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Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement: USA

Why in News The USA is looking forward to India signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA), at the next...

18 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Support to Self-Employment Schemes: MSME

Why in News The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has announced expansion of and doubling of support to beneficiary oriented...

18 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Reversing Global Wildlife Decline

Why in News Wildlife populations have fallen by more than two-thirds over the last 50 years, according to a Living Planet Report 2020 of the World...

18 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Freedom of Media

This editorial is based on “Stop press: On blanket gag order against the media” which was published in The Hindu on 17/09//2020. It...

17 Sep 2020 News Editorials
Initiatives Launched on G20 EMM

Why in News Recently, the G20 Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM) has taken place under the Presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Global...

17 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Japan’s New Prime Minister

Why in News Japan recently elected Yoshihide Suga as its new Prime Minister. He belongs to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan. Key...

17 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Pact for Sputnik V Availability in India

Why in News The Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is piloting Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, has partnered with the Hyderabad-based Dr....

17 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Djibouti Code of Conduct

Why in News India joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC) as an observer as part of efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indian...

17 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog

Why in News Recently, Indian scientists from the Zoological Survey of India, Pune have reported a first-of-its-kind discovery of morphological...

17 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Need for Balanced Loan Restructuring Scheme: RBI Governor

Why in News Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor has called for a balanced loan restructuring scheme to tackle the Covid-19 related...

17 Sep 2020 News Analysis
The Big Picture: Merging Local with Global

The Prime Minister of India recently said that 1.3 billion people of India have embarked upon one mission to create Atmanirbhar Bharat which seeks...

17 Sep 2020 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution

This editorial is based on “The best way to vaccinate most Indians in the least time” which was published in The LiveMint on...

16 Sep 2020 News Editorials
Phosphine on Venus: A Sign of Life

Why in News Scientists have detected the presence of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus. The detection indicates the possibility of the...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Stamp on India’s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)

Why in News A Customized My Stamp on India’s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT) launch was released by the Department of Posts on the...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Re-measuring Mount Everest

Why in News China and Nepal are soon expected to announce Mount Everest’s latest official height. In 2019, both countries agreed to...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Israel, UAE and Bahrain Abraham Accord

Why in News The Abraham Accord between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain is mediated by the USA. It is the first Arab-Israeli peace deal...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Phytoplankton Biomass in Bay of Bengal

A team of scientists from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have discovered a way to measure the quantity of...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Parliamentary Committee Report on Startups

Why in News Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance tabled a report related to startups in Parliament. The Government of India has...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Living Planet Report: WWF

Why in News According to the Living Planet Report 2020 released by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the population of vertebrate species has largely...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Mekedatu Project

Why in News The Karnataka government is likely to pressurise the Centre for approval of the construction of the Mekedatu Project on the Cauvery...

