Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

Asian Houbara Bustard

Why in News Recently, the Pakistan government has issued special permits to Dubai royal family members, allowing them to hunt the internationally...

13 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Dzukou Valley

Why in News The two-week long forest fire in Dzukou valley on Nagaland-Manipur border has been doused. The 90-sq km green valley has been prone...

13 Jan 2021 News Analysis
National Youth Day

Why in News National Youth Day is held every year on 12th January to observe the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Key Points The day is...

13 Jan 2021 News Analysis
India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges

Why in News India, for the eighth time, has entered the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)as a non-permanent member recently. It will stay on...

13 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Indian Foreign Policy In 2021

This article is based on “Reframing India’s foreign policy priorities” which was published in The Hindu on 12/01/2021. It talks...

12 Jan 2021 News Editorials
National Energy Conservation Awards

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Power, in association with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), organised the 30th National Energy...

12 Jan 2021 News Analysis
The Big Picture : One Nation, One Gas Grid

Why in News? The Prime Minister of India has recently inaugurated the 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangalore in...

12 Jan 2021 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Covid-19 Vaccine Policy

This article is based on “Devising a vaccine strategy for India” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 07/01/2021. It talks...

11 Jan 2021 News Editorials
Quantum Technology

Why in News The detailed project report for a National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA) has been drawn out and...

11 Jan 2021 News Analysis
China’s Rising Influence in South Asia

Why in News China has held its third multilateral dialogue virtually with countries from South Asia to take forward closer cooperation on fighting...

11 Jan 2021 News Analysis
MukundPura Meteorite

Why in News A recent study has shed light on the mineralogy of the meteorite named Mukundpura CM2 which fell in Mukundpura village near Jaipur in...

11 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Jagannath Temple

Why in News Recently, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced that devotees don't need to produce their Covid-19 negative report...

11 Jan 2021 News Analysis
National Family Health Survey-5

Introduction The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households...

11 Jan 2021 Paper 2
Political Crisis in Nepal

This article is based on “What India should, and shouldn’t, do in Nepal” which was published in The Hindustan Times on...

09 Jan 2021 News Editorials
Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services Project

Why in News Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum-2021 is being organised by the Ministry of...

09 Jan 2021 News Analysis
South African Variant of Coronavirus

Why in News Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised a concern over the South African variant of Coronavirus. Key...

09 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Japan Provides Loan to India

Why in News India and Japan signed an agreement for a loan of up to 50 billion yen (about Rs. 3,550 crore) to back India’s economic support...

09 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Seventh Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO

Why in News Recently, the final session of India’s seventh Trade Policy Review (TPR) concluded at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in...

09 Jan 2021 News Analysis
India-Mongolia Relations

Why in News Recently, India and Mongolia have reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors. Key Points India reiterated...

09 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Death Penalty For Sexual Offences

This article is based on “The wrong answer” which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the issues related...

