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The Big Picture - Climate Change: Act Now

Negotiations from around the world began on curbing climate change. It has been three years since the sealing of the landmark deal in Paris that...

15 Dec 2018 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
ECO Niwas Samhita 2018

Ministry of Power has launched the Energy Conservation- New Indian Way for Affordable & Sustainable Homes (ECO Niwas) Samhita 2018, an Energy...

15 Dec 2018 News Analysis
Revisit PPPs to Revive Investments

(This editorial is based on the article “Revisit PPPs to Revive Investments” which appears in BusinessLine for 15th December.) For...

15 Dec 2018 News Editorials
Lack of Basic Rights For the Aged a Concern: SC

In response to a public interest litigation, the Supreme Court has ordered the central government to take steps to provide care and rights to the...

14 Dec 2018 News Analysis
Is It Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?

(This editorial is based on the article “Is it time to abolish the death penalty?” which appears in The Hindu for 14th...

14 Dec 2018 News Editorials
India Post Payment Bank (IPPB)

Why in News? The Prime Minister launched India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on September 1, 2018. It is an initiative of the government aimed at...

14 Dec 2018 Paper 3
Important Facts for Prelims (14th December 2018)

Boe Declaration Pacific countries vulnerable to climate change have urged Australia to abandon coal power generation within 12 years, and to...

14 Dec 2018 News Analysis
The Big Picture - Gas Grid: Fuel for all

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects across 129 districts. The project was recently granted by the...

13 Dec 2018 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
China’s Rover to Far Side of the Moon

China has launched a lunar probe mission to the far side of the moon. Chang’e-4 is the first probe ever to explore the far side of the moon....

13 Dec 2018 News Analysis
Energy Efficiency and Climate Change

(This editorial is based on the article “Energy Efficiency and Climate Change” which appears in Livemint for 13th December.) The...

13 Dec 2018 News Editorials
Important Facts for Prelims (13th December 2018)

Andaman Sea Kraits The two species of amphibious snakes, yellow-lipped and the blue-lipped Andaman sea krait, have been spotted on tree roots...

13 Dec 2018 News Analysis
The United Nations World Water Development Report 4

Introduction The uninterrupted water supplies anywhere in the world cannot be guaranteed to water users. The factors such as...

12 Dec 2018 Summary of Important Reports
Mental Healthcare

Why in News? Theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day (10th October 2018) is "young people and mental health in a changing world". What...

12 Dec 2018 Paper 2
Port Community System ‘PCS1x’

Indian Ports Association (IPA), under the guidance of Ministry of Shipping has launched the Port Community System (PCS1x), a cloud based new...

12 Dec 2018 News Analysis
Important Facts for Prelims (12th December 2018)

Eco-Sensitive Zone around Protected Regions The Supreme Court directed the Union Environment Ministry to declare 10 km area around 21 national parks...

12 Dec 2018 News Analysis
Partner’s Forum Inaugurated in New Delhi

The Prime Minister inaugurated the fourth Partners’ Forum at New Delhi. Partners’ Forum is short for the meeting of The Partnership...

12 Dec 2018 News Analysis
Don’t Malign CRAs Based Just on Some Instances

(This editorial is based on the article “Don’t Malign CRAs Based Just on Some Instances” which appears in Livemint.) The...

12 Dec 2018 News Editorials
Center Refuses to Recognize Lingayat as Separate Religion

The Central Government has rejected the Karnataka government’s proposal seeking legal recognition for Lingayats as a distinct religion. In...

11 Dec 2018 News Analysis
The Big Picture: Regulating Anonymous Donations

The Election Commission has urged the government to slash the cap on anonymous donations to political parties from the present Rs20,000 to Rs2,000...

11 Dec 2018 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Streamlining of National Pension System

In a bid to streamline the National Pension System (NPS) and make it more attractive, the Union Cabinet has approved changes in the scheme to benefit...

