<p><em>A good essay needs planning. There are three steps to it - defining or understanding what the essay is going to be about in very clear terms, brainstroming on the topic and thirdly, devising the outline of the essay.</em></p>
<p><strong>Central idea of the thesis statement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All CSE essays have a thesis statement. For example, in CSE 2016, the following essay was asked&mdash; <em>&lsquo;Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare&rsquo;</em>. Here the central idea is &lsquo;innovation&rsquo;. The aspirant is supposed to explore those dimensions of innovation that affect &lsquo;economic growth and social welfare&rsquo;. In doing so, the aspirant should not veer from the central topic of innovation but if possible add a few related ideas which may supplement the overall central idea that not only socio-economic but also other areas like technology and culture are affected by forces of innovation.</li>
<li>In another essay asked in CSE&mdash;<em> &lsquo;Water disputes between States in federal India&rsquo; &ndash; </em>the central idea is how the water disputes between various Indian states have played out and what are its various dimensions. Constitutional, legal, social and political dimensions, for ex, are a must for addressing this topic. In order to find out the various dimensions of any given topic we should perform a brainstorming exercise.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Brainstorming for essay writing </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Brainstorming for essay is a crucial step. Brainstorming helps you get all the ideas at one place for quick reference. There are no hard and fast rules, but typically one can begin with the given topic and immediately start listing the things that come to mind. One can ideally devote an entire page for this exercise.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Brainstorming guide</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first requirement for brainstorming is focus. One should be able to focus single-mindedly on the job at hand, which in this case is jotting down as many points as possible regarding the essay topic.</li>
<li>Boundaries must also be properly defined. If the topic does not absolutely require a particularly complex point or if it does not require following a difficult train of thought, it should be avoided. Keeping the essay as simple as possible without sacrificing the most valid points is what we should be looking for.</li>
<li>Then we must set a time limit for the brainstorming session. Ideally, for CSE that time limit works out to about 25 minutes per essay. Within that time limit one is supposed to come up with all the necessary points and plans for writing the essay.</li>
<li>Another important point to be made here is that aspirants should have a fair understanding regarding&nbsp; the expectations of the CSE examiner from the essay. Every topic will have some basic ideas that the aspirants must necessarily try to explore or address. During brainstorming such a requirement can be searched for.</li>
<li>In the brainstorming exercise one may also take help of diagrams, flow-charts, mind-maps etc., if needed. Sometimes doing this may clear things up to a great extent or even save precious time.</li>
<li>Three things that one must exclusively do while brainstorming are &mdash; <em>identify causes and factors, define the various issues and make a list of associated ideas.</em> Doing this is key to success in the entire brainstorming exercise.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Adding elements to the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any good essay will definitely have a multitude of elements and dimensions to it. For CSE essay writing, there are certain basic rules that one can follow while searching for these elements and dimensions.</li>
<li>The first of such rules would be to<strong> follow and uphold Constitutional values at all times</strong>. This is very crucial for essay writing in CSE, that the values enshrined in our Constitution reflect in whatever idea, problem or solution we discuss in the essay. At no point should one try and support an idea that is unconstitutional.</li>
<li>One must also <strong>be democratic while addressing issues</strong>. The concepts of &lsquo;freedom and equality&rsquo; should be the guiding principles while suggesting solutions and while criticising events or issues.</li>
<li>Generally, one must also <strong>avoid taking absolutist/non-compromising positions</strong>. In fact, the best way to handle complex problems is to find the middle ground.</li>
<li>One must also <strong>try not to make sweeping generalisations</strong> on any given issue. Instead, there should be hints of patience, justice and understanding in addressing or discussing any given topic.</li>
<li>Lastly, there are two more things that an aspirant need to keep in mind while attempting the CSE essay. <strong>(A) Do not question the topic itself,</strong> which is to say, in other words, do not contradict yourself. Pick a position (ideally, the middle path) and stay true to it throughout the essay. <strong>(B) Never use positively, things that are universally considered or used in a negative sense,</strong> and vice-versa. <em>For ex,</em> one must not say that &lsquo;terrorism&rsquo; under certain conditions is equivalent to a freedom struggle, even though quotes like <em>&lsquo;one man&rsquo;s terrorist is another man&rsquo;s freedom fighter&rsquo;</em> are quite common.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Elements in an essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The three basic elements &mdash; <em>social, political and economic</em> &mdash; form the bedrock of a good CSE essay.</li>
<li>To these, one may add other dimensions like Constitutional, legal, technological, technical etc.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Another important element is the <em>persona</em> Good personal experiences or anecdotes can no doubt be used to increase the effectiveness of the essay but these should stay within the accepted framework of ethical conduct.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PESTLE Analysis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political &ndash; Economic &ndash; Sociological &ndash; Technological &ndash; Legal &ndash; Environmental Analysis.</strong></li>
<li>Use PESTLE Analysis to figure out the various aspects, dimensions, factors etc of any given topic.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Outlining the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Before writing the essay, it is best to outline it. To outline an essay means to figure out what to say in the introduction/conclusion, which idea comes where, or even what quote to use for the essay etc.</li>
<li>Outlining the essay in rough helps us grasp the entirety of the essay before actually writing it. It helps us get the big picture, and also see what we could be missing.</li>
<li>It is said that once we can figure out the conclusion to our essay, it becomes much easier to not only begin but finish it with confidence.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Writing An Essay&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong>Sticking to the time limit</strong></p>
<p>In the CSE, one has to write two essays in 3 hours which translates into 1 hour 30 minutes for each essay. Out of this, around 45 minutes to 1 hour will be required to write one essay. One can add another 10 minutes for the revision of one essay. This leaves us with roughly 30 minutes of time to prepare the essay in rough, and it includes time for carrying out the brainstorming and outlining exercises.</p>
<p><strong>How to introduce the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The goal of the introduction should be to arouse the reader&rsquo;s interest in the topic and to prepare the reader for what is to follow.</li>
<li>A good introduction to the essay can be a brief explanation of the essay topic itself. It can be made further interesting by adding to it some personal experience, or some relevant anecdotes or quotes</li>
<li>The introduction should not be confusing or lacking in clarity, rather it should be able to immediately clear up any doubts regarding the topic if there is any.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Writing in paragraphs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a stand-alone paragraph, the concluding sentence announces that the paragraph is finished, complete. In an essay, the concluding sentence of a paragraph is more likely to play the role of a transitional device, joining one paragraph to the next.</li>
<li>Flow is very important in an essay. It is also connected to writing order. Writing orders are of two types</li>
<li>Known-to-New is the order of writing where the author by choice goes from known (given) concepts to unknown ones. New material is gradually added to build on the unknown.</li>
<li>Simple-to-Complex is the order of writing where the author first establishes a base of concepts that are easily understood and then develops over it increasingly complex ideas.</li>
<li>One can use the FREQOES method to add matter to the various paragraphs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How to conclude the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The purpose of the conclusion is to bring a smooth end to the essay. It is also important to note that a strong finish is as important as a strong opening. Both are important for scoring better marks.