16 Sep 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement: USA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The USA is looking forward to India signing the <strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA),</strong> at the next<strong> India-USA 2+2 ministerial dialogue</strong> likely to be held in October, 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>2+2 talks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are a <strong>dialogue between two appointed ministers from each country.</strong> This meeting aims to discuss issues of strategic and security interests between the two countries.</li>
<li>Defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.</li>
<li>India <strong>holds such talks with Japan and Australia,</strong> at the foreign secretary and defense secretary level.</li>
<li>India<strong> holds ministerial-level talks only with the USA.</strong> Apart from India, the United States holds such ministerial dialogues with Australia and Japan also.</li>
<li>The talks were announced in June 2017. The 2+2 dialogue has replaced the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue between the foreign and commerce ministers of the two countries that were held previously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BECA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will allow India to use the <strong>geospatial maps of the USA</strong> to get pinpoint military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.</li>
<li>BECA is an important precursor to India <strong>acquiring armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as the Predator-B</strong> from the USA. Predator-B uses spatial data for accurate strikes on enemy targets.</li>
<li>BECA is <strong>one of the four foundational military communication agreements</strong> between the two countries. The other three being GSOMIA, LEMOA, CISMOA.</li>
<li>Initially, India had reservations to <strong>geospatial mapping on the grounds of national security,</strong> but they were later addressed by mutual dialogue and discussion between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>General Security Of Military Information Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GSOMIA allows <strong>militaries to share the intelligence</strong> gathered by them.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2002.</li>
<li>An extension to the GSOMIA, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Security Annex</strong></a> (ISA), was signed at the 2+2 dialogue in 2019.</li>
<li>ISA provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information <strong>between the USA and Indian defence industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>LEMOA allows both countries to<strong> have access to each other&rsquo;s designated military facilities</strong> for refueling and replenishment.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2016.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) is the India specific version of CISMOA.</li>
<li>Valid for 10 years, COMCASA aims to provide a legal framework for the <strong>transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the USA to India</strong> that will streamline and facilitate interoperability between their armed forces.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Other Maritime Developments Between India and the USA</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>maritime information agreement</strong> is also under active deliberation between India and the USA. Once concluded, India will have such arrangements with all Quad countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</strong></a> is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a <strong>free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In increasing military to military interactions, the USA has also posted a liaison officer at the Navy&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)</strong></a> meant to promote <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Information Fusion Centre serves countries that have <strong>White Shipping Information Exchange</strong> (White-shipping refers to commercial shipping information about the movement of cargo ships) agreements with India.</li>
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong></a> as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, India posted a liaison officer at the USA Navy Central Command in Bahrain.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Signing BECA is crucial for India in order to neutralise the Russia-China-Pakistan axis in the maritime domain and for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The acquisition of aerial platforms like the USA naval helicopters and multi-role fighters is a key priority for India in the current scenario of increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-China conflict.</strong></a></li>
<li>The increase in India&rsquo;s maritime interactions with the Quad countries centred around information sharing for improved MDA in the Indian Ocean Region and<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific</strong> </a>will strengthen India&rsquo;s position internationally.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic hedging</strong> </a>is the key to move forward in relationships with powerful countries like the USA. India and the USA must now strive to complete the unfinished agreements and set the course for a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-keen-on-finalising-geo-spatial-cooperation-at-22-dialogue-in-october/article32633882.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Support to Self-Employment Schemes: MSME',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-micro-small-and-medium-enterprises" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a> <strong>(MSME)</strong> has announced expansion of and doubling of support to beneficiary oriented Self-Employment schemes aimed at contributing to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government will provide assistance to artisans engaged in<strong> Pottery Activity and Beekeeping Activity.</strong></li>
<li>Previously, the Ministry of MSME approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiative-under-gramodyog-vikas-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>manufacturing of Agarbatti under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Pottery Activity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The assistance includes<strong> technical knowhow, quality standardization of products, skill-development to <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Help Groups</a> (SHGs), encouragement to the successful traditional potter to set up units</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pmegp-and-cgtmse" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime Minister&rsquo;s Employment Generation Programme</strong></a> (PMEGP) scheme, necessary market linkages by tying up with exports and large buying houses etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PMEGP is a <strong>credit-linked subsidy scheme</strong> which promotes self-employment through setting up of micro-enterprises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also includes setting up of clusters in <strong>Terracotta, Red clay pottery,</strong> with new innovative value added products to build pottery to crockery/tile making capabilities under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/support-and-outreach-initiative-for-msme-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SFURTI scheme.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)</strong> aims to make traditional industries more productive and competitive by organizing the traditional industries and artisans into<strong> clusters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Terracotta</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Terracotta is a type of ceramic pottery, made by baking terracotta clay.</li>
<li>The word &ldquo;terracotta&rdquo; comes from the Italian words for &ldquo;baked earth.&rdquo;</li>
<li>It is often used for making pipes, bricks, and sculptures.</li>
<li>Recently, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/terracotta-grinder" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Terracotta Grinder</strong></a> was launched at Varanasi by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).</strong></a></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tags-to-two-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) terracotta</strong></a> has been given the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/potential-of-gis-is-waiting-to-be-tapped" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Geographical Indication (GI) tag.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Terracotta Figurines</strong> were also made during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indus-valley-civilization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indus Valley Civilization.</strong></a> They were either used as toys or objects of worship and represented birds, dogs, sheep, cattle and monkeys. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The famous terracotta figure of the Mother Goddess was discovered in Mohen-jodaro which shows the Mother Goddess as the symbol of fertility and prosperity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Beekeeping Activity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to <strong>create sustainable employment for the beekeepers/farmers,</strong> help artisans adopt <strong>scientific Beekeeping</strong> &amp; Management practices, utilize available natural resources; and <strong>create awareness about the benefits</strong> of beekeeping in cross pollination.</li>
<li>It involves distributing tools and equipment to migrant labourers in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/garib-kalyan-rojgar-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan</strong></a> (PMGKRA) districts and providing training to the beneficiaries, setting up clusters under the SFURTI Scheme.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PMGKRA empowers and provides livelihood opportunities to the <strong>returnee<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-migrants-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> migrant workers</a> and rural citizens</strong> who have returned to their home states due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> induced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the Ministry of MSME flagged off <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apiary-on-wheels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Apiary on Wheels&rsquo;.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>&lsquo;Apiary on Wheels&rsquo; is a unique concept designed by the KVIC for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/beekeeping-development-committee" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Beekeeping Development Committee</strong></a> was also constituted in 2019 under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/r-d-expenditure-ecosystem-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister</strong></a> (EAC-PM) to give recommendations to enhance the contribution of the beekeeping sector for achieving the target of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/doubling-farmers-income-a-promise-to-be-fulfilled-by-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doubling farmers&rsquo; incomes by 2022.</strong></a></li>
<li>KVIC also launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Honey Mission</strong></a> in 2017 under which it provides awareness, training and <strong>&lsquo;Bee Boxes&rsquo; along with Bee Colonies</strong> to the farmers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Honey mission was in line with the &lsquo;Sweet Revolution&rsquo;, launched in 2016 to promote beekeeping and associated activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The program will immediately benefit about 1500 artisans, in providing sustainable employment with increased earnings.</li>
<li>Artisans living in <strong>rural areas, Self Help Groups and Migrant workers</strong> will particularly benefit from the program.</li>
<li>In addition to enhancing employment opportunities locally, the programme will also help in<strong> capturing the export market</strong> in such products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The MSME sector has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the rural enterprise owners. In addition to these self-employment schemes, the government can provide tax relief (GST and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gst-council-and-corporate-tax" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>corporate tax</strong></a>), give swift refunds, and provide liquidity to rural India (may be through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-year-of-pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-Kisan</strong></a>) to boost demand for MSME products.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1655512" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Reversing Global Wildlife Decline',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Wildlife populations have fallen by <strong>more than two-thirds</strong> over the <strong>last 50 years,</strong> according to a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-wwf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Living Planet Report 2020</strong></a> of the <strong>World Wildlife Fund.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Related to Biodiversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been a<strong> reduction of 68% in the global wildlife population between 1970 and 2016.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The highest biodiversity loss due to land use change:</strong> (1) Europe and Central Asia at 57.9 %; (2) North America at 52.5 %; (3) Latin America and Caribbean at 51.2 %; (4) Africa at 45.9 %; (5) Asia at 43%.</li>
<li>The <strong>sharpest declines</strong> have occurred throughout the world&rsquo;s <strong>rivers and lakes,</strong> where <strong>freshwater wildlife</strong> has <strong>plummeted by 84%</strong> since 1970 &mdash; about <strong>4% per year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related to Land and Oceans:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>75% of the Earth&rsquo;s ice-free land surface</strong> has already been significantly <strong>altered.</strong></li>
<li>Most of the <strong>oceans are polluted.</strong></li>
<li>More than <strong>85% of the area of wetlands has been lost</strong> during 1970-2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has 2.4% global land share, about 8% global biodiversity and around 16% global population</li>
<li>However, it has lost 12% of its wild mammals, 19% amphibians and 3% birds over the last five decades.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>ecological footprint per person is less than 1.6 global hectares (gha)/person</strong> (smaller than that of many large countries). But, its high population size has made the gross footprint significantly high.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ecological Footprint:</strong> It is the amount of the environment necessary to produce the goods and services necessary to support a particular lifestyle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Factors responsible for this decline:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Changes in how land is used &ndash; from pristine forest to cropland or pasture &ndash; rank among the greatest threats to biodiversity on land worldwide.</li>
<li>Use and trade of wildlife.</li>
<li>Natural habitat loss.</li>
<li>Degradation and deforestation driven by food production processes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for Conservation Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Because the<strong> health of nature is intimately linked to the health of humans.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>emergence of new infectious diseases like Covid-19</strong> tend to be related to the destruction of forests and wilderness.</li>
<li>Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of today&rsquo;s global economies and societies, and the ones we aspire to build.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As more and more species are drawn towards extinction, the very life support systems on which civilisation depends are eroded.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As per the World Economic Forum, biodiversity loss is a disturbing threat with few parallels like extreme weather events, climate change, severe income inequality etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biodiversity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It refers to <strong>all the varieties of life that can be found on Earth</strong> (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) as well as to the <strong>communities that they form and the habitats in which they live.</strong></li>
<li><strong>As per the Convention on Biological Diversity (Article 2):</strong> Biological Diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.</li>
<li>It can be understood at three levels:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Species diversity</strong> refers to the variety of different species (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) such as palm trees, elephants or bacteria.</li>
<li><strong>Genetic diversity</strong> corresponds to the variety of genes contained in plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. It occurs within a species as well as between species.</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem diversity</strong> refers to all the different habitats - or places - that exist, like tropical or temperate forests, hot and cold deserts, wetlands, rivers, mountains, coral reefs, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity#:~:text=The%20Convention%20on%20Biological%20Diversity%20(CBD)%2C%20a%20legally%20binding,It%20has%203%20main%20objectives%3A&amp;text=The%20sustainable%20use%20of%20the,the%20utilization%20of%20genetic%20resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)</strong></a>, <strong>a legally binding treaty</strong> to conserve biodiversity has been in force <strong>since 1993.</strong> It has <strong>3 main objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> conservation</strong> of biological diversity.</li>
<li>The<strong> sustainable use</strong> of the components of biological diversity.</li>
<li>The <strong>fair and equitable sharing</strong> of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The targets of the Convention calls for global trends of terrestrial wildlife to stop declining and start recovering by 2050 or earlier.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> became a <strong>party to the Convention</strong> in <strong>1994.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Major Indian Government Initiatives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife protection Act 1972.</strong></a></li>
<li>Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974.</li>
<li>Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1#:~:text=On%2027%20January%201994%2C%20the,Schedule%201%20of%20the%20notification." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Protection Act 1986.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/6th-national-report-to-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biological Diversity Act 2002.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (recognition of rights) Act 2006.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Areas of Action</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conservation Reserves:</strong> There must be<strong> renewed ambition</strong> from the world&rsquo;s governments to establish large-scale conservation areas, placed in the most valuable hotspots for biodiversity worldwide, such as small islands with species found nowhere else.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These reserves, in which wildlife will live and roam freely, will need to cover <strong>at least 40%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s land surface to help bend the curve from decline to recovery for species and entire ecosystems.</li>
<li>Management is more important than the size of reserves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat restoration</strong> and conservation efforts need to be targeted where they are needed most &ndash; for species and habitats on the verge of extinction.</li>
<li><strong>Food Production:</strong> Need is to transform <strong>our food systems</strong> to produce more on less land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If every farmer on Earth used the best available farming practices, only half of the total area of cropland would be needed to feed the world. There are lots of other inefficiencies that could be ironed out too.</li>
<li>Reducing waste and favouring healthier and more environmentally friendly diets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restoring Land:</strong> Efforts to restore degraded land are also required. Such as farmland that&rsquo;s becoming unproductive as a result of soil erosion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This could return 8% of the world&rsquo;s land to nature by 2050.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afforestation:</strong> This can help not only in arresting soil erosion but also expansion of desertification along with avenues for biodiversity replenishment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While giving back to nature, the conservation measures would simultaneously slow climate change, reduce pressure on water, limit nitrogen pollution in the world&rsquo;s waterways and boost human health.</li>
<li>Only a comprehensive set of policy measures that transform our relationship with the land and rapidly scale down pollution can build the necessary momentum.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/how-to-reverse-global-wildlife-declines-by-2050-73400" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reversing-global-wildlife-decline'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Freedom of Media',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/stop-press-the-hindu-editorial-on-blanket-gag-order-against-the-media/article32623638.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Stop press: On blanket gag order against the media&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 17/09//2020. It talks about importance and issues related to freedom of media.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the higher judiciary passed an order that pertains to regulation of Media. In one order, Andhra Pradesh High Court imposed a ban on the media, and even social media, from mentioning anything in relation to a case linked to former Advocate General of the State.</p>
<p>In the second case, the Supreme Court passed an interim order which stopped the telecast of the remaining episodes of a news channel, as it was engaged in the vilification of a particular community. Though both the order will have consequences for free speech and the citizen&rsquo;s right to receive information, they should be seen in different contexts.</p>
<p>While the first order may envisage to prevent possible defamation or invasion of privacy or at protecting the fairness of a trial or investigation, the other may be seen as putting a check on propagation of hate. In this context, there is a need for fine balance between rights of individual and free press.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Freedom of Press</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution, the supreme law of the land, guarantees <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-protest-in-a-free-society#:~:text=The%20Right%20to%20protest%20peacefully,assemble%20peaceably%20and%20without%20arms." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>freedom of speech and expression under Article 19</strong></a>, which deals with &lsquo;Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.</li>
<li>Freedom of press is not expressly protected by Indian legal system but it is impliedly protected under article 19(1) (a) of the constitution, which states - "All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression".</li>
<li>In 1950, the Supreme Court in <strong>Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras</strong> observed that freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic organisations.</li>
<li>However, Freedom of press is also not absolute. A law could impose only those restrictions on the exercise of this right, it faces certain restrictions under article 19(2), which is as follows-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Matters related to interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Importance of Free Media</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Free Media promotes open discussion of ideas that allows individuals to fully participate in political life, making informed decisions and strengthening society as a result &mdash; especially in a large democracy such as India.</li>
<li>A free exchange of ideas, free exchange of information and knowledge, debating and expression of different viewpoints is important for smooth functioning of democracy. As the free media by virtue of being the voice of masses, empowers them with the right to express opinions.Thus, free media is critical in a democracy.</li>
<li>With Free Media, people will be able to exercise their rights as questioning decisions of government. Such an environment can be created only when freedom of press is achieved.</li>
<li>Hence, Media can be rightly considered as the fourth pillar of democracy, the other three being legislature, executive and judiciary.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related with The Present Media</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right to Privacy:</strong> The right to privacy emanates from natural rights, which are basic, inherent and inalienable rights.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Article 21 which guarantees right to life guarantees right to privacy impliedly.</li>
<li>Many times, the media has crossed its limits of fair reporting and intruded in personal spheres of life.</li>
<li>In Aarushi Talwar Murder Case, the Supreme Court took a view that transparency and secrecy in an investigation are two different things. Where the apex court questioned a section of media for reporting that had resulted in tarnishing the reputation of the victim and her family members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Media Trials:</strong> The <strong>Supreme Court in Sahara vs. SEBI (2012)</strong> observed that the court can grant preventive relief on a balancing of the right to free trial and a free press.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from this, the Supreme Court was of the view many times that the media covers issues in such a way that it seems like a trial.</li>
<li>Since such trials by the media are likely to affect the reputation of the judiciary and judicial proceedings adversely, it interferes with the functioning of the judiciary as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Paid News:</strong> Paid news and fake news can manipulate public perception and can instigate hatred, violence, and disharmony among the various communities within society.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The absence of objective journalism leads to the false presentation of truth in a society which affects the perception and opinions of people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthening Institutional Framework:</strong> The Press Council of India, a regulatory body, can warn and regulate media if it finds that a newspaper or a news agency has violated media ethics.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Statutory status should be given to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) which represents the private television news and current affairs broadcasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tackling Fake News:</strong> Countering content manipulation and fake news to restore faith in the media without undermining its freedom will require public education, strengthening of regulations and effort of tech companies to make suitable algorithms for news curation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any future legislation to curb fake news should take the whole picture into account and not blame the media and go for knee-jerk reactions; in this age of new media anyone can create and circulate new for undisclosed benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adherence to Media Ethics:</strong> It is important that the media stick to the core principles like truth and accuracy, transparency, independence, fairness and impartiality, responsibility and fair play.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is the need to maintain a balance between free expression and other community and individual rights; this responsibility should not be borne by the judiciary alone, but by all those who enjoy these rights.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600345324_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600345324_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edfcde;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Though Free media is critical in a democracy, there is a need for a fine balance between rights of individual and free press. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FOouNR8VRM" 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://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/chinas-watching-new-delhi-needs-to-prepare-defences-against-beijings-hybrid-warfare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;China&rsquo;s watching&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Times of India on September 16<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/freedom-of-media'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Initiatives Launched on G20 EMM',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> G20</strong> </a><strong>Environment Ministers Meeting</strong> (EMM) has taken place under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Global <strong>initiatives to reduce <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/land-degradation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Land Degradation</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coral-reefs-could-survive-global-warming-says-study" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coral Reef</a> Programme</strong> and two <strong>documents on climate change,</strong> related to managing emissions and climate change adaptations under the G20 in 2020, have been launched.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-and-marine-plastic-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20 EMM, 2019</strong></a> saw an agreement on adopting a new implementation framework for actions to tackle the issue of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-biodiversity-warning-bells" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>marine plastic waste</strong></a> on a global scale.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to <strong>prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation</strong> within G20 member states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality</strong> (LDN), developed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-convention-to-combat-desertification-cop-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,on%2013th%20September%202019.&amp;text=India%20is%20among%20the%20select,climate%20change%2C%20biodiversity%20and%20land." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification</strong></a> (UNCCD), provides a scientific foundation for understanding, implementing and monitoring land degradation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Globally, it aims to take into account possible implications on the achievement of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=Three%20core%20elements%20of%20sustainable,are%20important%20for%20sustainable%20development." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong> </a><strong>(SDG-13: Climate Action, SDG-14: Life below Water, SDG-15: Life on Land)</strong> and adhere to the principle of doing no harm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Coral Reef Research and Development Accelerator Platform:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an innovative action-oriented initiative aimed at <strong>creating a global research and development programme to advance research, innovation and capacity building</strong> in all facets of coral reef conservation, restoration and adaptation.</li>
<li>It will <strong>strengthen ongoing efforts and commitments</strong> made to enhance coral reefs conservation and stop their further degradation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Limiting global average temperature and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase, in line with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a>, <strong>provides the only chance for the survival of coral reefs globally.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India intends to take measures to enhance <strong>coral reef conservation</strong> under the <strong>National Coastal Mission Programme.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The proposed mission under the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change</strong></a> (NAPCC) will address the impact of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems.</li>
<li>It will include all phases of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/integrated-coastal-zone-management-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Coastal Zone Management</strong></a> (ICZM) Project.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has also put <strong>efforts towards achieving <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/integration-of-land-and-water-schemes-to-tackle-land-degradation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">land degradation neutrality</a></strong> and towards the attainment of global goals of climate change mitigation and adaptation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indian government sees schemes such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojanas-failure-in-north-east" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-soil-health-card-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Soil Health Card Scheme</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-krishi-sinchayee-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana</strong></a> as tools to tackle the problem of land degradation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is committed to working with G20 nations for a better world and is taking adequate action to meet the <strong>Paris Agreement</strong> and its climate commitments.</li>
<li>It was emphasised that<strong> equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, finance and technology partnerships</strong> are the key pillars to tackle the problem of climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was adopted by <strong>195 parties at the UN climate conference "COP 21"</strong> held in <strong>Paris</strong> in <strong>2015</strong> with an aim to <strong>reduce the hazardous <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse gas</a> (GHG) emissions.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To prevent an increase in global average temperature and keep it well below 2 degrees Celsius.</li>
<li>It emphasised that<strong> global GHG emissions must fall 45% by 2030</strong> and reach <strong>net zero by 2050</strong> to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.</li>
<li>19 members of the G20, <strong>except the USA which has pulled out of it,</strong> have voiced their commitment to the full implementation of the deal.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>G20</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>informal group of 19 countries and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU), with representatives of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Monetary Fund</strong> </a>and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> It operates as a forum and not as an organisation. Therefore, it does not have any permanent secretariat or management and administrative structure.</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the EU.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1655306" 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/initiatives-launched-on-g20-emm'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Japan’s New Prime Minister',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Japan recently elected <strong>Yoshihide Suga</strong> as its new Prime Minister. He belongs to the ruling <strong>Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)</strong> of Japan.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Key Challenges Ahead:</strong> The new PM has to battle with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, rebuild the economy and also plan the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tokyo-olympics-2020-postponed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Olympics</strong></a> scheduled to take place in Tokyo in 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Political System of Japan :<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600338461_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600338461_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan has a <strong>multi-party, bicameral, parliamentary, representative democratic constitutional monarchy.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Constitution:</strong> It has a <strong>unitary model</strong> with <strong>supremacy of constitution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Constitution of Japan is the fundamental law of Japan, enacted on 3<sup>rd</sup> May 1947.</li>
