Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

Financing the Fiscal Deficit

Why in News India, being one the hardest hit major economy due to Covid-19, faces the challenge of managing its fiscal deficit. Borrowing more...

12 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Autonomous Bodies

This editorial analysis is based on the article Autonomous bodies are crucial to the government’s functioning. Streamline them, which was...

11 Sep 2020 News Editorials
Global Innovation Index 2020

Why in News Recently, the Global Innovation Index 2020 was released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). India is at the 48th...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
SAROD-Ports: Dispute Resolution Mechanism

Why in News The Union Ministry of Shipping launched ‘SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports) through virtual...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Panel to Assess Impact of Waiving Loan Interest

Why in News Recently, the Union government has constituted an expert committee to measure the economic impact of waiving of interest and interest on...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Disposal of Cigarette Butts

Why in News Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to lay down guidelines pertaining to...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Paddy Stubble Use by PEDA

Why in News The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) in association with the Govt. of Punjab, is creating alternatives for paddy stubble...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
India-Japan Logistics Agreement

Why in News Recently, India and Japan signed a logistics agreement that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate closely in services and...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
PRS Capsule July 2020

Key Highlights of PRS Governance Code on Social Security Code on Wages Non-Personal Data Governance Social Justice National Education Policy...

11 Sep 2020 PRS Capsule
Low Ozone Over Brahmaputra River Valley

Why in News Recently, scientists at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital (Uttarakhand) have evaluated the...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Ease of Doing Business Rankings of the States: DPIIT

Why in News Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the 4th...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Cooperative Labour in Odisha Tribes

Why in News The concept of labour cooperatives is popular in almost all tribal communities in Odisha including the Dongria Kondh, Juanga, Lanjia...

11 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Impacts of Bt Cotton

This editorial analysis is based on the article The twisted trajectory of Bt cotton which was published in The Hindu on 10th of September 2020. It...

10 Sep 2020 News Editorials
UK Internal Market Bill, 2020

Why in News The new UK Internal Market Bill has run into controversy over its impact on talks with the European Union (EU) and on international...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Shikshak Parv

Why in News Shikshak Parv is being celebrated from 8th-25th September 2020 to felicitate the teachers and to take New Education Policy (NEP) 2020...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis
New FDI Policy in Defence Sector

Why in News Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the defence sector which allows the FDI through...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis
EASE 2.0 Banking Reforms Index

Why in News Recently, the EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) 2.0 Banking Reforms Index on performance of Public Sector Banks (PSB) from...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Typhoon Maysak and Typhoon Haishen

Why in News Recently, Korean Peninsula and Japan were hit by two typhoons named Maysak and Haishen. Typhoons Typhoons are a kind of storm. The...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenge

Why in News The Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenge (ANIC) Program, launched by the government, is a national initiative to promote...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Indo-Pacific Trilateral Dialogue

Why in News Recently, India, Australia and France held a dialogue for the first time under a trilateral framework. The three sides have agreed to...