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; float: right; background-color: #f2cbcb;">
<tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #ed1313;">
<td style="width: 180px;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>FREQOES</strong></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 180px;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Facts and statistics</li>
<li>Reasons</li>
<li>Examples</li>
<li>Quotes</li>
<li>Opinions</li>
<li>Experiences</li>
<li>Senses</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</li>
<li>The essay can be concluded in the following ways - restating the main points in brief and with different wordings (summarizing), suggesting a way forward or a course of action, or adding an interesting personal comment or any relevant anecdote.</li>
<li>Another way to conclude the essay is by returning to the discussion begun in the introduction. This is called the &lsquo;cyclic return&rsquo; and a lot of essays follow this simple method of concluding an essay.</li>
<li>The conclusion should bear a positive outlook, it should see the silver lining in the clouds. It should also be as clear and concise as possible.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Revising the essay</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To revise, read the essay in its entirety, underlining (preferably with scale and pencil) important words or phrases. Correct spelling or grammatical mistakes if any. Make sure the pages look clean and tidy.</li>
<li>One may add or omit a few words but it should not be overdone. It is also not advisable that entirely new ideas/sentences are inserted in the essay at the time of revision, unless such information is critical to the essay.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Some tips on essay writing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One can go through the CSE previous year&rsquo;s essays and understand the concepts, dimensions and solutions required to solve those. Having a simple understanding of complex social problems is the secret to writing a good essay for the CSE.</li>
<li>One can also keep handy a small collection of quotes or quotable phrases and citable anecdotes to be used while writing the essay. This keeps one prepared for writing any type of essay.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mains/essay-strategy/essay-writing-for-civil-services-examination'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'ISRO to Launch TV Channel ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will have have a year-long centenary programme to honour its legendary founding father and space pioneer, Vikram Sarabhai</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As a tribute to Sarabhai, the ISRO has also decided to roll out a dedicated TV channel showcasing space applications and science issues to educate the youngsters in remote areas of the country.</li>
<li>Its tribute to Sarabhai starts with naming the first Indian Moon landing spacecraft of the Chandrayana-2 mission &lsquo;Vikram&rsquo;. The mission is slated to take place in January 2019.</li>
<li>According to ISRO Chief Dr Kailasavadivoo Sivan &ldquo;ISRO will further initiate capacity building programmes for students from class 8 to 10 to inculcate scientific temper among them&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The space agency will select students and organise training camps for 25 to 30 days and during this period the students will be allowed to visit the laboratory and make their small satellite.</li>
<li>ISRO is also planning to set up six incubation centres across the country for startups with ideas in the field of space technology. Technology cells would be started for industry and academia to improve the existing linkages.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<h4><strong>Note</strong>: Vikram Sarabhai</h4>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, (born August 12, 1919, Ahmadabad, India&mdash;died December 30, 1971, Kovalam), is an Indian physicist and industrialist who initiated space research and helped develop nuclear power in India.</li>
<li>Remembered as the founding father of the Indian space programme, Sarabhai set up the Physical Research laboratory in his hometown in Ahmedabad in 1947 which was a precursor to the ISRO.</li>
<li>After the death of physicist Homi Bhabha in 1966, Sarabhai was appointed the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.</li>
<li>Sarabhai was awarded two of India&rsquo;s highest honours, the Padma Bhushan (1966) and the Padma Vibhushan (awarded posthumously in 1972).</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/isro-to -launch-tv-channel'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Preparation Strategy for Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam in the Last 30 Days',
		'catname' => 'GS Prelims Strategy',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p style="text-align: right;">Vishnu Mahajan (AIR 70, UPSC 2015)</p>
<p>Dear Aspirants,</p>
<p>Civil Services Preliminary Exam is the first phase of the Civil Services Exam but not necessarily the simplest. There is a wide difference between the syllabi of the Preliminary and Main Exam, the nature of questions and consequently the preparation strategy needs to be well thought out. I would like to share my experience and learning over the last 2-3 years and hope that it might be helpful to other aspiring students.</p>
<p>However, at the very outset, I would also like to say that there is no fixed, deterministic path to success in this highly subjective, uncertain exam. What follows is my subjective experience which might work for some and might not work for someone else.</p>
<p>With CSAT (a major stabilizing factor, at least for someone with a basic understanding of 10th standard Maths) made a qualifying exam, GS assumes prime importance. This means that the total time spent dedicatedly on Prelims prep must be sufficient to allow multiple revisions and retention of GS topics since one cannot rely on CSAT to pull one through. For the last year&rsquo;s Prelims (2015), I spent a good 2.5 months (June, July and half of August) studying only for Prelims without giving any time to Optional or Mains GS. For the 2014 Prelims, I had only spent around 1.5 months and relied heavily on CSAT. The strategy paid off and I comfortably cleared the Prelims with 140 marks in GS compared to 102 in 2014. The cutoffs might be even higher this year and Prelims must not be taken lightly.</p>
<p>The last 30 days should be a time of intensive revision in a planned and organized manner. With so many subjects and topics, the Civil Services Exam syllabus has an extremely low retention span as you juggle between history, culture, environment, polity every day. It means that without <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="109" data-gr-id="109">last minute</g> revision, all earlier preparation might not bear fruit as one starts forgetting after a week of lag.</p>
<p>In case you have covered the syllabus once as of now, you should strive for 2 cycles of revision before the exam with special focus on topics you don&rsquo;t feel comfortable with. In case you have not covered the syllabus once, you should prioritize and study in that order.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Prioritizing</strong></p>