11 Dec 2018 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'The Big Picture - Climate Change: Act Now',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1U_Yk89ufLM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Negotiations from around the world began on curbing climate change. It has been three years since the sealing of the landmark deal in Paris that set a goal of keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius. Envoys from many nations gathered in Poland's southern city of Katowice to attend COP24. Host Poland pushes for a joint declaration to ensure a "just transition" for fossil fuel industries like coal producers who are facing closures as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The meeting received a boost after 19 major economies at the G-20 summit affirmed their commitment to the 2015 Paris climate accord. The only holdout is the United States, which announced its withdrawal from the climate pact under President Trump.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>PARIS CLIMATE DEAL- COP21</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2015 COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aimed at keeping global warming below 2&deg;C.</li>
<li>The key vision of Paris Agreement was to keep global temperatures &ldquo;well below&rdquo; 2.0C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times and &ldquo;seek to limit&rdquo; even more, to 1.5C.</li>
<li>It pledged to curb emissions. Before the conference started, more than 180 countries had submitted pledges to cut or curb their carbon emissions (intended nationally defined contributions, or INDCs, in the UN jargon). The INDCs were recognized under the agreement, but are not legally binding</li>
<li>A long-term global goal for net zero emissions: Countries have promised to try to bring global emissions down from peak levels as soon as possible. More significantly, they pledged &ldquo;to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The deal includes loss and damage, a mechanism for addressing the financial losses vulnerable countries face from climate impacts such as extreme weather.</li>
<li>Raising money to bring in necessary changes. Finance to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy was an important point in the negotiations. This part of the deal has been made non-legally binding on developed countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What is COP 24?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>COP24 is the informal name for the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</li>
<li>In accordance with a decision of the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Climate Convention (COP22) in Marrakesh in November 2016, Poland was selected to host this event within the framework of the Eastern European Group (EEG).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Agenda of COP24</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Determining the accounting standards of the whole process: to devise a process of measurement to calculate countries achievements. This agenda will not face much difficulty because with time there has been a gradual convergence of opinion.</li>
<li>MRE- Monitoring, Review, Evaluation: This agenda has always been a bone of contention because many countries fear that this provision might become intrusive.</li>
<li>Institutional structure for technology: a world body which will see the adequate transfer of technologies from the &lsquo;Haves&rsquo; to the &lsquo;Have-nots&rsquo;.</li>
<li>Institutional structure for finance: to see the flow of finance from the developed to the developing and underdeveloped countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many developing countries are reluctant to give up coal and hence weaken the commitment. The discussion is around the logistics to implement the Paris Agreement. However, the chief concern is that the Paris Agreement which talks of keeping temperature rise below 2 degrees is grossly inadequate.</li>
<li>The IPCC report of 2018 has cautioned that human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0&deg;C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8&deg;C to 1.2&deg;C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5&deg;C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.</li>
<li>Keeping this trajectory, a report suggested that by the end of the century the temperature rise can be as high as 3 to 4 degree Celsius.</li>
<li>Another concern is the decision of US. As the largest emitter of Carbon dioxide, the US withdrawal from the Agreement is a mighty set back. Besides, China&rsquo;s peaking period is 2030, and many experts say that by the time China lowers its emission it will be too late.</li>
<li>The most important challenge is the transfer of technology and finance to the developing and underdeveloped countries. The industrialized countries are reluctant to share either of the resources without a tradeoff. On the other hand, the rest of the world has limited resources to purchase such sophisticated technologies.</li>
<li>The effects of climate change have begun to surface. Migration related to climate change has destabilized many countries and have also led to the emergence of new populist movements.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most importantly, environmental ethics should take precedence over other issues like national and strategic interest or economic interest.</li>
<li>COP24 would demonstrate how climate neutrality can be reached by using innovation and a technique for CO2 sequestration by soils and forests. Such innovative techniques have to be adopted and practiced.</li>
<li>The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ought to be ambitious and the countries should not only commit to larger goals but achieve the same in time.</li>
<li>Alternative sources of energy have to be explored. India&rsquo;s Solar Alliance is a positive step in this direction. The transition of the vehicles from fossil fuel to electric or hybrid is the need of the hour.</li>
<li>Adequate finance and technologies should be transferred from developed countries to developing countries. In the long run, it would yield rich dividends. Long-term, low-interest loans can be one solution. In this regard the World Bank&rsquo;s commitment of $200 billion over the next five years is noteworthy.</li>
</ul>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'ECO Niwas Samhita 2018',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Ministry of Power has launched the<strong> Energy Conservation- New Indian Way for Affordable &amp; Sustainable Homes (ECO Niwas) Samhita 2018</strong>, an Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R) to give a further fillip to India&rsquo;s energy conservation efforts.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Code was launched on the occasion of <strong>National Energy Conservation Day 2018</strong> which is celebrated every year on <strong>14th of December by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>ECO Niwas</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The code focuses on building envelope, mechanical systems and equipment including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, interior and exterior lighting systems, electrical system and renewable energy.</li>
<li>It also takes into account the <strong>five climates zones</strong> (Hot Dry, Warm Humid, Temperate, Composite and Cold) present in India.</li>
<li>However, it addresses <strong>only energy efficiency</strong> of buildings. <strong>Water and other aspects</strong> are <strong>not covered</strong> under it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to benefit the occupants and the environment by promoting energy efficiency in design and construction of homes, apartments and townships.</li>
<li>Implementation of this Code will have potential for energy savings to the tune of <strong>125 Billion Units of electricity</strong> per year by 2030, which is equivalent to about<strong> 100 million ton of CO<sub>2</sub> emission.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) was launched in 2007</strong> by the BEE to set energy efficiency standards for design and construction of buildings as a first step towards promoting energy efficiency in the building sector.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BEE is a<strong> statutory body</strong> under <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> which was setup in 2002 under the provisions of the<strong> Energy Conservation Act, 2001.</strong></li>
<li>It is mandated to implement policy and programmes in the area of <strong>energy efficiency and conservation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Other agencies that promote energy efficiency in buildings:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>LEED-India &ndash; </strong>Leadership in Energy &amp; Environmental Design (LEED) is an international recognized certification system for the green buildings. The LEED-India Green Building Rating System is an international benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings (provided by IGBC).</li>
<li><strong>IGBC Ratings &ndash;</strong> The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a division of the Confederation of Indian Industry that works closely with the government and aims at sustainably built environment.</li>
<li><strong>TERI GRIHA &ndash;</strong> The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) is a national rating system for green buildings that is adopted while designing and evaluating new buildings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/energy-efficiency-and-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more about Energy Efficiency in India</a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Revisit PPPs to Revive Investments',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Revisit PPPs to Revive Investments&rdquo; which appears in BusinessLine for 15th December.)</p>
</div>
<p>For the overall development of the Indian economy, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is one of the best options.</p>
<p><strong>To opt for PPP, a robust revival of private investment is needed.</strong> Getting the investment rate to go over 36% once again is imperative to get a sustained growth of over 8% per annum. This is the major challenge for the Indian economy.</p>
<h3>What is PPP?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Public-private partnerships between a government agency and private-sector company can be used to finance, build and operate projects, such as public transportation networks, parks, and city centers.</li>
</ul>
<p>There has been commendable progress in addressing the problems in PPP models. Still, there is a need to revisit PPP models for greater benefits.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PPP Models</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Build Operate and Transfer (BOT):</strong> Under BOT annuity, a developer builds the highway, operates it for a specified duration and transfers it back to the government. The government starts payment to the developer after the launch of commercial operation of the project.</p>
<p><strong>BOT Toll Model:</strong> In this toll based BOT model, a road developer constructs the road and he is allowed to recover his investment through toll collection. This toll collection will be over a period of nearly 30 years in most cases. There is no government payment to the developer as he earns his money invested from tolls.</p>
<p><strong>Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Model:</strong> Under this model, the cost is completely borne by the government. Government invites bids for engineering knowledge from the private players. Procurement of raw material and construction costs are met by the government. The private sector&rsquo;s participation is minimal and is limited to the provision of engineering expertise. A difficulty of the model is that financial is the high financial burden for the government.</p>
<p><strong>The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM):</strong> In India, the new HAM is a mix of BOT-Annuity and EPC models. As per the design, the government will contribute 40% of the project cost in the first five years through annual payments (annuity). The remaining payment will be made on the basis of the assets created and the performance of the developer.</p>
</div>
<h3>Opportunities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has systematically rolled out a PPP program for the delivery of high-priority public utilities and infrastructure and, over the last decade, developed one of the largest PPP programs in the world.</li>
<li>With close to 1500 PPP projects in various stages of implementation, according to the World Bank, India is one of the leading countries in terms of readiness for PPPs. As per the 2015 Infrascope Report of the Economist Intelligence Unit, &ldquo;Evaluating the environment for PPPs in Asia-Pacific 2014&rdquo;, India ranks first in the world in &ldquo;Operational Maturity&rdquo; for PPP projects, third for sub-national PPP activity and fifth overall in terms of having an ideal environment for PPP projects.</li>
<li><strong>Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure provides for the creation of public asset and service by a private partner who has been conceded the right (the &ldquo;Concession&rdquo;) for the purpose, for a specified period of time, on the basis of market-determined revenue streams, that allows for a commercial return on investment.</strong></li>
<li>PPPs in infrastructure represent a valuable instrument to speed up infrastructure development in India. This speeding up is urgently required for India to grow rapidly and generate a demographic dividend for itself and also to tap into the large pool of pension and institutional funds from aging populations in the developed countries.</li>
<li><strong>India offers today, the world&rsquo;s largest market for PPPs. It has as such accumulated a wealth of experience in getting to this premier position.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Better identification and allocation of risks between stakeholders (i.e the Govt., the Public, and the investors) is one of the major challenges in PPP projects.</li>
<li><strong>The PPP route has been criticized for not meeting the supply-demand gap exactly in the infrastructure facilities.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Six key hurdles faced by PPPs projects are as follows: policy and regulatory gaps;</strong> inadequate availability of long-term finance; inadequate capacity in public institutions and public officials to manage PPP processes; inadequate capacity in the private sector-both developer/investor and technical manpower; inadequate shelf of bankable infrastructure projects that can be bid out to the private sector; and inadequate advocacy to create greater acceptance of PPPs by stakeholders.</li>
<li><strong>The most important challenge for PPP projects, however, has emerged as delays in achieving commercial operation dates (COD)</strong> which lead to time and cost overruns. It has occurred partly due to land acquisition issues, willful default by promoters, irrational biddings, huge difference between project costs as approved by the Govt. and ones that are given to lenders.</li>
<li><strong>On the land acquisition front, issues related to the huge difference between the registered value offered and the actual market value have been very disputing.</strong> Moreover, valuations are conducted on the basis of the current status of land, and the system does not capture the appreciation after the construction of the project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The better understanding of risk perceptions of investors and lenders and mitigating the aforementioned challenges, along with installing adequate safeguards against windfall profits, are essential for success in designing workable PPPs.</li>
<li><strong>Genuine and transparent stakeholder consultation at the project and contract design stage with an open pragmatic approach would naturally help.</strong> Inadequate risk mitigation and faulty design may well be the major cause of the default by IL&amp;FS which has been the leading investor in PPP projects.</li>
<li>In addition to changing mindsets, there is an urgent need to rebuild India&rsquo;s PPP capacities. Structured capacity building programmes for different stakeholders including implementing agencies and customized programmes for banks and financial institutions and the private sector need to be evolved.</li>
<li><strong>Investments for treatment of sewage, augmentation of water supply for cities, completing the canal network for large irrigation projects, are all examples of needed investments which cannot be made financially viable through the recovery of user charges. Such projects have, therefore, been considered as not being suitable for PPPs. However, if the state, or, a public institution came in as an intermediary by agreeing to pay user charges after a transparent and fair bidding process, private investment could be brought into these non-traditional areas.</strong></li>
<li><strong>For infrastructure like hotels, hospitals, schools etc., providing land free through a reasonable lease rent and revenue-sharing arrangement in somewhat developed and promising locations will boost development greatly.</strong></li>
<li>In undeveloped sites, a two-tier PPP structure may be needed. A private builder (e.g a civil contractor) could on a rental basis do the bare structure of a hotel, hospital etc for a development agency (like NDMC and Delhi Development Authority). The agency could then get a hotelier, like the Taj or Hyatt, or for hospitals get Apollo or Fortis, to do the finishing and furnishing and then run the hotel on lease rent with revenue sharing.</li>
<li><strong>The potential for additional investment in PPP is therefore enormous. The challenge only lies in having the ambition and pragmatism to actually get large projects going with private investment.</strong></li>
</ul>',
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		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Lack of Basic Rights For the Aged a Concern: SC',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>In response to a public interest litigation, the Supreme Court has ordered the central government to take steps to provide care and rights to the elderly.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court has ordered that state and central governments must strictly implement the provisions of <strong>Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens act 2007 (MWP Act).</strong></li>
<li>SC has said that <strong>right to dignity, health, and shelter</strong> are statutory rights of elderly. All the three are components of the right to life <strong>under Article 21.</strong></li>
<li>United Nations Population Division has estimated that approximately 19% of Indians will be elderly (aged 60 years and above) by 2050, marking a dramatic jump from the present 8% level.</li>
<li><strong>Challenges</strong> faced by the elderly in India include<strong> abandonment by their families, destitution, and homelessness, inability to access quality health care, low levels of institutional support, and the loneliness and depression associated with separation from their families.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Judgment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme court has issued the following important directives in response to a writ petition, seeking enforcement of the rights of elderly persons under Article 21 of the Constitution:</li>
<li>The central government must obtain the necessary information about the number of old age homes, medical facilities available in each district.</li>
<li>Making senior citizens aware of their constitutional and statutory right.</li>
<li>MWP Act should be publicized and implemented effectively.</li>
<li>The Government should relook at schemes related to senior-citizen and overhaul them to bring convergence and avoid multiplicity.</li>
<li>The grant pension to the elderly should be more realistic.</li>
<li>There is a need to continuously monitor progress in the implementation of rights of the elderly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Major Steps taken by the Government</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 made <strong>it a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to senior citizens.</strong> It also permits state governments to establish old age homes in every district.</li>
<li>Senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves shall have the<strong> right to apply to a maintenance</strong> tribunal seeking a monthly allowance from their children or heirs.</li>
<li>State governments may set up maintenance tribunals in every sub-division to decide the level of maintenance. Appellate tribunals may be established at the district level.</li>
<li>State governments shall<strong> set the maximum monthly maintenance allowance.</strong> The Act caps the maximum monthly allowance at Rs 10,000 per month.</li>
<li>Punishment for not paying the required monthly allowance shall be Rs 5,000 or up to three months imprisonment or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>scheme IGNOAPS was launched in the year 1995 by the Ministry of Rural Development.</strong> The scheme is a major part of National Social Assistance Programme.</li>
<li>Under this scheme senior citizens i.e. people who are 60 years or above receive Rs. 200 as a pension on monthly basis. People who have crossed 80 years receive Rs. 500 instead of Rs. 200 on monthly basis.</li>
<li>In this scheme, <strong>the pension type is the non-contribution pension.</strong> It means the employee does not have to contribute anything to get the pension from the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has launched the <strong>&lsquo;Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)&rsquo;</strong> to provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons aged 60 and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The state should secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people under&nbsp;<strong>Article 38 in The Constitution Of India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA):</strong> The plan is a resource for policy-makers, suggesting ways for governments, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to reorient the ways in which their societies perceive, interact with and care for their older citizens, as two billion people will be aged 60 and above by 2050.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Is It Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Is it time to abolish the death penalty?&rdquo; which appears in The Hindu for 14th December.)</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Death penalty or capital punishment is the highest degree of punishment that can be awarded to an individual under any penal law in force in any part of the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although the death penalty in India is long-standing, t<strong>he movement to abolish it has gained a lot of momentum in recent times.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking directions for the immediate execution of the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case of 2012.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Indian Penal Code, 1860 provides for the provision of a death sentence for various offenses like criminal conspiracy, murder, waging war against the nation, dacoity etc. Various other legislation like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 also provides for the death penalty.</p>
<p>Under Article 72, the Constitution has created a provision for clemency of capital punishment. Under this Article, the President of India has the power to grant pardon or commute or remit the death sentence in certain cases. Similarly, Article 161 provides for powers of the Governor of the State to grant clemency.</p>
<p>Also, when a Sessions Court awards the capital punishment, it must be confirmed by the High Court of the particular state, and only then the execution can be carried out.</p>
<p>In 2007, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a moratorium on the administration of the death penalty by the 59 countries that still retained it. India is one of them, even if it does not employ it as frequently as countries such as Iran, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.</p>
<p><strong>Recently, India allowed capital punishment for anyone convicted of raping children under the age of 12.</strong></p>
<h3>Why it is Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most of the civilized world has abolished it. India certainly does not need it as it doesn&rsquo;t serve any purpose.</li>
<li><strong>No study has shown that the death penalty deters murder more than life imprisonment.</strong> The evidence is all to the contrary. For deterrence to work, the severity of the punishment has to coexist with the certainty and swiftness of the punishment. The death penalty has not deterred terrorism, murder or even theft.</li>
<li><strong>Based on the evidence collected, the legal system cannot be trusted to take one&rsquo;s life.</strong> For example, between January 1, <g class="gr_ gr_118 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="118" data-gr-id="118">2000</g> and June 31, 2015, the Supreme Court imposed 60 death sentences. It subsequently admitted that it had erred in 15 of them (25%).</li>
<li><strong>Those without &lsquo;capital&rsquo; get the punishment.</strong> Poor prisoners on legal aid won&rsquo;t get good lawyers to defend them. Hence, the death penalty unfairly targets the poor and marginalized.</li>
<li><strong>The death penalty is impossible to administer fairly or rationally.</strong> The Supreme Court has repeatedly admitted that it has arbitrarily imposed this most extreme punishment. It depends overwhelmingly on the adjudicator&rsquo;s personal beliefs. Judges opposed to it never gave a death sentence; those in favor doled it out.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why is it NOT the Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Its constitutionality has not only been upheld in India but also in liberal democracies like that of the U.S.</strong> Therefore, the retention of the death penalty is not a reflection of &ldquo;uncivilized&rdquo; polity in theocratic states [a political unit governed by a deity or by officials thought to be divinely guided] that have come to be defined by violence but also by a creation of the individual geopolitical circumstances of each state.</li>
<li>While the 35th Report (Law Commission) correctly called for its retention in order to see its impact on a new republic, the more recent 262nd Report could not recommend the punishment&rsquo;s absolute abolition despite a rather desperate attempt to do the same.</li>
<li><strong>The exception to abolition in cases of terror will also not work.</strong> Unlike Scandinavia, India&rsquo;s neighborhood is not peaceful, and, it does not form the group of nations that facilitate common growth, unlike the European Union. On the contrary, every day, vested interests attempt to destabilize the very idea of our nation from across every border it shares, which makes it difficult to abolish this deterrent named death penalty.</li>
<li>As noted by the Law Commission itself, cases of violent terror are constant reminders of the need to protect national stability by ensuring appropriate responses to such actions, and the death penalty forms part of the national response.</li>
<li>A punishment cannot be judged by its impact on criminals but by its impact on those who are still innocent.</li>
<li>Those who defend the death penalty often do it on the basis of retributive justice (a system of criminal justice based on the punishment of offenders rather than on rehabilitation).</li>
<li><strong>It determines that there are certain acts which the society so essentially detest that they justify the taking of the most crucial of rights &ndash; the right to life.</strong> For, the state acknowledges that the sacredness of life can only be seen to be protected if those who take it away are proportionately punished. The hanging of Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon strongly affirms India&rsquo;s commitment to the protection of life.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The capital punishment is not arbitrary because it comes out of a judicial process.</strong> To term the punishment as arbitrary, one has to necessarily prove the process as flawed. However, in the cases of the death penalty, the courts have made sure that caution is exercised in giving the punishment. They are conscious of its irreversibility and have therefore restricted it to only rarest of rare cases that shock the conscience of society. This is reflective in the fact that in the last 13 years, only four people have been executed.</li>
<li><strong>Following the gang rape of a young woman in Delhi in December 2012, amendments were made to the Indian Penal Code adding the death penalty for certain categories of rapes and repeat offenders.</strong> This year India introduced the death penalty for those who rape minors. The polarised debate that surrounded Yakub Menon&rsquo;s execution in 2015 was yet another reminder of the pervasive popularity of the idea which needs larger public debate.</li>
<li><strong>In 1980, in Bachan Singh v. the State of Punjab, a Constitution Bench articulated the &ldquo;rarest of rare&rdquo; threshold stating that &ldquo;judges should never be bloodthirsty&rdquo;.</strong> Death must only be imposed where the alternative option is unquestionably foreclosed.</li>
<li><strong>In 2015, the Law Commission called for the abolition of the death penalty for ordinary crimes, and activists continue to argue for abolishing it altogether.</strong> Political will in India is still bound by populism. However, the constitutionality of the death penalty will continue to be challenged and, sooner or later, the Supreme Court will have to answer whether the absence of political will is sufficient ground to override the right to life.</li>
<li><strong>Also, recently the Supreme Court supported the rights of death row convicts.</strong> It argued that convicts should be allowed to meet with family, friends, lawyers and mental health professionals for a reasonable period of time with reasonable frequency. It is part of their fundamental right to dignity and equality.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/241drishti_ias_deathpenalty.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/241drishti_ias_deathpenalty.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="747" height="266" caption="false" /></a></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/is-time-to-abolish-the-death-penalty'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'India Post Payment Bank (IPPB)',
			'catname' => 'Paper 3',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister launched <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">India</g> Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on September 1, 2018<g class="gr_ gr_134 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep" id="134" data-gr-id="134">.</g></li>
<li><g class="gr_ gr_134 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Style replaceWithoutSep" id="134" data-gr-id="134">I</g>t is an initiative of the government aimed at making <strong>banking services available at people&rsquo;s doorstep</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is IPPB?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IPPB is a<strong> wholly-owned subsidiary</strong> of <g class="gr_ gr_95 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="95" data-gr-id="95">Deparment</g> of Post, with 100 <g class="gr_ gr_125 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="125" data-gr-id="125">percent</g> Government of India equity.</li>
<li>It is a payments bank of the Indian postal department which will work through a network of post offices and nearly 3 lakh postmen.</li>
<li><g class="gr_ gr_96 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="96" data-gr-id="96"></g><g class="gr_ gr_96 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="96" data-gr-id="96">IPPB&rsquo;s</g> Vision
<ol>
<li>Building most <strong>accessible, affordable and trusted</strong> bank for <g class="gr_ gr_121 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="121" data-gr-id="121">common</g> man.</li>
<li>Spearheading <strong>Financial Inclusion</strong>- agenda for <g class="gr_ gr_122 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="122" data-gr-id="122">under-banked</g> populace.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>It will be governed by <g class="gr_ gr_123 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="123" data-gr-id="123">Reserve</g> Bank of India (RBI).</li>
<li>While its services will be available to all citizens, the IPPB will primarily focus on serving social sector beneficiaries, migrant labourers, un-organised sector, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Panchayats, low-income households, in rural areas and the <strong>unbanked and under-banked segments</strong> in both the rural and urban areas.</li>
<li>IPPB will offer services through a mix of <strong>physical and digital platforms</strong>.</li>
<li>Channels for delivering services will include:
<ol>
<li>Counter operations</li>
<li>ATMs/micro ATMs</li>
<li>Doorstep, mobile and internet banking</li>
<li>Pre-paid instruments such as mobile wallets, PoS, MPoS, etc.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>It will initially have 650 branches and 3,250 access points in post offices across the country.</li>
<li>All the 1.55 lakh post offices in the country are targeted to be linked to the IPPB system by December 31, 2018.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Functions of IPPB</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will accept <strong>deposits</strong>, offer <strong>remittance services</strong>, <strong>mobile banking</strong> and <strong>third-party fund transfers</strong>.</li>
<li>It offers 3 types of <g class="gr_ gr_97 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="97" data-gr-id="97">saving</g> account:<br />
<ol>
<li>Regular Account &ndash; Safal,</li>
<li>Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) &ndash; Sugam and</li>
<li>BSBDA Small &ndash; Saral</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>The maximum limit on deposits for current and savings account is Rs 1 lakh.</li>
<li>The bank offers a 4 per cent interest rate on savings account.</li>
<li>They can issue debit cards and ATM cards, but they cannot issue credit cards and cannot loan money.</li>
<li>It will provide social security payments like MNREGA wages, direct benefit transfer and give access to third-party services insurance, mutual funds.</li>
<li>IPPB account holders will be issued a QR Code based biometric card with a unique QR code.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What is Payment Bank?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Payments banks were part of the Reserve Bank of India&rsquo;s strategy of offering <strong>differentiated banking licences</strong>.</li>
<li>A committee headed by<strong> <g class="gr_ gr_1903 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="1903" data-gr-id="1903">Dr.</g> Nachiket Mor</strong> recommended setting up of 'Payments Bank' to cater to the lower income groups and small businesses.</li>
<li>A payments bank is a differentiated bank, offering a limited range of products.</li>
<li>It can accept demand deposits only that is savings and current accounts, not time deposits.</li>
<li>Payment banks are restricted to holding a maximum balance of Rs. 100,000(Rupees one lakh only) per individual customer.</li>
<li>Payment Banks cannot accept Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits.</li>
<li>The Payment Banks cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial services activities.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Potential of IPPB</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are currently about 50,000 bank branches in rural India. Whereas the Department of Post alone has almost 1,30,000 service points in rural India &ndash; which if converted into points of banking service, can extend <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="101" data-gr-id="101">presence</g> of banking services in rural India by 3.5 times.</li>
<li>It will allow leveraging the trust which the India Post enjoys in the minds of the public, coupled with the simple, affordable and convenient digital solutions.</li>
<li>A large number of the 3,00,000 employees of the postal services would also be equipped with biometric and handheld devices to provide doorstep banking services.</li>
<li>Due to <g class="gr_ gr_102 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="102" data-gr-id="102">failure</g> of rural banking in past years due to mounting Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), banks are over-burdened with the task of recovery of credit, rather than expansion if banking services &ndash; possible through IPPB.</li>
<li>Tapping of savings of the rural people through IPPB may help increase <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">per</g> capita income of rural people through domestic savings.</li>
<li>Money lenders in rural areas try to exploit people under financial aid, IPPB will help to reduce such exploitation and provide effective financial services.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits of IPPB</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expansion of Rural Banking-</strong> IPPB will help reinvigorate the postal system, at the same time expanding Rural Banking through its wide network of branches across India.</li>
<li><strong>Access to Diversified Services -</strong> Post Office <g class="gr_ gr_94 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="94" data-gr-id="94">savings</g> Bank (POSB) accounts linked to IPPB will allow lakhs of POSB accounts access to banking thereby enabling them to enjoy internet banking, mobile banking, electronic fund transfers, online bill payments, digital payments etc. across the spectrum of banks 24&times;7.&nbsp;Facilities such as third-party payment, insurance and mutual funds etc will provide financial accessibility to diverse financial services.</li>
<li><strong>Social &amp; Financial Inclusion -</strong> IPPB can act as a catalyst for social and financial inclusion through the vast network of post offices throughout the nation.&nbsp;Last mile delivery of services through the postman - and &lsquo;Grameen DakSewaks&rsquo; acting as Mobile bankers &ndash; providing "banking at <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">doorstep</g>."</li>
<li><strong>Push to MSMEs -</strong> Rural MSMEs will benefit from financial services offered by IPPB.</li>
<li><strong>Effective DBT -</strong> IPPB will enable better penetration of schemes and better delivery of benefits. Banking through IPPB would give a boost to Government&rsquo;s initiatives like promoting digital transactions and Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT).</li>
<li><strong>Employment -</strong> IPPB will generate employment opportunity for more than 3500 banking professionals, who will be engaged in propagating financial literacy across the country.</li>
<li><strong>Credibility -</strong> It will also not have to gain the trust of customers like its competitors, especially in the rural areas, as the local postman is still an integral part of the day-to-day lives of the rural populace.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Low Awareness -</strong> Due to low financial and digital literacy among rural masses, they might be discouraged to opt for formal financial services under IPPB.</li>
<li><strong>Strict Regulation -</strong> Given the severe restrictions imposed by the RBI on how it can employ its funds, the odds seem to be stacked against the IPPB at the moment.</li>
<li><strong>User Charges -</strong> To generate revenues, it plans to charge fees on money transfers and other financial services &ndash; which may act as a disincentive for rural customers.</li>
<li><strong>Competition -</strong> The IPPB is also likely to face stiff competition from private companies already given Payment Bank licenses.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Infrastructure -</strong> Lack of 24/7 electricity, internet services and infrastructure in rural areas is another constraint.</li>
<li><strong>Human Resource -</strong> The staff needs extensive training in handling <g class="gr_ gr_114 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="114" data-gr-id="114">the banking</g> products - especially insurance and pension products - as they are different from the current financial products in India Post&rsquo;s portfolio. The real success will depend on the implementation of technology and staff's adaptation to new technology.</li>
<li><strong>Technology -</strong> The post office payment bank will have to quickly move to an online platform to make it easier for customers to access their accounts and conduct transactions. With existing infrastructure and resources it is a challenge.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While the advantages enjoyed by IPPB are <g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="93" data-gr-id="93">endeniable</g>, it needs to cross over these two hurdles &mdash; financial and pricing &mdash; to prevent itself from becoming another Air India.</li>
<li>In order to make IPPB a game changer and to sustain in <g class="gr_ gr_115 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="115" data-gr-id="115">competition</g> it requires efficient infrastructure, autonomy in funds management, training and skilling of the postal employees and promoting <g class="gr_ gr_113 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="113" data-gr-id="113">use</g> of cashless transactions among rural masses.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/india-post-payment-bank-ippb'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (14th December 2018)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Boe Declaration</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pacific countries vulnerable to climate change have urged Australia to abandon coal power generation within 12 <g class="gr_ gr_54 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="54" data-gr-id="54">years,</g> and to prohibit new coal plants or <g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="52" data-gr-id="52">expansion</g> of existing plants.</li>
<li>Recently, Tuvalu has urged Australia to avoid opening of new mines such as <strong>Adani project for the Carmichael mine in Queensland.</strong> It cited the Boe Declaration which Australia signed in September.</li>
<li>The<strong> &ldquo;Boe Declaration&rdquo;</strong> of the <strong>&ldquo;Pacific Islands Forum&rdquo;</strong> reaffirmed that <strong>climate change</strong> remains the<strong> single greatest threat</strong> to the livelihoods, security <g class="gr_ gr_50 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="50" data-gr-id="50">and</g> <g class="gr_ gr_49 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="49" data-gr-id="49">wellbeing</g> of the peoples of the Pacific.</li>
<li>Boe declaration <g class="gr_ gr_42 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="42" data-gr-id="42">recognises</g> and reaffirms the commitments and principles of<strong> <g class="gr_ gr_41 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="41" data-gr-id="41">Biketawa</g> Declaration of the year 2000.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biketawa Declaration</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a declaration agreed to by all the leaders of the <strong>Pacific Islands Forum</strong> constituting a framework for <strong>coordinating <g class="gr_ gr_47 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="47" data-gr-id="47">response</g> to regional crises.</strong></li>
<li>The declaration was agreed to at the <strong>31<sup>st</sup> Summit of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, held at Kiribati in October 2000.</strong></li>
<li><g class="gr_ gr_53 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="53" data-gr-id="53">It&rsquo;s</g> principles <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="51" data-gr-id="51">are:</g> commitment to good governance, belief in the liberty of the individual under the law, upholding democratic processes and institutions and <g class="gr_ gr_55 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="55" data-gr-id="55">recognising</g> <strong>the vulnerability of member countries to threats to their security.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pacific Islands Forum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Pacific Islands Forum is the region&rsquo;s premier <strong>political and economic policy organization which was founded in 1971.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises<strong> 18 members:</strong> Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.</li>
<li>The Pacific Islands Forum aims to foster cooperation between governments, collaboration with international agencies, by representing the interests of its members for a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead-free, healthy, and productive lives.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Thailand's envoy has said that <strong>India<g class="gr_ gr_46 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep" id="46" data-gr-id="46">,Myanmar</g>, and Thailand</strong> should expedite negotiations on a <strong>motor vehicles pact.</strong></li>
<li>The nearly <strong>1,400-km trilateral highway</strong> is aimed at giving a massive boost to trade in Southeast Asia and is an integral part of <strong>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Act East&rdquo; policy.</strong></li>
<li>The project is scheduled to be <strong>completed by 2021.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> National Highways Authority of India</strong> has been appointed as the technical executing agency and project management consultant for implementing this project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Virgin Galactic&rsquo;s SpaceShipTwo</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sir Richard Branson&rsquo;s<strong> Virgin Galactic test flight SpaceShipTwo</strong> has successfully reached to a height of more than 50 miles in <strong>California's the Mojave Desert.</strong></li>
<li>It is the first time a plane has reached the<strong> boundary of space</strong> and earth before making its descent back to earth.</li>