08 Jan 2021 News Editorials

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Asian Houbara Bustard',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Pakistan government has<strong> issued special permits</strong> to Dubai royal family members, allowing them to hunt the <strong>internationally protected bird <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-houbara-bustard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">houbara</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-houbara-bustard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>bustard</strong></a> during the 2020-21 hunting season.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bustards are large, <strong>terrestrial birds</strong> that belong to several species, including some of the largest flying birds.</li>
<li><strong>Two Distinct Species of Houbara Bustard:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list#:~:text=status%20of%20species.-,The%20International%20Union%20for%20Conservation%20of%20Nature,It%20is%20headquartered%20in%20Switzerland." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong></a> recognises two distinct species found in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>North Africa <em>(Chlamydotis undulata) </em></strong>and</li>
<li><strong>Asia <em>(Chlamydotis macqueenii).</em></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat of Asian Houbara:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610533060_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610533060_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The population of the Asian houbara bustards extends from northeast Asia, across central Asia, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula to reach the Sinai desert (Egypt).</li>
<li>After breeding in the spring, the Asian bustards migrate south to spend the winter in Pakistan, the Arabian Peninsula and nearby Southwest Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Decline:</strong> Poaching, unregulated hunting, along with degradation of its natural habitat.</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>IUCN Status-</strong> Vulnerable</li>
<li><strong>Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>)-</strong> Appendix I</li>
<li><strong>Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-cop-13-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CMS</a>)</strong>- Appendix II</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-issues-special-permit-for-dubai-royals-to-hunt-internationally-protected-bird/article33557149.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-houbara-bustard-1'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Dzukou Valley',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The two-week long<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-fires" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> forest fire</strong></a> <strong>in Dzukou valley on Nagaland-Manipur border</strong> has been doused.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> 90-sq km green valley</strong> has been <strong>prone to forest fires for decades -</strong> in 2015, 2012, 2010 and 2006.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530718_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530718_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="633" height="575" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> The Dzukou Valley, <strong>popularly known as the &lsquo;valley of flower&rsquo;,</strong> is located at the <strong>border of Nagaland and Manipur. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Situated at <strong>an altitude of 2,438 metres</strong> behind the<strong> Japfu mountain range,</strong> it is one of the most<strong> popular trekking spots</strong> in the North East. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Dzukou valley and Japfu peak are located <strong>adjacent to the Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary (Nagaland).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>no human habitations within the forests,</strong> but they are <strong>home to rare and &lsquo;vulnerable&rsquo; (as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN Red List</a>) birds - Blyth&rsquo;s Tragopan</strong> (Nagaland&rsquo;s state bird), the <strong>Rufous-necked Hornbill</strong> and the<strong> Dark-rumped Swift,</strong> among many others. Also found in the forests are <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hoolock-gibbon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>endangered Western Hoolock Gibbons.</strong> </a></li>
<li>It is <strong>covered with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/greening-india-by-planting-bamboo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bamboo</a></strong> and other grass species. The valley harbours many species of flowering plants including the <strong>endemic Dzukou Lily- Lilium chitrangada.</strong></li>
<li>The valley is a <strong>source of conflict</strong> for ownership between local tribes and the state governments of Manipur/Nagaland.</li>
<li>It is home to the <strong>Angami people.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Forest Fires</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Wildfire,</strong> also called <strong>forest, bush or vegetation fire,</strong> can be described as any <strong>uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion</strong> or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brush land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and <strong>spreads based on environmental conditions</strong> (e.g., wind, topography).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Wildfire <strong>can be incited by human actions,</strong> such as land clearing, extreme drought or in rare cases by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-lightning-strikes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> lightning.</strong> </a></li>
<li><strong>One of the major reasons for forest fires in the north-east is slash-and-burn cultivation, </strong>commonly called <strong>jhoom or jhum cultivation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fires happen between the months of January and March. The north-east has tropical evergreen forests and, unlike the dry deciduous forests of central India, these are not likely to catch fire easily.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Globally, forest fires <strong>release billions of tons of CO<sub>2</sub> into the atmosphere,</strong> while hundreds of thousands of<strong> people are believed to die due to illnesses caused by exposure to smoke</strong> from forest fires and other landscape fires.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Findings from the 2019 Report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>About <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>21.40% of forest cover in India is prone to fires</strong></a>, with forests in the <strong>north-eastern region and central India being the most vulnerable.</strong></li>
<li>While the <strong>overall green cover has increased</strong> in the country, the <strong>forest cover in the north-east &mdash;</strong> particularly in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland &mdash; has <strong>decreased. Forest Fires</strong> could be <strong>one of the causes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF) 2018</li>
<li>Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dzukou-valley-wildfire-doused/article33553588.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dzukou-valley'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'National Youth Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>National Youth Day is held every year on 12<sup>th</sup> January to observe the<strong> birth anniversary</strong> of <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/to-the-point-paper-4-indian-thinker-swami-vivekanand-1863-1902" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swami Vivekananda.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530068_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530068_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The day is also referred to as <strong>Swami Vivekanand Jayanti</strong> and was designated as the <strong>National Youth Day in 1984.</strong></li>
<li><strong>24<sup>th</sup> National Youth Festival:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of <strong>Swami Vivekananda,</strong> the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-youth-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Youth Festival</a> is an annual gathering of youth with various activities including competitive ones.</strong></li>
<li>Theme of <strong>2021 Festival: &lsquo;YUVAAH &ndash; Utsah Naye Bharat Ka&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It will be celebrated from <strong>12<sup>th</sup> to 16<sup>th</sup> January</strong></li>
<li>It is organized by the <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India in collaboration with one of the State Governments.</strong></li>
<li>As part of the <strong>National Youth Festival,</strong> the <strong>National Youth Parliament Festival</strong> (NYPF) has also been organized <strong>since 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Youth Parliament Festival:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To hear the voice of youth in this age bracket of <strong>18-25</strong> who are <strong>allowed to vote but cannot contest in elections.</strong></li>
<li>To encourage the youth to engage with public issues, understand the common man&rsquo;s point of view, form their opinion and express these in an articulate manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organized by:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>National Service Scheme</strong> (NSS) and <strong>Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan</strong> (NYKS) under the aegis of <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>first festival</strong> of the NYPF was organised from<strong> 12<sup>th</sup> January to 27<sup>th</sup> February,</strong> 2019, with the theme <strong>"Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions and Contribute to Policy&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>This is the <strong>second NYPF festival</strong> started in <strong>December 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He was born as <strong>Narendranath Datta on 12<sup>th</sup> January, 1863.</strong></li>
<li>Introduced the world to the Indian philosophies of<a href="/to-the-points/paper4/schools-of-indian-philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Vedanta and Yoga.</strong></a></li>
<li>He was the chief disciple of the 19<sup>th</sup>-century mystic <strong>Ramakrishna Paramhansa.</strong></li>
<li>Laid the greatest emphasis on <strong>education</strong> for the <strong>regeneration of our motherland. </strong>He advocated a <strong>man-making character-building education.</strong></li>
<li>Established the<strong> Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.</strong> It is an organization which works in the area of <strong>value-based education, culture, health, women's empowerment, youth and tribal welfare and relief and rehabilitation.</strong></li>
<li>He died at <strong>Belur Math in 1902.</strong> Belur Math, located in West Bengal, is the <strong>headquarters of Ramakrishna Math &amp; Ramakrishna Mission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1687655" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-youth-day-1'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India, for the<strong> eighth time,</strong> has entered the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</a></strong>as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc#:~:text=All%20the%20countries%20in%20the,China%20have%20supported%20India's%20candidature." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-permanent member</strong> </a>recently. It will stay on the council for two years i.e <strong>2021-22.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Contributions of India at UNSC:</strong> India has served <strong>seven times</strong> in the <strong>UN Security Council.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>1950-51:</strong> India, as President of UNSC, presided over the<strong> adoption of resolutions</strong> calling for cessation of hostilities during the<strong> Korean War and for assistance to the Republic of Korea.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1967-68:</strong> India <strong>co-sponsored Resolution 238</strong> extending the mandate of the<strong> UN mission in Cyprus.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1972-73:</strong> India pushed strongly for<strong> admission of Bangladesh into the UN.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1977-78:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for Africa in the UNSC</strong> and<strong> spoke against apartheid</strong> and for <strong>Namibia&rsquo;s independence</strong> in 1978.</li>
<li><strong>1984-85:</strong> India was a <strong>leading voice in UNSC for resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1991-92:</strong> Participated in the<strong> first ever summit-level meeting</strong> of the UNSC and <strong>spoke on its role in maintenance of peace and security.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2011-2012:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for developing world,</strong> peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and Africa. First statement on Syria was during India&rsquo;s Presidency at the UNSC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the 2011-12 term, India chaired the <strong>UNSC 1373 Committee concerning Counter-Terrorism, the 1566 Working Group concerning threat to international peace and security by terrorist acts, and Security Council 751/1907 Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier in 1996, India took the initiative to pilot a draft <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</strong> </a>with the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat terrorism.</li>
<li>India worked closely with its partners in the UNSC to ensure the listing of <strong>Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar under the UNSC&rsquo;s 1267 Sanctions Committee</strong> (May 2019) concerning al-Qaeda and ISIS and associated individuals and entities, which was pending since 2009.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges at UNSC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Challenge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is entering the UNSC at a time when Beijing is asserting itself at the global stage much more vigorously than ever. It heads at least six UN organisations and has challenged the global rules.</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a> as well as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India-China border</strong></a> has been visible in all of 2020.</li>
<li>China has tried to raise the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked#:~:text=Issues%20in%20Revoking&amp;text=India%20has%20used%20Article%20370,the%20Indian%20Constitution%20to%20J%26K.&amp;text=It%20will%20also%20clear%20the,and%20settle%20permanently%20in%20J%26K." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>issue of Kashmir</strong> </a>at the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Covid World Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the global economy is in shambles with various countries facing <strong>recession and health emergencies.</strong> To handle all these situations need <strong>careful strategy</strong> to move the world out of this burdening challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing USA and Russia and Unstable West Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With the situation deteriorating between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Russia</strong></a> and increasing tensions between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assassination-of-iranian-general-qassem-soleimani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Iran</strong></a>, it will be tough situation to handle for India. India needs to uphold rule based world order with due respect to human rights ensuring the national interest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nation Security Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations Charter established<strong> six main organs of the United Nations,</strong> including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Article 23 of the UN Charter concerns the composition of the UNSC.</li>
<li>The UNSC has been given primary responsibility for maintaining <strong>international peace and security to the Security Council,</strong> which may meet whenever peace is threatened.</li>
<li>While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council <strong>has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Permanent and Non-Permanent Members:</strong> The UNSC is composed of <strong>15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Five permanent members:</strong> China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.</li>
<li><strong>Ten non-permanent members: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Each year, the General Assembly elects<strong> five non-permanent members</strong> (out of ten in total) for a<strong> two-year term.</strong> The ten non-permanent seats are distributed on<strong> a regional basis.</strong></li>
<li>As stipulated in rule 144 of the rules of procedure, a <strong>retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election</strong>.</li>
<li>In accordance with rule 92 of the rules of procedure, the election is <strong>held by secret ballot and there are no nominations</strong>.Under rule 83 of the rules of procedure, the non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected by a two-thirds majority.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Five for African and Asian countries.</li>
<li>One for Eastern European countries.</li>
<li>Two for Latin American and Caribbean countries.</li>
<li>Two for Western European and other countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has been advocating a permanent seat in UNSC.</li>
<li>India has the following objective criteria, such as <strong>population, territorial size, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a>, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system and past and ongoing contributions to UN activities </strong>especially to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN peacekeeping operations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-at-un-high-table-7142523/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-at-unsc-previous-contribution-current-challenges'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Indian Foreign Policy In 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/reframing-indias-foreign-policy-priorities/article33552868.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Reframing India&rsquo;s foreign policy priorities&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 12/01/2021. It talks about the current challenges and opportunities in pursuit of fulfilling foreign policy objectives.</p>
</div>
<p>Like any other country, India&rsquo;s foreign policy envisages to widen its sphere of influence, enhance its role across nations, and make its presence felt like an emerging power. The year 2021 presents a bunch of challenges and opportunities in pursuit of fulfilling foreign policy objectives.</p>
<p>For instance, the rise of China and its influence in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood is a cause of worry for India. Moreover, concluding the negotiations for an<strong> EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment</strong> debunks the myth of Chinese isolation after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and further strengthened China&rsquo;s position.</p>
<p>Moreover, India&rsquo;s foreign policy decisions like growing convergence with the US have led to weakening its links with traditional friends like Russia and Iran.</p>
<p>Therefore, in shifting the balance of power in the region, India needs to tackle foreign policy challenges and leverage opportunities carefully.</p>
<h3>Challenges in Front of India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>A Stronger China:</strong> China is the only major country that had a positive growth rate at the end of 2020, and its economy is poised to grow even faster in 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Militarily, China has further strengthened itself and now seeks to dominate the Indo-Pacific Ocean with its announcement of its third aircraft carrier&rsquo;s launch in 2021.</li>
<li>In this context, any breakthrough in Sino-Indian relations is unlikely to occur, and the confrontation between Indian and Chinese armed forces is expected to continue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Russia-China Axis:</strong> Russia is beginning to display more significant interest in its periphery&rsquo;s affairs. Moreover, the sanctions imposed on Russia after Crimea's annexation in 2014 has pushed Russia towards a tighter embrace of China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This seems to signal reduced interest in countries such as India.</li>
<li>Also, India&rsquo;s closeness to the U.S. has weakened its links with traditional friends such as Russia and Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Middle East Equations:</strong> The US-brokered rapprochement between Israel and four Arab countries &mdash; the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan &mdash; reflected the changing landscape in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, despite the hype surrounding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abraham Accords</strong></a>, the situation remains fluid and has not reduced the risk of a confrontation between Iran and Israel.</li>
<li>Given the region&rsquo;s strategic flux, Iran could well be tempted to use its nuclear capability to enhance its position.</li>
<li>This does pose problems for India since both have relations with it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Self-Imposed Isolation of India:</strong> Currently, India remains isolated from two important supranational bodies of which it used to be a founding member, viz., the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, India has opted out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).</strong></a></li>
<li>This self-imposed isolation doesn&rsquo;t synergise with India&rsquo;s aspiration of becoming a global power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakening Ties with Neighbors:</strong> A more worrying concern for Indian foreign policy is weakening ties with the neighbours.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be seen from instances like <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s Cheque Book Diplomacy</strong> </a>vis-a-vis Srilanka, strain in relation with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Bangladesh on NRC issue</strong></a> and recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute#:~:text=India%20rejected%20the%20new%20map,boundary%20issues%20through%20diplomatic%20dialogue." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>border controversy with Nepal</strong></a> due to the release of the new map.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neighbourhood First:</strong> Through a series of diplomatic efforts, India should make valiant efforts to improve relations with some of its neighbours such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka,
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, as the world emerges from the pandemic, India has a lot to gain from what could be <strong>&ldquo;vaccine diplomacy&rdquo;</strong> with neighbours in 2021 &mdash; supplying vaccines either free or at affordable costs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>External Aid in Adequate Measure:</strong> The current standoff with China has reinforced JL Nehru&rsquo;s belief in 1963 that India needs <strong>&ldquo;external aid in adequate measure&rdquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India will need continuing support from the US, Japan, Australia, besides European leaders such as France, Germany and the UK.</li>
<li>India should appreciate European entry into Indo-pacific narrative, as already, France and Germany have come up with their Indo-Pacific strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India at UNSC High Table:</strong> As India enters the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council as a non-permanent member</strong> </a>for the eighth time, India should raise all-important global matters like China&rsquo;s aggressiveness&mdash; from Tibet to Taiwan, Iran-Saudi rivalry, refugee crisis between Bangladesh and Myanmar, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should refrain from a limited focus on isolating Pakistan, as it would distract from India&rsquo;s aspirations of being a global leader.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With US:</strong> As the future of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> and the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific strategy</strong></a> relies on the new US administration, India will need to build on its deepening strategic and defence ties with the US and resolve trade and visa issues.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In the light of the changing actualities of the international situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an aspirational player.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf5;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the light of the changing actualities of the international situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an aspirational player. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f-UgHOy0jGw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-diaspora-dilemma-hteditorial-101610294070862.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The diaspora dilemma&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 10<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indian-foreign-policy-in-2021'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'National Energy Conservation Awards',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>the Ministry of Power,</strong> in association with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bee-star-rating-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)</strong></a>, organised the <strong>30<sup>th</sup> National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA)</strong> function.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the event, the <strong>Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV</strong> on voluntary basis was initiated and<strong> SATHEE Portal</strong> was also launched.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Energy Conservation Awards Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> had launched a scheme in 1991, to give<strong> national recognition</strong> through awards to industries and establishments that have taken<strong> special efforts to reduce energy consumption</strong> while maintaining their production. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The awards were given away for the<strong> first time on 14<sup>th</sup> December, 1991,</strong> which was declared as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-day-2020#:~:text=The%20National%20Energy%20Conservation%20Day,are%20given%20on%20the%20occasion." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'The National Energy Conservation Day'.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It recognizes the energy efficiency achievements in<strong> 56 sub-sectors across industry, establishments and institutions.</strong></li>
<li>During the award ceremony, it was specifically mentioned that the impact of <strong>PAT Cycle II</strong> achieved<strong> emission reduction of 61 million ton of CO<sub>2</sub>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>market-based mechanism</strong> to further accelerate as well as incentivize energy efficiency in the large energy-intensive industries.</li>
<li>It <strong>provides the option to trade any additional certified energy savings</strong> with other designated consumers to comply with the Specific Energy Consumption reduction targets.</li>
<li>It is <strong>being implemented by BEE,</strong> as a &ldquo;flag bearer&rdquo; which has not only demonstrated its promise in the country but also has found interest among many other countries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is to be carried out on a <strong>voluntary basis.</strong></li>
<li>They are aimed to <strong>further enhance the level of energy conservation.</strong> This conserved energy can then be used for a different purpose in the home or workplace.</li>
<li>Besides saving energy, this programme could also <strong>facilitate reducing energy bills.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SAATHEE Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed a <strong>Management Information System (MIS) portal</strong> namely <strong>State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency (SAATHEE).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For SDAs:</strong> It is a portal for the <strong>State Designated Agency (SDA)</strong> for state level activities.</li>
<li><strong>Captures Status of Energy Efficiency:</strong> It will be useful in capturing the physical and financial status/ progress of Energy Efficiency activities being implemented by States/ UTs across the country. Thus, it will<strong> facilitate Real Time Monitoring.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Streamlines Decision Making and Compliance:</strong> It will also help in decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and implementation and enforcement of the compliance process for various energy consumers at the pan India level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Targets in Energy Efficiency:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>one of the lowest per capita emissions</strong> and <strong>per capita energy consumption.</strong> Despite this the country has made ambitious commitments to meet the global challenge posed by climate change. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India <strong>has a target</strong> to<strong> reduce the emission intensity to 33-35% by 2030</strong> compared to 2005 level, as part of commitments made during <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COP 21.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Prime Minister&rsquo;s vision aims at a climate mitigation goal, with a <strong>target for renewable energy capacity to be increased to 450 GW by 2030.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Aimed at Energy Conservation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Standard and Labelling and Demand Side Management</a>, Energy Conservation Building Code, </strong>etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sophisticated-analytical-technical-help-institutes-sathi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SATHI</strong> </a><strong>(Sophisticated Analytical &amp; Technical Help Institutes):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an initiative of the <strong>Department of Science &amp; Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To provide a shared, professionally managed services and strong Science and Technology infrastructure/facilities, to service the demands of faculty, researchers, etc., to enable them to carry out R&amp;D activities on a round the clock basis with minimum downtime.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sophisticated-analytical-technical-help-institutes-sathi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAATHI</a> (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries) Initiative:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>initiative of the Ministry of Textiles.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To sustain and accelerate the adoption of <strong>energy efficient textile technologies</strong> in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/merger-of-schools-in-odisha-sath-project#:~:text=Sustainable%20Action%20for%20Transforming%20Human%20Capital%20(SATH)%20focusses%20on%20two,the%20teacher%20at%20its%20centre%E2%80%9D." target="_blank" rel="noopener">SATH</a> (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital) Program:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>program of NITI Aayog.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To initiate transformation in the education and health sectors and build 3 future &lsquo;role model&rsquo; states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1687682" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-awards'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture : One Nation, One Gas Grid',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wvy_6E2YisY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India has recently inaugurated the 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangalore in Karnataka.</li>
<li>The government has set the energy roadmap, envisaging more than double the share of cleaner natural gas in the consumption basket, diversifying sources of energy, connecting the nation with one gas pipeline grid and bringing affordable fuel to people and industry.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A gas-based economy is crucial for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and work is being done in the direction of <strong>'One Nation, One Gas Grid'.</strong></li>
<li>The pipeline grid is expected to not only help improve clean energy access, but also aid in the development of city gas projects.</li>
<li>The government is also considering the proposal of bringing natural gas under the ambit of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Good and Services Tax.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>One Nation, One Gas Grid</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Power system for planning and operational purposes is divided into five regional grids.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One Nation, One Gas Grid refers to the integration of these regional grids thus establishing a National Grid for providing energy produced by natural gas to various stakeholders like the central government, the state governments, the public and the private sectors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610439260_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610439260_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Objective and Need of One Nation &amp; One Gas Grid</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meeting the targets:</strong> The initiative of the Indian government will help meet its target of reaching 15% natural gas in its energy basket mix by 2030 which is currently at 6.2-6.5% whereas the global average is 23-24%.</li>
<li><strong>Connecting the nation:</strong> With one nation and one gas grid, the energy produced from natural gas will be supplied to the whole country via a single source.</li>
<li><strong>Improving regional imbalance:</strong> It will help in improving the regional imbalance of gas availability as currently the natural gas is only in limited pockets of the country.</li>
<li><strong>India as a gas based economy:</strong> One nation, one gas grid which will help emerge India as a gas based economy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will not only lead to robust development in the economy but also encourage a clean environment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cleaner environment:</strong> In times when conventionalsSources are depleting and mining is being extended to a greater depth and area, natural gas can prove to be a boon by preventing deforestation and desertification.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce import dependency:</strong> The import dependency of natural gas in India has reached to 53%. In order to reduce this high percentage, the government is taking measures to diversify the energy mix of India.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Targets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To increase the share of natural gas, the government has announced the expansion of the natural gas grid from the previous 17,500 kilometers to 34,500 kilometers. To which, 450 kms have already been added making it approx 18000.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The next 16000 kms is expected to be achieved in the next 4-6 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Primarily, as a grid, the north and west part of India were already connected via LNG terminal.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the last 4 years, efforts have also been made to connect eastern India with North via the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline which is a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-gas-grid-fuel-for-all" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Urja Ganga Project</strong></a> which is in its final stages and will also add around 3000 kms to the grid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The southern part of India is also being looked upon and is expected to add about 1500 kms to the grid.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Encouraging investments:</strong> Investing in natural gas should be more encouraged. The share can be divided as : 20% for smaller manufacturing brands whereas for the government and bigger companies it should be 80%.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is important because investing in natural gas means investing in:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Cleaner environment</li>
<li>Better health for our people</li>
<li>Creating more jobs and a better economy for our people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educating about natural gas:</strong> One area where we all should work is in educating people about the natural gas economy because at present the lack of knowledge about natural gas based economy is widely persistent.</li>
<li><strong>Empowering the vehicles:</strong> Empowered vehicles are needed to reach the destination of One Nation, One Gas Grid. Vehicles such as GAIL, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-natural-gas-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ONGC</strong></a> etc need to be strengthened and empowered to eradicate natural gas energy poverty.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is important to give more importance to companies like ONGC when it comes to upstream for gas and GAIL India when it comes to midstream production and gas distribution, and to companies like Oil India when it comes to oil distribution.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>We need more LNG terminals for more upstream production of gas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marketing and pricing reforms:</strong> To increase domestic exploration, investment and production of natural gas, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/natural-gas-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marketing and Pricing Reforms</strong></a> are the one step that the Government of India has taken in a couple of months.</li>
<li><strong>Natural gas democracy:</strong> Like no citizen of a country should be kept out of democracy, similarly no one should be left out of the benefits of natural gas, it should reach each and every household.</li>
<li><strong>Collaborative effort:</strong> It is not enough that only the central government takes initiatives in the direction, various state govts should also come on board or even a public sector is also as important when it comes to contributing their share in the notion of One Nation, One Gas Grid.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Tremendous efforts are on the way to achieve clean affordable and sustainable energy but going forward there will be infrastructure related and many other possible challenges that must be tackled in order to end energy poverty in the times to come, ensuring energy security for the citizens as well.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-one-nation-one-gas-grid'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Covid-19 Vaccine Policy',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/devising-a-vaccine-strategy-for-india/story-u12s0fA8oFOmfMxXo3St1H.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Devising a vaccine strategy for India&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 07/01/2021. It talks about the challenges and solutions in the development &amp; distribution of Covid-19 vaccine.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India has approved the Covid-19 vaccines developed by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Astra-Zeneca (Covishield)</strong> </a><strong>and</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Biotech (Covaxin)</strong></a>. There are several more vaccines that will likely be available later in 2021.</p>
<p>Although India will not need to vaccinate its entire population, it would have to vaccinate at least 30-40% of the people to develop herd immunity fully. Even at a minimum scale, approximately 1 billion doses of <strong>Covid-19 vaccines</strong> will be required, given that most vaccines need a booster dose.</p>
<p>Moreover, other factors, like allocation, distribution, financing, communication, etc., will be impediments to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 vaccination</strong> </a>drive. Therefore, deploying a robust vaccine development &amp; distribution policy will be very crucial for India.</p>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Allocation:</strong> Most nations will vaccinate healthcare workers first. They treat those who are infected with Covid-19 and vaccinate the remaining population. After that, it seems logical to prioritise the elderly, who have a higher infection fatality rate. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, premature death costs a young person more years of life than an older adult. This is a more significant concern for India, as 80% of its population is below 50.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Moving vaccines from companies to warehouses will be relatively easy, but moving it from warehouses to distributors to end-users will be tricky, given the difficulties with cold chains and storage facilities.</li>