<p>Questions on conventional topics like History, Polity, Economy, Geography are for them fairly straightforward and NCERTs with a basic conceptual understanding should suffice. For Polity, do read Laxmikanth&rsquo;s book from cover to cover. The book is fairly comprehensive and from an exam point of view, very well written and organized.</p>
<p>Covering the above topics is a must as these are the ones with least uncertainty, straight-forward questions <g class="gr_ gr_112 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="112" data-gr-id="112">and</g> <g class="gr_ gr_114 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="114" data-gr-id="114">well defined</g> scope. These also do not require reference to multiple sources, a single book for each of these is usually sufficient.</p>
<p>It is also instructive to keep in mind the massive competition that you are up against. More than 4 lakh students actually sit in the exam. Many of them prepare as if their life depended on it, many would be veterans taking the exam for the fifth or sixth time. Unless you cover these safe topics well, it would be extremely difficult to have an edge over the lakhs of other applicants.</p>
<p>Only after these safe topics are covered, should you venture deep into topics like Science and Tech, Environment, Culture which are vast and have an undefined scope with endless study <g class="gr_ gr_151 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="151" data-gr-id="151">material.</g> These are the topics where you can make <g class="gr_ gr_149 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="149" data-gr-id="149">the difference</g> and outperform others. In this sense, they also become the deciding factor especially Culture and Environment which have become UPSC&rsquo;s pet topics over the past few years. So after you are done with the basic stuff of Polity, History, Economy <g class="gr_ gr_150 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="150" data-gr-id="150">and</g> Geography, most of the time should go in covering as much as possible from these slightly ad-hoc topics. Go through previous years&rsquo; papers and try to get a sense of the type of questions that are asked from Environment and Culture and read on those lines.</p>
<h3>Take Mock Tests with a Pinch of Salt</h3>
<p>I tried some mock tests for prelims with one or two coaching <g class="gr_ gr_128 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="128" data-gr-id="128">centres</g> but found them to be highly unrepresentative of the actual UPSC exam. Questions in these mock tests are deliberately made confusing, ambiguous, tricky and convoluted. While it helps you practice time management in <g class="gr_ gr_110 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="110" data-gr-id="110">exam like</g> conditions, the results should not be taken as any sort of indicator of performance.</p>
<p><strong>Past year tests</strong></p>
<p>The most reliable source of practice is past year test papers. Even here, some questions would be based on <g class="gr_ gr_145 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="145" data-gr-id="145">current</g> affairs of that particular year. However, the questions from the static portions should give you a good sense of the type of questions asked in the exam and help you with reality checks and identifying your weak areas along the way. The more recent ones could be practiced as mock tests while the older ones can be done subject wise as you prepare a particular topic.</p>
<h3>CSAT</h3>
<p>While CSAT is now a qualifying exam, some amount of practice would definitely help <g class="gr_ gr_115 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="115" data-gr-id="115">setting</g> the pace and in time management.</p>
<h3>Final Week Before The Exam</h3>
<p>In the last week, try to remain calm and not fret about any topics you have not covered. It is helpful to focus on topics which are fact heavy and where memorization is required e.g. UNESCO sites, Ramsar sites, National Parks, Rivers, etc. You might not be able to make much of a marginal difference in conceptual topics like Economy in the final days and hence can rely on prior knowledge for such topics.</p>
<h3>Topic Wise Books</h3>
<p>Detailed out below is a topic-wise list of books and sources I followed for the Prelims Exam. While there is a copious amount of study material available in Delhi markets and on the internet, I tried to limit myself to 1-2 sources for each topic. This helps in revision, retention and keeping the study manageable. I would not advise to further complicate the already complex syllabus by referring to multiple books and then not being able to revise them. Revision is the key and will define how much of what you study you can actually recollect and remember in the exam. For example, a number of books are available <g class="gr_ gr_159 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="159" data-gr-id="159">on</g> Modern History. However, I stuck with Bipan Chandra&rsquo;s NCERT and some sections of Spectrum and read the portions I underlined over and over again.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #fff9e3;">
<tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #ffc800;">
<td style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p><strong>Topics</strong></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p><strong>Sources I Followed</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>History (Ancient)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>RS Sharma Ancient History old NCERT</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>History (Medieval)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Romila Thapar 7th or 8th class NCERT and selected sections (only culture part) of Satish Chandra&rsquo;s 11th class NCERT.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>History (Modern)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Bipan Chandra XII NCERT + Spectrum</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 35px;">
<p>Art &amp; Culture</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 35px;">
<p>Apart from above history NCERTs, Fine Arts NCERT, CCRT website (topics like Dance, Drama not covered in books), NIOS notes on Science (e.g. Ancient and Medieval era science), UNESCO sites from Wikipedia.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Polity (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Laxmikanth, Indian Constitution at Work NCERT, Newspapers (Hindu/Indian Exp.)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 35px;">
<p>Economy (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 35px;">
<p>Day to Day Economics by Satish Deodhar, Indian Economic Development NCERT, XII Macroeconomics NCERT, Newspaper, a few chapters from Ramesh Singh (e.g. Banking is nice)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 35px;">
<p>Science and Tech (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 35px;">
<p>Class 9 and 10 NCERT, Biotech topics in +2 Bio NCERT, Newspaper, Rajya Sabha TV show &ldquo;Science Monitor&rdquo;, random Google search on current topics not covered well in newspapers</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 51px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 51px;">
<p>Environment (Static and Current)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 51px;">
