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US May Withdraw Zero Tariffs for India

The US Trade Representative (USTR) is reviewing the preferential arrangement for India where the US charges no tariff on certain exports from India...

09 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Asiatic Lion Conservation Project

A dedicated “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” has been launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate...

09 Feb 2019 News Analysis
How Gender-sensitive Are India’s Energy Policies?

(This editorial is based on the article “How Gender-sensitive Are India’s Energy Policies?” which appeared in EPW for 19th...

09 Feb 2019 News Editorials
Space Tech: New Vistas

ISRO got its first success of 2019 by launching Microsat R, a military application satellite, and Kalamsat, a 10cm cubesat made by students, on...

09 Feb 2019 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Leprosy

08 Feb 2019 Paper 2
Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a corpus of Rs. 2,000 crore for Agri Market Infrastructure Fund (AMIF) to be...

08 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Important Facts for Prelims (8th February 2019)

Statue of Guru Padmasambhava Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled a 19-foot-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan...

08 Feb 2019 News Analysis
International Intellectual Property (IP) Index: US Chamber of Commerce

Acknowledging the improvement in India’s innovation ecosystem, the US Chamber of Commerce has moved India up eight places in its international...

08 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Will the 6,000 Farmer Payout Help?

(This editorial is based on the article “Will the ₹6,000 Farmer Payout Help?” which appeared in The Hindu for 8th February 2019. In...

08 Feb 2019 News Editorials
Leprosy

Why in News? World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January. It seeks to increase public awareness about leprosy and focuses on the...

08 Feb 2019 Paper 2
The Big Picture - Interim Budget: Three Big Takeaways

The government on 1st February announced the ‘Interim Budget’. Three big takeaways from the budget include: Monthly Pensions for...

07 Feb 2019 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019

The Union Cabinet has approved International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019 which seeks to establish a unified authority for...

07 Feb 2019 News Analysis
India’s First Career Portal

The Rajasthan government launched India’s first “career portal” to address the needs of secondary and higher secondary students...

07 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Important Facts for Prelims (7th February 2019)

Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Conservation protection...

07 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Visa crackdown: On Indian Students’ Arrest

(This editorial is based on the article “Visa crackdown: On Indian Students’ Arrest” which appeared in The Hindu for 5th February...

07 Feb 2019 News Editorials
Melting Glaciers in Hindu Kush Himalayas

Recently, The Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment study has been released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development...

06 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Witness Protection Scheme 2018

Why in News? The Supreme Court on December 5, approved the Witness Protection Scheme 2018 which aimed at enabling a witness to depose fearlessly...

06 Feb 2019 Paper 2
UNCTAD Report on Trade Wars

Recently the UN body has released a report on trade wars titled "Trade Wars: The Pain and the Gain". This dispute between China and the United...

06 Feb 2019 News Analysis
Important Facts for Prelims (6th February 2019)

International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) Recently, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) stated that India’s cotton...

06 Feb 2019 News Analysis
India-Monaco Relations

Prince of Monaco Albert II came to India on his first official visit. During the visit, a number of agreements were signed which...