10 Sep 2020 News Analysis

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 2 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Financing the Fiscal Deficit',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India, being one the hardest hit major economy due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, faces the challenge of managing its fiscal deficit.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Borrowing more and monetizing the deficit</strong> are the options being considered by the government and <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 (RBI)</strong></a> to finance the fiscal deficit.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>State of Indian Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the official data, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Centre&rsquo;s fiscal deficit</strong> </a>for the first three months of fiscal 2020-21 (April-June) was Rs. 6.62 lakh crore, which is 83% of the budgeted target for the whole year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the economists, the fiscal deficit may end up as high as 8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far exceeding the budget&rsquo;s goal of 3.5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-contracted-by-23-9-in-first-quarter" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GDP contracted by 23.9% in the first</strong></a> (April-June) quarter of 2020 compared to the same period (April-June) in 2019.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-manufacturing-pmi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>manufacturing sector is also contracting,</strong></a> as per the recent IHS Markit India Manufacturing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/purchasing-manager-s-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI).</strong></a></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-core-sector-industries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>output of eight core industries</strong> </a>contracted for the <strong>fourth consecutive month - shrinking by 15%</strong> in June 2020.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-stability-report-rbi-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Stability Report</strong></a> from RBI also shows an increase in bad loans and Non-Performing Assets (NPA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Methods of Bridging the Fiscal Deficit</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Borrowing from the market:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has already raised its gross market borrowing target for the current financial year by<strong> more than 50%,</strong> owing to the pandemic.</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantage: </strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>High Debt:</strong> An increased <strong>borrowing</strong> programme means that the public <strong>debt</strong> will go up.</li>
<li><strong>Higher Interest Rates:</strong> Higher borrowing can <strong>push up interest rates</strong> because markets are nervous about the government's ability to repay.</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Taxes:</strong> It may also necessitate an increase in taxes. This may burden the common people and also lead to less spending and saving by the public, leading to a stalled market.</li>
<li><strong>Crowding out:</strong> When the government borrows from the private sector by selling bonds, the private sector is left with less money to spend and invest. Therefore, although government spending increases, private sector spending falls.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monetisation of the Deficit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Monetising deficit means RBI purchases government bonds in the primary market and <strong>prints more money to finance the debt.</strong></li>
<li>This is resorted to only when the government <strong>cannot borrow from the market</strong> (Banks and other Financial Institutions like LIC).</li>
<li>The money printed by the RBI is called <strong>high powered money or reserve money or monetary base.</strong></li>
<li>RBI also conducts <strong>indirect monetization of deficit</strong> through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-twist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Open Market Operations (OMOs).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>OMOs are market operations conducted by RBI by way of <strong>sale/purchase of government securities to/from the market</strong> with an objective to <strong>adjust the rupee liquidity conditions</strong> in the market on a durable basis.</li>
<li>Recently, RBI <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>decided to infuse Rs. 10,000 crore liquidity in the banking system</strong></a> by buying government securities through OMOs.</li>
<li>Purchase of Government securities by the RBI helps in increasing the supply of the money in the market and with banks. It helps to stabilize the market economy and generates credibility in the investors.</li>
<li>It is different from monetization as it is controlled by RBI instead of the government as it is not as inflationary as deficit monetization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has <strong>helped in the economic development</strong> of India as our domestic savings were less than 9% of GDP and the capacity to raise loans was also limited during the early 1950s, constraining the welfare activities of the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantages:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Deficit financing is <strong>inflationary</strong> and is bad for the health of the central bank.</li>
<li>It may<strong> push up interest rates</strong> and thus make it even more difficult for the government to service the loan.</li>
<li>It also poses threat to the<strong> financial stability</strong> of the economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>FRBM and Monetizing Deficits</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Monetisation of deficit was in practice in India till 1997, whereby the central bank automatically monetised government deficit through the issuance of ad-hoc<strong> treasury bills.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Two agreements were signed between the government and RBI in 1994 and 1997</strong> to completely phase out funding through ad-hoc treasury bills.</li>
<li>With the enactment of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/government-budgeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management</a> (FRBM) Act, 2003,</strong> it was totally barred.</li>
<li>However, the FRBM Act Amendment, 2018 contains an escape clause which permits monetisation of the deficit under special circumstances. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Escape clause</strong> generally refers to a contract provision that specifies the conditions under which a party can be freed from an obligation.</li>
<li>Escape clauses provide <strong>flexibility to governments to overshoot fiscal deficit targets</strong> in times of need, enabling them to respond to economic shocks.</li>
<li>The escape clause under the FRBM Act details a set of events in which the Central government can deviate from fiscal deficit targets. These include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Overriding considerations of national security, acts of war, and calamities of national proportion and collapse of agriculture severely affecting farm output and incomes.</li>
<li>Far-reaching structural reforms in the economy with unanticipated fiscal implications.</li>
<li>A sharp decline in real output growth of at least 3% points below the average for the previous four quarters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since the RBI has already taken up Open Market Operations and adopted a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>monetary policy framework</strong></a> to insert liquidity into the market, monetizing the deficit will only cost the government the credibility of the market and put inflationary pressure.</li>
<li>Given the inflation-prone nature of Indian economy, monetization of deficit should only be considered as a last resort. Even if it is adopted, the primary challenge will be to communicate and ensure that this is a one-off pandemic-induced arrangement and not a recurrent financing line.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/pandemic-may-force-govt-to-borrow-more/article32575961.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/financing-the-fiscal-deficit'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Autonomous Bodies',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/autonomous-bodies-are-crucial-to-the-government-s-functioning-streamline-them/story-dvMYKe37JaXNrlnPJW8NzH.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Autonomous bodies are crucial to the government&rsquo;s functioning. Streamline them</strong></a>, which was published in Hindustan Times on 11<sup>th</sup> of September 2020. It analyses the issues of Autonomous Bodies and their utilities.</p>
</div>