<li><strong>Financing:</strong> In the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, vaccines are likely to be entirely free and administered publicly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, given the tight fiscal situation, the Indian government faces the dilemma of whether to finance vaccinations publicly or privately.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Human Resource:</strong> Administering 30-40 million immunisations (under regular vaccination drive) a year is very different from vaccinating 600 million people in a year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sourcing the trained human resources necessary to deliver intramuscular shots, without diverting from existing priorities, will not be easy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public Confidence:</strong> &ldquo;Optimism bias," as it is called, makes vaccination seem unnecessary to them. Concerning diseases, a lot of people tend to think that their risk is low.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this behaviour can prove fatal in battling a pandemic like Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vaccine Prioritisation:</strong> The protective benefit from vaccination is much lower if one has immunity from a prior infection. Hence, the allocation of the vaccine among the working-age population should consider two factors: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It may be prudent to screen people for Covid-19 antibodies and prioritise vaccination of those without antibodies.</li>
<li>Areas closest to herd immunity even without suppression require the least number of doses to return to regular economic activity and have higher returns from vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening VaccineSupply Chain:</strong> Enhancing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electronic-vaccine-intelligence-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network</strong></a> (eVIN) system will enhance real-time information on vaccine stocks and storage temperatures across all country&rsquo;s cold chain points.</li>
<li><strong>Bridging Human Resource Gap:</strong> Engaging medical students, phlebotomists, paramedics and pharmacists can be rapidly and reliably trained to administer vaccines, will bridge the human resource gap.</li>
<li><strong>Hybrid Financing Policy:</strong> India will need a hybrid strategy, where the majority of the population (economically challenged) is vaccinated for free publicly while allowing private markets to operate for rich people.</li>
<li><strong>Effective Communication:</strong> A good communication strategy that envisages removing myths associated with Covid-19 vaccine should be science-led, involve regular communication, utilise respected community leaders to widen reach, and clamp down on the spread of misinformation.</li>
<li><strong>Need For Vaccine Certification:</strong> To resume normalcy and allow free movement of people, every country will need an internal set of protocols regarding proof of vaccination that is interoperable with norms elsewhere. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In other words, proof of vaccination in India or Tanzania must be acceptable to Singapore Airlines or Qantas.</li>
<li>This will also require multilateral bodies to play an active role in creating frameworks, around which digital platforms can be developed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s Covid-19 vaccine drive will be a monumental mission, not just in terms of vaccinating its own population, but also vaccinating a large part of the world thanks to its position as the world&rsquo;s leading vaccine producer.</p>
<p>Addressing the issues associated with the development and distribution of vaccines will augment the effort to efficiently get vaccines to hundreds of millions in the shortest period of time.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Covid-19 immunisation drive will be a different kettle of fish from regular vaccination programs&rdquo;. In light of the statement analyse the challenges in the development &amp; distribution of Covid-19 vaccine.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-policy'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Quantum Technology',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The detailed project report for a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quantum-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA)</strong> </a>has been drawn out and finalised.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Union Budget 2020-21 proposed</strong> to spend<strong> Rs 8,000 crore</strong> on the newly launched <strong>NMQTA.</strong></li>
<li>In 2018, the <strong>Department of Science &amp; Technology</strong> unveiled a programme called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quantum-supremacy-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quantum-Enabled Science &amp; Technology (QuEST)</strong></a> and committed to investing Rs. 80 crore over the next three years to accelerate research.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mission<strong> seeks to develop quantum computing linked technologies amidst the second quantum revolution</strong> and make <strong>India the world&rsquo;s third-biggest nation in the sector</strong> after the US and China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363440_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363440_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Quantum Technology/Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Quantum Technology is<strong> based on the principles of Quantum mechanics that was developed in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century</strong> to describe nature at the scale of<strong> atoms and elementary particles.</strong></li>
<li>The first phase of this revolutionary technology has<strong> provided the foundations of our understanding of the physical world, including the interaction of light and matter,</strong> and led to ubiquitous inventions such as <strong>lasers and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/schemes-for-electronic-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">semiconductor</a> transistors.</strong></li>
<li>A second revolution is currently underway with the <strong>goal of putting properties of quantum mechanics in the realms of computing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Difference Between Conventional and Quantum Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Conventional computers</strong> process information in <strong>&lsquo;bits&rsquo; or 1s and 0s,</strong> following classical physics under which our computers can process a &lsquo;1&rsquo; or a &lsquo;0&rsquo; at a time.</li>
<li><strong>Quantum computers</strong> compute in <strong>&lsquo;qubits&rsquo; (or quantum bits).</strong> They exploit the properties of quantum mechanics, the science that governs how matter behaves on the atomic scale.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this scheme of things, processors can be a 1 and a 0 simultaneously, a state called quantum superposition.</li>
<li>Because of quantum superposition, a quantum computer &mdash; if it works to plan &mdash; can<strong> mimic several classical computers working in parallel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363473_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="263" height="192" /></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Properties of Quantum Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The basic properties of quantum computing are s<strong>uperposition, entanglement, and interference.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Superposition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the ability of a quantum system to be in <strong>multiple states simultaneously.</strong></li>
<li>The example of superposition is the flip of a coin, which consistently lands as heads or tails&mdash;a very binary concept. However, when that coin is in mid-air, it is both heads and tails and until it lands, heads and tails simultaneously. Before measurement, the electron exists in quantum superposition.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363490_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Entanglement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It means the two members of a pair (Qubits) exist in a single quantum state. Changing the state of one of the qubits will instantaneously change the state of the other one in a predictable way. This happens even if they are separated by very long distances.</li>
<li>Einstein called spooky<strong> &lsquo;action at a distance&rsquo;.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363512_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363512_image6.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Interference:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantum interference states that elementary particles(Qubits) can not only be in more than one place at any given time (through superposition), but that an individual particle, such as a photon (light particles) can cross its own trajectory and interfere with the direction of its path.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applications of Quantum Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Secure Communication:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/micius-a-quantum-enabled-satellite" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China recently demonstrated</strong></a> secure quantum communication links between terrestrial stations and satellites.</li>
<li>This area is <strong>significant to satellites, military and cyber security</strong> among others as it promises unimaginably fast computing and safe, unhackable satellite communication to its users.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can<strong> help in solving some of the fundamental questions in physics related to gravity, black hole etc.</strong></li>
<li>Similarly, the quantum initiative could give a big boost to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/genome-india-project-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Genome India project</strong></a>, a collaborative effort of 20 institutions to enable new efficiencies in life sciences, agriculture and medicine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disaster Management:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tsunami-early-warning-system-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tsunamis</a></strong>, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unccd-drought-tool-box" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drought</a></strong>, <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>earthquakes</strong></a> and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> floods</strong></a> may become more predictable with quantum applications.</li>
<li>The collection of data regarding<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> climate change</strong></a> can be streamlined in a better way through quantum technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceutical:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantum computing <strong>could reduce the time frame of the discovery of new molecules and related processes</strong> to a few days from the present 10-year slog that scientists put in.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Augmenting Industrial revolution 4.0:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantum computing is an integral part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial revolution 4.0.</strong></a></li>
<li>Success in it will help in <strong>Strategic initiatives aimed at leveraging other Industrial revolution 4.0 technologies</strong> like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Internet-of-Things</strong></a>, machine learning, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/robotic-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>robotics</strong></a>, and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong> </a>across sectors will further help in laying the foundation of the Knowledge economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges Associated with Quantum Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The dark side of quantum computing is the <strong>disruptive effect that it can have on cryptographic encryption, which secures communications and computers.</strong></li>
<li>It might pose a challenge for the government also because if this technology goes into wrong hands, all the <strong>government&rsquo;s official and confidential data will be at a risk of being hacked and misused.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Long after the birth of social media and artificial intelligence, there are now demands to regulate them. <strong>It would be prudent to develop a regulatory framework for quantum computing before it becomes widely available.</strong></li>
<li>It will be better to <strong>regulate it or define the limits of its legitimate use, nationally and internationally</strong> before the problem gets out of hand like nuclear technology.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/harnessing-what-einstein-called-spooky-action-at-a-distance/article33537467.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quantum-technology-1'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'China’s Rising Influence in South Asia',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China has held its<strong> third multilateral dialogue</strong> virtually with countries from <strong>South Asia</strong> to take forward<strong> closer cooperation on fighting Covid-19</strong> and coordinating their <strong>economic agendas, reflecting a new approach in Beijing&rsquo;s outreach to the region.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610358472_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610358472_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Participating countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It brought together every country in the region <strong>barring India, Bhutan and the Maldives,</strong> and was aimed at <strong>&ldquo;anti-epidemic cooperation and poverty reduction cooperation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The recent meeting was attended by <strong>all five countries</strong> that have taken part in these dialogues: <strong>Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
<li>All three dialogues have been attended by <strong>Pakistan and Nepal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engagements through other Platforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Previously at the July<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quadrilateral-dialogue-china-nepal-pakistan-and-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> quadrilateral dialogue</strong></a> with Afghanistan, Nepal and Pakistan, China&rsquo;s proposed extending the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec#:~:text=The%20CPEC%20is%20bilateral%20project,Gwadar%20Port%20in%20Balochistan%2C%20Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</strong></a> (CPEC) to Afghanistan, as well as taking forward an<strong> economic corridor plan</strong> with Nepal, called the <strong>Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives by China to Enhance Engagement in South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>American Enterprise Institute&rsquo;s China Global Investment Tracker,</strong> China has committed around <strong>100 billion USD</strong> in the economies of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China is now the<strong> largest overseas investor</strong> in the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghanistan:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Beijing was a part<strong> of the trilateral China-Pakistan-Afghanistan foreign ministers dialogue</strong> which focuses on facilitating Afghan domestic political reconciliation, enhancing regional connectivity, and improving regional common development.</li>
<li>The trilateral discussions also agreed to push <strong>&ldquo;forward under the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Belt and Road Initiative</a> (BRI)&rdquo; and &ldquo;to enhance connectivity by extending the CPEC to Afghanistan&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China and Bangladesh pledged to deepen defense cooperation, especially in the areas of<strong> &ldquo;defense industry and trade, training, equipment and technology.</strong></li>
<li>China is also the <strong>largest arms supplier of the Bangladeshi military, providing 71.8%</strong> of weapons from 2008 to 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bhutan </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It<strong> does not have diplomatic relations</strong> with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maldives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s relationship with the Maldives is near-exclusively focused on leveraging BRI to develop Maldives as well as to raise Chinese influence there to counter India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nepal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chinese President went to Nepal in 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This was the<strong> first visit by a Chinese head of state in 23 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The countries have signed agreements to <strong>accelerate Infrastructure building in Nepal and improve connectivity between them.</strong></li>
<li>Both the countries have also announced the launch of a<strong> feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka handed over <strong>Hambantota port</strong> on a 99-year lease to China to repay its loan back to china. <strong>Hambantota is geostrategically located on the Indian Ocean,</strong> potentially bolstering <strong>Beijing&rsquo;s String of Pearls.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Security Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Growing cooperation between Pakistan and China.</li>
<li>Increasing nexus between Nepal and China.</li>
<li>Acceptance to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by south asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leadership Roles in South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It shows increasing chinese presence in south asia and its acceptance by the countries as a torch bearer for the region which India wants for itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over the past decade, China has replaced India as the<strong> major trading partner </strong>of <strong>several South Asian countries.</strong> For instance, the share of India&rsquo;s trade with Maldives was <strong>3.4 times that of China&rsquo;s in 2008.</strong> But by 2018, <strong>China&rsquo;s total trade with Maldives slightly exceeded that of India.</strong></li>
<li>China&rsquo;s trade with <strong>Bangladesh</strong> is <strong>now about twice that of India.</strong> China&rsquo;s trade with Nepal and Sri Lanka <strong>still lags India&rsquo;s trade with those countries but the gap has shrunk.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India does not have the<strong> economic capacity as China.</strong> Thus it should cooperate with China for the development of these countries such that fruits of development collectively reach South Asia.</li>
<li>It should also <strong>strongly condemn the plans for extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.</strong></li>
<li>Further India should invest in these countries where<strong> China falls short</strong> and maintain its good will in South Asia and prevent these nations from slipping off from <strong>India&rsquo;s Influence.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-holds-third-south-asia-multilateral-meet-in-new-push/article33531473.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-rising-influence-in-south-asia'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'MukundPura Meteorite',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study has shed light on the mineralogy of the meteorite named Mukundpura CM2 which fell in Mukundpura village near Jaipur in <strong>2017.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A meteorite is a<strong> solid piece of debris</strong> from an object, such as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asteroid-2020-nd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>comet</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asteroid-2020-nd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>asteroid</strong></a>, <strong>or meteoroid,</strong> that <strong>originates in outer space</strong> and survives its passage through the atmosphere to reach the<strong> surface of a planet or moon.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meteorite named <strong>Mukundpura CM2</strong> was classified to be a<strong> carbonaceous chondrite.</strong> The composition of carbonaceous chondrites are also similar to the Sun.</li>
<li>Chondrites are silicate &shy;droplet &shy;bearing meteorites, and this Mukundpura chondrite is the <strong>5<sup>th</sup> carbonaceous meteorite known to fall in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification Of Meteorite:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Meteorites are classified into <strong>three groups: Stony</strong> (silicaterich), <strong>Iron</strong> (Fe&ndash;Ni alloy), and <strong>Stony Iron</strong> (mixed silicate iron alloy).</li>
<li><strong>Mukundpura CM2</strong> is a type of<strong> stony meteorite,</strong> considered the<strong> most primitive meteorite</strong> and a remnant of the first solid bodies to accrete in the solar system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components of Meteorite:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Detailed spectroscopic studies revealed that the <strong>meteorite had very high (about 90%) phyllosilicate minerals</strong> comprising both <strong>magnesium and iron.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Forsterite and FeO olivine, calcium aluminium rich inclusion (CAI) minerals.</strong></li>
<li>Few <strong>magnetites, sulphides, aluminium complexes and calcites</strong> were also found.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of studying Asteroid:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Understanding of Solar system's history.</strong></li>
<li>How the solar system evolved into the Sun and planets of today.</li>
<li>The effects of impact of meteorites.</li>
<li>They are often rich in volatiles and other minerals and can be <strong>exploited for future planetary exploration.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Difference between Meteor, Meteorite and Meteoroid</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When <strong>meteoroids</strong> enter Earth's atmosphere (or that of another planet, like Mars) at <strong>high speed and burn up,</strong> the fireballs or<strong> &ldquo;shooting stars&rdquo; are called meteors.</strong></li>
<li>When a meteoroid <strong>survives a trip through the atmosphere and hits the ground,</strong> it's called a <strong>meteorite.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356756_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356756_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/decoding-a-meteorite-that-fell-near-jaipur-in-2017/article33537403.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mukundpura-meteorite'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Jagannath Temple',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA)</strong> announced that devotees don't need to produce their <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> negative report</strong> for getting entry into the shrine in Puri from January 21.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>At present</strong> devotees entering the temple <strong>have to show Covid-&shy;19 negative reports.</strong></li>
<li>The temple <strong>opened to the public from 3<sup>rd</sup> January</strong> after remaining closed for nine months in the wake of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/future-pandemics-and-reduction-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> pandemic.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The temple is believed to be constructed in the<strong> 12<sup>th</sup> century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.</strong></li>
<li>Jagannath Puri temple is<strong> called &lsquo;Yamanika Tirtha&rsquo;</strong> where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of &lsquo;Yama&rsquo;, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.</li>
<li>This temple was called the<strong> &ldquo;White Pagoda&rdquo;</strong> and is a <strong>part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).</strong></li>
<li>There are<strong> four gates</strong> to the temple- <strong>Eastern &lsquo;Singhdwara&rsquo;</strong> which is the main gate with two crouching lions,<strong> Southern &lsquo;Ashwadwara&rsquo;, Western 'Vyaghra Dwara</strong> and <strong>Northern &lsquo;Hastidwara&rsquo;.</strong> There is a carving of each form at each gate.</li>
<li>In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which was originally at the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/konark-temple" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sun Temple in Konark.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356261_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356261_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="567" height="319" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/virus-negative-report-not-required-to-enter-puri-temple-from-jan-21/article33545777.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jagannath-temple'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'National Family Health Survey-5',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-family-health-survey-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Family Health Survey (NFHS)</strong></a> is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India.</li>
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),</strong> Government of India has designated the <strong>International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) Mumbai,</strong> as the <strong>nodal agency</strong> for providing coordination and technical guidance for the survey.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IIPS collaborates with a number of Field Organizations (FO) for survey implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The survey provides <strong>state and national information</strong> for India on: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fertility</li>
<li>Infant and child mortality</li>
<li>The practice of family planning</li>
<li>Maternal and child health</li>
<li>Reproductive health</li>
<li>Nutrition</li>
<li>Anaemia</li>
<li>Utilization and quality of health and family planning services</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each successive round of the NFHS has had two specific goals: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide essential data on health and family welfare needed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other agencies for policy and programme purposes.</li>
<li>To provide information on important emerging health and family welfare issues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The funding for different rounds of NFHS has been provided by <strong>USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unicef-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNICEF</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-the-world-population-2020-unfpa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNFPA</a>, and MoHFW (Government of India).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The United States Agency for International Development:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>USAID is the world's premier international development agency.</li>
<li>It is an independent agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.</li>
<li>It was established by former US President John. F. Kennedy in 1961.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>History of National Family Health Survey</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>First National Family Health Survey (NFHS-1)</strong> was conducted in <strong>1992-93.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2)</strong> was conducted in <strong>1998-99</strong> in<strong> all 26 states of India.</strong> The project was funded by the<strong> USAID,</strong> with additional support from<strong> UNICEF.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Third National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3)</strong> was carried out in<strong> 2005-2006.</strong> NFHS-3 funding was provided by the USAID, the<strong> Department for International Development</strong> (UK), <strong>the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, UNFPA, </strong>and the<strong> Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)</strong> in <strong>2014-2015,</strong> the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) was conducted. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addition to the <strong>29 states,</strong> NFHS-4 <strong>included all six union territories</strong> for the first time and provided estimates of most indicators at the district level for all <strong>640 districts in the country</strong> as per the<strong> 2011 census.</strong></li>
<li>The survey covered a range of health-related issues, including fertility, infant and child mortality, maternal and child health, perinatal mortality, adolescent reproductive health, high-risk sexual behaviour, safe injections, tuberculosis, and malaria, non-communicable diseases, domestic violence, HIV knowledge, and attitudes toward people living with HIV.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Family Health Survey (NFHS) - 5</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NFHS-5 has captured the data during 2019-20 and has been conducted in around 6.1 lakh households.</li>
<li>Many indicators of NFHS-5 are similar to those of NFHS-4, carried out in 2015-16 to make possible comparisons over time.</li>
<li>Phase 2 of the survey (covering remaining states) was delayed due to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and its results are expected to be made available in May 2021.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It provides an indicator for tracking 30 <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong> </a>that the country aims to achieve by 2030.</li>
<li>NFHS-5 includes some new topics, such as <strong>preschool education, disability, access to a toilet facility, death registration, bathing practices during menstruation, </strong>and<strong> methods and reasons for abortion.</strong></li>
<li>NFHS-5 includes new focal areas that will give requisite input for strengthening existing programmes and evolving new strategies for policy intervention. The areas are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Expanded domains of child immunization</li>
<li>Components of micro-nutrients to children</li>
<li>Menstrual hygiene</li>
<li>Frequency of alcohol and tobacco use</li>
<li>Additional components of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)</li>
<li>Expanded age ranges for measuring hypertension and diabetes among all aged 15 years and above.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2019, for the first time, the NFHS-5 sought details on the percentage of women and men who have ever used the Internet.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings of the NFHS-5</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sex ratio at birth (SRB)</strong> has remained unchanged or increased in most States/UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Majority of the states are in normal sex ratio of 952 or above.</li>
<li><strong>SRB</strong> is below 900 in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Dadra &amp; Nagar Haveli and Daman &amp; Diu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Child Marriages:</strong> There has been an increase in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/child-marriage-and-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>child marriages</strong></a> in <strong>Tripura</strong> (40.1% from 33.1% in 2015-16), <strong>Manipur</strong> (16.3% from 13.7% in 2015-16) and <strong>Assam</strong> (31.8% from 30.8 % in 2015-16).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>States such as <strong>Tripura, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland</strong> have also shown an increase in teenage pregnancies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Child nutrition indicators</strong> show a mixed pattern across states. While the situation improved in many States/UTs, there has been minor deterioration in others.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Malnutrition:</strong> it has worsened. Stunting has risen in 11 out of 18 states. Wasting was going up in 14 states.</li>
<li><strong>Stunting:</strong> 13 out of 22 states and UTs surveyed, recorded a rise in the percentage of stunting in children.</li>
<li><strong>Wasted:</strong> 12 out of 22 states and UTs surveyed, recorded a rise in the percentage of children under five years who are wasted in comparison to NFHS-4.</li>
<li><strong>Overweight:</strong> 20 states and UTs have recorded a rise in the percentage of children under 5 years who are overweight.</li>
<li><strong>Diarrhoea:</strong> Children with diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey also jumped to 7.2% from 6.6%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infant &amp; Child Mortalities; NMR, IMR and U5MR</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Infant and child mortality rates across most Indian states have declined. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sikkim, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Goa and Assam were the best performers as they witnessed a steep reduction in<strong> neonatal mortality rate (NMR), infant mortality rate (IMR) </strong>and<strong> under-five mortality rate (U5MR).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tripura, Andaman &amp; Nicobar Island, Meghalaya and Manipur Recorded a spike in all three categories of child mortality.</li>
<li><strong>Bihar</strong> registered the <strong>highest prevalence of NMR (34), IMR (47), and U5MR (56)</strong> across 22 surveyed states and Union territories while Kerala reported the lowest death rates.</li>
<li>The child mortality rate of Maharashtra remained unchanged in the last five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spousal Violence</strong> has witnessed an increase in five states, namely <strong>Sikkim, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Karnataka</strong> witnessed the largest increase in spousal violence, from 20.6% in NFHS 4 to 44.4% in NFHS-5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Comparison between NFHS- 4 and NFHS- 5</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Total Fertility Rates (TFR): Declined since NFHS-4</strong> in almost all the Phase-1 States and UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Replacement Level of Fertility</strong> (2.1) has been achieved in 19 out of the 22 States/UTs.</li>
<li>Only 3 states viz. Manipur (2.2), Meghalaya (2.9) and Bihar (3.0) have TFR above replacement levels now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR): Increased substantially</strong> in most States/UTs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Highest in Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal (74%).</li>
<li>Use of modern methods of contraception has also increased in almost all States/UTs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unmet needs of family planning have witnessed a declining trend</strong> in most of the Phase-1 States/UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The percentage has come down to less than 10% in all the States except Meghalaya and Mizoram.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bank Accounts: Considerable progress</strong> has been recorded between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 in regard to women operating bank accounts.</li>
<li><strong>Immunisation:</strong> Full immunization drive among children aged 12-23 months has recorded <strong>substantial improvement</strong> across States/UTs/districts. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than two-third of children are fully immunized in all the States and UTs except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam.</li>
<li>In almost three-fourths of districts, 70% or more children aged 12-23 months are<strong> fully immunized against childhood diseases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional births:</strong> Institutional births have <strong>increased substantially</strong> with over four-fifth of the women delivering in institutions in 19 States and UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Institutional delivery is over 90% in 14 out of the total 22 States and UTs.</li>
<li>Almost 91% of districts recorded over 70% institutional deliveries of births in the 5 years preceding the survey.</li>
<li>Along with an increase in institutional births, there has also been a substantial increase in C-section deliveries in many States/UTs especially in private health facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Sanitation and Cooking Facilities:</strong> The percentage of households with <strong>improved sanitation facilities and clean fuel</strong> for cooking has increased in almost all the 22 States/UTs over the last four years (from 2015-16 to 2019-20).</li>
<li><strong>Anaemia: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anaemia-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anaemia among women</a></strong> and children <strong>continues to be a cause of concern.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than half of the children and women are anaemic in 13 of the 22 States/UTs.</li>
<li>It has also been observed that anaemia among pregnant women has increased in half of the States/UTs compared to NFHS-4, in spite of substantial increase in the consumption of IFA tablets by pregnant women for 180 days or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Key Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neonatal death</strong> is defined as a death during the first 28 days of life, while <strong>neonatal mortality rate</strong> is defined as the number of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SDG goal 3</strong> calls for an end to preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age and specifies that all countries should aim to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 deaths per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Total Fertility Rate:</strong> TFR indicates the average number of children expected to be born to a woman during her reproductive span of 15-49 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The replacement level</strong> is the number of children needed to replace the parents, after accounting for fatalities, skewed sex ratio, infant mortality, etc. Population starts falling below this level.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-falling-fertility-rate#:~:text=India's%20total%20fertility%20rate%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s total fertility rate</strong></a> (TFR) is declining. <strong>It is now 2.2 per woman,</strong> nearing the <strong>replacement rate of 2.1,</strong> according to the latest government data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contraceptive Prevalence Rate:</strong> CPR is the proportion of women who are currently using, or whose sexual partner is currently using, at least one method of <strong>contraception,</strong> regardless of the method being used. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is reported as a<strong> percentage</strong> with reference to women of respective marital status and age group.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sex ratio at birth (SRB)</strong> is defined as the number of female births per 1,000 male births. The SRB is a key indicator of a son's preference vis-&agrave;-vis daughters.</li>
<li><strong>Stunting</strong> is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and care in early life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wasting</strong> is defined as<strong> low weight-for-height.</strong> It often indicates recent and severe weight loss, although it can also persist for a long time. Wasting in children is associated with a higher risk of death if not treated properly.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-tackling-infant-mortality#:~:text=Schemes%20like%20Janani%20Suraksha%20Yojana,reduce%20the%20prevalence%20of%20IMR." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)</strong></a> is defined as the &lsquo;number of deaths of children under the age of 1 year per 1000 live births for a given year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The country&rsquo;s average IMR stands at 32 per 1,000 live births which includes an average 36 deaths for rural and 23 for urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/national-family-health-survey-5-1'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Political Crisis in Nepal',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/what-india-should-and-shouldn-t-do-in-nepal/story-UJ0tUcogvwdkaeqKdSWn8I.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;What India should, and shouldn&rsquo;t, do in Nepal&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 08/01/2021. It talks about the recent political crisis in Nepal and what India should do.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, Nepal has drifted into a political crisis following its Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli&rsquo;s decision to dissolve Parliament. The Nepalese PM has stated that this decision was on the backdrop of infighting within the ruling Nepalese Communist Party (NCP).</p>