<li>It is one of the very few democratic constitutions in the world having fundamental duties, apart from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government:</strong> The Government of Japan consists of a legislature, executive and judiciary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Emperor is the Head of State</strong> and the<strong> Prime Minister is the Head of Government and the Head of the Cabinet (executive).</strong></li>
<li>The Emperor holds<strong> nominal ceremonial authority.</strong> For e.g. The legislature is known as the<strong> National Diet.</strong> Its members are directly elected by the people.</li>
<li>The Diet has two houses- upper <strong>House of Representatives</strong> and lower <strong>House of Councillors.</strong></li>
<li>The Prime minister is<strong> designated by the National Diet</strong> but only the Emperor has the authority to appoint the Prime Minister.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Feature Borrowed in Indian Constitution:</strong> The Indian Constitution derives its <strong>&ldquo;Procedure established by Law&rdquo;</strong> component from the Japanese constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The expression occurs in <strong>Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).</strong></li>
<li>It means that law duly enacted by the legislature or the concerned body is valid <strong>only if</strong> the correct procedure has been followed to the letter.</li>
<li>Hence, the validity of a law that has prescribed a procedure cannot be questioned on the ground that the law is unreasonable, unfair or unjust.</li>
<li>It is different from the expression <strong>&lsquo;due process of law&rsquo;</strong> contained in the <strong>American Constitution,</strong> which not only checks if there is a law to deprive the life and personal liberty of a person but also ensures that the law is made fair and just.</li>
<li>With the Supreme Court pronouncement of &ldquo;due process of Law &ldquo;in the <em><strong>Maneka Gandhi case</strong></em> (1978), the court asserted the <strong>principle of reasonableness while deciding a case.</strong> It now means that the procedure must satisfy certain requisites in the sense of being fair and reasonable. The procedure <strong>cannot be arbitrary, unfair or unreasonable.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments in India-Japan Relations</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, India and Japan signed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>logistics agreement</strong></a> that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate closely in services and supplies. The agreement is known as <strong>Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement</strong> (ACSA).</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-japan-s-cooperation-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian and Japanese warships conducted naval exercises</strong></a> in the Indian Ocean.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-08th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JIMEX</strong></a> <strong>(naval exercise), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-4th-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SHINYUU Maitri</a> (air force exercise),</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-dharma-guardian-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dharma Guardian</strong> </a><strong>(military exercise).</strong> Both countries also participate in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-malabar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar exercise</strong></a> with the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Japan has mooted the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative#:~:text=Supply%20Chain%20Resilience%20Initiative%20(SCRI)%3A,lead%20to%20the%20supply%20chain." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)</strong></a> as a <strong>trilateral approach</strong> to trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Supply chain resilience is an approach that helps a country to ensure that it has <strong>diversified its supply risk across a clutch of supplying nations instead of being dependent on just one</strong> or a few.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>President of India visited Japan in 2019.</strong> </a>The visit was the first presidential visit to Japan after a gap of 29 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/japan-s-new-prime-minister'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Pact for Sputnik V Availability in India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF),</strong> which is piloting <strong>Russia&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sputnik V</a> vaccine,</strong> has partnered with the <strong>Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy&rsquo;s Laboratories</strong> to supply 100 million doses of the vaccine.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sputnik V:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Russian vaccine has been named after the <strong>first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik-I</strong> launched by the Soviet Union.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>first Covid-19 vaccine</strong> to be approved by any government for common people.</li>
<li>The Russian vaccine <strong>has outrun other Covid-19 vaccines</strong> like <strong>Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna and Pfizer</strong> which are still in trials.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a> has been approved for human clinical trials.</li>
<li>Another Indian vaccine <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a> has entered phase I/II of clinical trials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been developed by Moscow&rsquo;s <strong>Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology</strong> in collaboration with the Russia&rsquo;s defence ministry.</li>
<li>It is based on the<strong> DNA</strong> of a<strong> SARS-CoV-2</strong> type <strong>adenovirus,</strong> a common cold virus.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It uses the <strong>weakened virus</strong> to deliver small parts of a pathogen and stimulate an immune response.</li>
<li>It is administered in <strong>two doses</strong> and consists of two types of a human adenovirus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Phase 1 and 2 results have shown promise.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The results of Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of the vaccine were published in The Lancet, demonstrating no serious adverse effects and a stable immune response in 100% of the participants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Phase 3 trials will be conducted in India</strong> to meet the requirements of the Indian regulators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sputnik V vaccine could provide a credible option in India&rsquo;s fight against Covid-19.</li>
<li>India has also <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-u-s-to-collaborate-on-covid-19-vaccine-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>partnered with the USA</strong></a> for development of Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulatory Requirements in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> approval</strong> for a vaccine is given by the<strong> Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A vaccine, developed outside India, needs to be<strong> tested with late-phase human trials,</strong> usually both phase-2 and phase-3, on an <strong>Indian population</strong> as a part of general requirement.</li>
<li>CDSCO can also give<strong> emergency authorisation</strong> without late-phase trials, considering the extraordinary situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns Regarding the Vaccine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts expressed concerns over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine due to its <strong>extremely fast production and lack of published data</strong> on the vaccine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia has only made<strong> public</strong> the <strong>results of phase I and phase II</strong> of the clinical trials, which it claimed were successful and produced the desired immune response.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The late-phase human trials are important because the vaccine&rsquo;s efficacy can differ on different population groups. After trials, vaccines are given to a large number of people, and the risks involved are much higher if trials are not comprehensive.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia, however, has claimed that this was made possible due to the fact that its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>vaccine candidate closely resembled a vaccine for <strong>Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)</strong> disease, caused by another coronavirus, that had already been tested extensively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are also issues in manufacturing the vaccine in India as there is<strong> no agreement for its production in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pune-based Serum Institute of India,<strong> the world&rsquo;s largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume,</strong> has already entered into tie-ups with developers to mass-produce their vaccines. Other Indian companies have also done similar agreements but there is none with Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Base in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Besides a big domestic market, India is a strong player globally in the field of vaccines. In FY20, vaccine exports accounted for 4.27% of total pharma exports.</li>
<li>Its manufacturing skill is evident from the fact that about 70% WHO vaccines and 90% of measles shots are sourced from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Adenovirus Vector Vaccine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In this vaccine, adenovirus is used as a tool to deliver genes or vaccine antigens to the target host tissue.</li>
<li>Adenoviruses (ADVs) are <strong>DNA viruses</strong> ranging from 70-90 nanometre in size, which induce many illnesses in humans like cold, respiratory infection etc.</li>
<li>Adenoviruses are preferred for vaccines because their DNA is <strong>double stranded</strong> which makes them <strong>genetically more stable</strong> and the chances of them changing after injection are lower.</li>
<li>However, there are drawbacks of adenovirus vector vaccines like <strong>pre-existing immunity in humans and inflammatory responses</strong> which may make vaccines less effective.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>CDSCO,</strong> under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, is the <strong>National Regulatory Authority</strong> (NRA) of India.</li>
<li>Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, CDSCO is responsible for<strong> approval of Drugs, Conduct of Clinical Trials, laying down the standards for Drugs, control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations by providing expert advice.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/russia-inks-pact-to-test-supply-sputnik-v-vaccine-to-india/article32624204.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/pact-for-sputnik-v-availability-in-india'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Djibouti Code of Conduct',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>India</strong> joined the <strong>Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC)</strong> as <strong>an observer</strong> as part of efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331585_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331585_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Djibouti Code of Conduct:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is also known as the <strong>Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships </strong>in the <strong>Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was adopted on <strong>29<sup>th</sup> January 2009.</strong></li>
<li>It was established under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Maritime Organization</a> (IMO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> Under the code, the signatories agreed to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships.</li>
<li><strong>Jeddah Amendment:</strong> An amendment to DCOC was made in <strong>2017</strong> to cover other illicit maritime activities, including human trafficking and illegal, <strong>unreported and unregulated fishing</strong> and to build national and regional capacity to address <strong>wider maritime security issues,</strong> as a basis for <strong>sustainable development of the maritime sector.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Signatories:</strong> It has been signed by<strong> 20 countries</strong> including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The member states are<strong> located in areas adjoining the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Africa</strong> and include island nations in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Observers: India, Japan, Norway, the UK and the USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331563_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331563_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of India Becoming an Observer</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Boosting its Indian Ocean Outreach:</strong> As India is strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean and nearby waters as part of its overall <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific policy</strong></a>, this move will help it in <strong>increasing its strategic footprints in Western and Eastern Indian Ocean besides Eastern African coastal states.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Blue Economy: <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blue economy</a></strong> is one of the key areas of the Jeddah Amendment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.</li>
<li>India has also focussed on the growth of the blue economy through its framework of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong></a> and DCOC may be another step in that direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-China:</strong> China&rsquo;s territorial claims in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/china-in-south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a>, its claim in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/senkaku-islands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East China Sea</strong> </a>and its rapid advance into the Indian Ocean through ambitious strategic and economic initiatives like the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>String of pearls</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt-and-Road Initiative</strong> </a>may pose a threat to india. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, China is modernising its military base at Djibouti.</li>
<li>Given India&rsquo;s stakes in Indian ocean and rising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-China conflicts</strong></a>, it is very significant for India to develop blue-water naval capabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India in Indo-Pacific</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shangrila Dialogue:</strong> India has internationally emphasized on including the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean in the concept of <strong>Indo-Pacific,</strong> like at Shangrila Dialogue in <strong>2018.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In accordance, it also set up an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-pacific-wing-in-mea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific division</strong></a> in the Ministry of External Affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Quad: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</a></strong> refers to an ad hoc group including Australia, India, Japan, and the USA with a shared objective to ensure and support a &ldquo;free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has signed reciprocal <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military logistics support agreements with Australia, USA and Japan</strong></a> to increase interoperability with the navies of those countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ASEAN:</strong> India has emphasized the centrality of ASEAN in its Indo-Pacific framework and India&rsquo;s<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Act East policy</strong></a> provides strategic direction to increase its cooperation with ASEAN members.</li>
<li><strong>SAGAR:</strong> The Indian government introduced the concept of SAGAR <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Security And Growth for All in the Region)</strong></a> in 2015 as its strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen <strong>economic and security cooperation</strong> with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their <strong>maritime security capabilities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s other policies impacting the maritime domain include <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-09th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Project Sagarmala</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-august-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Project Mausam</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong></a>, etc.</li>
<li>India has also begun to focus on its strategic partners in the <strong>Western Indian ocean.</strong> It has been accepted as an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>observer at Indian Ocean Commission.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331530_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331530_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-joins-indian-ocean-grouping-against-piracy-as-observer/story-ki47pyuwxJeZhk4Wzbxr9O.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HT</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/djibouti-code-of-conduct'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Indian scientists from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-eels#:~:text=The%20Zoological%20Survey%20of%20India%20(ZSI)%2C%20a%20subordinate%20organization,faunal%20diversity%20of%20the%20country." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zoological Survey of India</strong></a>, <strong>Pune</strong> have reported a first-of-its-kind discovery of <strong>morphological phenotypic plasticity</strong> (MPP) in the <strong>Kalinga cricket frog.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600329474_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600329474_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Kalinga Cricket Frog:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Fejervarya kalinga.</li>
<li>It is a recently identified species which was documented in 2018.</li>
<li>It was <strong>thought to be endemic only to the higher-elevation hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats</strong> in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>Cricket frogs are <strong>indicators of a healthy ecosystem</strong> and live in <strong>wide habitat ranges</strong> in agricultural fields, streams, swamps and wetlands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Latest Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>reported from the central Western Ghats,</strong> with the evidence of considerable MPP.</li>
<li>Its physical characteristics are<strong> entirely different from the other known <em>Fejervaraya/Minervarya</em> species from the Western Ghats.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fejervarya is a genera of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae found in Asia.</li>
<li>Minervarya is a genus of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was the <strong>only genetic analysis that helped prove that physically different-looking frogs from eastern and western ghats were the same.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Morphological character utility (identification of structural features) is not enough to identify a species and its taxonomic (related to classification of organisms) uncertainties. Utility of genetic data and DNA barcoding tools help in resolving these.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phenotypic plasticity</strong> is the ability of an organism to change in response to stimuli or inputs from the environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The term <strong>"phenotype"</strong> refers to the <strong>observable physical properties</strong> of an organism, which include the organism's appearance, development, and behavior.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The response may or may not be adaptive, and it may involve a change in morphology (MPP), physiological state, or behavior, or some combination of these, at any level of organisation, the phenotype being all of the characteristics of an organism other than its genes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MPP</strong> is the ability of an organism to show <strong>drastic morphological</strong> (physical features) <strong>variations in response to natural environmental variations or stimuli.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is also known as <strong>phenotypic responsiveness, flexibility, </strong>and <strong>condition sensitivity.</strong></li>
<li>Frogs are known to exhibit varied reproductive behaviours by adopting different modes and strategies for successful survival.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differences in Morphological Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are contrasting morphometric <strong>differences in terms of head shape and size, fingers and toe sizes</strong> between the Kalinga frogs from eastern and western ghats.</li>
<li>The Kalinga frog is a <strong>semi-aquatic frog that actively breeds in the monsoon.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Western Ghats are more influenced by the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>southwest monsoon</strong></a>, while the Eastern Ghats are influenced by the northeast monsoon, impacting the breeding seasons of the frogs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The behavioural studies of many anuran (frog or toad) species will <strong>help in generating information on the selection of breeding sites, courtship patterns and ecological adaptations.</strong></li>
<li>The information will not only help to <strong>trace the distribution of these species along the peninsular region</strong> of India but could also be used to <strong>evaluate the possible links with other species</strong> that were found in the Northeast region.</li>
<li>In this era of &lsquo;mass extinction of smaller vertebrates&rsquo; and &lsquo;rapid climate change&rsquo; scenarios, the report is a <strong>first-of-its-kind in Indian amphibian research history.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Research Needed:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study also emphasises that there is an <strong>urgent need to address or solve problems related to taxonomic uncertainties.</strong></li>
<li>Researchers are <strong>trying to understand the possibilities of this split between two populations due to the Deccan Trap formation</strong> (volcanic/igneous region).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Usually, such kind of habitat expansion</strong> requires more nuclear gene divergence.</li>
<li>The currently found differences are not due to just a habitat expansion because there is very less genetic divergence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Another important question is <strong>how this little genetic divergence is leading to such contrasting morphological adaptations</strong> in these two <strong>biogeographic zones,</strong> the Western and Eastern Ghats.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biogeographic zones are the large distinctive units of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, there is a need for more research on the <strong>isolation of these two populations due to climate change.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Western and Eastern Ghats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are the two different biogeographic zones, with unique histories.</li>
<li>While the <strong>Western Ghats are considered as a biodiversity hotspot,</strong> that is<strong> not the case with the Eastern Ghats</strong>.</li>
<li>The <strong>Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats</strong> and have a <strong>complex geologic history</strong> related to the assembly and breakup of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia and the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.</li>
<li>Both landscapes have unique ecosystems, with special microclimates and microhabitats that support a great number of diversities including amphibians.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/morphological-phenotypic-plasticity-in-kalinga-frog'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Need for Balanced Loan Restructuring Scheme: RBI Governor',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) governor has called for a balanced loan restructuring scheme to tackle the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> related stress.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> financial stability of the banking sector</strong> needs to be kept in mind while providing loan restructuring along with <strong>depositors' interest.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are crores of depositors (small depositors, middle-class people, retired persons) who depend on deposit income while borrowers are only in lakhs.</li>
<li>The<strong> loan restructuring</strong> includes<strong> altering the terms of existing loans,</strong> usually to make them more favorable to the borrower. For example, the lender may restructure a loan to receive a <strong>lower interest rate or monthly payment.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Restructured loans are most common if the borrower states that he/she can no longer afford payments under the old terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The governor does not want a repeat of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Non-Performing Asset</strong> </a>(NPA) surge that happened after 2014 with loan restructuring. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>economic measures</strong> taken by the RBI in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-09, led to a surge in bad loans from 2014-15.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The idea behind loan restructuring was<strong> to protect viable businesses</strong> that are facing genuine cash flow problems. The revival of business <strong>will ensure NPA levels are kept low</strong> and also ensure quick economic recovery.</li>
<li>However, the governor cautioned that the economic recovery would be gradual, as the upticks in some sectors appear to be levelling off as <strong>efforts towards reopening of the economy are confronted with rising infections.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Monetary Policy report</strong></a>, RBI has allowed banks to restructure loans to reduce the rising stress on incomes and balance sheets of large corporates, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as individuals.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A large number of firms that otherwise maintain a good track record are facing the challenge as their debt burden is becoming disproportionate, relative to their cash flow generation abilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The RBI set up a committee headed by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/k-v-kamath-committee-on-restructuring-of-loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>K.V. Kamath</strong></a> on restructuring of loans impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The committee was tasked to recommend parameters for one-time restructuring of corporate loans.</li>
<li>The committee recommended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/resolution-plan-by-rbi-for-covid-19-stressed-assets" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>five fi&shy;nan&shy;cial ra&shy;tios and sec&shy;tor-spe&shy;cific thresh&shy;olds</strong></a> for res&shy;o&shy;lu&shy;tion of Covid-19 re&shy;lated stressed as&shy;sets in 26 sec&shy;tors.</li>
<li>It also specified that restructured loan tenure cannot be extended beyond two years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The major criticism of the <strong>restructuring scheme</strong> is the select 26 sectors identified by the<strong> K V. Kamath committee.</strong> However, there are many other sectors that are eligible for a restructuring scheme.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 26 sec&shy;tors in&shy;clude au&shy;to&shy;mo&shy;biles, power, tourism, ce&shy;ment, chem&shy;i&shy;cals, gems and jew&shy;ellery, lo&shy;gis&shy;tics, min&shy;ing, man&shy;u&shy;fac&shy;tur&shy;ing, real es&shy;tate, and ship&shy;ping among oth&shy;ers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As per the RBI, <strong>only those borrowers</strong> which were classified as standard and with arrears less than 30 days as at 1<sup>st</sup> March 2020 are eligible for restructuring.</li>
<li>The <strong>two year period is also very short for economic recovery.</strong> Given the GDP contraction and no second economic stimulus by the government in sight, the recovery will take longer than two years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In May 2020, the government announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> (or Self-reliant India Mission)&rsquo; with an economic stimulus package &mdash; worth Rs. 20 lakh crores aimed towards achieving the mission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The loan restructuring must be a temporary step as continuing it for long may lead to an <strong>inflation surge, currency crisis, and financial instability.</strong> It is important that post-Covid-19, regulatory measures are rolled out in a very careful and orderly manner and the financial sector returns to normal functioning <strong>without relying on the regulatory relaxations as the new norm.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/rbi-rules-out-relaxation-in-loan-recast-must-protect-investors-6599078/" 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/need-for-balanced-loan-restructuring-scheme-rbi-governor'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Merging Local with Global',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryh7oLjPPt0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>The Prime Minister of India recently said that 1.3 billion people of India have embarked upon one mission to create Atmanirbhar Bharat which seeks to merge local with the global and ensure that the country has strengths as a global force multiplier.</p>
<p>The Prime Minister of India in his special keynote address at the third leadership summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum emphasised that &ldquo;Time and again India has shown that our goal is a global good&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Pitching India as the best investment destination worldwide the Prime Minister said that the country's political stability and policy continuity makes it the best place for global investors looking for attractive business opportunities during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COVID-19</strong></a> pandemic crisis.</p>
<h3>Opportunity in Crisis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Worldwide investors are looking for new destinations to do business and not be dependent on only one country like China for manufacturing.</li>
<li>The industrialists around the world are looking for diversifying supply chains. There is an opportunity for India to build its capability and attract foreign Investments.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s strength is a large market with a strong domestic consumer base, young demography and capable manpower which would be able to absorb high technology and work ethics.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s workforce is among the youngest in the world and it is a major destination for a cheap labour force.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Finance:</strong> Indian banks mostly offer loans for 5 years or for 10 years but we don't have the facility of loans for long periods like 30 years as offered by banks of other countries and similarly there is need for more long term bonds for raising finance for infrastructure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is also the issue of high cost of finance in India, it is much higher than the global interest rates,</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Policy level challenges:</strong> There has to be parity in efforts from the central government to the grassroot implementation agency of district administrations there should be streamlining of efforts and the whole system should be on the same page.</li>
<li><strong>Transportation:</strong> The average speed in China is about 100 km/hour. In India, it is about 60 km/hour. Also, the Indian railways are overloaded and the Indian ports have outperformed a lot of Asian nations.</li>
<li><strong>Electricity:</strong> Cost of electricity for industry is high in India because of cross subsidisation. The consumer tariff is lower than the industrial tariffs. All over the world the industry traffic is lower than consumer tariff to Foster industrialisation.</li>
<li><strong>Land:</strong> India is one of the most land-scarce countries in the world, and demand for land has accelerated with the increase in the pace of industrialization and urbanization. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lack of adequate land reforms, distortions in land markets slow the pace of industrial growth and impede investment in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vietnam and Bangladesh vs.India in attracting investments</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In Bangladesh and Vietnam there was almost absence of local manufacturers who could object or have concerns over foreign investors being their competitors.</li>
<li>Whereas India has some domestic industry in almost all the sectors whose interests have to be secured by taking measures such as imposing duties to enable them to survive by saving them from fierce foreign competitors.</li>
<li>In addition these countries could implement the major labour reforms, provide cheap labour, adequate and cheap electricity and infrastructure for the investors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tax simplification:</strong> Along with the ease of doing business there should also be the ease of running business. The taxes should be more simplified and the changes in policy should accommodate and facilitate changes viable for industrialisation.</li>
<li><strong>Rationalising Bureaucracy:</strong> To improve the attitude of Civil servants to facilitate rather than hinder the industrialisation by domestic and foreign entities.<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-karmayogi-for-civil-servants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Mission karmyogi</strong> </a>is an important step to rationalise bureaucracy across the country and in upgrading their skills.</li>
<li><strong>Industrial parks:</strong> Setting up of industrial parks can be one of the best options like technological parks setup with good infrastructure so that they can get all the clearances in advance. These parks could be reserved for certain kinds of industries themed like textiles, automobiles, IT parks etc.</li>
<li><strong>Creating synergy among stakeholders:</strong> Attracting Investments India is imperative because India needs to create 12 million jobs per year, the centre can only give the visions but the implementation has to be done by all the agencies like administration, the existing corporate sector, the Banking system, supply chains and even society as a whole.</li>
<li><strong>Innovation in land use:</strong> Rather than land acquisition other land management methods like leasing out on government guarantee and reserving land exclusively for industrial use can be tried and tested and scaled up accordingly.</li>
<li><strong>Smart policy regulation:</strong> Government policies can be used effectively like in industry where we are dependent on imports. For example: To enhance solar panel manufacturing in India, the government could announce that for the next few years it is going to procure solar equipment which undergoes value addition in India and which are not under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-usa-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation procurement agreement.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore smart regulation is important like success in pharmaceuticals and automobile industry have been the result of facilitative government policy where the government gave incentives for these industries to grow.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mission Karmyogi</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is aimed at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India.</li>