06 Feb 2019 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'US May Withdraw Zero Tariffs for India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The US Trade Representative (USTR) is reviewing the preferential arrangement for India where the US charges no tariff on certain exports from India to the US under the Generalized System of Preference.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India's FDI policy on e-commerce and mandatory data localization for global card payment companies have led to the US to review zero tariff policy.</li>
<li>India revised its<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-e-commerce-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> FDI policy on e-commerce</a> banning online retailers like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart from selling products of companies in which they have stakes in.</li>
<li>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines stating that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/payment-firms-begins-process-of-data-localisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all foreign payment companies such as MasterCard and Visa must store data locally</a> for their businesses in the country.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The idea of granting developing countries preferential tariff rates in the markets of industrialized countries was originally presented at the first UNCTAD conference in 1964.</li>
<li>The <strong>GSP was adopted at UNCTAD in New Delhi in 1968 and was instituted in 1971.</strong></li>
<li>There are currently 13 national GSP schemes notified to the UNCTAD secretariat.</li>
<li>The<strong> following countries grant GSP preferences:</strong> Australia, Belarus, Canada, the European Union, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States of America.</li>
<li>GSP is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference program. Established by the Trade Act of 1974, GSP promotes economic development by eliminating duties on thousands of products when imported from one of 120 designated beneficiary countries and territories.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Asiatic Lion Conservation Project',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>A dedicated &ldquo;Asiatic Lion Conservation Project&rdquo; has been launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change(MoEFCC).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>MoEFCC has approved the project for three financial years from 2018 to 2021.</li>
<li>The Asiatic Lion. endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat is one of the 21 critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes.</li>
<li>The project envisages scientific management with the involvement of communities in coordination with multi-sectoral agencies for disease control and veterinary care for overall conservation of Asiatic lion.</li>
<li>This project has &ldquo;Species Conservation over a large landscape&rdquo; approach.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Large Landscape Conservation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Large landscape conservation is an approach to conservation and management that focuses on actions that are taken across large areas, such as entire watersheds. Large landscape conservation generally involves many forest divisions, government agencies, and conservation organizations.</li>
<li>As Asiatic Lions are found only in the Gir Landscape, this project will focus on conservation efforts of Asiatic Lions over whole&nbsp;Gir Range.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is proposed in the conservation, protection and development efforts of the Greater Gir Region. Additional ICT will include the following:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>GPS Based Tracking like Surveillance Tracking Animal Tracking and Vehicle Tracking</li>
<li>Automated Sensor Grid like Magnetic Sensors, Movement Sensors, and Infra-red heat sensors</li>
<li>Night vision capability enhancement</li>
<li>GIS-based real-time monitoring, analysis and report generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions.</li>
<li>Males have only moderate mane growth at the top of the head so that their ears are always visible.</li>
<li>The most striking morphological character, which is always seen in Asiatic lions, and rarely in African lions, is a longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly.</li>
<li>Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule 1</li>
<li>CITES Appendix I</li>
<li>IUCN Red List: Endangered</li>
<li>Asiatic lions were once distributed to the state of West Bengal in east and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, in central India.</li>
<li>At present Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only abode of the Asiatic lion.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'How Gender-sensitive Are India’s Energy Policies?',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;How Gender-sensitive Are India&rsquo;s Energy Policies?&rdquo; which appeared in EPW for 19th January 2019. In this editorial, we&rsquo;ll see how the use and access to energy <g class="gr_ gr_144 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="144" data-gr-id="144">is</g> gendered, and discuss gender sensitivity in Indian energy policies.)</p>
</div>
<p><strong>There is an argument that access to clean energy is gendered.</strong> It is influenced by intra-household decision-making driven by restrictive gender norms.</p>
<p>Energy policies that do not recognize the gendered nature of energy access will continue to focus on supply-side measures without giving due attention to the diverse energy demand characteristics of end users.</p>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Women and men have differential energy needs</strong> given the prescribed gender roles at both household and productive spheres.</li>
<li><strong>Cooking, washing and care work, and the consequent lack of access to clean energy</strong> for these activities have an impact on women more than men.</li>
<li>Women are more vulnerable to household air pollution-related health hazards from solid biomass use as they are primarily engaged in cooking as well as fuel collection for cooking. <strong>The other impact of solid biomass dependence is in terms of lost opportunities for women&rsquo;s time and </strong><g class="gr_ gr_134 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="134" data-gr-id="134">labour</g><strong>.</strong></li>
<li>Lack of clean energy-based home appliances increases women&rsquo;s drudgery in household work.</li>
<li>In agriculture and allied rural livelihoods, there is a clear gendered division of <g class="gr_ gr_126 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="126" data-gr-id="126">labour</g>. <strong>Women are largely engaged in </strong><g class="gr_ gr_170 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="170" data-gr-id="170">labour-intensive</g><strong> activities like sowing, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting.</strong> However, women face barriers in accessing clean energy-based drudgery-reducing implements/machinery due to restrictive gender norms that limit their ownership of productive assets and recognition as farmers.</li>
<li><strong>Furthermore, women&rsquo;s role in energy supply and value chain is rarely recognized in policies.</strong> Their contribution to energy supply is estimated in the range of 10% to 80% of the total energy in developing countries.</li>
<li>Women participate in the energy supply chain as biomass collectors, producers of charcoal, briquettes, dung cakes, improved cookstoves, solar lights and also in marketing of energy products like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), cook stoves, solar lights, and cookers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gender Inclusiveness in Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Traditionally, India&rsquo;s energy policy designing and planning have been gender-neutral, with the exception of the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</strong> launched in 2016.</li>
<li>The PMUY is an attempt to bridge this gap and, though it has resulted in increased LPG uptake, the low refill rates reported across the states are a cause of worry for the long-term sustainability of the programme.</li>
<li>The PMUY is the first attempt to bring in a gender focus, in addition to retaining the income focus, in domestic energy policies.</li>
<li>However, India&rsquo;s energy policy interventions pertaining to pricing and energy availability have recognized sectoral and class differences in energy requirement and consumers, respectively. This is evident in the policy on free electricity for agriculture, differential pricing for energy used in agriculture and industry, concessional pricing for backward areas, and special provision for tribal areas.</li>
<li>On the domestic cooking energy front, the provision of subsidized fuel, introduction of smart cards for below poverty line (BPL) families and the National Biogas Programme are steps taken by policymakers to facilitate clean energy access to poorer sections of society.</li>
<li>An analysis of LPG use across social categories and by female-headed households across India clearly shows that female-headed households have the lowest uptake of LPG, much lower than Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) households.</li>
<li>The 2011 Census reports cooking and lighting sources according to the sex of the household head, but does not provide gender disaggregated data on the quantity of energy consumption by energy sources.</li>
<li><strong>Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitaran Yojana (RGGLV)</strong>, an LPG distribution scheme to reach the unreached remote areas, provides LPG dealership in the joint ownership (50% partnership) of the applicant and his/her spouse.</li>
<li><strong>The Shakti Gaon Yojana</strong> <strong>of the Odisha government</strong> which hands over LPG distribution to women SHGs is also a step towards enabling women&rsquo;s presence in the energy supply chain.</li>
<li><strong>The Saubhagya scheme</strong> is a welcome step as it relies on the &ldquo;deprivation&rdquo; criterion, which includes female-headed households, in the socio-economic and caste census for beneficiary identification.</li>
<li><strong>A critical analysis of the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP)</strong> and the National Energy Policy (NEP) reveals that while both the IEP and NEP emphasize and recognize women&rsquo;s gendered role in the domestic sphere they do not recognize women&rsquo;s gendered role in production, and fail to make any specifically targeted provisioning of clean energy for productive purposes on the basis of gender.</li>
<li>Lastly, p<strong>olicies aimed at facilitating women&rsquo;s land ownership through joint </strong><g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="93" data-gr-id="93">pattas</g><strong> (title deeds), or incentivising land transfers to women through a higher subsidy rate for energy-intensive technologies (as observed in Odisha), organising women into collectives to increase their bargaining position and facilitating access to energy-intensive technologies</strong> through collectives like Kudumbashree in Kerala are some of the complementary interventions that have yielded results in women&rsquo;s access to clean energy technologies for productive purposes across some states in India.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/962drishti_ias_Three Analytical Frameworks for Gender and Energy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="565" height="582" /></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>At present women manage one-third of the energy system in India through gathering fuels. They need to be supported through management, investment, and technology so as to manage it sustainably and with minimum hardship.</li>
<li><strong>Energy, health and the transport of fuels need to be addressed</strong> in order to reduce energy poverty. All these require more management and policy initiatives. Capacity building is needed to promote the use of efficient energy appliances and their availability.</li>
<li>A national mission on &ldquo;<strong>having cooking fuel available for rural women within one kilometer</strong>&rdquo; is needed to reduce the hardships of carrying heavy loads. In addition, transportation should be made easier by enabling access to transportation solutions such as wheelbarrows, better pathways, and small motorized transport with community arrangements for carrying heavy biofuel loads.</li>
<li><strong>Women could form cooperatives</strong> to grow trees for fuelwood or plant oilseeds. This would put an end to searching and gathering by organizing a wood supply on a sustainable basis. There is a need to promote Self Help Groups for empowering women. Also, create rural fuel markets by establishing a value for the fuelwood collected or grown, and so add economic value.</li>
<li><strong>The government should also continue to provide a subsidy to promote clean fuels.</strong> Mass awareness programs for popularising clean fuels.</li>
<li>Further, the Government should develop micro-enterprises by interlinking microcredit and energy programmes, and shift from government initiatives to public-private partnerships.</li>
<li><strong>Access to energy should be linked as a promotional incentive</strong> for running small-scale energy business units for livelihood security and creating more employment opportunities for women.</li>
<li><strong>Health centers should be sensitized to the issues</strong> associated with indoor air pollution and the workers trained to spot and address respiratory diseases as well as problems linked to transport fuels.</li>
<li>There is a need to look beyond cooking fuels, at energy for livelihoods, lighting, transport, agriculture, and also water and sanitation. Policy initiatives require a shift of focus from energy supply to end-user services. <strong>Emphasis also needs to be placed on the education of women and spreading awareness.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/interaction/viewtopic.php?f=40&amp;t=935" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read More...</a></p>',
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		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Space Tech: New Vistas',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdUIBRgRMp4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>ISRO got its first success of 2019 by launching Microsat R, a military application satellite, and Kalamsat, a 10cm cubesat made by students, on January 24, 2019. The satellites were launched through a new variant of PSLV (46<sup>th</sup> flight) called PSLV-DL.</p>
<h3>ISRO&rsquo;s Upcoming Projects</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chandrayaan-2 Mission:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO has planned 32 missions including the most complex Chandrayaan- 2 during the year 2019.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s second lunar mission, for the first time, ISRO will attempt to land a rover on the moon&rsquo;s south pole. Till now, only the U.S., Russia, China has been able to soft-land Spacecraft on the Moon&rsquo;s Surface.</li>
<li>The complex mission will comprise of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover.</li>
<li>The Chandrayaan-2 Spacecraft will be launched by GSLV MK III.</li>
<li>Mission will encourage new experiments by the use and testing of new technologies.</li>
<li>The mission costing around Rs. 800 Crore, is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 Mission, launched in 2008.</li>
<li>It will be launched in the window from January to February 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Launch of <strong>GSAT-20</strong> to meet a high output bounded requirement of Digital India and Infra Connectivity.</li>
<li>ISRO is also planning to launch a channel called <strong>ISRO TV</strong> to reach out to the masses.</li>
<li>ISRO has planned to send <strong>two unmanned missions</strong> into space in December 2020 and in July 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Gaganyaan:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO is preparing to send an astronaut into space in the year 2022 on board the Gaganyaan.</li>
<li>Gaganyaan is an Indian Crewed Orbital Spacecraft, intended to be the basis of the Indian Human Spaceflight Program.</li>
<li>The Spacecraft is being designed to carry 2-3 people.</li>
<li>Gaganyaan will be launched on ISRO&rsquo;s biggest rocket the GSLV MK III from Sriharikota.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ISRO is also aiming to <strong>reinstate its microwave remote sensing capabilities</strong> through the radar image satellites series and attain operational geo imaging capability through GSAT or a Geo Imaging Satellite Series.</li>
<li>ISRO has also planned to <strong>progressively improve the payload capability of GSLV and its modules</strong>.</li>
<li>On the application side, the crop production estimation will be enhanced to cover 10 additional crops and ISRO will also provide vital inputs for water and energy security.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Achievements</h3>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #0472c7;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #0877cc;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Year</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #0877cc;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Achievement</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">1975</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">India&rsquo;s first satellite &lsquo;Aryabhata&rsquo; was launched</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">1979</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Bhaskara-1&nbsp;Satellites under Mission Rohini were launched</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1981</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) - ISRO&rsquo;s first indigenous, experimental communication satellite.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1983</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Commissioning of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system: One of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia Pacific Region.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1984</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Rakesh Sharma made history by becoming first and only Indian to travel to Space in Soviet Rocket.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1988</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Launch of first remote sensing mission IRS-1A.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1992</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">First multi-purpose satellite INSAT-2A was successfully operationalized.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1997</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Launched first fully operational satellite aboard a locally developed rocket PSLV.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">2002</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Kalpana-1: first dedicated meteorological satellite</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">2004</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">EDUSAT (GSAT-3): 1st Indian Satellite built exclusively to serve the educational sector.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">2005</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Launch of INSAT-4A from European Launch Vehicle: the first satellite to meet the requirement of DTH Television Services.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2008</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">Launch of Chandrayaan-1: Beginning of ISRO&rsquo;s Historic Moon Mission</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2013</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">
<p><span style="color: #000000;">IRNSS-1A Navigation satellite</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">MOM (Mars Orbiter Mission): India is the first nation to succeed on its first attempt to reach Mars.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2017</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Made World Record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously through the PSLV C-37 (38th successful mission of PSLV in a row)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">GSLV Mark-III (the heaviest rocket ever made by India)</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2018</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">Launch of India&rsquo;s Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-11</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Space &amp; ISRO</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Space Exploration in India began in 1960s. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was physicist and industrialist who initiated space research and helped in developing nuclear power in India. He is also popularly known as Father of India&rsquo;s Space Program.</li>
<li>Sarabhai was instrumental in establishing the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad after returning from Cambridge in 1947.</li>
<li>India launched its first sounding rocket from Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on 21 November 1963.</li>
<li>In 1962, an <strong>Indian National Committee for Space Research</strong> was set up. It laid the foundation of ISRO in 1969.</li>
<li>Indian Government established the Department of Space in June, 1972 and brought ISRO under it in September, 1972.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Recent Initiatives</h3>
<p><strong>For Youth:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Young Scientist Program (YSP):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO describes this program as the most important in their efforts to reach out to students.</li>
<li>Under the YSP, 3 students; eight standard pass will be selected from each of the 29 states and 7 UTs and they will spend one month at ISRO, during which they will be given lectures, access to Research and Development Lab and practical experience in building a small satellite. Dr. Sivan has underscored if the satellite is good, ISRO will launch it. <strong>Launch of Kalamsat is an example.</strong></li>
<li>This Program is similar to NASA&rsquo;s Student Outreach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incubation Centres:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO is to set up 6 incubation centres across the country to attract young talent having interest in Space Science.</li>
<li>An Incubation Centre has already been developed at Tripura for young scientists who can contribute in Space Science.</li>
<li>Navigation, Payload and Communication are the fields where students can contribute. Any model or technology developed by these students will be bought by ISRO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ISRO <strong>has tied up with National Institute of Technology (NIT)</strong> of Jaipur, Kurukshetra, Varanasi, Patna, Kanyakumari and Jammu. Young Scientists will be encouraged to develop not only satellites but also upgradation in technology as well.</li>
<li><strong>UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &amp; Training by ISRO):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The program provides an opportunity for the participant countries to strengthen their capabilities in assembling, integrating and testing nano-satellites.</li>
<li>It will be conducted for three years by the U.R. Satellite Centre at ISRO in three batches.</li>
<li>It may benefit officials of 45 countries. The first batch which started on 17th January has 30 delegates from 17 countries participating.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SAMVAD Program:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to inculcate or nurture space research further in young minds, ISRO, this year has launched a Student Outreach Program called Samvad with the students at its facility in Bengaluru.</li>
<li>The first event saw 40 students and 10 teachers from selected schools interacted with ISRO&rsquo;s Chairman, Dr. K Sivan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For Border Management:</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Home Ministry has accepted the recommendations made by a Task Force on the use of Space Technology.&nbsp;</strong>The Report compiled by the Task Force has identified the following areas for use the use of Space Technology :</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>to Strengthen Island Development,</li>
<li>Border Security,</li>
<li>Communication and Navigation (Air Force and Navy Force already have the Satellite for the Communication Purpose)</li>
<li>facilitate the development of Infrastructure at border and island areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>To execute the project in time bound manner, a short, medium and long term plan has been proposed for implementation in 5 years in close coordination with ISRO and MoD.</strong></p>
<p>In short term, immediate need of Border Guarding Forces (BGFs) will be met by procurement of High Resolution Imagery and the hiring of bandwidth for communications.</p>
<p>In the mid term, <strong>one satellite (all weather satellite) will be used by ISRO for the exclusive use of Ministry of Home Affairs</strong>.</p>
<p>Over the long term, MHA will develop ground segment and network infrastructure to share satellite resources with user agencies, will also develop a central archival facility for storing various imagery resources and dissemination of the same to user agencies.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;"></ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Deployment of central forces in the remote areas will be coordinated through &lsquo;Satellite Communication&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The Indian Regional Navigation System based GPS will be used to provide navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote, difficult borders and Naxal areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Despite undertaking various initiatives and launching several missions successfully, ISRO continues to explore the Space Technology, itself and its use in different fields like in Disaster Management, Infrastructure Development and so on.</em></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/space-tech-new-vistas'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Leprosy',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/788Drishti_ias_Leprosy.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/788Drishti_ias_Leprosy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mind-map/gs-paper2/leprosy-4'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a corpus of<strong> Rs. 2,000 crore for Agri Market Infrastructure Fund</strong> (AMIF) to be created with <strong>NABARD</strong> for development and upgradation of agricultural marketing infrastructure in rural agricultural markets.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund was<strong> announced in 2018 Budget</strong> for developing and upgrading agricultural marketing infrastructure in the<strong> 22,000 Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs)</strong> and <strong>585 Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).</strong></li>
<li>At present, GrAMs are being developed from<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> MGNREGA fund.</strong></a></li>
<li>The scheme being <strong>demand-driven,</strong> progress will depend on demand from states</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NABARD</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)</strong> came into existence on the <strong>recommendation of B. Sivaraman Committee.</strong></li>
<li>It was approved by the <strong>Parliament through Act of 1981</strong> and came into <strong>existence in 1982</strong> by transferring the agricultural credit functions of RBI and refinance functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC).</li>
<li><strong>Functions</strong> of NABARD:&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NABARD gives high priority to projects formed under the <strong>Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).</strong></li>
<li>It provides finance to <strong>support poverty alleviation</strong> programs run by IRDP.</li>
<li>It also makes the service area plan to provide backward and forward linkages and infrastructural support.</li>
<li>It seeks to <strong>establish linkages between Self-help Group (SHG)</strong> that are organized by voluntary agencies for poor and needy in rural areas and other official credit agencies.</li>