<li>This flight success is a step closer towards<strong> making commercial space tourism into reality.</strong></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-14th-december-2018'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture - Gas Grid: Fuel for all',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9BqhXq1Grs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects across 129 districts. <strong>The project was recently granted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)</strong>, and, would d<strong>istribute gas to around half of the country's population in 26 states and Union Territories.</strong> It is part of a larger plan to shift towards an environment friendlier gas-based economy. The development of CGD networks will increase the availability of clean cooking fuel or Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for consumers.</p>
<h3>What is City Gas Distribution?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The world runs on energy. Conventional fuels such as petrol and diesel have been in use for decades. But the current demand-supply gap in energy, depletion of fossil fuels and environmental constraints have created a necessity for exploring<strong> alternative energy resources which are cleaner and environment-friendly.</strong></li>
<li>Natural gas is being considered as the fuel of the day. <strong>Natural Gas Distribution or City Gas Distribution (CGD) is a growing sector that aims to provide an uninterrupted supply of gas to domestic, commercial and industrial customers in the form of PNG and CNG.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The present mode of delivery of gas is through cylinders which is a costly affair.</strong> CGD system uses a pipeline system for transport of gas and their distribution among consumers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Gas Grid</h3>
<p><strong>Objectives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>To remove regional imbalance</strong> within the country with regard to access to natural gas and provide clean and green fuel throughout the country.</li>
<li><strong>To connect gas sources to major demand centres</strong> and ensure availability of gas to consumers in various sectors.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Implications</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gas delivered via pipeline in the urban households would minimize the use of gas cylinders. These empty gas cylinders can be shifted to the rural area to deliver cooking gas. This will be a major boost to achieve accessibility of clean cooking fuel to all the households in the rural areas.</li>
<li>Natural gas is less costly when compared with other conventional fuels. Pipeline delivery comparatively immunizes against inflation of transportation costs.</li>
<li>Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel that has less impact on the environment. Natural gas fireplaces can reduce up to 99% of the number of pollutants and particles emitted into the air compared to wood. Industries which use &ldquo;dirty fuel&rdquo; to power their project, can shift to cleaner fuel. Thereby, natural gas can considerably bring down air pollution level.</li>
<li>Most importantly, this project would bring down government subsidy to LPG. Also, siphoning of cylinders to black market would come to an end.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of adequate compensation:</strong> The amount of compensation paid over whose land the pipe is being laid is minimal.</li>
<li><strong>Legislative constraints:</strong> Unlike power which is a concurrent subject, petroleum (consequently, gas) is in the union list. Since the gas pipeline will spread into the remotest corners of the state, the central government has to reach out to the state well in advance so as to facilitate land availability for the project.</li>
<li><strong>Safety concerns:</strong> Safety is one of the main issues involved. The dealers have to educate the consumer regarding the new system.</li>
<li><strong>Irregularities:</strong> Irregular supply of gas has plagued the domestic market for quite some time. The domestic production is not adequate and we are mostly dependent on the import which again is vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices and geopolitical turmoil.</li>
<li><strong>Logistic and Infrastructural issues:</strong> Low penetration of gas-based equipment and appliances, manpower inadequacy, no separate corridors available in city area for laying of gas pipelines.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First and foremost, the government should build adequate infrastructure, either with the help of the private sector or through Public Private Partnership.</strong> The government needs to take leadership (viability gap funding) in order to ensure that the whole value chain moves in a synchronized manner and ensures commercial viability.</li>
<li><strong>The rational pricing of the gas is sin </strong><g class="gr_ gr_78 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="78" data-gr-id="78">quo</g> <g class="gr_ gr_79 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="79" data-gr-id="79">non</g><strong>.</strong> Both the customers and the private investors have to be protected by devising the right mechanism to price the gas.</li>
<li>The initial cost of laying the pipeline per consumer has been estimated at around Rs 14000 to Rs 18500. Hence, in this regard, the government should intervene by adequately subsidizing the initial setup.</li>
<li><strong>Natural gas is also used in sectors like mainly power generation and fertilizer production, etc.</strong> Hence, the proper allocation must be made with regard to gas for each sector. A certain portion of the gas has to be allocated for the CGD - a steady flow of gas should be ensured for it.</li>
<li><strong>The consumers have to be encouraged to shift to PNG from gas cylinders.</strong> The government should incentivize the procedure through subsidy and at the same time assuring the customers of uninterrupted supply.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>Pradhan Mantri Urja Yojana</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ambitious &ldquo;Urja Ganga&rdquo; gas pipeline project aims to provide piped cooking gas to residents in Varanasi within two years and in another year after that, it would cater to needs of people in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.</li>
<li>It will cater to the energy needs of five states, covering 40 districts and 2,600 villages.</li>
<li>It will pave way for the revival of three large fertilizer plants, enable industrialization of over 20 cities and development of city gas network in 7 cities, generating a large number of jobs.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-gas-grid-fuel-for-all'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'China’s Rover to Far Side of the Moon',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>China has launched a lunar probe mission to <strong>the far side of the moon.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chang&rsquo;e-4</strong> is the <strong>first probe ever to explore the far side of the moon.</strong> Previous spacecraft have captured the images of the far side of the Moon, but none has landed on it.</li>
<li>The Chang&rsquo;e-4 lunar probe mission is named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology.</li>
<li>Chang&rsquo;e-4 includes two main parts:<strong> the main lander and a rover.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Landing Site</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The rover will land in the <strong>Von K&aacute;rm&aacute;n crater</strong> on the far side of the moon.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0tAVdO3zjtM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Mission Objectives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The instruments on the rover and the lander will help in identifying the <strong>composition of rocks and dirt in the far side of the moon.</strong> It will study the <strong>effects of the solar wind</strong> striking the lunar surface.</li>
<li>Chang&rsquo;e-4 will also test the<strong> ability of making radio astronomy observations from the far side of the moon,</strong> without the effects of noise and interference from Earth.</li>
<li>Chang&rsquo;e-4 will also conduct a biology experiment to see if<strong> plant seeds will germinate and silkworm eggs will hatch</strong> in the moon&rsquo;s low gravity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Landing</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike the near side of the moon which always faces the earth, and offers many flat areas for rovers to land, <strong>the far side is mountainous and rugged.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communication</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The moon is tidally locked to the rotation of the Earth. Thus, the<strong> moon blocks radio signals from our planet to far side of the moon</strong> making it difficult to directly communicate with the probe.</li>
<li>To overcome this,<strong> China has launched a satellite, called Queqiao,</strong> in May 2018. It is circling high over the far side of the moon, and will relay messages between Earth and the Chang&rsquo;e-4 lander.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Far Side of the Moon</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There's a part of the moon that we don't see from Earth as the moon always keeps the same side facing towards the earth due to tidal locking.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tidal Locking</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tidal locking is the name given to the situation when an<strong> object&rsquo;s orbital period matches its rotational period.</strong></li>
<li>The moon takes 28 days to go around the Earth and 28 days to rotate once around its axis. This results in the same face of the Moon always facing the Earth.\</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>China&rsquo;s Lunar Missions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Orbital Missions:</strong> Chang&rsquo;e-1 and Chang&rsquo;e-2 are orbital mission around the moon.Chang&rsquo;e-1 was launched in 2007. Chang&rsquo;e-2 in 2010.</li>
<li><strong>Soft Landers/Rovers:</strong> Chang&rsquo;e-3 and Chang&rsquo;e-4 are the rover mission on the moon. Chang&rsquo;e-3 and Chang&rsquo;e-4 were launched in 2013 and 2018 respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Sample Return:</strong> Chang&rsquo;e-5 robotic spacecraft will land on the moon and then bring rock samples back to Earth for additional study. Expected launch in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinas-rover-to-far-side-of-the-moon'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Energy Efficiency and Climate Change',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Energy Efficiency and Climate Change&rdquo; which appears in Livemint for 13th December.)</p>
</div>
<p>The impact of climate change is being felt by everybody and everywhere. Extreme weather conditions, air pollution, crop failure, biodiversity losses, and much more are affecting both human health and natural wealth. <strong>More than 70% of India&rsquo;s population is exposed to outdoor air pollution, which has contributed to one in eight deaths and has reduced the average life expectancy of Indians by nearly two years.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The cost of not addressing global warming today would surpass the expense of addressing it in the future.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Energy production and consumption remain the largest contributor to global carbon emissions and greenhouse gas. The proven solution to manage the climate change agenda is still evolving.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>It is estimated that nearly 70% of the global carbon emissions could be reduced by increasing energy efficiency.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Most countries are more advanced on renewable energy compared to energy efficiency. <strong>Many quick wins on energy efficiency that have been overlooked in the past can be given a bigger seat at the table, including energy efficiency in the kitchen, residential buildings, industries, transport, utilities, and energy labeling.</strong></p>
<p>Increasing energy efficiency is also essential for most developing countries for preparing them to move towards more expensive energy system needed to deal with carbon capture and storage, and other technology solutions.</p>
<h3>What is Energy Efficiency?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Energy efficiency means using less energy to provide the same service.</strong></li>
<li>For example, a compact fluorescent bulb is more efficient than a traditional incandescent bulb as it uses much less electrical energy to produce the same amount of light. Similarly, an efficient boiler takes less fuel to heat a home to a given temperature than a less efficient model.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India and Energy Efficiency</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s energy intensity( it is a measure of the energy inefficiency of an economy) has declined during the last decade. China&rsquo;s energy intensity is roughly 1.5 times that of India.</strong></li>
<li>Cities and urban settings have increased energy efficiency and reduced the cost of electricity use per output level because of denser customer bases and more efficient plant sizes for local energy producers.</li>
<li><strong>However, large industrial enterprises in India are moving away from cities and opening plants in rural areas to remain competitive.</strong> Observed analysis of manufacturing enterprises in India shows that average electricity consumption is much higher in rural regions compared to urban regions.</li>
<li>Small and medium-sized enterprises have the most difficult time as their modest plant scale does not justify extensive investments in self-provision power generation capacity, and their higher levels of operation make them more vulnerable to uncertainty than larger enterprises.</li>
<li>Developed states in India have improved energy efficiency. But electricity usage per unit of output is twice the level in lagging states compared to leading states.</li>
<li>Whether India&rsquo;s structural (eg. construction, infrastructure developments etc) and spatial (eg. population increase, increasing size of urban agglomerations etc) transformation will exacerbate or alleviate energy efficiency is important for issues ranging from reducing power blackouts to stemming rising pollution levels.</li>
<li><strong>How developing countries manage industrialization, urbanization and infrastructure investments will have vital environmental implications.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Government Initiatives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As part of its commitment to create awareness about energy efficiency as a resource and also to develop an action plan for energy conservation initiatives, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), had released the <strong>&lsquo;State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index&rsquo;,</strong> which assesses state policies and programmes aimed at improving energy efficiency across various sectors.</li>
<li><strong>The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)</strong> is one of the eight national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).</li>
<li><strong>NMEEE has the following schemes:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Perform Achieve and Trade Scheme (PAT)</li>
<li>Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE)</li>
<li>Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)</li>
<li>Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEED)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other government initiatives include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DeenDayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (<g class="gr_ gr_137 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="137" data-gr-id="137">DDUGKY</g>)</li>
<li>Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)</li>
<li>UDAY</li>
<li>Soubhagya</li>
<li>Power for All 24*7</li>
<li>Ujala</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other technological innovations and initiatives</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Electric vehicles &ndash;No Licence required for charging stations</li>
<li>Smart Metering- Procurement of 50 lakh smart meters done</li>
<li>Energy efficiency- Energy Star labeling program</li>
<li>Energy Conservation Building Code for energy efficient buildings launched in June 2017</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vidyut Pravah</strong> &ndash; The Mobile/Web App provides real-time information of current demand met, shortages if any, surplus power available and the prices in Power Exchange.</li>
<li><strong>UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) &ndash;</strong> App provides real-time updates on the LED distribution happening across the country.</li>
<li><strong>UrjaMitra</strong> &ndash; monitoring of power availability and sending power cut information through SMS.</li>
<li><strong>MERIT&ndash;</strong>information pertaining to marginal variable cost and source wise purchase of electricity.</li>
<li><strong>URJA (Urban Jyoti Abhiyaan)</strong> &ndash; It is an informative App for Urban Distribution Sector. It captures Consumer-centric parameters from the IT systems created under IPDS.</li>
<li><strong>TARANG (Transmission App for real-time monitoring &amp; Growth)</strong> &ndash; It is an IT Web/mobile-based platform to provide the status of both inter and intrastate Transmission Projects in the country. This platform also shows the prospective interstate as well as intrastate Transmission Projects.</li>
<li><strong>DEEP e-bidding (Discovery of Efficient Electricity Price) &ndash;</strong> The portal will provide a common e-bidding platform with e-reverse auction facility to facilitate nation-wide power procurement through a wider network so as to bring uniformity and transparency in the process of power procurement.</li>
<li><strong>Ash Track-</strong> linking fly ash users and power plants for better ash utilization.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although global investments in renewable energy have increased rapidly in recent years, its share in the global stock of energy is still very small.</li>
<li>Besides ongoing reforms,<strong> a package of additional interventions</strong> is needed to internalize externalities that are much more significant in developing countries compared to advanced countries and play an import role in increasing energy efficiency.</li>
<li>There remains a huge potential for energy efficiency gains in most industries, ranging from 46-88% in <g class="gr_ gr_135 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="135" data-gr-id="135">textile</g> industry to 43-94% in paper and pulp industry, to 51-92% in the iron and steel industry. Energy efficiency gain policy will need to go beyond industries and enter our kitchen, buildings, and transport.</li>
<li>Energy policy will also need to focus much more on rural regions that are the future drivers of growth. Energy outages are common in rural areas, where unreliable energy supply forces firms to invest in self-generation capacity.</li>
<li><strong>Developing countries have raised their ambitions for a faster and greener growth. The younger population in the developing world are shifting towards less polluted kitchens, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient technologies. Up to half of the global annual emissions could be reduced through more efficient use of energy in kitchens, residential buildings, and transport.</strong></li>
<li>Improved energy efficiency is a win-win for everybody. Energy-efficiency planning is prevalent globally, but the quality of targets and specifications could be improved.</li>
<li>There is a big market potential for scaling up energy efficiency through <strong>green mortgag</strong>e (it is a mortgage specifically targeted at green buildings),<strong> green bonds</strong> (bonds created to fund projects that have positive environmental and/or climate benefits), t<strong>ax incentives, credit lines with banks for energy efficiency activities, and public-private partnerships in energy sector investments.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/794drishti_ias_energy%20efficiency.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/794drishti_ias_energy efficiency.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="768" height="221" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/energy-efficiency-and-climate-change'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (13th December 2018)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Andaman Sea Kraits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The two species of <strong>amphibious snakes</strong>, <strong>yellow-lipped</strong> and the <strong>blue-lipped Andaman sea krait</strong>, have been spotted on tree roots (especially of uprooted Manilkara <g class="gr_ gr_50 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="50" data-gr-id="50">littoralis</g>, a mangrove tree) on the beaches in Andaman.</li>
<li>Andaman sea Kraits are <strong>colourful</strong> and <strong>banded</strong> sea snakes endemic to Andaman islands.</li>
<li>Andaman sea kraits which are mostly nocturnal, hunt for their prey in coral reefs. Though they spend a lot of time underwater, they get back to land to digest their prey, lay eggs and even shed their skin.</li>
<li>Removal of uprooted trees to clear the beach for tourism has negatively impacted the sea kraits.</li>
<li>Giving legal protection to sandy beaches and implementing the regulation on activities like sand mining and tourism can help conserve neglected Andaman sea Kraits.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Nile Delta Threatened by Climate Change</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Northern Egypt&rsquo;s Nile Delta is shrinking due to the warming climate. The shrinking is compounded by <strong>rising seas</strong> and <strong>soil salinization</strong>.</li>
<li>Deltas with triangular or fan shape are called arcuate (arc-like) deltas. The Nile River forms an arcuate delta as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea (examples of <g class="gr_ gr_48 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="48" data-gr-id="48">arcuate</g> delta in India are Ganga delta and Indus delta).</li>
<li>The fertile basin is home to nearly half the country&rsquo;s population.</li>
<li>The <strong>Nile</strong> is the<strong> longest river</strong> in the world. It originates near the equator and flows nearly 7000 km northward. It provides Egypt with 90% of its water needs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rythu Bandhu Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rythu Bandhu scheme also known as Agriculture Investment Support Scheme, is a welfare program to support farmer&rsquo;s investment for two crops a year by the Government of <strong>Telangana</strong>.</li>
<li>The scheme seeks to provide a grant of Rs. 4,000 per acre per farmer each season for the purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticide etc.</li>
<li>The scheme is aimed at relieving the farmers from debt burden and not allowing them to fall into the debt trap.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-13th-december-2018'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'The United Nations World Water Development Report 4',
			'catname' => 'Summary of Important Reports',
			'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The uninterrupted water supplies anywhere in the world cannot be guaranteed to water users.</li>
<li>The factors such as socio-economic-environment and water are interdependent on each other.</li>
<li>All of the activities that drive development also shape important political and economic decisions and has substantial impacts on quantity and quality of the water available. Thus, all of these sectors are interlinked through water.</li>
<li>As water demand and availability become more uncertain, all societies become more vulnerable to risks such as, hunger and thirst, high rates of disease and death, lost productivity and economic crises, and degraded ecosystems. These impacts elevate water to a crisis of global concern.</li>
<li>This fourth edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR4) point that all water users are <strong>change agents</strong> who affect and are affected by the water cycle.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Recognizing the Centrality of Water and its Global Dimensions</h3>
<p><strong>Beyond the Concept of Water as a Sector:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Water is understood as a &lsquo;sector&rsquo; but it is beyond that. As water cuts across all social, economic and environmental activities its governance requires cooperation and coordination.</li>
<li>Furthermore, the hydrological cycle, is influenced by multiple factors, trends and uncertainties that extend beyond a narrow sectoral focus.</li>
<li>Addressing water challenges necessitates interventions across an entire economy by strong institutions rather than a reactive role in water management.</li>
<li>The importance of political leadership in establishing, reviewing and maintaining the frameworks cannot be understated.</li>
<li><strong>Irrigation and food production:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is difficult to predict the future water availability due to evolving diet patterns, technological change and climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystems:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ecosystem is vital part of water and water is vital part of the ecosystem. For example, products such as food, timber, medicines and fibre, regulating climate, supporting nutrient cycling, soil formation and deposition.</li>
<li>The stability of ecosystems is a under increasing threat from unsustainable patterns of human consumption, development, and climate change across the globe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hazards:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Water management plays a central role in reducing the risks of natural disasters. Water storage (via reservoirs, aquifer recharge or other means) is vital to combating the effects of drought and managing floods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Green economy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Investment in protection and sustainable management of water resources across society as a whole allow significant steps to be made towards achieving a green economy that advances long-term human well-being within ecological limits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equity:</strong> In addition to addressing inequities in global demand and consumption, it is also critical to address inequities at the local and national level as many regional water sources might be insufficient to distribute equitably to its inhabitants.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Beyond the basin: The international and global dimensions of water governance:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although water is distributed unevenly across the planet, it forms part of global water cycle which is influenced by actions and phenomena that take place beyond the nation state.</li>
<li>Hence, global cooperation is required on a climate change and it is obligatory for developed countries to assist developing countries in managing these impacts and efforts to improve water governance for climate change adaptation.</li>
<li>Climate change mitigation and adaptation responses are related because the carbon and water cycles are interdependent.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recognizing water in global policy:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Policies:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MDGs provides for well establish access to water which improves education outcomes (Goal 2).</li>
<li>The UNFCCC through its Cancun Adaptation Framework it emphasises upon water and related extreme events.</li>
<li>The UNCSD (Rio+20) has laid emphasis on the success of green economy which depends on sustainable management of water resources and on safe and sustainable provisioning of water supply and adequate sanitation services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Water Demand: What drives the consumption?</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/192drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/192drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="542" height="621" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Food and agriculture</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The link between water and food is a simple one. Crops and livestock need water to grow, and other agricultural activities too need water.</li>
<li>Agriculture accounts for 70% of all water withdrawn by the agricultural, municipal and industrial (including energy) sectors. Water is the key to food security.</li>
<li>There are large areas of absolute water scarcity which affects billions of poor and disadvantaged people.</li>
<li>Major changes in policy and management, across the entire agricultural production chain, are needed to ensure best use of available water resources in meeting growing demands for food and other agricultural products.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1. Water use in agriculture</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The booming demand for livestock products in particular is increasing the demand for water, while it is also affecting water quality, which in turn reduces availability.</li>
<li>Globally, irrigated crop yields are about 2.7 times those of rainfed farming, hence irrigation will continue to play an important role in food production.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Expected growth in demand</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The world population is predicted to grow from 6.9 billion in 2010 to 8.3 billion in 2030 and 9.1 billion in 2050 (UNDESA, 2009).</li>
<li>By 2030, food demand is predicted to increase by 50%, while energy demand from hydropower and other renewable energy resources will rise by 60%.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. Agriculture&rsquo;s impact on water and ecosystems</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Water management for agriculture has changed the physical and chemical characteristics of freshwater and coastal wetlands and the quality and quantity of water, as well as direct and indirect biological changes in terrestrial ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. Pressures from population growth and changing diets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The growing population (9.1 billion by 2050, as per study) is increasing the pressures on land and water. At the same time, economic growth and individual wealth are shifting diets from predominantly starch based to meat and dairy, which require more water.</li>
<li>Demand for livestock products is closely linked to economic growth- Livestock contributes less than 2% of global gross domestic product (GDP), yet produces some 18% of greenhouse gases (GHGs).</li>
<li>The livestock production and processing also causes water pollution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>5. Other pressures on water resources in the agriculture sector</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The climate change-induced hydrological changes such as, severe and frequent droughts and floods, are likely to affect irrigated and rainfed agriculture worldwide.</li>
<li>Agriculture contributes to climate change through its share of GHG emissions, which in turn affect the planet&rsquo;s water cycle.</li>
<li>The food price crisis, Land acquisitions and land-use and the demand for biofuels also add to the strains on local hydrological systems and GHG emissions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>6. Waste in the food chain</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Food can be wasted at every step along the value chain, which means that the water used to produce it is also wasted.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>7. 'Water-smart' food production</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Innovative technologies will be needed that can improve crop yields and create more sustainable livestock and marine production.</li>
<li>Agricultural development in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) lies mainly in the hands of smallholders, a large majority of whom are women. Women have only limited access to a wide range of physical assets and lack the skills to deploy them. Human capacities and institutions are the assets and major changes in policy and management will be needed.</li>
<li>Water recycling at all stages of the value chain can help secure environmental water requirements.</li>
<li>Virtual water may play an increasing role as water-rich countries export water embedded in food to water short countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>8. Water for energy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EIA (2010) estimates that global energy consumption will increase by around 49% from 2007 to 2035. This increase in energy consumption will be higher in non-OECD countries than in OECD countries.</li>
<li>All forms of energy require water at some stage of their life cycle, which includes production, conversion, distribution and use.</li>
<li>Energy for water: Energy is needed for extraction (surface water, groundwater), transformation (treatment to drinking water standards, desalination), water resource delivery (municipal, industrial and agricultural supply), reconditioning (wastewater treatment) and release. However, few countries currently research and report on energy requirements for water.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>9. Drivers, challenges and responses to the water-energy nexus:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The main challenge with regard to water and energy will be the provision of water resources to ensure that the increased energy needs can be supplied.</li>
<li>This need requires policy-makers to promote more efficient and integrated water uses for energy and vice versa.</li>
<li>Thermal, chemical, radioactive or biological pollution can have direct impacts on downstream ecosystems.</li>
<li>Similarly, where water scarcity obliges nations to use non-traditional sources of water (e.g. desalination, brackish water), choices will need to be sensitive to the water and environmental impacts of the required electricity.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>10. Industry</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Industry&rsquo;s total water withdrawal from surface water and groundwater is usually much greater than the quantity of water it actually consumes.</li>
<li>Improved water management is generally reflected in overall decreased industrial water withdrawals or increased wastewater treatment, highlighting the connection between higher productivity and lower consumption and effluent discharges and reduced pollution.</li>
<li>Industry is strongly influenced by external drivers such as, International trade, environmental management systems (EMS), corporate social responsibility (CSR), Basel Conventions etc that, indirectly, can add complexity and uncertainty to industry water needs.</li>
<li>Undoubtedly, business and industry can play a leading role in sustainable water practices adaptation and mitigation technologies.</li>
<li>For example, establishing water accounting techniques and measuring water impacts can allow an industry to more readily identify potential areas of increased water use efficiency.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Inter-relationship of water risks among business, government and society</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/514drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/514drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_7.jpg" width="655" height="247" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>11. Human settlements</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Urbanization and population trends: Population growth is projected to increase by 2.9 billion, from 3.4 billion in 2009 to 6.3 billion in 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2006).</li>
<li>Population growth and rapid urbanization will create an even greater demand for water while decreasing the ability of ecosystems to provide more regular and cleaner supplies.</li>
<li>Water supply and sanitation coverage: Pressure from urban areas on water such as water withdrawals, pollution and wastewater management would continue to challenge present water resources.</li>
<li>Water management in urban areas:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can be benefited from more comprehensive urban planning through integrated urban water management (IUWM).</li>
<li>The IUWM involves managing freshwater, wastewater and storm water.</li>
<li>Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is the safe production of agriculture and cattle products in and around cities. It can also solve several urbanization problems by enhancing food availability, greening cities and also recycling wastes etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>12. Ecosystems</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ecosystems underpin the availability of water, including its extremes of drought and flood, and its quality. Water management often involves trade-offs and often the transfer of risks between ecosystem services.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Water and ecosystem services:&nbsp;</strong>Ecosystem services (benefits for people) can be grouped in various ways. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has provided the most comprehensive assessment of the state of the global environment to date, and has classified ecosystem services as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Supporting services:</strong> The services necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services. Supporting services include soil formation, photosynthesis, primary production, nutrient cycling and water cycling.</li>
<li><strong>Provisioning services:</strong> The products obtained from ecosystems, including food, fibre, fuel, genetic resources, biochemicals, natural medicines, pharmaceuticals, ornamental resources and freshwater.</li>
<li><strong>Regulating services:</strong> The benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, including air quality regulation, climate regulation, water regulation, erosion regulation, water purification, disease regulation, pest regulation, pollination and natural hazard regulation (including extremes in water availability).</li>
<li><strong>Cultural services:</strong> The non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation and aesthetic experiences, thereby taking account of landscape (including waterscape) values.</li>
<li><strong>Water is multi-dimensional</strong> in the context of ecosystem services. Its availability and quality are products (services) provided by ecosystems. But water also influences how ecosystems can function and therefore underpins all other ecosystem services. This gives water paramount importance in managing ecosystems so as to deliver benefits to people.</li>
<li><strong>The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment</strong> (study by US) concluded that human development had tended to promote certain services (especially provisioning services) at the expense of others. This has led to an imbalance in services and indicates a path towards decreasing sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Understanding uncertainty and risks associated with key drivers:&nbsp;</strong>Drivers that directly impinge upon water stress and sustainability are the ecosystem, agriculture, infrastructure, technology, demographics and economy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ultimate drivers, governance, politics, ethics and society (values and equity), climate change and security exert their effect mostly through their impacts upon the proximate drivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/149drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/149drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_2.jpg" width="719" height="468" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>The water resource: Variability, vulnerability and uncertainty</h3>
<p><strong>The hydrological cycle, external stressors on water resources, and sources of uncertainty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Precipitation delivers water unevenly over the planet from one year to the next. There can be considerable variability between arid and humid climates and wet and dry seasons. As a result, distribution of freshwater supplies can be erratic with different countries and regions receiving different quantities of water over any given year.</li>
<li>The state of water resources is one of constant change, resulting from the natural variability of the earth&rsquo;s climate system and the anthropogenic alteration of that system and the land surface through which the hydrological cycle is modulated.</li>
<li>Specific changes to water resources and the hydrological cycle include changes in mean surface flows, increased flood potential due to climate change, decreasing snow and permafrost, soil moisture etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Drivers of global climate and hydrological variability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The drivers such as, El Ni&ntilde;o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) does affect global climate and hydrological variability.</li>
<li>The <strong>El Ni&ntilde;o-Southern Oscillation</strong> is a coupled ocean atmospheric phenomenon in the tropical Pacific Ocean and the dominant driver of global climate at seasonal to interannual time scales.</li>
<li>There has been extensive documentation of ENSO impacts on precipitation, temperature, hurricanes and tropical cyclones, ecosystems, agriculture, water resources and public health around the world, especially from the tropical countries where most of the world&rsquo;s population reside.</li>
<li>The <strong>Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)</strong> is manifested in the large-scale sea surface temperature pattern predominant in the Northern Pacific region, but also includes participation from the tropical Pacific.</li>
<li>The<strong> North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</strong> is a climate driver in the North Atlantic region and functions as an atmospheric feature mainly in the winter season.</li>
<li><strong>NAO</strong> is characterized by the location and strength of subtropical high-pressure and subpolar low-pressure centres in the North Atlantic. The location and strength of these pressure centres steer the jet stream and the storm tracks and consequently the regional climate and hydrology.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The vulnerability of natural long-term storage: Groundwater and glaciers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The changing role of groundwater in the world unlike surface water, which has been intensively developed in many parts of the world. The twentieth century, observed unprecedented &lsquo;silent revolution&rsquo; in groundwater abstraction across the globe.</li>
<li>The use of groundwater has also considerably modified local and global water cycles, environmental conditions and ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1. Groundwater: A resilient resource in transition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Groundwater is now a significant source of water for human consumption and around 43% of all water is effectively consumed in irrigation.</li>
<li>Due to the relatively large volumes of water stored underground, most aquifers have a considerable buffer capacity, which keeps their water available for withdrawal even during very long periods without rainfall.</li>
<li>This enables people to have reliable access to water in regions that would otherwise be too dry if their water supply depended only on precipitation or surface water.</li>
<li>Therefore, any significant changes in the state of groundwater systems such as, inflows and outflows, the volume of water stored, water quality, are key characteristics of the state of any groundwater system.</li>
<li>Steadily increasing rates of groundwater abstraction and other human interactions with groundwater, such as those produced by changing land use and emission of polluting substances, all affect the state of groundwater systems.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Groundwater: Cause for concern or opportunity?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The global groundwater abstraction rate has at least tripled over the past 50 years.</li>
<li>Groundwater systems around the world are coming under increasing stress from various anthropogenic and natural factors.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. Glaciers The role of glaciers within mountain hydrology</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The glaciers are the &lsquo;water towers&rsquo; of the world, receiving much more precipitation than the surrounding lowlands.</li>
<li>Their contribution to water supply is of particular significance where the lowlands are arid.</li>
<li>Mountain stream flow is composed of three major elements: <strong>rainfall, snow melt and water from glacier melt</strong>.</li>
<li>The relative importance of these elements, varying through time and with elevation, is largely controlled by temperature and seasonality of precipitation.</li>
<li>Examples of Glacial melt from the Himalayan region are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The basins of the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus which encompasses the Himalaya and Karakoram.</li>
<li>Many people dependent on these stream flows for water supply and are at risk from glacier-related floods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The significance of glacier melt contribution to stream flow may be divided into two components:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the eastern Himalaya glacier, ice melt is completely overshadowed by monsoon rainfall and snow melt, with the ice melt contributing less than 3% of annual stream flow.</li>
<li>In the Karakoram, the glacier melt contribution is much more significant, reaching more than 20% of annual flow in some years during late summer.</li>
<li>The contribution is also derived from shrinkage of the glacier mass due to global warming.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Glacier-related floods:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The risks from such floods are increasing, a sudden release can result from the collapse of the retaining moraine or as a result of landslides into the lake with sudden displacement of the waters.</li>