<p>GK today booklet, Science NCERTs have chapters on Environment, Some Mrunal articles and videos about international treaties were good, Wikipedia for national parks, Ramsar sites <g class="gr_ gr_170 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="170" data-gr-id="170">and</g> other such sites, Random google search on allied topics relevant to current issues e.g. if Air pollution is in news, read random stuff about it</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Geography &ndash; World</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>XI NCERTs, 2nd half of GC Leong (Biomes)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Geography &ndash; India (Physical + India)</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>XI NCERTs</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Important Current National and International Events</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Newspapers (Hindu/Indian Express) &ndash; kept notes and revised them</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 19px;">
<p>Schemes &amp; Policies</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 19px;">
<p>Not much. Made a list of schemes regularly appearing in news and read about them on government websites.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67px;">
<td width="323" style="width: 31.8688%; height: 67px;">
<p>Other Internet or offline sources followed</p>
</td>
<td width="323" style="width: 68.0201%; height: 67px;">
<p>Did not follow anything regularly. Rather, searched for an issue/topic I did not feel comfortable with and read as much as possible whether PIB (Features section), PRS, IDSA&rsquo;s &lsquo;ask an expert&rsquo;, Foreign Ministry&rsquo;s &lsquo;In Focus&rsquo;, Rajya Sabha TV&rsquo;s &lsquo;Big Picture&rsquo;, &lsquo;Science Monitor&rsquo;, &lsquo;State of the Economy&rsquo;, &lsquo;India&rsquo;s World&rsquo; are good sources.&nbsp;</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br /><em>Wishing all the very best to all aspiring students.</em></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prelims/gs-prelims-strategy/preparation-strategy-for-civil-services-preliminary-exam-in-the-last-30-days'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'New Approach to Immigration in U.K',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Confederation of British Industry has published a report &lsquo;Open and Controlled &ndash; A New Approach to Migration&rsquo; calling for a &ldquo;new approach&rdquo; towards UK&rsquo;s immigration policies.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report has suggested that the government should scrap net migration targets after Brexit and continue to allow visa-free entry into the UK by EU citizens.</li>
<li>According to the report, <g class="gr_ gr_24 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="24" data-gr-id="24">UK&rsquo;s</g> immigration policy needs to shift away from attempting to reduce numbers and should instead be focused on ensuring that people coming to the UK make a positive contribution to the economy.</li>
<li>From agriculture to technology, the report outlines why overseas workers matter <g class="gr_ gr_23 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="23" data-gr-id="23">for</g> various sectors across the UK economy.</li>
<li>It also suggested that trade deals with countries such as India and Australia would be easier to forge if Britain reviewed its approach to visas, and brought migration policy to the trade discussion table.</li>
<li>The existing visa restrictions inhibit trade and foreign direct investment.</li>
<li>The report has recommended reforming the Tier 2 visa route (the main work route for those coming to the U.K., including from India) to ensure that employers could access the range of skills that they need and scrapping the annual number of Tier 2 visas issued.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government recently took doctors and nurses out of the annual limit, but with EU workers leaving the U.K. in larger numbers, the demand for Tier 2 visas has risen, leaving businesses unable to hire the talent they needed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Stand</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has repeatedly raised concerns about Britain&rsquo;s unwillingness to ease visa restrictions for professionals, students <g class="gr_ gr_25 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="25" data-gr-id="25">and</g> others.</li>
<li>In particular, Britain&rsquo;s decision to exclude India from a relaxation of visa norms for students provoked criticism from India, raising bilateral tensions.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-approach-to-immigration-in-uk'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (11th August, 2018)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>One District One Product Summit</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The President of India inaugurated the &lsquo;One District One Product&rsquo; Summit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;
<table border="1" style="width: 53.4364%; border-collapse: collapse; float: right;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;"><strong>District</strong></td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;"><strong>&nbsp;Products</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Agra</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Leather</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Ferozabad</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Glass bangles</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Kashganj</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Jari and Jardozi</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Chitrakoot</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Wooden Toys</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Kanpur</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Leather products</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Moradabad</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;"><g class="gr_ gr_94 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="94" data-gr-id="94">Metal craft</g></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Amroha</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Musical instruments</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 11.315%; height: 19px;">Varanasi</td>
<td style="width: 22.0914%; height: 19px;">Silk products</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</li>
<li>Under the scheme, the state government of Uttar Pradesh has set a goal of <strong>providing employment to 25 lakh people in five years</strong> through the financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 crores.</li>
<li>The scheme can create <g class="gr_ gr_104 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="104" data-gr-id="104">large</g> number of employment opportunities for the youth and strengthen the inclusive and sustainable development of Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>This scheme will also increase the growth of small, medium and traditional industries of the districts.</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh contributes around 44% <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="109" data-gr-id="109">in</g> the total handicraft exports of the country. Industries such as handicrafts, food processing, engineering goods, carpets, readymade clothes, leather goods etc <g class="gr_ gr_110 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="110" data-gr-id="110">earns</g> foreign exchange as well as provide employment. Therefore, this sector will play an important role in the development of Uttar Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Repurpose Used Cooking Oil</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO), an initiative that will enable collection and conversion of used cooking oil to bio-diesel. FSSAI has recently notified standards for used cooking oil.</li>