<li>It aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, imaginative, proactive, innovative, progressive, professional, energetic, transparent, and technology-enabled.</li>
<li>Comprehensive reform of the capacity building apparatus at the individual, institutional and process levels for efficient public service delivery.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Along with <strong>ease of doing business,</strong> India needs to ease the cost of doing business. The issues need to achieve this should be addressed like that of high cost of finance, high cost of land cost and production in order to attract more investment from abroad.</li>
<li>India needs more innovative ideas in managing land and finance and coordination between states and centre also needs to be more streamlined.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-merging-local-with-global'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/the-best-way-to-vaccinate-most-indians-in-the-least-time-11600100665869.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The best way to vaccinate most Indians in the least time&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The LiveMint on 14/09//2020. It talks about government policy for Covid-19 vaccine distribution.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, due to some unintended results, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d#:~:text=Recently%2C%20India%20has%20started%20phase,and%20immunogenicity%20of%20the%20vaccine." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 vaccine</strong></a> trial has been paused. Such a step can increase people&rsquo;s faith in the safety procedures involved in vaccine development. As Covid cases rise with increasing economic activity, the only way forward for India is to formulate a sensible acquisition and pricing policy for a coronavirus vaccine, when it becomes available.</p>
<p>As the private sector is leading the research for Covid-19 vaccine, the role and independence of vaccine manufacturers and free-market become very crucial. However, being a welfare state, while ensuring adequate profit to private researchers/developers, the Indian government needs to frame a policy that ensures the fastest delivery of a vaccine for the largest number of people.</p>
<p>Thus, the government needs a policy which can ensure both acquisition of vaccines for poor people and pricing strategies so that the private sector remains motivated to deliver safe and effective vaccines.</p>
<h3>Present Scenario For Development of Vaccine</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Covid-19 pandemic has created a very large market for the vaccine, and the incentives of vaccine developers are well-aligned with society at large.</li>
<li>Indian manufacturers, frontrunners at mass-producing vaccines, have struck deals with most vaccine developers and global pharmaceutical companies. This places India in a unique position to get early access to a vaccine.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Vaccine Distribution</h3>
<p>Utilization of Covid-19 vaccine will be influenced by three factors or<strong> three Cs (Convenience, Complacency, Confidence)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Convenience:</strong> It implies the physical proximity or availability of vaccination to the masses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A recent Lancet study pointed out, some wealthy nations have secured more than 2 billion doses of potential future Covid-19 vaccines using advance purchase agreements. This would certainly create a scarcity for developing countries like India.</li>
<li>Further, distributing the vaccine across India will need a sophisticated cold chain system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Complacency:</strong> With respect to diseases, a lot of people tend to think that their personal risk is low.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Optimism bias,"</strong> as it is called, makes vaccination seem unnecessary to them. However, this behaviour can prove fatal in battling a pandemic like Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confidence:</strong> Public trust in the efficacy and safety of the vaccine is crucial whenever a new vaccine is launched.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Working for Availability of Vaccine:</strong> Once a safe and effective vaccine is available, it should be a high priority to ensure that it is easy for everyone to have access to it. In this pursuit:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should consider joining the <strong>COVAX platform</strong> (Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access advance purchase agreement). It offers a diversified portfolio of vaccines to all participating countries.</li>
<li>Collaboration with the private sector will also help, in this direction the government is already working with pharmaceutical companies like the Serum Institute of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Market Pricing Along with Direct Benefit Transfer:</strong> This would mean lower immediate cost of rollout (due to competition and high demand) and targeted subsidy to the needy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this, vaccines for the poor should be paid for by the government at cost and a free market for the vaccine should operate for those who can afford it.</li>
<li>As any vaccinated person, rich or poor, will inadvertently protect others. Even if the rich get vaccinated first by buying it at a market price, this will ease the burden on the medical system and high prices will also incentivize greater supply of vaccines swiftly to locations where they are most in demand.</li>
<li>Further, the government by paying for the vaccine doses will ensure India doesn&rsquo;t destroy its own long-term private vaccine production capacity and is promoted as a pharmaceutical hub in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launching an Awareness Campaign:</strong> Government should launch a massive awareness campaign highlighting the flaw in optimism bias in some sections of society. It can also help to emphasize that vaccination protects not only those who get vaccinated but also others whom they might otherwise infect.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Covid-19 vaccine is certainly a social good but its development largely depends on the hands of the private sector. Therefore, the government must cautiously frame vaccine distribution policy to ensure the greatest good to the greatest number.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600258315_image9.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600258315_image9.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="600" height="1333" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5ffe0;">
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Any Covid-19 vaccine development will be influenced by mainly three factors Convenience, Complacency and Confidence. Comment</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6d3ix86Sw-c" 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/the-second-chair-the-hindu-editorial-on-lok-sabha-deputy-speaker/article32594798.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The second chair: On Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on September 14<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/covid-19-vaccine-distribution'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Phosphine on Venus: A Sign of Life',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Scientists have detected the presence of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The detection indicates the possibility of the presence of lifeforms on Venus.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The international scientific team first spotted the phosphine using the <strong>James Clerk Maxwell Telescope</strong> (JCMT) <strong>in Hawaii</strong> and confirmed it using the<strong> Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array</strong> (ALMA) radio telescope in <strong>Chile.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>JCMT is the largest astronomical telescope in the world designed specifically to operate in the submillimetre wavelength region of the spectrum.</li>
<li>ALMA is currently the largest radio telescope in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The researchers <strong>did not discover actual life forms,</strong> but noted that, on Earth, phosphine is produced by bacteria thriving in oxygen-starved environments.</li>
<li><strong>Biosignatures:</strong>&nbsp;Scientists have used probes and telescopes to seek <strong>&ldquo;biosignatures&rdquo; - indirect signs of life -</strong> on other planets and moons in the solar system and beyond.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phosphine</strong> was seen at <strong>20 parts-per-billion</strong> in the <strong>Venus atmosphere</strong> which is a trace concentration. However,&nbsp;Venus&nbsp;is considered to be <strong>hostile to phosphine </strong>as its surface and atmosphere are<strong> rich in oxygen compounds</strong> that would rapidly react with and destroy phosphine.</li>
<li>Phosphine acts as a biosignature because it is known to be produced <strong>mainly through biological processes,</strong> and not through any naturally occurring chemical process.</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier in 2011, the <strong>European Space Agency&rsquo;s mission, Venus Express</strong>, found signs of ozone, a biomarker, in the upper atmosphere of Venus.</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Acid Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists have suspected that the <strong>Venusian high clouds,</strong> with <strong>mild temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit,</strong> could harbour aerial microbes that could endure extreme acidity.</li>
<li>These clouds are around <strong>90% sulphuric acid</strong> and Earth microbes could not survive that acidity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Phosphine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Phosphine</strong> is a<strong> phosphorus atom with three hydrogen atoms attached</strong> <strong>(PH<sub>3</sub>)</strong> &ndash; is <strong>highly toxic</strong> to people.</li>
<li>On rocky planets such as Venus and Earth, phosphine can only be made by life&mdash;whether human or microbe.<strong></strong></li>
<li>Phosphine is made naturally by some species of <strong>anaerobic bacteria&mdash;</strong>organisms that live in the oxygen-starved environments of landfills, marshlands, and even <strong>animal guts.</strong><strong></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To produce phosphine, <strong>Earth bacteria take up phosphate from minerals</strong> or biological material and add hydrogen.<strong></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Phosphine also arises non-biologically in certain industrial settings.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Used as a <strong>chemical weapon during World War I.</strong></li>
<li>Phosphine is still manufactured as an <strong>agricultural fumigant,</strong> is used in the semiconductor industry, and is a by-product of <strong>meth labs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Venus</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Venus is Earth&rsquo;s<strong> closest</strong> planetary neighbour. It is also known as <strong>earth's twin.</strong></li>
<li>Similar in structure but <strong>slightly smaller than Earth,</strong> it is the<strong> second planet from the sun.</strong></li>
<li>Early science observations of Venus revealed that it is a menace of a world that could kill life in multiple ways. Venus is wrapped in a <strong>thick and toxic</strong> atmosphere that traps in heat.</li>
<li><strong>High Temperature:</strong> Surface temperatures reach a scorching 880 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt lead.&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: 400;">It is the hottest planet in the solar system.</span></li>
<li><strong>High Pressure:</strong> Highly dense, 65 miles of cloud and haze, puts atmospheric pressure more than 90 times what&rsquo;s felt on Earth&rsquo;s surface.</li>
<li>Also, the planet&rsquo;s atmosphere is<strong> primarily suffocating carbon dioxide</strong> and sulfuric acid clouds.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The finding can further<strong> ignite interest in space missions to Venus.</strong> Missions to Venus are not new. Spacecraft have been going near the planet since the 1960s, and some of them have even made a landing.</li>
<li>All future missions to Venus would now be attuned to investigating further evidence of the presence of life. <span style="font-weight: 400;">This can now only be taken further by making in situ measurements in the atmosphere of Venus. This poses its own challenges. Apart from the high surface temperature and dense atmosphere, the presence of sulphuric acid in the atmosphere of Venus makes it a highly corrosive environment.&nbsp;</span>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also planning a mission to Venus, tentatively called <strong>Shukrayaan,</strong> in the near future.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/reading-life-signature-on-venus-phosphine-gas-6596355/" 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/phosphine-on-venus-a-sign-of-life'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Stamp on India’s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Customized My Stamp on<strong> India&rsquo;s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)</strong> launch was released by the Department of Posts on the occasion of <strong>Engineers Day.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Engineers Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>15<sup>th</sup> September is observed as Engineer&rsquo;s Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of <strong>Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya</strong> (1861-1962), a civil engineer and statesman.</li>
<li>He was a pioneer in his field, credited for inventing the <strong>Block System for dams &ndash;</strong> the automated doors shut during an overflow.</li>
<li>He was appointed <strong>Chief Engineer of Mysore State</strong> in 1909, given the status of <strong>Diwan of Mysore</strong> in 1912, awarded the <strong>Bharat Ratna</strong> in 1955.</li>
<li>His books,<strong> &ldquo;Reconstructing India&rdquo;</strong> and <strong>&ldquo;Planned Economy of India&rdquo;</strong> were published in 1920 and 1934, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600250825_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600250825_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="450" height="300" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>My Stamp:</strong> It is the brand name for personalized sheets of Postage Stamps of India Post.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>&lsquo;My Stamp&rsquo; was first introduced in India during the<strong> World Philatelic Exhibition, &lsquo;INDIPEX-2011&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Customized My Stamp</strong> is a personalized sheet of Postage Stamps wherein the corporate, organizations and institutions can get their customized sheets printed from India Post.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A-SAT Missile</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an interceptor missile that destroys or jams satellites in space.</li>
<li><strong>Two types of A-SATs:</strong> Kinetic and Non-Kinetic A-SATs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kinetic A-SATs,</strong> like ballistic missiles physically strike an object in order to destroy it.</li>
<li><strong>Non-Kinetic A-SATs:</strong> A variety of nonphysical means can be used to disable or destroy a space object. These include frequency jamming, blinding lasers or cyberattacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mission Shakti</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted India&rsquo;s first Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile test<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mission-shakti-asat-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Mission Shakti&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was launched from<strong> Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island</strong> in Odisha on 27<sup>th</sup> March 2019.</li>
<li>The interceptor missile was a <strong>three-stage missile</strong> with <strong>two solid rocket boosters.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Significance:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>entire effort was indigenous</strong> which demonstrated the Nation&rsquo;s capability to develop such complex and critical missions.</li>
<li>With this success, India became the <strong>fourth nation</strong> in the world to possess such capability.</li>
<li>With the establishment of <strong>India as a space power,</strong> India will be accorded a place in any future international treaty that relates to the <strong>governance or usage of Space.</strong></li>
<li>In case of Pakistan, a terrestrial power, the use of nuclear arsenal can now come at a heavy cost.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of now Pakistan presumes that the no first use doctrine of India gives it an advantage, but with the development of ASAT capabilities, India would be able to destroy an incoming Pakistani nuclear missile.</li>
<li>This will create a significant deterrence vis-a-vis the position of Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In case of China, which is a significant space power, counter-space capabilities of India will provide a critical balancing deterrent.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654607" 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/stamp-on-india-s-first-anti-satellite-missile-a-sat'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Re-measuring Mount Everest',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China and Nepal are soon expected to announce <strong>Mount Everest&rsquo;s latest official height.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2019, both countries agreed to re-measure the elevation of the world&rsquo;s highest mountain and announce the findings together.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249850_image7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249850_image7.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:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mount Everest (also called <strong>Sagarmatha in Nepal</strong>) is <strong>Earth&rsquo;s highest mountain</strong> above sea level, located in the <strong>Himalayas between China and Nepal</strong> with their borders running across its summit point.</li>
<li>Its<strong> current official elevation is 8,848m</strong> which places it more than 200m above the <strong>world&rsquo;s second-highest mountain, K2,</strong> which is <strong>8,611m</strong> tall and located in <strong>Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>Mount Everest gets its English name from <strong>Sir George Everest,</strong> a colonial-era geographer who served as the <strong>Surveyor General of India</strong> in the mid-19<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li>It <strong>was first scaled in 1953</strong> by the <strong>Indian-Nepalese Tenzing Norgay</strong> and<strong> New Zealander Edmund Hillary.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>First Survey of Everest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>first effort was carried out in 1847</strong> by a team led by <strong>Andrew Waugh,</strong> Surveyor General of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The survey was based on<strong> trigonometric calculations</strong> and is known as the <strong>Great Trigonometric Survey of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The team discovered that<strong> &lsquo;Peak 15&rsquo;</strong> (as Mount Everest was referred to then) was the highest mountain, <strong>contrary to the then-prevailing belief that Mount Kanchenjunga</strong> (8,582m and the <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> highest</strong> peak in the world now) was the highest peak in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for Re-measurement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Everest&rsquo;s current official height has been <strong>widely accepted since 1956</strong> when the figure was measured by the<strong> Survey of India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the<strong> height of a summit changes due to tectonic activities</strong> like the 2015 Nepal earthquake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its measurement over the decades has also <strong>depended on who was surveying.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Previous measurements of the mountain were by<strong> Indian, American or European surveyors.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> joint effort represents national pride for Nepal</strong> which will come up with its own findings on the height.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Survey of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>National Survey and Mapping Organisation</strong> of the country under the <strong>Department of Science and Technology.</strong></li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1767</strong> and is the oldest scientific department of the Government of India.</li>
<li>Headquarters:<strong> Dehradun, Uttarakhand.</strong></li>
<li>It acts as an<strong> adviser to the Government of India on all survey matters,</strong> viz Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Mapping and Map Reproduction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Geodesy</strong> is the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space and gravity field.</li>
<li><strong>Photogrammetry</strong> is the science of making measurements from photographs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Himalayas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> The<strong> northward drift of the Indo-Australian plate</strong> resulted in its collision with the much larger <strong>Eurasian Plate.</strong> Due to which, the sedimentary rocks which were accumulated in the geosyncline known as the <strong>Tethys</strong> were <strong>folded to form the mountain system</strong> of western Asia and Himalaya.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Himalayas are<strong> geologically young and structurally folded mountains</strong> and represent the<strong> loftiest and one of the most rugged</strong> mountain barriers of the world.</li>
<li>They <strong>form an arc,</strong> which covers a distance of about <strong>2,400 km.</strong> Their <strong>width</strong> varies from<strong> 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Orientation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>general orientation</strong> of these ranges is from <strong>northwest to the southeast</strong> direction in the northwestern part of India.</li>
<li>Himalayas in the<strong> Darjeeling and Sikkim</strong> regions lie in an <strong>east west direction.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Arunachal Pradesh</strong> they are from<strong> southwest to the northwest</strong> direction.</li>
<li>In <strong>Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram,</strong> they are in the <strong>north south direction.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Himalayan mountains consist of <strong>three parallel ranges in longitudinal extent:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Great Himalaya or Himadri:</strong> It is the<strong> northernmost and the most continuous</strong> range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 m. World&rsquo;s highest peaks are located in it.</li>
<li><strong>Lesser Himalaya or Himachal:</strong> To the south of Himadri, it is the <strong>most rugged</strong> mountain system and is known as Himachal or lesser Himalaya. The altitude varies between 3,700 and 4,500 m. It is well known for its hill stations like Kashmir, Kangra and Kullu Valleys.</li>
<li><strong>Shiwalik:</strong> It is the southernmost range with an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 m. These ranges are<strong> composed of unconsolidated sediments</strong> brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges located farther north.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>large-scale regional variations</strong> within the Himalayas. On the<strong> basis of relief, alignment of ranges and other geomorphological features,</strong> the Himalayas can be <strong>divided into the following subdivisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kashmir or Northwestern Himalayas.</li>
<li>Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas.</li>
<li>Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas.</li>
<li>Arunachal Himalayas.</li>
<li>Eastern Hills and Mountains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-china-and-nepal-are-measuring-mt-everests-height-again-6597257/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Nepali%20Times,up%20with%20their%20own%20figure." 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/re-measuring-mount-everest'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Israel, UAE and Bahrain Abraham Accord',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Abraham Accord</strong> between<strong> Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain</strong> is mediated by the USA. It is the <strong>first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Previous Agreements:</strong> There were the <strong>only two peace deals</strong> between Israel and the Arab States in more than a quarter of a century.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Egypt was the first Arab State to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1979.</li>
<li>Jordan signed a peace pact in 1994.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain will establish:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Embassies and exchange ambassadors.</li>
<li>Working together with Israel across a range of sectors, including tourism, trade, healthcare and security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Abraham Accords also open the door for Muslims around the world to visit the historic sites in Israel and to peacefully pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the <strong>third holiest site in Islam.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the Islamic tradition,<strong> the Kaaba</strong> in <strong>Mecca</strong> is considered the holiest site, followed by <strong>the Prophet's Mosque</strong> in Medina, and <strong>Al-Aqsa Mosque</strong> in Jerusalem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Bringing Israel, the UAE and Bahrain together reflects their shared concern about <strong>Iran&rsquo;s rising influence</strong> in the region and development of ballistic missiles. Iran has been critical of both deals.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Arab-Israel Relation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since Israeli independence in 1948, it has fought several wars with Arab neighbouring countries.</li>
<li>The persecuted Jews saw Israel as their promised home while Arabs saw it as an occupation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of the Accord:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The agreement shows how the Arab countries are gradually <strong>decoupling themselves from the Palestine question.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Palestine was among former Ottoman territories placed under UK administration by the League of Nations in 1922. All of these territories eventually became fully independent States, except Palestine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Full diplomatic ties</strong> will be established between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which will have a positive impact on the entire region.</li>
<li>The deal buys UAE a lot of <strong>goodwill in the US,</strong> where its image has been tarnished by its involvement in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-in-yemen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Yemen war.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>In South Asia, it will put Pakistan in a bind,</strong> whether to follow UAE&rsquo;s steps (will be seen as giving up Islamic cause of Palestine) or not to follow the UAE (since it is already in feud with the Saudis over not taking up the Kashmir case, Pakistan cannot afford another hostile Islamic Country).</li>
<li>In the upcoming presidential election in the USA, the accord could help shore up support among pro-Israel Christian evangelical voters, an important part of current President&rsquo;s political base.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Deals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Other gulf states in the region like Oman could follow suit and sign similar agreements with Israel</li>
<li>One of the biggest Gulf Arab powers, Saudi Arabia could follow the suit as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Palestinians have not embraced the USA&rsquo;s vision. 86% of Palestinians believe the normalization agreement with the UAE serves only Israel&rsquo;s interests and not their own.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a possibility that the Palestine quest is further ignored.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Shia-Sunni rifts in the region may get wide and violent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and Iran (representing Shia) have a long history of enmity. For decades, one of the main sources of instability in West Asia has been the cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.</li>
<li>The Sunni-Shiite schism may also provoke violence between Muslims in such places as Pakistan, Nigeria and Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249390_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249390_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="401" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Interest in West Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical:</strong> West Asia occupies an important position in international relations due to its geographical location and proximity to continents and countries South Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.</li>
<li><strong>Energy:</strong> The region is strategically significant due to its enormous energy resources, trade route links to different parts of the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the world's largest oil-producing region accounting for 34% of world production, 45% of crude oil exports and 48% of oil proven reserves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diaspora:</strong> Indian expatriates have constituted a substantial share of the regional labour market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Remittances from the region</strong> constitute a major chunk of total remittances to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opportunity for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Defence and Security:</strong> India should use this unexpected opportunity to give itself a <strong>bigger role</strong> in a region which is its strategic backyard. The first step should be to <strong>ramp up defence and security relations with UAE.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Israel is already a very close defence partner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While some work has already happened, India should <strong>leverage its economy for a bigger opening in this region.</strong> Importantly, India can use its good offices to ensure that any future deal on a regional security framework gives adequate space to Iran, which may be weak but not so weak that it cannot be a hugely disruptive power if it so chooses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A balance between Shia and Sunni, between Persian and Arab, is key to any sustainable peace.</li>
<li>The US may be a pre-eminent power in the Middle East, but Russia has made a space for itself, spending a lot less money. In recent years, China has indicated its willingness to play a larger role in this region, and is close to both UAE and Israel and, increasingly, Saudi Arabia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should make its moves before this market and this extended neighbourhood come under the Chinese sphere of influence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A deal that could, if played right, open the doors for a changed geopolitical arrangement in the Middle East should have a stronger Indian footprint.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-uae-and-bahrain-sign-abraham-accord-trump-says-dawn-of-new-middle-east/article32616867.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/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Phytoplankton Biomass in Bay of Bengal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>A team of scientists from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services</strong> </a><strong>(INCOIS)</strong> have discovered <strong>a way to measure the quantity of chlorophyll-a</strong> that indicates abundance of <strong>phytoplanktons</strong> in the Bay of Bengal in real-time.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248634_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248634_image5.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Phytoplanktons:</strong> They are tiny microscopic floating plants found in water bodies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Study of phytoplankton biomass is done by analyzing <strong>chlorophyll-a,</strong> a dominant pigment found in phytoplankton cells.</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Phytoplanktons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They contribute more than half of the <strong>oxygen</strong> in the environment.</li>
<li>They <strong>reduce global warming</strong> by absorbing human-induced carbon dioxide.</li>
<li>They also serve as the base of the <strong>ocean food chain.</strong></li>
<li>They are important <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dragonfly-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bioindicators</strong></a> regulating life in oceans. Their abundance determines the overall health of the ocean ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Study:</strong> The scientists closely tracked <strong>the long-term trends of chlorophyll-a in the northwestern Bay of Bengal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was based on <strong>in-situ and satellite data</strong> spanning over the last 16 years, from January 2003 to December 2018.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Aeronautics and Space Administration</a> (NASA)&rsquo;s MODIS <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosol-levels-hit-20-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)</a>, NASA&rsquo;s VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) sensor</strong> and <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</a>&rsquo;s OCM-2 (Ocean Colour Monitor-2)</strong> were used for satellite data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> There were<strong> two peaks of chlorophyll-a &mdash;</strong> the primary peak occurred during the<strong> pre-southwest <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monsoon</a></strong> due to the recurrent phytoplankton bloom in the coastal water and the secondary peak occurred during the <strong>end of the southwest monsoon,</strong> spreading to far offshore areas.</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> Along with<strong> increase in phytoplanktons,</strong> other reasons for peak in chlorophyll-a may be <strong>physical forces</strong> such as upwelling, wind-induced vertical mixing, convective overturn and <strong>chemicals</strong> from various sources including river runoff.</li>
<li><strong>Conclusions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Nutrients and More Phytoplanktons:</strong> It reveals that the study area experienced <strong>maximum spatial variability during pre-southwest monsoon with salinity, and nutrients,</strong> the major controlling factors for the abundance and distribution of phytoplankton.</li>
<li><strong>Chances of Eutrophication:</strong> Increase in nutrients could tell an overall improved health status of the ecosystems as a whole; at the same time excessive phytoplanktons could be detrimental to ocean health because of eutrophication. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eutrophication:</strong> When a water body becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients which induce excessive growth of algae or<strong> algal bloom.</strong></li>
<li>This process also results in oxygen depletion of the water body affecting other aquatic animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chlorophyll<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248669_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248669_image2.jpg" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chlorophyll is the major pigment used by plants for <strong>photosynthesis,</strong> the process by which<strong> light energy is converted to chemical energy</strong> through the synthesis of organic compounds.</li>