<li>To deal with uncertainty and risk related to glaciers in the Himalayan region, policy options such as, such as installing pumps to reduce lake levels and introducing early warning systems to alert downstream populations, etc is required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. Water quality</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The &lsquo;quality&rsquo; of water is a relative term. &lsquo;Pure&rsquo; water does not exist in nature but only in the laboratory, and all substances may be pollutants depending on their concentration in water.</li>
<li>This is one of the reasons health professionals often prefer to use the term &lsquo;safe&rsquo; water rather than 'clean' water.</li>
<li>Appropriate quality of water is a key ingredient in human health, ecosystems and for socio-economic development.</li>
<li>Water quality is becoming a global concern of increasing significance, as risks of degradation translate directly into social economic impacts.</li>
<li>The quality can be affected through increased concentrations of naturally occurring compounds such as fluorides and increasing salinity levels, eg. saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers.</li>
<li>Policy-makers with the support of the research community can help to better quantify the problems, as well as develop remedial solutions.</li>
<li>Development of clean technology, cost-efficient treatment options and a global water quality assessment framework is necessary.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Beyond demand: Water&rsquo;s social and environmental benefits</h3>
<p><strong>Water and human health</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Improving water resource management, increasing access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, and promoting hygiene (WaSH) have the potential to improve the quality of life of billions of individuals. The global importance of water, sanitation and hygiene for improving health is reflected in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), explicitly, Goal 7.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1. Drivers</strong></p>
<p>The global drivers predicted to have the greatest effect on human health via the water environment, these drivers are:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Population -</strong> through increasing water demands and increasing water pollution.</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture -</strong> by increasing water withdrawals for irrigation, changing water regimes in agro-ecosystems, and increasing water pollution.</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure -</strong> including dams and irrigation projects if not appropriately designed and managed, it can create breeding grounds for the black flies that spread onchocerciasis and the mosquitoes that spread.</li>
<li><strong>Climate change -</strong> is expected to exacerbate current stresses on water resources from population growth and land use, and also to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather and hydrological event</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Options and consequences</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The global drivers are predicted to have the greatest effect on disease rates via water-environment nexus.</li>
<li>Protection of human health requires collaboration among multiple sectors, including actors and stakeholders in non-water and non-health sectors.</li>
</ul>
<p>Five key conclusions are:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Climate change is widely perceived as a threat rather than an opportunity. There may be significant overall benefits to health and development in adapting to climate change.</li>
<li>Major changes in policy and planning are needed if ongoing and future investments are not to be wasted.</li>
<li>Potential adaptive capacity is high but rarely achieved. Resilience needs to be integrated into drinking water and sanitation management to cope with present climate variability. It will be critical in controlling adverse impacts of future variability.</li>
<li>Although some of the climate trends at regional levels are uncertain, there is sufficient knowledge to inform urgent and prudent changes in policy and planning in most regions.</li>
<li>There are important gaps in our knowledge that already or soon will impede effective action. Targeted research is urgently needed to fill gaps in technology and basic information, to develop simple tools, and to provide regional information on climate change.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Water and gender</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rural women often rely upon common water resources such as small water bodies, ponds and streams to meet their water needs, but in many regions these sources have been eroded or have disappeared due to changes in land use, or have been appropriated by the state or industry for development needs or to supply water to urban areas.</li>
<li>By working together in partnership with these sectors, decision-makers in government bodies, private sector and civil society can understand and address the potential synergies and trade-offs that occur when providing access to different groups of men and women in local communities.</li>
<li>By developing women&rsquo;s capacities to manage water interventions, and providing them with opportunities to play leadership roles and improve their economic conditions. However, these successes are often limited to the local context, as the larger issues, such as providing water rights to women.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ecosystem health</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ecosystems deliver multiple benefits, many of these key services are derived directly from water, and trends in ecosystem health, therefore, indicate trends in the delivery of these overall benefit.</li>
<li>Natural hazards caused by water are floods, mudslides, storms, droughts etc. these hazards furthered cause more hazards such as breakage of levees and dams, as well as glacier lake outbursts, coastal flooding etc, thereby aggravating water risk and uncertainty.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Those affected by DLDD include the world&rsquo;s poorest, most marginalized and politically weak citizens. India alone accounts for 26% of this population.</li>
<li>Combating DLDD measures such as, terracing to restrain water erosion, no-till and minimum tillage in agriculture.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Water stress and water scarcity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is defined as an area experiencing water stress when annual water supplies drop below 1,700 m3 per person.</li>
<li>When annual water supplies drop below 1,000 m3 per person, the population faces water scarcity, and below 500 m3 &ldquo;absolute scarcity&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Several researchers and agencies have computed the water stress of watershed and grid scales by incorporating domestic, industrial and agricultural water consumption, against renewable supplies of water from precipitation, rivers and groundwater.</li>
<li>Various approaches to international governance have failed to recognize the central role of water. Because water is considered to be part of the overall policy reform and no separate water policy are made.</li>
<li>Therefore, a draft water-policy or &lsquo;water-policy reforms&rsquo; would actually work.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Water management, institutions and capacity development</h3>
<p><strong>What is water management</strong></p>
<p>It covers managing of water resource, water services and managing the trade-offs needed to balance supply and demand.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Water resource management</strong> is about managing water found in rivers, lakes and groundwater. This includes water allocation, assessment and pollution control.</li>
<li><strong>Water service management consists</strong> of managing reticulation systems from the bulk water supply up to the end users and again capturing the waste back to a wastewater treatment plant for safe onward discharge.</li>
<li><strong>Management of trade-offs</strong> concerns a range of administrative activities that meet allocation and entitlement agreements across a wide spectrum of socio-economic interests.</li>
<li><strong>Other ways of Water management:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Innovative storage infrastructure, &lsquo;green&rsquo; infrastructure (such as wetlands), less intrusive dams, waste water management for agriculture, urban or industrial waste.</li>
<li>Proper public education and awareness, by recognizing women&rsquo;s needs and their potentials in contribution.</li>
<li><strong>Integrated water resources management (IWRM)</strong> it is as a process that &lsquo;promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.</li>
<li><strong>Water management through demands and changes</strong> such as, Hydro-climatological information about precipitation and runoff etc. and population growth, migration.</li>
<li><strong>Adaptive management,</strong> is a process for improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of best practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The importance of water institutions for sustainable development</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Institutions constitute the &lsquo;rules of the game&rsquo;, defining roles and procedures for people and determining what is appropriate, legitimate and proper.</li>
<li>Water-related institutions do matter because they function at different scales ranging from the local community to the transnational level, and oversee the allocation, distribution, management, planning, protection and regulation of water resources and services.</li>
<li>Effective institutions can reduce natural, economic, technical and social uncertainties but due to a lack of appropriate institutions there has been &lsquo;institutional resistance to change&rsquo; for managing and securing resources.</li>
<li>Coordination between institutions is necessary to achieve water resource management goals,</li>
<li>An awareness-raising and education for all stakeholder groups, from local communities to politicians is required.</li>
<li>An example of an institution:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Social learning and adaptive water resources management practiced in Lower Bhavani Project (Tamil Nadu), have provided a platform to farmers for learning best practices.</li>
<li>Basin management committees, followed in other countries have provided a forum where stakeholder groups can communicate.</li>
<li>Forum for integrated resource management (FIRM) is another example from rural Namibia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>From raw data to informed decisions</h3>
<p><strong>Why we need effective data?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The absence of systematic data collection impedes regular reporting on water resources and water-use trends.</li>
<li>Quantitative indicators make it possible to spot problems, track trends, identify leaders and laggards, and highlight best management practices.</li>
<li>Data constraints are limiting the programme&rsquo;s ability in effective water management.</li>
<li>Hence there is need improved data availability and quality, more structured and better information about water.</li>
<li>The Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for Water Supply and Sanitation (WHO/UNICEF) is the official UN mechanism tasked with monitoring progress.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why there are constraints on better monitoring and reporting?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many institutional and political spheres face constraints because of the relatively low value and wide distribution of water and its use, also because the production of water is a natural rather than a man-made process.</li>
<li>Additionally, water resources are often shared between a number of different political jurisdictions and there are conflicts between upstream and downstream jurisdiction in sharing of information.</li>
<li>A further constraint on improved monitoring and reporting is the lack of agreement on what should actually be monitored. There are also substantial technical and financial constraints.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Improving the flow of data and information</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The initiatives of the <strong>UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water</strong> (SEEAW) and <strong>Eurostat</strong> are particularly significant in this regard.</li>
<li>There are many other initiatives such as,
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>World Business Council on Sustainable Development</strong> (WBCSD) has produced a &lsquo;water tool&rsquo; to help business to monitor its use of and impact on water more systematically.</li>
<li>The <strong>Water Footprint Network</strong> similarly encourages businesses, their customers and other stakeholders to become more aware of the water content of their products and operations.</li>
<li>Total Actual Renewable Water Resources (TARWRs), a pilot initiative of WWAP is the fundamental measure of water resource availability (in a country, river basin or region).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regional challenges, global impacts</h3>
<p>The regional reports cover, Europe and North America, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Arab and Western Asia region, which describes how actions in one part of the world can create negative impacts, as well as opportunities, in others.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sub-Saharan Africa:</strong> The region uses barely 5% of its annual renewable freshwater. Yet access to improved water supplies, in both urban and rural contexts, is still the lowest in the world.</li>
<li>High population growth, poverty and underdevelopment are key drivers affecting how water is managed.</li>
<li>About 66% of Africa is arid or semi-arid and more than 300 of the 800 million people in sub-Saharan Africa live in a water-scarce environment.</li>
<li>Measures: African Ministers&rsquo; Council on Water (AMCOW), the African Water Facility, the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Rural Water and Sanitation etc.</li>
<li><strong>Europe and North America:</strong> The over water abstraction, seasonal migration of people, the dependence on agriculture, mining and other export commodities, high use of chemical fertilizers and discharge of untreated wastewaters continue to exert pressures.</li>
<li>Measures: Passing of regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act in the USA, the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in the Danube and Rhine basins.</li>
<li><strong>Asia-Pacific:</strong> The region is home to 60% of the world&rsquo;s population but it has only 36% of its water resources.</li>
<li>Water availability, allocation and quality remain major issues. Irrigated agriculture is the biggest water user.</li>
<li>The driving forces and pressures on water resources are rapid urbanization, economic growth, industrialization, and extensive agricultural development.</li>
<li>Risk such as water tables in Punjab, India, are falling by 2 m to 3 m a year. The Pacific&rsquo;s small Island Developing States (SIDS) are vulnerable to disasters like tropical cyclones, typhoons and earthquakes.</li>
<li>Measures: The policies, strategies, plans and legal frameworks for water resources management such as, India&rsquo;s Sanitation Programme- Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange, Integrated River Water Management Projects etc. are few examples of measures taken in India.</li>
<li><strong>Latin America and the Caribbean:</strong> Extreme climatic events, especially hurricanes in the Caribbean, have long had a negative influence on water management. Also demographic change, Economic development exert pressure on water resource.</li>
<li>Measures: The region has taken steps to improve overall governance, new water legislation, creation of water authorities etc.</li>
<li><strong>Arab and Western Asia region:</strong> Regional conflicts and displaced persons has strained water resources and services, nearly all Arab countries suffer from water scarcity, saltwater intrusion from over-pumping groundwater, increased soil temperatures and aridity, shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns etc.</li>
<li>Measures: The adoption of Arab Water Security Strategy in the Arab Region, capacity building and awareness programmes.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Linking the regional to the global</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is necessary to examine how regional challenges are linked to global water problems.</li>
<li>Water challenges do not occur in a vacuum, through a series of interconnected webs they affect diverse countries and communities in many ways.</li>
<li>The negative effects of the environmental degradation of water supply and excessive water withdrawals are borne not just by the regions in which such activities occur their impact can be felt worldwide.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Working under uncertainty and managing risk</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Risk and uncertainty characterize much of what water managers and socio-economic policy-makers must deal with. The more they understand these uncertainties and risks, the more effectively they can plan, design and manage water systems to reduce them.</li>
<li><strong>How uncertainty and risk affect decision-making:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For example, a farmer must make planting decisions without knowing how much rain will be available, and its distribution over the growing season. The outcome of his planting decisions will be unknown until the time of harvest.</li>
<li>Alternatively, an expanding firm wants to construct a new building and must choose a location.</li>
<li>Managers do not always consider the risks as inherent to the situation and so there are more catastrophic consequences of making the wrong decision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Approaches to inform decision-making under risk and uncertainty:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Examination of economic benefits of rehabilitation of the levees along various rivers and lakes, taking into account uncertainties of storms, river or lake stages and levee performances.</li>
<li>Comparison of alternative rehabilitation plans for hydropower generators/turbines, making use of probabilities of failure of generators and turbines.</li>
<li>Examination and improvement in navigation system of water, such as the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which it has minimized traffic and uncertainty in tow trips and travel time.</li>
<li>Flood Damage Assessments by using a software system.</li>
<li>Techniques such as &lsquo;Scenario analysis&rsquo; to test uncertainty, &lsquo;Backcasting&rsquo; for the exploration of alternative futures, &lsquo;Institutional decision-making&rsquo;, &lsquo;Behavioural decision making&rsquo; includes multi-actors of the state such as the government, private sector and civil society organization.</li>
<li>Ecosystems approach, it is used to create ecosystem resilience, reduce pressure on ecosystem, manage risk, increased benefits from water security and water quality enhancement, recreation, wildlife and flood control management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>New paradigms for water management</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/685drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/685drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_6.jpg" width="549" height="192" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Unvalued water leads to an uncertain future</h3>
<p><strong>Why investment in water is necessary?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Water infrastructure acts as a catalyst for <strong>economic growth,</strong> it promotes the growth of national income example construction of large dams.</li>
<li>Security <strong>against fluctuations in the availability of water</strong> (mitigating both floods and droughts) and promotion of long-term climate resilience.</li>
<li>It will open up new economic activity and benefit <strong>economically productive sectors</strong> such as agriculture, industry, hydropower, navigation, recreation and tourism, and households.</li>
<li>Water also constitutes a vital input to <strong>ecosystems</strong> and all aquatic habitats, which in turn provide essential life support in addition to services with an economic value.</li>
<li>It acts as a buffer against <strong>climatic fluctuations</strong> and is a key to climate resilience.</li>
<li>The benefits of water-cycle:</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/576drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_8.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/576drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_8.jpg" width="404" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Valuing water</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Benefits of water is essential for improving the decisions of governments, international organizations, the donor community, civil society and other stakeholders.</li>
<li>If water is not valued properly it leads to insufficient appreciation of the importance of water, poor investment in water infrastructure and the low priority to water policy in development programmes.</li>
<li>Valuation of water is a diverse process with different techniques and policy.</li>
<li>However, different groups of people value water in different ways.</li>
<li>These can lead to polarization that blocks dialogue and prevents reasonable governance solutions.</li>
<li><strong>Example:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Irrigation water use can be valued as farm output or surplus.</li>
<li>Whereas, industrial water valuation poses a greater problem, as water constitutes a small part of their total costs.</li>
<li>The value of water for navigation is quantified through cheapness of transportation. Water ways are cheaper than railways.</li>
<li>Household values are relatively high, as household waters are used for truly essential needs such as drinking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Failure to account for these benefits in water valuation can result in inefficient water allocation decisions.</li>
<li>Benefits of valuation of water are, to allow for and regulate water trading and It will add an economic dimension to the social, ethical, public health and equity dimensions of allocating water.</li>
<li>There are four main aspects of a water allocation system: <strong>Water entitlements, Water allocation, Water service delivery and Water use</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Transforming water management institutions to deal with change</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to meet the goals, set by decision-makers, water management must deal with the uncertainty.</li>
<li>Adaptive management is a process that promotes flexible decision-making in the face of uncertainties.</li>
<li>Adaptive strategies such as, use computer-aided processes, better information etc are used in water management.</li>
<li>Assessment of vulnerability is essential in order to estimate, Reliability for successful outcomes, Robustness of performance of a system and to create Resilience strategy.</li>
<li>Adaptive management approaches are, strengthened emergency management and preparedness plans, risk-based planning, increased inspections, oversighting and regulation of infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why Improving institutions is needed?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Without institutions capable of accommodating uncertainty, climate and other external changes will impose significant costs on water users and water dependent communities.</li>
<li>Improving institutions entails strengthening institutional capacity, creating learning-oriented institutional processes, tackling institutional deficits, and incorporating informal institutions into water management.</li>
<li><strong>Conventional water planning</strong> tends to be rigid and water institutions are typically poorly linked to other institutions.</li>
<li>Corruption is a symptom of a governance crisis that increases transaction costs hence there is need for, water integrity and accountability.</li>
<li>Many water institutions in developing countries are plagued by <strong>under-financing</strong> and capacity deficits.</li>
<li>A <strong>responsible institutional</strong> setup in areas for water quality and groundwater management is often very limited.</li>
<li><strong>Communicating risk</strong> and uncertainty in order to make appropriate decisions and have to be clearly understood by the people.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Improving institutions includes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The alignment and integration of policies within the formal and informal institutions.</li>
<li>For example, the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays a beneficial role in achieving the goals of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).</li>
<li>Adequate financing and appropriate staffing are required for effective and efficient delivery of water services.</li>
<li>Developments in technology and infrastructure, as well as the availability of financial resources.</li>
<li>Through free-riding process, where Water Resource Institutions determine who can use what water, how, at what time and for how much; they also set management responsibilities, tariffs and collect fees.</li>
<li>A collaborative governance where a joint effort of government, society and technical institutions are present.</li>
<li>Targeted communication, for more easy understandings the audience can be separated into target groups and tailoring the communication to each.</li>
<li>Also, through Institutional reform, fostering dialogue and consensus at the national level, addressing institutional deficits.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Investment and financing in water for a more sustainable future</h3>
<p><strong>Why Investment and Financing in water is important?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All countries, at every level of development, face heavy cost in creating a water infrastructure that is &lsquo;fit for purpose&rsquo; which can address the water challenges.</li>
<li>According to a recent World Bank Study, the global financial crisis has negatively impacted progress towards fulfilling the MDGs.</li>
<li>A rethinking in financing strategies is therefore required to ensure that improvement in public expenditure efficiency results in additional resources.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How Financing can be improved in water management areas?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first step should be to minimise the financial requirements through, better collection of water dues, adjustments, technological infusion etc.</li>
<li>The second step is to improve the rate of sustainable cost recovery by raising tariff revenues, budgetary allocations etc.</li>
<li>The third step is to use these revenues to attract repayable sources of funds such as, loans, bonds and equity in water investments.</li>
<li>Another potential source of finance would be improving the rate of collection of water bills, it will increase water revenues without raising tariffs.</li>
<li>To generate more internal revenues from tariffs, and to rely as much as possible on local financial and capital markets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How the management of risks and uncertainties outside of the &lsquo;water box&rsquo; can also have benefits for water management.</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>By reducing poverty and greening economies, responding to climate change, through better integrated urban planning and better decisions in business and private which are related to water.</li>
<li>Managing sectoral risks to generate benefits to water such as the transport sector, health risks, the energy sector etc. Once these sectors are made sustainable it indirectly benefits water management.</li>
<li>Mitigating risks and uncertainties through, insurance, treaties and agreements and through multi-sectoral cooperation at national and global level.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/summary-of-important-reports/the-united-nations-world-water-development-report-4'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Mental Healthcare',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>Theme for this year&rsquo;s World Mental Health Day (10th October 2018) is <em><strong>"young people and mental health in a changing world"</strong></em>.</p>
<h3>What is Mental Health</h3>
<p>Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (WHO)</p>
<h3>Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>High Public Health Burden:</strong> An estimated <strong>150 million people</strong> across India are in need of mental health care interventions, according to India&rsquo;s latest National Mental Health Survey 2015-16.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Resources:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Low proportion of mental health workforce in India (per 100,000 population) include psychiatrists (0.3), nurses (0.12), psychologists (0.07) and social workers (0.07).</li>
<li>Low financial resource allocation of just over a percent of GDP on healthcare has created impediments in public access to affordable mental healthcare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Loss to Economy:</strong> due to delayed or non treatment of mentally ill persons there is loss in terms of human capital and an overall loss to the economy in the form of lost man-days, plus the poor is stressed as most of mental healthcare is in urban areas and are unavailable in primary healthcare centres in rural areas, this increases out of pocket expenditure.</li>
<li><strong>Demographic Dividend:</strong> According to WHO, the burden of mental disorders is maximal in young adults. As most of the population is young (India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25) so it requires a special focus in mental health of youth by the government to reap the benefits arising out of the demographic dividend in India.</li>
<li><strong>Post-Treatment gap:</strong> There is need for proper rehabilitation of the mentally ill persons post his/her treatment which is currently not present.</li>
<li><strong>Poor awareness</strong> about the symptoms of mental illness, <strong>social stigma</strong> and <strong>abandonment</strong> of mentally ill especially old and destitute leads to social isolation and reluctance on part of family members to seek treatment for the patient has resulted in a massive <strong>treatment gap</strong>, which further worsens the present mental illness of a person.</li>
<li><strong>Rise in Severity:</strong> Mental health problems, tend to increase during economic downturns, therefore special attention is needed during times of economic distress.</li>
<li><strong>Prone to abuse:</strong> Mentally ill patients are vulnerable to and usually suffer from physical abuse, sexual abuse, wrongful confinement, even at homes and mental healthcare facilities which is a cause of concern and a gross human right violation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 1982, the government of India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to improve the status of mental health in India.</li>
<li><strong>NMHP has 3 components:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Treatment of Mentally ill</li>
<li>Rehabilitation</li>
<li>Prevention and promotion of positive mental health</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), 1996 &ndash; it&rsquo;s objective is to provide community mental health services at the primary health care level.</li>
<li>Mental Health Act (MHA-87) was enacted in 1987.</li>
<li>Mental Health Care Act 2017 repealed the Mental Health Act, 1987.</li>
<li>WHO&rsquo;s Comprehensive Mental Action Plan 2013-2020 was adopted by the 66<sup>th</sup> World Health Assembly.</li>
<li>The Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4 and 3.5 talks about reducing mental illness within the population.</li>
<li>The Mental Health Atlas was launched by WHO in 2017.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Constitutional Provision</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court has held healthcare to be a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<h3>Mental health care Act 2017</h3>
<p><strong>Right to make an Advance Directive</strong></p>
<p>Patient can state on how to be treated or not to be treated for the illness during a mental health situation.</p>
<p><strong>Right to appoint a Nominated Representative</strong></p>
<p>A person shall have the right to appoint a nominated representative to take on his/her behalf, all health related decisions</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Right to access mental health care</li>
<li>Right to free &amp; quality services</li>
<li>Right to get free medicines</li>
<li>Right to community living</li>
<li>Right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment</li>
<li>Right to live in an environment, safe and hygienic, having basic amenities</li>
<li>Right to legal aid</li>
<li><strong>No Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without anesthesia</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Attempt to commit suicide not an offence</strong></p>
<p>This act brought changes in Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (which criminalized attempted suicide).</p>
<p>Now, a person who attempts to commit suicide will be presumed to be<strong> &ldquo;suffering from severe stress&rsquo;&rsquo;</strong> and shall not be subjected to any investigation or prosecution.</p>
<p>The act envisages the establishment of <strong>Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental Health Authority</strong>.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increase Resources</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increasing mental healthcare facilities and related infrastructure through more resource allocation in the budget.</li>
<li>Adequate Mental healthcare professional availability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Awareness:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For patients to undertake timely treatment</li>
<li>To breakdown societal prejudices/ stigma</li>
<li>To discourage questionable treatment from faith healers.</li>
<li>For eg. &ldquo;The Live Love Laugh Foundation&rdquo; which aims to reduce the stigma, spread awareness and change the way we look at Mental Health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More investment in PHC:</strong> There is only one primary healthcare centre for more than 51,000 people in India. The World Bank estimates that 90% of all health needs can be met at the primary healthcare level thus more investments are needed in order for patients to get easier, cheaper and faster access to services, plus, <strong>training at grass root level</strong> for ASHA, ANM, AWW centre workers on how to recognize common to severe mental health problems like schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.</li>
<li><strong>Digital initiatives</strong> are helping improve rural India&rsquo;s mental health through telemedicine like Schizophrenia Research India&rsquo;s (SCARF) mobile bus clinic which is run by an NGO; there is need for scaling up such initiatives which will bridge the rural-urban divide.</li>
<li><strong>Community Partnership:</strong> By forming their <strong>self-help groups</strong> of carers families along with <strong>NGO&rsquo;s</strong> which brings community participation and helps reduction in social stigma associated with mental illness.</li>
<li>Healthcare is a <strong>state subject &ndash;</strong> there is need for better coordination between Center-States for proper implementation.</li>
<li><strong>Make psychotropic drugs available:</strong> Essential psychotropic drugs should be provided at all levels of healthcare. These medicines should be included in essential drugs list.</li>
<li><strong>Empathetic Service delivery:</strong> Delivery of services should be sensitive, compassionate and free from stigma and discrimination in public healthcare institutions plus there is need for <strong>police sensitization</strong> and training regarding recognition of acute mental disorders and undertaking of necessary action to protect the human rights of the mentally ill, his family and his fellow citizens.</li>
<li><strong>Financial support</strong> from the government to the families so that direct costs of treatment are covered and families are not overburdened.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Increasing the number of psychologists and psychiatrists alone won&rsquo;t help. Stigma and awareness are two separate issues although interlinked. They need to be addressed in parallel in order to tackle the burden of mental illness in India.</li>
<li>If individuals continue to view mental illness with apprehension and resistance, it will remain difficult for people with mental health concerns to seek the support they require due to the fear of being labelled or judged.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/mental-healthcare'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Port Community System ‘PCS1x’',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Indian Ports Association (IPA),</strong> under the guidance of <strong>Ministry of Shipping</strong> has launched the<strong> Port Community System (PCS1x)</strong>, a cloud based new generation technology, with user-friendly interface.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This system will <strong>enable maritime trade</strong> to have an <strong>improved communication with the customs.</strong></li>
<li>It offers value added services such as notification engine, workflow, mobile application, track and trace, better user interface, better security features, improved inclusion by offering dashboard for those with no IT capability.</li>
<li>A unique feature of &lsquo;PCS1x&rsquo; is that it can <strong>sync with the third party software</strong> which provides services to the maritime industry thereby enabling the stakeholders to <strong>access wide network of services.</strong></li>
<li>Another major feature is the deployment of a world class state of the art payment aggregator solution which removes dependency on bank specific payment ecosystem. It is estimated that this feature alone will <strong>drastically reduce transaction time.</strong></li>
<li>The platform has the potential to revolutionize<strong> maritime trade</strong> in India and bring it at par with global best practices and pave the way to improve the <strong>Ease of Doing Business world ranking</strong> and <strong>Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranks.</strong></li>
<li>This system is also an initiative that supports green initiatives by reducing dependency on paper. The web-based platform has been developed indigenously and is a part of the<strong> &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong> and<strong> &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo;</strong> initiative.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Logistics Performance Index (LPI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Logistics Performance Index, <strong>developed by the World Bank Group,</strong> is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.</li>
<li>The logistics performance (LPI) is the weighted average of the country's scores on the<strong> six key dimensions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Efficiency of the <strong>clearance</strong> process (i.e., speed, simplicity and predictability of formalities) by border control agencies, including customs;</li>
<li><strong>Quality of trade</strong> and transport related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information technology);</li>
<li>Ease of <strong>arranging competitively priced shipments;</strong></li>
<li>Competence and quality of<strong> logistics services</strong> (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers);</li>
<li>Ability to <strong>track and trace consignments;</strong></li>
<li>Timeliness of shipments in reaching destination within the scheduled or expected <strong>delivery time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-banks-ease-of-doing-business-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Doing Business</a> Report is also released by the <strong>World Bank.</strong> It provides an assessment of objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on ten parameters affecting a business through its life cycle.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/port-community-system-pcs-1x'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (12th December 2018)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Eco-Sensitive Zone around Protected Regions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court directed the Union Environment Ministry to<strong> declare 10 km area around 21 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries</strong> across the country as <strong>&lsquo;eco-sensitive zones&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/eco-sensitive-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)</a> does not affect the ownership rights of people on land resources, it, however restricts land-use change.</li>
</ul>
<h3>BioBlitz</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>People from across the India participated in the BioBlitz conducted by Bengaluru&rsquo;s<strong> National Centre for Biological Sciences.</strong></li>
<li>Participants observed individual trees in their neighbourhoods and campuses, and contributed information including the tree species, its location, proportions of flowers, fruits and leaves.</li>
<li>This will generate a baseline for tree <strong>phenology( periodic events such as fruiting and flowering) across India</strong> over the years, helping scientists analyse if <strong>climate change is altering tree phenology in future.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>BioBlitz</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A bioblitz is an event that focuses on<strong> finding and identifying</strong> as many species as possible in a specific area <strong>over a short period of time.</strong></li>
<li>It is also known as a <strong>biological inventory or biological census</strong> whose primary goal is to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms found in a place.</li>
<li>It <strong>differs from a scientific inventory</strong> in a number of ways. Scientific inventories are usually limited to biologists, geographers, and other scientists. A bioblitz brings together volunteer scientists, as well as families, students, teachers, and other members of the community.</li>
<li>While a scientific survey often focuses on unique or isolated areas, bioblitzes focus on areas that are connected to residential, urban, and industrial areas.</li>
<li>These differences make a bioblitz a unique biological survey that encourages a relationship between the natural and human communities of a given area. It aims to promote and improve local natural spaces by empowering citizens to better understand and protect biodiversity.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-12th-december-2018'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Partner’s Forum Inaugurated in New Delhi',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Prime Minister inaugurated the fourth Partners&rsquo; Forum at New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Partners&rsquo; Forum is short for the meeting of <strong>The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn &amp; Child Health</strong> (The Partnership, PMNCH).</li>
<li>
<p>The 2018 Forum was hosted by the Government of India and focused on improving multisectoral action for results, sharing country solutions and capturing the best practices and knowledge within and among the health sector and related sectors.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>It will also emphasize the importance of people-centered accountability bringing forward the voices and lived realities of women, children, and adolescents through innovative programming and creative projects.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Specific goals of the Partners&rsquo; Forum include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>
<p><strong>Greater political momentum,</strong> sustaining attention to the &ldquo;Survive-Thrive-Transform&rdquo; agenda of the Global Strategy, and its contribution to driving the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Knowledge exchange,</strong> through sharing of lessons learned and best practices to innovate and improve implementation strategies for results.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong> Improved cross-sectoral collaboration</strong> through knowledge exchange and joint advocacy strategies.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This is the second time India is hosting the Partners&rsquo; Forum. The previous conference was held in Johannesburg, South Africa (2014), New Delhi, India (2010) and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2007).</li>
<li>The Forum will present the findings of the 12 Success Factors case studies that showcase how countries are collaborating across sectors to improve women&rsquo;s, children&rsquo;s and adolescents&rsquo; health.</li>
<li>The Partners&rsquo; Forum will showcase learning from across six regions: Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Americas, South East Asia, and Western Pacific on six thematic areas:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Early Childhood Development (</strong>Germany &amp; Chile)</li>
<li><strong>Adolescent Health and Well-Being</strong> (USA &amp; Indonesia)</li>
<li><strong>Quality, Equity and Dignity (QED) in Services</strong> (India &amp; Cambodia): From India, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/intensified-mission-indradhanush-best-practice-in-the-world-bmj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intensified Mission Indradhanush has been selected</a> as one of the case studies under QED theme.</li>
<li><strong>Sexual and Reproductive Health</strong> (Malawi &amp; Malaysia)</li>
<li><strong>Empowerment of Women, Girls, and Communities</strong> (South Africa &amp; Guatemala)</li>