<li>It finances projects under the <strong>&lsquo;National Watershed Development Programme&lsquo;</strong> and the <strong>&lsquo;National Mission of Wasteland Development&lsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It also <strong>supervises the cooperative banks</strong> and <strong>Regional Rural Banks</strong> to periodically ensure the development of the rural financing and farmers&rsquo; welfare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Objectives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fund will provide <strong>subsidised loans to states and Union Territories</strong> for 585 APMC mandis and 10,000 GrAMs.</li>
<li>States can also utilise this fund for innovative integrated market infrastructure projects, including hub and spoke model and in private-public partnership mode.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More than <strong>86% of farmers in India are small and marginal</strong> who are not always in a position to directly transact at APMCs and other wholesale markets.</li>
<li>A network of rural godowns enables small farmers to enhance their holding capacity in order to sell their produce at remunerative prices and avoid distress sales.</li>
<li>Accordingly, Government of India launched<strong> &lsquo;Grameen Bhandaran Yojana&rsquo; in 2001</strong>, which has been subsumed into <strong>"Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)" from 2014.</strong></li>
<li>Main objectives of scheme include <strong>creation of scientific storage capacity</strong> with allied facilities in rural areas to meet out various requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, etc.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agri-market-infrastructure-fund'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (8th February 2019)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Statue of Guru Padmasambhava</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled a <strong>19-foot-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism,</strong> at Jirang in Gajapati district, Odisha.</li>
<li>This 29 tonne stone statue is placed in the middle of &lsquo;Padma Sarovar&rsquo;, a large tank near <strong>Padmasambhava Mahavihara, the largest Buddhist monastery in eastern India</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>The Dalai Lama had inaugurated Padmasambhava Mahavihara monastery in 2010.</strong> Tibetan refugees settled in this region over six decades ago.</li>
<li>Historians claim that<strong> Guru Padmasambhava, also known as second Buddha, was born and brought up in Odisha before he left for Tibet.</strong></li>
<li>The statue of Guru Padmasambhava has been sculpted by noted sculptor Padmashri Prabhakar Moharana.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rail tunnel for Vizhinjam port connectivity<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423765_image40.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423765_image40.png" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A 10.7-km railway line, including a 9.02-km tunnel, has been proposed to connect Balaramapuram station on the<strong> Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram railway line</strong> to the upcoming <strong>Vizhinjam International Multipurpose Deepwater Seaport.</strong></li>
<li>It will be the <strong>second longest railway tunnel of the country on completion after the Pir Panjal Tunnel which is in Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>The development of the Balaramapuram railway station is being explored as part of the rail link to the seaport.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ladakh&rsquo;s Dard Aryan Tribes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Dard Aryan tribe</strong> of Ladakh has requested the central government to intervene to protect their culture and legacy.</li>
<li>The &lsquo;Dard&rsquo; is derived from a <strong>Sanskrit word, &lsquo;Daradas&rsquo;,</strong> which refers to<strong> people who live on hillsides.</strong></li>
<li>Dard Aryan &mdash; <strong>believed to be the original descendants of &lsquo;pure Aryan race&rsquo;</strong> &mdash; tribe is known for its liberal customs and ornate costumes. Many researchers believe that the &lsquo;Aryans of Ladakh&rsquo; or the &lsquo;Brokpas&rsquo; were a part of Alexander&rsquo;s army and had come to the region over 2,000 years ago.</li>
<li>They live in the villages of Dha and Hanu (commonly called as Dhahanu), Darchik, and Gahanu - situated 163km southwest of Leh, the administrative capital of Ladakh.</li>
<li>The rich heritage of the Dard Aryans is under threat <strong>due to rapid modernization, migration and religious conversion.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>MarCo Cubesat</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NASA has lost contact with its<strong> two mini-satellites Mars Cube One (MarCO) named as MarCo-A and MarCo-B.</strong></li>
<li>MarCo CubeSats were launched along with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/insight-on-mars" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> InSights Mission</a> to serve as communication relays during its Mars landing.</li>
<li><strong>After InSight&rsquo;s landing, these spacecraft were launched further on their own trajectories to test if such low-cost technology can operate in deep space.</strong></li>
<li>CubeSats are a class of spacecraft based on a standardized small size and modular use of off-the-shelf technologies.</li>
<li>All previous CubeSats have orbited the Earth. <strong>MarCO was the first attempt to orbit another planet.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_8ZEAPrrHQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Lunar Lander Beresheet</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An<strong> Israeli nonprofit group</strong> is aiming to lead the first privately funded mission to land a probe on the moon.</li>
<li>The lunar lander named as <strong>Beresheet</strong> (Hebrew word: &ldquo;Genesis&rdquo;) will be launched by the group <strong>SpaceIL in support with Israel Aerospace Industries.</strong></li>
<li>It will carry instrumentation to <strong>measure the magnetic field of the moon,</strong> a <strong>laser-reflector provided by NASA</strong> and a<strong> time-capsule of cultural and historical Israeli artifacts.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Ujjwala Utsav</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The oil industry has observed Ujjwala Utsav celebrate the role played by all stakeholders &ndash; District Nodal Officers, Policymakers, Distributors, and beneficiaries &ndash; in making <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</a> a success.</li>
<li>The event was organized under the aegis of <strong>Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas.</strong></li>
<li>PMUY anthem &ndash; Ujjwala Bharat Ujjwala- was also launched during the event.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Atal Bhujal Yojana</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the <strong>World Bank has approved Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Sector</a>, Rs.6000 Crore scheme,</strong> for sustainable management of groundwater with community participation.</li>
<li>The <strong>funding pattern is 50:50 between Government of India and the World Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The identified over-exploited (OE) and water-stressed areas for the implementation of the scheme fall in the States of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>ABHY envisages active participation of the communities in various activities such as the formation of &lsquo;Water User Associations&rsquo;, monitoring and disseminating ground water data, water budgeting, preparation &amp; implementation of Gram-panchayat-wise water security plans and IEC activities related to sustainable groundwater management.</strong></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-8th-february-2019'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'International Intellectual Property (IP) Index: US Chamber of Commerce',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Acknowledging the<strong> improvement in India&rsquo;s innovation ecosystem,</strong> the <strong>US Chamber of Commerce</strong> has moved India up eight places in its <strong>international intellectual property (IP) index by ranking it 36<sup>th</sup> amongst 50 countries in 2019.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The improvement in India&rsquo;s performance is a result of specific reforms, including its <strong>accession to the WIPO Internet Treaties, the agreement to initiate a patent prosecution highway with international patent offices, a dedicated set of IP incentives for small businesses, and administrative reforms to address the patent backlog.</strong></li>
<li>However, the report noted that there were still substantial challenges regarding the country's patenting and IP enforcement environment.</li>
<li>The <strong>seventh edition titled &ldquo;Inspiring Tomorrow&rdquo;</strong>, analyses the IP climate in 50 world economies, based on 45 indicators critical to an innovation-led economy.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Intellectual Property Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation. It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 192 member states.</li>
<li>Its mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property (IP) system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.</li>
<li>Its mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which <strong>established WIPO in 1967.</strong></li>
<li>Some agreements under the ambit of WIPO:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Marrakesh Treaty</strong> for visually impaired patients</li>
<li><strong>Patent cooperation treaty</strong> in 1970</li>
<li><strong>Madrid system</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-intellectual-property-ip-index-us-chamber-of-commerce'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Will the 6,000 Farmer Payout Help?',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Will the ₹6,000 Farmer Payout Help?&rdquo; which appeared in The Hindu for 8th February 2019. In this editorial, we&rsquo;ll discuss the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi i.e. PM-KISAN, scheme.)</p>
</div>
<p>With a view to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), t<strong>he government launched the new Central Sector Scheme, namely, &ldquo;Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)&rdquo; in the current financial year.</strong></p>
<p>The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, <strong>announced in the Interim Budget</strong>, is one of the biggest scheme launched by the Government of India till date for providing structured support to small and marginal farmers.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/419drishti_ias_farm.jpg" style="float: right;" width="368" height="207" /></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Under the scheme, ₹6,000 per year will be provided</strong> to farmers holding cultivable land of <strong>up to two hectares.</strong></li>
<li>The scheme will be implemented with an estimated expenditure of ₹1 lakh crore till 2019-20,<strong> benefiting 12.50 crore small and marginal farmer families.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The PM-KISAN scheme aims<strong> to supplement the financial needs</strong> of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.</li>
<li><strong>This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders</strong> for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s current agrarian crisis has created a chance to use this <strong>innovative economic policy. This scheme is one of the solutions.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Smaller the landholding, the greater the need for financial support.</strong> Most of the farmers in India have small holdings and this scheme is a small positive step in addressing their needs.</li>
<li><strong>This is a Central Sector Scheme and will be funded fully by the Government of India.</strong> The guidelines of the scheme have been already issued. It will not burden state governments.</li>
<li>The government has developed a portal for managing the scheme (http://pmkisan.nic.in), which has gone live.</li>
<li><strong>The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare will transfer the benefit directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries.</strong> The States have to upload the data of the beneficiaries on the portal which will minimize the leakages through corruption and interference of middlemen.</li>
<li>It will help the farmers, who grow non-MSP commodities, and farmers affected by adverse terms of trade, including depressed international prices.</li>
<li><strong>Government is also trying to bring all farmers into the fold of institutional credit.</strong> The target is to bring more than six crore farmers into the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) regime. This will help farmers to get out of the vicious credit circle.</li>
<li><strong>An assured income can also encourage farmers to boost productivity and help them earn more.</strong> The cash received, if invested in agriculture for higher returns, will be a support to the credit and insurance systems and promote agricultural growth in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drawbacks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The genesis of the current crisis lies in the faulty and ad hoc export-import policy, lack of infrastructure and cartelization and collusion in agricultural markets, which have prevented farmers from realizing the market prices for agricultural produce.</strong></li>
<li>Cash transfers do nothing to resolve any of these, nor are they any guarantee of protection against unforeseen events, whether natural or policy-induced.</li>
<li><strong>It is neither a substitute for the structural reforms needed</strong> in agriculture nor does it adequately compensate the farmer for the risks and uncertainty of crop cultivation.</li>
<li>The current crisis may have worsened due to the sharp fall in agricultural crop prices, but is finally a result of multiple failures of policy. But it is also a crisis which is caused by the failure of the non-farm sector in creating enough jobs as is evident from the deceleration in real wages in rural areas.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of land records</strong> bank details and the absence of proper tenancy records will also benefit the absentee landlords.</li>
<li>There are concerns at operational level land record reconciliation, digitization of land records, costs incurred in the consolidation of land records.</li>
<li>The situation is slightly more complicated in the northeastern States, as land ownership rights in the region are community-based, making it difficult to identify beneficiaries.</li>
<li>The mammoth drive of implementing PM-KISAN can increase opportunity costs of critical (human) resources, operational risks and, eventually, shoot up operating expenses and strain the fiscal health of concerned states.</li>
<li><strong>The farm crisis is real.</strong> Admittedly, it is not a recent phenomenon. Farmers with two hectares of land want not just ₹2,000 every four months, as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi promises. That is not even enough to fill diesel in their hired tractors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is important to keep in mind that the average annual income of small and marginal farmers is well below the average income of all farmers. <strong>The benefit being given to small and marginal farmers through PM-KISAN will provide them assured supplemental income and also meet their emergent expenses, especially immediately after harvest</strong>.</li>
<li>New India requires modern irrigation facilities. It needs seeds and scientific and modern technological knowledge that can help and guide in reducing costs. It needs a rapid transition to cost-effective organic farming. It needs timely delivery of inputs and transport systems to enable commercialization of agricultural products and activities. It does not need doles.</li>
<li>The answer, of course, is to build rural infrastructure in markets and give tariff protection against subsidized imports. But urban interests become a constraint.</li>
<li><strong>The Interim Budget has rhetoric, but the NITI Aayog, which wrote this, does not have any fund allocation powers, unlike the reformed Chinese planning set-up where strategic plans are buttressed with funds.</strong></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/will-the-6000-farmer-payout-help'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Leprosy',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>World Leprosy Day is observed on the <strong>last Sunday of January.</strong> It seeks to increase public awareness about leprosy and focuses on the target of zero cases of leprosy-related disabilities in children.</li>
<li>The theme for the 2019 World Leprosy Day is <strong>&lsquo;ending discrimination, stigma, and prejudice&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>In India, it is celebrated on the 30th January chosen as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi who had a lifelong compassion for people affected by leprosy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Leprosy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Leprosy is also known as <strong>Hansen&rsquo;s Disease.</strong>&nbsp;Leprosy is a chronic, progressive <strong>bacterial infection.</strong> It is caused by a bacterium called <strong>Mycobacterium Leprae,</strong> which is an acid-fast rod-shaped bacillus. It is a disease that leaves a terrifying image in its wake of mutilation, rejection, and exclusion from society.</li>
<li>Leprosy is <strong>one of the oldest diseases in recorded history</strong>, afflicting humanity since time immemorial. A written account of Leprosy date as far back as 600 B.C.</li>
<li>It was well recognized in the oldest civilizations of China, Egypt and India thousands of years ago. Genetic evidence supports the existence of Leprosy infections in hundred-thousand-year-old remains.</li>
<li><strong>Areas of Infection:</strong> Skin, Peripheral nerves, Upper respiratory tract and Lining of the nose.</li>
<li><strong>Mode of Transmission:</strong> Mainly by breathing airborne droplets from the affected individuals. It can be contacted at any age.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms</strong>: Red patches on the skin, skin lesion, numbness in arms, hands, and legs, ulcers on the soles of feet, muscle Weakness and excessive weight loss.</li>
<li>It usually takes about 3-5 years for symptoms to appear after coming into contact with Leprosy causing bacteria. The long incubation period makes it difficult for doctors to determine when and where the person got infected.</li>
<li>If not treated on time, Leprosy <strong>can lead to significant disability, disfigurement, permanent nerve damage</strong> in arms and legs and even loss of sensation in the body.</li>
<li><strong>Cure:</strong> Leprosy is curable with the combination of drugs known as Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Concerns on the Government's claim on Elimination of Leprosy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As per official data, 135485 new Leprosy cases were detected during 2016-17 that is one leprosy case was&nbsp;diagnosed every four minutes.</li>
<li>The underreporting of cases has made the leprosy database unreliable source creating difficulties in the timely treatment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>World Health Organisation&rsquo;s Global Leprosy Strategy (2016)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The key interventions as provided in WHO&rsquo;s Global Leprosy Strategy include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Detecting cases early</strong> before visible disabilities occur, with a special focus on children as a way to reduce disabilities and reduce transmission;</li>
<li><strong>Targeting detection among higher risk groups</strong> through campaigns in highly endemic areas or communities; and</li>
<li><strong>Improving health care coverage</strong> and access for marginalized populations.</li>
<li>Leprosy Endemic countries need to include other specific strategic interventions like:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Screening all close contacts of persons affected by leprosy.</li>
<li>Promoting a shorter and uniform treatment regimen.</li>
<li>Incorporating specific interventions against stigmatization and discrimination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken by India to Eliminate Leprosy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Govt. of India started the National Leprosy Control Programme in 1955. It was only in 1970s that a definite cure was identified in the form of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).</li>
<li>The 1st Phase of the World Bank supported the <strong>National Leprosy Elimination Project</strong> started from 1993-94.</li>
<li>In the year 2001, after the global elimination was achieved, India was among the 14 countries that missed the target of eliminating leprosy.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The <strong>National Leprosy Eradication Programme</strong> that was launched after this, achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem, defined as less than 1 case per 10,000 Population, at the National Level in December 2005.</li>
<li>In 2016, the draconian colonial era&rsquo;s <strong>Lepers Act was repealed.</strong></li>
<li>In 2017, <strong>the SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign</strong> was launched to promote awareness and address the issues of stigma and discrimination.</li>
<li>The measures included in the <strong>campaign like contact tracing, examination, treatment, and chemoprophylaxis</strong> are expected to bring down the number of Leprosy cases.</li>
<li>The <strong>special emphasis on women, children and those with disabilities</strong> are expected to flush out more hidden cases.</li>
<li>In addition to continuing to administer MDT to patients, <strong>new preventive approaches such as Chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis</strong> are being considered to break the chain of transmission and reach zero disease status.</li>
<li>In 2019, Lok Sabha passed a Bill seeking to <strong>remove Leprosy as a ground for divorce.</strong></li>
<li>In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October 2019, the NLEP has prepared the comprehensive plan to <strong>reduce the grade to disability to less than one case per million people by October 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2018 the Supreme Court directed states and the Central government to roll out <strong>awareness programmes about leprosy.</strong> The court said campaigns should utilize positive images and stories of those who had been cured.</li>
<li>India should <strong>integrate leprosy care with other areas of healthcare</strong> so that the perception of it being a dreadful disease that has to be treated separately disappears.</li>
<li>WHO strategy document for the year 2016&ndash;2020 calls for <strong>promoting inter-sectoral collaboration within countries</strong>. Associations like Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL), oldest leprosy association of India, should be the official partner of NLEP.</li>
<li>The <strong>dermatologists should be included and assigned</strong> <strong>an active role</strong>&nbsp;in the leprosy programme.</li>
<li>Leprosy Patients often suffer from mental illness like depression and anxiety due to the discrimination and the stigma, that they are subjected to, by society.<strong> An inclusive environment,</strong> in which patients do not hesitate to come forward for diagnosis and treatment at any health facility must be created.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/268Drishti_ias_Leprosy.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/268Drishti_ias_Leprosy.png" /></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/leprosy-health-gs-2'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture - Interim Budget: Three Big Takeaways',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B7IfVVID7Yo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The government on 1st February announced the &lsquo;Interim Budget&rsquo;. Three big takeaways from the budget include:</p>
<p><strong>Monthly Pensions for workers in Unorganized Sector, PM-KISAN Scheme for farmers, and Rebate announced for the people having a salary of Rs 5 lakh or below.</strong></p>
<h3>Unorganized Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the<strong> largest &lsquo;Employing Sector&rsquo;</strong> that witnesses the largest growth but does not get coverage in any statistical data.</li>
<li><strong>India is far behind the South American countries</strong> which have monetized the wealth of informal economy by monetizing the professions of people in that economy.</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Pension Scheme has been announced</strong>, that assures, a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 to unorganized sector workers, after 60 years of age.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of the Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announcement of the Scheme is a move to recognize the contribution of the unorganized sector to the Indian Economy.</li>
<li>The announced Scheme recognizes that &lsquo;people in the unorganized sector also have a right to retire with dignity&rsquo; and will bring them with par with other sectors of the economy.</li>
<li>More than Just a Scheme: <strong>Not just problem of Enumeration will get solved, but also Government will be able to know their needs and problems and thus will be able to provide some other benefits to them.</strong></li>
<li>Implementation of the Scheme is a major challenge as about 10-20 Crore people will enroll as the beneficiary under the Scheme.</li>
<li><strong>Linking the Scheme with &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo; can further improve the implementation of this scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Farmers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India, still, is an agricultural economy as many people depend on agriculture for their livelihood.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s Agricultural economy is currently under stress and so the farmers, which has resulted in a decrease in rural consumption expenditure.</li>
<li><strong>PM-KISAN SAMMAN NIDHI Scheme has been announced</strong>, under which, direct cash transfer of Rs. 6,000 per annum would be made to farmers owning land less than two hectares. The transfer of amount will be done in three equal installments. The scheme will cost the government Rs 75,000 crore per year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of the Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>12 Crore people will get benefit from this scheme.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, the direct transfer will take place that is for the first time, cash will directly go into the hands of beneficiaries (farmers).</li>
<li><strong>Huge Benefit:</strong> Some State Governments like Telangana are already having a similar scheme. It is expected that other states will also soon have a similar scheme that will benefit the farmers in a big way.</li>
<li><strong>Boost to Rural Economy:</strong> Transfer of money will lead to an increase in consumption expenditure, which <g class="gr_ gr_255 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="255" data-gr-id="255">in</g> the result, will lead to higher rural growth.</li>
<li>Managing Fiscal Discipline and arranging funds for financing the scheme are the two major challenges.</li>
<li>Increase in fiscal deficit up to 0.1% is bearable, the government can go up to that limit. Scientific Analysis of all schemes is another solution. Schemes that are not benefitting or are identical in nature can be removed from the government&rsquo;s budget.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tax Rebate</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Full tax rebate under Section 87A has been announced</strong>, for the individual taxpayers, having taxable annual income up to Rs. 5, 00,000.</li>
<li>About 3 crore and 40 lakh people i.e. 60% of the total taxpayers will benefit from the rebate. Beneficiaries, in general, will be small and middle-class taxpayers.</li>