<li>FSSAI may also look at introducing regulations to ensure that companies that use large quantities of cooking oil hand it over to registered collecting agencies to convert it into biofuel.</li>
<li>Under this initiative, 64 companies at 101 locations have been identified to enable collection of used cooking oil.</li>
<li>According to FSSAI, India has the potential to recover 220 crore <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="101" data-gr-id="101">litres</g> of used cooking oil for the production of biodiesel by 2022 through a <g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="87" data-gr-id="87">co-ordinated</g> action.</li>
<li>FSSAI wants businesses using more than 100 <g class="gr_ gr_100 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="100" data-gr-id="100">litres</g> of oil for frying, to maintain a stock register and ensure that used cooking oil is handed over to only registered <g class="gr_ gr_99 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="99" data-gr-id="99">collecting</g> agencies.</li>
<li>According to FSSAI regulations, the maximum permissible limits for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) have been set at 25%, beyond which the cooking oil is unsafe for consumption.</li>
<li>FSSAI is also working in partnership with Biodiesel Association of India and the food industry to ensure effective compliance of used cooking oil regulations.</li>
<li>FSSAI has additionally launched a micro-site to monitor the progress of the collection and conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Zero Budget Natural Farming</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) refers to a set of Natural Farming methods where the cost of growing and harvesting Plants is effectively Zero. It believes in Natural Growth of Crops without adding any fertilizers and pesticides or any Foreign Elements to crops or Land.</li>
<li>Recently Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have shown interest in ZBNF practices and Promotion of Project in respective States.</li>
<li>Keeping in mind, India's growing food <g class="gr_ gr_96 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="96" data-gr-id="96">needs ,</g> ZBNF is a right step to ensure Food Security in the Country.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Benefits</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will check the menace of soil and water pollution and ensure <g class="gr_ gr_106 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="106" data-gr-id="106">better</g> quality of produce.</li>
<li>It will reduce the initial costs of the farmers which will indirectly help the Government in their efforts in doubling their incomes.</li>
<li>It will contribute to <g class="gr_ gr_103 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="103" data-gr-id="103">Sustainable</g> use of Natural Resources.</li>
<li>It will lead to <g class="gr_ gr_95 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="95" data-gr-id="95">increase</g> in GDP share from Agriculture.</li>
<li>It can generate employment opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors.</li>
<li>It will solve the problem of Hidden Hunger as crops produced through this methods are <g class="gr_ gr_86 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="86" data-gr-id="86">micro nutrient</g> rich.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Operation Madad</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Operation &ldquo;Madad&rdquo; has been launched by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi for assisting the state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations due to the unprecedented flooding experienced in many parts of Kerala, owing to incessant rainfall and release of excess water from Idukki and other dams.</li>
<li>The Southern Naval Command is one of the three main formations of the Indian Navy. It has its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala.</li>
<li>The SNC is the Training Command of Indian Navy and is responsible for the training of all its personnel, both officers as well as sailors, from basic to advance stages.</li>
</ul>
<h3>PENCIL Portal</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour</strong> (PENCIL) Portal is an electronic platform that aims at involving Centre, State, District, Governments, civil society and the general public in achieving the target of child <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="107" data-gr-id="107">labour</g> free society.</li>
<li>It has been launched for the effective implementation of <g class="gr_ gr_89 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="89" data-gr-id="89">Child</g> Labour Act and <g class="gr_ gr_90 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="90" data-gr-id="90">National</g> Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme.</li>
<li>PENCIL Portal has five components- Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project and Convergence.</li>
<li>The Districts will nominate District Nodal Officers (DNOs) who will receive the complaints.</li>
<li>Within 48 hours of receiving the complaints, DNOs will check the authenticity of the complaint and thereafter will take the rescue measures in coordination with police.</li>
<li>PENCIL portal is administered by <g class="gr_ gr_92 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="92" data-gr-id="92">Ministry</g> of Labour &amp; Employment.</li>
<li>Under National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme, children in the age group of 9-14 years, rescued/withdrawn from work are enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, <g class="gr_ gr_88 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="88" data-gr-id="88">mid day</g> meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into <g class="gr_ gr_105 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="105" data-gr-id="105">formal</g> education system.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-11th-august-2018'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Adopt a Heritage: Project for Development of Tourist Friendly Destinations',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<p>&lsquo;Adopt a Heritage&rsquo; Scheme&nbsp;was called a &ldquo;sell-out&rdquo; when the Red Fort was adopted by Dalmia Bharat which committed 25 crore Rupees for it as per the MoU.&nbsp;The government explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for 'Red Fort 'is &lsquo;only&rsquo; for the development, operations <g class="gr_ gr_100 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="100" data-gr-id="100">and</g> maintenance of tourism amenities in and around the monument. It envisages limited &lsquo;access&rsquo; <g class="gr_ gr_99 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="99" data-gr-id="99">of</g> non-core areas and &lsquo;no handing over of <g class="gr_ gr_98 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="98" data-gr-id="98">monument</g>&rsquo; is involved.</p>