<li><strong>Humanitarian and Fragile Settings</strong> (Sierra Leone &amp; Afghanistan)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Partner's Forum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Partners&rsquo; Forum is a global health partnership launched in September 2005 to accelerate efforts to reduce child and maternal mortality, improve adolescent, child, newborn and maternal health.</li>
<li>The Partnership is governed by a Board and administered by a Secretariat hosted at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
<li>PMNCH mission is to support the global health community to work successfully towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the health-related SDGs as articulated in the Strategy for Women&rsquo;s Children&rsquo;s and Adolescents&rsquo; Health in support of &lsquo;Every Woman Every Child&rsquo; (EWEC) movement.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>&lsquo;Every Woman Every Child&rsquo; (EWEC) movement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched by the United Nations during the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit in September 2010.</li>
<li>Every Woman Every Child is an unprecedented global movement that mobilizes and intensifies international and national action by governments, the private sector, and civil society to address the major health challenges facing women, children, and adolescents around the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/partners-forum-inaugurated-in-new-delhi'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Don’t Malign CRAs Based Just on Some Instances',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Malign CRAs Based Just on Some Instances&rdquo; which appears in Livemint.)</p>
</div>
<p>The recent downgrade of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services Ltd (IL&amp;FS)</a> has led to criticism of the role of credit rating agencies (CRAs), specifically, the conflicts in their <strong>&ldquo;issuer-pay&rdquo; revenue model*</strong> and their non-ratings businesses.</p>
<p>In India, Crisil Ltd and ICRA Ltd have substantial non-rating revenues and the performance of their ratings reveals that they show the lowest default rates in the industry and yields on instruments they rated are closest to benchmarks. They also had the least number of cases going to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) that had &ldquo;investment grade&rdquo; a year prior to default.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The issuer pays revenue model:</strong> is a compensation structure in which the entity issuing the debt pays CRAs for the initial rating and ongoing ratings of a security instrument.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CRAs provide quality ratings to all paying companies at the lowest cost.</li>
<li>This is the model followed across the world.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Issuer pays&rdquo; affords CRAs access to company management, which improves the quality of ratings.</li>
<li>It helps provide ratings and updates to all stakeholders&mdash;investors, regulators, intermediaries, and media&mdash;at zero cost and gives access to all clients.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>What is Credit Rating?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>A credit rating is an assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a particular debt or financial obligation.</strong></li>
<li>A credit rating can be assigned to any entity that seeks to borrow money &mdash; an individual, corporation, state or provincial authority, or sovereign government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What are CRAs?<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/158drishti_ias-cra.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/158drishti_ias-cra.png" style="float: right;" width="337" height="208" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Credit agencies, also known as credit rating agencies, help potential lenders and creditors determine whether to lend or extend credit to an individual or business, by predicting the likelihood that the borrower will repay the debt in a timely manner.</li>
<li>The information provided to credit agencies includes how much credit is available to that borrower, how much of the available credit they have used, and what their repayment activity looks like.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Current Arguments &amp; Criticisms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The first argument is that CRAs should not be in any business other than ratings because revenue from common clients can influence their judgment and </strong><g class="gr_ gr_77 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="77" data-gr-id="77">rating</g><strong> calls.</strong></li>
<li>Some also question the &ldquo;issuer pays&rdquo; model followed by CRAs&mdash;where the entity issuing debt pays for the rating&mdash;saying it evokes conflicts and compromises on analysis. <strong>They contend &ldquo;investor pays&rdquo; and &ldquo;government/regulator/stock exchange pays&rdquo; are viable alternatives.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of CRAs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>CRAs have played a critical role in the development of the domestic debt market, spawning efficiencies and stability by providing comparable, transparent and forward-looking metrics for decision-making.</strong></li>
<li>They have enabled independent benchmarks for pricing debt, ushered in a culture of financial discipline, helped allocate capital efficiently by pricing risk appropriately, and supported financial innovation.</li>
<li>CRAs have also brought in the international standard of<strong> &ldquo;one day, one rupee default&rdquo; [a delay of one day even of one rupee (of principal or interest) from the scheduled payment date is to be construed as a default.] a</strong>nd helped remove information asymmetry by ensuring that over 35,000 ratings and their analyses are available publicly for free.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Flaws in CRAs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though rotating CRAs (i.e mandating one CRA to rate a company only for a limited amount of time before another CRA takes over) can be done just like it&rsquo;s done in auditing&mdash;saying that would reduce conflicts, that&rsquo;s incorrect because <strong>auditing looks at the past and rating, the future.</strong></li>
<li>Asking a CRA to look at the future and then absolving it of responsibility in three to five years by asking another CRA to take over would evoke conflict because the former would tend to give higher-than-warranted rating knowing it won&rsquo;t have to defend that for long. <strong>This will increase rating shopping.</strong></li>
<li>The &ldquo;government/regulator/stock exchange pays&rdquo; model potentially obviates the perceived fee conflict and can make public all ratings for free, but it raises the question of moral hazard because ratings may seem sovereign-backed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>For CRAs:</strong> CRAs need to introspect and strengthen their rating criteria, methodologies, processes, and oversights. Conflicts, if any, need to be addressed to reassure stakeholders on the <g class="gr_ gr_82 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="82" data-gr-id="82">ratings</g> process.</li>
<li><strong>For regulators: I</strong>ndia has had proactive CRA regulations since 1999 and these have served the market well. The raft of changes introduced over the past two years has ensured greater transparency, accountability, and oversight than ever before. Today, we need more enforcement, not more regulations. That would mean vigorously questioning ill-managed conflicts, and analyzing if any CRA is regularly showing steep changes in ratings.</li>
<li><strong>For investors:</strong> Investors have to look beyond the rating symbol and scrutinize the CRA behind it. The temptation to shop for a higher rating, but factoring in the risk in the pricing, need to be avoided because it is faux (i.e fake) comfort. Investors need to distinguish between CRAs using yardsticks such as default rates and transition rates, the intensity of rating changes, the ability to flag distressed assets, etc. For, not all ratings are equal.</li>
<li><strong>The &ldquo;issuer-pays&rdquo; model needs to change to an &ldquo;investor-pays&rdquo; model</strong>, with fees being standardized by the market regulator. However, at the governmental level, fiscal decisions should be marked by a push towards developing an economy with full employment and innovation, instead of seeking to chase down rating quarter by quarter.</li>
</ul>',
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		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Center Refuses to Recognize Lingayat as Separate Religion',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Central Government has rejected the Karnataka government&rsquo;s proposal seeking legal recognition for Lingayats as a distinct religion.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In March 2018, the Karnataka government accepted suggestions of Nagamohan committee and granted minority status to Lingayats. The proposal was then sent to the Centre for the final approval.</li>
<li>Central Government has rejected the proposal on two grounds:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lingayat has always been<strong> classified under Hindus ever since the first official census in India in 1871</strong> census&nbsp;and that Lingayat is considered as a religious sect of Hindu.</li>
<li>If Lingayat/Veerashaiva will be given the status of a separate religion,<strong> all the members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) professing the said religion would lose their status as SC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, Lingayats, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs are included among Hindus, but Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains have been identified by state and central governments as minority religions in 1993, 1963 and 2014 respectively except the Lingayats.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Lingayats</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term <strong>Lingayat denotes a person who wears a personal linga,</strong> an iconic form of god Shiva, on the body which is received during the initiation ceremony.</li>
<li>Lingayats are the followers of the 12th-century social reformer-philosopher poet, Basaveshwara.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Basaveshwara was against the caste system and Vedic rituals.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The <strong>Lingayats are strict monotheists.</strong> They enjoin the worship of only one God, namely, Linga (Shiva).</li>
<li>The word &lsquo;Linga&rsquo; does not mean Linga established in temples, but universal consciousness qualified by the universal energy (Shakti).</li>
<li>Lingayats had been classified as a Hindu subcaste called <strong>&ldquo;Veerashaiva Lingayats&rdquo;</strong> and they are considered to be Shaivites.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Separate Religion for Lingayats</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lingayats had distanced itself from Hindu Veerashaivas because the latter followed the Vedas and supported the caste system, to which Basaveshwara was against.</li>
<li>Veerashaivas are the followers of the five peethas (religious centers), called Pancha Peethas. These peethas are set up on similar lines to the four peethas set up by Adi Shankara.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<h3>Basaveshwara</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Basaveshwara was a <strong>12th century spiritual master in Karnataka.</strong></li>
<li>Popularly known as Basavanna, he propagated moral, ethical and spiritual values for a peaceful and purposeful life.</li>
<li><strong>He formed a new spiritual institution which was based on democratic principles</strong> to spread universal love and brotherhood. Anyone, irrespective of caste, could become a member as long as they were pious and of good character.</li>
<li>Basavanna&rsquo;s mission for the formation of a new society through <strong>Anubhava Mantapa</strong> was based on certain noble principles:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is only one God.</li>
<li>Complete surrender to God in devotion.</li>
<li>Compassion is the root of all religions. Treat all living beings with kindness and live for the welfare of all.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Regulating Anonymous Donations',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XMn0RXQ8bTg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Election Commission has urged the government to slash the cap on anonymous donations to political parties from the present Rs20,000 to Rs2,000 to usher in more transparency. In a letter to the Legislative Department of the Law Ministry, the Election Commission pointed out that while its demand to cap cash donations to parties to Rs 2,000 per person has been accepted, another demand to cap anonymous donations to Rs 2,000 is still pending. The poll panel had written to the government in the middle of 2017 to amend Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to put a cap on anonymous donations. The letter sent is a reiteration reminding the government that its demand has not yet been acted upon.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>Union Budget <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="107" data-gr-id="107">2017-18,</g> proposed to make changes related to donations made to political </strong>parties<strong> and maintaining the anonymity of donors. Changes made were as follows-</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The maximum amount of cash donation, a political party can receive is Rs2000 from one person.</li>
<li>Political parties are entitled to receive donations by cheque or digital mode from their donors.</li>
<li>Amendment to the Reserve Bank of India Act enabled the issuance of electoral bonds.</li>
<li>Every political party has to file its return within the time prescribed in accordance with the provision of the Income-tax Act. Existing exemption to the political parties from payment of income-tax would be available only subject to the fulfillment of these conditions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Regarding donations by companies to political parties, the amendments to the Finance Bill provided</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Confidentiality to corporates and removal of the limit on funding as regards to the proportion of profit previously limited at 7.5 percent.</li>
<li>In addition, the Bill also proposed that contributions to parties will have to be made only through a cheque, bank draft, electronic means, or any other instrument notified by the central government.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Issues Related to Election Funding</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>75% of the donors to a political party are anonymous. The source of money could be crime, drug or ill-intentioned foreign money, which cannot be tracked.</li>
<li>Consequently, the money that is received in cash is not audited properly and therefore becomes a source of malfeasance.</li>
<li>In order to weed out cash donation, the concept of the electoral bond was brought in. However, the element of anonymity remained. That is, an anonymous person can fund a political party without the name being disclosed.</li>
<li>This is a very big issue because affluent people can fund a political party and in return influence the laws and policies in their <g class="gr_ gr_91 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="91" data-gr-id="91">favour</g>.</li>
<li>The electoral bond scheme helps to keep the identity of the donor a secret. Therefore, the donor&rsquo;s political affiliation is kept secret and therefore protected. Though the donor wants anonymity, the public at large wants transparency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Resolve the Issue?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The state funding of the elections can be scrutinized. It has following benefits-</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Public funding can limit the influence of interested money and thereby help curb corruption.</li>
<li>Public funding can increase transparency in party expenditure.</li>
<li>If parties and candidates are privately funded, it may lead to crony capitalism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Issues of public funding of elections
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will encourage spawning of new parties every now and then.</li>
<li>Further, it will burden the exchequer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, former election commission chairman S.Y. Qureshi has suggested state funding of the political parties instead of state funding of elections.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>State funding of elections</strong> - where the state bears the election expenditure of political parties contesting the Election.</p>
<p><strong>State funding of political parties</strong> - where political parties are assisted financially in their functioning.</p>
<p>So, basically, state funding of political parties is a regular and permanent affair while state funding of elections will be periodic as they are done only during the elections.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As for the burden on the state exchequer, a National Election Fund can be created where people can donate anonymously. And at the end of the five years, the collected amount can be given to respective political parties based on performance. 70% of the European countries have this system.</li>
<li>Auditing of expenditure done by every political party is a must.</li>
<li>Even the smallest of donation should be done through digital means. This will ensure transparency and traceability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Experts believe the electoral bond or cash payment below Rs 2000 move will not have a much significant effect on the upcoming general elections. So, measures should be taken to regulate anonymous donations immediately.</li>
<li>Steps should be taken to generate awareness among voters about the ill-powers of money in elections.</li>
<li>A conscious effort must be made to monitor political expenditure. Preferably, on a monthly basis by Election Commission.</li>
</ul>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Streamlining of National Pension System',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>In a bid to streamline the National Pension System (NPS) and make it more attractive, the Union Cabinet has approved changes in the scheme to benefit <strong>around 18 lakh Central government employees</strong> covered under NPS.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The approved changes are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Enhancement of the mandatory contribution</strong> by the Central Government for its employees covered under <strong>NPS Tier-I from the existing 10% to 14%.</strong></li>
<li>Providing <strong>freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds</strong> and pattern of investment to central government employees.</li>
<li><strong>Payment of compensation</strong> for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS<strong> contributions during 2004-2012.</strong></li>
<li>Tax exemption limit for lump sum <strong>withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60%.</strong> With this, the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax. (At present, 40% of the total accumulated corpus utilized for purchase of annuity is already tax exempted. Out of 60% of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40% is tax exempt and balance 20% is taxable).</li>
<li>Contribution by the Government employees<strong> under Tier-II of NPS will now be covered under Section 80C for deduction</strong> up to Rs. 1.50 lakh for the purpose of income tax at par with the other schemes such as General Provident Fund, Contributory Provident Fund, Employees Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund<strong> provided that there is a lock-in period of 3 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increase in the eventual accumulated corpus</strong> of all central government employees covered under NPS.</li>
<li>Greater pension payouts after retirement <strong>without any additional burden</strong> on the employee.</li>
<li><strong>Freedom of choice for selection</strong> of Pension Funds and investment pattern to central government employees.</li>
<li>By making NPS more attractive for its employees, government will <strong>not only retain but also attract the best talent.</strong></li>
<li>The impact on the exchequer on this account is estimated to be to the <strong>tune of around Rs. 2840 crores</strong> for the financial year 2019-20, and will be in the <strong>nature of a recurring expenditure.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Seventh Pay Commission (7th CPC) in the year 2015</strong> recommended for setting up of a Committee of Secretaries to address certain concerns regarding NPS.</li>
<li>Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Committee, draft Cabinet Note was placed before the Cabinet for its approval.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Pension System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with <strong>effect from January 01, 2004 (except for armed forces).</strong></li>
<li>NPS is being implemented and regulated by <strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><strong>National Pension System Trust (NPST)</strong> established by PFRDA is the<strong> registered owner of all assets under NPS.</strong></li>
<li>NPS is structured into<strong> two tiers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tier-I account:</strong> This is the <strong>non-withdrawable permanent retirement account</strong> into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber.</li>
<li><strong>Tier-II account:</strong> This is a <strong>voluntary withdrawable account</strong> which is allowed <strong>only when there is an active Tier I account</strong> in the name of the subscriber. The withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NPS was made available<strong> to all Citizens of India from May 01, 2009.</strong></li>
<li>Any individual <strong>citizen of India (both resident and Non-resident)</strong> in the age group of<strong> 18-65 years</strong> (as on the date of submission of NPS application) can join NPS.</li>
<li>However,<strong> OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card holders and Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs)</strong> are <strong>not eligible </strong>for opening of NPS account.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>PFRDA</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Pension Fund Regulatory &amp; Development Authority Act was <strong>passed on 19th September, 2013.</strong></li>
<li>Its vision is to be a model regulator for promotion and development of an organized pension system to serve the old age income needs of people on a sustainable basis.</li>
<li>Along with NPS, it <strong>also regulates other pension schemes</strong> subscribed by employees of public and private sector of India.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture - Climate Change: Act Now',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1U_Yk89ufLM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Negotiations from around the world began on curbing climate change. It has been three years since the sealing of the landmark deal in Paris that set a goal of keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius. Envoys from many nations gathered in Poland's southern city of Katowice to attend COP24. Host Poland pushes for a joint declaration to ensure a "just transition" for fossil fuel industries like coal producers who are facing closures as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The meeting received a boost after 19 major economies at the G-20 summit affirmed their commitment to the 2015 Paris climate accord. The only holdout is the United States, which announced its withdrawal from the climate pact under President Trump.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>PARIS CLIMATE DEAL- COP21</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2015 COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aimed at keeping global warming below 2&deg;C.</li>
<li>The key vision of Paris Agreement was to keep global temperatures &ldquo;well below&rdquo; 2.0C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times and &ldquo;seek to limit&rdquo; even more, to 1.5C.</li>
<li>It pledged to curb emissions. Before the conference started, more than 180 countries had submitted pledges to cut or curb their carbon emissions (intended nationally defined contributions, or INDCs, in the UN jargon). The INDCs were recognized under the agreement, but are not legally binding</li>
<li>A long-term global goal for net zero emissions: Countries have promised to try to bring global emissions down from peak levels as soon as possible. More significantly, they pledged &ldquo;to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The deal includes loss and damage, a mechanism for addressing the financial losses vulnerable countries face from climate impacts such as extreme weather.</li>
<li>Raising money to bring in necessary changes. Finance to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy was an important point in the negotiations. This part of the deal has been made non-legally binding on developed countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What is COP 24?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>COP24 is the informal name for the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</li>
<li>In accordance with a decision of the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Climate Convention (COP22) in Marrakesh in November 2016, Poland was selected to host this event within the framework of the Eastern European Group (EEG).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Agenda of COP24</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Determining the accounting standards of the whole process: to devise a process of measurement to calculate countries achievements. This agenda will not face much difficulty because with time there has been a gradual convergence of opinion.</li>
<li>MRE- Monitoring, Review, Evaluation: This agenda has always been a bone of contention because many countries fear that this provision might become intrusive.</li>
<li>Institutional structure for technology: a world body which will see the adequate transfer of technologies from the &lsquo;Haves&rsquo; to the &lsquo;Have-nots&rsquo;.</li>
<li>Institutional structure for finance: to see the flow of finance from the developed to the developing and underdeveloped countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many developing countries are reluctant to give up coal and hence weaken the commitment. The discussion is around the logistics to implement the Paris Agreement. However, the chief concern is that the Paris Agreement which talks of keeping temperature rise below 2 degrees is grossly inadequate.</li>
<li>The IPCC report of 2018 has cautioned that human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0&deg;C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8&deg;C to 1.2&deg;C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5&deg;C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.</li>
<li>Keeping this trajectory, a report suggested that by the end of the century the temperature rise can be as high as 3 to 4 degree Celsius.</li>
<li>Another concern is the decision of US. As the largest emitter of Carbon dioxide, the US withdrawal from the Agreement is a mighty set back. Besides, China&rsquo;s peaking period is 2030, and many experts say that by the time China lowers its emission it will be too late.</li>
<li>The most important challenge is the transfer of technology and finance to the developing and underdeveloped countries. The industrialized countries are reluctant to share either of the resources without a tradeoff. On the other hand, the rest of the world has limited resources to purchase such sophisticated technologies.</li>
<li>The effects of climate change have begun to surface. Migration related to climate change has destabilized many countries and have also led to the emergence of new populist movements.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most importantly, environmental ethics should take precedence over other issues like national and strategic interest or economic interest.</li>
<li>COP24 would demonstrate how climate neutrality can be reached by using innovation and a technique for CO2 sequestration by soils and forests. Such innovative techniques have to be adopted and practiced.</li>
<li>The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ought to be ambitious and the countries should not only commit to larger goals but achieve the same in time.</li>
<li>Alternative sources of energy have to be explored. India&rsquo;s Solar Alliance is a positive step in this direction. The transition of the vehicles from fossil fuel to electric or hybrid is the need of the hour.</li>
<li>Adequate finance and technologies should be transferred from developed countries to developing countries. In the long run, it would yield rich dividends. Long-term, low-interest loans can be one solution. In this regard the World Bank&rsquo;s commitment of $200 billion over the next five years is noteworthy.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'ECO Niwas Samhita 2018',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Ministry of Power has launched the<strong> Energy Conservation- New Indian Way for Affordable &amp; Sustainable Homes (ECO Niwas) Samhita 2018</strong>, an Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R) to give a further fillip to India&rsquo;s energy conservation efforts.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Code was launched on the occasion of <strong>National Energy Conservation Day 2018</strong> which is celebrated every year on <strong>14th of December by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>ECO Niwas</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The code focuses on building envelope, mechanical systems and equipment including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, interior and exterior lighting systems, electrical system and renewable energy.</li>
<li>It also takes into account the <strong>five climates zones</strong> (Hot Dry, Warm Humid, Temperate, Composite and Cold) present in India.</li>
<li>However, it addresses <strong>only energy efficiency</strong> of buildings. <strong>Water and other aspects</strong> are <strong>not covered</strong> under it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to benefit the occupants and the environment by promoting energy efficiency in design and construction of homes, apartments and townships.</li>
<li>Implementation of this Code will have potential for energy savings to the tune of <strong>125 Billion Units of electricity</strong> per year by 2030, which is equivalent to about<strong> 100 million ton of CO<sub>2</sub> emission.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) was launched in 2007</strong> by the BEE to set energy efficiency standards for design and construction of buildings as a first step towards promoting energy efficiency in the building sector.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>BEE is a<strong> statutory body</strong> under <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> which was setup in 2002 under the provisions of the<strong> Energy Conservation Act, 2001.</strong></li>
<li>It is mandated to implement policy and programmes in the area of <strong>energy efficiency and conservation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Other agencies that promote energy efficiency in buildings:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>LEED-India &ndash; </strong>Leadership in Energy &amp; Environmental Design (LEED) is an international recognized certification system for the green buildings. The LEED-India Green Building Rating System is an international benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings (provided by IGBC).</li>
<li><strong>IGBC Ratings &ndash;</strong> The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a division of the Confederation of Indian Industry that works closely with the government and aims at sustainably built environment.</li>
<li><strong>TERI GRIHA &ndash;</strong> The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) is a national rating system for green buildings that is adopted while designing and evaluating new buildings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/energy-efficiency-and-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more about Energy Efficiency in India</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eco-niwas-samhita-2018'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Revisit PPPs to Revive Investments',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Revisit PPPs to Revive Investments&rdquo; which appears in BusinessLine for 15th December.)</p>
</div>
<p>For the overall development of the Indian economy, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is one of the best options.</p>
<p><strong>To opt for PPP, a robust revival of private investment is needed.</strong> Getting the investment rate to go over 36% once again is imperative to get a sustained growth of over 8% per annum. This is the major challenge for the Indian economy.</p>
<h3>What is PPP?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Public-private partnerships between a government agency and private-sector company can be used to finance, build and operate projects, such as public transportation networks, parks, and city centers.</li>
</ul>
<p>There has been commendable progress in addressing the problems in PPP models. Still, there is a need to revisit PPP models for greater benefits.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PPP Models</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Build Operate and Transfer (BOT):</strong> Under BOT annuity, a developer builds the highway, operates it for a specified duration and transfers it back to the government. The government starts payment to the developer after the launch of commercial operation of the project.</p>
<p><strong>BOT Toll Model:</strong> In this toll based BOT model, a road developer constructs the road and he is allowed to recover his investment through toll collection. This toll collection will be over a period of nearly 30 years in most cases. There is no government payment to the developer as he earns his money invested from tolls.</p>
<p><strong>Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Model:</strong> Under this model, the cost is completely borne by the government. Government invites bids for engineering knowledge from the private players. Procurement of raw material and construction costs are met by the government. The private sector&rsquo;s participation is minimal and is limited to the provision of engineering expertise. A difficulty of the model is that financial is the high financial burden for the government.</p>
<p><strong>The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM):</strong> In India, the new HAM is a mix of BOT-Annuity and EPC models. As per the design, the government will contribute 40% of the project cost in the first five years through annual payments (annuity). The remaining payment will be made on the basis of the assets created and the performance of the developer.</p>
</div>
<h3>Opportunities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has systematically rolled out a PPP program for the delivery of high-priority public utilities and infrastructure and, over the last decade, developed one of the largest PPP programs in the world.</li>
<li>With close to 1500 PPP projects in various stages of implementation, according to the World Bank, India is one of the leading countries in terms of readiness for PPPs. As per the 2015 Infrascope Report of the Economist Intelligence Unit, &ldquo;Evaluating the environment for PPPs in Asia-Pacific 2014&rdquo;, India ranks first in the world in &ldquo;Operational Maturity&rdquo; for PPP projects, third for sub-national PPP activity and fifth overall in terms of having an ideal environment for PPP projects.</li>
<li><strong>Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure provides for the creation of public asset and service by a private partner who has been conceded the right (the &ldquo;Concession&rdquo;) for the purpose, for a specified period of time, on the basis of market-determined revenue streams, that allows for a commercial return on investment.</strong></li>
<li>PPPs in infrastructure represent a valuable instrument to speed up infrastructure development in India. This speeding up is urgently required for India to grow rapidly and generate a demographic dividend for itself and also to tap into the large pool of pension and institutional funds from aging populations in the developed countries.</li>
<li><strong>India offers today, the world&rsquo;s largest market for PPPs. It has as such accumulated a wealth of experience in getting to this premier position.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Better identification and allocation of risks between stakeholders (i.e the Govt., the Public, and the investors) is one of the major challenges in PPP projects.</li>
<li><strong>The PPP route has been criticized for not meeting the supply-demand gap exactly in the infrastructure facilities.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Six key hurdles faced by PPPs projects are as follows: policy and regulatory gaps;</strong> inadequate availability of long-term finance; inadequate capacity in public institutions and public officials to manage PPP processes; inadequate capacity in the private sector-both developer/investor and technical manpower; inadequate shelf of bankable infrastructure projects that can be bid out to the private sector; and inadequate advocacy to create greater acceptance of PPPs by stakeholders.</li>
<li><strong>The most important challenge for PPP projects, however, has emerged as delays in achieving commercial operation dates (COD)</strong> which lead to time and cost overruns. It has occurred partly due to land acquisition issues, willful default by promoters, irrational biddings, huge difference between project costs as approved by the Govt. and ones that are given to lenders.</li>
<li><strong>On the land acquisition front, issues related to the huge difference between the registered value offered and the actual market value have been very disputing.</strong> Moreover, valuations are conducted on the basis of the current status of land, and the system does not capture the appreciation after the construction of the project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The better understanding of risk perceptions of investors and lenders and mitigating the aforementioned challenges, along with installing adequate safeguards against windfall profits, are essential for success in designing workable PPPs.</li>
<li><strong>Genuine and transparent stakeholder consultation at the project and contract design stage with an open pragmatic approach would naturally help.</strong> Inadequate risk mitigation and faulty design may well be the major cause of the default by IL&amp;FS which has been the leading investor in PPP projects.</li>
<li>In addition to changing mindsets, there is an urgent need to rebuild India&rsquo;s PPP capacities. Structured capacity building programmes for different stakeholders including implementing agencies and customized programmes for banks and financial institutions and the private sector need to be evolved.</li>
<li><strong>Investments for treatment of sewage, augmentation of water supply for cities, completing the canal network for large irrigation projects, are all examples of needed investments which cannot be made financially viable through the recovery of user charges. Such projects have, therefore, been considered as not being suitable for PPPs. However, if the state, or, a public institution came in as an intermediary by agreeing to pay user charges after a transparent and fair bidding process, private investment could be brought into these non-traditional areas.</strong></li>
<li><strong>For infrastructure like hotels, hospitals, schools etc., providing land free through a reasonable lease rent and revenue-sharing arrangement in somewhat developed and promising locations will boost development greatly.</strong></li>
<li>In undeveloped sites, a two-tier PPP structure may be needed. A private builder (e.g a civil contractor) could on a rental basis do the bare structure of a hotel, hospital etc for a development agency (like NDMC and Delhi Development Authority). The agency could then get a hotelier, like the Taj or Hyatt, or for hospitals get Apollo or Fortis, to do the finishing and furnishing and then run the hotel on lease rent with revenue sharing.</li>
<li><strong>The potential for additional investment in PPP is therefore enormous. The challenge only lies in having the ambition and pragmatism to actually get large projects going with private investment.</strong></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revisit-ppps-to-revive-investments'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Lack of Basic Rights For the Aged a Concern: SC',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>In response to a public interest litigation, the Supreme Court has ordered the central government to take steps to provide care and rights to the elderly.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court has ordered that state and central governments must strictly implement the provisions of <strong>Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens act 2007 (MWP Act).</strong></li>
<li>SC has said that <strong>right to dignity, health, and shelter</strong> are statutory rights of elderly. All the three are components of the right to life <strong>under Article 21.</strong></li>
<li>United Nations Population Division has estimated that approximately 19% of Indians will be elderly (aged 60 years and above) by 2050, marking a dramatic jump from the present 8% level.</li>
<li><strong>Challenges</strong> faced by the elderly in India include<strong> abandonment by their families, destitution, and homelessness, inability to access quality health care, low levels of institutional support, and the loneliness and depression associated with separation from their families.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Judgment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme court has issued the following important directives in response to a writ petition, seeking enforcement of the rights of elderly persons under Article 21 of the Constitution:</li>
<li>The central government must obtain the necessary information about the number of old age homes, medical facilities available in each district.</li>
<li>Making senior citizens aware of their constitutional and statutory right.</li>
<li>MWP Act should be publicized and implemented effectively.</li>
<li>The Government should relook at schemes related to senior-citizen and overhaul them to bring convergence and avoid multiplicity.</li>
<li>The grant pension to the elderly should be more realistic.</li>
<li>There is a need to continuously monitor progress in the implementation of rights of the elderly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Major Steps taken by the Government</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 made <strong>it a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to senior citizens.</strong> It also permits state governments to establish old age homes in every district.</li>
<li>Senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves shall have the<strong> right to apply to a maintenance</strong> tribunal seeking a monthly allowance from their children or heirs.</li>
<li>State governments may set up maintenance tribunals in every sub-division to decide the level of maintenance. Appellate tribunals may be established at the district level.</li>
<li>State governments shall<strong> set the maximum monthly maintenance allowance.</strong> The Act caps the maximum monthly allowance at Rs 10,000 per month.</li>
<li>Punishment for not paying the required monthly allowance shall be Rs 5,000 or up to three months imprisonment or both.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>scheme IGNOAPS was launched in the year 1995 by the Ministry of Rural Development.</strong> The scheme is a major part of National Social Assistance Programme.</li>
<li>Under this scheme senior citizens i.e. people who are 60 years or above receive Rs. 200 as a pension on monthly basis. People who have crossed 80 years receive Rs. 500 instead of Rs. 200 on monthly basis.</li>
<li>In this scheme, <strong>the pension type is the non-contribution pension.</strong> It means the employee does not have to contribute anything to get the pension from the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has launched the <strong>&lsquo;Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)&rsquo;</strong> to provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons aged 60 and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The state should secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people under&nbsp;<strong>Article 38 in The Constitution Of India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA):</strong> The plan is a resource for policy-makers, suggesting ways for governments, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to reorient the ways in which their societies perceive, interact with and care for their older citizens, as two billion people will be aged 60 and above by 2050.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lack-of-basic-rights-for-the-aged-a-concern-sc'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Is It Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Is it time to abolish the death penalty?&rdquo; which appears in The Hindu for 14th December.)</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Death penalty or capital punishment is the highest degree of punishment that can be awarded to an individual under any penal law in force in any part of the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although the death penalty in India is long-standing, t<strong>he movement to abolish it has gained a lot of momentum in recent times.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking directions for the immediate execution of the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case of 2012.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Indian Penal Code, 1860 provides for the provision of a death sentence for various offenses like criminal conspiracy, murder, waging war against the nation, dacoity etc. Various other legislation like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 also provides for the death penalty.</p>