<li><strong>This rebate combined with other things announced in the budget</strong> (like the increase in interest on small savings, rental income roll over etc.) will benefit such individuals hugely.</li>
<li>Overall, Government, through these three big announcements, has tried to focus on the problems faced by farmers and the most neglected section of society i.e. Unorganized Workers and at the same time has managed to impress the largest Voting Class i.e. Middle-Income People. How all these announcements get turned into reality, is what, everyone is looking forward to. The government needs to prepare itself, for the challenges, which will come on its way, while implementing the announced schemes/benefits.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>Budget</strong></p>
<p>Every year in the month of February, Government of India presents an annual budget, comprising:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Statement of income and expenses, made in the previous year.</li>
<li>Estimates of Receipts and Expenses of government for the current year.</li>
<li>Indian Constitution does not contain the term &lsquo;budget&rsquo;. In place of &lsquo;Budget&rsquo;, it mentions the term &lsquo;Annual Financial Statement&rsquo; under Article 112.</li>
<li>During an election year like 2019, it becomes unrealistic for the ruling government to announce a regular budget as it is possible that the incoming government may have different proposals related to the budget. But at the same time, the ruling government also needs parliamentary approval to incur expenses in the new fiscal year, till new government comes into being. So, Ruling Government either opts for &lsquo;interim Budget&rsquo; or for &lsquo;Vote on Account&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Interim Budget</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Interim Budget is a statement that comprises of detailed documentation of every expense that the government will incur and every penny that government will make in the coming few months until the new government comes into power. It also includes income and expenses, made last year.</li>
<li>It is different from the regular budget on the following aspects:</li>
<li>The interim budget includes documentation of expenses until the election, whereas a regular budget includes estimates of expenditure for the full year.</li>
<li>Also generally, major policy changes are not announced in the interim budget.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Vote on Account</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a special provision by which the government obtains Parliament&rsquo;s nod for funds, sufficient to incur expenditure for a part of the year, enabling it to incur expenses for a short period of time or until a full Budget is passed.</li>
<li>It is generally taken for two months for a sum equivalent to one-sixth of the estimated expenditure for the entire year. But it can also be for a slightly longer period of time i.e. for three to four months as well, generally seen during an election year.</li>
<li>It is different from the regular and interim budget as it deals only with the expenditure side of the government&rsquo;s budget. Also, unlike regular budget, Vote on Account is generally for two months and government through it, cannot alter direct taxes.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-interim-budget-three-big-takeaways'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The Union Cabinet has approved <strong>International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019</strong> which seeks to <strong>establish a unified authority</strong> for regulating all financial services in<strong> International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India.</strong></p>
<h3>International Financial Service Centre (IFSC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An IFSC caters to customers <strong>outside the jurisdiction</strong> of the domestic economy. Such centres deal with <strong>flows of finance, financial products</strong> and services <strong>across borders.</strong></li>
<li>An expert panel headed by former <strong>World Bank economist Percy Mistry</strong> submitted a report on making <strong>Mumbai an international financial centre in 2007.</strong> However, the global financial crisis in 2008 made countries including India cautious about rapidly opening up their financial sectors.</li>
<li>In India, IFSC has been <strong>defined in SEZ Act, 2005.</strong> As per the act:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Central Government may approve the setting up</strong> of an International Financial Service Centre in a Special Economic Zone and may prescribe the requirements for setting up and operation of such centre.</li>
<li>The Central Government shall approve <strong>only one International Financial Services Centre in a Special Economic Zone.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since India has <strong>many restrictions on the financial sector</strong>, such as <strong>partial capital account convertibility, high SLR (statutory liquidity ratio) requirements and foreign investment restrictions</strong>, an SEZ can serve as a testing ground for financial sector reforms before they are rolled out in the entire nation.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Special Economic Zone (SEZ)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) <strong>Policy was announced in April 2000.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Special Economic Zones Act, 2005</strong>, was passed by Parliament in May, 2005 and <strong>came into effect in 2006.</strong></li>
<li>SEZs addresses the issue of multiplicity of controls and clearances, have world-class infrastructure, and a stable fiscal regime.</li>
<li>SEZs focus on economic growth supported by quality infrastructure complemented by an attractive fiscal package, both at the Centre and the State level, <strong>with the minimum possible regulations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), located in Gandhinagar</strong> is India&rsquo;s<strong> first International Financial Services Centre.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, the banking, capital markets and insurance sectors in IFSC are <strong>regulated by multiple regulators, i.e. RBI, SEBI and IRDAI.</strong></li>
<li>The dynamic nature of business in the IFSCs necessitates a <strong>high degree of inter-regulatory coordination</strong>. It also requires regular clarifications and frequent amendments in the existing regulations governing financial activities in IFSCs.</li>
<li>The development of financial services and products in IFSCs would <strong>require focussed and dedicated regulatory interventions.</strong> Hence, a need for a<strong> unified financial regulator for IFSCs in India</strong> to provide world class regulatory environment to financial market participants.</li>
<li>Further, this would also be essential from an <strong>ease of doing business perspective.</strong> The unified authority would also provide the much needed impetus to further development of IFSC in India<strong> in-sync with the global best practices.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Salient Features of the Authority</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Composition:</strong> The Authority shall consist of a<strong> Chairperson</strong>, <strong>one Member each</strong> to be nominated by the<strong> Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA),</strong> <strong>two members</strong> to be dominated by the Central Government and two other whole-time or full-time or part-time members.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> The Authority shall <strong>regulate all such</strong> financial services, financial products and Financial Institutions in an IFSC. It may also <strong>recommend to the Central Government</strong> such other financial products, financial services and financial institutions which may be permitted in the IFSCs.</li>
<li><strong>Powers:</strong> All powers exercisable by the respective financial sector regulatory (viz. RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA etc.) under the respective Acts shall be <strong>solely exercised by the Authority in the IFSCs</strong> in so far as the regulation of financial products, financial services and FIs that are permitted in the IFSC are concerned.</li>
<li><strong>Processes and procedures:</strong> The processes and procedures to be followed by the Authority shall be governed in accordance with the provisions of the respective Acts of Parliament of India applicable to such financial products, services or institutions, as the case may be.</li>
<li><strong>Grants by the Central Govt.:</strong> The Central Govt. may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Authority grants of such sums of money as the Central Government may think fit for being utilized for the purposes of the Authority.</li>
<li><strong>Transactions in foreign currency:</strong> The transactions of financial services in the IFSCs <strong>shall be done in the foreign currency</strong> as specified by the Authority in consultation with the Central Govt.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-financial-services-centres-authority-bill-2019'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'India’s First Career Portal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>The <strong>Rajasthan government</strong> launched <strong>India&rsquo;s first &ldquo;career portal&rdquo;</strong> to address the needs of <strong>secondary and higher secondary students (from class 9th to 12th)</strong> for information on <strong>scholarships and career choices.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The portal launched with the <strong>support of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)</strong> is expected to help the students take <strong>&ldquo;informed decisions&rdquo;</strong> about their <strong>academic and professional pursuits.</strong></li>
<li>By enabling the students to choose their career path matching with their aspirations, interest, inclination and aptitude, the portal would reduce dropouts at various stages in schools and improve retention in jobs.</li>
<li>The portal was <strong>developed by UNICEF</strong> after an assessment of needs, awareness and perspective of students, teachers and system functionaries.</li>
<li>It will provide <strong>information</strong> on 200 vocational and 237 professional careers, 455 employment avenues, 960 scholarships, 955 competitive examinations and 10,000 institutions of higher education to the students from Classes IX to XII.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Rajasthan?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>UNICEF had selected Rajasthan for launching the portal because of its <strong>track record in employment-oriented education.</strong></li>
<li>Most of the boys and girls in the State were <strong>keen to join the workforce as soon as they finished Class X or XII</strong>. Besides, the assessment revealed a substantial progress in terms of <strong>gender equality among the students.</strong></li>
<li>According to the assessment conducted by UNICEF, <strong>two largest sources of career information</strong> for students are<strong> teachers and family members.</strong> About 69% of students mentioned that they were using Internet for their career-related queries, which indicates that the <strong>adolescents will quickly learn to use the career portal.</strong></li>
<li>The establishment of<strong> Rajiv Gandhi Career Counselling Cell</strong> for adolescents and youths was also announced. The cell will link school and college students with skill development programmes and internship opportunities in the pursuit of their career choices.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund was created by the<strong> United Nations General Assembly in 1946,</strong> to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been <strong>devastated by World War II.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>1950, its mandate was broadened</strong> to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. UNICEF became a <strong>permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953.</strong></li>
<li>UNICEF is <strong>headquartered in New York, USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-first-career-portal'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (7th February 2019)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the establishment of <strong>Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Conservation protection and development of cows and their progeny</strong> in pursuance of the announcement in the Union Budget 2019-20.</li>
<li>Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will lead to <strong>conservation, protection, and development of the cattle population in the country</strong> including the development and conservation of indigenous breeds.</li>
<li>It will result in <strong>increased growth of the livestock sector</strong> which is more inclusive, benefiting women, and small and marginal farmers.</li>
<li>The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will work<strong> in collaboration with Veterinary, Animal Sciences or Agriculture University or departments or organizations of the Central/State Government</strong> engaged in the task of research in the field of breeding and rearing of the cow, organic manure, biogas etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sri Lanka To Re-introduce Death Penalty</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sri Lanka has decided to end the country&rsquo;s moratorium on capital punishment</strong> due to an upsurge in drug-related crimes.</li>
<li>Sri Lanka had imposed a moratorium on the capital punishment penalty in 1976.</li>
<li>Human rights groups have criticized the decision and said that there is no evidence that carrying out executions would serve as a deterrent to drug use or trafficking.</li>
<li><strong>Global Trends</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of October 2018, 170 States have either abolished the death penalty or introduced a moratorium on its use.</li>
<li>However, 23 states including India, have carried out at least one execution in the past decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/is-time-to-abolish-the-death-penalty%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Death Penalty Debate</a></p>
<h3>2018 Was the 4th Hottest Year</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to<strong> U.N.&rsquo;s World Meteorological Organisation</strong>, report <strong>2018 is set to be the fourth warmest year in recorded history,</strong> stressing the urgent need for action to rein in runaway planetary warming.</li>
<li><strong>WMO concluded that average global surface temperature in 2018 was 1&deg;C (1.8&deg;F) above pre-industrial baseline levels.</strong></li>
<li>2016, boosted by a strong El Nino remains the hottest year on record.</li>
<li>The WMO said that the 20 warmest years in history all occurred within the last 22 years.</li>
<li>The WMO said heightened temperatures also contributed to a number of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts and flash flooding.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</strong> is an intergovernmental organization with a membership of 192 Member States and Territories.</li>
<li>It originated from the<strong> International Meteorological Organization (IMO),</strong> which was established after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.</li>
<li><strong>Established by the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23 March 1950,</strong> WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.</li>
<li>WMO is headquartered in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-february-2019'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Visa crackdown: On Indian Students’ Arrest',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Visa crackdown: On Indian Students&rsquo; Arrest&rdquo; which appeared in The Hindu for 5th February 2019. In this editorial, we&rsquo;ll discuss the current issue where Indian Students Trapped in <g class="gr_ gr_108 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="108" data-gr-id="108">United</g> States.)</p>
</div>
<p><strong>More than 100 Indian students have been charged with violating the immigration laws </strong><g class="gr_ gr_114 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="114" data-gr-id="114">the in</g><strong> US after they were caught enrolling in a fake university.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/580Student Visa.jpg" width="469" height="235" style="float: right; border-width: 5px; margin: 5px;" caption="false" /></strong></p>
<p>The arrest of Indian students on the charge of <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="107" data-gr-id="107">wilfully</g> violating immigration laws to stay and work in the United States sends a stark message to youth looking for better prospects abroad: their efforts should begin with due diligence and strictly follow the letter of the law.</p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Nearly six lakh Indian students are studying in 86 countries across the world.</strong> USA, Canada and Australia account for two-thirds of this number.</li>
<li>Currently, an estimated 2.5 lakh Indian students are enrolled in American universities.</li>
<li><strong>In the United States, foreign students are granted what are called "F" and "M" visas to study in the USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>Types of Student Visa to study in the U.S</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>F visa:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>F-1 visas for full-time students.</li>
<li>F-2 visas for dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21). This includes same-sex married couples.</li>
<li>F-3 visas for &lsquo;border commuters&rsquo; &ndash; Mexican and Canadian students who reside in their country of origin while attending part- or full-time school in the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>M visa</strong>:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>M-1 visas for students engaging in vocational or non-academic studies.</li>
<li>M-2 visas for dependents of M-1 visa holders (as in F-2 visas).</li>
<li>M-3 visas for &lsquo;border commuters&rsquo; as in F-3 visas, but for vocational or non-academic studies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>J visas</strong> for exchange students on a relevant exchange program.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the country's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency,<strong> foreign students must maintain their legal status by enrolling in a varsity</strong> certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. <strong>If this is not done, it is considered to be a case of immigration fraud.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>University of Farmington case in Michigan is not the first instance of Indian students falling foul of U.S. immigration laws</strong>, although it stands apart as a racket exposed by a sting operation. Others such as Tri-Valley University and Herguan University were degree mills run by individuals that used false claims and documents to enable youth to unlawfully stay in the U.S. and, in many cases, pursue employment.</li>
<li><strong>The prosecution has alleged that each student who enrolled in the &lsquo;university&rsquo; was aware that there would be no classes, credit scores or academic requirements, and the intention was merely to &ldquo;pay to stay&rdquo; and gain access to employment.</strong></li>
<li>Immigration attorneys have criticised authorities for using "troubling" methods to trap the students. They said the students were not aware of the varsity's illegitimate operation. Eminent Indian-Americans and some media outlets have also questioned the modus operandi of the US government in busting the racket, saying<strong> "trapping of innocent students" is a "crime".</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Measures</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India obtained consular access and provided legal assistance to 117 of the 129 Indian students</strong> detained in the US for allegedly enrolling in a fake university. The Indian government has closely monitored and taken proactive measures to deal with the detention of Indian students in the US.</li>
<li>The Indian embassy has also set up a<strong> 24x7 helpline for students.</strong></li>
<li>The MEA further said they were assisting the Indian students in <strong>obtaining legal advice and connecting them with community support services.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Students who are eligible to pursue studies at an authorised university in the U.S. should, therefore, get a further opportunity and not be subjected to summary deportation or humiliation. <strong>It must also not prejudice the prospects of such students who may apply in future for legal entry.</strong></li>
<li><strong>These trends reinforce the need for good communication that would help students identify credentialed institutions</strong> that meet the requirements of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and highlight the serious nature of visa fraud.</li>
<li>This should serve as a reminder to India&rsquo;s policymakers that access to higher education, job-creation and raising of living standards to meet the aspirations of youth must receive priority. <strong>Talk of an impending demographic dividend is meaningless without creating opportunities at home.</strong></li>
</ul>',
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		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Melting Glaciers in Hindu Kush Himalayas',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently, The <strong>Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment study</strong> has been released by the<strong> International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is of critical importance, given that it holds <strong>the largest ice mass after the North and South Poles</strong>, and has been on a constant warming trend since the 1970s.</li>
<li>The study warns that if global efforts to limit global warming to below 2&deg;C above pre-industrial levels fail, it could lead to <strong>the melting of two-thirds of the region&rsquo;s glaciers by 2100</strong>.</li>
<li>This trend could be catastrophic, given that there are 8,790 glacial lakes in the region, of which 203 could lead to floods from <strong>glacial lake outbursts</strong>. On an average, 76 events of natural hazard occur every year in the Hindu Kush, with China accounting for 25 and India 18.</li>
<li>The <strong>Indo-Gangetic Plain</strong>, an extremely polluted region, has <strong>amplified the effects of greenhouse gases</strong>. Deposits of <strong>black carbon</strong> and dust have <strong>sped up the melting</strong> of Hindu Kush glaciers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adverse Effect</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Destabilizing Rivers</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increasing glacial melts could destabilize rivers by changing their stream flow.</li>
<li>The <strong>Indus could witness more stream flow due to high glacial melt till 2050</strong>, after which the flow would start reducing due to decreasing glacial melt.</li>
<li>The Ganga and the Brahmaputra, which are mainly monsoon-fed rivers, will also see variations, as pre-monsoon flows may decline. This will hamper agriculture that accounts for the largest share of water usage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on Monsoons</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Hindu Kush range exerts a significant influence on seasonal shifts in the monsoon circulation and the distribution of rainfall over Asia in summer.</li>
<li>Changing monsoon patterns, including <strong>increased severity and frequency of storms</strong>, could lead to mountain hazards that may destroy critical infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forced Environmental Migration</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Forced migration could occur with an increase in the incidence and magnitude of extreme events such as floods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a <strong>regional intergovernmental</strong> learning and knowledge sharing centre.</li>
<li>It has <strong>eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya</strong> &ndash; <strong>Afghanistan</strong>, <strong>Bangladesh</strong>, <strong>Bhutan</strong>, <strong>China</strong>, <strong>India</strong>, <strong>Myanmar</strong>, <strong>Nepal</strong>, and <strong>Pakistan</strong> &ndash; and based in <strong>Kathmandu</strong>, Nepal.</li>
<li>Globalization and climate change have an increasing influence on the stability of fragile mountain ecosystems and the livelihoods of mountain people.</li>
<li>ICIMOD aims to assist mountain people to understand these changes, adapt to them, and make the most of new opportunities, while addressing upstream-downstream issues.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/himalayan-glaciers-impacted-by-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Himalayan Glaciers Impacted by Climate Change</a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Witness Protection Scheme 2018',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court on December 5, approved the Witness Protection Scheme 2018 which aimed at enabling a witness to depose fearlessly and truthfully.</li>
<li>While the scheme is pending in the Parliament, the Supreme Court has ordered to imply the scheme immediately in all the states and the scheme would be the law of the land.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SC held that the <strong>Right of witnesses</strong> to testify freely in courts is part of <strong>Article 21 (Right to Life).</strong></li>
<li>The court said that the scheme will be the law under <strong>Article 141/142</strong> of the Constitution of India.</li>
<li>The bench has also asked all States and UTs to set up <strong>vulnerable witness deposition complexes</strong>, these rooms will be equipped with facilities to prevent the accused and witness coming face to face.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Arcticles 141 and 142</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 141:</strong> The law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India.</li>
<li><strong>Article 142 (1):</strong> The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or orders so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.</li>
<li><strong>Article 142 (2):</strong> Subject to the provisions of any law made in this behalf by Parliament, the Supreme Court shall, as respects the whole of the territory of India, have all and every power to make <g class="gr_ gr_269 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="269" data-gr-id="269">any</g> order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.<br /><br /></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, known as Asaram Bapu by his followers, a religious leader, was convicted by the Rajasthan High Court under rape case.</li>
<li>As the cases went through courts, three witnesses were killed and others were attacked or threatened.</li>
<li>The issue came up when the Supreme Court was hearing public interest litigation (PIL) plea seeking protection for witnesses in Asaram Bapu rape cases.</li>
<li>The Bench said witnesses feared serious consequences if they deposed against Asaram.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why the Witness Protection Scheme?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The need to protect witnesses has been emphasized by Law Commission reports and court judgments for years.</li>
<li>Such as the <strong>State of Gujarat v. Anirudh Singh (1997), 14th Law Commission Report and Malimath Committee Report</strong> has recommended for witness protection scheme.</li>
<li>Victims and witnesses of serious crimes are particularly at risk when the perpetrator is powerful, influential, or rich and the victims or witnesses belong to a socially or economically marginalized community.</li>
<li>Girls and women who report sexual violence are often even more vulnerable and face extreme pressure or direct threats from the accused.</li>
<li>Also, witnesses need to have the confidence to come forward to assist law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities. They need to be assured that they will receive support and protection.</li>
<li>Until now, there have been ad hoc steps such as few dedicated courtrooms for vulnerable witnesses mostly child victims and concealing the identity of witnesses in anti-terrorism etc have been unsuccessful to prevent witnesses.</li>