<li>The word chlorophyll comes from two Greek words; Chloros which means green and phyllon which means leaf.</li>
<li>There are<strong> four types</strong> of chlorophyll: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Chlorophyll a,</strong> found in all <strong>higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll b,</strong> found in <strong>higher plants</strong> and <strong>green algae.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll c,</strong> found in <strong>diatoms, dinoflagellates and brown algae;</strong> and</li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll d,</strong> found only in<strong> red algae.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This kind of information on marine environmental parameters is now becoming increasingly important as they serve as a basis for monitoring climate change, river discharge, and the impact of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/marine-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pollution in the ocean.</strong> </a></li>
<li>The phytoplankton is largely dependent on<strong> light, temperature and nutrients.</strong> It is therefore, continuous monitoring of the ocean ecosystem is the need of the hour to devise <strong>mitigation systems to encounter disruption caused by algal bloom</strong> because of excessive phytoplankton enrichment in the coastal water.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/new-study-helps-monitor-trends-in-phytoplankton-biomass-in-bay-of-bengal-73377" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phytoplankton-biomass-in-bay-of-bengal'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Parliamentary Committee Report on Startups',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance</strong> tabled a report related to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ranking-of-states-on-support-to-startup-ecosystems-dpiit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>startups</strong></a> in Parliament. The Government of India has initiated a <strong>Startup India Scheme</strong> in 2016.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian start-ups <strong>need to reduce their dependence on China and the USA,</strong> so that India becomes self-reliant by having several large domestic growth funds powered by domestic capital.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>E.g <strong>Small Industries Development Bank of India</strong> (SIDBI) <strong>Fund-of-Funds</strong> vehicle should be expanded and fully operationalised to play an investment role.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>fund-of-funds</strong> also known as a <strong>multi-manager investment&mdash;</strong>is a <strong>pooled investment fund</strong> that invests in other types of funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign development finance institutions</strong> may also be encouraged to <strong>participate</strong> with local asset management companies to set up fund-of-funds structures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> companies</strong> and Limited <strong>Liability Partnerships (LLPs)</strong> should be allowed to invest in start-ups without being classified as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-banking Financial Companies</strong> </a><strong>(NBFCs)</strong> by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) to expand capital sources for start-ups.</li>
<li><strong>Abo&shy;lition </strong>of<strong> Long Term Capital Gains</strong> (LTCG)<strong> tax</strong> on <strong>Collective Investment Vehicles (CIVs)</strong> for at least the <strong>next two years</strong> to encourage investment in start-ups and to drive a sharp post-pandemic revival. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At present, LTCG earned by foreign investors in private companies attracts taxation at a rate of 10%, in comparison to the domestic venture capital investments which are taxed at 20% (for LTCG) with an enhanced surcharge of 37%.</li>
<li>After a two-year period, the <strong>Securities Transaction Tax</strong> (STT) may be applied to CIVs so that revenue neutrality is maintained.</li>
<li>A <strong>CIV is any entity</strong> that allows investors to pool their money and invest the pooled funds, rather than buying securities directly as individuals. It is usually managed by a fund management company which is paid a fee for doing so.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of CIV: angel funds, alternate investment funds</strong> and investment LLP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> A strong start-up ecosystem can propel investment, jobs, and demand creation in the economy.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600244812_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600244812_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Startup India Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a flagship initiative of the Government of India,<strong> intended to catalyse startup culture</strong> and build a<strong> strong and inclusive ecosystem</strong> for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.</li>
<li>Since the <strong>launch of the initiative in 2016,</strong> Startup India has rolled out several programs with the objective of supporting entrepreneurs, and transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers.</li>
<li>A startup is an enterprise that is initiated by its founders around an idea or a problem with a potential for significant business opportunity and impact.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Securities Transaction Tax</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a tax levied at the time of purchase and sale of securities listed on stock exchanges in India.</li>
<li>Both purchaser and seller both need to pay 0.1% of share value as STT.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Capital Gain Tax</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any profit or gain that arises from the sale of a <strong>&lsquo;capital asset&rsquo;</strong> is a capital gain. This gain or profit comes under the category of &lsquo;income&rsquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Land, building, house property, vehicles, patents, trademarks, leasehold rights, machinery, and jewellery are a <strong>few examples of capital assets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hence, the <strong>capital gain tax</strong> will be required to be paid for that amount in the year in which the transfer of the capital asset takes place. This is called the capital gains tax, which can be both short-term or long-term.</li>
<li><strong>Long-term Capital Gains Tax:</strong> It is a levy on the profits from the sale of assets held for more than a year.</li>
<li><strong>Short-term Capital Gains Tax:</strong> It applies to assets held for a year or less and is taxed as ordinary income.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Small Industries Development Bank of India </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)</strong> was set up in 1990. It is a <strong>statutory body</strong> established under an<strong> Act of Parliament.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>acts as the principal financial institution</strong> for promotion, financing and development of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/going-beyond-the-credit-requirements-of-msmes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME)</strong> </a>sector as well as for coordination of functions of institutions engaged in similar activities.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/startups/indian-startups-should-cut-reliance-on-foreign-funding-sources-like-us-and-china-6597547/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-committee-report-on-startups'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Living Planet Report: WWF',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the <em>Living Planet Report 2020</em> released by the <strong>World Wide Fund for Nature,</strong> the population of vertebrate species has largely declined in the past half- century.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vertebrates :</strong> Vertebrates are animals that have <strong>backbones or vertebral columns.</strong> They are also characterized by a muscular system consisting primarily of bilaterally paired masses and a central nervous system partly enclosed within the backbone.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Wildlife Fund for Nature</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the world&rsquo;s <strong>leading conservation organization</strong> and works in more than 100 countries.</li>
<li>It was established in 1961 and is headquartered at Gland, Switzerland.</li>
<li>Its <strong>mission is to conserve nature</strong> and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.</li>
<li>WWF collaborates at every level with people around the world to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong> The Report used the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Living Planet Index</strong></a> to calculate the decline in vertebrate species.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Living Planet Index (LPI):</strong> It is a measure of the state of the world&rsquo;s biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.</li>
<li>It is released by<strong> Institute of Zoology (Zoological Society of London)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Founded in 1826, Zoological Society of London is an international conservation charity working for wildlife conservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>LPI tracked almost 21,000 populations of more than 4,000 vertebrate species between 1970 and 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It shows an average <strong>68% decline in global vertebrate species populations,</strong> between 1970 and 2016. In the Asia Pacific the decline stands at 45%.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A 94% decline in the LPI for the<strong> tropical subregions of the americas</strong> is the largest fall observed in any part of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Freshwater species populations</strong> have reduced by 84% on average since 1970.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Freshwater species populations are being lost faster than terrestrial or marine species. According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature</strong></a> <strong>(IUCN),</strong> almost 1/3<sup>rd</sup> of freshwater species are now threatened with extinction.</li>
<li>Wildlife populations in freshwater habitats suffered a decline of 84%, equivalent to 4% per year, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Megafauna,</strong> or bigger species in terms of size, are more vulnerable because they were subjected to intense anthropogenic threats and overexploitation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For eg. Large fishes are also heavily impacted by dam construction that blocks their migratory routes to spawning and feeding grounds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since 1970, our <strong>Ecological Footprint</strong> has exceeded the Earth&rsquo;s rate of regeneration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ecological Footprint measures the ecological assets that a given population requires <strong>to produce the natural resources it consumes</strong> (including plant-based food and fiber products, livestock and fish products, timber and other forest products, space for urban infrastructure) and to absorb its waste, especially carbon emissions.</li>
<li>The human enterprise currently demands <strong>1.56 times more than the amount that Earth can regenerate.</strong> It is like living off 1.56 Earths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats to Biodiversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Changes in Land and Sea Use, including Habitat Loss and Degradation:</strong> This refers to the modification of the environment where a species lives, by complete removal, fragmentation or reduction in quality of key habitat.</li>
<li><strong>Species Overexploitation:</strong> Direct overexploitation refers to unsustainable hunting and poaching or harvesting. Indirect overexploitation occurs when non-target species are killed unintentionally.</li>
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Pollution can directly affect a species by making the environment unsuitable for its survival. It can also affect a species indirectly, by affecting food availability or reproductive performance.</li>
<li><strong>Invasive Species and Disease:</strong> Invasive species can compete with native species for space, food and other resources, can turn out to be a predator for native species, or spread diseases that were not previously present in the environment. Humans also transport new diseases from one area of the globe to another.</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong> As temperatures change, some species will need to adapt by shifting their range to track a suitable climate. The effects of climate change on species are often indirect. For eg, change in <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>migratory patterns of birds.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Research shows the world could start to stabilize and reverse the loss of nature by embracing <strong>bolder, more ambitious conservation efforts</strong> as well as making transformational changes in the way food is produced and consumed, such as making food production and trade more efficient, reducing waste, and favouring healthier and more sustainable diets.</li>
<li>The report also underscores the need for a global <strong>New Deal for Nature and People</strong> with clear, ambitious goals, to see us on the path to recovery by 2030.</li>
<li>Diseases like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>are one of the many connections between the health of people and the planet. How humanity chooses to recover from the pandemic, and address the looming threats from global environmental change, will influence the health and livelihoods of generations to come.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/world-lost-68-vertebrates-in-1970-2016-wwf-73300" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Mekedatu Project',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Karnataka government is likely to pressurise the Centre for approval of the construction of the <strong>Mekedatu Project on the Cauvery river.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mekedatu, meaning <strong>goat&rsquo;s leap,</strong> is a <strong>deep gorge</strong> situated at the <strong>confluence of the rivers <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/godavari-and-cauvery-river-interlinking-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery and its tributary Arkavathi.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Ontigondlu</strong> is the proposed reservoir site, situated at <strong>Ramanagara district in Karnataka</strong> about 100 km away from Bengaluru. It is the <strong>midst of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cauvery-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.</a></strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Rs. 9,000 crore</strong> project aims to <strong>store and supply water for drinking purposes</strong> for the Bengaluru city. Around <strong>400 megawatts (MW) of power is also proposed to be generated</strong> through the project.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600233664_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600233664_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The project was <strong>first approved by the Karnataka</strong> state government in<strong> 2017.</strong></li>
<li>It received <strong>approval from the erstwhile Ministry of Water Resources</strong> for the detailed project report and is <strong>awaiting approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> (MoEFCC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The approval from MoEFCC is crucial because <strong>63% of the forest area of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary will be submerged.</strong></li>
<li>5,051 hectares of forests would be submerged, including 3,181 hectares in the sanctuary and 1,870 hectares in the reserve forest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>4.75 thousand million cubic feet of water could be drawn</strong> from the reservoir to partially meet the drinking needs of Bengaluru.</li>
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu has approached the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a></strong> (SC) against the project even if Karnataka has held that it would not affect the flow of water to Tamil Nadu.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<strong> June 2020,</strong> during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karnataka-ordered-to-release-cauvery-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cauvery Water Management Authority&rsquo;s</strong></a> <strong>meeting,</strong> Tamil Nadu reiterated its opposition to the project.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Opposition by Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tamil Nadu is opposed to <strong>any project being proposed in the upper riparian</strong> unless it was approved by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li><strong>Karnataka has no right to construct</strong> any reservoir on an inter-state river <strong>without the consent of the lower riparian state</strong> i.e. Tamil Nadu in this case.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project is <strong>against the final order of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inter-state-river-water-sharing-disputes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal</a></strong> (CWDT) in which the SC held that <strong>no state can claim exclusive ownership or assert rights to deprive other states of the waters of inter-state rivers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The CWDT and the SC have found that the <strong>existing storage facilities available in the Cauvery basin were adequate </strong>for storing and distributing water <strong>so Karnataka&rsquo;s proposal is ex-facie</strong> (on the face of it) <strong>untenable and should be rejected</strong> outright.</li>
<li>It has also held that the reservoir is not just for drinking water alone, but to increase the extent of irrigation, which is in <strong>clear violation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Award.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-to-seek-nod-for-mekedatu-project/article32604579.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement: USA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The USA is looking forward to India signing the <strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA),</strong> at the next<strong> India-USA 2+2 ministerial dialogue</strong> likely to be held in October, 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>2+2 talks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are a <strong>dialogue between two appointed ministers from each country.</strong> This meeting aims to discuss issues of strategic and security interests between the two countries.</li>
<li>Defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.</li>
<li>India <strong>holds such talks with Japan and Australia,</strong> at the foreign secretary and defense secretary level.</li>
<li>India<strong> holds ministerial-level talks only with the USA.</strong> Apart from India, the United States holds such ministerial dialogues with Australia and Japan also.</li>
<li>The talks were announced in June 2017. The 2+2 dialogue has replaced the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue between the foreign and commerce ministers of the two countries that were held previously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BECA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will allow India to use the <strong>geospatial maps of the USA</strong> to get pinpoint military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.</li>
<li>BECA is an important precursor to India <strong>acquiring armed unmanned aerial vehicles such as the Predator-B</strong> from the USA. Predator-B uses spatial data for accurate strikes on enemy targets.</li>
<li>BECA is <strong>one of the four foundational military communication agreements</strong> between the two countries. The other three being GSOMIA, LEMOA, CISMOA.</li>
<li>Initially, India had reservations to <strong>geospatial mapping on the grounds of national security,</strong> but they were later addressed by mutual dialogue and discussion between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>General Security Of Military Information Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GSOMIA allows <strong>militaries to share the intelligence</strong> gathered by them.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2002.</li>
<li>An extension to the GSOMIA, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Security Annex</strong></a> (ISA), was signed at the 2+2 dialogue in 2019.</li>
<li>ISA provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information <strong>between the USA and Indian defence industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>LEMOA allows both countries to<strong> have access to each other&rsquo;s designated military facilities</strong> for refueling and replenishment.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2016.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) is the India specific version of CISMOA.</li>
<li>Valid for 10 years, COMCASA aims to provide a legal framework for the <strong>transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the USA to India</strong> that will streamline and facilitate interoperability between their armed forces.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Other Maritime Developments Between India and the USA</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>maritime information agreement</strong> is also under active deliberation between India and the USA. Once concluded, India will have such arrangements with all Quad countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</strong></a> is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a <strong>free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In increasing military to military interactions, the USA has also posted a liaison officer at the Navy&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)</strong></a> meant to promote <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Information Fusion Centre serves countries that have <strong>White Shipping Information Exchange</strong> (White-shipping refers to commercial shipping information about the movement of cargo ships) agreements with India.</li>
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong></a> as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, India posted a liaison officer at the USA Navy Central Command in Bahrain.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Signing BECA is crucial for India in order to neutralise the Russia-China-Pakistan axis in the maritime domain and for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The acquisition of aerial platforms like the USA naval helicopters and multi-role fighters is a key priority for India in the current scenario of increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-China conflict.</strong></a></li>
<li>The increase in India&rsquo;s maritime interactions with the Quad countries centred around information sharing for improved MDA in the Indian Ocean Region and<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific</strong> </a>will strengthen India&rsquo;s position internationally.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic hedging</strong> </a>is the key to move forward in relationships with powerful countries like the USA. India and the USA must now strive to complete the unfinished agreements and set the course for a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-keen-on-finalising-geo-spatial-cooperation-at-22-dialogue-in-october/article32633882.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/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Support to Self-Employment Schemes: MSME',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-micro-small-and-medium-enterprises" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a> <strong>(MSME)</strong> has announced expansion of and doubling of support to beneficiary oriented Self-Employment schemes aimed at contributing to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government will provide assistance to artisans engaged in<strong> Pottery Activity and Beekeeping Activity.</strong></li>
<li>Previously, the Ministry of MSME approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiative-under-gramodyog-vikas-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>manufacturing of Agarbatti under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Pottery Activity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The assistance includes<strong> technical knowhow, quality standardization of products, skill-development to <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Help Groups</a> (SHGs), encouragement to the successful traditional potter to set up units</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pmegp-and-cgtmse" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime Minister&rsquo;s Employment Generation Programme</strong></a> (PMEGP) scheme, necessary market linkages by tying up with exports and large buying houses etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PMEGP is a <strong>credit-linked subsidy scheme</strong> which promotes self-employment through setting up of micro-enterprises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also includes setting up of clusters in <strong>Terracotta, Red clay pottery,</strong> with new innovative value added products to build pottery to crockery/tile making capabilities under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/support-and-outreach-initiative-for-msme-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SFURTI scheme.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)</strong> aims to make traditional industries more productive and competitive by organizing the traditional industries and artisans into<strong> clusters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Terracotta</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Terracotta is a type of ceramic pottery, made by baking terracotta clay.</li>
<li>The word &ldquo;terracotta&rdquo; comes from the Italian words for &ldquo;baked earth.&rdquo;</li>
<li>It is often used for making pipes, bricks, and sculptures.</li>
<li>Recently, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/terracotta-grinder" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Terracotta Grinder</strong></a> was launched at Varanasi by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).</strong></a></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tags-to-two-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) terracotta</strong></a> has been given the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/potential-of-gis-is-waiting-to-be-tapped" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Geographical Indication (GI) tag.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Terracotta Figurines</strong> were also made during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indus-valley-civilization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indus Valley Civilization.</strong></a> They were either used as toys or objects of worship and represented birds, dogs, sheep, cattle and monkeys. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The famous terracotta figure of the Mother Goddess was discovered in Mohen-jodaro which shows the Mother Goddess as the symbol of fertility and prosperity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Beekeeping Activity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to <strong>create sustainable employment for the beekeepers/farmers,</strong> help artisans adopt <strong>scientific Beekeeping</strong> &amp; Management practices, utilize available natural resources; and <strong>create awareness about the benefits</strong> of beekeeping in cross pollination.</li>
<li>It involves distributing tools and equipment to migrant labourers in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/garib-kalyan-rojgar-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan</strong></a> (PMGKRA) districts and providing training to the beneficiaries, setting up clusters under the SFURTI Scheme.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PMGKRA empowers and provides livelihood opportunities to the <strong>returnee<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-migrants-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> migrant workers</a> and rural citizens</strong> who have returned to their home states due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> induced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the Ministry of MSME flagged off <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apiary-on-wheels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Apiary on Wheels&rsquo;.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>&lsquo;Apiary on Wheels&rsquo; is a unique concept designed by the KVIC for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/beekeeping-development-committee" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Beekeeping Development Committee</strong></a> was also constituted in 2019 under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/r-d-expenditure-ecosystem-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister</strong></a> (EAC-PM) to give recommendations to enhance the contribution of the beekeeping sector for achieving the target of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/doubling-farmers-income-a-promise-to-be-fulfilled-by-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doubling farmers&rsquo; incomes by 2022.</strong></a></li>
<li>KVIC also launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Honey Mission</strong></a> in 2017 under which it provides awareness, training and <strong>&lsquo;Bee Boxes&rsquo; along with Bee Colonies</strong> to the farmers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Honey mission was in line with the &lsquo;Sweet Revolution&rsquo;, launched in 2016 to promote beekeeping and associated activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The program will immediately benefit about 1500 artisans, in providing sustainable employment with increased earnings.</li>
<li>Artisans living in <strong>rural areas, Self Help Groups and Migrant workers</strong> will particularly benefit from the program.</li>
<li>In addition to enhancing employment opportunities locally, the programme will also help in<strong> capturing the export market</strong> in such products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The MSME sector has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the rural enterprise owners. In addition to these self-employment schemes, the government can provide tax relief (GST and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gst-council-and-corporate-tax" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>corporate tax</strong></a>), give swift refunds, and provide liquidity to rural India (may be through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-year-of-pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-Kisan</strong></a>) to boost demand for MSME products.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1655512" 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/support-to-self-employment-schemes-msme'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Reversing Global Wildlife Decline',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Wildlife populations have fallen by <strong>more than two-thirds</strong> over the <strong>last 50 years,</strong> according to a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-wwf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Living Planet Report 2020</strong></a> of the <strong>World Wildlife Fund.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Related to Biodiversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been a<strong> reduction of 68% in the global wildlife population between 1970 and 2016.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The highest biodiversity loss due to land use change:</strong> (1) Europe and Central Asia at 57.9 %; (2) North America at 52.5 %; (3) Latin America and Caribbean at 51.2 %; (4) Africa at 45.9 %; (5) Asia at 43%.</li>
<li>The <strong>sharpest declines</strong> have occurred throughout the world&rsquo;s <strong>rivers and lakes,</strong> where <strong>freshwater wildlife</strong> has <strong>plummeted by 84%</strong> since 1970 &mdash; about <strong>4% per year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related to Land and Oceans:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>75% of the Earth&rsquo;s ice-free land surface</strong> has already been significantly <strong>altered.</strong></li>
<li>Most of the <strong>oceans are polluted.</strong></li>
<li>More than <strong>85% of the area of wetlands has been lost</strong> during 1970-2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has 2.4% global land share, about 8% global biodiversity and around 16% global population</li>
<li>However, it has lost 12% of its wild mammals, 19% amphibians and 3% birds over the last five decades.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>ecological footprint per person is less than 1.6 global hectares (gha)/person</strong> (smaller than that of many large countries). But, its high population size has made the gross footprint significantly high.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ecological Footprint:</strong> It is the amount of the environment necessary to produce the goods and services necessary to support a particular lifestyle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Factors responsible for this decline:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Changes in how land is used &ndash; from pristine forest to cropland or pasture &ndash; rank among the greatest threats to biodiversity on land worldwide.</li>
<li>Use and trade of wildlife.</li>
<li>Natural habitat loss.</li>
<li>Degradation and deforestation driven by food production processes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for Conservation Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Because the<strong> health of nature is intimately linked to the health of humans.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>emergence of new infectious diseases like Covid-19</strong> tend to be related to the destruction of forests and wilderness.</li>
<li>Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of today&rsquo;s global economies and societies, and the ones we aspire to build.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As more and more species are drawn towards extinction, the very life support systems on which civilisation depends are eroded.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As per the World Economic Forum, biodiversity loss is a disturbing threat with few parallels like extreme weather events, climate change, severe income inequality etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Biodiversity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It refers to <strong>all the varieties of life that can be found on Earth</strong> (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) as well as to the <strong>communities that they form and the habitats in which they live.</strong></li>
<li><strong>As per the Convention on Biological Diversity (Article 2):</strong> Biological Diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.</li>
<li>It can be understood at three levels:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Species diversity</strong> refers to the variety of different species (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) such as palm trees, elephants or bacteria.</li>
<li><strong>Genetic diversity</strong> corresponds to the variety of genes contained in plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. It occurs within a species as well as between species.</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem diversity</strong> refers to all the different habitats - or places - that exist, like tropical or temperate forests, hot and cold deserts, wetlands, rivers, mountains, coral reefs, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity#:~:text=The%20Convention%20on%20Biological%20Diversity%20(CBD)%2C%20a%20legally%20binding,It%20has%203%20main%20objectives%3A&amp;text=The%20sustainable%20use%20of%20the,the%20utilization%20of%20genetic%20resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)</strong></a>, <strong>a legally binding treaty</strong> to conserve biodiversity has been in force <strong>since 1993.</strong> It has <strong>3 main objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> conservation</strong> of biological diversity.</li>
<li>The<strong> sustainable use</strong> of the components of biological diversity.</li>
<li>The <strong>fair and equitable sharing</strong> of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The targets of the Convention calls for global trends of terrestrial wildlife to stop declining and start recovering by 2050 or earlier.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> became a <strong>party to the Convention</strong> in <strong>1994.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Major Indian Government Initiatives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife protection Act 1972.</strong></a></li>