<p>As India&rsquo;s role in the mediation of earlier political crises in Nepal has led to the development of anti-Indian sentiment in Nepal, India has done right by not meddling into Nepal&rsquo;s internal matters.</p>
<p>However, India is apprehensive that political instability in Nepal will expand space for China to intervene in Nepali politics and shape a government that is favourable to China.</p>
<p>To counter Chinese influence on Nepal, India must pay attention to Nepal&rsquo;s core economic and strategic interests that in the first place pushed Nepal towards China.</p>
<h3>Current Issues in India-Nepal Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Revision of 1950 Treaty:</strong> Nepal has asked for a revision of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations#:~:text=Treaty%20of%20Peace%20and%20Friendship%20of%201950,-The%20treaty%20talks&amp;text=It%20also%20establishes%20national%20treatment,no%20differently%20than%20domestic%20goods)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>1950 treaty</strong></a>, and India has accepted this. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the issue remains stuck because Nepal does not clarify how to strike a proper balance between India&rsquo;s security concerns and Nepal&rsquo;s developmental aspirations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Border Issue:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indo-nepal-territorial-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalapani border dispute&rsquo;s</strong></a> question has spoiled popular perceptions in Nepal about India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Taking advantage of this, Nepal&rsquo;s current leadership has taken a unilateral decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/diplomatic-low-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draw new maps which show Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belongs to Nepal.</strong> </a></li>
<li>As India also claims these positions, this border issue has led to the lowest point in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Nepal relations history.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tug of War Between China &amp; India:</strong> Nepal&rsquo;s geo-strategic location (sandwiched between India &amp; China), has created a tug of war between India and China over Nepal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China sees Nepal as a bulwark against the international movement targeting China.</li>
<li>For India, Nepal is essential for the region's security, acting as a buffer state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Chinese Influence:</strong> Sino-Nepali economic ties began to grow in 2015, but in 2018, China&rsquo;s influence in Nepal started to gather momentum. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Having played an essential role in the NCP&rsquo;s formation, China came to wield enormous influence over the NCP government.</li>
<li>It resulted in China ousting India as Nepal&rsquo;s number one investor.</li>
<li>More importantly, Nepal&rsquo;s foreign policy under the NCP government became strongly pro-China.</li>
<li>Moreover, this influence can be evidenced by the fact that China has now stepped up its self-assumed role as mediator in the ongoing crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Seeking a friendly regime in the neighbourhood is a recognised norm in the realist world of international relations. India is no exception. Therefore, India should recalibrate its ties with Nepal. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Demarking Red Lines:</strong> India can improve ties with Nepal by picking up pending controversial issues such as the 1950 treaty, the Kalapani border dispute, and trade and investment matters. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, India should categorically state its position, drawing red lines (security concerns emanating from China) that Nepal should not cross.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Measures:</strong> On trade and investment issues, India needs to be more accommodative. Nepal sells less than $1billion worth of products to India while importing nearly $8 billion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even though economies govern trade deficits, India can and must move to remove structural and procedural impediments to the entry of genuine Nepali goods into Indian markets.</li>
<li>Also, India should encourage Indian investments in such industries, including hydropower production, to boost Nepali exports.</li>
<li>Completing big development projects such as the Pancheshwar multipurpose project could also be a breakthrough between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation Between Armies:</strong> When it comes to resolving border disputes between the two countries, understanding the armies is vital. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2015, when India&rsquo;s economic blockade and the political leadership of both countries were at loggerheads, both armies&rsquo; leadership played a vital role in lifting the talks&rsquo; blockade and resumption.</li>
<li>So, robust army diplomacy between the two countries can substantially contribute to improving bilateral ties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As no significant development in bilateral relations appears likely during the prevailing uncertainty, India must encourage consolidation of a people-driven polity, and improve its popular profile. This will only help India reclaim its contested strategic space.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>To counter Chinese influence on Nepal, India must pay attention to Nepal&rsquo;s core economic and strategic interests that in the first place pushed Nepal towards China. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6izTchALSHw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/fruits-of-incitement-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-trump-incited-mob-attack-on-us-capitol/article33523021.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Fruits of incitement: On the mob attack on U.S. Capitol&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 8<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/political-crisis-in-nepal'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services Project',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum-2021 is being organised by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restructuring-of-indian-statistical-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation</strong> </a>(MoSPI) in virtual format.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The MoSPI has taken up several initiatives under the <strong>project &ldquo;Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (NCAVES)&rdquo; </strong>which<strong> aims to advance the theory and practice of ecosystem accounting in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NCAVES Project, funded by the European Union, has been jointly implemented by the <strong>United Nations Statistics Division</strong> (UNSD), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong> </a>(UNEP) and the <strong>Secretariat of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Convention of Biological Diversity</a></strong> (CBD).</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is one of the<strong> five countries taking part in this project</strong> - the other countries being<strong> Brazil, China, South Africa and Mexico.</strong></li>
<li>In India, the NCAVES project is<strong> being implemented by the MoSPI</strong> in close collaboration with the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> (MoEF&amp;CC) and the <strong>National Remote Sensing Centre</strong> (NRSC) under the <strong>Department of Space. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Natural Capital Accounting (NCA):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an umbrella term covering efforts to make use of an <strong>accounting framework</strong> to provide a systematic way <strong>to measure and report on stocks and flows of natural capital.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Natural capital is another term for the <strong>stock of renewable and non-renewable resources</strong> that combine to yield a flow of benefits to people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NCA covers accounting for<strong> individual environmental assets or resources, both biotic and abiotic</strong> (such as water, minerals, energy, timber, fish), as well as accounting for <strong>ecosystem assets</strong> (e.g. forests; wetlands), biodiversity and<strong> ecosystem services, in both physical and monetary terms.</strong></li>
<li>Just like the compilation of national accounts of a country is guided by the<strong> System of National Accounts</strong> (SNA), for natural capital accounting, the <strong>System of Environmental-Economic Accounting</strong> (SEEA) is taken.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) provides a <strong>framework for measuring the link between the environment and the economy.</strong></li>
<li>SEEA-Central Framework<strong> was adopted in February 2012</strong> as an international statistical standard by the <strong>UN Statistical Commission.</strong></li>
<li>The SEEA accounts bring into direct focus the relationship between the environment and economy <strong>not revealed through traditional measures of economic activity, such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a></strong> (GDP).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a part of an ecosystem, humans derive lots of benefits from the biotic and abiotic components. These benefits are collectively termed as <strong>ecosystem services.</strong></li>
<li>Ecosystem services are classified into <strong>four types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Provisioning Services:</strong> This includes the products/raw materials or energy outputs like<strong> food, water, medicines and other resources from ecosystems.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Regulating Services:</strong> This includes the services which regulate the<strong> ecological balance.</strong> For example, forests purify and regulate air quality, prevent soil erosion, and control greenhouse gases etc.</li>
<li><strong>Supporting Services:</strong> These form the basis for other services. They provide <strong>habitat for different life forms, retain biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and other services for supporting life on the earth.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cultural Services:</strong> It includes <strong>recreational, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual services,</strong> etc. Most natural elements such as landscapes, mountains, caves, are used as a place for cultural and artistic purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The participation in the project has helped MoSPI commence the compilation of the <strong>Environment Accounts as per the UN-SEEA framework and release environmental accounts in its publication &ldquo;EnviStats India&rdquo;</strong> on an annual basis <strong>from 2018.</strong></li>
<li>Several of these accounts are closely related to the social and economic attributes, making them a<strong> useful tool for the Policy.</strong></li>
<li>Another tool under the NCAVES project is the development of the <strong>India-EVL Tool</strong> which is essentially a look-up tool giving the <strong>values of various ecosystem services</strong> in the different States of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem accounting</strong> can produce information on the extent of ecosystems, their condition based on selected indicators, and the flow of ecosystem services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687110#:~:text=Natural%20Capital%20Accounting%20and%20Valuation,(NCAVES)%20India%20Forum%2D2021&amp;text=In%20India%2C%20the%20NCAVES%20project,Remote%20Sensing%20Centre%20(NRSC)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/natural-capital-accounting-and-valuation-of-the-ecosystem-services-project'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'South African Variant of Coronavirus',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> has raised a concern over the <strong>South African variant of</strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coronavirus.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>South Africa named the variant <strong>501Y.V2</strong> because of the <strong>N501Y <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mutated-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mutation</a></strong> they <strong>found in the spike protein</strong> that the virus uses to gain entry into cells within the body. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Changes in spike protein could possibly <strong>affect how the virus behaves in terms of its ability to infect, or cause severe disease, or escape the immune response</strong> made by vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This mutation was also found in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mutated-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new strain that the UK</strong></a> notified WHO..<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the mutant virus from the UK <strong>also has the N501Y mutation, phylogenetic analysis has shown that 501Y.V2 from South Africa are different virus variants.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Phylogenetic analysis</strong> is the study of evolutionary development of a species or a group of organisms or a particular characteristic of an organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Preliminary experiments have shown that <strong>monoclonal antibodies</strong> that were effective against SARS-CoV2 are <strong>less effective against the South Africa variant.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect of Vaccination:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The serum of persons who have been administered the Covid vaccine is now being tested in labs in the UK and South Africa <strong>to check whether it can neutralise the South African strain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tracking Mutation in Virus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global scientific collaboration and public genomic sequence databases like Global <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data</a> (GISAID) enables</strong> WHO and partners to track the virus from the beginning.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>GISAID</strong> is a <strong>public platform</strong> started by the WHO in 2008 for countries <strong>to share genome sequences.</strong></li>
<li>The GISAID Initiative<strong> promotes the international sharing of all influenza virus sequences, related clinical and epidemiological data associated with human viruses,</strong> and geographical as well as species-specific data associated with avian and other animal viruses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mutant Variant in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India reported a total of <strong>82 persons with new UK mutant strain</strong> and presently there are <strong>no reports on the South African mutant.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Earlier Mutation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>D614G Mutation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This particular mutation aided the virus in attaching more efficiently with the ACE2 receptor in the human host, thereby making it more successful in entering a human body than its predecessors.</li>
<li>D614G showed <strong>increased infectivity but it also displayed greater ability at attaching itself to the cell walls</strong> inside an individual&rsquo;s nose and throat, increasing the viral load.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>N501Y mutant:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this case there has been a <strong>single nucleotide change in one portion of the spike protein,</strong> so there would be no bearing on the disease biology or even diagnostics.</li>
<li>There is <strong>no evidence that this strain is more transmissible or more severe/resistant</strong> to treatment or vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mutation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A mutation means a change in the genetic sequence of the virus.</li>
<li>In the case of <strong>SARS-CoV-2,</strong> which is an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ribonucleic acid (RNA)</strong> </a>virus, a mutation means a <strong>change in the sequence in which its molecules are arranged.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SARS-CoV-2</strong> is the virus that causes<a href="/printpdf/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>RNA</strong> is an <strong>important biological macromolecule</strong> that is<strong> present in all biological cells.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Principally <strong>involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the messenger instructions from <a href="/pdf/policy-watch-dna-technology-use-application.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)</a></strong>, which itself contains the genetic instructions required for the development and maintenance of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DNA</strong> is an <strong>organic chemical that contains genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis.</strong> It is found in most cells of every organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A mutation in an RNA virus often happens when the virus makes a <strong>mistake while it is making copies of itself.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only if the mutation results in a<strong> significant change in the protein structure can the course of a disease be altered.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pune/who-chief-scientist-raises-concern-over-south-african-variant-7139050/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-african-variant-of-coronavirus'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Japan Provides Loan to India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Japan</strong></a> signed an agreement for<strong> a loan of up to 50 billion yen</strong> (about Rs. 3,550 crore)<strong> to back India&rsquo;s economic support programmes</strong> for the poor and vulnerable affected by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610184352_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610184352_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Loan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a part of Japan&rsquo;s <strong>Official Development Assistance (ODA)</strong> loan. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ODA is defined as <strong>government aid designed to promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Loans and credits for military purposes are excluded.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The loan has an <strong>interest rate of 0.65%</strong> per annum and a<strong> repayment period of 15 years,</strong> including a five-year grace period.</li>
<li>The financial support <strong>aims to support the Indian government&rsquo;s programmes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</a> (PMGKY),</strong> which aims to mitigate socio-economic impacts and strengthen socio-economic institutions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This includes <strong>schemes for distributing food grains</strong> to the poor and vulnerable, provision of assistance and <strong>support to construction workers,</strong> and provision of <strong>special insurance for health workers fighting Covid-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is for the <strong>implementation of health and medical policy</strong> by the Government of India, and is expected to lead to the <strong>development of hospitals equipped with ICUs (Intensive Care Units)</strong> and infection prevention and management facilities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also expected to lead to the <strong>enhancement of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/telemedicine-service-platform-esanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telemedicine</a></strong> using digital technology in numerous villages across India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Previous Support:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan had earlier provided <strong>budget support of 50 billion yen</strong> and <strong>grant assistance worth one billion yen</strong> to support the Indian government&rsquo;s efforts to counter the Covid-19 crisis.</li>
<li>Japanese assistance to India now<strong> totals</strong> approximately<strong> Rs. 5,800 crores.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Japan Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of <strong>bilateral development cooperation since 1958.</strong></li>
<li>In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has strengthened and grown into <strong>strategic partnership.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Japan was the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> largest investor for India in FY2019.</strong></li>
<li>India has been the <strong>largest recipient of Japanese ODA Loan</strong> for the past decades.<strong> Delhi Metro</strong> is one of the most successful examples of Japanese cooperation through the utilization of ODA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, Japan continues to cooperate in supporting<strong> strategic connectivity linking South Asia to Southeast Asia</strong> through the synergy between ''Act East'' policy and ''Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.''</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687099#:~:text=The%20Government%20of%20Japan%20has,by%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/japan-provides-loan-to-india'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Seventh Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the final session of India&rsquo;s seventh<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/trade-policy-review-at-wto#:~:text=The%20Trade%20Policy%20Review%20Mechanism,result%20of%20the%20Uruguay%20Round.&amp;text=The%20trade%20policies%20of%20developing,services%20trade%20and%20intellectual%20property." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Trade Policy Review (TPR)</strong></a> concluded at the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a> in Geneva, Switzerland.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> TPR</strong> is an<strong> important mechanism under the WTO&rsquo;s monitoring function</strong> in which member countries&rsquo; trade and related policies are examined by the WTO with an aim to contribute towards<strong> improved adherence</strong> to WTO rules.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s last TPR took place in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Appreciation for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduction of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods &amp; Services Tax</strong> </a>in 2016.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s efforts in the implementation of <strong>WTO&rsquo;s Trade Facilitation Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>Role played by India in furthering <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steps-to-boost-ease-of-doing-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Ease of Doing Business&rdquo;</strong></a> in the country.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s improved ranking in<strong> &ldquo;Trading across Borders&rdquo;</strong> indicator under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-makes-doing-business-easier#:~:text=In%20the%20latest%20ranking%20for,77th%20position%20last%20year.&amp;text=India's%20score%20improved%20from%2067.23,)%20to%2071.0%20(2020)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business Report.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA),</strong> aims to speed up customs procedures and make trade easier, faster, and cheaper.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The steps taken by India for<strong> liberalizing its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</a></strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>regime</strong></a> and India&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights#:~:text=The%20National%20Intellectual%20Property%20Rights,of%20IPRs%20in%20the%20country.&amp;text=India's%20IPR%20regime%20is%20in,Intellectual%20Property%20Rights%20(TRIPS)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, 2016.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s trade<strong> policy remained largely unchanged</strong> since the previous review.</li>
<li>India continues to <strong>rely on trade policy instruments</strong> such as the <strong>tariff, export taxes, minimum import prices, import and export restrictions, and licensing,</strong> WTO said.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>used to manage domestic demand and supply requirements,</strong> protect the economy from wide domestic price fluctuations, and ensure conservation and proper utilization of natural resources.</li>
<li>As a result,<strong> frequent changes</strong> are made to tariff rates and other trade policy instruments, which<strong> create uncertainty for traders.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Request:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ongoing pandemic has again brought to the fore, the importance of food and livelihood security and<strong> urged for a permanent solution to Public Stock Holding (PSH) for food security.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Public Stockholding (PSH)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a policy tool used by governments to procure, stockpile and distribute food when needed.</li>
<li>Currently, public distribution programmes of developing countries are included under <strong>trade-distorting Amber Box</strong> measures <strong>that attract reduction commitments of WTO.</strong></li>
<li>India with the group of developing countries is<strong> demanding that the programmes for food security purposes be exempted from subsidy reduction commitments</strong> of WTO.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has repeatedly demanded a permanent solution for public stockholding issues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Trade Policy Review Mechanism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM)</strong> was an early result of the <strong>Uruguay Round.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>main transparency instrument of the WTO,</strong> affording opportunities for a process of collective evaluation of the trade policies and practices of individual members.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitating the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system by enhancing the transparency of Members&rsquo; trade policies.</li>
<li>To examine the impact of a Member&rsquo;s trade policies and practices on the multilateral trading system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reviews<strong> take place in the Trade Policy Review Body</strong> which is actually the WTO General Council &mdash; comprising the WTO&rsquo;s full membership &mdash; operating under special rules and procedures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Function:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trade policy review <strong>allows members to put the overall trade and economic policies of a country under the scanner.</strong></li>
<li>The trade policies of developing countries are taken up for review every four years while developed ones face similar scrutiny every two years.</li>
<li>The mandate of the TPRM was <strong>broadened to cover services trade and intellectual property.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All WTO Members are subject to review </strong>under the TPRM.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687117" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seventh-trade-policy-review-of-india-at-the-wto'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'India-Mongolia Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Mongolia have <strong>reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India reiterated its commitment to timely completion of the <strong>Mongol Refinery Project,</strong> the country&rsquo;s 1<sup>st</sup> oil refinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The greenfield Mongol Refinery Project is <strong>being built under a Line of Credit from the Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to cut some of Mongolia&rsquo;s fuel import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>The Project came in the backdrop of <strong>Mongolia,</strong> which has <strong>large uranium deposits</strong> signing an<strong> agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with India in 2009</strong> and <strong>China</strong> unfolding its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is opposed to the BRI,</strong> which seeks to invest about USD 8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>welcomed the keenness of Mongolian companies in supplying coking coal to Indian steel industry.</strong> According to a recent report, India will overtake China as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-largest-importer-of-coking-coal-by-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>largest importer of coking coal by 2025.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India looks forward to substantial partnerships with Mongolian companies in the areas of minerals, coal and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India expressed its willingness to further <strong>share its expertise in the oil and gas sector</strong> including capacity building in accordance with the developmental priorities of Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mongolia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Mongolia have interacted<strong> through <a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a></strong> throughout history.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, the first country outside the former Soviet bloc of nations to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955, has upgraded ties with Mongolia to a <strong>strategic partnership.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2015,</strong> Mongolia witnessed the <strong>first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India</strong> (a part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s Act East policy</strong></a>).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mongolia has publicly reiterated its <strong>support for India&rsquo;s membership to the permanent seat</strong> of the expanded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has played an <strong>important role</strong> in getting <strong>Mongolia membership</strong> to key international forums, including the <strong>United Nations</strong> (UN), despite strong opposition from China and Taiwan. India also championed the <strong>inclusion of Mongolia in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Aligned Movement.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a reciprocal gesture, <strong>Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution</strong> with India and Bhutan for the<strong> recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Forums of which both the countries are members:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Asia-Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM), <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is a <strong>member</strong> whereas <strong>Mongolia</strong> is an <strong>observer state</strong> at the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India - Mongolia <strong>bilateral trade was USD 38.3 million in 2019,</strong> down from USD 52.6 million in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Joint defence exercises code-named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nomadic-elephant-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,October%20at%20Bakloh%2C%20Himachal%20Pradesh.&amp;text=The%20joint%20exercise%20will%20enhance,relations%20between%20the%20two%20nations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nomadic Elephant.</strong></a></li>
<li>India is also an active participant in an annual week-long joint training exercise called the<strong> Khaan Quest,</strong> hosted by Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation over Environmental Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Culture (India)</strong> has taken up the project of<strong> reprinting 108 volumes of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mongolian-kanjur-being-reprinted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mongolian Kanjur</a></strong> under the <strong>National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Areas of Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Solar energy</strong> is abundant and cooperation is solicited especially as India has emerged as the leader by way of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong> </a>and its very own ambitious alternate and renewable energy projects.</li>
<li><strong>Mongolia&rsquo;s mining sector including copper and Uranium</strong> hold exceptional cooperation possibilities.</li>
<li>In the area of<strong> cooperatives,</strong> India has the capacity to share its expertise for the vastly dispersed farmers and milkmen in Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mongolia&rsquo;s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attracts major powers towards it. India should <strong>consider Mongolia as a green zone of economic development</strong> that absorbs hi-tech features and production skills in a modernization process.</li>
<li>To preserve and <strong>promote the common heritage of Indo-Mongolian culture</strong> is important. This should serve as the basis for nurturing and pursuing future common interests.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-mongolia-relations-1'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Death Penalty For Sexual Offences',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-shakti-bill-rape-offence-disha-bill-maharashtra-cabinet-7135848/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The wrong answer&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the issues related to the award of the death penalty for sexual offences.</p>
</div>
<p>Sexual offences against women and children are one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Given this, the public has a real and legitimate interest in addressing such concerns, leading to the death penalty&rsquo;s demand to deter sexual offences purportedly.</p>
<p>In this context, on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Day 2020</strong></a>, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the Shakti Bill, enlarging the scope of harsher and mandatory sentences &mdash; including the death penalty &mdash; for non-homicidal rape (excluding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/marital-rape-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marital Rape</strong></a>).</p>
<p>The Shakti Bill comes amid the recent legislative trend to invoke the death penalty for sexual offences. For instance, the Andhra Pradesh government passed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disha-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disha Bill in 2020</strong></a> (pending presidential assent), that provides the death penalty for the rape of adult women.</p>
<p>However, introducing the death penalty diverts attention from deep-rooted issues &amp; long-term solutions. It suggests that the reason for such crimes is that the punishment is not severe enough.</p>
<h3>Associated Issues With Death Penalty Against Sexual Offences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>May Do More Harm To Victim:</strong> Women&rsquo;s right groups have argued that the death penalty is a knee-jerk and populist solution to counter sexual offences. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Child-right activists insist that introducing capital punishment for non-homicidal rape may lead rapists to kill their victims to erase testimonial evidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death Penalty Won&rsquo;t Remove Prejudice:</strong> Introducing harsher penalties does not remove systemic prejudices from the minds of judges and the police.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generally, police might refuse to register complaints or acquit offenders in cases they do not consider &ldquo;serious&rdquo; enough to warrant a mandatory minimum.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lower Rate of Conviction:</strong> According to crime data from the <a href="/printpdf/crime-in-india-2019-report-ncrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Crime Records Bureau</strong></a>, in 93.6% of sexual offences, the perpetrators were known to the victims. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, introducing capital punishment would deter complainants from registering complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delay in Closure of Justice:</strong> The execution of a death sentence comes at the end of multiple stages of appeals and avenues of seeking clemency. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This time extended to the defendant to exhaust all legal remedies will delay the judicial process&rsquo;s finality and closure&mdash;militating against the competing interest of ensuring speedy justice.</li>
<li>It might also see an increase in instances of instant retribution, such as the extrajudicial killing of gang-rape and murder suspects in Hyderabad late in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regressive Step:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-s-verma-committee-on-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Justice Verma Committee Report</strong></a> that made several recommendations on the laws on sexual offences (after Nirbhya rape case 2012), held that the death penalty&rsquo;s deterrent effect is &ldquo;a myth&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report stated that it would be a regressive step to introduce the death sentence in non-homicidal cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Issues Related to Shakti Bill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The other anti-women assertion in the bill moves away from the standard of affirmative consent in cases involving adult victims and offenders.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Significant advocacy from the women&rsquo;s movement led to introducing an affirmative standard of consent, rooted in unequivocal voluntary agreement by women through words, gestures or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In a sharp departure, the bill stipulates that valid consent can be presumed from the &ldquo;conduct of the parties&rdquo; and the &ldquo;circumstances surrounding it&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Rape trials continue to be guided by misogynistic notions, expecting survivors to necessarily resist the act, suffer injuries and appear visibly distressed.</li>
<li>Therefore, the bill&rsquo;s vaguely worded explanation holds dangerous possibilities of expecting survivors to respond only in a particular manner, thus creating the stereotype of an &ldquo;ideal&rdquo; victim.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plugging Gaps in Justice Delivery:</strong> The most severe gaps in the justice delivery system are reporting a police complaint. Therefore, the focus of the criminal justice system needs to shift from sentencing and punishment to the stages of reporting, investigation, and victim-support mechanisms. In this context, the following measures must be ensured: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The victim reports a case without any fear.</li>
<li>Police to conduct a sound investigation.</li>
<li>Victim protection throughout the trial.</li>
<li>Making testification as easy and as quick as possible.</li>
<li>Allocation of resources and more robust implementation of the law than is currently evident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensitisation At a Broader Level:</strong> Despite the ever-increasing ambit of the death sentence, there has been little effort to address prejudices in society.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Addressing the prejudices in the society against sexual offences requires sensitisation of functionaries of the justice system &amp; more importantly society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Instead of merely enhancing punishment, tackling crimes against women and children requires broader social reforms, sustained governance efforts and strengthening investigative and reporting mechanisms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fff5;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Punitive responses to sexual violence need serious rethinking, given the multitude of perverse consequences and their minor role in addressing the actual needs of rape survivors. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ytfp3NErDB0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/where-india-and-us-diverge-ht-editorial/story-fPy0uthKnZr3iRrt6O8CLL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Where India and US diverge&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 7<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/death-penalty-for-sexual-offences'
		]
	],
	'updates' => object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