<li>Hence, legislative measures to emphasize prohibition against tampering of witnesses have become the imminent and inevitable need of the day.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Witness Protection Scheme 2018</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme is India&rsquo;s first Witness Protection Scheme, aimed at providing appropriate protection to the witnesses by the State.</li>
<li>The draft witness protection scheme has been finalized in consultation with the <strong>National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).</strong></li>
<li>The scheme shall extend to the whole of India except the State of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</li>
<li>The scheme identifies <strong>three categories</strong> of witnesses as per threat perception:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Category A:</strong> Those cases where threat extends to the life of witness or family members during the investigation, trial or even thereafter.</li>
<li><strong>Category B:</strong> Those cases where the threat extends to safety, reputation or property of the witness or family members during the investigation or trial.</li>
<li><strong>Category C:</strong> Cases where the threat is moderate and extends to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family members, reputation or property during the investigation, trial or thereafter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme provides for <strong>Witness Protection Fund</strong>:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The expenses for the programme will be met from this fund.</li>
<li>The states will make annual budgetary allocation for the fund.</li>
<li>It will be established and operated by the Department/Ministry of Home under States and Union Territories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme calls for preparation of a<strong> &lsquo;Threat Analysis Report&rsquo;</strong> of the witness by the Commissioner/SSP when witness applies for protection.</li>
<li><strong>The Witness Protection Order</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an order passed by the <strong>Competent Authority</strong> and it will be implemented by the <strong>Witness Protection Cell</strong> of the State/UT.</li>
<li>The Competent Authority is the one who is empowered under the Scheme to pass orders for the protection of the witness such as, <strong>Secretary District Legal Services Authority(DLSA)</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Witness Protection Application and process:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An application can be filed for seeking protection order under this scheme.</li>
<li>Competent Authority passes an order for Threat Analysis Report after receiving the application.</li>
<li>The Commissioner of Police in Commissionerates/ SSP in District Police investigating the case shall categorize the threat.</li>
<li>An application shall be disposed of within five working days of receipt of Threat Analysis Report.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Change of Identity</strong> in appropriate cases, where there is a request from the witness for the change of identity.</li>
<li><strong> Types of Protection measures</strong> includes providing a police escort to the witness up to the courtroom, in more complex cases taking extraordinary measures such as offering temporary residence in a safe house, giving a new identity, and relocation at an undisclosed place and also measures such as close protection, regular patrolling around the witness&rsquo;s house.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Significance of the Witness Protection Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This scheme attempts to ensure that witnesses receive appropriate and adequate protection.</li>
<li>Through this scheme, it would result in providing support to the threatened and vulnerable witnesses and gain their confidence in delivering information for justice.</li>
<li>Facilities such as camera trial, proximate physical protection and anonymizing of testimony and references to witnesses in the records would provide better protection.</li>
<li>It will also strengthen the criminal justice system in the country and will consequently enhance National Security Scenario.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The witness protection programme will pose logistical and financial challenges.</li>
<li>Invariance with the Law Commission&rsquo;s recommendation, the scheme is to be funded by budgetary support from State governments and donations.</li>
<li>Change of Identity needs to be done without undermining the witness professional and property rights and educational qualifications.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The witnesses are &ldquo;eyes and ears of justice&rdquo;, and this scheme is a step in the right direction towards the effective justice delivery system of the nation.</li>
</ul>',
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		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'UNCTAD Report on Trade Wars',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Recently the UN body has released a report on trade wars titled <strong>"Trade Wars: The Pain and the Gain".</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This dispute between China and the United States will <strong>not benefit domestic producers in either country</strong> but could have <strong>"massive" implications on the global economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t9i2KyY9CfA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><strong></strong></p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ongoing trade tensions initially came out in <strong>early 2018 when China and the United States</strong> imposed tariffs on about $50 billion of each other&rsquo;s goods.</li>
<li>The confrontation quickly escalated, and in<strong> September 2018 the United States imposed 10% tariffs</strong> covering about $200 billion of Chinese imports, to which <strong>China retaliated by imposing tariffs</strong> on imports from the United States worth an additional $60 billion.</li>
<li>The 10% tariffs were initially due to rise to 25% in January 2019. However, in early December 2018 the parties agreed to freeze the tariff increase until 1 March 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Positive Impacts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Amid tit for tat tariff hikes between Washington and Beijing, <strong>trade is being diverted</strong> and a handful of countries stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions.</li>
<li>The trade war between the US and China is expected to<strong> boost the Indian economy with a rise of 3.5% in exports.</strong></li>
<li>The countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>EU members</strong> as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by USD 70 billion.</li>
<li><strong>Japan and Canada</strong> will see exports increase by more than USD 20 billion each.</li>
<li>Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include <strong>Australia, with 4.6% export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the study also underscores that even for countries whose exports are set to increase because of the trade disrutptions, not all the results will be positive.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Negative Impacts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One major concern is the risk that trade tensions<strong> could spiral into currency wars, disturbances in commodity prices, financial markets, etc.</strong> all which will have important repercussions for developing countries.</li>
<li>The <strong>magnitude and duration of tariffs is unclear,</strong> because of which producers have been reluctant to make investment decisions that may turn out to be unprofitable if the tariffs are revoked.</li>
<li>More countries may join the fray and that protectionist policies could escalate to a global level, which is against the rule based order, thus hurting weaker countries the most.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UNCTAD</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established in 1964, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) promotes development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.</li>
<li>UNCTAD is a <strong>permanent intergovernmental body established in 1964.</strong></li>
<li>Headquarters - <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
<li>Some of the reports published by it are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trade and Development Report</li>
<li>World Investment Report</li>
<li>The Least Developed Countries Report</li>
<li>Information and Economy Report</li>
<li>Technology and Innovation Report</li>
<li>Commodities and Development Report</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (6th February 2019)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the <strong>International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)</strong> stated that India&rsquo;s cotton production is expected to dip by 7% due to &ldquo;insufficient rainfall&rdquo; in growing regions.</li>
<li>At the same time production in <strong>China is expected to increase</strong> because of better farming practices by about 1%, &nbsp;enabling China to regain the <strong>&lsquo;top producer&rsquo; title</strong> it lost to India in the 2015-16 season.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issues with Cotton Production in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>adverse climatic and water availability</strong> situation in cotton growing regions. About 77% of India&rsquo;s growing region is non irrigated, making it highly dependent on rains.</li>
<li>Reluctance to adding new areas for cotton cultivation because of the<strong> pest menace.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> lack of awareness among farmers</strong> on good farming practices.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Cotton Advisory Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ICAC is an association of members of cotton producing, consuming and trading countries. The Committee was <strong>formed in 1939,</strong> and the Secretariat was established in 1946.</li>
<li>It is <strong>headquartered in Washington DC, U.S.A.</strong></li>
<li>I<strong>ndia is one of the 27 members of this grouping since 1939.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The President of India has conferred the prestigious <strong>Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017</strong> at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.</li>
<li>The General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture had selected forty-two (42) artists from the field of Music, Dance, Theatre, Traditional/Folk/Tribal Music/Dance/Theatre, Puppetry and Overall contribution/scholarship in the Performing Arts for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2017.</li>
<li>The honour of <strong>Akademi Award has been conferred since 1952.</strong> These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievements, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution.</li>
<li>The honour of Akademi Award carries with it<strong> Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and shawl.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Shift in Magnetic North Pole</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the updated <strong>World Magnetic Model</strong> has been released.</li>
<li>The World Magnetic Model was <strong>scheduled to be released in 2020,</strong> but it was preponed due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shift-in-earths-magnetic-north-pole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shifting in earth&rsquo;s magnetic north pole.</strong></a></li>
</ul>',
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		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'India-Monaco Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Prince of Monaco Albert II</strong> came to India on his first official visit.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the visit, a number of agreements were signed which includes:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423475_image34.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423475_image34.png" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cooperation on the environment, climate change, renewable energy.</li>
<li>Establishing linkages especially in infrastructure development</li>
<li>Visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders of Monaco</li>
<li>Scope for business cooperation</li>
<li>Both sides also decided to step up cooperation in the field of ocean resources and urban affairs (including Smart Cities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The visit of Prince Albert II of Monaco provided an opportunity for the two sides to review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the partnership in areas of mutual interest.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Monaco Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Principality of Monaco and India officially established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2007. However, Consular Relations between the Principality of Monaco and India have existed since 30 September 1954.</li>
</ul>
<h3>About Monaco</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Monaco is a <strong>city-state</strong> situated in Southern Europe, on the <strong>Mediterranean coast.</strong></li>
<li>Monaco is spread over 2 km<sup>2</sup> and is <strong>second smallest country</strong> in the world after Vatican City.</li>
<li>Monaco&rsquo;s <strong>government structure is a hereditary constitutional monarchy,</strong> governed by the Constitution established on December 17, 1962.</li>
<li>The executive power rests under the high authority of Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco.</li>
</ul>',
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		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The US Trade Representative (USTR) is reviewing the preferential arrangement for India where the US charges no tariff on certain exports from India to the US under the Generalized System of Preference.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India's FDI policy on e-commerce and mandatory data localization for global card payment companies have led to the US to review zero tariff policy.</li>
<li>India revised its<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-e-commerce-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> FDI policy on e-commerce</a> banning online retailers like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart from selling products of companies in which they have stakes in.</li>
<li>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines stating that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/payment-firms-begins-process-of-data-localisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all foreign payment companies such as MasterCard and Visa must store data locally</a> for their businesses in the country.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The idea of granting developing countries preferential tariff rates in the markets of industrialized countries was originally presented at the first UNCTAD conference in 1964.</li>
<li>The <strong>GSP was adopted at UNCTAD in New Delhi in 1968 and was instituted in 1971.</strong></li>
<li>There are currently 13 national GSP schemes notified to the UNCTAD secretariat.</li>
<li>The<strong> following countries grant GSP preferences:</strong> Australia, Belarus, Canada, the European Union, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States of America.</li>
<li>GSP is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference program. Established by the Trade Act of 1974, GSP promotes economic development by eliminating duties on thousands of products when imported from one of 120 designated beneficiary countries and territories.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-may-withdraw-zero-tariffs-for-india'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Asiatic Lion Conservation Project',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>A dedicated &ldquo;Asiatic Lion Conservation Project&rdquo; has been launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change(MoEFCC).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>MoEFCC has approved the project for three financial years from 2018 to 2021.</li>
<li>The Asiatic Lion. endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat is one of the 21 critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes.</li>
<li>The project envisages scientific management with the involvement of communities in coordination with multi-sectoral agencies for disease control and veterinary care for overall conservation of Asiatic lion.</li>
<li>This project has &ldquo;Species Conservation over a large landscape&rdquo; approach.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Large Landscape Conservation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Large landscape conservation is an approach to conservation and management that focuses on actions that are taken across large areas, such as entire watersheds. Large landscape conservation generally involves many forest divisions, government agencies, and conservation organizations.</li>
<li>As Asiatic Lions are found only in the Gir Landscape, this project will focus on conservation efforts of Asiatic Lions over whole&nbsp;Gir Range.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is proposed in the conservation, protection and development efforts of the Greater Gir Region. Additional ICT will include the following:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>GPS Based Tracking like Surveillance Tracking Animal Tracking and Vehicle Tracking</li>
<li>Automated Sensor Grid like Magnetic Sensors, Movement Sensors, and Infra-red heat sensors</li>
<li>Night vision capability enhancement</li>
<li>GIS-based real-time monitoring, analysis and report generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions.</li>
<li>Males have only moderate mane growth at the top of the head so that their ears are always visible.</li>
<li>The most striking morphological character, which is always seen in Asiatic lions, and rarely in African lions, is a longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly.</li>
<li>Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule 1</li>
<li>CITES Appendix I</li>
<li>IUCN Red List: Endangered</li>
<li>Asiatic lions were once distributed to the state of West Bengal in east and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, in central India.</li>
<li>At present Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only abode of the Asiatic lion.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asiatic-lion-conservation-project'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'How Gender-sensitive Are India’s Energy Policies?',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;How Gender-sensitive Are India&rsquo;s Energy Policies?&rdquo; which appeared in EPW for 19th January 2019. In this editorial, we&rsquo;ll see how the use and access to energy <g class="gr_ gr_144 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="144" data-gr-id="144">is</g> gendered, and discuss gender sensitivity in Indian energy policies.)</p>
</div>
<p><strong>There is an argument that access to clean energy is gendered.</strong> It is influenced by intra-household decision-making driven by restrictive gender norms.</p>
<p>Energy policies that do not recognize the gendered nature of energy access will continue to focus on supply-side measures without giving due attention to the diverse energy demand characteristics of end users.</p>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Women and men have differential energy needs</strong> given the prescribed gender roles at both household and productive spheres.</li>
<li><strong>Cooking, washing and care work, and the consequent lack of access to clean energy</strong> for these activities have an impact on women more than men.</li>
<li>Women are more vulnerable to household air pollution-related health hazards from solid biomass use as they are primarily engaged in cooking as well as fuel collection for cooking. <strong>The other impact of solid biomass dependence is in terms of lost opportunities for women&rsquo;s time and </strong><g class="gr_ gr_134 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="134" data-gr-id="134">labour</g><strong>.</strong></li>
<li>Lack of clean energy-based home appliances increases women&rsquo;s drudgery in household work.</li>
<li>In agriculture and allied rural livelihoods, there is a clear gendered division of <g class="gr_ gr_126 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="126" data-gr-id="126">labour</g>. <strong>Women are largely engaged in </strong><g class="gr_ gr_170 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="170" data-gr-id="170">labour-intensive</g><strong> activities like sowing, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting.</strong> However, women face barriers in accessing clean energy-based drudgery-reducing implements/machinery due to restrictive gender norms that limit their ownership of productive assets and recognition as farmers.</li>
<li><strong>Furthermore, women&rsquo;s role in energy supply and value chain is rarely recognized in policies.</strong> Their contribution to energy supply is estimated in the range of 10% to 80% of the total energy in developing countries.</li>
<li>Women participate in the energy supply chain as biomass collectors, producers of charcoal, briquettes, dung cakes, improved cookstoves, solar lights and also in marketing of energy products like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), cook stoves, solar lights, and cookers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gender Inclusiveness in Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Traditionally, India&rsquo;s energy policy designing and planning have been gender-neutral, with the exception of the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</strong> launched in 2016.</li>
<li>The PMUY is an attempt to bridge this gap and, though it has resulted in increased LPG uptake, the low refill rates reported across the states are a cause of worry for the long-term sustainability of the programme.</li>
<li>The PMUY is the first attempt to bring in a gender focus, in addition to retaining the income focus, in domestic energy policies.</li>
<li>However, India&rsquo;s energy policy interventions pertaining to pricing and energy availability have recognized sectoral and class differences in energy requirement and consumers, respectively. This is evident in the policy on free electricity for agriculture, differential pricing for energy used in agriculture and industry, concessional pricing for backward areas, and special provision for tribal areas.</li>
<li>On the domestic cooking energy front, the provision of subsidized fuel, introduction of smart cards for below poverty line (BPL) families and the National Biogas Programme are steps taken by policymakers to facilitate clean energy access to poorer sections of society.</li>
<li>An analysis of LPG use across social categories and by female-headed households across India clearly shows that female-headed households have the lowest uptake of LPG, much lower than Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) households.</li>
<li>The 2011 Census reports cooking and lighting sources according to the sex of the household head, but does not provide gender disaggregated data on the quantity of energy consumption by energy sources.</li>
<li><strong>Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitaran Yojana (RGGLV)</strong>, an LPG distribution scheme to reach the unreached remote areas, provides LPG dealership in the joint ownership (50% partnership) of the applicant and his/her spouse.</li>
<li><strong>The Shakti Gaon Yojana</strong> <strong>of the Odisha government</strong> which hands over LPG distribution to women SHGs is also a step towards enabling women&rsquo;s presence in the energy supply chain.</li>
<li><strong>The Saubhagya scheme</strong> is a welcome step as it relies on the &ldquo;deprivation&rdquo; criterion, which includes female-headed households, in the socio-economic and caste census for beneficiary identification.</li>
<li><strong>A critical analysis of the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP)</strong> and the National Energy Policy (NEP) reveals that while both the IEP and NEP emphasize and recognize women&rsquo;s gendered role in the domestic sphere they do not recognize women&rsquo;s gendered role in production, and fail to make any specifically targeted provisioning of clean energy for productive purposes on the basis of gender.</li>
<li>Lastly, p<strong>olicies aimed at facilitating women&rsquo;s land ownership through joint </strong><g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="93" data-gr-id="93">pattas</g><strong> (title deeds), or incentivising land transfers to women through a higher subsidy rate for energy-intensive technologies (as observed in Odisha), organising women into collectives to increase their bargaining position and facilitating access to energy-intensive technologies</strong> through collectives like Kudumbashree in Kerala are some of the complementary interventions that have yielded results in women&rsquo;s access to clean energy technologies for productive purposes across some states in India.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/962drishti_ias_Three Analytical Frameworks for Gender and Energy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="565" height="582" /></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>At present women manage one-third of the energy system in India through gathering fuels. They need to be supported through management, investment, and technology so as to manage it sustainably and with minimum hardship.</li>
<li><strong>Energy, health and the transport of fuels need to be addressed</strong> in order to reduce energy poverty. All these require more management and policy initiatives. Capacity building is needed to promote the use of efficient energy appliances and their availability.</li>
<li>A national mission on &ldquo;<strong>having cooking fuel available for rural women within one kilometer</strong>&rdquo; is needed to reduce the hardships of carrying heavy loads. In addition, transportation should be made easier by enabling access to transportation solutions such as wheelbarrows, better pathways, and small motorized transport with community arrangements for carrying heavy biofuel loads.</li>
<li><strong>Women could form cooperatives</strong> to grow trees for fuelwood or plant oilseeds. This would put an end to searching and gathering by organizing a wood supply on a sustainable basis. There is a need to promote Self Help Groups for empowering women. Also, create rural fuel markets by establishing a value for the fuelwood collected or grown, and so add economic value.</li>
<li><strong>The government should also continue to provide a subsidy to promote clean fuels.</strong> Mass awareness programs for popularising clean fuels.</li>
<li>Further, the Government should develop micro-enterprises by interlinking microcredit and energy programmes, and shift from government initiatives to public-private partnerships.</li>
<li><strong>Access to energy should be linked as a promotional incentive</strong> for running small-scale energy business units for livelihood security and creating more employment opportunities for women.</li>
<li><strong>Health centers should be sensitized to the issues</strong> associated with indoor air pollution and the workers trained to spot and address respiratory diseases as well as problems linked to transport fuels.</li>
<li>There is a need to look beyond cooking fuels, at energy for livelihoods, lighting, transport, agriculture, and also water and sanitation. Policy initiatives require a shift of focus from energy supply to end-user services. <strong>Emphasis also needs to be placed on the education of women and spreading awareness.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/interaction/viewtopic.php?f=40&amp;t=935" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read More...</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/how-gender-sensitive-are-indias-energy-policies-'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Space Tech: New Vistas',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdUIBRgRMp4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>ISRO got its first success of 2019 by launching Microsat R, a military application satellite, and Kalamsat, a 10cm cubesat made by students, on January 24, 2019. The satellites were launched through a new variant of PSLV (46<sup>th</sup> flight) called PSLV-DL.</p>