<p>Under Article 72, the Constitution has created a provision for clemency of capital punishment. Under this Article, the President of India has the power to grant pardon or commute or remit the death sentence in certain cases. Similarly, Article 161 provides for powers of the Governor of the State to grant clemency.</p>
<p>Also, when a Sessions Court awards the capital punishment, it must be confirmed by the High Court of the particular state, and only then the execution can be carried out.</p>
<p>In 2007, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a moratorium on the administration of the death penalty by the 59 countries that still retained it. India is one of them, even if it does not employ it as frequently as countries such as Iran, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.</p>
<p><strong>Recently, India allowed capital punishment for anyone convicted of raping children under the age of 12.</strong></p>
<h3>Why it is Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most of the civilized world has abolished it. India certainly does not need it as it doesn&rsquo;t serve any purpose.</li>
<li><strong>No study has shown that the death penalty deters murder more than life imprisonment.</strong> The evidence is all to the contrary. For deterrence to work, the severity of the punishment has to coexist with the certainty and swiftness of the punishment. The death penalty has not deterred terrorism, murder or even theft.</li>
<li><strong>Based on the evidence collected, the legal system cannot be trusted to take one&rsquo;s life.</strong> For example, between January 1, <g class="gr_ gr_118 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="118" data-gr-id="118">2000</g> and June 31, 2015, the Supreme Court imposed 60 death sentences. It subsequently admitted that it had erred in 15 of them (25%).</li>
<li><strong>Those without &lsquo;capital&rsquo; get the punishment.</strong> Poor prisoners on legal aid won&rsquo;t get good lawyers to defend them. Hence, the death penalty unfairly targets the poor and marginalized.</li>
<li><strong>The death penalty is impossible to administer fairly or rationally.</strong> The Supreme Court has repeatedly admitted that it has arbitrarily imposed this most extreme punishment. It depends overwhelmingly on the adjudicator&rsquo;s personal beliefs. Judges opposed to it never gave a death sentence; those in favor doled it out.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why is it NOT the Time to Abolish the Death Penalty?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Its constitutionality has not only been upheld in India but also in liberal democracies like that of the U.S.</strong> Therefore, the retention of the death penalty is not a reflection of &ldquo;uncivilized&rdquo; polity in theocratic states [a political unit governed by a deity or by officials thought to be divinely guided] that have come to be defined by violence but also by a creation of the individual geopolitical circumstances of each state.</li>
<li>While the 35th Report (Law Commission) correctly called for its retention in order to see its impact on a new republic, the more recent 262nd Report could not recommend the punishment&rsquo;s absolute abolition despite a rather desperate attempt to do the same.</li>
<li><strong>The exception to abolition in cases of terror will also not work.</strong> Unlike Scandinavia, India&rsquo;s neighborhood is not peaceful, and, it does not form the group of nations that facilitate common growth, unlike the European Union. On the contrary, every day, vested interests attempt to destabilize the very idea of our nation from across every border it shares, which makes it difficult to abolish this deterrent named death penalty.</li>
<li>As noted by the Law Commission itself, cases of violent terror are constant reminders of the need to protect national stability by ensuring appropriate responses to such actions, and the death penalty forms part of the national response.</li>
<li>A punishment cannot be judged by its impact on criminals but by its impact on those who are still innocent.</li>
<li>Those who defend the death penalty often do it on the basis of retributive justice (a system of criminal justice based on the punishment of offenders rather than on rehabilitation).</li>
<li><strong>It determines that there are certain acts which the society so essentially detest that they justify the taking of the most crucial of rights &ndash; the right to life.</strong> For, the state acknowledges that the sacredness of life can only be seen to be protected if those who take it away are proportionately punished. The hanging of Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon strongly affirms India&rsquo;s commitment to the protection of life.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The capital punishment is not arbitrary because it comes out of a judicial process.</strong> To term the punishment as arbitrary, one has to necessarily prove the process as flawed. However, in the cases of the death penalty, the courts have made sure that caution is exercised in giving the punishment. They are conscious of its irreversibility and have therefore restricted it to only rarest of rare cases that shock the conscience of society. This is reflective in the fact that in the last 13 years, only four people have been executed.</li>
<li><strong>Following the gang rape of a young woman in Delhi in December 2012, amendments were made to the Indian Penal Code adding the death penalty for certain categories of rapes and repeat offenders.</strong> This year India introduced the death penalty for those who rape minors. The polarised debate that surrounded Yakub Menon&rsquo;s execution in 2015 was yet another reminder of the pervasive popularity of the idea which needs larger public debate.</li>
<li><strong>In 1980, in Bachan Singh v. the State of Punjab, a Constitution Bench articulated the &ldquo;rarest of rare&rdquo; threshold stating that &ldquo;judges should never be bloodthirsty&rdquo;.</strong> Death must only be imposed where the alternative option is unquestionably foreclosed.</li>
<li><strong>In 2015, the Law Commission called for the abolition of the death penalty for ordinary crimes, and activists continue to argue for abolishing it altogether.</strong> Political will in India is still bound by populism. However, the constitutionality of the death penalty will continue to be challenged and, sooner or later, the Supreme Court will have to answer whether the absence of political will is sufficient ground to override the right to life.</li>
<li><strong>Also, recently the Supreme Court supported the rights of death row convicts.</strong> It argued that convicts should be allowed to meet with family, friends, lawyers and mental health professionals for a reasonable period of time with reasonable frequency. It is part of their fundamental right to dignity and equality.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/241drishti_ias_deathpenalty.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/241drishti_ias_deathpenalty.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="747" height="266" caption="false" /></a></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/is-time-to-abolish-the-death-penalty'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'India Post Payment Bank (IPPB)',
		'catname' => 'Paper 3',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister launched <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">India</g> Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on September 1, 2018<g class="gr_ gr_134 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep" id="134" data-gr-id="134">.</g></li>
<li><g class="gr_ gr_134 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Style replaceWithoutSep" id="134" data-gr-id="134">I</g>t is an initiative of the government aimed at making <strong>banking services available at people&rsquo;s doorstep</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is IPPB?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IPPB is a<strong> wholly-owned subsidiary</strong> of <g class="gr_ gr_95 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="95" data-gr-id="95">Deparment</g> of Post, with 100 <g class="gr_ gr_125 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="125" data-gr-id="125">percent</g> Government of India equity.</li>
<li>It is a payments bank of the Indian postal department which will work through a network of post offices and nearly 3 lakh postmen.</li>
<li><g class="gr_ gr_96 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="96" data-gr-id="96"></g><g class="gr_ gr_96 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="96" data-gr-id="96">IPPB&rsquo;s</g> Vision
<ol>
<li>Building most <strong>accessible, affordable and trusted</strong> bank for <g class="gr_ gr_121 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="121" data-gr-id="121">common</g> man.</li>
<li>Spearheading <strong>Financial Inclusion</strong>- agenda for <g class="gr_ gr_122 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="122" data-gr-id="122">under-banked</g> populace.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>It will be governed by <g class="gr_ gr_123 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="123" data-gr-id="123">Reserve</g> Bank of India (RBI).</li>
<li>While its services will be available to all citizens, the IPPB will primarily focus on serving social sector beneficiaries, migrant labourers, un-organised sector, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Panchayats, low-income households, in rural areas and the <strong>unbanked and under-banked segments</strong> in both the rural and urban areas.</li>
<li>IPPB will offer services through a mix of <strong>physical and digital platforms</strong>.</li>
<li>Channels for delivering services will include:
<ol>
<li>Counter operations</li>
<li>ATMs/micro ATMs</li>
<li>Doorstep, mobile and internet banking</li>
<li>Pre-paid instruments such as mobile wallets, PoS, MPoS, etc.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>It will initially have 650 branches and 3,250 access points in post offices across the country.</li>
<li>All the 1.55 lakh post offices in the country are targeted to be linked to the IPPB system by December 31, 2018.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Functions of IPPB</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will accept <strong>deposits</strong>, offer <strong>remittance services</strong>, <strong>mobile banking</strong> and <strong>third-party fund transfers</strong>.</li>
<li>It offers 3 types of <g class="gr_ gr_97 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="97" data-gr-id="97">saving</g> account:<br />
<ol>
<li>Regular Account &ndash; Safal,</li>
<li>Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) &ndash; Sugam and</li>
<li>BSBDA Small &ndash; Saral</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>The maximum limit on deposits for current and savings account is Rs 1 lakh.</li>
<li>The bank offers a 4 per cent interest rate on savings account.</li>
<li>They can issue debit cards and ATM cards, but they cannot issue credit cards and cannot loan money.</li>
<li>It will provide social security payments like MNREGA wages, direct benefit transfer and give access to third-party services insurance, mutual funds.</li>
<li>IPPB account holders will be issued a QR Code based biometric card with a unique QR code.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What is Payment Bank?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Payments banks were part of the Reserve Bank of India&rsquo;s strategy of offering <strong>differentiated banking licences</strong>.</li>
<li>A committee headed by<strong> <g class="gr_ gr_1903 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="1903" data-gr-id="1903">Dr.</g> Nachiket Mor</strong> recommended setting up of 'Payments Bank' to cater to the lower income groups and small businesses.</li>
<li>A payments bank is a differentiated bank, offering a limited range of products.</li>
<li>It can accept demand deposits only that is savings and current accounts, not time deposits.</li>
<li>Payment banks are restricted to holding a maximum balance of Rs. 100,000(Rupees one lakh only) per individual customer.</li>
<li>Payment Banks cannot accept Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits.</li>
<li>The Payment Banks cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial services activities.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Potential of IPPB</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are currently about 50,000 bank branches in rural India. Whereas the Department of Post alone has almost 1,30,000 service points in rural India &ndash; which if converted into points of banking service, can extend <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="101" data-gr-id="101">presence</g> of banking services in rural India by 3.5 times.</li>
<li>It will allow leveraging the trust which the India Post enjoys in the minds of the public, coupled with the simple, affordable and convenient digital solutions.</li>
<li>A large number of the 3,00,000 employees of the postal services would also be equipped with biometric and handheld devices to provide doorstep banking services.</li>
<li>Due to <g class="gr_ gr_102 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="102" data-gr-id="102">failure</g> of rural banking in past years due to mounting Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), banks are over-burdened with the task of recovery of credit, rather than expansion if banking services &ndash; possible through IPPB.</li>
<li>Tapping of savings of the rural people through IPPB may help increase <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">per</g> capita income of rural people through domestic savings.</li>
<li>Money lenders in rural areas try to exploit people under financial aid, IPPB will help to reduce such exploitation and provide effective financial services.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits of IPPB</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expansion of Rural Banking-</strong> IPPB will help reinvigorate the postal system, at the same time expanding Rural Banking through its wide network of branches across India.</li>
<li><strong>Access to Diversified Services -</strong> Post Office <g class="gr_ gr_94 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="94" data-gr-id="94">savings</g> Bank (POSB) accounts linked to IPPB will allow lakhs of POSB accounts access to banking thereby enabling them to enjoy internet banking, mobile banking, electronic fund transfers, online bill payments, digital payments etc. across the spectrum of banks 24&times;7.&nbsp;Facilities such as third-party payment, insurance and mutual funds etc will provide financial accessibility to diverse financial services.</li>
<li><strong>Social &amp; Financial Inclusion -</strong> IPPB can act as a catalyst for social and financial inclusion through the vast network of post offices throughout the nation.&nbsp;Last mile delivery of services through the postman - and &lsquo;Grameen DakSewaks&rsquo; acting as Mobile bankers &ndash; providing "banking at <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">doorstep</g>."</li>
<li><strong>Push to MSMEs -</strong> Rural MSMEs will benefit from financial services offered by IPPB.</li>
<li><strong>Effective DBT -</strong> IPPB will enable better penetration of schemes and better delivery of benefits. Banking through IPPB would give a boost to Government&rsquo;s initiatives like promoting digital transactions and Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT).</li>
<li><strong>Employment -</strong> IPPB will generate employment opportunity for more than 3500 banking professionals, who will be engaged in propagating financial literacy across the country.</li>
<li><strong>Credibility -</strong> It will also not have to gain the trust of customers like its competitors, especially in the rural areas, as the local postman is still an integral part of the day-to-day lives of the rural populace.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Low Awareness -</strong> Due to low financial and digital literacy among rural masses, they might be discouraged to opt for formal financial services under IPPB.</li>
<li><strong>Strict Regulation -</strong> Given the severe restrictions imposed by the RBI on how it can employ its funds, the odds seem to be stacked against the IPPB at the moment.</li>
<li><strong>User Charges -</strong> To generate revenues, it plans to charge fees on money transfers and other financial services &ndash; which may act as a disincentive for rural customers.</li>
<li><strong>Competition -</strong> The IPPB is also likely to face stiff competition from private companies already given Payment Bank licenses.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Infrastructure -</strong> Lack of 24/7 electricity, internet services and infrastructure in rural areas is another constraint.</li>
<li><strong>Human Resource -</strong> The staff needs extensive training in handling <g class="gr_ gr_114 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="114" data-gr-id="114">the banking</g> products - especially insurance and pension products - as they are different from the current financial products in India Post&rsquo;s portfolio. The real success will depend on the implementation of technology and staff's adaptation to new technology.</li>
<li><strong>Technology -</strong> The post office payment bank will have to quickly move to an online platform to make it easier for customers to access their accounts and conduct transactions. With existing infrastructure and resources it is a challenge.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While the advantages enjoyed by IPPB are <g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="93" data-gr-id="93">endeniable</g>, it needs to cross over these two hurdles &mdash; financial and pricing &mdash; to prevent itself from becoming another Air India.</li>
<li>In order to make IPPB a game changer and to sustain in <g class="gr_ gr_115 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="115" data-gr-id="115">competition</g> it requires efficient infrastructure, autonomy in funds management, training and skilling of the postal employees and promoting <g class="gr_ gr_113 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="113" data-gr-id="113">use</g> of cashless transactions among rural masses.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/india-post-payment-bank-ippb'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (14th December 2018)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Boe Declaration</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pacific countries vulnerable to climate change have urged Australia to abandon coal power generation within 12 <g class="gr_ gr_54 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="54" data-gr-id="54">years,</g> and to prohibit new coal plants or <g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="52" data-gr-id="52">expansion</g> of existing plants.</li>
<li>Recently, Tuvalu has urged Australia to avoid opening of new mines such as <strong>Adani project for the Carmichael mine in Queensland.</strong> It cited the Boe Declaration which Australia signed in September.</li>
<li>The<strong> &ldquo;Boe Declaration&rdquo;</strong> of the <strong>&ldquo;Pacific Islands Forum&rdquo;</strong> reaffirmed that <strong>climate change</strong> remains the<strong> single greatest threat</strong> to the livelihoods, security <g class="gr_ gr_50 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="50" data-gr-id="50">and</g> <g class="gr_ gr_49 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="49" data-gr-id="49">wellbeing</g> of the peoples of the Pacific.</li>
<li>Boe declaration <g class="gr_ gr_42 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="42" data-gr-id="42">recognises</g> and reaffirms the commitments and principles of<strong> <g class="gr_ gr_41 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="41" data-gr-id="41">Biketawa</g> Declaration of the year 2000.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biketawa Declaration</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a declaration agreed to by all the leaders of the <strong>Pacific Islands Forum</strong> constituting a framework for <strong>coordinating <g class="gr_ gr_47 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="47" data-gr-id="47">response</g> to regional crises.</strong></li>
<li>The declaration was agreed to at the <strong>31<sup>st</sup> Summit of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, held at Kiribati in October 2000.</strong></li>
<li><g class="gr_ gr_53 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="53" data-gr-id="53">It&rsquo;s</g> principles <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="51" data-gr-id="51">are:</g> commitment to good governance, belief in the liberty of the individual under the law, upholding democratic processes and institutions and <g class="gr_ gr_55 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="55" data-gr-id="55">recognising</g> <strong>the vulnerability of member countries to threats to their security.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pacific Islands Forum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Pacific Islands Forum is the region&rsquo;s premier <strong>political and economic policy organization which was founded in 1971.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises<strong> 18 members:</strong> Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.</li>
<li>The Pacific Islands Forum aims to foster cooperation between governments, collaboration with international agencies, by representing the interests of its members for a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead-free, healthy, and productive lives.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Thailand's envoy has said that <strong>India<g class="gr_ gr_46 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep" id="46" data-gr-id="46">,Myanmar</g>, and Thailand</strong> should expedite negotiations on a <strong>motor vehicles pact.</strong></li>
<li>The nearly <strong>1,400-km trilateral highway</strong> is aimed at giving a massive boost to trade in Southeast Asia and is an integral part of <strong>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Act East&rdquo; policy.</strong></li>
<li>The project is scheduled to be <strong>completed by 2021.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> National Highways Authority of India</strong> has been appointed as the technical executing agency and project management consultant for implementing this project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Virgin Galactic&rsquo;s SpaceShipTwo</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sir Richard Branson&rsquo;s<strong> Virgin Galactic test flight SpaceShipTwo</strong> has successfully reached to a height of more than 50 miles in <strong>California's the Mojave Desert.</strong></li>
<li>It is the first time a plane has reached the<strong> boundary of space</strong> and earth before making its descent back to earth.</li>
<li>This flight success is a step closer towards<strong> making commercial space tourism into reality.</strong></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-14th-december-2018'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture - Gas Grid: Fuel for all',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9BqhXq1Grs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects across 129 districts. <strong>The project was recently granted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)</strong>, and, would d<strong>istribute gas to around half of the country's population in 26 states and Union Territories.</strong> It is part of a larger plan to shift towards an environment friendlier gas-based economy. The development of CGD networks will increase the availability of clean cooking fuel or Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for consumers.</p>
<h3>What is City Gas Distribution?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The world runs on energy. Conventional fuels such as petrol and diesel have been in use for decades. But the current demand-supply gap in energy, depletion of fossil fuels and environmental constraints have created a necessity for exploring<strong> alternative energy resources which are cleaner and environment-friendly.</strong></li>
<li>Natural gas is being considered as the fuel of the day. <strong>Natural Gas Distribution or City Gas Distribution (CGD) is a growing sector that aims to provide an uninterrupted supply of gas to domestic, commercial and industrial customers in the form of PNG and CNG.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The present mode of delivery of gas is through cylinders which is a costly affair.</strong> CGD system uses a pipeline system for transport of gas and their distribution among consumers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Gas Grid</h3>
<p><strong>Objectives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>To remove regional imbalance</strong> within the country with regard to access to natural gas and provide clean and green fuel throughout the country.</li>
<li><strong>To connect gas sources to major demand centres</strong> and ensure availability of gas to consumers in various sectors.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Implications</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gas delivered via pipeline in the urban households would minimize the use of gas cylinders. These empty gas cylinders can be shifted to the rural area to deliver cooking gas. This will be a major boost to achieve accessibility of clean cooking fuel to all the households in the rural areas.</li>
<li>Natural gas is less costly when compared with other conventional fuels. Pipeline delivery comparatively immunizes against inflation of transportation costs.</li>
<li>Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel that has less impact on the environment. Natural gas fireplaces can reduce up to 99% of the number of pollutants and particles emitted into the air compared to wood. Industries which use &ldquo;dirty fuel&rdquo; to power their project, can shift to cleaner fuel. Thereby, natural gas can considerably bring down air pollution level.</li>
<li>Most importantly, this project would bring down government subsidy to LPG. Also, siphoning of cylinders to black market would come to an end.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of adequate compensation:</strong> The amount of compensation paid over whose land the pipe is being laid is minimal.</li>
<li><strong>Legislative constraints:</strong> Unlike power which is a concurrent subject, petroleum (consequently, gas) is in the union list. Since the gas pipeline will spread into the remotest corners of the state, the central government has to reach out to the state well in advance so as to facilitate land availability for the project.</li>
<li><strong>Safety concerns:</strong> Safety is one of the main issues involved. The dealers have to educate the consumer regarding the new system.</li>
<li><strong>Irregularities:</strong> Irregular supply of gas has plagued the domestic market for quite some time. The domestic production is not adequate and we are mostly dependent on the import which again is vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices and geopolitical turmoil.</li>
<li><strong>Logistic and Infrastructural issues:</strong> Low penetration of gas-based equipment and appliances, manpower inadequacy, no separate corridors available in city area for laying of gas pipelines.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First and foremost, the government should build adequate infrastructure, either with the help of the private sector or through Public Private Partnership.</strong> The government needs to take leadership (viability gap funding) in order to ensure that the whole value chain moves in a synchronized manner and ensures commercial viability.</li>
<li><strong>The rational pricing of the gas is sin </strong><g class="gr_ gr_78 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="78" data-gr-id="78">quo</g> <g class="gr_ gr_79 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="79" data-gr-id="79">non</g><strong>.</strong> Both the customers and the private investors have to be protected by devising the right mechanism to price the gas.</li>
<li>The initial cost of laying the pipeline per consumer has been estimated at around Rs 14000 to Rs 18500. Hence, in this regard, the government should intervene by adequately subsidizing the initial setup.</li>
<li><strong>Natural gas is also used in sectors like mainly power generation and fertilizer production, etc.</strong> Hence, the proper allocation must be made with regard to gas for each sector. A certain portion of the gas has to be allocated for the CGD - a steady flow of gas should be ensured for it.</li>
<li><strong>The consumers have to be encouraged to shift to PNG from gas cylinders.</strong> The government should incentivize the procedure through subsidy and at the same time assuring the customers of uninterrupted supply.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>Pradhan Mantri Urja Yojana</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ambitious &ldquo;Urja Ganga&rdquo; gas pipeline project aims to provide piped cooking gas to residents in Varanasi within two years and in another year after that, it would cater to needs of people in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.</li>
<li>It will cater to the energy needs of five states, covering 40 districts and 2,600 villages.</li>
<li>It will pave way for the revival of three large fertilizer plants, enable industrialization of over 20 cities and development of city gas network in 7 cities, generating a large number of jobs.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-gas-grid-fuel-for-all'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'China’s Rover to Far Side of the Moon',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>China has launched a lunar probe mission to <strong>the far side of the moon.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chang&rsquo;e-4</strong> is the <strong>first probe ever to explore the far side of the moon.</strong> Previous spacecraft have captured the images of the far side of the Moon, but none has landed on it.</li>
<li>The Chang&rsquo;e-4 lunar probe mission is named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology.</li>
<li>Chang&rsquo;e-4 includes two main parts:<strong> the main lander and a rover.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Landing Site</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The rover will land in the <strong>Von K&aacute;rm&aacute;n crater</strong> on the far side of the moon.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0tAVdO3zjtM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Mission Objectives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The instruments on the rover and the lander will help in identifying the <strong>composition of rocks and dirt in the far side of the moon.</strong> It will study the <strong>effects of the solar wind</strong> striking the lunar surface.</li>
<li>Chang&rsquo;e-4 will also test the<strong> ability of making radio astronomy observations from the far side of the moon,</strong> without the effects of noise and interference from Earth.</li>
<li>Chang&rsquo;e-4 will also conduct a biology experiment to see if<strong> plant seeds will germinate and silkworm eggs will hatch</strong> in the moon&rsquo;s low gravity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Landing</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike the near side of the moon which always faces the earth, and offers many flat areas for rovers to land, <strong>the far side is mountainous and rugged.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communication</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The moon is tidally locked to the rotation of the Earth. Thus, the<strong> moon blocks radio signals from our planet to far side of the moon</strong> making it difficult to directly communicate with the probe.</li>
<li>To overcome this,<strong> China has launched a satellite, called Queqiao,</strong> in May 2018. It is circling high over the far side of the moon, and will relay messages between Earth and the Chang&rsquo;e-4 lander.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Far Side of the Moon</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There's a part of the moon that we don't see from Earth as the moon always keeps the same side facing towards the earth due to tidal locking.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tidal Locking</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tidal locking is the name given to the situation when an<strong> object&rsquo;s orbital period matches its rotational period.</strong></li>
<li>The moon takes 28 days to go around the Earth and 28 days to rotate once around its axis. This results in the same face of the Moon always facing the Earth.\</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>China&rsquo;s Lunar Missions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Orbital Missions:</strong> Chang&rsquo;e-1 and Chang&rsquo;e-2 are orbital mission around the moon.Chang&rsquo;e-1 was launched in 2007. Chang&rsquo;e-2 in 2010.</li>
<li><strong>Soft Landers/Rovers:</strong> Chang&rsquo;e-3 and Chang&rsquo;e-4 are the rover mission on the moon. Chang&rsquo;e-3 and Chang&rsquo;e-4 were launched in 2013 and 2018 respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Sample Return:</strong> Chang&rsquo;e-5 robotic spacecraft will land on the moon and then bring rock samples back to Earth for additional study. Expected launch in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinas-rover-to-far-side-of-the-moon'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Energy Efficiency and Climate Change',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Energy Efficiency and Climate Change&rdquo; which appears in Livemint for 13th December.)</p>
</div>
<p>The impact of climate change is being felt by everybody and everywhere. Extreme weather conditions, air pollution, crop failure, biodiversity losses, and much more are affecting both human health and natural wealth. <strong>More than 70% of India&rsquo;s population is exposed to outdoor air pollution, which has contributed to one in eight deaths and has reduced the average life expectancy of Indians by nearly two years.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The cost of not addressing global warming today would surpass the expense of addressing it in the future.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Energy production and consumption remain the largest contributor to global carbon emissions and greenhouse gas. The proven solution to manage the climate change agenda is still evolving.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>It is estimated that nearly 70% of the global carbon emissions could be reduced by increasing energy efficiency.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Most countries are more advanced on renewable energy compared to energy efficiency. <strong>Many quick wins on energy efficiency that have been overlooked in the past can be given a bigger seat at the table, including energy efficiency in the kitchen, residential buildings, industries, transport, utilities, and energy labeling.</strong></p>
<p>Increasing energy efficiency is also essential for most developing countries for preparing them to move towards more expensive energy system needed to deal with carbon capture and storage, and other technology solutions.</p>
<h3>What is Energy Efficiency?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Energy efficiency means using less energy to provide the same service.</strong></li>
<li>For example, a compact fluorescent bulb is more efficient than a traditional incandescent bulb as it uses much less electrical energy to produce the same amount of light. Similarly, an efficient boiler takes less fuel to heat a home to a given temperature than a less efficient model.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India and Energy Efficiency</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s energy intensity( it is a measure of the energy inefficiency of an economy) has declined during the last decade. China&rsquo;s energy intensity is roughly 1.5 times that of India.</strong></li>
<li>Cities and urban settings have increased energy efficiency and reduced the cost of electricity use per output level because of denser customer bases and more efficient plant sizes for local energy producers.</li>
<li><strong>However, large industrial enterprises in India are moving away from cities and opening plants in rural areas to remain competitive.</strong> Observed analysis of manufacturing enterprises in India shows that average electricity consumption is much higher in rural regions compared to urban regions.</li>
<li>Small and medium-sized enterprises have the most difficult time as their modest plant scale does not justify extensive investments in self-provision power generation capacity, and their higher levels of operation make them more vulnerable to uncertainty than larger enterprises.</li>
<li>Developed states in India have improved energy efficiency. But electricity usage per unit of output is twice the level in lagging states compared to leading states.</li>
<li>Whether India&rsquo;s structural (eg. construction, infrastructure developments etc) and spatial (eg. population increase, increasing size of urban agglomerations etc) transformation will exacerbate or alleviate energy efficiency is important for issues ranging from reducing power blackouts to stemming rising pollution levels.</li>
<li><strong>How developing countries manage industrialization, urbanization and infrastructure investments will have vital environmental implications.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Government Initiatives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As part of its commitment to create awareness about energy efficiency as a resource and also to develop an action plan for energy conservation initiatives, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), had released the <strong>&lsquo;State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index&rsquo;,</strong> which assesses state policies and programmes aimed at improving energy efficiency across various sectors.</li>
<li><strong>The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)</strong> is one of the eight national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).</li>
<li><strong>NMEEE has the following schemes:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Perform Achieve and Trade Scheme (PAT)</li>
<li>Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE)</li>
<li>Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)</li>
<li>Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEED)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other government initiatives include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DeenDayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (<g class="gr_ gr_137 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="137" data-gr-id="137">DDUGKY</g>)</li>
<li>Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)</li>
<li>UDAY</li>
<li>Soubhagya</li>
<li>Power for All 24*7</li>
<li>Ujala</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other technological innovations and initiatives</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Electric vehicles &ndash;No Licence required for charging stations</li>
<li>Smart Metering- Procurement of 50 lakh smart meters done</li>
<li>Energy efficiency- Energy Star labeling program</li>
<li>Energy Conservation Building Code for energy efficient buildings launched in June 2017</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vidyut Pravah</strong> &ndash; The Mobile/Web App provides real-time information of current demand met, shortages if any, surplus power available and the prices in Power Exchange.</li>
<li><strong>UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) &ndash;</strong> App provides real-time updates on the LED distribution happening across the country.</li>
<li><strong>UrjaMitra</strong> &ndash; monitoring of power availability and sending power cut information through SMS.</li>
<li><strong>MERIT&ndash;</strong>information pertaining to marginal variable cost and source wise purchase of electricity.</li>
<li><strong>URJA (Urban Jyoti Abhiyaan)</strong> &ndash; It is an informative App for Urban Distribution Sector. It captures Consumer-centric parameters from the IT systems created under IPDS.</li>
<li><strong>TARANG (Transmission App for real-time monitoring &amp; Growth)</strong> &ndash; It is an IT Web/mobile-based platform to provide the status of both inter and intrastate Transmission Projects in the country. This platform also shows the prospective interstate as well as intrastate Transmission Projects.</li>
<li><strong>DEEP e-bidding (Discovery of Efficient Electricity Price) &ndash;</strong> The portal will provide a common e-bidding platform with e-reverse auction facility to facilitate nation-wide power procurement through a wider network so as to bring uniformity and transparency in the process of power procurement.</li>
<li><strong>Ash Track-</strong> linking fly ash users and power plants for better ash utilization.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although global investments in renewable energy have increased rapidly in recent years, its share in the global stock of energy is still very small.</li>
<li>Besides ongoing reforms,<strong> a package of additional interventions</strong> is needed to internalize externalities that are much more significant in developing countries compared to advanced countries and play an import role in increasing energy efficiency.</li>
<li>There remains a huge potential for energy efficiency gains in most industries, ranging from 46-88% in <g class="gr_ gr_135 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="135" data-gr-id="135">textile</g> industry to 43-94% in paper and pulp industry, to 51-92% in the iron and steel industry. Energy efficiency gain policy will need to go beyond industries and enter our kitchen, buildings, and transport.</li>
<li>Energy policy will also need to focus much more on rural regions that are the future drivers of growth. Energy outages are common in rural areas, where unreliable energy supply forces firms to invest in self-generation capacity.</li>
<li><strong>Developing countries have raised their ambitions for a faster and greener growth. The younger population in the developing world are shifting towards less polluted kitchens, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient technologies. Up to half of the global annual emissions could be reduced through more efficient use of energy in kitchens, residential buildings, and transport.</strong></li>
<li>Improved energy efficiency is a win-win for everybody. Energy-efficiency planning is prevalent globally, but the quality of targets and specifications could be improved.</li>
<li>There is a big market potential for scaling up energy efficiency through <strong>green mortgag</strong>e (it is a mortgage specifically targeted at green buildings),<strong> green bonds</strong> (bonds created to fund projects that have positive environmental and/or climate benefits), t<strong>ax incentives, credit lines with banks for energy efficiency activities, and public-private partnerships in energy sector investments.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/794drishti_ias_energy%20efficiency.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/794drishti_ias_energy efficiency.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="768" height="221" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
</ul>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/energy-efficiency-and-climate-change'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (13th December 2018)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Andaman Sea Kraits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The two species of <strong>amphibious snakes</strong>, <strong>yellow-lipped</strong> and the <strong>blue-lipped Andaman sea krait</strong>, have been spotted on tree roots (especially of uprooted Manilkara <g class="gr_ gr_50 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="50" data-gr-id="50">littoralis</g>, a mangrove tree) on the beaches in Andaman.</li>
<li>Andaman sea Kraits are <strong>colourful</strong> and <strong>banded</strong> sea snakes endemic to Andaman islands.</li>
<li>Andaman sea kraits which are mostly nocturnal, hunt for their prey in coral reefs. Though they spend a lot of time underwater, they get back to land to digest their prey, lay eggs and even shed their skin.</li>
<li>Removal of uprooted trees to clear the beach for tourism has negatively impacted the sea kraits.</li>
<li>Giving legal protection to sandy beaches and implementing the regulation on activities like sand mining and tourism can help conserve neglected Andaman sea Kraits.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Nile Delta Threatened by Climate Change</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Northern Egypt&rsquo;s Nile Delta is shrinking due to the warming climate. The shrinking is compounded by <strong>rising seas</strong> and <strong>soil salinization</strong>.</li>
<li>Deltas with triangular or fan shape are called arcuate (arc-like) deltas. The Nile River forms an arcuate delta as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea (examples of <g class="gr_ gr_48 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="48" data-gr-id="48">arcuate</g> delta in India are Ganga delta and Indus delta).</li>
<li>The fertile basin is home to nearly half the country&rsquo;s population.</li>
<li>The <strong>Nile</strong> is the<strong> longest river</strong> in the world. It originates near the equator and flows nearly 7000 km northward. It provides Egypt with 90% of its water needs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rythu Bandhu Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rythu Bandhu scheme also known as Agriculture Investment Support Scheme, is a welfare program to support farmer&rsquo;s investment for two crops a year by the Government of <strong>Telangana</strong>.</li>
<li>The scheme seeks to provide a grant of Rs. 4,000 per acre per farmer each season for the purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticide etc.</li>
<li>The scheme is aimed at relieving the farmers from debt burden and not allowing them to fall into the debt trap.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-13th-december-2018'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'The United Nations World Water Development Report 4',
		'catname' => 'Summary of Important Reports',