		'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
		'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 31,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 303,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/UPSC_Press%20Release_19042021%20Drishti%20IAS.pdf',
		'title' => 'UPSC Press Release April 2021',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	},
	(int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/estore/english-books/all-english-books/Indian-and-World-Geography',
		'title' => 'New book release: Indian and World Geography - Prelims Practice Series (PPS)',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Asian Houbara Bustard',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Pakistan government has<strong> issued special permits</strong> to Dubai royal family members, allowing them to hunt the <strong>internationally protected bird <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-houbara-bustard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">houbara</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-houbara-bustard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>bustard</strong></a> during the 2020-21 hunting season.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bustards are large, <strong>terrestrial birds</strong> that belong to several species, including some of the largest flying birds.</li>
<li><strong>Two Distinct Species of Houbara Bustard:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list#:~:text=status%20of%20species.-,The%20International%20Union%20for%20Conservation%20of%20Nature,It%20is%20headquartered%20in%20Switzerland." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong></a> recognises two distinct species found in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>North Africa <em>(Chlamydotis undulata) </em></strong>and</li>
<li><strong>Asia <em>(Chlamydotis macqueenii).</em></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat of Asian Houbara:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610533060_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610533060_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The population of the Asian houbara bustards extends from northeast Asia, across central Asia, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula to reach the Sinai desert (Egypt).</li>
<li>After breeding in the spring, the Asian bustards migrate south to spend the winter in Pakistan, the Arabian Peninsula and nearby Southwest Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Decline:</strong> Poaching, unregulated hunting, along with degradation of its natural habitat.</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>IUCN Status-</strong> Vulnerable</li>
<li><strong>Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>)-</strong> Appendix I</li>
<li><strong>Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-cop-13-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CMS</a>)</strong>- Appendix II</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-issues-special-permit-for-dubai-royals-to-hunt-internationally-protected-bird/article33557149.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-houbara-bustard-1'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Dzukou Valley',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The two-week long<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-fires" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> forest fire</strong></a> <strong>in Dzukou valley on Nagaland-Manipur border</strong> has been doused.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> 90-sq km green valley</strong> has been <strong>prone to forest fires for decades -</strong> in 2015, 2012, 2010 and 2006.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530718_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530718_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="633" height="575" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> The Dzukou Valley, <strong>popularly known as the &lsquo;valley of flower&rsquo;,</strong> is located at the <strong>border of Nagaland and Manipur. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Situated at <strong>an altitude of 2,438 metres</strong> behind the<strong> Japfu mountain range,</strong> it is one of the most<strong> popular trekking spots</strong> in the North East. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Dzukou valley and Japfu peak are located <strong>adjacent to the Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary (Nagaland).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>no human habitations within the forests,</strong> but they are <strong>home to rare and &lsquo;vulnerable&rsquo; (as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN Red List</a>) birds - Blyth&rsquo;s Tragopan</strong> (Nagaland&rsquo;s state bird), the <strong>Rufous-necked Hornbill</strong> and the<strong> Dark-rumped Swift,</strong> among many others. Also found in the forests are <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hoolock-gibbon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>endangered Western Hoolock Gibbons.</strong> </a></li>
<li>It is <strong>covered with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/greening-india-by-planting-bamboo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bamboo</a></strong> and other grass species. The valley harbours many species of flowering plants including the <strong>endemic Dzukou Lily- Lilium chitrangada.</strong></li>
<li>The valley is a <strong>source of conflict</strong> for ownership between local tribes and the state governments of Manipur/Nagaland.</li>
<li>It is home to the <strong>Angami people.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Forest Fires</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Wildfire,</strong> also called <strong>forest, bush or vegetation fire,</strong> can be described as any <strong>uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion</strong> or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brush land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and <strong>spreads based on environmental conditions</strong> (e.g., wind, topography).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Wildfire <strong>can be incited by human actions,</strong> such as land clearing, extreme drought or in rare cases by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-lightning-strikes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> lightning.</strong> </a></li>
<li><strong>One of the major reasons for forest fires in the north-east is slash-and-burn cultivation, </strong>commonly called <strong>jhoom or jhum cultivation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fires happen between the months of January and March. The north-east has tropical evergreen forests and, unlike the dry deciduous forests of central India, these are not likely to catch fire easily.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Globally, forest fires <strong>release billions of tons of CO<sub>2</sub> into the atmosphere,</strong> while hundreds of thousands of<strong> people are believed to die due to illnesses caused by exposure to smoke</strong> from forest fires and other landscape fires.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Findings from the 2019 Report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>About <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>21.40% of forest cover in India is prone to fires</strong></a>, with forests in the <strong>north-eastern region and central India being the most vulnerable.</strong></li>
<li>While the <strong>overall green cover has increased</strong> in the country, the <strong>forest cover in the north-east &mdash;</strong> particularly in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland &mdash; has <strong>decreased. Forest Fires</strong> could be <strong>one of the causes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF) 2018</li>
<li>Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dzukou-valley-wildfire-doused/article33553588.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dzukou-valley'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'National Youth Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>National Youth Day is held every year on 12<sup>th</sup> January to observe the<strong> birth anniversary</strong> of <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/to-the-point-paper-4-indian-thinker-swami-vivekanand-1863-1902" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swami Vivekananda.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530068_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610530068_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The day is also referred to as <strong>Swami Vivekanand Jayanti</strong> and was designated as the <strong>National Youth Day in 1984.</strong></li>
<li><strong>24<sup>th</sup> National Youth Festival:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of <strong>Swami Vivekananda,</strong> the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-youth-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Youth Festival</a> is an annual gathering of youth with various activities including competitive ones.</strong></li>
<li>Theme of <strong>2021 Festival: &lsquo;YUVAAH &ndash; Utsah Naye Bharat Ka&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It will be celebrated from <strong>12<sup>th</sup> to 16<sup>th</sup> January</strong></li>
<li>It is organized by the <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India in collaboration with one of the State Governments.</strong></li>
<li>As part of the <strong>National Youth Festival,</strong> the <strong>National Youth Parliament Festival</strong> (NYPF) has also been organized <strong>since 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Youth Parliament Festival:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To hear the voice of youth in this age bracket of <strong>18-25</strong> who are <strong>allowed to vote but cannot contest in elections.</strong></li>
<li>To encourage the youth to engage with public issues, understand the common man&rsquo;s point of view, form their opinion and express these in an articulate manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organized by:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>National Service Scheme</strong> (NSS) and <strong>Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan</strong> (NYKS) under the aegis of <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>first festival</strong> of the NYPF was organised from<strong> 12<sup>th</sup> January to 27<sup>th</sup> February,</strong> 2019, with the theme <strong>"Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions and Contribute to Policy&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>This is the <strong>second NYPF festival</strong> started in <strong>December 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He was born as <strong>Narendranath Datta on 12<sup>th</sup> January, 1863.</strong></li>
<li>Introduced the world to the Indian philosophies of<a href="/to-the-points/paper4/schools-of-indian-philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Vedanta and Yoga.</strong></a></li>
<li>He was the chief disciple of the 19<sup>th</sup>-century mystic <strong>Ramakrishna Paramhansa.</strong></li>
<li>Laid the greatest emphasis on <strong>education</strong> for the <strong>regeneration of our motherland. </strong>He advocated a <strong>man-making character-building education.</strong></li>
<li>Established the<strong> Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.</strong> It is an organization which works in the area of <strong>value-based education, culture, health, women's empowerment, youth and tribal welfare and relief and rehabilitation.</strong></li>
<li>He died at <strong>Belur Math in 1902.</strong> Belur Math, located in West Bengal, is the <strong>headquarters of Ramakrishna Math &amp; Ramakrishna Mission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1687655" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-youth-day-1'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India, for the<strong> eighth time,</strong> has entered the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</a></strong>as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc#:~:text=All%20the%20countries%20in%20the,China%20have%20supported%20India's%20candidature." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-permanent member</strong> </a>recently. It will stay on the council for two years i.e <strong>2021-22.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Contributions of India at UNSC:</strong> India has served <strong>seven times</strong> in the <strong>UN Security Council.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>1950-51:</strong> India, as President of UNSC, presided over the<strong> adoption of resolutions</strong> calling for cessation of hostilities during the<strong> Korean War and for assistance to the Republic of Korea.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1967-68:</strong> India <strong>co-sponsored Resolution 238</strong> extending the mandate of the<strong> UN mission in Cyprus.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1972-73:</strong> India pushed strongly for<strong> admission of Bangladesh into the UN.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1977-78:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for Africa in the UNSC</strong> and<strong> spoke against apartheid</strong> and for <strong>Namibia&rsquo;s independence</strong> in 1978.</li>
<li><strong>1984-85:</strong> India was a <strong>leading voice in UNSC for resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1991-92:</strong> Participated in the<strong> first ever summit-level meeting</strong> of the UNSC and <strong>spoke on its role in maintenance of peace and security.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2011-2012:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for developing world,</strong> peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and Africa. First statement on Syria was during India&rsquo;s Presidency at the UNSC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the 2011-12 term, India chaired the <strong>UNSC 1373 Committee concerning Counter-Terrorism, the 1566 Working Group concerning threat to international peace and security by terrorist acts, and Security Council 751/1907 Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier in 1996, India took the initiative to pilot a draft <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</strong> </a>with the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat terrorism.</li>
<li>India worked closely with its partners in the UNSC to ensure the listing of <strong>Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar under the UNSC&rsquo;s 1267 Sanctions Committee</strong> (May 2019) concerning al-Qaeda and ISIS and associated individuals and entities, which was pending since 2009.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges at UNSC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Challenge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is entering the UNSC at a time when Beijing is asserting itself at the global stage much more vigorously than ever. It heads at least six UN organisations and has challenged the global rules.</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a> as well as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India-China border</strong></a> has been visible in all of 2020.</li>
<li>China has tried to raise the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked#:~:text=Issues%20in%20Revoking&amp;text=India%20has%20used%20Article%20370,the%20Indian%20Constitution%20to%20J%26K.&amp;text=It%20will%20also%20clear%20the,and%20settle%20permanently%20in%20J%26K." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>issue of Kashmir</strong> </a>at the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Covid World Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the global economy is in shambles with various countries facing <strong>recession and health emergencies.</strong> To handle all these situations need <strong>careful strategy</strong> to move the world out of this burdening challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing USA and Russia and Unstable West Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With the situation deteriorating between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Russia</strong></a> and increasing tensions between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assassination-of-iranian-general-qassem-soleimani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Iran</strong></a>, it will be tough situation to handle for India. India needs to uphold rule based world order with due respect to human rights ensuring the national interest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nation Security Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations Charter established<strong> six main organs of the United Nations,</strong> including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Article 23 of the UN Charter concerns the composition of the UNSC.</li>
<li>The UNSC has been given primary responsibility for maintaining <strong>international peace and security to the Security Council,</strong> which may meet whenever peace is threatened.</li>
<li>While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council <strong>has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Permanent and Non-Permanent Members:</strong> The UNSC is composed of <strong>15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Five permanent members:</strong> China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.</li>
<li><strong>Ten non-permanent members: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Each year, the General Assembly elects<strong> five non-permanent members</strong> (out of ten in total) for a<strong> two-year term.</strong> The ten non-permanent seats are distributed on<strong> a regional basis.</strong></li>
<li>As stipulated in rule 144 of the rules of procedure, a <strong>retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election</strong>.</li>
<li>In accordance with rule 92 of the rules of procedure, the election is <strong>held by secret ballot and there are no nominations</strong>.Under rule 83 of the rules of procedure, the non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected by a two-thirds majority.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Five for African and Asian countries.</li>
<li>One for Eastern European countries.</li>
<li>Two for Latin American and Caribbean countries.</li>
<li>Two for Western European and other countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has been advocating a permanent seat in UNSC.</li>
<li>India has the following objective criteria, such as <strong>population, territorial size, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a>, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system and past and ongoing contributions to UN activities </strong>especially to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN peacekeeping operations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-at-un-high-table-7142523/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-at-unsc-previous-contribution-current-challenges'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Indian Foreign Policy In 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/reframing-indias-foreign-policy-priorities/article33552868.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Reframing India&rsquo;s foreign policy priorities&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 12/01/2021. It talks about the current challenges and opportunities in pursuit of fulfilling foreign policy objectives.</p>
</div>
<p>Like any other country, India&rsquo;s foreign policy envisages to widen its sphere of influence, enhance its role across nations, and make its presence felt like an emerging power. The year 2021 presents a bunch of challenges and opportunities in pursuit of fulfilling foreign policy objectives.</p>
<p>For instance, the rise of China and its influence in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood is a cause of worry for India. Moreover, concluding the negotiations for an<strong> EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment</strong> debunks the myth of Chinese isolation after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and further strengthened China&rsquo;s position.</p>
<p>Moreover, India&rsquo;s foreign policy decisions like growing convergence with the US have led to weakening its links with traditional friends like Russia and Iran.</p>
<p>Therefore, in shifting the balance of power in the region, India needs to tackle foreign policy challenges and leverage opportunities carefully.</p>
<h3>Challenges in Front of India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>A Stronger China:</strong> China is the only major country that had a positive growth rate at the end of 2020, and its economy is poised to grow even faster in 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Militarily, China has further strengthened itself and now seeks to dominate the Indo-Pacific Ocean with its announcement of its third aircraft carrier&rsquo;s launch in 2021.</li>
<li>In this context, any breakthrough in Sino-Indian relations is unlikely to occur, and the confrontation between Indian and Chinese armed forces is expected to continue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Russia-China Axis:</strong> Russia is beginning to display more significant interest in its periphery&rsquo;s affairs. Moreover, the sanctions imposed on Russia after Crimea's annexation in 2014 has pushed Russia towards a tighter embrace of China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This seems to signal reduced interest in countries such as India.</li>
<li>Also, India&rsquo;s closeness to the U.S. has weakened its links with traditional friends such as Russia and Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Middle East Equations:</strong> The US-brokered rapprochement between Israel and four Arab countries &mdash; the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan &mdash; reflected the changing landscape in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, despite the hype surrounding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abraham Accords</strong></a>, the situation remains fluid and has not reduced the risk of a confrontation between Iran and Israel.</li>
<li>Given the region&rsquo;s strategic flux, Iran could well be tempted to use its nuclear capability to enhance its position.</li>
<li>This does pose problems for India since both have relations with it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Self-Imposed Isolation of India:</strong> Currently, India remains isolated from two important supranational bodies of which it used to be a founding member, viz., the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, India has opted out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).</strong></a></li>
<li>This self-imposed isolation doesn&rsquo;t synergise with India&rsquo;s aspiration of becoming a global power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakening Ties with Neighbors:</strong> A more worrying concern for Indian foreign policy is weakening ties with the neighbours.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be seen from instances like <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s Cheque Book Diplomacy</strong> </a>vis-a-vis Srilanka, strain in relation with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Bangladesh on NRC issue</strong></a> and recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute#:~:text=India%20rejected%20the%20new%20map,boundary%20issues%20through%20diplomatic%20dialogue." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>border controversy with Nepal</strong></a> due to the release of the new map.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neighbourhood First:</strong> Through a series of diplomatic efforts, India should make valiant efforts to improve relations with some of its neighbours such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka,
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, as the world emerges from the pandemic, India has a lot to gain from what could be <strong>&ldquo;vaccine diplomacy&rdquo;</strong> with neighbours in 2021 &mdash; supplying vaccines either free or at affordable costs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>External Aid in Adequate Measure:</strong> The current standoff with China has reinforced JL Nehru&rsquo;s belief in 1963 that India needs <strong>&ldquo;external aid in adequate measure&rdquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India will need continuing support from the US, Japan, Australia, besides European leaders such as France, Germany and the UK.</li>
<li>India should appreciate European entry into Indo-pacific narrative, as already, France and Germany have come up with their Indo-Pacific strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India at UNSC High Table:</strong> As India enters the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council as a non-permanent member</strong> </a>for the eighth time, India should raise all-important global matters like China&rsquo;s aggressiveness&mdash; from Tibet to Taiwan, Iran-Saudi rivalry, refugee crisis between Bangladesh and Myanmar, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should refrain from a limited focus on isolating Pakistan, as it would distract from India&rsquo;s aspirations of being a global leader.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With US:</strong> As the future of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> and the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific strategy</strong></a> relies on the new US administration, India will need to build on its deepening strategic and defence ties with the US and resolve trade and visa issues.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In the light of the changing actualities of the international situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an aspirational player.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf5;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the light of the changing actualities of the international situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an aspirational player. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f-UgHOy0jGw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-diaspora-dilemma-hteditorial-101610294070862.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The diaspora dilemma&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 10<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indian-foreign-policy-in-2021'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'National Energy Conservation Awards',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>the Ministry of Power,</strong> in association with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bee-star-rating-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)</strong></a>, organised the <strong>30<sup>th</sup> National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA)</strong> function.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the event, the <strong>Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV</strong> on voluntary basis was initiated and<strong> SATHEE Portal</strong> was also launched.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Energy Conservation Awards Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> had launched a scheme in 1991, to give<strong> national recognition</strong> through awards to industries and establishments that have taken<strong> special efforts to reduce energy consumption</strong> while maintaining their production. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The awards were given away for the<strong> first time on 14<sup>th</sup> December, 1991,</strong> which was declared as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-day-2020#:~:text=The%20National%20Energy%20Conservation%20Day,are%20given%20on%20the%20occasion." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'The National Energy Conservation Day'.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It recognizes the energy efficiency achievements in<strong> 56 sub-sectors across industry, establishments and institutions.</strong></li>
<li>During the award ceremony, it was specifically mentioned that the impact of <strong>PAT Cycle II</strong> achieved<strong> emission reduction of 61 million ton of CO<sub>2</sub>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>market-based mechanism</strong> to further accelerate as well as incentivize energy efficiency in the large energy-intensive industries.</li>
<li>It <strong>provides the option to trade any additional certified energy savings</strong> with other designated consumers to comply with the Specific Energy Consumption reduction targets.</li>
<li>It is <strong>being implemented by BEE,</strong> as a &ldquo;flag bearer&rdquo; which has not only demonstrated its promise in the country but also has found interest among many other countries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is to be carried out on a <strong>voluntary basis.</strong></li>
<li>They are aimed to <strong>further enhance the level of energy conservation.</strong> This conserved energy can then be used for a different purpose in the home or workplace.</li>
<li>Besides saving energy, this programme could also <strong>facilitate reducing energy bills.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SAATHEE Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed a <strong>Management Information System (MIS) portal</strong> namely <strong>State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency (SAATHEE).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For SDAs:</strong> It is a portal for the <strong>State Designated Agency (SDA)</strong> for state level activities.</li>
<li><strong>Captures Status of Energy Efficiency:</strong> It will be useful in capturing the physical and financial status/ progress of Energy Efficiency activities being implemented by States/ UTs across the country. Thus, it will<strong> facilitate Real Time Monitoring.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Streamlines Decision Making and Compliance:</strong> It will also help in decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and implementation and enforcement of the compliance process for various energy consumers at the pan India level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Targets in Energy Efficiency:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>one of the lowest per capita emissions</strong> and <strong>per capita energy consumption.</strong> Despite this the country has made ambitious commitments to meet the global challenge posed by climate change. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India <strong>has a target</strong> to<strong> reduce the emission intensity to 33-35% by 2030</strong> compared to 2005 level, as part of commitments made during <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COP 21.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Prime Minister&rsquo;s vision aims at a climate mitigation goal, with a <strong>target for renewable energy capacity to be increased to 450 GW by 2030.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Aimed at Energy Conservation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Standard and Labelling and Demand Side Management</a>, Energy Conservation Building Code, </strong>etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sophisticated-analytical-technical-help-institutes-sathi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SATHI</strong> </a><strong>(Sophisticated Analytical &amp; Technical Help Institutes):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an initiative of the <strong>Department of Science &amp; Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To provide a shared, professionally managed services and strong Science and Technology infrastructure/facilities, to service the demands of faculty, researchers, etc., to enable them to carry out R&amp;D activities on a round the clock basis with minimum downtime.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sophisticated-analytical-technical-help-institutes-sathi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAATHI</a> (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries) Initiative:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>initiative of the Ministry of Textiles.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To sustain and accelerate the adoption of <strong>energy efficient textile technologies</strong> in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/merger-of-schools-in-odisha-sath-project#:~:text=Sustainable%20Action%20for%20Transforming%20Human%20Capital%20(SATH)%20focusses%20on%20two,the%20teacher%20at%20its%20centre%E2%80%9D." target="_blank" rel="noopener">SATH</a> (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital) Program:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>program of NITI Aayog.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To initiate transformation in the education and health sectors and build 3 future &lsquo;role model&rsquo; states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1687682" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-awards'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture : One Nation, One Gas Grid',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wvy_6E2YisY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India has recently inaugurated the 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangalore in Karnataka.</li>
<li>The government has set the energy roadmap, envisaging more than double the share of cleaner natural gas in the consumption basket, diversifying sources of energy, connecting the nation with one gas pipeline grid and bringing affordable fuel to people and industry.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A gas-based economy is crucial for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and work is being done in the direction of <strong>'One Nation, One Gas Grid'.</strong></li>
<li>The pipeline grid is expected to not only help improve clean energy access, but also aid in the development of city gas projects.</li>
<li>The government is also considering the proposal of bringing natural gas under the ambit of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Good and Services Tax.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>One Nation, One Gas Grid</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Power system for planning and operational purposes is divided into five regional grids.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One Nation, One Gas Grid refers to the integration of these regional grids thus establishing a National Grid for providing energy produced by natural gas to various stakeholders like the central government, the state governments, the public and the private sectors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610439260_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610439260_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Objective and Need of One Nation &amp; One Gas Grid</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meeting the targets:</strong> The initiative of the Indian government will help meet its target of reaching 15% natural gas in its energy basket mix by 2030 which is currently at 6.2-6.5% whereas the global average is 23-24%.</li>
<li><strong>Connecting the nation:</strong> With one nation and one gas grid, the energy produced from natural gas will be supplied to the whole country via a single source.</li>
<li><strong>Improving regional imbalance:</strong> It will help in improving the regional imbalance of gas availability as currently the natural gas is only in limited pockets of the country.</li>
<li><strong>India as a gas based economy:</strong> One nation, one gas grid which will help emerge India as a gas based economy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will not only lead to robust development in the economy but also encourage a clean environment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cleaner environment:</strong> In times when conventionalsSources are depleting and mining is being extended to a greater depth and area, natural gas can prove to be a boon by preventing deforestation and desertification.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce import dependency:</strong> The import dependency of natural gas in India has reached to 53%. In order to reduce this high percentage, the government is taking measures to diversify the energy mix of India.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Targets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To increase the share of natural gas, the government has announced the expansion of the natural gas grid from the previous 17,500 kilometers to 34,500 kilometers. To which, 450 kms have already been added making it approx 18000.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The next 16000 kms is expected to be achieved in the next 4-6 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Primarily, as a grid, the north and west part of India were already connected via LNG terminal.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the last 4 years, efforts have also been made to connect eastern India with North via the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline which is a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-gas-grid-fuel-for-all" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Urja Ganga Project</strong></a> which is in its final stages and will also add around 3000 kms to the grid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The southern part of India is also being looked upon and is expected to add about 1500 kms to the grid.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Encouraging investments:</strong> Investing in natural gas should be more encouraged. The share can be divided as : 20% for smaller manufacturing brands whereas for the government and bigger companies it should be 80%.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is important because investing in natural gas means investing in:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Cleaner environment</li>
<li>Better health for our people</li>
<li>Creating more jobs and a better economy for our people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educating about natural gas:</strong> One area where we all should work is in educating people about the natural gas economy because at present the lack of knowledge about natural gas based economy is widely persistent.</li>
<li><strong>Empowering the vehicles:</strong> Empowered vehicles are needed to reach the destination of One Nation, One Gas Grid. Vehicles such as GAIL, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-natural-gas-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ONGC</strong></a> etc need to be strengthened and empowered to eradicate natural gas energy poverty.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is important to give more importance to companies like ONGC when it comes to upstream for gas and GAIL India when it comes to midstream production and gas distribution, and to companies like Oil India when it comes to oil distribution.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>We need more LNG terminals for more upstream production of gas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marketing and pricing reforms:</strong> To increase domestic exploration, investment and production of natural gas, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/natural-gas-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marketing and Pricing Reforms</strong></a> are the one step that the Government of India has taken in a couple of months.</li>
<li><strong>Natural gas democracy:</strong> Like no citizen of a country should be kept out of democracy, similarly no one should be left out of the benefits of natural gas, it should reach each and every household.</li>
<li><strong>Collaborative effort:</strong> It is not enough that only the central government takes initiatives in the direction, various state govts should also come on board or even a public sector is also as important when it comes to contributing their share in the notion of One Nation, One Gas Grid.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Tremendous efforts are on the way to achieve clean affordable and sustainable energy but going forward there will be infrastructure related and many other possible challenges that must be tackled in order to end energy poverty in the times to come, ensuring energy security for the citizens as well.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-one-nation-one-gas-grid'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Covid-19 Vaccine Policy',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/devising-a-vaccine-strategy-for-india/story-u12s0fA8oFOmfMxXo3St1H.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Devising a vaccine strategy for India&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 07/01/2021. It talks about the challenges and solutions in the development &amp; distribution of Covid-19 vaccine.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India has approved the Covid-19 vaccines developed by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Astra-Zeneca (Covishield)</strong> </a><strong>and</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Biotech (Covaxin)</strong></a>. There are several more vaccines that will likely be available later in 2021.</p>
<p>Although India will not need to vaccinate its entire population, it would have to vaccinate at least 30-40% of the people to develop herd immunity fully. Even at a minimum scale, approximately 1 billion doses of <strong>Covid-19 vaccines</strong> will be required, given that most vaccines need a booster dose.</p>