<h3>ISRO&rsquo;s Upcoming Projects</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chandrayaan-2 Mission:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO has planned 32 missions including the most complex Chandrayaan- 2 during the year 2019.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s second lunar mission, for the first time, ISRO will attempt to land a rover on the moon&rsquo;s south pole. Till now, only the U.S., Russia, China has been able to soft-land Spacecraft on the Moon&rsquo;s Surface.</li>
<li>The complex mission will comprise of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover.</li>
<li>The Chandrayaan-2 Spacecraft will be launched by GSLV MK III.</li>
<li>Mission will encourage new experiments by the use and testing of new technologies.</li>
<li>The mission costing around Rs. 800 Crore, is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 Mission, launched in 2008.</li>
<li>It will be launched in the window from January to February 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Launch of <strong>GSAT-20</strong> to meet a high output bounded requirement of Digital India and Infra Connectivity.</li>
<li>ISRO is also planning to launch a channel called <strong>ISRO TV</strong> to reach out to the masses.</li>
<li>ISRO has planned to send <strong>two unmanned missions</strong> into space in December 2020 and in July 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Gaganyaan:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO is preparing to send an astronaut into space in the year 2022 on board the Gaganyaan.</li>
<li>Gaganyaan is an Indian Crewed Orbital Spacecraft, intended to be the basis of the Indian Human Spaceflight Program.</li>
<li>The Spacecraft is being designed to carry 2-3 people.</li>
<li>Gaganyaan will be launched on ISRO&rsquo;s biggest rocket the GSLV MK III from Sriharikota.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ISRO is also aiming to <strong>reinstate its microwave remote sensing capabilities</strong> through the radar image satellites series and attain operational geo imaging capability through GSAT or a Geo Imaging Satellite Series.</li>
<li>ISRO has also planned to <strong>progressively improve the payload capability of GSLV and its modules</strong>.</li>
<li>On the application side, the crop production estimation will be enhanced to cover 10 additional crops and ISRO will also provide vital inputs for water and energy security.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Achievements</h3>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #0472c7;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #0877cc;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Year</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #0877cc;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Achievement</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">1975</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">India&rsquo;s first satellite &lsquo;Aryabhata&rsquo; was launched</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">1979</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Bhaskara-1&nbsp;Satellites under Mission Rohini were launched</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1981</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) - ISRO&rsquo;s first indigenous, experimental communication satellite.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1983</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Commissioning of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system: One of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia Pacific Region.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1984</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Rakesh Sharma made history by becoming first and only Indian to travel to Space in Soviet Rocket.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1988</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Launch of first remote sensing mission IRS-1A.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1992</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">First multi-purpose satellite INSAT-2A was successfully operationalized.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">1997</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Launched first fully operational satellite aboard a locally developed rocket PSLV.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">2002</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Kalpana-1: first dedicated meteorological satellite</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">2004</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">EDUSAT (GSAT-3): 1st Indian Satellite built exclusively to serve the educational sector.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">2005</td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">Launch of INSAT-4A from European Launch Vehicle: the first satellite to meet the requirement of DTH Television Services.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2008</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">Launch of Chandrayaan-1: Beginning of ISRO&rsquo;s Historic Moon Mission</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2013</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">
<p><span style="color: #000000;">IRNSS-1A Navigation satellite</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">MOM (Mars Orbiter Mission): India is the first nation to succeed on its first attempt to reach Mars.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2017</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;">
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Made World Record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously through the PSLV C-37 (38th successful mission of PSLV in a row)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">GSLV Mark-III (the heaviest rocket ever made by India)</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 6.16545%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">2018</span></td>
<td style="width: 93.8345%; height: 19px; background-color: #84c4f5;"><span style="color: #000000;">Launch of India&rsquo;s Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-11</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Space &amp; ISRO</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Space Exploration in India began in 1960s. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was physicist and industrialist who initiated space research and helped in developing nuclear power in India. He is also popularly known as Father of India&rsquo;s Space Program.</li>
<li>Sarabhai was instrumental in establishing the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad after returning from Cambridge in 1947.</li>
<li>India launched its first sounding rocket from Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on 21 November 1963.</li>
<li>In 1962, an <strong>Indian National Committee for Space Research</strong> was set up. It laid the foundation of ISRO in 1969.</li>
<li>Indian Government established the Department of Space in June, 1972 and brought ISRO under it in September, 1972.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Recent Initiatives</h3>
<p><strong>For Youth:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Young Scientist Program (YSP):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO describes this program as the most important in their efforts to reach out to students.</li>
<li>Under the YSP, 3 students; eight standard pass will be selected from each of the 29 states and 7 UTs and they will spend one month at ISRO, during which they will be given lectures, access to Research and Development Lab and practical experience in building a small satellite. Dr. Sivan has underscored if the satellite is good, ISRO will launch it. <strong>Launch of Kalamsat is an example.</strong></li>
<li>This Program is similar to NASA&rsquo;s Student Outreach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incubation Centres:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO is to set up 6 incubation centres across the country to attract young talent having interest in Space Science.</li>
<li>An Incubation Centre has already been developed at Tripura for young scientists who can contribute in Space Science.</li>
<li>Navigation, Payload and Communication are the fields where students can contribute. Any model or technology developed by these students will be bought by ISRO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ISRO <strong>has tied up with National Institute of Technology (NIT)</strong> of Jaipur, Kurukshetra, Varanasi, Patna, Kanyakumari and Jammu. Young Scientists will be encouraged to develop not only satellites but also upgradation in technology as well.</li>
<li><strong>UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &amp; Training by ISRO):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The program provides an opportunity for the participant countries to strengthen their capabilities in assembling, integrating and testing nano-satellites.</li>
<li>It will be conducted for three years by the U.R. Satellite Centre at ISRO in three batches.</li>
<li>It may benefit officials of 45 countries. The first batch which started on 17th January has 30 delegates from 17 countries participating.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SAMVAD Program:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to inculcate or nurture space research further in young minds, ISRO, this year has launched a Student Outreach Program called Samvad with the students at its facility in Bengaluru.</li>
<li>The first event saw 40 students and 10 teachers from selected schools interacted with ISRO&rsquo;s Chairman, Dr. K Sivan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For Border Management:</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Home Ministry has accepted the recommendations made by a Task Force on the use of Space Technology.&nbsp;</strong>The Report compiled by the Task Force has identified the following areas for use the use of Space Technology :</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>to Strengthen Island Development,</li>
<li>Border Security,</li>
<li>Communication and Navigation (Air Force and Navy Force already have the Satellite for the Communication Purpose)</li>
<li>facilitate the development of Infrastructure at border and island areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>To execute the project in time bound manner, a short, medium and long term plan has been proposed for implementation in 5 years in close coordination with ISRO and MoD.</strong></p>
<p>In short term, immediate need of Border Guarding Forces (BGFs) will be met by procurement of High Resolution Imagery and the hiring of bandwidth for communications.</p>
<p>In the mid term, <strong>one satellite (all weather satellite) will be used by ISRO for the exclusive use of Ministry of Home Affairs</strong>.</p>
<p>Over the long term, MHA will develop ground segment and network infrastructure to share satellite resources with user agencies, will also develop a central archival facility for storing various imagery resources and dissemination of the same to user agencies.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;"></ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Deployment of central forces in the remote areas will be coordinated through &lsquo;Satellite Communication&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The Indian Regional Navigation System based GPS will be used to provide navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote, difficult borders and Naxal areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Despite undertaking various initiatives and launching several missions successfully, ISRO continues to explore the Space Technology, itself and its use in different fields like in Disaster Management, Infrastructure Development and so on.</em></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/space-tech-new-vistas'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Leprosy',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/788Drishti_ias_Leprosy.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/788Drishti_ias_Leprosy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/mind-map/gs-paper2/leprosy-4'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a corpus of<strong> Rs. 2,000 crore for Agri Market Infrastructure Fund</strong> (AMIF) to be created with <strong>NABARD</strong> for development and upgradation of agricultural marketing infrastructure in rural agricultural markets.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund was<strong> announced in 2018 Budget</strong> for developing and upgrading agricultural marketing infrastructure in the<strong> 22,000 Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs)</strong> and <strong>585 Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).</strong></li>
<li>At present, GrAMs are being developed from<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> MGNREGA fund.</strong></a></li>
<li>The scheme being <strong>demand-driven,</strong> progress will depend on demand from states</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NABARD</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)</strong> came into existence on the <strong>recommendation of B. Sivaraman Committee.</strong></li>
<li>It was approved by the <strong>Parliament through Act of 1981</strong> and came into <strong>existence in 1982</strong> by transferring the agricultural credit functions of RBI and refinance functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC).</li>
<li><strong>Functions</strong> of NABARD:&nbsp;
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NABARD gives high priority to projects formed under the <strong>Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).</strong></li>
<li>It provides finance to <strong>support poverty alleviation</strong> programs run by IRDP.</li>
<li>It also makes the service area plan to provide backward and forward linkages and infrastructural support.</li>
<li>It seeks to <strong>establish linkages between Self-help Group (SHG)</strong> that are organized by voluntary agencies for poor and needy in rural areas and other official credit agencies.</li>
<li>It finances projects under the <strong>&lsquo;National Watershed Development Programme&lsquo;</strong> and the <strong>&lsquo;National Mission of Wasteland Development&lsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It also <strong>supervises the cooperative banks</strong> and <strong>Regional Rural Banks</strong> to periodically ensure the development of the rural financing and farmers&rsquo; welfare.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Objectives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fund will provide <strong>subsidised loans to states and Union Territories</strong> for 585 APMC mandis and 10,000 GrAMs.</li>
<li>States can also utilise this fund for innovative integrated market infrastructure projects, including hub and spoke model and in private-public partnership mode.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More than <strong>86% of farmers in India are small and marginal</strong> who are not always in a position to directly transact at APMCs and other wholesale markets.</li>
<li>A network of rural godowns enables small farmers to enhance their holding capacity in order to sell their produce at remunerative prices and avoid distress sales.</li>
<li>Accordingly, Government of India launched<strong> &lsquo;Grameen Bhandaran Yojana&rsquo; in 2001</strong>, which has been subsumed into <strong>"Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)" from 2014.</strong></li>
<li>Main objectives of scheme include <strong>creation of scientific storage capacity</strong> with allied facilities in rural areas to meet out various requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, etc.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agri-market-infrastructure-fund'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (8th February 2019)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Statue of Guru Padmasambhava</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled a <strong>19-foot-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism,</strong> at Jirang in Gajapati district, Odisha.</li>
<li>This 29 tonne stone statue is placed in the middle of &lsquo;Padma Sarovar&rsquo;, a large tank near <strong>Padmasambhava Mahavihara, the largest Buddhist monastery in eastern India</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>The Dalai Lama had inaugurated Padmasambhava Mahavihara monastery in 2010.</strong> Tibetan refugees settled in this region over six decades ago.</li>
<li>Historians claim that<strong> Guru Padmasambhava, also known as second Buddha, was born and brought up in Odisha before he left for Tibet.</strong></li>
<li>The statue of Guru Padmasambhava has been sculpted by noted sculptor Padmashri Prabhakar Moharana.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rail tunnel for Vizhinjam port connectivity<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423765_image40.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423765_image40.png" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A 10.7-km railway line, including a 9.02-km tunnel, has been proposed to connect Balaramapuram station on the<strong> Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram railway line</strong> to the upcoming <strong>Vizhinjam International Multipurpose Deepwater Seaport.</strong></li>
<li>It will be the <strong>second longest railway tunnel of the country on completion after the Pir Panjal Tunnel which is in Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>The development of the Balaramapuram railway station is being explored as part of the rail link to the seaport.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ladakh&rsquo;s Dard Aryan Tribes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Dard Aryan tribe</strong> of Ladakh has requested the central government to intervene to protect their culture and legacy.</li>
<li>The &lsquo;Dard&rsquo; is derived from a <strong>Sanskrit word, &lsquo;Daradas&rsquo;,</strong> which refers to<strong> people who live on hillsides.</strong></li>
<li>Dard Aryan &mdash; <strong>believed to be the original descendants of &lsquo;pure Aryan race&rsquo;</strong> &mdash; tribe is known for its liberal customs and ornate costumes. Many researchers believe that the &lsquo;Aryans of Ladakh&rsquo; or the &lsquo;Brokpas&rsquo; were a part of Alexander&rsquo;s army and had come to the region over 2,000 years ago.</li>
<li>They live in the villages of Dha and Hanu (commonly called as Dhahanu), Darchik, and Gahanu - situated 163km southwest of Leh, the administrative capital of Ladakh.</li>
<li>The rich heritage of the Dard Aryans is under threat <strong>due to rapid modernization, migration and religious conversion.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>MarCo Cubesat</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NASA has lost contact with its<strong> two mini-satellites Mars Cube One (MarCO) named as MarCo-A and MarCo-B.</strong></li>
<li>MarCo CubeSats were launched along with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/insight-on-mars" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> InSights Mission</a> to serve as communication relays during its Mars landing.</li>
<li><strong>After InSight&rsquo;s landing, these spacecraft were launched further on their own trajectories to test if such low-cost technology can operate in deep space.</strong></li>
<li>CubeSats are a class of spacecraft based on a standardized small size and modular use of off-the-shelf technologies.</li>
<li>All previous CubeSats have orbited the Earth. <strong>MarCO was the first attempt to orbit another planet.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_8ZEAPrrHQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Lunar Lander Beresheet</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An<strong> Israeli nonprofit group</strong> is aiming to lead the first privately funded mission to land a probe on the moon.</li>
<li>The lunar lander named as <strong>Beresheet</strong> (Hebrew word: &ldquo;Genesis&rdquo;) will be launched by the group <strong>SpaceIL in support with Israel Aerospace Industries.</strong></li>
<li>It will carry instrumentation to <strong>measure the magnetic field of the moon,</strong> a <strong>laser-reflector provided by NASA</strong> and a<strong> time-capsule of cultural and historical Israeli artifacts.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Ujjwala Utsav</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The oil industry has observed Ujjwala Utsav celebrate the role played by all stakeholders &ndash; District Nodal Officers, Policymakers, Distributors, and beneficiaries &ndash; in making <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</a> a success.</li>
<li>The event was organized under the aegis of <strong>Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas.</strong></li>
<li>PMUY anthem &ndash; Ujjwala Bharat Ujjwala- was also launched during the event.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Atal Bhujal Yojana</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the <strong>World Bank has approved Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Sector</a>, Rs.6000 Crore scheme,</strong> for sustainable management of groundwater with community participation.</li>
<li>The <strong>funding pattern is 50:50 between Government of India and the World Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The identified over-exploited (OE) and water-stressed areas for the implementation of the scheme fall in the States of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li><strong>ABHY envisages active participation of the communities in various activities such as the formation of &lsquo;Water User Associations&rsquo;, monitoring and disseminating ground water data, water budgeting, preparation &amp; implementation of Gram-panchayat-wise water security plans and IEC activities related to sustainable groundwater management.</strong></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-8th-february-2019'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'International Intellectual Property (IP) Index: US Chamber of Commerce',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Acknowledging the<strong> improvement in India&rsquo;s innovation ecosystem,</strong> the <strong>US Chamber of Commerce</strong> has moved India up eight places in its <strong>international intellectual property (IP) index by ranking it 36<sup>th</sup> amongst 50 countries in 2019.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The improvement in India&rsquo;s performance is a result of specific reforms, including its <strong>accession to the WIPO Internet Treaties, the agreement to initiate a patent prosecution highway with international patent offices, a dedicated set of IP incentives for small businesses, and administrative reforms to address the patent backlog.</strong></li>
<li>However, the report noted that there were still substantial challenges regarding the country's patenting and IP enforcement environment.</li>
<li>The <strong>seventh edition titled &ldquo;Inspiring Tomorrow&rdquo;</strong>, analyses the IP climate in 50 world economies, based on 45 indicators critical to an innovation-led economy.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Intellectual Property Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation. It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 192 member states.</li>
<li>Its mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property (IP) system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.</li>
<li>Its mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which <strong>established WIPO in 1967.</strong></li>
<li>Some agreements under the ambit of WIPO:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Marrakesh Treaty</strong> for visually impaired patients</li>
<li><strong>Patent cooperation treaty</strong> in 1970</li>
<li><strong>Madrid system</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-intellectual-property-ip-index-us-chamber-of-commerce'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Will the 6,000 Farmer Payout Help?',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Will the ₹6,000 Farmer Payout Help?&rdquo; which appeared in The Hindu for 8th February 2019. In this editorial, we&rsquo;ll discuss the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi i.e. PM-KISAN, scheme.)</p>
</div>
<p>With a view to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), t<strong>he government launched the new Central Sector Scheme, namely, &ldquo;Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)&rdquo; in the current financial year.</strong></p>
<p>The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, <strong>announced in the Interim Budget</strong>, is one of the biggest scheme launched by the Government of India till date for providing structured support to small and marginal farmers.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/419drishti_ias_farm.jpg" style="float: right;" width="368" height="207" /></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Under the scheme, ₹6,000 per year will be provided</strong> to farmers holding cultivable land of <strong>up to two hectares.</strong></li>
<li>The scheme will be implemented with an estimated expenditure of ₹1 lakh crore till 2019-20,<strong> benefiting 12.50 crore small and marginal farmer families.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The PM-KISAN scheme aims<strong> to supplement the financial needs</strong> of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.</li>
<li><strong>This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders</strong> for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s current agrarian crisis has created a chance to use this <strong>innovative economic policy. This scheme is one of the solutions.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Smaller the landholding, the greater the need for financial support.</strong> Most of the farmers in India have small holdings and this scheme is a small positive step in addressing their needs.</li>
<li><strong>This is a Central Sector Scheme and will be funded fully by the Government of India.</strong> The guidelines of the scheme have been already issued. It will not burden state governments.</li>
<li>The government has developed a portal for managing the scheme (http://pmkisan.nic.in), which has gone live.</li>
<li><strong>The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare will transfer the benefit directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries.</strong> The States have to upload the data of the beneficiaries on the portal which will minimize the leakages through corruption and interference of middlemen.</li>
<li>It will help the farmers, who grow non-MSP commodities, and farmers affected by adverse terms of trade, including depressed international prices.</li>
<li><strong>Government is also trying to bring all farmers into the fold of institutional credit.</strong> The target is to bring more than six crore farmers into the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) regime. This will help farmers to get out of the vicious credit circle.</li>
<li><strong>An assured income can also encourage farmers to boost productivity and help them earn more.</strong> The cash received, if invested in agriculture for higher returns, will be a support to the credit and insurance systems and promote agricultural growth in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drawbacks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The genesis of the current crisis lies in the faulty and ad hoc export-import policy, lack of infrastructure and cartelization and collusion in agricultural markets, which have prevented farmers from realizing the market prices for agricultural produce.</strong></li>
<li>Cash transfers do nothing to resolve any of these, nor are they any guarantee of protection against unforeseen events, whether natural or policy-induced.</li>
<li><strong>It is neither a substitute for the structural reforms needed</strong> in agriculture nor does it adequately compensate the farmer for the risks and uncertainty of crop cultivation.</li>
<li>The current crisis may have worsened due to the sharp fall in agricultural crop prices, but is finally a result of multiple failures of policy. But it is also a crisis which is caused by the failure of the non-farm sector in creating enough jobs as is evident from the deceleration in real wages in rural areas.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of land records</strong> bank details and the absence of proper tenancy records will also benefit the absentee landlords.</li>