<li>Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974.</li>
<li>Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1#:~:text=On%2027%20January%201994%2C%20the,Schedule%201%20of%20the%20notification." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Protection Act 1986.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/6th-national-report-to-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biological Diversity Act 2002.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (recognition of rights) Act 2006.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Areas of Action</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conservation Reserves:</strong> There must be<strong> renewed ambition</strong> from the world&rsquo;s governments to establish large-scale conservation areas, placed in the most valuable hotspots for biodiversity worldwide, such as small islands with species found nowhere else.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These reserves, in which wildlife will live and roam freely, will need to cover <strong>at least 40%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s land surface to help bend the curve from decline to recovery for species and entire ecosystems.</li>
<li>Management is more important than the size of reserves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat restoration</strong> and conservation efforts need to be targeted where they are needed most &ndash; for species and habitats on the verge of extinction.</li>
<li><strong>Food Production:</strong> Need is to transform <strong>our food systems</strong> to produce more on less land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If every farmer on Earth used the best available farming practices, only half of the total area of cropland would be needed to feed the world. There are lots of other inefficiencies that could be ironed out too.</li>
<li>Reducing waste and favouring healthier and more environmentally friendly diets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restoring Land:</strong> Efforts to restore degraded land are also required. Such as farmland that&rsquo;s becoming unproductive as a result of soil erosion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This could return 8% of the world&rsquo;s land to nature by 2050.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afforestation:</strong> This can help not only in arresting soil erosion but also expansion of desertification along with avenues for biodiversity replenishment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While giving back to nature, the conservation measures would simultaneously slow climate change, reduce pressure on water, limit nitrogen pollution in the world&rsquo;s waterways and boost human health.</li>
<li>Only a comprehensive set of policy measures that transform our relationship with the land and rapidly scale down pollution can build the necessary momentum.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/how-to-reverse-global-wildlife-declines-by-2050-73400" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reversing-global-wildlife-decline'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Freedom of Media',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/stop-press-the-hindu-editorial-on-blanket-gag-order-against-the-media/article32623638.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Stop press: On blanket gag order against the media&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 17/09//2020. It talks about importance and issues related to freedom of media.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the higher judiciary passed an order that pertains to regulation of Media. In one order, Andhra Pradesh High Court imposed a ban on the media, and even social media, from mentioning anything in relation to a case linked to former Advocate General of the State.</p>
<p>In the second case, the Supreme Court passed an interim order which stopped the telecast of the remaining episodes of a news channel, as it was engaged in the vilification of a particular community. Though both the order will have consequences for free speech and the citizen&rsquo;s right to receive information, they should be seen in different contexts.</p>
<p>While the first order may envisage to prevent possible defamation or invasion of privacy or at protecting the fairness of a trial or investigation, the other may be seen as putting a check on propagation of hate. In this context, there is a need for fine balance between rights of individual and free press.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Freedom of Press</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution, the supreme law of the land, guarantees <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-protest-in-a-free-society#:~:text=The%20Right%20to%20protest%20peacefully,assemble%20peaceably%20and%20without%20arms." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>freedom of speech and expression under Article 19</strong></a>, which deals with &lsquo;Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.</li>
<li>Freedom of press is not expressly protected by Indian legal system but it is impliedly protected under article 19(1) (a) of the constitution, which states - "All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression".</li>
<li>In 1950, the Supreme Court in <strong>Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras</strong> observed that freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic organisations.</li>
<li>However, Freedom of press is also not absolute. A law could impose only those restrictions on the exercise of this right, it faces certain restrictions under article 19(2), which is as follows-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Matters related to interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Importance of Free Media</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Free Media promotes open discussion of ideas that allows individuals to fully participate in political life, making informed decisions and strengthening society as a result &mdash; especially in a large democracy such as India.</li>
<li>A free exchange of ideas, free exchange of information and knowledge, debating and expression of different viewpoints is important for smooth functioning of democracy. As the free media by virtue of being the voice of masses, empowers them with the right to express opinions.Thus, free media is critical in a democracy.</li>
<li>With Free Media, people will be able to exercise their rights as questioning decisions of government. Such an environment can be created only when freedom of press is achieved.</li>
<li>Hence, Media can be rightly considered as the fourth pillar of democracy, the other three being legislature, executive and judiciary.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related with The Present Media</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right to Privacy:</strong> The right to privacy emanates from natural rights, which are basic, inherent and inalienable rights.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Article 21 which guarantees right to life guarantees right to privacy impliedly.</li>
<li>Many times, the media has crossed its limits of fair reporting and intruded in personal spheres of life.</li>
<li>In Aarushi Talwar Murder Case, the Supreme Court took a view that transparency and secrecy in an investigation are two different things. Where the apex court questioned a section of media for reporting that had resulted in tarnishing the reputation of the victim and her family members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Media Trials:</strong> The <strong>Supreme Court in Sahara vs. SEBI (2012)</strong> observed that the court can grant preventive relief on a balancing of the right to free trial and a free press.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from this, the Supreme Court was of the view many times that the media covers issues in such a way that it seems like a trial.</li>
<li>Since such trials by the media are likely to affect the reputation of the judiciary and judicial proceedings adversely, it interferes with the functioning of the judiciary as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Paid News:</strong> Paid news and fake news can manipulate public perception and can instigate hatred, violence, and disharmony among the various communities within society.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The absence of objective journalism leads to the false presentation of truth in a society which affects the perception and opinions of people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthening Institutional Framework:</strong> The Press Council of India, a regulatory body, can warn and regulate media if it finds that a newspaper or a news agency has violated media ethics.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Statutory status should be given to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) which represents the private television news and current affairs broadcasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tackling Fake News:</strong> Countering content manipulation and fake news to restore faith in the media without undermining its freedom will require public education, strengthening of regulations and effort of tech companies to make suitable algorithms for news curation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any future legislation to curb fake news should take the whole picture into account and not blame the media and go for knee-jerk reactions; in this age of new media anyone can create and circulate new for undisclosed benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adherence to Media Ethics:</strong> It is important that the media stick to the core principles like truth and accuracy, transparency, independence, fairness and impartiality, responsibility and fair play.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is the need to maintain a balance between free expression and other community and individual rights; this responsibility should not be borne by the judiciary alone, but by all those who enjoy these rights.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600345324_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600345324_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edfcde;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Though Free media is critical in a democracy, there is a need for a fine balance between rights of individual and free press. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FOouNR8VRM" 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://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/chinas-watching-new-delhi-needs-to-prepare-defences-against-beijings-hybrid-warfare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;China&rsquo;s watching&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Times of India on September 16<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/freedom-of-media'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Initiatives Launched on G20 EMM',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> G20</strong> </a><strong>Environment Ministers Meeting</strong> (EMM) has taken place under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Global <strong>initiatives to reduce <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/land-degradation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Land Degradation</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coral-reefs-could-survive-global-warming-says-study" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coral Reef</a> Programme</strong> and two <strong>documents on climate change,</strong> related to managing emissions and climate change adaptations under the G20 in 2020, have been launched.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-and-marine-plastic-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20 EMM, 2019</strong></a> saw an agreement on adopting a new implementation framework for actions to tackle the issue of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-biodiversity-warning-bells" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>marine plastic waste</strong></a> on a global scale.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to <strong>prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation</strong> within G20 member states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality</strong> (LDN), developed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-convention-to-combat-desertification-cop-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,on%2013th%20September%202019.&amp;text=India%20is%20among%20the%20select,climate%20change%2C%20biodiversity%20and%20land." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification</strong></a> (UNCCD), provides a scientific foundation for understanding, implementing and monitoring land degradation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Globally, it aims to take into account possible implications on the achievement of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=Three%20core%20elements%20of%20sustainable,are%20important%20for%20sustainable%20development." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong> </a><strong>(SDG-13: Climate Action, SDG-14: Life below Water, SDG-15: Life on Land)</strong> and adhere to the principle of doing no harm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Coral Reef Research and Development Accelerator Platform:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an innovative action-oriented initiative aimed at <strong>creating a global research and development programme to advance research, innovation and capacity building</strong> in all facets of coral reef conservation, restoration and adaptation.</li>
<li>It will <strong>strengthen ongoing efforts and commitments</strong> made to enhance coral reefs conservation and stop their further degradation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Limiting global average temperature and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase, in line with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a>, <strong>provides the only chance for the survival of coral reefs globally.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India intends to take measures to enhance <strong>coral reef conservation</strong> under the <strong>National Coastal Mission Programme.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The proposed mission under the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change</strong></a> (NAPCC) will address the impact of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems.</li>
<li>It will include all phases of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/integrated-coastal-zone-management-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Coastal Zone Management</strong></a> (ICZM) Project.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has also put <strong>efforts towards achieving <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/integration-of-land-and-water-schemes-to-tackle-land-degradation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">land degradation neutrality</a></strong> and towards the attainment of global goals of climate change mitigation and adaptation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indian government sees schemes such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojanas-failure-in-north-east" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-soil-health-card-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Soil Health Card Scheme</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-krishi-sinchayee-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana</strong></a> as tools to tackle the problem of land degradation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is committed to working with G20 nations for a better world and is taking adequate action to meet the <strong>Paris Agreement</strong> and its climate commitments.</li>
<li>It was emphasised that<strong> equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, finance and technology partnerships</strong> are the key pillars to tackle the problem of climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was adopted by <strong>195 parties at the UN climate conference "COP 21"</strong> held in <strong>Paris</strong> in <strong>2015</strong> with an aim to <strong>reduce the hazardous <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse gas</a> (GHG) emissions.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To prevent an increase in global average temperature and keep it well below 2 degrees Celsius.</li>
<li>It emphasised that<strong> global GHG emissions must fall 45% by 2030</strong> and reach <strong>net zero by 2050</strong> to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.</li>
<li>19 members of the G20, <strong>except the USA which has pulled out of it,</strong> have voiced their commitment to the full implementation of the deal.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>G20</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>informal group of 19 countries and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU), with representatives of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Monetary Fund</strong> </a>and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> It operates as a forum and not as an organisation. Therefore, it does not have any permanent secretariat or management and administrative structure.</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the EU.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1655306" 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/initiatives-launched-on-g20-emm'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Japan’s New Prime Minister',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Japan recently elected <strong>Yoshihide Suga</strong> as its new Prime Minister. He belongs to the ruling <strong>Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)</strong> of Japan.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Key Challenges Ahead:</strong> The new PM has to battle with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, rebuild the economy and also plan the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tokyo-olympics-2020-postponed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Olympics</strong></a> scheduled to take place in Tokyo in 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Political System of Japan :<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600338461_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600338461_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan has a <strong>multi-party, bicameral, parliamentary, representative democratic constitutional monarchy.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Constitution:</strong> It has a <strong>unitary model</strong> with <strong>supremacy of constitution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Constitution of Japan is the fundamental law of Japan, enacted on 3<sup>rd</sup> May 1947.</li>
<li>It is one of the very few democratic constitutions in the world having fundamental duties, apart from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government:</strong> The Government of Japan consists of a legislature, executive and judiciary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Emperor is the Head of State</strong> and the<strong> Prime Minister is the Head of Government and the Head of the Cabinet (executive).</strong></li>
<li>The Emperor holds<strong> nominal ceremonial authority.</strong> For e.g. The legislature is known as the<strong> National Diet.</strong> Its members are directly elected by the people.</li>
<li>The Diet has two houses- upper <strong>House of Representatives</strong> and lower <strong>House of Councillors.</strong></li>
<li>The Prime minister is<strong> designated by the National Diet</strong> but only the Emperor has the authority to appoint the Prime Minister.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Feature Borrowed in Indian Constitution:</strong> The Indian Constitution derives its <strong>&ldquo;Procedure established by Law&rdquo;</strong> component from the Japanese constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The expression occurs in <strong>Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).</strong></li>
<li>It means that law duly enacted by the legislature or the concerned body is valid <strong>only if</strong> the correct procedure has been followed to the letter.</li>
<li>Hence, the validity of a law that has prescribed a procedure cannot be questioned on the ground that the law is unreasonable, unfair or unjust.</li>
<li>It is different from the expression <strong>&lsquo;due process of law&rsquo;</strong> contained in the <strong>American Constitution,</strong> which not only checks if there is a law to deprive the life and personal liberty of a person but also ensures that the law is made fair and just.</li>
<li>With the Supreme Court pronouncement of &ldquo;due process of Law &ldquo;in the <em><strong>Maneka Gandhi case</strong></em> (1978), the court asserted the <strong>principle of reasonableness while deciding a case.</strong> It now means that the procedure must satisfy certain requisites in the sense of being fair and reasonable. The procedure <strong>cannot be arbitrary, unfair or unreasonable.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments in India-Japan Relations</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, India and Japan signed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>logistics agreement</strong></a> that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate closely in services and supplies. The agreement is known as <strong>Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement</strong> (ACSA).</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-japan-s-cooperation-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian and Japanese warships conducted naval exercises</strong></a> in the Indian Ocean.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-08th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JIMEX</strong></a> <strong>(naval exercise), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-4th-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SHINYUU Maitri</a> (air force exercise),</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-dharma-guardian-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dharma Guardian</strong> </a><strong>(military exercise).</strong> Both countries also participate in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-malabar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar exercise</strong></a> with the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Japan has mooted the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative#:~:text=Supply%20Chain%20Resilience%20Initiative%20(SCRI)%3A,lead%20to%20the%20supply%20chain." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)</strong></a> as a <strong>trilateral approach</strong> to trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Supply chain resilience is an approach that helps a country to ensure that it has <strong>diversified its supply risk across a clutch of supplying nations instead of being dependent on just one</strong> or a few.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>President of India visited Japan in 2019.</strong> </a>The visit was the first presidential visit to Japan after a gap of 29 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/japan-s-new-prime-minister'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Pact for Sputnik V Availability in India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF),</strong> which is piloting <strong>Russia&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sputnik V</a> vaccine,</strong> has partnered with the <strong>Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy&rsquo;s Laboratories</strong> to supply 100 million doses of the vaccine.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sputnik V:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Russian vaccine has been named after the <strong>first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik-I</strong> launched by the Soviet Union.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>first Covid-19 vaccine</strong> to be approved by any government for common people.</li>
<li>The Russian vaccine <strong>has outrun other Covid-19 vaccines</strong> like <strong>Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna and Pfizer</strong> which are still in trials.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a> has been approved for human clinical trials.</li>
<li>Another Indian vaccine <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a> has entered phase I/II of clinical trials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been developed by Moscow&rsquo;s <strong>Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology</strong> in collaboration with the Russia&rsquo;s defence ministry.</li>
<li>It is based on the<strong> DNA</strong> of a<strong> SARS-CoV-2</strong> type <strong>adenovirus,</strong> a common cold virus.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It uses the <strong>weakened virus</strong> to deliver small parts of a pathogen and stimulate an immune response.</li>
<li>It is administered in <strong>two doses</strong> and consists of two types of a human adenovirus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Phase 1 and 2 results have shown promise.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The results of Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of the vaccine were published in The Lancet, demonstrating no serious adverse effects and a stable immune response in 100% of the participants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Phase 3 trials will be conducted in India</strong> to meet the requirements of the Indian regulators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sputnik V vaccine could provide a credible option in India&rsquo;s fight against Covid-19.</li>
<li>India has also <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-u-s-to-collaborate-on-covid-19-vaccine-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>partnered with the USA</strong></a> for development of Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulatory Requirements in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> approval</strong> for a vaccine is given by the<strong> Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A vaccine, developed outside India, needs to be<strong> tested with late-phase human trials,</strong> usually both phase-2 and phase-3, on an <strong>Indian population</strong> as a part of general requirement.</li>
<li>CDSCO can also give<strong> emergency authorisation</strong> without late-phase trials, considering the extraordinary situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns Regarding the Vaccine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts expressed concerns over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine due to its <strong>extremely fast production and lack of published data</strong> on the vaccine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia has only made<strong> public</strong> the <strong>results of phase I and phase II</strong> of the clinical trials, which it claimed were successful and produced the desired immune response.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The late-phase human trials are important because the vaccine&rsquo;s efficacy can differ on different population groups. After trials, vaccines are given to a large number of people, and the risks involved are much higher if trials are not comprehensive.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia, however, has claimed that this was made possible due to the fact that its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>vaccine candidate closely resembled a vaccine for <strong>Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)</strong> disease, caused by another coronavirus, that had already been tested extensively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are also issues in manufacturing the vaccine in India as there is<strong> no agreement for its production in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pune-based Serum Institute of India,<strong> the world&rsquo;s largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume,</strong> has already entered into tie-ups with developers to mass-produce their vaccines. Other Indian companies have also done similar agreements but there is none with Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Base in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Besides a big domestic market, India is a strong player globally in the field of vaccines. In FY20, vaccine exports accounted for 4.27% of total pharma exports.</li>
<li>Its manufacturing skill is evident from the fact that about 70% WHO vaccines and 90% of measles shots are sourced from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Adenovirus Vector Vaccine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In this vaccine, adenovirus is used as a tool to deliver genes or vaccine antigens to the target host tissue.</li>
<li>Adenoviruses (ADVs) are <strong>DNA viruses</strong> ranging from 70-90 nanometre in size, which induce many illnesses in humans like cold, respiratory infection etc.</li>
<li>Adenoviruses are preferred for vaccines because their DNA is <strong>double stranded</strong> which makes them <strong>genetically more stable</strong> and the chances of them changing after injection are lower.</li>
<li>However, there are drawbacks of adenovirus vector vaccines like <strong>pre-existing immunity in humans and inflammatory responses</strong> which may make vaccines less effective.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>CDSCO,</strong> under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, is the <strong>National Regulatory Authority</strong> (NRA) of India.</li>
<li>Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, CDSCO is responsible for<strong> approval of Drugs, Conduct of Clinical Trials, laying down the standards for Drugs, control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations by providing expert advice.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/russia-inks-pact-to-test-supply-sputnik-v-vaccine-to-india/article32624204.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/pact-for-sputnik-v-availability-in-india'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Djibouti Code of Conduct',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>India</strong> joined the <strong>Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC)</strong> as <strong>an observer</strong> as part of efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331585_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331585_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Djibouti Code of Conduct:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is also known as the <strong>Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships </strong>in the <strong>Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was adopted on <strong>29<sup>th</sup> January 2009.</strong></li>
<li>It was established under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Maritime Organization</a> (IMO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> Under the code, the signatories agreed to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships.</li>
<li><strong>Jeddah Amendment:</strong> An amendment to DCOC was made in <strong>2017</strong> to cover other illicit maritime activities, including human trafficking and illegal, <strong>unreported and unregulated fishing</strong> and to build national and regional capacity to address <strong>wider maritime security issues,</strong> as a basis for <strong>sustainable development of the maritime sector.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Signatories:</strong> It has been signed by<strong> 20 countries</strong> including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The member states are<strong> located in areas adjoining the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Africa</strong> and include island nations in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Observers: India, Japan, Norway, the UK and the USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331563_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331563_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of India Becoming an Observer</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Boosting its Indian Ocean Outreach:</strong> As India is strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean and nearby waters as part of its overall <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific policy</strong></a>, this move will help it in <strong>increasing its strategic footprints in Western and Eastern Indian Ocean besides Eastern African coastal states.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Blue Economy: <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blue economy</a></strong> is one of the key areas of the Jeddah Amendment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.</li>
<li>India has also focussed on the growth of the blue economy through its framework of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong></a> and DCOC may be another step in that direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-China:</strong> China&rsquo;s territorial claims in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/china-in-south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a>, its claim in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/senkaku-islands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East China Sea</strong> </a>and its rapid advance into the Indian Ocean through ambitious strategic and economic initiatives like the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>String of pearls</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt-and-Road Initiative</strong> </a>may pose a threat to india. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, China is modernising its military base at Djibouti.</li>
<li>Given India&rsquo;s stakes in Indian ocean and rising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-China conflicts</strong></a>, it is very significant for India to develop blue-water naval capabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India in Indo-Pacific</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shangrila Dialogue:</strong> India has internationally emphasized on including the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean in the concept of <strong>Indo-Pacific,</strong> like at Shangrila Dialogue in <strong>2018.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In accordance, it also set up an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-pacific-wing-in-mea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific division</strong></a> in the Ministry of External Affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Quad: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</a></strong> refers to an ad hoc group including Australia, India, Japan, and the USA with a shared objective to ensure and support a &ldquo;free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has signed reciprocal <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military logistics support agreements with Australia, USA and Japan</strong></a> to increase interoperability with the navies of those countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ASEAN:</strong> India has emphasized the centrality of ASEAN in its Indo-Pacific framework and India&rsquo;s<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Act East policy</strong></a> provides strategic direction to increase its cooperation with ASEAN members.</li>
<li><strong>SAGAR:</strong> The Indian government introduced the concept of SAGAR <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Security And Growth for All in the Region)</strong></a> in 2015 as its strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen <strong>economic and security cooperation</strong> with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their <strong>maritime security capabilities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s other policies impacting the maritime domain include <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-09th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Project Sagarmala</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-august-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Project Mausam</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong></a>, etc.</li>
<li>India has also begun to focus on its strategic partners in the <strong>Western Indian ocean.</strong> It has been accepted as an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>observer at Indian Ocean Commission.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331530_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600331530_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-joins-indian-ocean-grouping-against-piracy-as-observer/story-ki47pyuwxJeZhk4Wzbxr9O.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HT</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/djibouti-code-of-conduct'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Indian scientists from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-eels#:~:text=The%20Zoological%20Survey%20of%20India%20(ZSI)%2C%20a%20subordinate%20organization,faunal%20diversity%20of%20the%20country." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zoological Survey of India</strong></a>, <strong>Pune</strong> have reported a first-of-its-kind discovery of <strong>morphological phenotypic plasticity</strong> (MPP) in the <strong>Kalinga cricket frog.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600329474_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600329474_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Kalinga Cricket Frog:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Fejervarya kalinga.</li>