		'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The uninterrupted water supplies anywhere in the world cannot be guaranteed to water users.</li>
<li>The factors such as socio-economic-environment and water are interdependent on each other.</li>
<li>All of the activities that drive development also shape important political and economic decisions and has substantial impacts on quantity and quality of the water available. Thus, all of these sectors are interlinked through water.</li>
<li>As water demand and availability become more uncertain, all societies become more vulnerable to risks such as, hunger and thirst, high rates of disease and death, lost productivity and economic crises, and degraded ecosystems. These impacts elevate water to a crisis of global concern.</li>
<li>This fourth edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR4) point that all water users are <strong>change agents</strong> who affect and are affected by the water cycle.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Recognizing the Centrality of Water and its Global Dimensions</h3>
<p><strong>Beyond the Concept of Water as a Sector:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Water is understood as a &lsquo;sector&rsquo; but it is beyond that. As water cuts across all social, economic and environmental activities its governance requires cooperation and coordination.</li>
<li>Furthermore, the hydrological cycle, is influenced by multiple factors, trends and uncertainties that extend beyond a narrow sectoral focus.</li>
<li>Addressing water challenges necessitates interventions across an entire economy by strong institutions rather than a reactive role in water management.</li>
<li>The importance of political leadership in establishing, reviewing and maintaining the frameworks cannot be understated.</li>
<li><strong>Irrigation and food production:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is difficult to predict the future water availability due to evolving diet patterns, technological change and climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystems:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ecosystem is vital part of water and water is vital part of the ecosystem. For example, products such as food, timber, medicines and fibre, regulating climate, supporting nutrient cycling, soil formation and deposition.</li>
<li>The stability of ecosystems is a under increasing threat from unsustainable patterns of human consumption, development, and climate change across the globe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hazards:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Water management plays a central role in reducing the risks of natural disasters. Water storage (via reservoirs, aquifer recharge or other means) is vital to combating the effects of drought and managing floods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Green economy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Investment in protection and sustainable management of water resources across society as a whole allow significant steps to be made towards achieving a green economy that advances long-term human well-being within ecological limits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equity:</strong> In addition to addressing inequities in global demand and consumption, it is also critical to address inequities at the local and national level as many regional water sources might be insufficient to distribute equitably to its inhabitants.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Beyond the basin: The international and global dimensions of water governance:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although water is distributed unevenly across the planet, it forms part of global water cycle which is influenced by actions and phenomena that take place beyond the nation state.</li>
<li>Hence, global cooperation is required on a climate change and it is obligatory for developed countries to assist developing countries in managing these impacts and efforts to improve water governance for climate change adaptation.</li>
<li>Climate change mitigation and adaptation responses are related because the carbon and water cycles are interdependent.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recognizing water in global policy:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Policies:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MDGs provides for well establish access to water which improves education outcomes (Goal 2).</li>
<li>The UNFCCC through its Cancun Adaptation Framework it emphasises upon water and related extreme events.</li>
<li>The UNCSD (Rio+20) has laid emphasis on the success of green economy which depends on sustainable management of water resources and on safe and sustainable provisioning of water supply and adequate sanitation services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Water Demand: What drives the consumption?</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/192drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/192drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="542" height="621" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Food and agriculture</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The link between water and food is a simple one. Crops and livestock need water to grow, and other agricultural activities too need water.</li>
<li>Agriculture accounts for 70% of all water withdrawn by the agricultural, municipal and industrial (including energy) sectors. Water is the key to food security.</li>
<li>There are large areas of absolute water scarcity which affects billions of poor and disadvantaged people.</li>
<li>Major changes in policy and management, across the entire agricultural production chain, are needed to ensure best use of available water resources in meeting growing demands for food and other agricultural products.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1. Water use in agriculture</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The booming demand for livestock products in particular is increasing the demand for water, while it is also affecting water quality, which in turn reduces availability.</li>
<li>Globally, irrigated crop yields are about 2.7 times those of rainfed farming, hence irrigation will continue to play an important role in food production.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Expected growth in demand</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The world population is predicted to grow from 6.9 billion in 2010 to 8.3 billion in 2030 and 9.1 billion in 2050 (UNDESA, 2009).</li>
<li>By 2030, food demand is predicted to increase by 50%, while energy demand from hydropower and other renewable energy resources will rise by 60%.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. Agriculture&rsquo;s impact on water and ecosystems</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Water management for agriculture has changed the physical and chemical characteristics of freshwater and coastal wetlands and the quality and quantity of water, as well as direct and indirect biological changes in terrestrial ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. Pressures from population growth and changing diets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The growing population (9.1 billion by 2050, as per study) is increasing the pressures on land and water. At the same time, economic growth and individual wealth are shifting diets from predominantly starch based to meat and dairy, which require more water.</li>
<li>Demand for livestock products is closely linked to economic growth- Livestock contributes less than 2% of global gross domestic product (GDP), yet produces some 18% of greenhouse gases (GHGs).</li>
<li>The livestock production and processing also causes water pollution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>5. Other pressures on water resources in the agriculture sector</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The climate change-induced hydrological changes such as, severe and frequent droughts and floods, are likely to affect irrigated and rainfed agriculture worldwide.</li>
<li>Agriculture contributes to climate change through its share of GHG emissions, which in turn affect the planet&rsquo;s water cycle.</li>
<li>The food price crisis, Land acquisitions and land-use and the demand for biofuels also add to the strains on local hydrological systems and GHG emissions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>6. Waste in the food chain</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Food can be wasted at every step along the value chain, which means that the water used to produce it is also wasted.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>7. 'Water-smart' food production</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Innovative technologies will be needed that can improve crop yields and create more sustainable livestock and marine production.</li>
<li>Agricultural development in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) lies mainly in the hands of smallholders, a large majority of whom are women. Women have only limited access to a wide range of physical assets and lack the skills to deploy them. Human capacities and institutions are the assets and major changes in policy and management will be needed.</li>
<li>Water recycling at all stages of the value chain can help secure environmental water requirements.</li>
<li>Virtual water may play an increasing role as water-rich countries export water embedded in food to water short countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>8. Water for energy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EIA (2010) estimates that global energy consumption will increase by around 49% from 2007 to 2035. This increase in energy consumption will be higher in non-OECD countries than in OECD countries.</li>
<li>All forms of energy require water at some stage of their life cycle, which includes production, conversion, distribution and use.</li>
<li>Energy for water: Energy is needed for extraction (surface water, groundwater), transformation (treatment to drinking water standards, desalination), water resource delivery (municipal, industrial and agricultural supply), reconditioning (wastewater treatment) and release. However, few countries currently research and report on energy requirements for water.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>9. Drivers, challenges and responses to the water-energy nexus:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The main challenge with regard to water and energy will be the provision of water resources to ensure that the increased energy needs can be supplied.</li>
<li>This need requires policy-makers to promote more efficient and integrated water uses for energy and vice versa.</li>
<li>Thermal, chemical, radioactive or biological pollution can have direct impacts on downstream ecosystems.</li>
<li>Similarly, where water scarcity obliges nations to use non-traditional sources of water (e.g. desalination, brackish water), choices will need to be sensitive to the water and environmental impacts of the required electricity.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>10. Industry</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Industry&rsquo;s total water withdrawal from surface water and groundwater is usually much greater than the quantity of water it actually consumes.</li>
<li>Improved water management is generally reflected in overall decreased industrial water withdrawals or increased wastewater treatment, highlighting the connection between higher productivity and lower consumption and effluent discharges and reduced pollution.</li>
<li>Industry is strongly influenced by external drivers such as, International trade, environmental management systems (EMS), corporate social responsibility (CSR), Basel Conventions etc that, indirectly, can add complexity and uncertainty to industry water needs.</li>
<li>Undoubtedly, business and industry can play a leading role in sustainable water practices adaptation and mitigation technologies.</li>
<li>For example, establishing water accounting techniques and measuring water impacts can allow an industry to more readily identify potential areas of increased water use efficiency.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Inter-relationship of water risks among business, government and society</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/514drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/514drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_7.jpg" width="655" height="247" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>11. Human settlements</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Urbanization and population trends: Population growth is projected to increase by 2.9 billion, from 3.4 billion in 2009 to 6.3 billion in 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2006).</li>
<li>Population growth and rapid urbanization will create an even greater demand for water while decreasing the ability of ecosystems to provide more regular and cleaner supplies.</li>
<li>Water supply and sanitation coverage: Pressure from urban areas on water such as water withdrawals, pollution and wastewater management would continue to challenge present water resources.</li>
<li>Water management in urban areas:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can be benefited from more comprehensive urban planning through integrated urban water management (IUWM).</li>
<li>The IUWM involves managing freshwater, wastewater and storm water.</li>
<li>Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is the safe production of agriculture and cattle products in and around cities. It can also solve several urbanization problems by enhancing food availability, greening cities and also recycling wastes etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>12. Ecosystems</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ecosystems underpin the availability of water, including its extremes of drought and flood, and its quality. Water management often involves trade-offs and often the transfer of risks between ecosystem services.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Water and ecosystem services:&nbsp;</strong>Ecosystem services (benefits for people) can be grouped in various ways. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has provided the most comprehensive assessment of the state of the global environment to date, and has classified ecosystem services as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Supporting services:</strong> The services necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services. Supporting services include soil formation, photosynthesis, primary production, nutrient cycling and water cycling.</li>
<li><strong>Provisioning services:</strong> The products obtained from ecosystems, including food, fibre, fuel, genetic resources, biochemicals, natural medicines, pharmaceuticals, ornamental resources and freshwater.</li>
<li><strong>Regulating services:</strong> The benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, including air quality regulation, climate regulation, water regulation, erosion regulation, water purification, disease regulation, pest regulation, pollination and natural hazard regulation (including extremes in water availability).</li>
<li><strong>Cultural services:</strong> The non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation and aesthetic experiences, thereby taking account of landscape (including waterscape) values.</li>
<li><strong>Water is multi-dimensional</strong> in the context of ecosystem services. Its availability and quality are products (services) provided by ecosystems. But water also influences how ecosystems can function and therefore underpins all other ecosystem services. This gives water paramount importance in managing ecosystems so as to deliver benefits to people.</li>
<li><strong>The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment</strong> (study by US) concluded that human development had tended to promote certain services (especially provisioning services) at the expense of others. This has led to an imbalance in services and indicates a path towards decreasing sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Understanding uncertainty and risks associated with key drivers:&nbsp;</strong>Drivers that directly impinge upon water stress and sustainability are the ecosystem, agriculture, infrastructure, technology, demographics and economy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ultimate drivers, governance, politics, ethics and society (values and equity), climate change and security exert their effect mostly through their impacts upon the proximate drivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/149drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/149drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_2.jpg" width="719" height="468" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>The water resource: Variability, vulnerability and uncertainty</h3>
<p><strong>The hydrological cycle, external stressors on water resources, and sources of uncertainty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Precipitation delivers water unevenly over the planet from one year to the next. There can be considerable variability between arid and humid climates and wet and dry seasons. As a result, distribution of freshwater supplies can be erratic with different countries and regions receiving different quantities of water over any given year.</li>
<li>The state of water resources is one of constant change, resulting from the natural variability of the earth&rsquo;s climate system and the anthropogenic alteration of that system and the land surface through which the hydrological cycle is modulated.</li>
<li>Specific changes to water resources and the hydrological cycle include changes in mean surface flows, increased flood potential due to climate change, decreasing snow and permafrost, soil moisture etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Drivers of global climate and hydrological variability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The drivers such as, El Ni&ntilde;o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) does affect global climate and hydrological variability.</li>
<li>The <strong>El Ni&ntilde;o-Southern Oscillation</strong> is a coupled ocean atmospheric phenomenon in the tropical Pacific Ocean and the dominant driver of global climate at seasonal to interannual time scales.</li>
<li>There has been extensive documentation of ENSO impacts on precipitation, temperature, hurricanes and tropical cyclones, ecosystems, agriculture, water resources and public health around the world, especially from the tropical countries where most of the world&rsquo;s population reside.</li>
<li>The <strong>Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)</strong> is manifested in the large-scale sea surface temperature pattern predominant in the Northern Pacific region, but also includes participation from the tropical Pacific.</li>
<li>The<strong> North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</strong> is a climate driver in the North Atlantic region and functions as an atmospheric feature mainly in the winter season.</li>
<li><strong>NAO</strong> is characterized by the location and strength of subtropical high-pressure and subpolar low-pressure centres in the North Atlantic. The location and strength of these pressure centres steer the jet stream and the storm tracks and consequently the regional climate and hydrology.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The vulnerability of natural long-term storage: Groundwater and glaciers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The changing role of groundwater in the world unlike surface water, which has been intensively developed in many parts of the world. The twentieth century, observed unprecedented &lsquo;silent revolution&rsquo; in groundwater abstraction across the globe.</li>
<li>The use of groundwater has also considerably modified local and global water cycles, environmental conditions and ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1. Groundwater: A resilient resource in transition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Groundwater is now a significant source of water for human consumption and around 43% of all water is effectively consumed in irrigation.</li>
<li>Due to the relatively large volumes of water stored underground, most aquifers have a considerable buffer capacity, which keeps their water available for withdrawal even during very long periods without rainfall.</li>
<li>This enables people to have reliable access to water in regions that would otherwise be too dry if their water supply depended only on precipitation or surface water.</li>
<li>Therefore, any significant changes in the state of groundwater systems such as, inflows and outflows, the volume of water stored, water quality, are key characteristics of the state of any groundwater system.</li>
<li>Steadily increasing rates of groundwater abstraction and other human interactions with groundwater, such as those produced by changing land use and emission of polluting substances, all affect the state of groundwater systems.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Groundwater: Cause for concern or opportunity?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The global groundwater abstraction rate has at least tripled over the past 50 years.</li>
<li>Groundwater systems around the world are coming under increasing stress from various anthropogenic and natural factors.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. Glaciers The role of glaciers within mountain hydrology</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The glaciers are the &lsquo;water towers&rsquo; of the world, receiving much more precipitation than the surrounding lowlands.</li>
<li>Their contribution to water supply is of particular significance where the lowlands are arid.</li>
<li>Mountain stream flow is composed of three major elements: <strong>rainfall, snow melt and water from glacier melt</strong>.</li>
<li>The relative importance of these elements, varying through time and with elevation, is largely controlled by temperature and seasonality of precipitation.</li>
<li>Examples of Glacial melt from the Himalayan region are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The basins of the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus which encompasses the Himalaya and Karakoram.</li>
<li>Many people dependent on these stream flows for water supply and are at risk from glacier-related floods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The significance of glacier melt contribution to stream flow may be divided into two components:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the eastern Himalaya glacier, ice melt is completely overshadowed by monsoon rainfall and snow melt, with the ice melt contributing less than 3% of annual stream flow.</li>
<li>In the Karakoram, the glacier melt contribution is much more significant, reaching more than 20% of annual flow in some years during late summer.</li>
<li>The contribution is also derived from shrinkage of the glacier mass due to global warming.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Glacier-related floods:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The risks from such floods are increasing, a sudden release can result from the collapse of the retaining moraine or as a result of landslides into the lake with sudden displacement of the waters.</li>
<li>To deal with uncertainty and risk related to glaciers in the Himalayan region, policy options such as, such as installing pumps to reduce lake levels and introducing early warning systems to alert downstream populations, etc is required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. Water quality</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The &lsquo;quality&rsquo; of water is a relative term. &lsquo;Pure&rsquo; water does not exist in nature but only in the laboratory, and all substances may be pollutants depending on their concentration in water.</li>
<li>This is one of the reasons health professionals often prefer to use the term &lsquo;safe&rsquo; water rather than 'clean' water.</li>
<li>Appropriate quality of water is a key ingredient in human health, ecosystems and for socio-economic development.</li>
<li>Water quality is becoming a global concern of increasing significance, as risks of degradation translate directly into social economic impacts.</li>
<li>The quality can be affected through increased concentrations of naturally occurring compounds such as fluorides and increasing salinity levels, eg. saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers.</li>
<li>Policy-makers with the support of the research community can help to better quantify the problems, as well as develop remedial solutions.</li>
<li>Development of clean technology, cost-efficient treatment options and a global water quality assessment framework is necessary.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Beyond demand: Water&rsquo;s social and environmental benefits</h3>
<p><strong>Water and human health</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Improving water resource management, increasing access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, and promoting hygiene (WaSH) have the potential to improve the quality of life of billions of individuals. The global importance of water, sanitation and hygiene for improving health is reflected in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), explicitly, Goal 7.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1. Drivers</strong></p>
<p>The global drivers predicted to have the greatest effect on human health via the water environment, these drivers are:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Population -</strong> through increasing water demands and increasing water pollution.</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture -</strong> by increasing water withdrawals for irrigation, changing water regimes in agro-ecosystems, and increasing water pollution.</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure -</strong> including dams and irrigation projects if not appropriately designed and managed, it can create breeding grounds for the black flies that spread onchocerciasis and the mosquitoes that spread.</li>
<li><strong>Climate change -</strong> is expected to exacerbate current stresses on water resources from population growth and land use, and also to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather and hydrological event</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Options and consequences</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The global drivers are predicted to have the greatest effect on disease rates via water-environment nexus.</li>
<li>Protection of human health requires collaboration among multiple sectors, including actors and stakeholders in non-water and non-health sectors.</li>
</ul>
<p>Five key conclusions are:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Climate change is widely perceived as a threat rather than an opportunity. There may be significant overall benefits to health and development in adapting to climate change.</li>
<li>Major changes in policy and planning are needed if ongoing and future investments are not to be wasted.</li>
<li>Potential adaptive capacity is high but rarely achieved. Resilience needs to be integrated into drinking water and sanitation management to cope with present climate variability. It will be critical in controlling adverse impacts of future variability.</li>
<li>Although some of the climate trends at regional levels are uncertain, there is sufficient knowledge to inform urgent and prudent changes in policy and planning in most regions.</li>
<li>There are important gaps in our knowledge that already or soon will impede effective action. Targeted research is urgently needed to fill gaps in technology and basic information, to develop simple tools, and to provide regional information on climate change.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Water and gender</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rural women often rely upon common water resources such as small water bodies, ponds and streams to meet their water needs, but in many regions these sources have been eroded or have disappeared due to changes in land use, or have been appropriated by the state or industry for development needs or to supply water to urban areas.</li>
<li>By working together in partnership with these sectors, decision-makers in government bodies, private sector and civil society can understand and address the potential synergies and trade-offs that occur when providing access to different groups of men and women in local communities.</li>
<li>By developing women&rsquo;s capacities to manage water interventions, and providing them with opportunities to play leadership roles and improve their economic conditions. However, these successes are often limited to the local context, as the larger issues, such as providing water rights to women.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ecosystem health</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ecosystems deliver multiple benefits, many of these key services are derived directly from water, and trends in ecosystem health, therefore, indicate trends in the delivery of these overall benefit.</li>
<li>Natural hazards caused by water are floods, mudslides, storms, droughts etc. these hazards furthered cause more hazards such as breakage of levees and dams, as well as glacier lake outbursts, coastal flooding etc, thereby aggravating water risk and uncertainty.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Those affected by DLDD include the world&rsquo;s poorest, most marginalized and politically weak citizens. India alone accounts for 26% of this population.</li>
<li>Combating DLDD measures such as, terracing to restrain water erosion, no-till and minimum tillage in agriculture.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Water stress and water scarcity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is defined as an area experiencing water stress when annual water supplies drop below 1,700 m3 per person.</li>
<li>When annual water supplies drop below 1,000 m3 per person, the population faces water scarcity, and below 500 m3 &ldquo;absolute scarcity&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Several researchers and agencies have computed the water stress of watershed and grid scales by incorporating domestic, industrial and agricultural water consumption, against renewable supplies of water from precipitation, rivers and groundwater.</li>
<li>Various approaches to international governance have failed to recognize the central role of water. Because water is considered to be part of the overall policy reform and no separate water policy are made.</li>
<li>Therefore, a draft water-policy or &lsquo;water-policy reforms&rsquo; would actually work.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Water management, institutions and capacity development</h3>
<p><strong>What is water management</strong></p>
<p>It covers managing of water resource, water services and managing the trade-offs needed to balance supply and demand.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Water resource management</strong> is about managing water found in rivers, lakes and groundwater. This includes water allocation, assessment and pollution control.</li>
<li><strong>Water service management consists</strong> of managing reticulation systems from the bulk water supply up to the end users and again capturing the waste back to a wastewater treatment plant for safe onward discharge.</li>
<li><strong>Management of trade-offs</strong> concerns a range of administrative activities that meet allocation and entitlement agreements across a wide spectrum of socio-economic interests.</li>
<li><strong>Other ways of Water management:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Innovative storage infrastructure, &lsquo;green&rsquo; infrastructure (such as wetlands), less intrusive dams, waste water management for agriculture, urban or industrial waste.</li>
<li>Proper public education and awareness, by recognizing women&rsquo;s needs and their potentials in contribution.</li>
<li><strong>Integrated water resources management (IWRM)</strong> it is as a process that &lsquo;promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.</li>
<li><strong>Water management through demands and changes</strong> such as, Hydro-climatological information about precipitation and runoff etc. and population growth, migration.</li>
<li><strong>Adaptive management,</strong> is a process for improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of best practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The importance of water institutions for sustainable development</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Institutions constitute the &lsquo;rules of the game&rsquo;, defining roles and procedures for people and determining what is appropriate, legitimate and proper.</li>
<li>Water-related institutions do matter because they function at different scales ranging from the local community to the transnational level, and oversee the allocation, distribution, management, planning, protection and regulation of water resources and services.</li>
<li>Effective institutions can reduce natural, economic, technical and social uncertainties but due to a lack of appropriate institutions there has been &lsquo;institutional resistance to change&rsquo; for managing and securing resources.</li>
<li>Coordination between institutions is necessary to achieve water resource management goals,</li>
<li>An awareness-raising and education for all stakeholder groups, from local communities to politicians is required.</li>
<li>An example of an institution:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Social learning and adaptive water resources management practiced in Lower Bhavani Project (Tamil Nadu), have provided a platform to farmers for learning best practices.</li>
<li>Basin management committees, followed in other countries have provided a forum where stakeholder groups can communicate.</li>
<li>Forum for integrated resource management (FIRM) is another example from rural Namibia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>From raw data to informed decisions</h3>
<p><strong>Why we need effective data?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The absence of systematic data collection impedes regular reporting on water resources and water-use trends.</li>
<li>Quantitative indicators make it possible to spot problems, track trends, identify leaders and laggards, and highlight best management practices.</li>
<li>Data constraints are limiting the programme&rsquo;s ability in effective water management.</li>
<li>Hence there is need improved data availability and quality, more structured and better information about water.</li>
<li>The Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for Water Supply and Sanitation (WHO/UNICEF) is the official UN mechanism tasked with monitoring progress.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why there are constraints on better monitoring and reporting?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Many institutional and political spheres face constraints because of the relatively low value and wide distribution of water and its use, also because the production of water is a natural rather than a man-made process.</li>
<li>Additionally, water resources are often shared between a number of different political jurisdictions and there are conflicts between upstream and downstream jurisdiction in sharing of information.</li>
<li>A further constraint on improved monitoring and reporting is the lack of agreement on what should actually be monitored. There are also substantial technical and financial constraints.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Improving the flow of data and information</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The initiatives of the <strong>UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water</strong> (SEEAW) and <strong>Eurostat</strong> are particularly significant in this regard.</li>
<li>There are many other initiatives such as,
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>World Business Council on Sustainable Development</strong> (WBCSD) has produced a &lsquo;water tool&rsquo; to help business to monitor its use of and impact on water more systematically.</li>
<li>The <strong>Water Footprint Network</strong> similarly encourages businesses, their customers and other stakeholders to become more aware of the water content of their products and operations.</li>
<li>Total Actual Renewable Water Resources (TARWRs), a pilot initiative of WWAP is the fundamental measure of water resource availability (in a country, river basin or region).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regional challenges, global impacts</h3>
<p>The regional reports cover, Europe and North America, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Arab and Western Asia region, which describes how actions in one part of the world can create negative impacts, as well as opportunities, in others.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sub-Saharan Africa:</strong> The region uses barely 5% of its annual renewable freshwater. Yet access to improved water supplies, in both urban and rural contexts, is still the lowest in the world.</li>
<li>High population growth, poverty and underdevelopment are key drivers affecting how water is managed.</li>
<li>About 66% of Africa is arid or semi-arid and more than 300 of the 800 million people in sub-Saharan Africa live in a water-scarce environment.</li>
<li>Measures: African Ministers&rsquo; Council on Water (AMCOW), the African Water Facility, the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Rural Water and Sanitation etc.</li>
<li><strong>Europe and North America:</strong> The over water abstraction, seasonal migration of people, the dependence on agriculture, mining and other export commodities, high use of chemical fertilizers and discharge of untreated wastewaters continue to exert pressures.</li>
<li>Measures: Passing of regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act in the USA, the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in the Danube and Rhine basins.</li>
<li><strong>Asia-Pacific:</strong> The region is home to 60% of the world&rsquo;s population but it has only 36% of its water resources.</li>
<li>Water availability, allocation and quality remain major issues. Irrigated agriculture is the biggest water user.</li>
<li>The driving forces and pressures on water resources are rapid urbanization, economic growth, industrialization, and extensive agricultural development.</li>
<li>Risk such as water tables in Punjab, India, are falling by 2 m to 3 m a year. The Pacific&rsquo;s small Island Developing States (SIDS) are vulnerable to disasters like tropical cyclones, typhoons and earthquakes.</li>
<li>Measures: The policies, strategies, plans and legal frameworks for water resources management such as, India&rsquo;s Sanitation Programme- Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange, Integrated River Water Management Projects etc. are few examples of measures taken in India.</li>
<li><strong>Latin America and the Caribbean:</strong> Extreme climatic events, especially hurricanes in the Caribbean, have long had a negative influence on water management. Also demographic change, Economic development exert pressure on water resource.</li>
<li>Measures: The region has taken steps to improve overall governance, new water legislation, creation of water authorities etc.</li>
<li><strong>Arab and Western Asia region:</strong> Regional conflicts and displaced persons has strained water resources and services, nearly all Arab countries suffer from water scarcity, saltwater intrusion from over-pumping groundwater, increased soil temperatures and aridity, shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns etc.</li>
<li>Measures: The adoption of Arab Water Security Strategy in the Arab Region, capacity building and awareness programmes.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Linking the regional to the global</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is necessary to examine how regional challenges are linked to global water problems.</li>
<li>Water challenges do not occur in a vacuum, through a series of interconnected webs they affect diverse countries and communities in many ways.</li>
<li>The negative effects of the environmental degradation of water supply and excessive water withdrawals are borne not just by the regions in which such activities occur their impact can be felt worldwide.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Working under uncertainty and managing risk</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Risk and uncertainty characterize much of what water managers and socio-economic policy-makers must deal with. The more they understand these uncertainties and risks, the more effectively they can plan, design and manage water systems to reduce them.</li>
<li><strong>How uncertainty and risk affect decision-making:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For example, a farmer must make planting decisions without knowing how much rain will be available, and its distribution over the growing season. The outcome of his planting decisions will be unknown until the time of harvest.</li>
<li>Alternatively, an expanding firm wants to construct a new building and must choose a location.</li>
<li>Managers do not always consider the risks as inherent to the situation and so there are more catastrophic consequences of making the wrong decision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Approaches to inform decision-making under risk and uncertainty:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Examination of economic benefits of rehabilitation of the levees along various rivers and lakes, taking into account uncertainties of storms, river or lake stages and levee performances.</li>
<li>Comparison of alternative rehabilitation plans for hydropower generators/turbines, making use of probabilities of failure of generators and turbines.</li>
<li>Examination and improvement in navigation system of water, such as the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which it has minimized traffic and uncertainty in tow trips and travel time.</li>
<li>Flood Damage Assessments by using a software system.</li>
<li>Techniques such as &lsquo;Scenario analysis&rsquo; to test uncertainty, &lsquo;Backcasting&rsquo; for the exploration of alternative futures, &lsquo;Institutional decision-making&rsquo;, &lsquo;Behavioural decision making&rsquo; includes multi-actors of the state such as the government, private sector and civil society organization.</li>
<li>Ecosystems approach, it is used to create ecosystem resilience, reduce pressure on ecosystem, manage risk, increased benefits from water security and water quality enhancement, recreation, wildlife and flood control management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>New paradigms for water management</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/685drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/685drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_6.jpg" width="549" height="192" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Unvalued water leads to an uncertain future</h3>
<p><strong>Why investment in water is necessary?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Water infrastructure acts as a catalyst for <strong>economic growth,</strong> it promotes the growth of national income example construction of large dams.</li>
<li>Security <strong>against fluctuations in the availability of water</strong> (mitigating both floods and droughts) and promotion of long-term climate resilience.</li>
<li>It will open up new economic activity and benefit <strong>economically productive sectors</strong> such as agriculture, industry, hydropower, navigation, recreation and tourism, and households.</li>
<li>Water also constitutes a vital input to <strong>ecosystems</strong> and all aquatic habitats, which in turn provide essential life support in addition to services with an economic value.</li>
<li>It acts as a buffer against <strong>climatic fluctuations</strong> and is a key to climate resilience.</li>
<li>The benefits of water-cycle:</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/576drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_8.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/576drishti_ias_UNESCO_report_8.jpg" width="404" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Valuing water</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Benefits of water is essential for improving the decisions of governments, international organizations, the donor community, civil society and other stakeholders.</li>
<li>If water is not valued properly it leads to insufficient appreciation of the importance of water, poor investment in water infrastructure and the low priority to water policy in development programmes.</li>
<li>Valuation of water is a diverse process with different techniques and policy.</li>
<li>However, different groups of people value water in different ways.</li>
<li>These can lead to polarization that blocks dialogue and prevents reasonable governance solutions.</li>
<li><strong>Example:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Irrigation water use can be valued as farm output or surplus.</li>
<li>Whereas, industrial water valuation poses a greater problem, as water constitutes a small part of their total costs.</li>
<li>The value of water for navigation is quantified through cheapness of transportation. Water ways are cheaper than railways.</li>
<li>Household values are relatively high, as household waters are used for truly essential needs such as drinking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Failure to account for these benefits in water valuation can result in inefficient water allocation decisions.</li>
<li>Benefits of valuation of water are, to allow for and regulate water trading and It will add an economic dimension to the social, ethical, public health and equity dimensions of allocating water.</li>
<li>There are four main aspects of a water allocation system: <strong>Water entitlements, Water allocation, Water service delivery and Water use</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Transforming water management institutions to deal with change</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to meet the goals, set by decision-makers, water management must deal with the uncertainty.</li>
<li>Adaptive management is a process that promotes flexible decision-making in the face of uncertainties.</li>
<li>Adaptive strategies such as, use computer-aided processes, better information etc are used in water management.</li>