<h3>What is &lsquo;Adopt a Heritage&rsquo; Scheme?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and State/UTs governments.</li>
<li>The Project aims to develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote &lsquo;responsible tourism&rsquo;.</li>
<li>It was launched on 27 September 2017 (World Tourism Day) by the President of India.</li>
<li>It aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies, and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable. It is to be done through the development, operation <g class="gr_ gr_222 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="222" data-gr-id="222">and</g> maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities at ASI/ State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.</li>
<li>Agencies/Companies would become <strong>&lsquo;Monument Mitras&rsquo;</strong> through the innovative concept of &lsquo;Vision Bidding&rsquo;, where the agency with the best vision for the heritage site will be given an opportunity to associate pride with their CSR activities.</li>
<li>The project primarily <em><strong>focusses on providing basic amenities</strong></em> that includes cleanliness, public conveniences, drinking water, ease of access for differently abled and senior citizens, standardized signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance system, night viewing facilities, and an enhanced tourism experience that will result in more tourist footfalls, both domestic and foreign.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rationale Behind &lsquo;Adopt a Heritage&rsquo;</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The heritage sites are facing common challenges primarily related to the operations and maintenance of the various infrastructural as well as service assets.</li>
<li>There is a need to develop a robust mechanism for the provision of basic amenities on an immediate basis and advanced amenities on a long term basis.</li>
<li>The government needs more resources for maintenance of heritage. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects 3,686 ancient monuments and archaeological sites, including 36 world heritage sites. So far, 31 agencies or Monument Mitras have been approved to adopt 95 monuments/tourist sites and 4 MoUs have been signed. The Government intends to expand the scheme.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Objectives: Priority Areas of the Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Developing basic tourism infrastructure</li>
<li>Inclusive tourist experience for heritage site/monument or tourist site</li>
<li>Promoting cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods</li>
<li>Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner through world class infrastructure at the site</li>
<li>Creating employment through the active involvement of local communities</li>
<li>Harnessing tourism potential for its effects in employment generation and economic development</li>
<li>Developing sustainable tourism infrastructure and ensuring proper operations and maintenance</li>
</ul>
<h3>Approach: What is the Vision Bidding?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The heritage sites/monuments are categorized as <strong>green, blue and orange</strong> on the basis of tourist footfall and visibility. For example, Red Fort and Taj Mahal are green monuments while Kotla Firoz Shah (Delhi) is orange.</li>
<li>The Monument Mitras are supposed to present a vision for the development of all necessary/mandatory basic amenities and advanced amenities for each of the heritage site that they take up as a package (combination of Green-Blue-Orange) enlisted and any other heritage sites, monuments and tourist site.</li>
<li>The most competitive and innovative vision is considered as the successful bidding entity.</li>
<li>Bids are primarily evaluated on the basis of <g class="gr_ gr_85 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="85" data-gr-id="85">capacity</g> of bidders, their success stories in delivering similar projects, value addition to the selected heritage sites. <br />This concept of innovative bidding is defined as &lsquo;Vision Bidding&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Previous attempts for Corporate Involvement in Heritage Management</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government in 2011 formed a National Culture Fund. Since then, 34 projects have been completed under it through public-private partnerships.</li>
<li>Another similar scheme under the UPA government was &lsquo;Campaign Clean India,&rsquo; in which the government had identified 120 monuments/destinations. Under this scheme, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) had adopted Qutab Minar as a pilot project in 2012, while ONGC adopted six monuments &mdash; Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Golkonda Fort, Mamallapuram, Red Fort, and Taj Mahal &mdash; as part of its CSR.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Experience of Italy</strong></p>
<p>Italy has the largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites in the world. The cash-strapped government has been successfully collaborating with corporates since 2014 for heritage maintenance after shunning them for decades.</p>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme is essentially a non-revenue generating project and the public outcry is unfounded.</li>
<li>It is part of responsible tourism where the &lsquo;Monument Mitra&rsquo; essentially spends his CSR funds for upkeep and maintenance <g class="gr_ gr_84 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="84" data-gr-id="84">etc.,</g> and gets limited visibility.</li>
<li>It is a rational move for sustainable development of cultural and natural heritage of India.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/adopt-a-heritage-project-for-development-of-tourist-friendly-destinations'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Does the Anti-Trafficking Bill Address Trafficking?',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<p><em>(This is The Hindu&rsquo;s &lsquo;Yes, No, It&rsquo;s Complicated&rsquo; for the 10th of August; it addresses a vital concern regarding anti-trafficking legislation.)</em></p>
<p><strong>Name of the Bill in the debate:</strong> The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018</p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong> Despite the passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 that substituted Section 370 of the IPC with newer Sections 370 and 370A which defined trafficking and laid out the punishment for it, data shows that instances of trafficking have increased.</p>
<h3>What goes for the Bill? The Bill goes beyond criminalization; it tries to combat the organized nature of trafficking</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill aims to <strong>systematically combat the organized nature of trafficking</strong> as it ties together prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of victims into one policy framework. It will develop and monitor a database for every crime committed under this act and also use this information for systematic surveillance of offenders - this should help not only in preventing human trafficking but may also preempt it to a certain extent.</li>