<li>There are concerns at operational level land record reconciliation, digitization of land records, costs incurred in the consolidation of land records.</li>
<li>The situation is slightly more complicated in the northeastern States, as land ownership rights in the region are community-based, making it difficult to identify beneficiaries.</li>
<li>The mammoth drive of implementing PM-KISAN can increase opportunity costs of critical (human) resources, operational risks and, eventually, shoot up operating expenses and strain the fiscal health of concerned states.</li>
<li><strong>The farm crisis is real.</strong> Admittedly, it is not a recent phenomenon. Farmers with two hectares of land want not just ₹2,000 every four months, as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi promises. That is not even enough to fill diesel in their hired tractors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is important to keep in mind that the average annual income of small and marginal farmers is well below the average income of all farmers. <strong>The benefit being given to small and marginal farmers through PM-KISAN will provide them assured supplemental income and also meet their emergent expenses, especially immediately after harvest</strong>.</li>
<li>New India requires modern irrigation facilities. It needs seeds and scientific and modern technological knowledge that can help and guide in reducing costs. It needs a rapid transition to cost-effective organic farming. It needs timely delivery of inputs and transport systems to enable commercialization of agricultural products and activities. It does not need doles.</li>
<li>The answer, of course, is to build rural infrastructure in markets and give tariff protection against subsidized imports. But urban interests become a constraint.</li>
<li><strong>The Interim Budget has rhetoric, but the NITI Aayog, which wrote this, does not have any fund allocation powers, unlike the reformed Chinese planning set-up where strategic plans are buttressed with funds.</strong></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/will-the-6000-farmer-payout-help'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Leprosy',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>World Leprosy Day is observed on the <strong>last Sunday of January.</strong> It seeks to increase public awareness about leprosy and focuses on the target of zero cases of leprosy-related disabilities in children.</li>
<li>The theme for the 2019 World Leprosy Day is <strong>&lsquo;ending discrimination, stigma, and prejudice&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>In India, it is celebrated on the 30th January chosen as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi who had a lifelong compassion for people affected by leprosy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Leprosy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Leprosy is also known as <strong>Hansen&rsquo;s Disease.</strong>&nbsp;Leprosy is a chronic, progressive <strong>bacterial infection.</strong> It is caused by a bacterium called <strong>Mycobacterium Leprae,</strong> which is an acid-fast rod-shaped bacillus. It is a disease that leaves a terrifying image in its wake of mutilation, rejection, and exclusion from society.</li>
<li>Leprosy is <strong>one of the oldest diseases in recorded history</strong>, afflicting humanity since time immemorial. A written account of Leprosy date as far back as 600 B.C.</li>
<li>It was well recognized in the oldest civilizations of China, Egypt and India thousands of years ago. Genetic evidence supports the existence of Leprosy infections in hundred-thousand-year-old remains.</li>
<li><strong>Areas of Infection:</strong> Skin, Peripheral nerves, Upper respiratory tract and Lining of the nose.</li>
<li><strong>Mode of Transmission:</strong> Mainly by breathing airborne droplets from the affected individuals. It can be contacted at any age.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms</strong>: Red patches on the skin, skin lesion, numbness in arms, hands, and legs, ulcers on the soles of feet, muscle Weakness and excessive weight loss.</li>
<li>It usually takes about 3-5 years for symptoms to appear after coming into contact with Leprosy causing bacteria. The long incubation period makes it difficult for doctors to determine when and where the person got infected.</li>
<li>If not treated on time, Leprosy <strong>can lead to significant disability, disfigurement, permanent nerve damage</strong> in arms and legs and even loss of sensation in the body.</li>
<li><strong>Cure:</strong> Leprosy is curable with the combination of drugs known as Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Concerns on the Government's claim on Elimination of Leprosy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As per official data, 135485 new Leprosy cases were detected during 2016-17 that is one leprosy case was&nbsp;diagnosed every four minutes.</li>
<li>The underreporting of cases has made the leprosy database unreliable source creating difficulties in the timely treatment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>World Health Organisation&rsquo;s Global Leprosy Strategy (2016)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The key interventions as provided in WHO&rsquo;s Global Leprosy Strategy include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Detecting cases early</strong> before visible disabilities occur, with a special focus on children as a way to reduce disabilities and reduce transmission;</li>
<li><strong>Targeting detection among higher risk groups</strong> through campaigns in highly endemic areas or communities; and</li>
<li><strong>Improving health care coverage</strong> and access for marginalized populations.</li>
<li>Leprosy Endemic countries need to include other specific strategic interventions like:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Screening all close contacts of persons affected by leprosy.</li>
<li>Promoting a shorter and uniform treatment regimen.</li>
<li>Incorporating specific interventions against stigmatization and discrimination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken by India to Eliminate Leprosy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Govt. of India started the National Leprosy Control Programme in 1955. It was only in 1970s that a definite cure was identified in the form of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).</li>
<li>The 1st Phase of the World Bank supported the <strong>National Leprosy Elimination Project</strong> started from 1993-94.</li>
<li>In the year 2001, after the global elimination was achieved, India was among the 14 countries that missed the target of eliminating leprosy.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The <strong>National Leprosy Eradication Programme</strong> that was launched after this, achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem, defined as less than 1 case per 10,000 Population, at the National Level in December 2005.</li>
<li>In 2016, the draconian colonial era&rsquo;s <strong>Lepers Act was repealed.</strong></li>
<li>In 2017, <strong>the SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign</strong> was launched to promote awareness and address the issues of stigma and discrimination.</li>
<li>The measures included in the <strong>campaign like contact tracing, examination, treatment, and chemoprophylaxis</strong> are expected to bring down the number of Leprosy cases.</li>
<li>The <strong>special emphasis on women, children and those with disabilities</strong> are expected to flush out more hidden cases.</li>
<li>In addition to continuing to administer MDT to patients, <strong>new preventive approaches such as Chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis</strong> are being considered to break the chain of transmission and reach zero disease status.</li>
<li>In 2019, Lok Sabha passed a Bill seeking to <strong>remove Leprosy as a ground for divorce.</strong></li>
<li>In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October 2019, the NLEP has prepared the comprehensive plan to <strong>reduce the grade to disability to less than one case per million people by October 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2018 the Supreme Court directed states and the Central government to roll out <strong>awareness programmes about leprosy.</strong> The court said campaigns should utilize positive images and stories of those who had been cured.</li>
<li>India should <strong>integrate leprosy care with other areas of healthcare</strong> so that the perception of it being a dreadful disease that has to be treated separately disappears.</li>
<li>WHO strategy document for the year 2016&ndash;2020 calls for <strong>promoting inter-sectoral collaboration within countries</strong>. Associations like Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL), oldest leprosy association of India, should be the official partner of NLEP.</li>
<li>The <strong>dermatologists should be included and assigned</strong> <strong>an active role</strong>&nbsp;in the leprosy programme.</li>
<li>Leprosy Patients often suffer from mental illness like depression and anxiety due to the discrimination and the stigma, that they are subjected to, by society.<strong> An inclusive environment,</strong> in which patients do not hesitate to come forward for diagnosis and treatment at any health facility must be created.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/268Drishti_ias_Leprosy.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/268Drishti_ias_Leprosy.png" /></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/leprosy-health-gs-2'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture - Interim Budget: Three Big Takeaways',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B7IfVVID7Yo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The government on 1st February announced the &lsquo;Interim Budget&rsquo;. Three big takeaways from the budget include:</p>
<p><strong>Monthly Pensions for workers in Unorganized Sector, PM-KISAN Scheme for farmers, and Rebate announced for the people having a salary of Rs 5 lakh or below.</strong></p>
<h3>Unorganized Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the<strong> largest &lsquo;Employing Sector&rsquo;</strong> that witnesses the largest growth but does not get coverage in any statistical data.</li>
<li><strong>India is far behind the South American countries</strong> which have monetized the wealth of informal economy by monetizing the professions of people in that economy.</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Pension Scheme has been announced</strong>, that assures, a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 to unorganized sector workers, after 60 years of age.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of the Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announcement of the Scheme is a move to recognize the contribution of the unorganized sector to the Indian Economy.</li>
<li>The announced Scheme recognizes that &lsquo;people in the unorganized sector also have a right to retire with dignity&rsquo; and will bring them with par with other sectors of the economy.</li>
<li>More than Just a Scheme: <strong>Not just problem of Enumeration will get solved, but also Government will be able to know their needs and problems and thus will be able to provide some other benefits to them.</strong></li>
<li>Implementation of the Scheme is a major challenge as about 10-20 Crore people will enroll as the beneficiary under the Scheme.</li>
<li><strong>Linking the Scheme with &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo; can further improve the implementation of this scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Farmers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India, still, is an agricultural economy as many people depend on agriculture for their livelihood.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s Agricultural economy is currently under stress and so the farmers, which has resulted in a decrease in rural consumption expenditure.</li>
<li><strong>PM-KISAN SAMMAN NIDHI Scheme has been announced</strong>, under which, direct cash transfer of Rs. 6,000 per annum would be made to farmers owning land less than two hectares. The transfer of amount will be done in three equal installments. The scheme will cost the government Rs 75,000 crore per year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of the Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>12 Crore people will get benefit from this scheme.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, the direct transfer will take place that is for the first time, cash will directly go into the hands of beneficiaries (farmers).</li>
<li><strong>Huge Benefit:</strong> Some State Governments like Telangana are already having a similar scheme. It is expected that other states will also soon have a similar scheme that will benefit the farmers in a big way.</li>
<li><strong>Boost to Rural Economy:</strong> Transfer of money will lead to an increase in consumption expenditure, which <g class="gr_ gr_255 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="255" data-gr-id="255">in</g> the result, will lead to higher rural growth.</li>
<li>Managing Fiscal Discipline and arranging funds for financing the scheme are the two major challenges.</li>
<li>Increase in fiscal deficit up to 0.1% is bearable, the government can go up to that limit. Scientific Analysis of all schemes is another solution. Schemes that are not benefitting or are identical in nature can be removed from the government&rsquo;s budget.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tax Rebate</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Full tax rebate under Section 87A has been announced</strong>, for the individual taxpayers, having taxable annual income up to Rs. 5, 00,000.</li>
<li>About 3 crore and 40 lakh people i.e. 60% of the total taxpayers will benefit from the rebate. Beneficiaries, in general, will be small and middle-class taxpayers.</li>
<li><strong>This rebate combined with other things announced in the budget</strong> (like the increase in interest on small savings, rental income roll over etc.) will benefit such individuals hugely.</li>
<li>Overall, Government, through these three big announcements, has tried to focus on the problems faced by farmers and the most neglected section of society i.e. Unorganized Workers and at the same time has managed to impress the largest Voting Class i.e. Middle-Income People. How all these announcements get turned into reality, is what, everyone is looking forward to. The government needs to prepare itself, for the challenges, which will come on its way, while implementing the announced schemes/benefits.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>DRISHTI INPUT</p>
<p><strong>Budget</strong></p>
<p>Every year in the month of February, Government of India presents an annual budget, comprising:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Statement of income and expenses, made in the previous year.</li>
<li>Estimates of Receipts and Expenses of government for the current year.</li>
<li>Indian Constitution does not contain the term &lsquo;budget&rsquo;. In place of &lsquo;Budget&rsquo;, it mentions the term &lsquo;Annual Financial Statement&rsquo; under Article 112.</li>
<li>During an election year like 2019, it becomes unrealistic for the ruling government to announce a regular budget as it is possible that the incoming government may have different proposals related to the budget. But at the same time, the ruling government also needs parliamentary approval to incur expenses in the new fiscal year, till new government comes into being. So, Ruling Government either opts for &lsquo;interim Budget&rsquo; or for &lsquo;Vote on Account&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Interim Budget</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Interim Budget is a statement that comprises of detailed documentation of every expense that the government will incur and every penny that government will make in the coming few months until the new government comes into power. It also includes income and expenses, made last year.</li>
<li>It is different from the regular budget on the following aspects:</li>
<li>The interim budget includes documentation of expenses until the election, whereas a regular budget includes estimates of expenditure for the full year.</li>
<li>Also generally, major policy changes are not announced in the interim budget.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Vote on Account</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a special provision by which the government obtains Parliament&rsquo;s nod for funds, sufficient to incur expenditure for a part of the year, enabling it to incur expenses for a short period of time or until a full Budget is passed.</li>
<li>It is generally taken for two months for a sum equivalent to one-sixth of the estimated expenditure for the entire year. But it can also be for a slightly longer period of time i.e. for three to four months as well, generally seen during an election year.</li>
<li>It is different from the regular and interim budget as it deals only with the expenditure side of the government&rsquo;s budget. Also, unlike regular budget, Vote on Account is generally for two months and government through it, cannot alter direct taxes.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-interim-budget-three-big-takeaways'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The Union Cabinet has approved <strong>International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019</strong> which seeks to <strong>establish a unified authority</strong> for regulating all financial services in<strong> International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India.</strong></p>
<h3>International Financial Service Centre (IFSC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An IFSC caters to customers <strong>outside the jurisdiction</strong> of the domestic economy. Such centres deal with <strong>flows of finance, financial products</strong> and services <strong>across borders.</strong></li>
<li>An expert panel headed by former <strong>World Bank economist Percy Mistry</strong> submitted a report on making <strong>Mumbai an international financial centre in 2007.</strong> However, the global financial crisis in 2008 made countries including India cautious about rapidly opening up their financial sectors.</li>
<li>In India, IFSC has been <strong>defined in SEZ Act, 2005.</strong> As per the act:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Central Government may approve the setting up</strong> of an International Financial Service Centre in a Special Economic Zone and may prescribe the requirements for setting up and operation of such centre.</li>
<li>The Central Government shall approve <strong>only one International Financial Services Centre in a Special Economic Zone.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since India has <strong>many restrictions on the financial sector</strong>, such as <strong>partial capital account convertibility, high SLR (statutory liquidity ratio) requirements and foreign investment restrictions</strong>, an SEZ can serve as a testing ground for financial sector reforms before they are rolled out in the entire nation.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Special Economic Zone (SEZ)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) <strong>Policy was announced in April 2000.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Special Economic Zones Act, 2005</strong>, was passed by Parliament in May, 2005 and <strong>came into effect in 2006.</strong></li>
<li>SEZs addresses the issue of multiplicity of controls and clearances, have world-class infrastructure, and a stable fiscal regime.</li>
<li>SEZs focus on economic growth supported by quality infrastructure complemented by an attractive fiscal package, both at the Centre and the State level, <strong>with the minimum possible regulations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), located in Gandhinagar</strong> is India&rsquo;s<strong> first International Financial Services Centre.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, the banking, capital markets and insurance sectors in IFSC are <strong>regulated by multiple regulators, i.e. RBI, SEBI and IRDAI.</strong></li>
<li>The dynamic nature of business in the IFSCs necessitates a <strong>high degree of inter-regulatory coordination</strong>. It also requires regular clarifications and frequent amendments in the existing regulations governing financial activities in IFSCs.</li>
<li>The development of financial services and products in IFSCs would <strong>require focussed and dedicated regulatory interventions.</strong> Hence, a need for a<strong> unified financial regulator for IFSCs in India</strong> to provide world class regulatory environment to financial market participants.</li>
<li>Further, this would also be essential from an <strong>ease of doing business perspective.</strong> The unified authority would also provide the much needed impetus to further development of IFSC in India<strong> in-sync with the global best practices.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Salient Features of the Authority</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Composition:</strong> The Authority shall consist of a<strong> Chairperson</strong>, <strong>one Member each</strong> to be nominated by the<strong> Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA),</strong> <strong>two members</strong> to be dominated by the Central Government and two other whole-time or full-time or part-time members.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> The Authority shall <strong>regulate all such</strong> financial services, financial products and Financial Institutions in an IFSC. It may also <strong>recommend to the Central Government</strong> such other financial products, financial services and financial institutions which may be permitted in the IFSCs.</li>
<li><strong>Powers:</strong> All powers exercisable by the respective financial sector regulatory (viz. RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA etc.) under the respective Acts shall be <strong>solely exercised by the Authority in the IFSCs</strong> in so far as the regulation of financial products, financial services and FIs that are permitted in the IFSC are concerned.</li>
<li><strong>Processes and procedures:</strong> The processes and procedures to be followed by the Authority shall be governed in accordance with the provisions of the respective Acts of Parliament of India applicable to such financial products, services or institutions, as the case may be.</li>
<li><strong>Grants by the Central Govt.:</strong> The Central Govt. may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Authority grants of such sums of money as the Central Government may think fit for being utilized for the purposes of the Authority.</li>
<li><strong>Transactions in foreign currency:</strong> The transactions of financial services in the IFSCs <strong>shall be done in the foreign currency</strong> as specified by the Authority in consultation with the Central Govt.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-financial-services-centres-authority-bill-2019'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'India’s First Career Portal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>The <strong>Rajasthan government</strong> launched <strong>India&rsquo;s first &ldquo;career portal&rdquo;</strong> to address the needs of <strong>secondary and higher secondary students (from class 9th to 12th)</strong> for information on <strong>scholarships and career choices.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The portal launched with the <strong>support of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)</strong> is expected to help the students take <strong>&ldquo;informed decisions&rdquo;</strong> about their <strong>academic and professional pursuits.</strong></li>
<li>By enabling the students to choose their career path matching with their aspirations, interest, inclination and aptitude, the portal would reduce dropouts at various stages in schools and improve retention in jobs.</li>
<li>The portal was <strong>developed by UNICEF</strong> after an assessment of needs, awareness and perspective of students, teachers and system functionaries.</li>
<li>It will provide <strong>information</strong> on 200 vocational and 237 professional careers, 455 employment avenues, 960 scholarships, 955 competitive examinations and 10,000 institutions of higher education to the students from Classes IX to XII.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Rajasthan?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>UNICEF had selected Rajasthan for launching the portal because of its <strong>track record in employment-oriented education.</strong></li>
<li>Most of the boys and girls in the State were <strong>keen to join the workforce as soon as they finished Class X or XII</strong>. Besides, the assessment revealed a substantial progress in terms of <strong>gender equality among the students.</strong></li>
<li>According to the assessment conducted by UNICEF, <strong>two largest sources of career information</strong> for students are<strong> teachers and family members.</strong> About 69% of students mentioned that they were using Internet for their career-related queries, which indicates that the <strong>adolescents will quickly learn to use the career portal.</strong></li>
<li>The establishment of<strong> Rajiv Gandhi Career Counselling Cell</strong> for adolescents and youths was also announced. The cell will link school and college students with skill development programmes and internship opportunities in the pursuit of their career choices.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund was created by the<strong> United Nations General Assembly in 1946,</strong> to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been <strong>devastated by World War II.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>1950, its mandate was broadened</strong> to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. UNICEF became a <strong>permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953.</strong></li>
<li>UNICEF is <strong>headquartered in New York, USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-first-career-portal'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (7th February 2019)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the establishment of <strong>Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Conservation protection and development of cows and their progeny</strong> in pursuance of the announcement in the Union Budget 2019-20.</li>
<li>Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will lead to <strong>conservation, protection, and development of the cattle population in the country</strong> including the development and conservation of indigenous breeds.</li>
<li>It will result in <strong>increased growth of the livestock sector</strong> which is more inclusive, benefiting women, and small and marginal farmers.</li>
<li>The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will work<strong> in collaboration with Veterinary, Animal Sciences or Agriculture University or departments or organizations of the Central/State Government</strong> engaged in the task of research in the field of breeding and rearing of the cow, organic manure, biogas etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sri Lanka To Re-introduce Death Penalty</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sri Lanka has decided to end the country&rsquo;s moratorium on capital punishment</strong> due to an upsurge in drug-related crimes.</li>
<li>Sri Lanka had imposed a moratorium on the capital punishment penalty in 1976.</li>
<li>Human rights groups have criticized the decision and said that there is no evidence that carrying out executions would serve as a deterrent to drug use or trafficking.</li>
<li><strong>Global Trends</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of October 2018, 170 States have either abolished the death penalty or introduced a moratorium on its use.</li>
<li>However, 23 states including India, have carried out at least one execution in the past decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/is-time-to-abolish-the-death-penalty%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Death Penalty Debate</a></p>