<li>Assessment of vulnerability is essential in order to estimate, Reliability for successful outcomes, Robustness of performance of a system and to create Resilience strategy.</li>
<li>Adaptive management approaches are, strengthened emergency management and preparedness plans, risk-based planning, increased inspections, oversighting and regulation of infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why Improving institutions is needed?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Without institutions capable of accommodating uncertainty, climate and other external changes will impose significant costs on water users and water dependent communities.</li>
<li>Improving institutions entails strengthening institutional capacity, creating learning-oriented institutional processes, tackling institutional deficits, and incorporating informal institutions into water management.</li>
<li><strong>Conventional water planning</strong> tends to be rigid and water institutions are typically poorly linked to other institutions.</li>
<li>Corruption is a symptom of a governance crisis that increases transaction costs hence there is need for, water integrity and accountability.</li>
<li>Many water institutions in developing countries are plagued by <strong>under-financing</strong> and capacity deficits.</li>
<li>A <strong>responsible institutional</strong> setup in areas for water quality and groundwater management is often very limited.</li>
<li><strong>Communicating risk</strong> and uncertainty in order to make appropriate decisions and have to be clearly understood by the people.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Improving institutions includes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The alignment and integration of policies within the formal and informal institutions.</li>
<li>For example, the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays a beneficial role in achieving the goals of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).</li>
<li>Adequate financing and appropriate staffing are required for effective and efficient delivery of water services.</li>
<li>Developments in technology and infrastructure, as well as the availability of financial resources.</li>
<li>Through free-riding process, where Water Resource Institutions determine who can use what water, how, at what time and for how much; they also set management responsibilities, tariffs and collect fees.</li>
<li>A collaborative governance where a joint effort of government, society and technical institutions are present.</li>
<li>Targeted communication, for more easy understandings the audience can be separated into target groups and tailoring the communication to each.</li>
<li>Also, through Institutional reform, fostering dialogue and consensus at the national level, addressing institutional deficits.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Investment and financing in water for a more sustainable future</h3>
<p><strong>Why Investment and Financing in water is important?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All countries, at every level of development, face heavy cost in creating a water infrastructure that is &lsquo;fit for purpose&rsquo; which can address the water challenges.</li>
<li>According to a recent World Bank Study, the global financial crisis has negatively impacted progress towards fulfilling the MDGs.</li>
<li>A rethinking in financing strategies is therefore required to ensure that improvement in public expenditure efficiency results in additional resources.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How Financing can be improved in water management areas?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first step should be to minimise the financial requirements through, better collection of water dues, adjustments, technological infusion etc.</li>
<li>The second step is to improve the rate of sustainable cost recovery by raising tariff revenues, budgetary allocations etc.</li>
<li>The third step is to use these revenues to attract repayable sources of funds such as, loans, bonds and equity in water investments.</li>
<li>Another potential source of finance would be improving the rate of collection of water bills, it will increase water revenues without raising tariffs.</li>
<li>To generate more internal revenues from tariffs, and to rely as much as possible on local financial and capital markets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How the management of risks and uncertainties outside of the &lsquo;water box&rsquo; can also have benefits for water management.</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>By reducing poverty and greening economies, responding to climate change, through better integrated urban planning and better decisions in business and private which are related to water.</li>
<li>Managing sectoral risks to generate benefits to water such as the transport sector, health risks, the energy sector etc. Once these sectors are made sustainable it indirectly benefits water management.</li>
<li>Mitigating risks and uncertainties through, insurance, treaties and agreements and through multi-sectoral cooperation at national and global level.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/summary-of-important-reports/the-united-nations-world-water-development-report-4'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Mental Healthcare',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>Theme for this year&rsquo;s World Mental Health Day (10th October 2018) is <em><strong>"young people and mental health in a changing world"</strong></em>.</p>
<h3>What is Mental Health</h3>
<p>Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (WHO)</p>
<h3>Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>High Public Health Burden:</strong> An estimated <strong>150 million people</strong> across India are in need of mental health care interventions, according to India&rsquo;s latest National Mental Health Survey 2015-16.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Resources:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Low proportion of mental health workforce in India (per 100,000 population) include psychiatrists (0.3), nurses (0.12), psychologists (0.07) and social workers (0.07).</li>
<li>Low financial resource allocation of just over a percent of GDP on healthcare has created impediments in public access to affordable mental healthcare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Loss to Economy:</strong> due to delayed or non treatment of mentally ill persons there is loss in terms of human capital and an overall loss to the economy in the form of lost man-days, plus the poor is stressed as most of mental healthcare is in urban areas and are unavailable in primary healthcare centres in rural areas, this increases out of pocket expenditure.</li>
<li><strong>Demographic Dividend:</strong> According to WHO, the burden of mental disorders is maximal in young adults. As most of the population is young (India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25) so it requires a special focus in mental health of youth by the government to reap the benefits arising out of the demographic dividend in India.</li>
<li><strong>Post-Treatment gap:</strong> There is need for proper rehabilitation of the mentally ill persons post his/her treatment which is currently not present.</li>
<li><strong>Poor awareness</strong> about the symptoms of mental illness, <strong>social stigma</strong> and <strong>abandonment</strong> of mentally ill especially old and destitute leads to social isolation and reluctance on part of family members to seek treatment for the patient has resulted in a massive <strong>treatment gap</strong>, which further worsens the present mental illness of a person.</li>
<li><strong>Rise in Severity:</strong> Mental health problems, tend to increase during economic downturns, therefore special attention is needed during times of economic distress.</li>
<li><strong>Prone to abuse:</strong> Mentally ill patients are vulnerable to and usually suffer from physical abuse, sexual abuse, wrongful confinement, even at homes and mental healthcare facilities which is a cause of concern and a gross human right violation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 1982, the government of India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to improve the status of mental health in India.</li>
<li><strong>NMHP has 3 components:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Treatment of Mentally ill</li>
<li>Rehabilitation</li>
<li>Prevention and promotion of positive mental health</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), 1996 &ndash; it&rsquo;s objective is to provide community mental health services at the primary health care level.</li>
<li>Mental Health Act (MHA-87) was enacted in 1987.</li>
<li>Mental Health Care Act 2017 repealed the Mental Health Act, 1987.</li>
<li>WHO&rsquo;s Comprehensive Mental Action Plan 2013-2020 was adopted by the 66<sup>th</sup> World Health Assembly.</li>
<li>The Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4 and 3.5 talks about reducing mental illness within the population.</li>
<li>The Mental Health Atlas was launched by WHO in 2017.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Constitutional Provision</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court has held healthcare to be a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<h3>Mental health care Act 2017</h3>
<p><strong>Right to make an Advance Directive</strong></p>
<p>Patient can state on how to be treated or not to be treated for the illness during a mental health situation.</p>
<p><strong>Right to appoint a Nominated Representative</strong></p>
<p>A person shall have the right to appoint a nominated representative to take on his/her behalf, all health related decisions</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Right to access mental health care</li>
<li>Right to free &amp; quality services</li>
<li>Right to get free medicines</li>
<li>Right to community living</li>
<li>Right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment</li>
<li>Right to live in an environment, safe and hygienic, having basic amenities</li>
<li>Right to legal aid</li>
<li><strong>No Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without anesthesia</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Attempt to commit suicide not an offence</strong></p>
<p>This act brought changes in Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (which criminalized attempted suicide).</p>
<p>Now, a person who attempts to commit suicide will be presumed to be<strong> &ldquo;suffering from severe stress&rsquo;&rsquo;</strong> and shall not be subjected to any investigation or prosecution.</p>
<p>The act envisages the establishment of <strong>Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental Health Authority</strong>.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increase Resources</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increasing mental healthcare facilities and related infrastructure through more resource allocation in the budget.</li>
<li>Adequate Mental healthcare professional availability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Awareness:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For patients to undertake timely treatment</li>
<li>To breakdown societal prejudices/ stigma</li>
<li>To discourage questionable treatment from faith healers.</li>
<li>For eg. &ldquo;The Live Love Laugh Foundation&rdquo; which aims to reduce the stigma, spread awareness and change the way we look at Mental Health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More investment in PHC:</strong> There is only one primary healthcare centre for more than 51,000 people in India. The World Bank estimates that 90% of all health needs can be met at the primary healthcare level thus more investments are needed in order for patients to get easier, cheaper and faster access to services, plus, <strong>training at grass root level</strong> for ASHA, ANM, AWW centre workers on how to recognize common to severe mental health problems like schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.</li>
<li><strong>Digital initiatives</strong> are helping improve rural India&rsquo;s mental health through telemedicine like Schizophrenia Research India&rsquo;s (SCARF) mobile bus clinic which is run by an NGO; there is need for scaling up such initiatives which will bridge the rural-urban divide.</li>
<li><strong>Community Partnership:</strong> By forming their <strong>self-help groups</strong> of carers families along with <strong>NGO&rsquo;s</strong> which brings community participation and helps reduction in social stigma associated with mental illness.</li>
<li>Healthcare is a <strong>state subject &ndash;</strong> there is need for better coordination between Center-States for proper implementation.</li>
<li><strong>Make psychotropic drugs available:</strong> Essential psychotropic drugs should be provided at all levels of healthcare. These medicines should be included in essential drugs list.</li>
<li><strong>Empathetic Service delivery:</strong> Delivery of services should be sensitive, compassionate and free from stigma and discrimination in public healthcare institutions plus there is need for <strong>police sensitization</strong> and training regarding recognition of acute mental disorders and undertaking of necessary action to protect the human rights of the mentally ill, his family and his fellow citizens.</li>
<li><strong>Financial support</strong> from the government to the families so that direct costs of treatment are covered and families are not overburdened.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Increasing the number of psychologists and psychiatrists alone won&rsquo;t help. Stigma and awareness are two separate issues although interlinked. They need to be addressed in parallel in order to tackle the burden of mental illness in India.</li>
<li>If individuals continue to view mental illness with apprehension and resistance, it will remain difficult for people with mental health concerns to seek the support they require due to the fear of being labelled or judged.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/mental-healthcare'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Port Community System ‘PCS1x’',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Indian Ports Association (IPA),</strong> under the guidance of <strong>Ministry of Shipping</strong> has launched the<strong> Port Community System (PCS1x)</strong>, a cloud based new generation technology, with user-friendly interface.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This system will <strong>enable maritime trade</strong> to have an <strong>improved communication with the customs.</strong></li>
<li>It offers value added services such as notification engine, workflow, mobile application, track and trace, better user interface, better security features, improved inclusion by offering dashboard for those with no IT capability.</li>
<li>A unique feature of &lsquo;PCS1x&rsquo; is that it can <strong>sync with the third party software</strong> which provides services to the maritime industry thereby enabling the stakeholders to <strong>access wide network of services.</strong></li>
<li>Another major feature is the deployment of a world class state of the art payment aggregator solution which removes dependency on bank specific payment ecosystem. It is estimated that this feature alone will <strong>drastically reduce transaction time.</strong></li>
<li>The platform has the potential to revolutionize<strong> maritime trade</strong> in India and bring it at par with global best practices and pave the way to improve the <strong>Ease of Doing Business world ranking</strong> and <strong>Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranks.</strong></li>
<li>This system is also an initiative that supports green initiatives by reducing dependency on paper. The web-based platform has been developed indigenously and is a part of the<strong> &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong> and<strong> &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo;</strong> initiative.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Logistics Performance Index (LPI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Logistics Performance Index, <strong>developed by the World Bank Group,</strong> is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.</li>
<li>The logistics performance (LPI) is the weighted average of the country's scores on the<strong> six key dimensions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Efficiency of the <strong>clearance</strong> process (i.e., speed, simplicity and predictability of formalities) by border control agencies, including customs;</li>
<li><strong>Quality of trade</strong> and transport related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information technology);</li>
<li>Ease of <strong>arranging competitively priced shipments;</strong></li>
<li>Competence and quality of<strong> logistics services</strong> (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers);</li>
<li>Ability to <strong>track and trace consignments;</strong></li>
<li>Timeliness of shipments in reaching destination within the scheduled or expected <strong>delivery time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-banks-ease-of-doing-business-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Doing Business</a> Report is also released by the <strong>World Bank.</strong> It provides an assessment of objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on ten parameters affecting a business through its life cycle.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/port-community-system-pcs-1x'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (12th December 2018)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Eco-Sensitive Zone around Protected Regions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court directed the Union Environment Ministry to<strong> declare 10 km area around 21 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries</strong> across the country as <strong>&lsquo;eco-sensitive zones&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/eco-sensitive-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)</a> does not affect the ownership rights of people on land resources, it, however restricts land-use change.</li>
</ul>
<h3>BioBlitz</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>People from across the India participated in the BioBlitz conducted by Bengaluru&rsquo;s<strong> National Centre for Biological Sciences.</strong></li>
<li>Participants observed individual trees in their neighbourhoods and campuses, and contributed information including the tree species, its location, proportions of flowers, fruits and leaves.</li>
<li>This will generate a baseline for tree <strong>phenology( periodic events such as fruiting and flowering) across India</strong> over the years, helping scientists analyse if <strong>climate change is altering tree phenology in future.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>BioBlitz</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A bioblitz is an event that focuses on<strong> finding and identifying</strong> as many species as possible in a specific area <strong>over a short period of time.</strong></li>
<li>It is also known as a <strong>biological inventory or biological census</strong> whose primary goal is to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms found in a place.</li>
<li>It <strong>differs from a scientific inventory</strong> in a number of ways. Scientific inventories are usually limited to biologists, geographers, and other scientists. A bioblitz brings together volunteer scientists, as well as families, students, teachers, and other members of the community.</li>
<li>While a scientific survey often focuses on unique or isolated areas, bioblitzes focus on areas that are connected to residential, urban, and industrial areas.</li>
<li>These differences make a bioblitz a unique biological survey that encourages a relationship between the natural and human communities of a given area. It aims to promote and improve local natural spaces by empowering citizens to better understand and protect biodiversity.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-12th-december-2018'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Partner’s Forum Inaugurated in New Delhi',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Prime Minister inaugurated the fourth Partners&rsquo; Forum at New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Partners&rsquo; Forum is short for the meeting of <strong>The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn &amp; Child Health</strong> (The Partnership, PMNCH).</li>
<li>
<p>The 2018 Forum was hosted by the Government of India and focused on improving multisectoral action for results, sharing country solutions and capturing the best practices and knowledge within and among the health sector and related sectors.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>It will also emphasize the importance of people-centered accountability bringing forward the voices and lived realities of women, children, and adolescents through innovative programming and creative projects.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Specific goals of the Partners&rsquo; Forum include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>
<p><strong>Greater political momentum,</strong> sustaining attention to the &ldquo;Survive-Thrive-Transform&rdquo; agenda of the Global Strategy, and its contribution to driving the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Knowledge exchange,</strong> through sharing of lessons learned and best practices to innovate and improve implementation strategies for results.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong> Improved cross-sectoral collaboration</strong> through knowledge exchange and joint advocacy strategies.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This is the second time India is hosting the Partners&rsquo; Forum. The previous conference was held in Johannesburg, South Africa (2014), New Delhi, India (2010) and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2007).</li>
<li>The Forum will present the findings of the 12 Success Factors case studies that showcase how countries are collaborating across sectors to improve women&rsquo;s, children&rsquo;s and adolescents&rsquo; health.</li>
<li>The Partners&rsquo; Forum will showcase learning from across six regions: Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Americas, South East Asia, and Western Pacific on six thematic areas:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Early Childhood Development (</strong>Germany &amp; Chile)</li>
<li><strong>Adolescent Health and Well-Being</strong> (USA &amp; Indonesia)</li>
<li><strong>Quality, Equity and Dignity (QED) in Services</strong> (India &amp; Cambodia): From India, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/intensified-mission-indradhanush-best-practice-in-the-world-bmj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intensified Mission Indradhanush has been selected</a> as one of the case studies under QED theme.</li>
<li><strong>Sexual and Reproductive Health</strong> (Malawi &amp; Malaysia)</li>
<li><strong>Empowerment of Women, Girls, and Communities</strong> (South Africa &amp; Guatemala)</li>
<li><strong>Humanitarian and Fragile Settings</strong> (Sierra Leone &amp; Afghanistan)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Partner's Forum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Partners&rsquo; Forum is a global health partnership launched in September 2005 to accelerate efforts to reduce child and maternal mortality, improve adolescent, child, newborn and maternal health.</li>
<li>The Partnership is governed by a Board and administered by a Secretariat hosted at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
<li>PMNCH mission is to support the global health community to work successfully towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the health-related SDGs as articulated in the Strategy for Women&rsquo;s Children&rsquo;s and Adolescents&rsquo; Health in support of &lsquo;Every Woman Every Child&rsquo; (EWEC) movement.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>&lsquo;Every Woman Every Child&rsquo; (EWEC) movement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched by the United Nations during the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit in September 2010.</li>
<li>Every Woman Every Child is an unprecedented global movement that mobilizes and intensifies international and national action by governments, the private sector, and civil society to address the major health challenges facing women, children, and adolescents around the world.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/partners-forum-inaugurated-in-new-delhi'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Don’t Malign CRAs Based Just on Some Instances',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Malign CRAs Based Just on Some Instances&rdquo; which appears in Livemint.)</p>
</div>
<p>The recent downgrade of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services Ltd (IL&amp;FS)</a> has led to criticism of the role of credit rating agencies (CRAs), specifically, the conflicts in their <strong>&ldquo;issuer-pay&rdquo; revenue model*</strong> and their non-ratings businesses.</p>
<p>In India, Crisil Ltd and ICRA Ltd have substantial non-rating revenues and the performance of their ratings reveals that they show the lowest default rates in the industry and yields on instruments they rated are closest to benchmarks. They also had the least number of cases going to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) that had &ldquo;investment grade&rdquo; a year prior to default.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The issuer pays revenue model:</strong> is a compensation structure in which the entity issuing the debt pays CRAs for the initial rating and ongoing ratings of a security instrument.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CRAs provide quality ratings to all paying companies at the lowest cost.</li>
<li>This is the model followed across the world.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Issuer pays&rdquo; affords CRAs access to company management, which improves the quality of ratings.</li>
<li>It helps provide ratings and updates to all stakeholders&mdash;investors, regulators, intermediaries, and media&mdash;at zero cost and gives access to all clients.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>What is Credit Rating?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>A credit rating is an assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a particular debt or financial obligation.</strong></li>
<li>A credit rating can be assigned to any entity that seeks to borrow money &mdash; an individual, corporation, state or provincial authority, or sovereign government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What are CRAs?<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/158drishti_ias-cra.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/158drishti_ias-cra.png" style="float: right;" width="337" height="208" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Credit agencies, also known as credit rating agencies, help potential lenders and creditors determine whether to lend or extend credit to an individual or business, by predicting the likelihood that the borrower will repay the debt in a timely manner.</li>
<li>The information provided to credit agencies includes how much credit is available to that borrower, how much of the available credit they have used, and what their repayment activity looks like.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Current Arguments &amp; Criticisms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The first argument is that CRAs should not be in any business other than ratings because revenue from common clients can influence their judgment and </strong><g class="gr_ gr_77 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="77" data-gr-id="77">rating</g><strong> calls.</strong></li>
<li>Some also question the &ldquo;issuer pays&rdquo; model followed by CRAs&mdash;where the entity issuing debt pays for the rating&mdash;saying it evokes conflicts and compromises on analysis. <strong>They contend &ldquo;investor pays&rdquo; and &ldquo;government/regulator/stock exchange pays&rdquo; are viable alternatives.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of CRAs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>CRAs have played a critical role in the development of the domestic debt market, spawning efficiencies and stability by providing comparable, transparent and forward-looking metrics for decision-making.</strong></li>
<li>They have enabled independent benchmarks for pricing debt, ushered in a culture of financial discipline, helped allocate capital efficiently by pricing risk appropriately, and supported financial innovation.</li>
<li>CRAs have also brought in the international standard of<strong> &ldquo;one day, one rupee default&rdquo; [a delay of one day even of one rupee (of principal or interest) from the scheduled payment date is to be construed as a default.] a</strong>nd helped remove information asymmetry by ensuring that over 35,000 ratings and their analyses are available publicly for free.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Flaws in CRAs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though rotating CRAs (i.e mandating one CRA to rate a company only for a limited amount of time before another CRA takes over) can be done just like it&rsquo;s done in auditing&mdash;saying that would reduce conflicts, that&rsquo;s incorrect because <strong>auditing looks at the past and rating, the future.</strong></li>
<li>Asking a CRA to look at the future and then absolving it of responsibility in three to five years by asking another CRA to take over would evoke conflict because the former would tend to give higher-than-warranted rating knowing it won&rsquo;t have to defend that for long. <strong>This will increase rating shopping.</strong></li>
<li>The &ldquo;government/regulator/stock exchange pays&rdquo; model potentially obviates the perceived fee conflict and can make public all ratings for free, but it raises the question of moral hazard because ratings may seem sovereign-backed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>For CRAs:</strong> CRAs need to introspect and strengthen their rating criteria, methodologies, processes, and oversights. Conflicts, if any, need to be addressed to reassure stakeholders on the <g class="gr_ gr_82 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="82" data-gr-id="82">ratings</g> process.</li>
<li><strong>For regulators: I</strong>ndia has had proactive CRA regulations since 1999 and these have served the market well. The raft of changes introduced over the past two years has ensured greater transparency, accountability, and oversight than ever before. Today, we need more enforcement, not more regulations. That would mean vigorously questioning ill-managed conflicts, and analyzing if any CRA is regularly showing steep changes in ratings.</li>
<li><strong>For investors:</strong> Investors have to look beyond the rating symbol and scrutinize the CRA behind it. The temptation to shop for a higher rating, but factoring in the risk in the pricing, need to be avoided because it is faux (i.e fake) comfort. Investors need to distinguish between CRAs using yardsticks such as default rates and transition rates, the intensity of rating changes, the ability to flag distressed assets, etc. For, not all ratings are equal.</li>
<li><strong>The &ldquo;issuer-pays&rdquo; model needs to change to an &ldquo;investor-pays&rdquo; model</strong>, with fees being standardized by the market regulator. However, at the governmental level, fiscal decisions should be marked by a push towards developing an economy with full employment and innovation, instead of seeking to chase down rating quarter by quarter.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/don-t-malign-cras-based-just-on-some-instances'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Center Refuses to Recognize Lingayat as Separate Religion',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Central Government has rejected the Karnataka government&rsquo;s proposal seeking legal recognition for Lingayats as a distinct religion.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In March 2018, the Karnataka government accepted suggestions of Nagamohan committee and granted minority status to Lingayats. The proposal was then sent to the Centre for the final approval.</li>
<li>Central Government has rejected the proposal on two grounds:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lingayat has always been<strong> classified under Hindus ever since the first official census in India in 1871</strong> census&nbsp;and that Lingayat is considered as a religious sect of Hindu.</li>
<li>If Lingayat/Veerashaiva will be given the status of a separate religion,<strong> all the members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) professing the said religion would lose their status as SC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, Lingayats, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs are included among Hindus, but Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains have been identified by state and central governments as minority religions in 1993, 1963 and 2014 respectively except the Lingayats.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Lingayats</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term <strong>Lingayat denotes a person who wears a personal linga,</strong> an iconic form of god Shiva, on the body which is received during the initiation ceremony.</li>
<li>Lingayats are the followers of the 12th-century social reformer-philosopher poet, Basaveshwara.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Basaveshwara was against the caste system and Vedic rituals.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The <strong>Lingayats are strict monotheists.</strong> They enjoin the worship of only one God, namely, Linga (Shiva).</li>
<li>The word &lsquo;Linga&rsquo; does not mean Linga established in temples, but universal consciousness qualified by the universal energy (Shakti).</li>
<li>Lingayats had been classified as a Hindu subcaste called <strong>&ldquo;Veerashaiva Lingayats&rdquo;</strong> and they are considered to be Shaivites.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Separate Religion for Lingayats</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lingayats had distanced itself from Hindu Veerashaivas because the latter followed the Vedas and supported the caste system, to which Basaveshwara was against.</li>
<li>Veerashaivas are the followers of the five peethas (religious centers), called Pancha Peethas. These peethas are set up on similar lines to the four peethas set up by Adi Shankara.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<h3>Basaveshwara</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Basaveshwara was a <strong>12th century spiritual master in Karnataka.</strong></li>
<li>Popularly known as Basavanna, he propagated moral, ethical and spiritual values for a peaceful and purposeful life.</li>
<li><strong>He formed a new spiritual institution which was based on democratic principles</strong> to spread universal love and brotherhood. Anyone, irrespective of caste, could become a member as long as they were pious and of good character.</li>
<li>Basavanna&rsquo;s mission for the formation of a new society through <strong>Anubhava Mantapa</strong> was based on certain noble principles:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is only one God.</li>
<li>Complete surrender to God in devotion.</li>
<li>Compassion is the root of all religions. Treat all living beings with kindness and live for the welfare of all.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/center-refuses-to-recognize-lingayat-as-separate-religion'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Regulating Anonymous Donations',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XMn0RXQ8bTg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Election Commission has urged the government to slash the cap on anonymous donations to political parties from the present Rs20,000 to Rs2,000 to usher in more transparency. In a letter to the Legislative Department of the Law Ministry, the Election Commission pointed out that while its demand to cap cash donations to parties to Rs 2,000 per person has been accepted, another demand to cap anonymous donations to Rs 2,000 is still pending. The poll panel had written to the government in the middle of 2017 to amend Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to put a cap on anonymous donations. The letter sent is a reiteration reminding the government that its demand has not yet been acted upon.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>Union Budget <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="107" data-gr-id="107">2017-18,</g> proposed to make changes related to donations made to political </strong>parties<strong> and maintaining the anonymity of donors. Changes made were as follows-</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The maximum amount of cash donation, a political party can receive is Rs2000 from one person.</li>
<li>Political parties are entitled to receive donations by cheque or digital mode from their donors.</li>
<li>Amendment to the Reserve Bank of India Act enabled the issuance of electoral bonds.</li>
<li>Every political party has to file its return within the time prescribed in accordance with the provision of the Income-tax Act. Existing exemption to the political parties from payment of income-tax would be available only subject to the fulfillment of these conditions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Regarding donations by companies to political parties, the amendments to the Finance Bill provided</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Confidentiality to corporates and removal of the limit on funding as regards to the proportion of profit previously limited at 7.5 percent.</li>
<li>In addition, the Bill also proposed that contributions to parties will have to be made only through a cheque, bank draft, electronic means, or any other instrument notified by the central government.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Issues Related to Election Funding</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>75% of the donors to a political party are anonymous. The source of money could be crime, drug or ill-intentioned foreign money, which cannot be tracked.</li>
<li>Consequently, the money that is received in cash is not audited properly and therefore becomes a source of malfeasance.</li>
<li>In order to weed out cash donation, the concept of the electoral bond was brought in. However, the element of anonymity remained. That is, an anonymous person can fund a political party without the name being disclosed.</li>
<li>This is a very big issue because affluent people can fund a political party and in return influence the laws and policies in their <g class="gr_ gr_91 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="91" data-gr-id="91">favour</g>.</li>
<li>The electoral bond scheme helps to keep the identity of the donor a secret. Therefore, the donor&rsquo;s political affiliation is kept secret and therefore protected. Though the donor wants anonymity, the public at large wants transparency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Resolve the Issue?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The state funding of the elections can be scrutinized. It has following benefits-</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Public funding can limit the influence of interested money and thereby help curb corruption.</li>
<li>Public funding can increase transparency in party expenditure.</li>
<li>If parties and candidates are privately funded, it may lead to crony capitalism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Issues of public funding of elections
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will encourage spawning of new parties every now and then.</li>
<li>Further, it will burden the exchequer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, former election commission chairman S.Y. Qureshi has suggested state funding of the political parties instead of state funding of elections.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>State funding of elections</strong> - where the state bears the election expenditure of political parties contesting the Election.</p>
<p><strong>State funding of political parties</strong> - where political parties are assisted financially in their functioning.</p>
<p>So, basically, state funding of political parties is a regular and permanent affair while state funding of elections will be periodic as they are done only during the elections.</p>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As for the burden on the state exchequer, a National Election Fund can be created where people can donate anonymously. And at the end of the five years, the collected amount can be given to respective political parties based on performance. 70% of the European countries have this system.</li>
<li>Auditing of expenditure done by every political party is a must.</li>
<li>Even the smallest of donation should be done through digital means. This will ensure transparency and traceability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Experts believe the electoral bond or cash payment below Rs 2000 move will not have a much significant effect on the upcoming general elections. So, measures should be taken to regulate anonymous donations immediately.</li>
<li>Steps should be taken to generate awareness among voters about the ill-powers of money in elections.</li>
<li>A conscious effort must be made to monitor political expenditure. Preferably, on a monthly basis by Election Commission.</li>
</ul>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Streamlining of National Pension System',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>In a bid to streamline the National Pension System (NPS) and make it more attractive, the Union Cabinet has approved changes in the scheme to benefit <strong>around 18 lakh Central government employees</strong> covered under NPS.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The approved changes are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Enhancement of the mandatory contribution</strong> by the Central Government for its employees covered under <strong>NPS Tier-I from the existing 10% to 14%.</strong></li>
<li>Providing <strong>freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds</strong> and pattern of investment to central government employees.</li>
<li><strong>Payment of compensation</strong> for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS<strong> contributions during 2004-2012.</strong></li>
<li>Tax exemption limit for lump sum <strong>withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60%.</strong> With this, the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax. (At present, 40% of the total accumulated corpus utilized for purchase of annuity is already tax exempted. Out of 60% of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40% is tax exempt and balance 20% is taxable).</li>
<li>Contribution by the Government employees<strong> under Tier-II of NPS will now be covered under Section 80C for deduction</strong> up to Rs. 1.50 lakh for the purpose of income tax at par with the other schemes such as General Provident Fund, Contributory Provident Fund, Employees Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund<strong> provided that there is a lock-in period of 3 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increase in the eventual accumulated corpus</strong> of all central government employees covered under NPS.</li>
<li>Greater pension payouts after retirement <strong>without any additional burden</strong> on the employee.</li>
<li><strong>Freedom of choice for selection</strong> of Pension Funds and investment pattern to central government employees.</li>
<li>By making NPS more attractive for its employees, government will <strong>not only retain but also attract the best talent.</strong></li>
<li>The impact on the exchequer on this account is estimated to be to the <strong>tune of around Rs. 2840 crores</strong> for the financial year 2019-20, and will be in the <strong>nature of a recurring expenditure.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Seventh Pay Commission (7th CPC) in the year 2015</strong> recommended for setting up of a Committee of Secretaries to address certain concerns regarding NPS.</li>
<li>Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Committee, draft Cabinet Note was placed before the Cabinet for its approval.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Pension System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with <strong>effect from January 01, 2004 (except for armed forces).</strong></li>
<li>NPS is being implemented and regulated by <strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><strong>National Pension System Trust (NPST)</strong> established by PFRDA is the<strong> registered owner of all assets under NPS.</strong></li>
<li>NPS is structured into<strong> two tiers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tier-I account:</strong> This is the <strong>non-withdrawable permanent retirement account</strong> into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber.</li>
<li><strong>Tier-II account:</strong> This is a <strong>voluntary withdrawable account</strong> which is allowed <strong>only when there is an active Tier I account</strong> in the name of the subscriber. The withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NPS was made available<strong> to all Citizens of India from May 01, 2009.</strong></li>
<li>Any individual <strong>citizen of India (both resident and Non-resident)</strong> in the age group of<strong> 18-65 years</strong> (as on the date of submission of NPS application) can join NPS.</li>
<li>However,<strong> OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card holders and Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs)</strong> are <strong>not eligible </strong>for opening of NPS account.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>PFRDA</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Pension Fund Regulatory &amp; Development Authority Act was <strong>passed on 19th September, 2013.</strong></li>
<li>Its vision is to be a model regulator for promotion and development of an organized pension system to serve the old age income needs of people on a sustainable basis.</li>
<li>Along with NPS, it <strong>also regulates other pension schemes</strong> subscribed by employees of public and private sector of India.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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