<p>Moreover, other factors, like allocation, distribution, financing, communication, etc., will be impediments to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 vaccination</strong> </a>drive. Therefore, deploying a robust vaccine development &amp; distribution policy will be very crucial for India.</p>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Allocation:</strong> Most nations will vaccinate healthcare workers first. They treat those who are infected with Covid-19 and vaccinate the remaining population. After that, it seems logical to prioritise the elderly, who have a higher infection fatality rate. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, premature death costs a young person more years of life than an older adult. This is a more significant concern for India, as 80% of its population is below 50.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Moving vaccines from companies to warehouses will be relatively easy, but moving it from warehouses to distributors to end-users will be tricky, given the difficulties with cold chains and storage facilities.</li>
<li><strong>Financing:</strong> In the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, vaccines are likely to be entirely free and administered publicly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, given the tight fiscal situation, the Indian government faces the dilemma of whether to finance vaccinations publicly or privately.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Human Resource:</strong> Administering 30-40 million immunisations (under regular vaccination drive) a year is very different from vaccinating 600 million people in a year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sourcing the trained human resources necessary to deliver intramuscular shots, without diverting from existing priorities, will not be easy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public Confidence:</strong> &ldquo;Optimism bias," as it is called, makes vaccination seem unnecessary to them. Concerning diseases, a lot of people tend to think that their risk is low.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this behaviour can prove fatal in battling a pandemic like Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vaccine Prioritisation:</strong> The protective benefit from vaccination is much lower if one has immunity from a prior infection. Hence, the allocation of the vaccine among the working-age population should consider two factors: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It may be prudent to screen people for Covid-19 antibodies and prioritise vaccination of those without antibodies.</li>
<li>Areas closest to herd immunity even without suppression require the least number of doses to return to regular economic activity and have higher returns from vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening VaccineSupply Chain:</strong> Enhancing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electronic-vaccine-intelligence-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network</strong></a> (eVIN) system will enhance real-time information on vaccine stocks and storage temperatures across all country&rsquo;s cold chain points.</li>
<li><strong>Bridging Human Resource Gap:</strong> Engaging medical students, phlebotomists, paramedics and pharmacists can be rapidly and reliably trained to administer vaccines, will bridge the human resource gap.</li>
<li><strong>Hybrid Financing Policy:</strong> India will need a hybrid strategy, where the majority of the population (economically challenged) is vaccinated for free publicly while allowing private markets to operate for rich people.</li>
<li><strong>Effective Communication:</strong> A good communication strategy that envisages removing myths associated with Covid-19 vaccine should be science-led, involve regular communication, utilise respected community leaders to widen reach, and clamp down on the spread of misinformation.</li>
<li><strong>Need For Vaccine Certification:</strong> To resume normalcy and allow free movement of people, every country will need an internal set of protocols regarding proof of vaccination that is interoperable with norms elsewhere. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In other words, proof of vaccination in India or Tanzania must be acceptable to Singapore Airlines or Qantas.</li>
<li>This will also require multilateral bodies to play an active role in creating frameworks, around which digital platforms can be developed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s Covid-19 vaccine drive will be a monumental mission, not just in terms of vaccinating its own population, but also vaccinating a large part of the world thanks to its position as the world&rsquo;s leading vaccine producer.</p>
<p>Addressing the issues associated with the development and distribution of vaccines will augment the effort to efficiently get vaccines to hundreds of millions in the shortest period of time.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Covid-19 immunisation drive will be a different kettle of fish from regular vaccination programs&rdquo;. In light of the statement analyse the challenges in the development &amp; distribution of Covid-19 vaccine.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-policy'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Quantum Technology',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The detailed project report for a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quantum-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA)</strong> </a>has been drawn out and finalised.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Union Budget 2020-21 proposed</strong> to spend<strong> Rs 8,000 crore</strong> on the newly launched <strong>NMQTA.</strong></li>
<li>In 2018, the <strong>Department of Science &amp; Technology</strong> unveiled a programme called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quantum-supremacy-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quantum-Enabled Science &amp; Technology (QuEST)</strong></a> and committed to investing Rs. 80 crore over the next three years to accelerate research.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The mission<strong> seeks to develop quantum computing linked technologies amidst the second quantum revolution</strong> and make <strong>India the world&rsquo;s third-biggest nation in the sector</strong> after the US and China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363440_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363440_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Quantum Technology/Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Quantum Technology is<strong> based on the principles of Quantum mechanics that was developed in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century</strong> to describe nature at the scale of<strong> atoms and elementary particles.</strong></li>
<li>The first phase of this revolutionary technology has<strong> provided the foundations of our understanding of the physical world, including the interaction of light and matter,</strong> and led to ubiquitous inventions such as <strong>lasers and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/schemes-for-electronic-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">semiconductor</a> transistors.</strong></li>
<li>A second revolution is currently underway with the <strong>goal of putting properties of quantum mechanics in the realms of computing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Difference Between Conventional and Quantum Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Conventional computers</strong> process information in <strong>&lsquo;bits&rsquo; or 1s and 0s,</strong> following classical physics under which our computers can process a &lsquo;1&rsquo; or a &lsquo;0&rsquo; at a time.</li>
<li><strong>Quantum computers</strong> compute in <strong>&lsquo;qubits&rsquo; (or quantum bits).</strong> They exploit the properties of quantum mechanics, the science that governs how matter behaves on the atomic scale.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this scheme of things, processors can be a 1 and a 0 simultaneously, a state called quantum superposition.</li>
<li>Because of quantum superposition, a quantum computer &mdash; if it works to plan &mdash; can<strong> mimic several classical computers working in parallel.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363473_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="263" height="192" /></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Properties of Quantum Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The basic properties of quantum computing are s<strong>uperposition, entanglement, and interference.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Superposition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the ability of a quantum system to be in <strong>multiple states simultaneously.</strong></li>
<li>The example of superposition is the flip of a coin, which consistently lands as heads or tails&mdash;a very binary concept. However, when that coin is in mid-air, it is both heads and tails and until it lands, heads and tails simultaneously. Before measurement, the electron exists in quantum superposition.<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363490_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Entanglement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It means the two members of a pair (Qubits) exist in a single quantum state. Changing the state of one of the qubits will instantaneously change the state of the other one in a predictable way. This happens even if they are separated by very long distances.</li>
<li>Einstein called spooky<strong> &lsquo;action at a distance&rsquo;.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363512_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610363512_image6.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Interference:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantum interference states that elementary particles(Qubits) can not only be in more than one place at any given time (through superposition), but that an individual particle, such as a photon (light particles) can cross its own trajectory and interfere with the direction of its path.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applications of Quantum Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Secure Communication:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/micius-a-quantum-enabled-satellite" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China recently demonstrated</strong></a> secure quantum communication links between terrestrial stations and satellites.</li>
<li>This area is <strong>significant to satellites, military and cyber security</strong> among others as it promises unimaginably fast computing and safe, unhackable satellite communication to its users.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can<strong> help in solving some of the fundamental questions in physics related to gravity, black hole etc.</strong></li>
<li>Similarly, the quantum initiative could give a big boost to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/genome-india-project-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Genome India project</strong></a>, a collaborative effort of 20 institutions to enable new efficiencies in life sciences, agriculture and medicine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disaster Management:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tsunami-early-warning-system-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tsunamis</a></strong>, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unccd-drought-tool-box" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drought</a></strong>, <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>earthquakes</strong></a> and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> floods</strong></a> may become more predictable with quantum applications.</li>
<li>The collection of data regarding<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> climate change</strong></a> can be streamlined in a better way through quantum technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceutical:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantum computing <strong>could reduce the time frame of the discovery of new molecules and related processes</strong> to a few days from the present 10-year slog that scientists put in.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Augmenting Industrial revolution 4.0:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantum computing is an integral part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial revolution 4.0.</strong></a></li>
<li>Success in it will help in <strong>Strategic initiatives aimed at leveraging other Industrial revolution 4.0 technologies</strong> like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Internet-of-Things</strong></a>, machine learning, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/robotic-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>robotics</strong></a>, and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong> </a>across sectors will further help in laying the foundation of the Knowledge economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges Associated with Quantum Computing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The dark side of quantum computing is the <strong>disruptive effect that it can have on cryptographic encryption, which secures communications and computers.</strong></li>
<li>It might pose a challenge for the government also because if this technology goes into wrong hands, all the <strong>government&rsquo;s official and confidential data will be at a risk of being hacked and misused.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Long after the birth of social media and artificial intelligence, there are now demands to regulate them. <strong>It would be prudent to develop a regulatory framework for quantum computing before it becomes widely available.</strong></li>
<li>It will be better to <strong>regulate it or define the limits of its legitimate use, nationally and internationally</strong> before the problem gets out of hand like nuclear technology.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/harnessing-what-einstein-called-spooky-action-at-a-distance/article33537467.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quantum-technology-1'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'China’s Rising Influence in South Asia',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China has held its<strong> third multilateral dialogue</strong> virtually with countries from <strong>South Asia</strong> to take forward<strong> closer cooperation on fighting Covid-19</strong> and coordinating their <strong>economic agendas, reflecting a new approach in Beijing&rsquo;s outreach to the region.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610358472_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610358472_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Participating countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It brought together every country in the region <strong>barring India, Bhutan and the Maldives,</strong> and was aimed at <strong>&ldquo;anti-epidemic cooperation and poverty reduction cooperation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The recent meeting was attended by <strong>all five countries</strong> that have taken part in these dialogues: <strong>Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
<li>All three dialogues have been attended by <strong>Pakistan and Nepal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engagements through other Platforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Previously at the July<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quadrilateral-dialogue-china-nepal-pakistan-and-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> quadrilateral dialogue</strong></a> with Afghanistan, Nepal and Pakistan, China&rsquo;s proposed extending the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec#:~:text=The%20CPEC%20is%20bilateral%20project,Gwadar%20Port%20in%20Balochistan%2C%20Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</strong></a> (CPEC) to Afghanistan, as well as taking forward an<strong> economic corridor plan</strong> with Nepal, called the <strong>Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives by China to Enhance Engagement in South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>American Enterprise Institute&rsquo;s China Global Investment Tracker,</strong> China has committed around <strong>100 billion USD</strong> in the economies of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China is now the<strong> largest overseas investor</strong> in the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghanistan:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Beijing was a part<strong> of the trilateral China-Pakistan-Afghanistan foreign ministers dialogue</strong> which focuses on facilitating Afghan domestic political reconciliation, enhancing regional connectivity, and improving regional common development.</li>
<li>The trilateral discussions also agreed to push <strong>&ldquo;forward under the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Belt and Road Initiative</a> (BRI)&rdquo; and &ldquo;to enhance connectivity by extending the CPEC to Afghanistan&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China and Bangladesh pledged to deepen defense cooperation, especially in the areas of<strong> &ldquo;defense industry and trade, training, equipment and technology.</strong></li>
<li>China is also the <strong>largest arms supplier of the Bangladeshi military, providing 71.8%</strong> of weapons from 2008 to 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bhutan </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It<strong> does not have diplomatic relations</strong> with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maldives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s relationship with the Maldives is near-exclusively focused on leveraging BRI to develop Maldives as well as to raise Chinese influence there to counter India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nepal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chinese President went to Nepal in 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This was the<strong> first visit by a Chinese head of state in 23 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The countries have signed agreements to <strong>accelerate Infrastructure building in Nepal and improve connectivity between them.</strong></li>
<li>Both the countries have also announced the launch of a<strong> feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka handed over <strong>Hambantota port</strong> on a 99-year lease to China to repay its loan back to china. <strong>Hambantota is geostrategically located on the Indian Ocean,</strong> potentially bolstering <strong>Beijing&rsquo;s String of Pearls.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Security Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Growing cooperation between Pakistan and China.</li>
<li>Increasing nexus between Nepal and China.</li>
<li>Acceptance to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by south asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leadership Roles in South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It shows increasing chinese presence in south asia and its acceptance by the countries as a torch bearer for the region which India wants for itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over the past decade, China has replaced India as the<strong> major trading partner </strong>of <strong>several South Asian countries.</strong> For instance, the share of India&rsquo;s trade with Maldives was <strong>3.4 times that of China&rsquo;s in 2008.</strong> But by 2018, <strong>China&rsquo;s total trade with Maldives slightly exceeded that of India.</strong></li>
<li>China&rsquo;s trade with <strong>Bangladesh</strong> is <strong>now about twice that of India.</strong> China&rsquo;s trade with Nepal and Sri Lanka <strong>still lags India&rsquo;s trade with those countries but the gap has shrunk.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India does not have the<strong> economic capacity as China.</strong> Thus it should cooperate with China for the development of these countries such that fruits of development collectively reach South Asia.</li>
<li>It should also <strong>strongly condemn the plans for extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.</strong></li>
<li>Further India should invest in these countries where<strong> China falls short</strong> and maintain its good will in South Asia and prevent these nations from slipping off from <strong>India&rsquo;s Influence.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-holds-third-south-asia-multilateral-meet-in-new-push/article33531473.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-rising-influence-in-south-asia'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'MukundPura Meteorite',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study has shed light on the mineralogy of the meteorite named Mukundpura CM2 which fell in Mukundpura village near Jaipur in <strong>2017.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A meteorite is a<strong> solid piece of debris</strong> from an object, such as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asteroid-2020-nd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>comet</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asteroid-2020-nd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>asteroid</strong></a>, <strong>or meteoroid,</strong> that <strong>originates in outer space</strong> and survives its passage through the atmosphere to reach the<strong> surface of a planet or moon.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meteorite named <strong>Mukundpura CM2</strong> was classified to be a<strong> carbonaceous chondrite.</strong> The composition of carbonaceous chondrites are also similar to the Sun.</li>
<li>Chondrites are silicate &shy;droplet &shy;bearing meteorites, and this Mukundpura chondrite is the <strong>5<sup>th</sup> carbonaceous meteorite known to fall in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification Of Meteorite:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Meteorites are classified into <strong>three groups: Stony</strong> (silicaterich), <strong>Iron</strong> (Fe&ndash;Ni alloy), and <strong>Stony Iron</strong> (mixed silicate iron alloy).</li>
<li><strong>Mukundpura CM2</strong> is a type of<strong> stony meteorite,</strong> considered the<strong> most primitive meteorite</strong> and a remnant of the first solid bodies to accrete in the solar system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components of Meteorite:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Detailed spectroscopic studies revealed that the <strong>meteorite had very high (about 90%) phyllosilicate minerals</strong> comprising both <strong>magnesium and iron.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Forsterite and FeO olivine, calcium aluminium rich inclusion (CAI) minerals.</strong></li>
<li>Few <strong>magnetites, sulphides, aluminium complexes and calcites</strong> were also found.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of studying Asteroid:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Understanding of Solar system's history.</strong></li>
<li>How the solar system evolved into the Sun and planets of today.</li>
<li>The effects of impact of meteorites.</li>
<li>They are often rich in volatiles and other minerals and can be <strong>exploited for future planetary exploration.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Difference between Meteor, Meteorite and Meteoroid</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When <strong>meteoroids</strong> enter Earth's atmosphere (or that of another planet, like Mars) at <strong>high speed and burn up,</strong> the fireballs or<strong> &ldquo;shooting stars&rdquo; are called meteors.</strong></li>
<li>When a meteoroid <strong>survives a trip through the atmosphere and hits the ground,</strong> it's called a <strong>meteorite.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356756_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356756_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/decoding-a-meteorite-that-fell-near-jaipur-in-2017/article33537403.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mukundpura-meteorite'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Jagannath Temple',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA)</strong> announced that devotees don't need to produce their <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> negative report</strong> for getting entry into the shrine in Puri from January 21.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>At present</strong> devotees entering the temple <strong>have to show Covid-&shy;19 negative reports.</strong></li>
<li>The temple <strong>opened to the public from 3<sup>rd</sup> January</strong> after remaining closed for nine months in the wake of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/future-pandemics-and-reduction-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> pandemic.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The temple is believed to be constructed in the<strong> 12<sup>th</sup> century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.</strong></li>
<li>Jagannath Puri temple is<strong> called &lsquo;Yamanika Tirtha&rsquo;</strong> where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of &lsquo;Yama&rsquo;, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.</li>
<li>This temple was called the<strong> &ldquo;White Pagoda&rdquo;</strong> and is a <strong>part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).</strong></li>
<li>There are<strong> four gates</strong> to the temple- <strong>Eastern &lsquo;Singhdwara&rsquo;</strong> which is the main gate with two crouching lions,<strong> Southern &lsquo;Ashwadwara&rsquo;, Western 'Vyaghra Dwara</strong> and <strong>Northern &lsquo;Hastidwara&rsquo;.</strong> There is a carving of each form at each gate.</li>
<li>In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which was originally at the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/konark-temple" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sun Temple in Konark.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356261_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610356261_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="567" height="319" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/virus-negative-report-not-required-to-enter-puri-temple-from-jan-21/article33545777.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jagannath-temple'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'National Family Health Survey-5',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-family-health-survey-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Family Health Survey (NFHS)</strong></a> is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India.</li>
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),</strong> Government of India has designated the <strong>International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) Mumbai,</strong> as the <strong>nodal agency</strong> for providing coordination and technical guidance for the survey.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IIPS collaborates with a number of Field Organizations (FO) for survey implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The survey provides <strong>state and national information</strong> for India on: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fertility</li>
<li>Infant and child mortality</li>
<li>The practice of family planning</li>
<li>Maternal and child health</li>
<li>Reproductive health</li>
<li>Nutrition</li>
<li>Anaemia</li>
<li>Utilization and quality of health and family planning services</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each successive round of the NFHS has had two specific goals: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide essential data on health and family welfare needed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other agencies for policy and programme purposes.</li>
<li>To provide information on important emerging health and family welfare issues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The funding for different rounds of NFHS has been provided by <strong>USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unicef-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNICEF</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-the-world-population-2020-unfpa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNFPA</a>, and MoHFW (Government of India).</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The United States Agency for International Development:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>USAID is the world's premier international development agency.</li>
<li>It is an independent agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.</li>
<li>It was established by former US President John. F. Kennedy in 1961.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>History of National Family Health Survey</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>First National Family Health Survey (NFHS-1)</strong> was conducted in <strong>1992-93.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2)</strong> was conducted in <strong>1998-99</strong> in<strong> all 26 states of India.</strong> The project was funded by the<strong> USAID,</strong> with additional support from<strong> UNICEF.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Third National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3)</strong> was carried out in<strong> 2005-2006.</strong> NFHS-3 funding was provided by the USAID, the<strong> Department for International Development</strong> (UK), <strong>the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, UNFPA, </strong>and the<strong> Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)</strong> in <strong>2014-2015,</strong> the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) was conducted. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addition to the <strong>29 states,</strong> NFHS-4 <strong>included all six union territories</strong> for the first time and provided estimates of most indicators at the district level for all <strong>640 districts in the country</strong> as per the<strong> 2011 census.</strong></li>
<li>The survey covered a range of health-related issues, including fertility, infant and child mortality, maternal and child health, perinatal mortality, adolescent reproductive health, high-risk sexual behaviour, safe injections, tuberculosis, and malaria, non-communicable diseases, domestic violence, HIV knowledge, and attitudes toward people living with HIV.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Family Health Survey (NFHS) - 5</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NFHS-5 has captured the data during 2019-20 and has been conducted in around 6.1 lakh households.</li>
<li>Many indicators of NFHS-5 are similar to those of NFHS-4, carried out in 2015-16 to make possible comparisons over time.</li>
<li>Phase 2 of the survey (covering remaining states) was delayed due to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and its results are expected to be made available in May 2021.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It provides an indicator for tracking 30 <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong> </a>that the country aims to achieve by 2030.</li>
<li>NFHS-5 includes some new topics, such as <strong>preschool education, disability, access to a toilet facility, death registration, bathing practices during menstruation, </strong>and<strong> methods and reasons for abortion.</strong></li>
<li>NFHS-5 includes new focal areas that will give requisite input for strengthening existing programmes and evolving new strategies for policy intervention. The areas are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Expanded domains of child immunization</li>
<li>Components of micro-nutrients to children</li>
<li>Menstrual hygiene</li>
<li>Frequency of alcohol and tobacco use</li>
<li>Additional components of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)</li>
<li>Expanded age ranges for measuring hypertension and diabetes among all aged 15 years and above.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2019, for the first time, the NFHS-5 sought details on the percentage of women and men who have ever used the Internet.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Findings of the NFHS-5</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sex ratio at birth (SRB)</strong> has remained unchanged or increased in most States/UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Majority of the states are in normal sex ratio of 952 or above.</li>
<li><strong>SRB</strong> is below 900 in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Dadra &amp; Nagar Haveli and Daman &amp; Diu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Child Marriages:</strong> There has been an increase in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/child-marriage-and-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>child marriages</strong></a> in <strong>Tripura</strong> (40.1% from 33.1% in 2015-16), <strong>Manipur</strong> (16.3% from 13.7% in 2015-16) and <strong>Assam</strong> (31.8% from 30.8 % in 2015-16).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>States such as <strong>Tripura, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland</strong> have also shown an increase in teenage pregnancies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Child nutrition indicators</strong> show a mixed pattern across states. While the situation improved in many States/UTs, there has been minor deterioration in others.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Malnutrition:</strong> it has worsened. Stunting has risen in 11 out of 18 states. Wasting was going up in 14 states.</li>
<li><strong>Stunting:</strong> 13 out of 22 states and UTs surveyed, recorded a rise in the percentage of stunting in children.</li>
<li><strong>Wasted:</strong> 12 out of 22 states and UTs surveyed, recorded a rise in the percentage of children under five years who are wasted in comparison to NFHS-4.</li>
<li><strong>Overweight:</strong> 20 states and UTs have recorded a rise in the percentage of children under 5 years who are overweight.</li>
<li><strong>Diarrhoea:</strong> Children with diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey also jumped to 7.2% from 6.6%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infant &amp; Child Mortalities; NMR, IMR and U5MR</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Infant and child mortality rates across most Indian states have declined. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sikkim, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Goa and Assam were the best performers as they witnessed a steep reduction in<strong> neonatal mortality rate (NMR), infant mortality rate (IMR) </strong>and<strong> under-five mortality rate (U5MR).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tripura, Andaman &amp; Nicobar Island, Meghalaya and Manipur Recorded a spike in all three categories of child mortality.</li>
<li><strong>Bihar</strong> registered the <strong>highest prevalence of NMR (34), IMR (47), and U5MR (56)</strong> across 22 surveyed states and Union territories while Kerala reported the lowest death rates.</li>
<li>The child mortality rate of Maharashtra remained unchanged in the last five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spousal Violence</strong> has witnessed an increase in five states, namely <strong>Sikkim, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Karnataka</strong> witnessed the largest increase in spousal violence, from 20.6% in NFHS 4 to 44.4% in NFHS-5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Comparison between NFHS- 4 and NFHS- 5</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Total Fertility Rates (TFR): Declined since NFHS-4</strong> in almost all the Phase-1 States and UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Replacement Level of Fertility</strong> (2.1) has been achieved in 19 out of the 22 States/UTs.</li>
<li>Only 3 states viz. Manipur (2.2), Meghalaya (2.9) and Bihar (3.0) have TFR above replacement levels now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR): Increased substantially</strong> in most States/UTs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Highest in Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal (74%).</li>
<li>Use of modern methods of contraception has also increased in almost all States/UTs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unmet needs of family planning have witnessed a declining trend</strong> in most of the Phase-1 States/UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The percentage has come down to less than 10% in all the States except Meghalaya and Mizoram.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bank Accounts: Considerable progress</strong> has been recorded between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 in regard to women operating bank accounts.</li>
<li><strong>Immunisation:</strong> Full immunization drive among children aged 12-23 months has recorded <strong>substantial improvement</strong> across States/UTs/districts. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than two-third of children are fully immunized in all the States and UTs except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam.</li>
<li>In almost three-fourths of districts, 70% or more children aged 12-23 months are<strong> fully immunized against childhood diseases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional births:</strong> Institutional births have <strong>increased substantially</strong> with over four-fifth of the women delivering in institutions in 19 States and UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Institutional delivery is over 90% in 14 out of the total 22 States and UTs.</li>
<li>Almost 91% of districts recorded over 70% institutional deliveries of births in the 5 years preceding the survey.</li>
<li>Along with an increase in institutional births, there has also been a substantial increase in C-section deliveries in many States/UTs especially in private health facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Sanitation and Cooking Facilities:</strong> The percentage of households with <strong>improved sanitation facilities and clean fuel</strong> for cooking has increased in almost all the 22 States/UTs over the last four years (from 2015-16 to 2019-20).</li>
<li><strong>Anaemia: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anaemia-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anaemia among women</a></strong> and children <strong>continues to be a cause of concern.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than half of the children and women are anaemic in 13 of the 22 States/UTs.</li>
<li>It has also been observed that anaemia among pregnant women has increased in half of the States/UTs compared to NFHS-4, in spite of substantial increase in the consumption of IFA tablets by pregnant women for 180 days or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Key Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neonatal death</strong> is defined as a death during the first 28 days of life, while <strong>neonatal mortality rate</strong> is defined as the number of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SDG goal 3</strong> calls for an end to preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age and specifies that all countries should aim to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 deaths per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Total Fertility Rate:</strong> TFR indicates the average number of children expected to be born to a woman during her reproductive span of 15-49 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The replacement level</strong> is the number of children needed to replace the parents, after accounting for fatalities, skewed sex ratio, infant mortality, etc. Population starts falling below this level.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-falling-fertility-rate#:~:text=India's%20total%20fertility%20rate%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s total fertility rate</strong></a> (TFR) is declining. <strong>It is now 2.2 per woman,</strong> nearing the <strong>replacement rate of 2.1,</strong> according to the latest government data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contraceptive Prevalence Rate:</strong> CPR is the proportion of women who are currently using, or whose sexual partner is currently using, at least one method of <strong>contraception,</strong> regardless of the method being used. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is reported as a<strong> percentage</strong> with reference to women of respective marital status and age group.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sex ratio at birth (SRB)</strong> is defined as the number of female births per 1,000 male births. The SRB is a key indicator of a son's preference vis-&agrave;-vis daughters.</li>
<li><strong>Stunting</strong> is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and care in early life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wasting</strong> is defined as<strong> low weight-for-height.</strong> It often indicates recent and severe weight loss, although it can also persist for a long time. Wasting in children is associated with a higher risk of death if not treated properly.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-tackling-infant-mortality#:~:text=Schemes%20like%20Janani%20Suraksha%20Yojana,reduce%20the%20prevalence%20of%20IMR." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)</strong></a> is defined as the &lsquo;number of deaths of children under the age of 1 year per 1000 live births for a given year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The country&rsquo;s average IMR stands at 32 per 1,000 live births which includes an average 36 deaths for rural and 23 for urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/national-family-health-survey-5-1'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Political Crisis in Nepal',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/what-india-should-and-shouldn-t-do-in-nepal/story-UJ0tUcogvwdkaeqKdSWn8I.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;What India should, and shouldn&rsquo;t, do in Nepal&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 08/01/2021. It talks about the recent political crisis in Nepal and what India should do.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, Nepal has drifted into a political crisis following its Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli&rsquo;s decision to dissolve Parliament. The Nepalese PM has stated that this decision was on the backdrop of infighting within the ruling Nepalese Communist Party (NCP).</p>