<li>The Bill <strong>introduces aggravated forms of trafficking</strong> such as trafficking for the purposes of begging or bearing children, or for marriage, through an administration of narcotic drugs, hormones or chemical substances (for the purposes of reaching early sexual maturity), etc.</li>
<li>The Bill <strong>provides for witness protection.</strong> Also, the Bill seeks to maintain the confidentiality of victims by providing for recording of statements via video conferencing and/or by using in camera proceedings.</li>
<li>The Bill also<strong> introduces for the first time a rehabilitation fund</strong> for victims of trafficking. This fund will be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of victims. The Bill further seeks to help victims rebuild their lives by providing them with capital, infrastructure, education and skill development. This should empower victims enough to give them access to justice and also to prevent their future re-victimization.</li>
<li>Most importantly, the Bill, for the first time, <strong>seeks to coordinate with foreign countries and international organizations</strong> so as to facilitate an inter-State and international transfer of evidence. Taking point at the national level will be the National Anti-Trafficking Bureau; at State and District levels there will be State and District Anti-Trafficking Committees respectively.</li>
<li>Lastly, the Bill proposes that in order to break the organized nature of human trafficking, there will be <strong>attachment and forfeiture of property of those involved in this crime</strong>. The proceeds from this will be added to the above-mentioned rehabilitation fund. Moreover, there are provisions for freezing bank accounts of those involved which should cripple the organized trafficking networks.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What goes against the Bill? It fails in its fundamental purpose, i.e. it does not address the issue of trafficking.</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill <strong>fundamentally criminalizes </strong><g class="gr_ gr_330 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="330" data-gr-id="330">offences</g><strong> that are already marked as </strong><g class="gr_ gr_104 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="104" data-gr-id="104">offences</g><strong> under various laws.</strong> For example, &lsquo;trafficking for the purpose of begging&rsquo; is a new <g class="gr_ gr_105 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="105" data-gr-id="105">offence</g> under this Bill but it already is an <g class="gr_ gr_106 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="106" data-gr-id="106">offence</g> under anti-begging laws. Another example, &ldquo;encouraging or abetting any person to migrate illegally into India or Indians into some other country&rdquo; which is a provision in the Bill is already dealt with under the Passports Act, 1967 and the Foreigners Act, 1946.</li>
<li>The Bill also <strong>leaves the door wide open for opinionated interpretations</strong> with not-so-properly-defined phrases like &ldquo;aggravated form of trafficking&rdquo;. It is common knowledge that more the laws and the vaguer they are, more the legal loopholes. Especially when laws overlap with one another there could be a misinterpretation, which could be disadvantageous to both law enforcement and victims alike.</li>
<li>The Bill also <strong>impinges on certain freedoms.</strong> Consider this extract: &ldquo;Whoever solicits or publicises electronically, taking or distributing obscene photographs or videos or providing materials or soliciting or guiding tourists or using agents or any other form which may lead to the trafficking of a person shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment. (emphasis added)&rdquo; This means that one can be arrested or websites can be shut down without the need for any trafficking to actually take place. Such provisions are vague and over-board and have been previously struck down by the Supreme Court under the Information Technology Act, 2000.</li>
<li>The Bill also requires that <strong>trafficking </strong><g class="gr_ gr_473 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="473" data-gr-id="473">be</g><strong> established only under Section 370</strong> and its various subsections of the IPC. This means that before someone can be termed a victim he/she will have to prove that he/she had been &ldquo;transported, recruited, <g class="gr_ gr_119 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="119" data-gr-id="119">harboured</g>, received or transferred for the purposes of exploiting her/him by using force, abduction, deception, or by abuse of power&rdquo;. Without this prior proving, the provisions of the Bill cannot be invoked which turns the Bill into a difficult albeit firm legislation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Complications in the Bill? A wasted opportunity?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill had been revised multiple times before arriving at its current structure. This shows a level of commitment in bringing out a good and genuine legislation. Satisfactory features of the current Bill include &ldquo;search and seizure; rescue and medical examination of persons; and safety, care and protection of persons rescued&rdquo;. Future iterations of the Bill could even include a provision for punishment of government officials including the police, for omission or neglect of duty.</li>
<li>The Bill is silent on many important types of <g class="gr_ gr_166 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="166" data-gr-id="166">specialised</g> human trafficking like: &ldquo;trafficking for supply chains, commercial surrogacy, clinical trials, human organ trade, intergenerational trafficking, orphanage tourism and sex tourism&rdquo;. Especially, the Bill is silent on &lsquo;demand reduction&rsquo;, a concept that says that we have reduced demand for commercial sex in order to reduce human trafficking; the Bill is also silent on &lsquo;non-institutionalised rehabilitation&rsquo; an example of which can be &lsquo;community-based rehabilitation&rsquo; of bonded <g class="gr_ gr_167 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="167" data-gr-id="167">labourers</g>, sex-workers etc. Currently, the world over, the &lsquo;institutional approach to victim care&rsquo; is being actively discredited and demands for non-institutional care is growing. Thus, the adding of two new vaguely defined institutions viz. &lsquo;protection homes and rehabilitation homes&rsquo; is not entirely progressive.</li>
<li>Fundamentally, the Bill does not properly define the term &lsquo;victim&rsquo;. The established practice is that a &lsquo;victim&rsquo; is someone who is &lsquo;rescued&rsquo; by the police. In the strict legal parlance, those rescued by NGOs, parents, friends etc. are not victims under the law, which is a disturbing thought.</li>