<h3>2018 Was the 4th Hottest Year</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to<strong> U.N.&rsquo;s World Meteorological Organisation</strong>, report <strong>2018 is set to be the fourth warmest year in recorded history,</strong> stressing the urgent need for action to rein in runaway planetary warming.</li>
<li><strong>WMO concluded that average global surface temperature in 2018 was 1&deg;C (1.8&deg;F) above pre-industrial baseline levels.</strong></li>
<li>2016, boosted by a strong El Nino remains the hottest year on record.</li>
<li>The WMO said that the 20 warmest years in history all occurred within the last 22 years.</li>
<li>The WMO said heightened temperatures also contributed to a number of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts and flash flooding.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</strong> is an intergovernmental organization with a membership of 192 Member States and Territories.</li>
<li>It originated from the<strong> International Meteorological Organization (IMO),</strong> which was established after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.</li>
<li><strong>Established by the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23 March 1950,</strong> WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.</li>
<li>WMO is headquartered in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-february-2019'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Visa crackdown: On Indian Students’ Arrest',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>(This editorial is based on the article &ldquo;Visa crackdown: On Indian Students&rsquo; Arrest&rdquo; which appeared in The Hindu for 5th February 2019. In this editorial, we&rsquo;ll discuss the current issue where Indian Students Trapped in <g class="gr_ gr_108 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="108" data-gr-id="108">United</g> States.)</p>
</div>
<p><strong>More than 100 Indian students have been charged with violating the immigration laws </strong><g class="gr_ gr_114 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="114" data-gr-id="114">the in</g><strong> US after they were caught enrolling in a fake university.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/580Student Visa.jpg" width="469" height="235" style="float: right; border-width: 5px; margin: 5px;" caption="false" /></strong></p>
<p>The arrest of Indian students on the charge of <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="107" data-gr-id="107">wilfully</g> violating immigration laws to stay and work in the United States sends a stark message to youth looking for better prospects abroad: their efforts should begin with due diligence and strictly follow the letter of the law.</p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Nearly six lakh Indian students are studying in 86 countries across the world.</strong> USA, Canada and Australia account for two-thirds of this number.</li>
<li>Currently, an estimated 2.5 lakh Indian students are enrolled in American universities.</li>
<li><strong>In the United States, foreign students are granted what are called "F" and "M" visas to study in the USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>Types of Student Visa to study in the U.S</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>F visa:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>F-1 visas for full-time students.</li>
<li>F-2 visas for dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21). This includes same-sex married couples.</li>
<li>F-3 visas for &lsquo;border commuters&rsquo; &ndash; Mexican and Canadian students who reside in their country of origin while attending part- or full-time school in the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>M visa</strong>:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>M-1 visas for students engaging in vocational or non-academic studies.</li>
<li>M-2 visas for dependents of M-1 visa holders (as in F-2 visas).</li>
<li>M-3 visas for &lsquo;border commuters&rsquo; as in F-3 visas, but for vocational or non-academic studies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>J visas</strong> for exchange students on a relevant exchange program.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the country's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency,<strong> foreign students must maintain their legal status by enrolling in a varsity</strong> certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. <strong>If this is not done, it is considered to be a case of immigration fraud.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>University of Farmington case in Michigan is not the first instance of Indian students falling foul of U.S. immigration laws</strong>, although it stands apart as a racket exposed by a sting operation. Others such as Tri-Valley University and Herguan University were degree mills run by individuals that used false claims and documents to enable youth to unlawfully stay in the U.S. and, in many cases, pursue employment.</li>
<li><strong>The prosecution has alleged that each student who enrolled in the &lsquo;university&rsquo; was aware that there would be no classes, credit scores or academic requirements, and the intention was merely to &ldquo;pay to stay&rdquo; and gain access to employment.</strong></li>
<li>Immigration attorneys have criticised authorities for using "troubling" methods to trap the students. They said the students were not aware of the varsity's illegitimate operation. Eminent Indian-Americans and some media outlets have also questioned the modus operandi of the US government in busting the racket, saying<strong> "trapping of innocent students" is a "crime".</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Measures</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India obtained consular access and provided legal assistance to 117 of the 129 Indian students</strong> detained in the US for allegedly enrolling in a fake university. The Indian government has closely monitored and taken proactive measures to deal with the detention of Indian students in the US.</li>
<li>The Indian embassy has also set up a<strong> 24x7 helpline for students.</strong></li>
<li>The MEA further said they were assisting the Indian students in <strong>obtaining legal advice and connecting them with community support services.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Students who are eligible to pursue studies at an authorised university in the U.S. should, therefore, get a further opportunity and not be subjected to summary deportation or humiliation. <strong>It must also not prejudice the prospects of such students who may apply in future for legal entry.</strong></li>
<li><strong>These trends reinforce the need for good communication that would help students identify credentialed institutions</strong> that meet the requirements of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and highlight the serious nature of visa fraud.</li>
<li>This should serve as a reminder to India&rsquo;s policymakers that access to higher education, job-creation and raising of living standards to meet the aspirations of youth must receive priority. <strong>Talk of an impending demographic dividend is meaningless without creating opportunities at home.</strong></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/visa-crackdown-on-indian-students-arrest'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Melting Glaciers in Hindu Kush Himalayas',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently, The <strong>Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment study</strong> has been released by the<strong> International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is of critical importance, given that it holds <strong>the largest ice mass after the North and South Poles</strong>, and has been on a constant warming trend since the 1970s.</li>
<li>The study warns that if global efforts to limit global warming to below 2&deg;C above pre-industrial levels fail, it could lead to <strong>the melting of two-thirds of the region&rsquo;s glaciers by 2100</strong>.</li>
<li>This trend could be catastrophic, given that there are 8,790 glacial lakes in the region, of which 203 could lead to floods from <strong>glacial lake outbursts</strong>. On an average, 76 events of natural hazard occur every year in the Hindu Kush, with China accounting for 25 and India 18.</li>
<li>The <strong>Indo-Gangetic Plain</strong>, an extremely polluted region, has <strong>amplified the effects of greenhouse gases</strong>. Deposits of <strong>black carbon</strong> and dust have <strong>sped up the melting</strong> of Hindu Kush glaciers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adverse Effect</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Destabilizing Rivers</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increasing glacial melts could destabilize rivers by changing their stream flow.</li>
<li>The <strong>Indus could witness more stream flow due to high glacial melt till 2050</strong>, after which the flow would start reducing due to decreasing glacial melt.</li>
<li>The Ganga and the Brahmaputra, which are mainly monsoon-fed rivers, will also see variations, as pre-monsoon flows may decline. This will hamper agriculture that accounts for the largest share of water usage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on Monsoons</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Hindu Kush range exerts a significant influence on seasonal shifts in the monsoon circulation and the distribution of rainfall over Asia in summer.</li>
<li>Changing monsoon patterns, including <strong>increased severity and frequency of storms</strong>, could lead to mountain hazards that may destroy critical infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forced Environmental Migration</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Forced migration could occur with an increase in the incidence and magnitude of extreme events such as floods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a <strong>regional intergovernmental</strong> learning and knowledge sharing centre.</li>
<li>It has <strong>eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya</strong> &ndash; <strong>Afghanistan</strong>, <strong>Bangladesh</strong>, <strong>Bhutan</strong>, <strong>China</strong>, <strong>India</strong>, <strong>Myanmar</strong>, <strong>Nepal</strong>, and <strong>Pakistan</strong> &ndash; and based in <strong>Kathmandu</strong>, Nepal.</li>
<li>Globalization and climate change have an increasing influence on the stability of fragile mountain ecosystems and the livelihoods of mountain people.</li>
<li>ICIMOD aims to assist mountain people to understand these changes, adapt to them, and make the most of new opportunities, while addressing upstream-downstream issues.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/himalayan-glaciers-impacted-by-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Himalayan Glaciers Impacted by Climate Change</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/melting-glaciers-in-hindu-kush-himalayas'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Witness Protection Scheme 2018',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court on December 5, approved the Witness Protection Scheme 2018 which aimed at enabling a witness to depose fearlessly and truthfully.</li>
<li>While the scheme is pending in the Parliament, the Supreme Court has ordered to imply the scheme immediately in all the states and the scheme would be the law of the land.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court Judgement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SC held that the <strong>Right of witnesses</strong> to testify freely in courts is part of <strong>Article 21 (Right to Life).</strong></li>
<li>The court said that the scheme will be the law under <strong>Article 141/142</strong> of the Constitution of India.</li>
<li>The bench has also asked all States and UTs to set up <strong>vulnerable witness deposition complexes</strong>, these rooms will be equipped with facilities to prevent the accused and witness coming face to face.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Arcticles 141 and 142</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 141:</strong> The law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India.</li>
<li><strong>Article 142 (1):</strong> The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or orders so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.</li>
<li><strong>Article 142 (2):</strong> Subject to the provisions of any law made in this behalf by Parliament, the Supreme Court shall, as respects the whole of the territory of India, have all and every power to make <g class="gr_ gr_269 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="269" data-gr-id="269">any</g> order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.<br /><br /></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, known as Asaram Bapu by his followers, a religious leader, was convicted by the Rajasthan High Court under rape case.</li>
<li>As the cases went through courts, three witnesses were killed and others were attacked or threatened.</li>
<li>The issue came up when the Supreme Court was hearing public interest litigation (PIL) plea seeking protection for witnesses in Asaram Bapu rape cases.</li>
<li>The Bench said witnesses feared serious consequences if they deposed against Asaram.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why the Witness Protection Scheme?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The need to protect witnesses has been emphasized by Law Commission reports and court judgments for years.</li>
<li>Such as the <strong>State of Gujarat v. Anirudh Singh (1997), 14th Law Commission Report and Malimath Committee Report</strong> has recommended for witness protection scheme.</li>
<li>Victims and witnesses of serious crimes are particularly at risk when the perpetrator is powerful, influential, or rich and the victims or witnesses belong to a socially or economically marginalized community.</li>
<li>Girls and women who report sexual violence are often even more vulnerable and face extreme pressure or direct threats from the accused.</li>
<li>Also, witnesses need to have the confidence to come forward to assist law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities. They need to be assured that they will receive support and protection.</li>
<li>Until now, there have been ad hoc steps such as few dedicated courtrooms for vulnerable witnesses mostly child victims and concealing the identity of witnesses in anti-terrorism etc have been unsuccessful to prevent witnesses.</li>
<li>Hence, legislative measures to emphasize prohibition against tampering of witnesses have become the imminent and inevitable need of the day.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Witness Protection Scheme 2018</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme is India&rsquo;s first Witness Protection Scheme, aimed at providing appropriate protection to the witnesses by the State.</li>
<li>The draft witness protection scheme has been finalized in consultation with the <strong>National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).</strong></li>
<li>The scheme shall extend to the whole of India except the State of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</li>
<li>The scheme identifies <strong>three categories</strong> of witnesses as per threat perception:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Category A:</strong> Those cases where threat extends to the life of witness or family members during the investigation, trial or even thereafter.</li>
<li><strong>Category B:</strong> Those cases where the threat extends to safety, reputation or property of the witness or family members during the investigation or trial.</li>
<li><strong>Category C:</strong> Cases where the threat is moderate and extends to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family members, reputation or property during the investigation, trial or thereafter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme provides for <strong>Witness Protection Fund</strong>:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The expenses for the programme will be met from this fund.</li>
<li>The states will make annual budgetary allocation for the fund.</li>
<li>It will be established and operated by the Department/Ministry of Home under States and Union Territories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme calls for preparation of a<strong> &lsquo;Threat Analysis Report&rsquo;</strong> of the witness by the Commissioner/SSP when witness applies for protection.</li>
<li><strong>The Witness Protection Order</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an order passed by the <strong>Competent Authority</strong> and it will be implemented by the <strong>Witness Protection Cell</strong> of the State/UT.</li>
<li>The Competent Authority is the one who is empowered under the Scheme to pass orders for the protection of the witness such as, <strong>Secretary District Legal Services Authority(DLSA)</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Witness Protection Application and process:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An application can be filed for seeking protection order under this scheme.</li>
<li>Competent Authority passes an order for Threat Analysis Report after receiving the application.</li>
<li>The Commissioner of Police in Commissionerates/ SSP in District Police investigating the case shall categorize the threat.</li>
<li>An application shall be disposed of within five working days of receipt of Threat Analysis Report.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Change of Identity</strong> in appropriate cases, where there is a request from the witness for the change of identity.</li>
<li><strong> Types of Protection measures</strong> includes providing a police escort to the witness up to the courtroom, in more complex cases taking extraordinary measures such as offering temporary residence in a safe house, giving a new identity, and relocation at an undisclosed place and also measures such as close protection, regular patrolling around the witness&rsquo;s house.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Significance of the Witness Protection Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This scheme attempts to ensure that witnesses receive appropriate and adequate protection.</li>
<li>Through this scheme, it would result in providing support to the threatened and vulnerable witnesses and gain their confidence in delivering information for justice.</li>
<li>Facilities such as camera trial, proximate physical protection and anonymizing of testimony and references to witnesses in the records would provide better protection.</li>
<li>It will also strengthen the criminal justice system in the country and will consequently enhance National Security Scenario.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The witness protection programme will pose logistical and financial challenges.</li>
<li>Invariance with the Law Commission&rsquo;s recommendation, the scheme is to be funded by budgetary support from State governments and donations.</li>
<li>Change of Identity needs to be done without undermining the witness professional and property rights and educational qualifications.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The witnesses are &ldquo;eyes and ears of justice&rdquo;, and this scheme is a step in the right direction towards the effective justice delivery system of the nation.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/witness-protection-scheme-2018-to-the-point'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'UNCTAD Report on Trade Wars',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Recently the UN body has released a report on trade wars titled <strong>"Trade Wars: The Pain and the Gain".</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This dispute between China and the United States will <strong>not benefit domestic producers in either country</strong> but could have <strong>"massive" implications on the global economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t9i2KyY9CfA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><strong></strong></p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ongoing trade tensions initially came out in <strong>early 2018 when China and the United States</strong> imposed tariffs on about $50 billion of each other&rsquo;s goods.</li>
<li>The confrontation quickly escalated, and in<strong> September 2018 the United States imposed 10% tariffs</strong> covering about $200 billion of Chinese imports, to which <strong>China retaliated by imposing tariffs</strong> on imports from the United States worth an additional $60 billion.</li>
<li>The 10% tariffs were initially due to rise to 25% in January 2019. However, in early December 2018 the parties agreed to freeze the tariff increase until 1 March 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Positive Impacts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Amid tit for tat tariff hikes between Washington and Beijing, <strong>trade is being diverted</strong> and a handful of countries stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions.</li>
<li>The trade war between the US and China is expected to<strong> boost the Indian economy with a rise of 3.5% in exports.</strong></li>
<li>The countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>EU members</strong> as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by USD 70 billion.</li>
<li><strong>Japan and Canada</strong> will see exports increase by more than USD 20 billion each.</li>
<li>Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include <strong>Australia, with 4.6% export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the study also underscores that even for countries whose exports are set to increase because of the trade disrutptions, not all the results will be positive.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Negative Impacts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One major concern is the risk that trade tensions<strong> could spiral into currency wars, disturbances in commodity prices, financial markets, etc.</strong> all which will have important repercussions for developing countries.</li>
<li>The <strong>magnitude and duration of tariffs is unclear,</strong> because of which producers have been reluctant to make investment decisions that may turn out to be unprofitable if the tariffs are revoked.</li>
<li>More countries may join the fray and that protectionist policies could escalate to a global level, which is against the rule based order, thus hurting weaker countries the most.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UNCTAD</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established in 1964, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) promotes development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.</li>
<li>UNCTAD is a <strong>permanent intergovernmental body established in 1964.</strong></li>
<li>Headquarters - <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
<li>Some of the reports published by it are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trade and Development Report</li>
<li>World Investment Report</li>
<li>The Least Developed Countries Report</li>
<li>Information and Economy Report</li>
<li>Technology and Innovation Report</li>
<li>Commodities and Development Report</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unctad-report-on-trade-wars'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Important Facts for Prelims (6th February 2019)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the <strong>International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)</strong> stated that India&rsquo;s cotton production is expected to dip by 7% due to &ldquo;insufficient rainfall&rdquo; in growing regions.</li>
<li>At the same time production in <strong>China is expected to increase</strong> because of better farming practices by about 1%, &nbsp;enabling China to regain the <strong>&lsquo;top producer&rsquo; title</strong> it lost to India in the 2015-16 season.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issues with Cotton Production in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>adverse climatic and water availability</strong> situation in cotton growing regions. About 77% of India&rsquo;s growing region is non irrigated, making it highly dependent on rains.</li>
<li>Reluctance to adding new areas for cotton cultivation because of the<strong> pest menace.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> lack of awareness among farmers</strong> on good farming practices.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Cotton Advisory Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ICAC is an association of members of cotton producing, consuming and trading countries. The Committee was <strong>formed in 1939,</strong> and the Secretariat was established in 1946.</li>
<li>It is <strong>headquartered in Washington DC, U.S.A.</strong></li>
<li>I<strong>ndia is one of the 27 members of this grouping since 1939.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The President of India has conferred the prestigious <strong>Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017</strong> at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.</li>
<li>The General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture had selected forty-two (42) artists from the field of Music, Dance, Theatre, Traditional/Folk/Tribal Music/Dance/Theatre, Puppetry and Overall contribution/scholarship in the Performing Arts for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2017.</li>
<li>The honour of <strong>Akademi Award has been conferred since 1952.</strong> These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievements, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution.</li>
<li>The honour of Akademi Award carries with it<strong> Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and shawl.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Shift in Magnetic North Pole</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the updated <strong>World Magnetic Model</strong> has been released.</li>
<li>The World Magnetic Model was <strong>scheduled to be released in 2020,</strong> but it was preponed due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shift-in-earths-magnetic-north-pole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shifting in earth&rsquo;s magnetic north pole.</strong></a></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-6th-february-2019'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'India-Monaco Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Prince of Monaco Albert II</strong> came to India on his first official visit.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the visit, a number of agreements were signed which includes:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423475_image34.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1577423475_image34.png" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cooperation on the environment, climate change, renewable energy.</li>
<li>Establishing linkages especially in infrastructure development</li>
<li>Visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders of Monaco</li>
<li>Scope for business cooperation</li>
<li>Both sides also decided to step up cooperation in the field of ocean resources and urban affairs (including Smart Cities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The visit of Prince Albert II of Monaco provided an opportunity for the two sides to review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the partnership in areas of mutual interest.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Monaco Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Principality of Monaco and India officially established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2007. However, Consular Relations between the Principality of Monaco and India have existed since 30 September 1954.</li>
</ul>
<h3>About Monaco</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Monaco is a <strong>city-state</strong> situated in Southern Europe, on the <strong>Mediterranean coast.</strong></li>
<li>Monaco is spread over 2 km<sup>2</sup> and is <strong>second smallest country</strong> in the world after Vatican City.</li>
<li>Monaco&rsquo;s <strong>government structure is a hereditary constitutional monarchy,</strong> governed by the Constitution established on December 17, 1962.</li>
<li>The executive power rests under the high authority of Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco.</li>
</ul>',
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