<p>As India&rsquo;s role in the mediation of earlier political crises in Nepal has led to the development of anti-Indian sentiment in Nepal, India has done right by not meddling into Nepal&rsquo;s internal matters.</p>
<p>However, India is apprehensive that political instability in Nepal will expand space for China to intervene in Nepali politics and shape a government that is favourable to China.</p>
<p>To counter Chinese influence on Nepal, India must pay attention to Nepal&rsquo;s core economic and strategic interests that in the first place pushed Nepal towards China.</p>
<h3>Current Issues in India-Nepal Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Revision of 1950 Treaty:</strong> Nepal has asked for a revision of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations#:~:text=Treaty%20of%20Peace%20and%20Friendship%20of%201950,-The%20treaty%20talks&amp;text=It%20also%20establishes%20national%20treatment,no%20differently%20than%20domestic%20goods)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>1950 treaty</strong></a>, and India has accepted this. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the issue remains stuck because Nepal does not clarify how to strike a proper balance between India&rsquo;s security concerns and Nepal&rsquo;s developmental aspirations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Border Issue:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indo-nepal-territorial-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalapani border dispute&rsquo;s</strong></a> question has spoiled popular perceptions in Nepal about India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Taking advantage of this, Nepal&rsquo;s current leadership has taken a unilateral decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/diplomatic-low-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draw new maps which show Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belongs to Nepal.</strong> </a></li>
<li>As India also claims these positions, this border issue has led to the lowest point in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Nepal relations history.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tug of War Between China &amp; India:</strong> Nepal&rsquo;s geo-strategic location (sandwiched between India &amp; China), has created a tug of war between India and China over Nepal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China sees Nepal as a bulwark against the international movement targeting China.</li>
<li>For India, Nepal is essential for the region's security, acting as a buffer state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Chinese Influence:</strong> Sino-Nepali economic ties began to grow in 2015, but in 2018, China&rsquo;s influence in Nepal started to gather momentum. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Having played an essential role in the NCP&rsquo;s formation, China came to wield enormous influence over the NCP government.</li>
<li>It resulted in China ousting India as Nepal&rsquo;s number one investor.</li>
<li>More importantly, Nepal&rsquo;s foreign policy under the NCP government became strongly pro-China.</li>
<li>Moreover, this influence can be evidenced by the fact that China has now stepped up its self-assumed role as mediator in the ongoing crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Seeking a friendly regime in the neighbourhood is a recognised norm in the realist world of international relations. India is no exception. Therefore, India should recalibrate its ties with Nepal. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Demarking Red Lines:</strong> India can improve ties with Nepal by picking up pending controversial issues such as the 1950 treaty, the Kalapani border dispute, and trade and investment matters. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, India should categorically state its position, drawing red lines (security concerns emanating from China) that Nepal should not cross.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Measures:</strong> On trade and investment issues, India needs to be more accommodative. Nepal sells less than $1billion worth of products to India while importing nearly $8 billion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even though economies govern trade deficits, India can and must move to remove structural and procedural impediments to the entry of genuine Nepali goods into Indian markets.</li>
<li>Also, India should encourage Indian investments in such industries, including hydropower production, to boost Nepali exports.</li>
<li>Completing big development projects such as the Pancheshwar multipurpose project could also be a breakthrough between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation Between Armies:</strong> When it comes to resolving border disputes between the two countries, understanding the armies is vital. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2015, when India&rsquo;s economic blockade and the political leadership of both countries were at loggerheads, both armies&rsquo; leadership played a vital role in lifting the talks&rsquo; blockade and resumption.</li>
<li>So, robust army diplomacy between the two countries can substantially contribute to improving bilateral ties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As no significant development in bilateral relations appears likely during the prevailing uncertainty, India must encourage consolidation of a people-driven polity, and improve its popular profile. This will only help India reclaim its contested strategic space.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>To counter Chinese influence on Nepal, India must pay attention to Nepal&rsquo;s core economic and strategic interests that in the first place pushed Nepal towards China. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6izTchALSHw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/fruits-of-incitement-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-trump-incited-mob-attack-on-us-capitol/article33523021.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Fruits of incitement: On the mob attack on U.S. Capitol&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 8<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/political-crisis-in-nepal'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services Project',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum-2021 is being organised by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restructuring-of-indian-statistical-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation</strong> </a>(MoSPI) in virtual format.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The MoSPI has taken up several initiatives under the <strong>project &ldquo;Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (NCAVES)&rdquo; </strong>which<strong> aims to advance the theory and practice of ecosystem accounting in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NCAVES Project, funded by the European Union, has been jointly implemented by the <strong>United Nations Statistics Division</strong> (UNSD), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong> </a>(UNEP) and the <strong>Secretariat of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Convention of Biological Diversity</a></strong> (CBD).</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is one of the<strong> five countries taking part in this project</strong> - the other countries being<strong> Brazil, China, South Africa and Mexico.</strong></li>
<li>In India, the NCAVES project is<strong> being implemented by the MoSPI</strong> in close collaboration with the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> (MoEF&amp;CC) and the <strong>National Remote Sensing Centre</strong> (NRSC) under the <strong>Department of Space. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Natural Capital Accounting (NCA):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an umbrella term covering efforts to make use of an <strong>accounting framework</strong> to provide a systematic way <strong>to measure and report on stocks and flows of natural capital.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Natural capital is another term for the <strong>stock of renewable and non-renewable resources</strong> that combine to yield a flow of benefits to people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NCA covers accounting for<strong> individual environmental assets or resources, both biotic and abiotic</strong> (such as water, minerals, energy, timber, fish), as well as accounting for <strong>ecosystem assets</strong> (e.g. forests; wetlands), biodiversity and<strong> ecosystem services, in both physical and monetary terms.</strong></li>
<li>Just like the compilation of national accounts of a country is guided by the<strong> System of National Accounts</strong> (SNA), for natural capital accounting, the <strong>System of Environmental-Economic Accounting</strong> (SEEA) is taken.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) provides a <strong>framework for measuring the link between the environment and the economy.</strong></li>
<li>SEEA-Central Framework<strong> was adopted in February 2012</strong> as an international statistical standard by the <strong>UN Statistical Commission.</strong></li>
<li>The SEEA accounts bring into direct focus the relationship between the environment and economy <strong>not revealed through traditional measures of economic activity, such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a></strong> (GDP).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a part of an ecosystem, humans derive lots of benefits from the biotic and abiotic components. These benefits are collectively termed as <strong>ecosystem services.</strong></li>
<li>Ecosystem services are classified into <strong>four types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Provisioning Services:</strong> This includes the products/raw materials or energy outputs like<strong> food, water, medicines and other resources from ecosystems.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Regulating Services:</strong> This includes the services which regulate the<strong> ecological balance.</strong> For example, forests purify and regulate air quality, prevent soil erosion, and control greenhouse gases etc.</li>
<li><strong>Supporting Services:</strong> These form the basis for other services. They provide <strong>habitat for different life forms, retain biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and other services for supporting life on the earth.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cultural Services:</strong> It includes <strong>recreational, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual services,</strong> etc. Most natural elements such as landscapes, mountains, caves, are used as a place for cultural and artistic purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The participation in the project has helped MoSPI commence the compilation of the <strong>Environment Accounts as per the UN-SEEA framework and release environmental accounts in its publication &ldquo;EnviStats India&rdquo;</strong> on an annual basis <strong>from 2018.</strong></li>
<li>Several of these accounts are closely related to the social and economic attributes, making them a<strong> useful tool for the Policy.</strong></li>
<li>Another tool under the NCAVES project is the development of the <strong>India-EVL Tool</strong> which is essentially a look-up tool giving the <strong>values of various ecosystem services</strong> in the different States of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem accounting</strong> can produce information on the extent of ecosystems, their condition based on selected indicators, and the flow of ecosystem services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687110#:~:text=Natural%20Capital%20Accounting%20and%20Valuation,(NCAVES)%20India%20Forum%2D2021&amp;text=In%20India%2C%20the%20NCAVES%20project,Remote%20Sensing%20Centre%20(NRSC)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/natural-capital-accounting-and-valuation-of-the-ecosystem-services-project'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'South African Variant of Coronavirus',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> has raised a concern over the <strong>South African variant of</strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coronavirus.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>South Africa named the variant <strong>501Y.V2</strong> because of the <strong>N501Y <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mutated-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mutation</a></strong> they <strong>found in the spike protein</strong> that the virus uses to gain entry into cells within the body. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Changes in spike protein could possibly <strong>affect how the virus behaves in terms of its ability to infect, or cause severe disease, or escape the immune response</strong> made by vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This mutation was also found in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mutated-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new strain that the UK</strong></a> notified WHO..<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the mutant virus from the UK <strong>also has the N501Y mutation, phylogenetic analysis has shown that 501Y.V2 from South Africa are different virus variants.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Phylogenetic analysis</strong> is the study of evolutionary development of a species or a group of organisms or a particular characteristic of an organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Preliminary experiments have shown that <strong>monoclonal antibodies</strong> that were effective against SARS-CoV2 are <strong>less effective against the South Africa variant.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect of Vaccination:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The serum of persons who have been administered the Covid vaccine is now being tested in labs in the UK and South Africa <strong>to check whether it can neutralise the South African strain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tracking Mutation in Virus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global scientific collaboration and public genomic sequence databases like Global <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data</a> (GISAID) enables</strong> WHO and partners to track the virus from the beginning.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>GISAID</strong> is a <strong>public platform</strong> started by the WHO in 2008 for countries <strong>to share genome sequences.</strong></li>
<li>The GISAID Initiative<strong> promotes the international sharing of all influenza virus sequences, related clinical and epidemiological data associated with human viruses,</strong> and geographical as well as species-specific data associated with avian and other animal viruses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mutant Variant in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India reported a total of <strong>82 persons with new UK mutant strain</strong> and presently there are <strong>no reports on the South African mutant.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Earlier Mutation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>D614G Mutation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This particular mutation aided the virus in attaching more efficiently with the ACE2 receptor in the human host, thereby making it more successful in entering a human body than its predecessors.</li>
<li>D614G showed <strong>increased infectivity but it also displayed greater ability at attaching itself to the cell walls</strong> inside an individual&rsquo;s nose and throat, increasing the viral load.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>N501Y mutant:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this case there has been a <strong>single nucleotide change in one portion of the spike protein,</strong> so there would be no bearing on the disease biology or even diagnostics.</li>
<li>There is <strong>no evidence that this strain is more transmissible or more severe/resistant</strong> to treatment or vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mutation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A mutation means a change in the genetic sequence of the virus.</li>
<li>In the case of <strong>SARS-CoV-2,</strong> which is an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ribonucleic acid (RNA)</strong> </a>virus, a mutation means a <strong>change in the sequence in which its molecules are arranged.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SARS-CoV-2</strong> is the virus that causes<a href="/printpdf/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>RNA</strong> is an <strong>important biological macromolecule</strong> that is<strong> present in all biological cells.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Principally <strong>involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the messenger instructions from <a href="/pdf/policy-watch-dna-technology-use-application.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)</a></strong>, which itself contains the genetic instructions required for the development and maintenance of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>DNA</strong> is an <strong>organic chemical that contains genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis.</strong> It is found in most cells of every organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A mutation in an RNA virus often happens when the virus makes a <strong>mistake while it is making copies of itself.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only if the mutation results in a<strong> significant change in the protein structure can the course of a disease be altered.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pune/who-chief-scientist-raises-concern-over-south-african-variant-7139050/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-african-variant-of-coronavirus'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Japan Provides Loan to India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Japan</strong></a> signed an agreement for<strong> a loan of up to 50 billion yen</strong> (about Rs. 3,550 crore)<strong> to back India&rsquo;s economic support programmes</strong> for the poor and vulnerable affected by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610184352_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610184352_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Loan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a part of Japan&rsquo;s <strong>Official Development Assistance (ODA)</strong> loan. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ODA is defined as <strong>government aid designed to promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Loans and credits for military purposes are excluded.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The loan has an <strong>interest rate of 0.65%</strong> per annum and a<strong> repayment period of 15 years,</strong> including a five-year grace period.</li>
<li>The financial support <strong>aims to support the Indian government&rsquo;s programmes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</a> (PMGKY),</strong> which aims to mitigate socio-economic impacts and strengthen socio-economic institutions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This includes <strong>schemes for distributing food grains</strong> to the poor and vulnerable, provision of assistance and <strong>support to construction workers,</strong> and provision of <strong>special insurance for health workers fighting Covid-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is for the <strong>implementation of health and medical policy</strong> by the Government of India, and is expected to lead to the <strong>development of hospitals equipped with ICUs (Intensive Care Units)</strong> and infection prevention and management facilities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also expected to lead to the <strong>enhancement of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/telemedicine-service-platform-esanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telemedicine</a></strong> using digital technology in numerous villages across India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Previous Support:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan had earlier provided <strong>budget support of 50 billion yen</strong> and <strong>grant assistance worth one billion yen</strong> to support the Indian government&rsquo;s efforts to counter the Covid-19 crisis.</li>
<li>Japanese assistance to India now<strong> totals</strong> approximately<strong> Rs. 5,800 crores.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Japan Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of <strong>bilateral development cooperation since 1958.</strong></li>
<li>In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has strengthened and grown into <strong>strategic partnership.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Japan was the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> largest investor for India in FY2019.</strong></li>
<li>India has been the <strong>largest recipient of Japanese ODA Loan</strong> for the past decades.<strong> Delhi Metro</strong> is one of the most successful examples of Japanese cooperation through the utilization of ODA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, Japan continues to cooperate in supporting<strong> strategic connectivity linking South Asia to Southeast Asia</strong> through the synergy between ''Act East'' policy and ''Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.''</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687099#:~:text=The%20Government%20of%20Japan%20has,by%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/japan-provides-loan-to-india'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Seventh Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the final session of India&rsquo;s seventh<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/trade-policy-review-at-wto#:~:text=The%20Trade%20Policy%20Review%20Mechanism,result%20of%20the%20Uruguay%20Round.&amp;text=The%20trade%20policies%20of%20developing,services%20trade%20and%20intellectual%20property." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Trade Policy Review (TPR)</strong></a> concluded at the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a> in Geneva, Switzerland.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> TPR</strong> is an<strong> important mechanism under the WTO&rsquo;s monitoring function</strong> in which member countries&rsquo; trade and related policies are examined by the WTO with an aim to contribute towards<strong> improved adherence</strong> to WTO rules.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s last TPR took place in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Appreciation for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduction of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods &amp; Services Tax</strong> </a>in 2016.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s efforts in the implementation of <strong>WTO&rsquo;s Trade Facilitation Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>Role played by India in furthering <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steps-to-boost-ease-of-doing-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Ease of Doing Business&rdquo;</strong></a> in the country.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s improved ranking in<strong> &ldquo;Trading across Borders&rdquo;</strong> indicator under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-makes-doing-business-easier#:~:text=In%20the%20latest%20ranking%20for,77th%20position%20last%20year.&amp;text=India's%20score%20improved%20from%2067.23,)%20to%2071.0%20(2020)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business Report.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA),</strong> aims to speed up customs procedures and make trade easier, faster, and cheaper.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The steps taken by India for<strong> liberalizing its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</a></strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>regime</strong></a> and India&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights#:~:text=The%20National%20Intellectual%20Property%20Rights,of%20IPRs%20in%20the%20country.&amp;text=India's%20IPR%20regime%20is%20in,Intellectual%20Property%20Rights%20(TRIPS)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, 2016.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s trade<strong> policy remained largely unchanged</strong> since the previous review.</li>
<li>India continues to <strong>rely on trade policy instruments</strong> such as the <strong>tariff, export taxes, minimum import prices, import and export restrictions, and licensing,</strong> WTO said.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>used to manage domestic demand and supply requirements,</strong> protect the economy from wide domestic price fluctuations, and ensure conservation and proper utilization of natural resources.</li>
<li>As a result,<strong> frequent changes</strong> are made to tariff rates and other trade policy instruments, which<strong> create uncertainty for traders.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Request:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ongoing pandemic has again brought to the fore, the importance of food and livelihood security and<strong> urged for a permanent solution to Public Stock Holding (PSH) for food security.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Public Stockholding (PSH)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a policy tool used by governments to procure, stockpile and distribute food when needed.</li>
<li>Currently, public distribution programmes of developing countries are included under <strong>trade-distorting Amber Box</strong> measures <strong>that attract reduction commitments of WTO.</strong></li>
<li>India with the group of developing countries is<strong> demanding that the programmes for food security purposes be exempted from subsidy reduction commitments</strong> of WTO.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has repeatedly demanded a permanent solution for public stockholding issues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Trade Policy Review Mechanism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM)</strong> was an early result of the <strong>Uruguay Round.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>main transparency instrument of the WTO,</strong> affording opportunities for a process of collective evaluation of the trade policies and practices of individual members.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitating the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system by enhancing the transparency of Members&rsquo; trade policies.</li>
<li>To examine the impact of a Member&rsquo;s trade policies and practices on the multilateral trading system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reviews<strong> take place in the Trade Policy Review Body</strong> which is actually the WTO General Council &mdash; comprising the WTO&rsquo;s full membership &mdash; operating under special rules and procedures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Function:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trade policy review <strong>allows members to put the overall trade and economic policies of a country under the scanner.</strong></li>
<li>The trade policies of developing countries are taken up for review every four years while developed ones face similar scrutiny every two years.</li>
<li>The mandate of the TPRM was <strong>broadened to cover services trade and intellectual property.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All WTO Members are subject to review </strong>under the TPRM.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687117" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seventh-trade-policy-review-of-india-at-the-wto'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'India-Mongolia Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Mongolia have <strong>reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India reiterated its commitment to timely completion of the <strong>Mongol Refinery Project,</strong> the country&rsquo;s 1<sup>st</sup> oil refinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The greenfield Mongol Refinery Project is <strong>being built under a Line of Credit from the Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to cut some of Mongolia&rsquo;s fuel import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>The Project came in the backdrop of <strong>Mongolia,</strong> which has <strong>large uranium deposits</strong> signing an<strong> agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with India in 2009</strong> and <strong>China</strong> unfolding its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is opposed to the BRI,</strong> which seeks to invest about USD 8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>welcomed the keenness of Mongolian companies in supplying coking coal to Indian steel industry.</strong> According to a recent report, India will overtake China as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-largest-importer-of-coking-coal-by-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>largest importer of coking coal by 2025.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India looks forward to substantial partnerships with Mongolian companies in the areas of minerals, coal and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India expressed its willingness to further <strong>share its expertise in the oil and gas sector</strong> including capacity building in accordance with the developmental priorities of Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mongolia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Mongolia have interacted<strong> through <a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a></strong> throughout history.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, the first country outside the former Soviet bloc of nations to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955, has upgraded ties with Mongolia to a <strong>strategic partnership.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2015,</strong> Mongolia witnessed the <strong>first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India</strong> (a part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s Act East policy</strong></a>).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mongolia has publicly reiterated its <strong>support for India&rsquo;s membership to the permanent seat</strong> of the expanded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has played an <strong>important role</strong> in getting <strong>Mongolia membership</strong> to key international forums, including the <strong>United Nations</strong> (UN), despite strong opposition from China and Taiwan. India also championed the <strong>inclusion of Mongolia in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Aligned Movement.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a reciprocal gesture, <strong>Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution</strong> with India and Bhutan for the<strong> recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Forums of which both the countries are members:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Asia-Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM), <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is a <strong>member</strong> whereas <strong>Mongolia</strong> is an <strong>observer state</strong> at the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India - Mongolia <strong>bilateral trade was USD 38.3 million in 2019,</strong> down from USD 52.6 million in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Joint defence exercises code-named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nomadic-elephant-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,October%20at%20Bakloh%2C%20Himachal%20Pradesh.&amp;text=The%20joint%20exercise%20will%20enhance,relations%20between%20the%20two%20nations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nomadic Elephant.</strong></a></li>
<li>India is also an active participant in an annual week-long joint training exercise called the<strong> Khaan Quest,</strong> hosted by Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation over Environmental Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Culture (India)</strong> has taken up the project of<strong> reprinting 108 volumes of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mongolian-kanjur-being-reprinted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mongolian Kanjur</a></strong> under the <strong>National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Areas of Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Solar energy</strong> is abundant and cooperation is solicited especially as India has emerged as the leader by way of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong> </a>and its very own ambitious alternate and renewable energy projects.</li>
<li><strong>Mongolia&rsquo;s mining sector including copper and Uranium</strong> hold exceptional cooperation possibilities.</li>
<li>In the area of<strong> cooperatives,</strong> India has the capacity to share its expertise for the vastly dispersed farmers and milkmen in Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mongolia&rsquo;s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attracts major powers towards it. India should <strong>consider Mongolia as a green zone of economic development</strong> that absorbs hi-tech features and production skills in a modernization process.</li>
<li>To preserve and <strong>promote the common heritage of Indo-Mongolian culture</strong> is important. This should serve as the basis for nurturing and pursuing future common interests.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-mongolia-relations-1'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Death Penalty For Sexual Offences',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-shakti-bill-rape-offence-disha-bill-maharashtra-cabinet-7135848/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The wrong answer&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the issues related to the award of the death penalty for sexual offences.</p>
</div>
<p>Sexual offences against women and children are one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Given this, the public has a real and legitimate interest in addressing such concerns, leading to the death penalty&rsquo;s demand to deter sexual offences purportedly.</p>
<p>In this context, on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Day 2020</strong></a>, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the Shakti Bill, enlarging the scope of harsher and mandatory sentences &mdash; including the death penalty &mdash; for non-homicidal rape (excluding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/marital-rape-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marital Rape</strong></a>).</p>
<p>The Shakti Bill comes amid the recent legislative trend to invoke the death penalty for sexual offences. For instance, the Andhra Pradesh government passed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disha-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disha Bill in 2020</strong></a> (pending presidential assent), that provides the death penalty for the rape of adult women.</p>
<p>However, introducing the death penalty diverts attention from deep-rooted issues &amp; long-term solutions. It suggests that the reason for such crimes is that the punishment is not severe enough.</p>
<h3>Associated Issues With Death Penalty Against Sexual Offences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>May Do More Harm To Victim:</strong> Women&rsquo;s right groups have argued that the death penalty is a knee-jerk and populist solution to counter sexual offences. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Child-right activists insist that introducing capital punishment for non-homicidal rape may lead rapists to kill their victims to erase testimonial evidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death Penalty Won&rsquo;t Remove Prejudice:</strong> Introducing harsher penalties does not remove systemic prejudices from the minds of judges and the police.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generally, police might refuse to register complaints or acquit offenders in cases they do not consider &ldquo;serious&rdquo; enough to warrant a mandatory minimum.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lower Rate of Conviction:</strong> According to crime data from the <a href="/printpdf/crime-in-india-2019-report-ncrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Crime Records Bureau</strong></a>, in 93.6% of sexual offences, the perpetrators were known to the victims. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, introducing capital punishment would deter complainants from registering complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delay in Closure of Justice:</strong> The execution of a death sentence comes at the end of multiple stages of appeals and avenues of seeking clemency. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This time extended to the defendant to exhaust all legal remedies will delay the judicial process&rsquo;s finality and closure&mdash;militating against the competing interest of ensuring speedy justice.</li>
<li>It might also see an increase in instances of instant retribution, such as the extrajudicial killing of gang-rape and murder suspects in Hyderabad late in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regressive Step:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-s-verma-committee-on-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Justice Verma Committee Report</strong></a> that made several recommendations on the laws on sexual offences (after Nirbhya rape case 2012), held that the death penalty&rsquo;s deterrent effect is &ldquo;a myth&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report stated that it would be a regressive step to introduce the death sentence in non-homicidal cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Issues Related to Shakti Bill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The other anti-women assertion in the bill moves away from the standard of affirmative consent in cases involving adult victims and offenders.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Significant advocacy from the women&rsquo;s movement led to introducing an affirmative standard of consent, rooted in unequivocal voluntary agreement by women through words, gestures or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In a sharp departure, the bill stipulates that valid consent can be presumed from the &ldquo;conduct of the parties&rdquo; and the &ldquo;circumstances surrounding it&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Rape trials continue to be guided by misogynistic notions, expecting survivors to necessarily resist the act, suffer injuries and appear visibly distressed.</li>
<li>Therefore, the bill&rsquo;s vaguely worded explanation holds dangerous possibilities of expecting survivors to respond only in a particular manner, thus creating the stereotype of an &ldquo;ideal&rdquo; victim.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plugging Gaps in Justice Delivery:</strong> The most severe gaps in the justice delivery system are reporting a police complaint. Therefore, the focus of the criminal justice system needs to shift from sentencing and punishment to the stages of reporting, investigation, and victim-support mechanisms. In this context, the following measures must be ensured: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The victim reports a case without any fear.</li>
<li>Police to conduct a sound investigation.</li>
<li>Victim protection throughout the trial.</li>
<li>Making testification as easy and as quick as possible.</li>
<li>Allocation of resources and more robust implementation of the law than is currently evident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensitisation At a Broader Level:</strong> Despite the ever-increasing ambit of the death sentence, there has been little effort to address prejudices in society.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Addressing the prejudices in the society against sexual offences requires sensitisation of functionaries of the justice system &amp; more importantly society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Instead of merely enhancing punishment, tackling crimes against women and children requires broader social reforms, sustained governance efforts and strengthening investigative and reporting mechanisms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fff5;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Punitive responses to sexual violence need serious rethinking, given the multitude of perverse consequences and their minor role in addressing the actual needs of rape survivors. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ytfp3NErDB0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/where-india-and-us-diverge-ht-editorial/story-fPy0uthKnZr3iRrt6O8CLL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Where India and US diverge&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 7<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/death-penalty-for-sexual-offences'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