<li>On the ground, the reality is shocking. According to activists, a lot of the times traffickers themselves get &lsquo;rescued&rsquo; by the police (by pretending to be one among the victims) in order to &lsquo;keep an eye on the rescued victims and silence them&rsquo;. Especially if the traffickers are hand in glove with corrupt policemen they will be able to not only get away with their crimes in <g class="gr_ gr_384 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="384" data-gr-id="384">the above-mentioned</g> manner but also pretend to be a victim and claim compensations, rehabilitation, small capital for business etc. - things that were meant to help only genuine victims.</li>
<li>Lastly, it is unclear how far justice will be served simply by notifying existing sessions courts as designated courts (for human trafficking purposes). The Bill does not provide new courts or judges for its purpose. District courts too, do not need to hear such cases on a priority basis. Thus, there is a possibility that this Bill may undo the gains gotten from decades of &lsquo;evolving more sensitive and <g class="gr_ gr_157 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="157" data-gr-id="157">specialised</g> courts such as Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act courts, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences courts, and family courts&rsquo;. Also, in what can be a blunder, the Bill makes the rehabilitation fund &lsquo;available to the bureaucracy for the purposes of prevention, protection, prosecution&rsquo;, things which are by definition not rehabilitation. The Bill as such completely misreads the concept of rehabilitation and therefore is in the need of a thorough revision.</li>
</ul>
<p><br />It should be clear from the above discussion that The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, is far from complete. An opinion can be that laws like these need time to evolve, and gradually after time, we may get to what one may call a final version of the Bill. In any case, this Bill scores points for being able to take the first step towards a very important issue i.e the stopping of human trafficking.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/does-the-anti-trafficking-bill-address-trafficking'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (10th August, 2018)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>SWAYAM</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM)</strong>, was launched on July 9, 2017 by Ministry of Human Resource Development to provide one integrated platform and portal for online courses.</li>
<li>This covers all higher education subjects and skill sector courses.</li>
<li>The objective is to ensure that the every student in the country has access to the best quality higher education at the affordable cost.</li>
<li>Academicians from hundreds of institutions throughout the country are involved in developing &amp; delivering Massive open online courses (MOOCs) through SWAYAM in almost all disciplines from senior schooling to Post Graduation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Unnat Bharat Programme 2.0</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government has recently launched <strong>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0</strong>, which covers 750 Higher Educational Institutes.</li>
<li>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan aims <strong>to link the Higher Education Institutions with atleast 5 villages</strong>, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.</li>
<li>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India.</li>
<li>It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors.</li>
<li>Objective of the scheme are-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities</li>
<li>Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people</li>
<li>To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government Programs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Environmental Performance Index</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ministry of Environment has refuted the The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report, 2018 which has <strong>ranked India at 177 out of 180 countries.</strong></li>
<li>As per the report, <strong>India&rsquo;s poor performance is linked to its Environmental Health policy objectiv</strong>e and the increase in deaths due to increasing PM2.5 levels.</li>
<li>India was ranked 141 in the 2016 edition of the report.</li>
<li>The 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)<strong> ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators</strong> across ten issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality.</li>
<li>Innovations in the 2018 EPI data and methodology have generated new rankings founded on the latest advances in environmental science and analysis.</li>
<li>In general, high scorers exhibit long-standing commitments to protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and decoupling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from economic activity.</li>
<li>Low scores on the EPI are indicative of the need for national sustainability efforts on a number of fronts, especially cleaning up air quality, protecting biodiversity, and reducing GHG emissions.</li>
<li>This index is prepared by Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.</li>
<li>Switzerland leads the world in sustainability, followed by France, Denmark, Malta and Sweden in the EPI.</li>
<li>Overall, India (at 177) and Bangladesh (179) is among the least five performers followed by Nepal (176), Dem Rep. of Congo(178) and Burundi(180).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Michelle Bachelet as New UN Rights Chief</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday nominated Chile's twice-serving president and prominent women's rights advocate Michelle Bachelet to be the global body's next human rights chief.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> <strong>United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UN Human Rights Council, formed in 2006 comprises 47 member countries within the United Nations, Which has been tasked with the upholding of Human Rights.</li>
<li>The UN Human Rights High Commissioner is the principle official who speaks out for human rights across the whole UN system, strengthening human rights mechanisms; fighting discrimination in all its forms; widening the democratic space and protecting the most vulnerable from all forms of human rights abuses.</li>
<li>The council meets three times a year to examine the issues related to human rights violations worldwide.<br />It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a bid to boost rural road connectivity, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) beyond the 12th five year plan period.</li>
<li>PMGSY was launched on 25th December, 2000 <strong>to provide all weather road connectivity in rural areas of the country</strong>.</li>
<li>The program envisages to provide rural connectivity consisting of 500 persons and above in the plain areas and 250 persons and above in the hilly States , desert areas, Tribal areas and selected Tribal and Backward Districts.</li>
<li>The Union Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal implementing authority of the scheme.</li>
<li>It also envisages to complete GIS mapping of all roads by 2018.</li>
<li>The concept of Green and innovative technologies is also encouraged under the scheme.</li>
<li>It also launched a mobile application &lsquo;Meri Sadak&rsquo; to enable citizens to register complaints regarding the quality and pace of construction of PMGSY roads.</li>
</ul>',
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