<li>It is a recently identified species which was documented in 2018.</li>
<li>It was <strong>thought to be endemic only to the higher-elevation hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats</strong> in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>Cricket frogs are <strong>indicators of a healthy ecosystem</strong> and live in <strong>wide habitat ranges</strong> in agricultural fields, streams, swamps and wetlands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Latest Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>reported from the central Western Ghats,</strong> with the evidence of considerable MPP.</li>
<li>Its physical characteristics are<strong> entirely different from the other known <em>Fejervaraya/Minervarya</em> species from the Western Ghats.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fejervarya is a genera of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae found in Asia.</li>
<li>Minervarya is a genus of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was the <strong>only genetic analysis that helped prove that physically different-looking frogs from eastern and western ghats were the same.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Morphological character utility (identification of structural features) is not enough to identify a species and its taxonomic (related to classification of organisms) uncertainties. Utility of genetic data and DNA barcoding tools help in resolving these.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phenotypic plasticity</strong> is the ability of an organism to change in response to stimuli or inputs from the environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The term <strong>"phenotype"</strong> refers to the <strong>observable physical properties</strong> of an organism, which include the organism's appearance, development, and behavior.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The response may or may not be adaptive, and it may involve a change in morphology (MPP), physiological state, or behavior, or some combination of these, at any level of organisation, the phenotype being all of the characteristics of an organism other than its genes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MPP</strong> is the ability of an organism to show <strong>drastic morphological</strong> (physical features) <strong>variations in response to natural environmental variations or stimuli.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is also known as <strong>phenotypic responsiveness, flexibility, </strong>and <strong>condition sensitivity.</strong></li>
<li>Frogs are known to exhibit varied reproductive behaviours by adopting different modes and strategies for successful survival.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differences in Morphological Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are contrasting morphometric <strong>differences in terms of head shape and size, fingers and toe sizes</strong> between the Kalinga frogs from eastern and western ghats.</li>
<li>The Kalinga frog is a <strong>semi-aquatic frog that actively breeds in the monsoon.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Western Ghats are more influenced by the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>southwest monsoon</strong></a>, while the Eastern Ghats are influenced by the northeast monsoon, impacting the breeding seasons of the frogs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The behavioural studies of many anuran (frog or toad) species will <strong>help in generating information on the selection of breeding sites, courtship patterns and ecological adaptations.</strong></li>
<li>The information will not only help to <strong>trace the distribution of these species along the peninsular region</strong> of India but could also be used to <strong>evaluate the possible links with other species</strong> that were found in the Northeast region.</li>
<li>In this era of &lsquo;mass extinction of smaller vertebrates&rsquo; and &lsquo;rapid climate change&rsquo; scenarios, the report is a <strong>first-of-its-kind in Indian amphibian research history.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Research Needed:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study also emphasises that there is an <strong>urgent need to address or solve problems related to taxonomic uncertainties.</strong></li>
<li>Researchers are <strong>trying to understand the possibilities of this split between two populations due to the Deccan Trap formation</strong> (volcanic/igneous region).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Usually, such kind of habitat expansion</strong> requires more nuclear gene divergence.</li>
<li>The currently found differences are not due to just a habitat expansion because there is very less genetic divergence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Another important question is <strong>how this little genetic divergence is leading to such contrasting morphological adaptations</strong> in these two <strong>biogeographic zones,</strong> the Western and Eastern Ghats.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biogeographic zones are the large distinctive units of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, there is a need for more research on the <strong>isolation of these two populations due to climate change.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Western and Eastern Ghats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are the two different biogeographic zones, with unique histories.</li>
<li>While the <strong>Western Ghats are considered as a biodiversity hotspot,</strong> that is<strong> not the case with the Eastern Ghats</strong>.</li>
<li>The <strong>Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats</strong> and have a <strong>complex geologic history</strong> related to the assembly and breakup of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia and the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.</li>
<li>Both landscapes have unique ecosystems, with special microclimates and microhabitats that support a great number of diversities including amphibians.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/morphological-phenotypic-plasticity-in-kalinga-frog'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Need for Balanced Loan Restructuring Scheme: RBI Governor',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) governor has called for a balanced loan restructuring scheme to tackle the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> related stress.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> financial stability of the banking sector</strong> needs to be kept in mind while providing loan restructuring along with <strong>depositors' interest.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are crores of depositors (small depositors, middle-class people, retired persons) who depend on deposit income while borrowers are only in lakhs.</li>
<li>The<strong> loan restructuring</strong> includes<strong> altering the terms of existing loans,</strong> usually to make them more favorable to the borrower. For example, the lender may restructure a loan to receive a <strong>lower interest rate or monthly payment.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Restructured loans are most common if the borrower states that he/she can no longer afford payments under the old terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The governor does not want a repeat of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Non-Performing Asset</strong> </a>(NPA) surge that happened after 2014 with loan restructuring. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>economic measures</strong> taken by the RBI in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-09, led to a surge in bad loans from 2014-15.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The idea behind loan restructuring was<strong> to protect viable businesses</strong> that are facing genuine cash flow problems. The revival of business <strong>will ensure NPA levels are kept low</strong> and also ensure quick economic recovery.</li>
<li>However, the governor cautioned that the economic recovery would be gradual, as the upticks in some sectors appear to be levelling off as <strong>efforts towards reopening of the economy are confronted with rising infections.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Monetary Policy report</strong></a>, RBI has allowed banks to restructure loans to reduce the rising stress on incomes and balance sheets of large corporates, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as individuals.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A large number of firms that otherwise maintain a good track record are facing the challenge as their debt burden is becoming disproportionate, relative to their cash flow generation abilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The RBI set up a committee headed by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/k-v-kamath-committee-on-restructuring-of-loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>K.V. Kamath</strong></a> on restructuring of loans impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The committee was tasked to recommend parameters for one-time restructuring of corporate loans.</li>
<li>The committee recommended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/resolution-plan-by-rbi-for-covid-19-stressed-assets" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>five fi&shy;nan&shy;cial ra&shy;tios and sec&shy;tor-spe&shy;cific thresh&shy;olds</strong></a> for res&shy;o&shy;lu&shy;tion of Covid-19 re&shy;lated stressed as&shy;sets in 26 sec&shy;tors.</li>
<li>It also specified that restructured loan tenure cannot be extended beyond two years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The major criticism of the <strong>restructuring scheme</strong> is the select 26 sectors identified by the<strong> K V. Kamath committee.</strong> However, there are many other sectors that are eligible for a restructuring scheme.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 26 sec&shy;tors in&shy;clude au&shy;to&shy;mo&shy;biles, power, tourism, ce&shy;ment, chem&shy;i&shy;cals, gems and jew&shy;ellery, lo&shy;gis&shy;tics, min&shy;ing, man&shy;u&shy;fac&shy;tur&shy;ing, real es&shy;tate, and ship&shy;ping among oth&shy;ers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As per the RBI, <strong>only those borrowers</strong> which were classified as standard and with arrears less than 30 days as at 1<sup>st</sup> March 2020 are eligible for restructuring.</li>
<li>The <strong>two year period is also very short for economic recovery.</strong> Given the GDP contraction and no second economic stimulus by the government in sight, the recovery will take longer than two years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In May 2020, the government announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> (or Self-reliant India Mission)&rsquo; with an economic stimulus package &mdash; worth Rs. 20 lakh crores aimed towards achieving the mission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The loan restructuring must be a temporary step as continuing it for long may lead to an <strong>inflation surge, currency crisis, and financial instability.</strong> It is important that post-Covid-19, regulatory measures are rolled out in a very careful and orderly manner and the financial sector returns to normal functioning <strong>without relying on the regulatory relaxations as the new norm.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/rbi-rules-out-relaxation-in-loan-recast-must-protect-investors-6599078/" 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/need-for-balanced-loan-restructuring-scheme-rbi-governor'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Merging Local with Global',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryh7oLjPPt0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>The Prime Minister of India recently said that 1.3 billion people of India have embarked upon one mission to create Atmanirbhar Bharat which seeks to merge local with the global and ensure that the country has strengths as a global force multiplier.</p>
<p>The Prime Minister of India in his special keynote address at the third leadership summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum emphasised that &ldquo;Time and again India has shown that our goal is a global good&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Pitching India as the best investment destination worldwide the Prime Minister said that the country's political stability and policy continuity makes it the best place for global investors looking for attractive business opportunities during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COVID-19</strong></a> pandemic crisis.</p>
<h3>Opportunity in Crisis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Worldwide investors are looking for new destinations to do business and not be dependent on only one country like China for manufacturing.</li>
<li>The industrialists around the world are looking for diversifying supply chains. There is an opportunity for India to build its capability and attract foreign Investments.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s strength is a large market with a strong domestic consumer base, young demography and capable manpower which would be able to absorb high technology and work ethics.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s workforce is among the youngest in the world and it is a major destination for a cheap labour force.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Finance:</strong> Indian banks mostly offer loans for 5 years or for 10 years but we don't have the facility of loans for long periods like 30 years as offered by banks of other countries and similarly there is need for more long term bonds for raising finance for infrastructure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is also the issue of high cost of finance in India, it is much higher than the global interest rates,</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Policy level challenges:</strong> There has to be parity in efforts from the central government to the grassroot implementation agency of district administrations there should be streamlining of efforts and the whole system should be on the same page.</li>
<li><strong>Transportation:</strong> The average speed in China is about 100 km/hour. In India, it is about 60 km/hour. Also, the Indian railways are overloaded and the Indian ports have outperformed a lot of Asian nations.</li>
<li><strong>Electricity:</strong> Cost of electricity for industry is high in India because of cross subsidisation. The consumer tariff is lower than the industrial tariffs. All over the world the industry traffic is lower than consumer tariff to Foster industrialisation.</li>
<li><strong>Land:</strong> India is one of the most land-scarce countries in the world, and demand for land has accelerated with the increase in the pace of industrialization and urbanization. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lack of adequate land reforms, distortions in land markets slow the pace of industrial growth and impede investment in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vietnam and Bangladesh vs.India in attracting investments</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In Bangladesh and Vietnam there was almost absence of local manufacturers who could object or have concerns over foreign investors being their competitors.</li>
<li>Whereas India has some domestic industry in almost all the sectors whose interests have to be secured by taking measures such as imposing duties to enable them to survive by saving them from fierce foreign competitors.</li>
<li>In addition these countries could implement the major labour reforms, provide cheap labour, adequate and cheap electricity and infrastructure for the investors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tax simplification:</strong> Along with the ease of doing business there should also be the ease of running business. The taxes should be more simplified and the changes in policy should accommodate and facilitate changes viable for industrialisation.</li>
<li><strong>Rationalising Bureaucracy:</strong> To improve the attitude of Civil servants to facilitate rather than hinder the industrialisation by domestic and foreign entities.<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-karmayogi-for-civil-servants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Mission karmyogi</strong> </a>is an important step to rationalise bureaucracy across the country and in upgrading their skills.</li>
<li><strong>Industrial parks:</strong> Setting up of industrial parks can be one of the best options like technological parks setup with good infrastructure so that they can get all the clearances in advance. These parks could be reserved for certain kinds of industries themed like textiles, automobiles, IT parks etc.</li>
<li><strong>Creating synergy among stakeholders:</strong> Attracting Investments India is imperative because India needs to create 12 million jobs per year, the centre can only give the visions but the implementation has to be done by all the agencies like administration, the existing corporate sector, the Banking system, supply chains and even society as a whole.</li>
<li><strong>Innovation in land use:</strong> Rather than land acquisition other land management methods like leasing out on government guarantee and reserving land exclusively for industrial use can be tried and tested and scaled up accordingly.</li>
<li><strong>Smart policy regulation:</strong> Government policies can be used effectively like in industry where we are dependent on imports. For example: To enhance solar panel manufacturing in India, the government could announce that for the next few years it is going to procure solar equipment which undergoes value addition in India and which are not under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-usa-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation procurement agreement.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore smart regulation is important like success in pharmaceuticals and automobile industry have been the result of facilitative government policy where the government gave incentives for these industries to grow.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mission Karmyogi</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is aimed at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India.</li>
<li>It aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, imaginative, proactive, innovative, progressive, professional, energetic, transparent, and technology-enabled.</li>
<li>Comprehensive reform of the capacity building apparatus at the individual, institutional and process levels for efficient public service delivery.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Along with <strong>ease of doing business,</strong> India needs to ease the cost of doing business. The issues need to achieve this should be addressed like that of high cost of finance, high cost of land cost and production in order to attract more investment from abroad.</li>
<li>India needs more innovative ideas in managing land and finance and coordination between states and centre also needs to be more streamlined.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-merging-local-with-global'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/the-best-way-to-vaccinate-most-indians-in-the-least-time-11600100665869.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The best way to vaccinate most Indians in the least time&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The LiveMint on 14/09//2020. It talks about government policy for Covid-19 vaccine distribution.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, due to some unintended results, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d#:~:text=Recently%2C%20India%20has%20started%20phase,and%20immunogenicity%20of%20the%20vaccine." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 vaccine</strong></a> trial has been paused. Such a step can increase people&rsquo;s faith in the safety procedures involved in vaccine development. As Covid cases rise with increasing economic activity, the only way forward for India is to formulate a sensible acquisition and pricing policy for a coronavirus vaccine, when it becomes available.</p>
<p>As the private sector is leading the research for Covid-19 vaccine, the role and independence of vaccine manufacturers and free-market become very crucial. However, being a welfare state, while ensuring adequate profit to private researchers/developers, the Indian government needs to frame a policy that ensures the fastest delivery of a vaccine for the largest number of people.</p>
<p>Thus, the government needs a policy which can ensure both acquisition of vaccines for poor people and pricing strategies so that the private sector remains motivated to deliver safe and effective vaccines.</p>
<h3>Present Scenario For Development of Vaccine</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Covid-19 pandemic has created a very large market for the vaccine, and the incentives of vaccine developers are well-aligned with society at large.</li>
<li>Indian manufacturers, frontrunners at mass-producing vaccines, have struck deals with most vaccine developers and global pharmaceutical companies. This places India in a unique position to get early access to a vaccine.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Vaccine Distribution</h3>
<p>Utilization of Covid-19 vaccine will be influenced by three factors or<strong> three Cs (Convenience, Complacency, Confidence)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Convenience:</strong> It implies the physical proximity or availability of vaccination to the masses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A recent Lancet study pointed out, some wealthy nations have secured more than 2 billion doses of potential future Covid-19 vaccines using advance purchase agreements. This would certainly create a scarcity for developing countries like India.</li>
<li>Further, distributing the vaccine across India will need a sophisticated cold chain system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Complacency:</strong> With respect to diseases, a lot of people tend to think that their personal risk is low.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Optimism bias,"</strong> as it is called, makes vaccination seem unnecessary to them. However, this behaviour can prove fatal in battling a pandemic like Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confidence:</strong> Public trust in the efficacy and safety of the vaccine is crucial whenever a new vaccine is launched.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Working for Availability of Vaccine:</strong> Once a safe and effective vaccine is available, it should be a high priority to ensure that it is easy for everyone to have access to it. In this pursuit:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should consider joining the <strong>COVAX platform</strong> (Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access advance purchase agreement). It offers a diversified portfolio of vaccines to all participating countries.</li>
<li>Collaboration with the private sector will also help, in this direction the government is already working with pharmaceutical companies like the Serum Institute of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Market Pricing Along with Direct Benefit Transfer:</strong> This would mean lower immediate cost of rollout (due to competition and high demand) and targeted subsidy to the needy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this, vaccines for the poor should be paid for by the government at cost and a free market for the vaccine should operate for those who can afford it.</li>
<li>As any vaccinated person, rich or poor, will inadvertently protect others. Even if the rich get vaccinated first by buying it at a market price, this will ease the burden on the medical system and high prices will also incentivize greater supply of vaccines swiftly to locations where they are most in demand.</li>
<li>Further, the government by paying for the vaccine doses will ensure India doesn&rsquo;t destroy its own long-term private vaccine production capacity and is promoted as a pharmaceutical hub in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launching an Awareness Campaign:</strong> Government should launch a massive awareness campaign highlighting the flaw in optimism bias in some sections of society. It can also help to emphasize that vaccination protects not only those who get vaccinated but also others whom they might otherwise infect.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Covid-19 vaccine is certainly a social good but its development largely depends on the hands of the private sector. Therefore, the government must cautiously frame vaccine distribution policy to ensure the greatest good to the greatest number.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600258315_image9.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600258315_image9.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="600" height="1333" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5ffe0;">
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Any Covid-19 vaccine development will be influenced by mainly three factors Convenience, Complacency and Confidence. Comment</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6d3ix86Sw-c" 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/the-second-chair-the-hindu-editorial-on-lok-sabha-deputy-speaker/article32594798.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The second chair: On Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on September 14<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/covid-19-vaccine-distribution'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Phosphine on Venus: A Sign of Life',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Scientists have detected the presence of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The detection indicates the possibility of the presence of lifeforms on Venus.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The international scientific team first spotted the phosphine using the <strong>James Clerk Maxwell Telescope</strong> (JCMT) <strong>in Hawaii</strong> and confirmed it using the<strong> Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array</strong> (ALMA) radio telescope in <strong>Chile.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>JCMT is the largest astronomical telescope in the world designed specifically to operate in the submillimetre wavelength region of the spectrum.</li>
<li>ALMA is currently the largest radio telescope in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The researchers <strong>did not discover actual life forms,</strong> but noted that, on Earth, phosphine is produced by bacteria thriving in oxygen-starved environments.</li>
<li><strong>Biosignatures:</strong>&nbsp;Scientists have used probes and telescopes to seek <strong>&ldquo;biosignatures&rdquo; - indirect signs of life -</strong> on other planets and moons in the solar system and beyond.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phosphine</strong> was seen at <strong>20 parts-per-billion</strong> in the <strong>Venus atmosphere</strong> which is a trace concentration. However,&nbsp;Venus&nbsp;is considered to be <strong>hostile to phosphine </strong>as its surface and atmosphere are<strong> rich in oxygen compounds</strong> that would rapidly react with and destroy phosphine.</li>
<li>Phosphine acts as a biosignature because it is known to be produced <strong>mainly through biological processes,</strong> and not through any naturally occurring chemical process.</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier in 2011, the <strong>European Space Agency&rsquo;s mission, Venus Express</strong>, found signs of ozone, a biomarker, in the upper atmosphere of Venus.</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Acid Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists have suspected that the <strong>Venusian high clouds,</strong> with <strong>mild temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit,</strong> could harbour aerial microbes that could endure extreme acidity.</li>
<li>These clouds are around <strong>90% sulphuric acid</strong> and Earth microbes could not survive that acidity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Phosphine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Phosphine</strong> is a<strong> phosphorus atom with three hydrogen atoms attached</strong> <strong>(PH<sub>3</sub>)</strong> &ndash; is <strong>highly toxic</strong> to people.</li>
<li>On rocky planets such as Venus and Earth, phosphine can only be made by life&mdash;whether human or microbe.<strong></strong></li>
<li>Phosphine is made naturally by some species of <strong>anaerobic bacteria&mdash;</strong>organisms that live in the oxygen-starved environments of landfills, marshlands, and even <strong>animal guts.</strong><strong></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To produce phosphine, <strong>Earth bacteria take up phosphate from minerals</strong> or biological material and add hydrogen.<strong></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Phosphine also arises non-biologically in certain industrial settings.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Used as a <strong>chemical weapon during World War I.</strong></li>
<li>Phosphine is still manufactured as an <strong>agricultural fumigant,</strong> is used in the semiconductor industry, and is a by-product of <strong>meth labs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Venus</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Venus is Earth&rsquo;s<strong> closest</strong> planetary neighbour. It is also known as <strong>earth's twin.</strong></li>
<li>Similar in structure but <strong>slightly smaller than Earth,</strong> it is the<strong> second planet from the sun.</strong></li>
<li>Early science observations of Venus revealed that it is a menace of a world that could kill life in multiple ways. Venus is wrapped in a <strong>thick and toxic</strong> atmosphere that traps in heat.</li>
<li><strong>High Temperature:</strong> Surface temperatures reach a scorching 880 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt lead.&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: 400;">It is the hottest planet in the solar system.</span></li>
<li><strong>High Pressure:</strong> Highly dense, 65 miles of cloud and haze, puts atmospheric pressure more than 90 times what&rsquo;s felt on Earth&rsquo;s surface.</li>
<li>Also, the planet&rsquo;s atmosphere is<strong> primarily suffocating carbon dioxide</strong> and sulfuric acid clouds.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The finding can further<strong> ignite interest in space missions to Venus.</strong> Missions to Venus are not new. Spacecraft have been going near the planet since the 1960s, and some of them have even made a landing.</li>
<li>All future missions to Venus would now be attuned to investigating further evidence of the presence of life. <span style="font-weight: 400;">This can now only be taken further by making in situ measurements in the atmosphere of Venus. This poses its own challenges. Apart from the high surface temperature and dense atmosphere, the presence of sulphuric acid in the atmosphere of Venus makes it a highly corrosive environment.&nbsp;</span>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also planning a mission to Venus, tentatively called <strong>Shukrayaan,</strong> in the near future.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/reading-life-signature-on-venus-phosphine-gas-6596355/" 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/phosphine-on-venus-a-sign-of-life'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Stamp on India’s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Customized My Stamp on<strong> India&rsquo;s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)</strong> launch was released by the Department of Posts on the occasion of <strong>Engineers Day.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Engineers Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>15<sup>th</sup> September is observed as Engineer&rsquo;s Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of <strong>Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya</strong> (1861-1962), a civil engineer and statesman.</li>
<li>He was a pioneer in his field, credited for inventing the <strong>Block System for dams &ndash;</strong> the automated doors shut during an overflow.</li>
<li>He was appointed <strong>Chief Engineer of Mysore State</strong> in 1909, given the status of <strong>Diwan of Mysore</strong> in 1912, awarded the <strong>Bharat Ratna</strong> in 1955.</li>
<li>His books,<strong> &ldquo;Reconstructing India&rdquo;</strong> and <strong>&ldquo;Planned Economy of India&rdquo;</strong> were published in 1920 and 1934, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600250825_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600250825_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="450" height="300" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>My Stamp:</strong> It is the brand name for personalized sheets of Postage Stamps of India Post.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>&lsquo;My Stamp&rsquo; was first introduced in India during the<strong> World Philatelic Exhibition, &lsquo;INDIPEX-2011&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Customized My Stamp</strong> is a personalized sheet of Postage Stamps wherein the corporate, organizations and institutions can get their customized sheets printed from India Post.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A-SAT Missile</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an interceptor missile that destroys or jams satellites in space.</li>
<li><strong>Two types of A-SATs:</strong> Kinetic and Non-Kinetic A-SATs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kinetic A-SATs,</strong> like ballistic missiles physically strike an object in order to destroy it.</li>
<li><strong>Non-Kinetic A-SATs:</strong> A variety of nonphysical means can be used to disable or destroy a space object. These include frequency jamming, blinding lasers or cyberattacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mission Shakti</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted India&rsquo;s first Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile test<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mission-shakti-asat-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Mission Shakti&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was launched from<strong> Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island</strong> in Odisha on 27<sup>th</sup> March 2019.</li>
<li>The interceptor missile was a <strong>three-stage missile</strong> with <strong>two solid rocket boosters.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Significance:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>entire effort was indigenous</strong> which demonstrated the Nation&rsquo;s capability to develop such complex and critical missions.</li>
<li>With this success, India became the <strong>fourth nation</strong> in the world to possess such capability.</li>
<li>With the establishment of <strong>India as a space power,</strong> India will be accorded a place in any future international treaty that relates to the <strong>governance or usage of Space.</strong></li>
<li>In case of Pakistan, a terrestrial power, the use of nuclear arsenal can now come at a heavy cost.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As of now Pakistan presumes that the no first use doctrine of India gives it an advantage, but with the development of ASAT capabilities, India would be able to destroy an incoming Pakistani nuclear missile.</li>
<li>This will create a significant deterrence vis-a-vis the position of Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In case of China, which is a significant space power, counter-space capabilities of India will provide a critical balancing deterrent.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654607" 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/stamp-on-india-s-first-anti-satellite-missile-a-sat'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Re-measuring Mount Everest',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China and Nepal are soon expected to announce <strong>Mount Everest&rsquo;s latest official height.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2019, both countries agreed to re-measure the elevation of the world&rsquo;s highest mountain and announce the findings together.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249850_image7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249850_image7.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:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mount Everest (also called <strong>Sagarmatha in Nepal</strong>) is <strong>Earth&rsquo;s highest mountain</strong> above sea level, located in the <strong>Himalayas between China and Nepal</strong> with their borders running across its summit point.</li>