	'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
	'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
	'params' => [
		':c0' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		]
	],
	'defaultTypes' => [
		'articles__article_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.article_id' => 'integer',
		'article_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__category_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.category_id' => 'integer',
		'category_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__title' => 'string',
		'articles.title' => 'string',
		'title' => 'string',
		'articles__description' => 'text',
		'articles.description' => 'text',
		'description' => 'text',
		'articles__shortdescription' => 'string',
		'articles.shortdescription' => 'string',
		'shortdescription' => 'string',
		'articles__featuredimage' => 'string',
		'articles.featuredimage' => 'string',
		'featuredimage' => 'string',
		'articles__tag_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.tag_id' => 'integer',
		'tag_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'articles.secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'articles__type' => 'integer',
		'articles.type' => 'integer',
		'type' => 'integer',
		'articles__publishon' => 'datetime',
		'articles.publishon' => 'datetime',
		'publishon' => 'datetime',
		'articles__posturl' => 'string',
		'articles.posturl' => 'string',
		'posturl' => 'string',
		'articles__metatitle' => 'string',
		'articles.metatitle' => 'string',
		'metatitle' => 'string',
		'articles__metadescription' => 'string',
		'articles.metadescription' => 'string',
		'metadescription' => 'string',
		'articles__metakeyword' => 'text',
		'articles.metakeyword' => 'text',
		'metakeyword' => 'text',
		'articles__status' => 'integer',
		'articles.status' => 'integer',
		'status' => 'integer',
		'articles__sort_order' => 'integer',
		'articles.sort_order' => 'integer',
		'sort_order' => 'integer',
		'articles__addedby' => 'integer',
		'articles.addedby' => 'integer',
		'addedby' => 'integer',
		'articles__updatedby' => 'integer',
		'articles.updatedby' => 'integer',
		'updatedby' => 'integer',
		'articles__added' => 'timestamp',
		'articles.added' => 'timestamp',
		'added' => 'timestamp',
		'articles__modified' => 'timestamp',
		'articles.modified' => 'timestamp',
		'modified' => 'timestamp',
		'articles__whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'articles.whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_comments' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_comments' => 'integer',
		'display_comments' => 'integer',
		'articles__pdf_name' => 'string',
		'articles.pdf_name' => 'string',
		'pdf_name' => 'string',
		'articles__display_archive' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_archive' => 'integer',
		'display_archive' => 'integer'
	],
	'decorators' => (int) 0,
	'executed' => false,
	'hydrate' => true,
	'buffered' => true,
	'formatters' => (int) 0,
	'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
	'contain' => [],
	'matching' => [],
	'extraOptions' => [],
	'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}

}
$page = (int) 31
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 303
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”