<li>Its<strong> current official elevation is 8,848m</strong> which places it more than 200m above the <strong>world&rsquo;s second-highest mountain, K2,</strong> which is <strong>8,611m</strong> tall and located in <strong>Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li>Mount Everest gets its English name from <strong>Sir George Everest,</strong> a colonial-era geographer who served as the <strong>Surveyor General of India</strong> in the mid-19<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li>It <strong>was first scaled in 1953</strong> by the <strong>Indian-Nepalese Tenzing Norgay</strong> and<strong> New Zealander Edmund Hillary.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>First Survey of Everest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>first effort was carried out in 1847</strong> by a team led by <strong>Andrew Waugh,</strong> Surveyor General of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The survey was based on<strong> trigonometric calculations</strong> and is known as the <strong>Great Trigonometric Survey of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The team discovered that<strong> &lsquo;Peak 15&rsquo;</strong> (as Mount Everest was referred to then) was the highest mountain, <strong>contrary to the then-prevailing belief that Mount Kanchenjunga</strong> (8,582m and the <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> highest</strong> peak in the world now) was the highest peak in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for Re-measurement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Everest&rsquo;s current official height has been <strong>widely accepted since 1956</strong> when the figure was measured by the<strong> Survey of India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the<strong> height of a summit changes due to tectonic activities</strong> like the 2015 Nepal earthquake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its measurement over the decades has also <strong>depended on who was surveying.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Previous measurements of the mountain were by<strong> Indian, American or European surveyors.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> joint effort represents national pride for Nepal</strong> which will come up with its own findings on the height.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Survey of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>National Survey and Mapping Organisation</strong> of the country under the <strong>Department of Science and Technology.</strong></li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1767</strong> and is the oldest scientific department of the Government of India.</li>
<li>Headquarters:<strong> Dehradun, Uttarakhand.</strong></li>
<li>It acts as an<strong> adviser to the Government of India on all survey matters,</strong> viz Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Mapping and Map Reproduction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Geodesy</strong> is the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space and gravity field.</li>
<li><strong>Photogrammetry</strong> is the science of making measurements from photographs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Himalayas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> The<strong> northward drift of the Indo-Australian plate</strong> resulted in its collision with the much larger <strong>Eurasian Plate.</strong> Due to which, the sedimentary rocks which were accumulated in the geosyncline known as the <strong>Tethys</strong> were <strong>folded to form the mountain system</strong> of western Asia and Himalaya.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Himalayas are<strong> geologically young and structurally folded mountains</strong> and represent the<strong> loftiest and one of the most rugged</strong> mountain barriers of the world.</li>
<li>They <strong>form an arc,</strong> which covers a distance of about <strong>2,400 km.</strong> Their <strong>width</strong> varies from<strong> 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Orientation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>general orientation</strong> of these ranges is from <strong>northwest to the southeast</strong> direction in the northwestern part of India.</li>
<li>Himalayas in the<strong> Darjeeling and Sikkim</strong> regions lie in an <strong>east west direction.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Arunachal Pradesh</strong> they are from<strong> southwest to the northwest</strong> direction.</li>
<li>In <strong>Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram,</strong> they are in the <strong>north south direction.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Himalayan mountains consist of <strong>three parallel ranges in longitudinal extent:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Great Himalaya or Himadri:</strong> It is the<strong> northernmost and the most continuous</strong> range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 m. World&rsquo;s highest peaks are located in it.</li>
<li><strong>Lesser Himalaya or Himachal:</strong> To the south of Himadri, it is the <strong>most rugged</strong> mountain system and is known as Himachal or lesser Himalaya. The altitude varies between 3,700 and 4,500 m. It is well known for its hill stations like Kashmir, Kangra and Kullu Valleys.</li>
<li><strong>Shiwalik:</strong> It is the southernmost range with an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 m. These ranges are<strong> composed of unconsolidated sediments</strong> brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges located farther north.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>large-scale regional variations</strong> within the Himalayas. On the<strong> basis of relief, alignment of ranges and other geomorphological features,</strong> the Himalayas can be <strong>divided into the following subdivisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kashmir or Northwestern Himalayas.</li>
<li>Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas.</li>
<li>Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas.</li>
<li>Arunachal Himalayas.</li>
<li>Eastern Hills and Mountains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-china-and-nepal-are-measuring-mt-everests-height-again-6597257/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Nepali%20Times,up%20with%20their%20own%20figure." 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/re-measuring-mount-everest'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Israel, UAE and Bahrain Abraham Accord',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Abraham Accord</strong> between<strong> Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain</strong> is mediated by the USA. It is the <strong>first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Previous Agreements:</strong> There were the <strong>only two peace deals</strong> between Israel and the Arab States in more than a quarter of a century.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Egypt was the first Arab State to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1979.</li>
<li>Jordan signed a peace pact in 1994.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain will establish:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Embassies and exchange ambassadors.</li>
<li>Working together with Israel across a range of sectors, including tourism, trade, healthcare and security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Abraham Accords also open the door for Muslims around the world to visit the historic sites in Israel and to peacefully pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the <strong>third holiest site in Islam.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the Islamic tradition,<strong> the Kaaba</strong> in <strong>Mecca</strong> is considered the holiest site, followed by <strong>the Prophet's Mosque</strong> in Medina, and <strong>Al-Aqsa Mosque</strong> in Jerusalem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Bringing Israel, the UAE and Bahrain together reflects their shared concern about <strong>Iran&rsquo;s rising influence</strong> in the region and development of ballistic missiles. Iran has been critical of both deals.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Arab-Israel Relation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since Israeli independence in 1948, it has fought several wars with Arab neighbouring countries.</li>
<li>The persecuted Jews saw Israel as their promised home while Arabs saw it as an occupation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of the Accord:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The agreement shows how the Arab countries are gradually <strong>decoupling themselves from the Palestine question.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Palestine was among former Ottoman territories placed under UK administration by the League of Nations in 1922. All of these territories eventually became fully independent States, except Palestine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Full diplomatic ties</strong> will be established between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which will have a positive impact on the entire region.</li>
<li>The deal buys UAE a lot of <strong>goodwill in the US,</strong> where its image has been tarnished by its involvement in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-in-yemen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Yemen war.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>In South Asia, it will put Pakistan in a bind,</strong> whether to follow UAE&rsquo;s steps (will be seen as giving up Islamic cause of Palestine) or not to follow the UAE (since it is already in feud with the Saudis over not taking up the Kashmir case, Pakistan cannot afford another hostile Islamic Country).</li>
<li>In the upcoming presidential election in the USA, the accord could help shore up support among pro-Israel Christian evangelical voters, an important part of current President&rsquo;s political base.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Deals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Other gulf states in the region like Oman could follow suit and sign similar agreements with Israel</li>
<li>One of the biggest Gulf Arab powers, Saudi Arabia could follow the suit as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Palestinians have not embraced the USA&rsquo;s vision. 86% of Palestinians believe the normalization agreement with the UAE serves only Israel&rsquo;s interests and not their own.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a possibility that the Palestine quest is further ignored.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Shia-Sunni rifts in the region may get wide and violent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and Iran (representing Shia) have a long history of enmity. For decades, one of the main sources of instability in West Asia has been the cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.</li>
<li>The Sunni-Shiite schism may also provoke violence between Muslims in such places as Pakistan, Nigeria and Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249390_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600249390_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="401" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Interest in West Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical:</strong> West Asia occupies an important position in international relations due to its geographical location and proximity to continents and countries South Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.</li>
<li><strong>Energy:</strong> The region is strategically significant due to its enormous energy resources, trade route links to different parts of the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the world's largest oil-producing region accounting for 34% of world production, 45% of crude oil exports and 48% of oil proven reserves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diaspora:</strong> Indian expatriates have constituted a substantial share of the regional labour market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Remittances from the region</strong> constitute a major chunk of total remittances to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opportunity for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Defence and Security:</strong> India should use this unexpected opportunity to give itself a <strong>bigger role</strong> in a region which is its strategic backyard. The first step should be to <strong>ramp up defence and security relations with UAE.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Israel is already a very close defence partner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While some work has already happened, India should <strong>leverage its economy for a bigger opening in this region.</strong> Importantly, India can use its good offices to ensure that any future deal on a regional security framework gives adequate space to Iran, which may be weak but not so weak that it cannot be a hugely disruptive power if it so chooses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A balance between Shia and Sunni, between Persian and Arab, is key to any sustainable peace.</li>
<li>The US may be a pre-eminent power in the Middle East, but Russia has made a space for itself, spending a lot less money. In recent years, China has indicated its willingness to play a larger role in this region, and is close to both UAE and Israel and, increasingly, Saudi Arabia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should make its moves before this market and this extended neighbourhood come under the Chinese sphere of influence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A deal that could, if played right, open the doors for a changed geopolitical arrangement in the Middle East should have a stronger Indian footprint.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-uae-and-bahrain-sign-abraham-accord-trump-says-dawn-of-new-middle-east/article32616867.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/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Phytoplankton Biomass in Bay of Bengal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>A team of scientists from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services</strong> </a><strong>(INCOIS)</strong> have discovered <strong>a way to measure the quantity of chlorophyll-a</strong> that indicates abundance of <strong>phytoplanktons</strong> in the Bay of Bengal in real-time.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248634_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248634_image5.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Phytoplanktons:</strong> They are tiny microscopic floating plants found in water bodies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Study of phytoplankton biomass is done by analyzing <strong>chlorophyll-a,</strong> a dominant pigment found in phytoplankton cells.</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Phytoplanktons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They contribute more than half of the <strong>oxygen</strong> in the environment.</li>
<li>They <strong>reduce global warming</strong> by absorbing human-induced carbon dioxide.</li>
<li>They also serve as the base of the <strong>ocean food chain.</strong></li>
<li>They are important <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dragonfly-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bioindicators</strong></a> regulating life in oceans. Their abundance determines the overall health of the ocean ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Study:</strong> The scientists closely tracked <strong>the long-term trends of chlorophyll-a in the northwestern Bay of Bengal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was based on <strong>in-situ and satellite data</strong> spanning over the last 16 years, from January 2003 to December 2018.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Aeronautics and Space Administration</a> (NASA)&rsquo;s MODIS <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosol-levels-hit-20-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)</a>, NASA&rsquo;s VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) sensor</strong> and <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</a>&rsquo;s OCM-2 (Ocean Colour Monitor-2)</strong> were used for satellite data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> There were<strong> two peaks of chlorophyll-a &mdash;</strong> the primary peak occurred during the<strong> pre-southwest <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monsoon</a></strong> due to the recurrent phytoplankton bloom in the coastal water and the secondary peak occurred during the <strong>end of the southwest monsoon,</strong> spreading to far offshore areas.</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> Along with<strong> increase in phytoplanktons,</strong> other reasons for peak in chlorophyll-a may be <strong>physical forces</strong> such as upwelling, wind-induced vertical mixing, convective overturn and <strong>chemicals</strong> from various sources including river runoff.</li>
<li><strong>Conclusions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Nutrients and More Phytoplanktons:</strong> It reveals that the study area experienced <strong>maximum spatial variability during pre-southwest monsoon with salinity, and nutrients,</strong> the major controlling factors for the abundance and distribution of phytoplankton.</li>
<li><strong>Chances of Eutrophication:</strong> Increase in nutrients could tell an overall improved health status of the ecosystems as a whole; at the same time excessive phytoplanktons could be detrimental to ocean health because of eutrophication. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eutrophication:</strong> When a water body becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients which induce excessive growth of algae or<strong> algal bloom.</strong></li>
<li>This process also results in oxygen depletion of the water body affecting other aquatic animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chlorophyll<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248669_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248669_image2.jpg" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chlorophyll is the major pigment used by plants for <strong>photosynthesis,</strong> the process by which<strong> light energy is converted to chemical energy</strong> through the synthesis of organic compounds.</li>
<li>The word chlorophyll comes from two Greek words; Chloros which means green and phyllon which means leaf.</li>
<li>There are<strong> four types</strong> of chlorophyll: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Chlorophyll a,</strong> found in all <strong>higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll b,</strong> found in <strong>higher plants</strong> and <strong>green algae.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll c,</strong> found in <strong>diatoms, dinoflagellates and brown algae;</strong> and</li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll d,</strong> found only in<strong> red algae.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This kind of information on marine environmental parameters is now becoming increasingly important as they serve as a basis for monitoring climate change, river discharge, and the impact of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/marine-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pollution in the ocean.</strong> </a></li>
<li>The phytoplankton is largely dependent on<strong> light, temperature and nutrients.</strong> It is therefore, continuous monitoring of the ocean ecosystem is the need of the hour to devise <strong>mitigation systems to encounter disruption caused by algal bloom</strong> because of excessive phytoplankton enrichment in the coastal water.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/new-study-helps-monitor-trends-in-phytoplankton-biomass-in-bay-of-bengal-73377" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phytoplankton-biomass-in-bay-of-bengal'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Parliamentary Committee Report on Startups',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance</strong> tabled a report related to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ranking-of-states-on-support-to-startup-ecosystems-dpiit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>startups</strong></a> in Parliament. The Government of India has initiated a <strong>Startup India Scheme</strong> in 2016.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian start-ups <strong>need to reduce their dependence on China and the USA,</strong> so that India becomes self-reliant by having several large domestic growth funds powered by domestic capital.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>E.g <strong>Small Industries Development Bank of India</strong> (SIDBI) <strong>Fund-of-Funds</strong> vehicle should be expanded and fully operationalised to play an investment role.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>fund-of-funds</strong> also known as a <strong>multi-manager investment&mdash;</strong>is a <strong>pooled investment fund</strong> that invests in other types of funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign development finance institutions</strong> may also be encouraged to <strong>participate</strong> with local asset management companies to set up fund-of-funds structures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> companies</strong> and Limited <strong>Liability Partnerships (LLPs)</strong> should be allowed to invest in start-ups without being classified as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-banking Financial Companies</strong> </a><strong>(NBFCs)</strong> by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) to expand capital sources for start-ups.</li>
<li><strong>Abo&shy;lition </strong>of<strong> Long Term Capital Gains</strong> (LTCG)<strong> tax</strong> on <strong>Collective Investment Vehicles (CIVs)</strong> for at least the <strong>next two years</strong> to encourage investment in start-ups and to drive a sharp post-pandemic revival. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At present, LTCG earned by foreign investors in private companies attracts taxation at a rate of 10%, in comparison to the domestic venture capital investments which are taxed at 20% (for LTCG) with an enhanced surcharge of 37%.</li>
<li>After a two-year period, the <strong>Securities Transaction Tax</strong> (STT) may be applied to CIVs so that revenue neutrality is maintained.</li>
<li>A <strong>CIV is any entity</strong> that allows investors to pool their money and invest the pooled funds, rather than buying securities directly as individuals. It is usually managed by a fund management company which is paid a fee for doing so.</li>
<li><strong>Examples of CIV: angel funds, alternate investment funds</strong> and investment LLP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> A strong start-up ecosystem can propel investment, jobs, and demand creation in the economy.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600244812_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600244812_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Startup India Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a flagship initiative of the Government of India,<strong> intended to catalyse startup culture</strong> and build a<strong> strong and inclusive ecosystem</strong> for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.</li>
<li>Since the <strong>launch of the initiative in 2016,</strong> Startup India has rolled out several programs with the objective of supporting entrepreneurs, and transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers.</li>
<li>A startup is an enterprise that is initiated by its founders around an idea or a problem with a potential for significant business opportunity and impact.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Securities Transaction Tax</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a tax levied at the time of purchase and sale of securities listed on stock exchanges in India.</li>
<li>Both purchaser and seller both need to pay 0.1% of share value as STT.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Capital Gain Tax</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any profit or gain that arises from the sale of a <strong>&lsquo;capital asset&rsquo;</strong> is a capital gain. This gain or profit comes under the category of &lsquo;income&rsquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Land, building, house property, vehicles, patents, trademarks, leasehold rights, machinery, and jewellery are a <strong>few examples of capital assets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hence, the <strong>capital gain tax</strong> will be required to be paid for that amount in the year in which the transfer of the capital asset takes place. This is called the capital gains tax, which can be both short-term or long-term.</li>
<li><strong>Long-term Capital Gains Tax:</strong> It is a levy on the profits from the sale of assets held for more than a year.</li>
<li><strong>Short-term Capital Gains Tax:</strong> It applies to assets held for a year or less and is taxed as ordinary income.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Small Industries Development Bank of India </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)</strong> was set up in 1990. It is a <strong>statutory body</strong> established under an<strong> Act of Parliament.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>acts as the principal financial institution</strong> for promotion, financing and development of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/going-beyond-the-credit-requirements-of-msmes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME)</strong> </a>sector as well as for coordination of functions of institutions engaged in similar activities.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/startups/indian-startups-should-cut-reliance-on-foreign-funding-sources-like-us-and-china-6597547/" 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/parliamentary-committee-report-on-startups'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Living Planet Report: WWF',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the <em>Living Planet Report 2020</em> released by the <strong>World Wide Fund for Nature,</strong> the population of vertebrate species has largely declined in the past half- century.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vertebrates :</strong> Vertebrates are animals that have <strong>backbones or vertebral columns.</strong> They are also characterized by a muscular system consisting primarily of bilaterally paired masses and a central nervous system partly enclosed within the backbone.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Wildlife Fund for Nature</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the world&rsquo;s <strong>leading conservation organization</strong> and works in more than 100 countries.</li>
<li>It was established in 1961 and is headquartered at Gland, Switzerland.</li>
<li>Its <strong>mission is to conserve nature</strong> and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.</li>
<li>WWF collaborates at every level with people around the world to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong> The Report used the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Living Planet Index</strong></a> to calculate the decline in vertebrate species.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Living Planet Index (LPI):</strong> It is a measure of the state of the world&rsquo;s biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.</li>
<li>It is released by<strong> Institute of Zoology (Zoological Society of London)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Founded in 1826, Zoological Society of London is an international conservation charity working for wildlife conservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>LPI tracked almost 21,000 populations of more than 4,000 vertebrate species between 1970 and 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It shows an average <strong>68% decline in global vertebrate species populations,</strong> between 1970 and 2016. In the Asia Pacific the decline stands at 45%.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A 94% decline in the LPI for the<strong> tropical subregions of the americas</strong> is the largest fall observed in any part of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Freshwater species populations</strong> have reduced by 84% on average since 1970.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Freshwater species populations are being lost faster than terrestrial or marine species. According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature</strong></a> <strong>(IUCN),</strong> almost 1/3<sup>rd</sup> of freshwater species are now threatened with extinction.</li>
<li>Wildlife populations in freshwater habitats suffered a decline of 84%, equivalent to 4% per year, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Megafauna,</strong> or bigger species in terms of size, are more vulnerable because they were subjected to intense anthropogenic threats and overexploitation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For eg. Large fishes are also heavily impacted by dam construction that blocks their migratory routes to spawning and feeding grounds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since 1970, our <strong>Ecological Footprint</strong> has exceeded the Earth&rsquo;s rate of regeneration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ecological Footprint measures the ecological assets that a given population requires <strong>to produce the natural resources it consumes</strong> (including plant-based food and fiber products, livestock and fish products, timber and other forest products, space for urban infrastructure) and to absorb its waste, especially carbon emissions.</li>
<li>The human enterprise currently demands <strong>1.56 times more than the amount that Earth can regenerate.</strong> It is like living off 1.56 Earths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats to Biodiversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Changes in Land and Sea Use, including Habitat Loss and Degradation:</strong> This refers to the modification of the environment where a species lives, by complete removal, fragmentation or reduction in quality of key habitat.</li>
<li><strong>Species Overexploitation:</strong> Direct overexploitation refers to unsustainable hunting and poaching or harvesting. Indirect overexploitation occurs when non-target species are killed unintentionally.</li>
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Pollution can directly affect a species by making the environment unsuitable for its survival. It can also affect a species indirectly, by affecting food availability or reproductive performance.</li>
<li><strong>Invasive Species and Disease:</strong> Invasive species can compete with native species for space, food and other resources, can turn out to be a predator for native species, or spread diseases that were not previously present in the environment. Humans also transport new diseases from one area of the globe to another.</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong> As temperatures change, some species will need to adapt by shifting their range to track a suitable climate. The effects of climate change on species are often indirect. For eg, change in <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>migratory patterns of birds.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Research shows the world could start to stabilize and reverse the loss of nature by embracing <strong>bolder, more ambitious conservation efforts</strong> as well as making transformational changes in the way food is produced and consumed, such as making food production and trade more efficient, reducing waste, and favouring healthier and more sustainable diets.</li>
<li>The report also underscores the need for a global <strong>New Deal for Nature and People</strong> with clear, ambitious goals, to see us on the path to recovery by 2030.</li>
<li>Diseases like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>are one of the many connections between the health of people and the planet. How humanity chooses to recover from the pandemic, and address the looming threats from global environmental change, will influence the health and livelihoods of generations to come.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/world-lost-68-vertebrates-in-1970-2016-wwf-73300" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-wwf'
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Mekedatu Project',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Karnataka government is likely to pressurise the Centre for approval of the construction of the <strong>Mekedatu Project on the Cauvery river.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mekedatu, meaning <strong>goat&rsquo;s leap,</strong> is a <strong>deep gorge</strong> situated at the <strong>confluence of the rivers <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/godavari-and-cauvery-river-interlinking-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery and its tributary Arkavathi.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Ontigondlu</strong> is the proposed reservoir site, situated at <strong>Ramanagara district in Karnataka</strong> about 100 km away from Bengaluru. It is the <strong>midst of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cauvery-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.</a></strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Rs. 9,000 crore</strong> project aims to <strong>store and supply water for drinking purposes</strong> for the Bengaluru city. Around <strong>400 megawatts (MW) of power is also proposed to be generated</strong> through the project.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600233664_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600233664_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The project was <strong>first approved by the Karnataka</strong> state government in<strong> 2017.</strong></li>
<li>It received <strong>approval from the erstwhile Ministry of Water Resources</strong> for the detailed project report and is <strong>awaiting approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> (MoEFCC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The approval from MoEFCC is crucial because <strong>63% of the forest area of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary will be submerged.</strong></li>
<li>5,051 hectares of forests would be submerged, including 3,181 hectares in the sanctuary and 1,870 hectares in the reserve forest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>4.75 thousand million cubic feet of water could be drawn</strong> from the reservoir to partially meet the drinking needs of Bengaluru.</li>
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu has approached the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a></strong> (SC) against the project even if Karnataka has held that it would not affect the flow of water to Tamil Nadu.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<strong> June 2020,</strong> during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karnataka-ordered-to-release-cauvery-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cauvery Water Management Authority&rsquo;s</strong></a> <strong>meeting,</strong> Tamil Nadu reiterated its opposition to the project.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Opposition by Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tamil Nadu is opposed to <strong>any project being proposed in the upper riparian</strong> unless it was approved by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li><strong>Karnataka has no right to construct</strong> any reservoir on an inter-state river <strong>without the consent of the lower riparian state</strong> i.e. Tamil Nadu in this case.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project is <strong>against the final order of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/inter-state-river-water-sharing-disputes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal</a></strong> (CWDT) in which the SC held that <strong>no state can claim exclusive ownership or assert rights to deprive other states of the waters of inter-state rivers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The CWDT and the SC have found that the <strong>existing storage facilities available in the Cauvery basin were adequate </strong>for storing and distributing water <strong>so Karnataka&rsquo;s proposal is ex-facie</strong> (on the face of it) <strong>untenable and should be rejected</strong> outright.</li>
<li>It has also held that the reservoir is not just for drinking water alone, but to increase the extent of irrigation, which is in <strong>clear violation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Award.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-to-seek-nod-for-mekedatu-project/article32604579.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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