<p>The Union Government has recently abolished the All India Handicrafts Board, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-handloom-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Handloom</strong></a> Board and the Power Loom Board in consonance with the government&rsquo;s vision of <strong>minimum government, maximum governance.</strong> The Ministry of Textiles also changed the status of the eight Textile Research Associations to &ldquo;approved bodies&rdquo;, instead of the earlier &ldquo;affiliated bodies&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Thereafter, the government withdrew the officials of the ministry of textiles from the governing bodies of these textile associations. These are bold steps in achieving leaner government machinery and to introduce systematic rationalisation of government bodies.</p>
<p>Further, it was evident for quite some time now that despite a laid out administrative structure in <strong>Autonomous Bodies (ABs),</strong> there are a number of governance issues that need review.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What are Autonomous Bodies (ABs)?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Autonomous Bodies are set up whenever it is felt that certain functions need to be discharged outside the governmental set up with some amount of independence and flexibility without day-to-day interference of the Governmental machinery.</li>
<li>These are set up by the Ministries/Departments concerned with the subject matter and are funded through grants-in-aid, either fully or partially, depending on the extent which such institutes generate internal resources of their own.</li>
<li>These grants are regulated by the Ministry of Finance through their instructions as well as the instructions relating to powers for creation of posts and etc.</li>
<li>They are mostly registered as societies under the Societies Registration Act and in certain cases they have been set up as statutory institutions under the provisions contained in various Acts.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Functionality of Autonomous Bodies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Autonomous bodies are a major stakeholder in the government&rsquo;s functioning as they are engaged in diverse activities, ranging from formulating frameworks for policies, conducting research, and preserving the cultural heritage, etc.</li>
<li>The apex administrative body of ABs is called governing council or governing body and is chaired by the minister or the secretary of the respective ministry.</li>
<li>These Autonomous Bodies have specialised committees such as the purchase committee, works committee, finance committee, with nominated ministry officials.</li>
<li>These Autonomous Bodies are audited by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)</strong></a>, and the annual report is presented in the Parliament every year.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Issues With ABs</h3>
<p><strong>Accountability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These bodies are funded by taxpayer&rsquo;s money. However, there have been complaints that they don&rsquo;t follow the policies of the government and are accountable the way the government departments are.</li>
<li>Even though the senior ministry officials are required to attend ABs&rsquo; committee meetings, they mostly don&rsquo;t due to their busy schedules.</li>
<li>They nominate junior officials who often lack the jurisdiction to take meaningful decisions during the meetings.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Opaque Recruitment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The exact count of these bodies is not known, with estimates ranging from 400 to 650.</li>
<li>Autonomous Bodies employ a considerable number of people. For example, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icar-to-set-up-farmers-innovation-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Agricultural Research</strong></a>, an Autonomous Body under the ministry of agriculture, has almost 17,000 employees.</li>
<li>However, unlike the government and the public sector undertakings, in which the recruitment rules are uniform and the recruitment is done by a centralised body such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/legal-status-for-ssc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Staff Selection Committee (SSC)</strong></a>, the<strong> Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)</strong> there is no such body for such recruitments.</li>
<li>As a result, the mode of recruitment and recruitment rules differs for each of these bodies, sometimes even across ABs within the same ministry.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Non-Adherence to Envisaged Goal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The boards have fallen into disuse and did not serve the purpose for which they were envisioned.</li>
<li>The boards were merely advisory in nature and failed to impact on influencing policy-making while they became vehicles of &ldquo;political patronage&rdquo; with the emergence of a &lsquo;middleman culture&rsquo; that did not help the interests of weavers.</li>
<li>The structure of these boards made room for a large number of non-official members to advise the government.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Non Uniform Auditing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is no uniform audit procedure.</li>
<li>Some ABs are audited by CAG whereas many are done by chartered accountants.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Legal Framework</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A legal framework should be devised which defines the boundaries of its working, its autonomy, and the various policies that it must follow.</li>
<li>This will simultaneously help identify the numbers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comprehensive Review</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Each ministry will need to undertake a comprehensive review of ABs under their jurisdiction.</li>
<li>ABs that have outlived the cause for which they were established may need to be closed or merged with a similar organisation or their memorandum altered as per the new charter.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A Pan India Recruitment Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To bring about uniformity in the policies, a task force needs to be set up under a pan-Indian agency such as SSC or UPSC.</li>
<li>It will streamline the recruitment rules, salary structure, allowance and perks paid to employees, and mode of recruitment.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Collaborated Approach</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To ensure the participation of ministry officials, committee meetings of similar ABs should be held together so that the appropriate authorities could provide meaningful suggestions.</li>
<li>It is also alleged that most of the agenda items raised by ABs are routine in nature. This should be discouraged, and only the important policy issues that need the ministry&rsquo;s intervention should be taken up in such meetings.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Uniform Independent Auditing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Audits of ABs should be undertaken by an independent agency.</li>
<li>CAG had done an exhaustive performance audit of autonomous scientific bodies in 2016, highlighting the gaps in their performance.</li>
<li>Such a theme-based audit should be done for other ABs as well.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All these years on, these ABs have remained the one official forum however watered down, where the voices and views of different stakeholders could be expressed directly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They bring diversity and can shape the government policies in a more inclusive way.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There is an urgent need to define them properly, bring uniformity in their policies, facilitate senior officials&rsquo; attendance in their meetings, and seek independent audits.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #faffd6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Autonomous bodies are very crucial to the government&rsquo;s functioning. Thus, there is an urgent need to streamline them&rdquo;. In the light of the statement critically discuss the role of Autonomous Bodies and their governance issues.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/autonomous-bodies'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Global Innovation Index 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Global Innovation Index 2020</strong> was released by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institutions-international-world-intellectual-property-organisation-wipo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Intellectual Property Organisation</strong></a> (WIPO).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India <strong>is at the 48<sup>th</sup> position</strong> in the list of top 50 innovative countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India occupied the 52<sup>nd</sup> position in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-innovation-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2019 rankings.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Switzerland, Sweden, the USA, the UK and Netherlands</strong> are the top five countries.</li>
<li>With a group of <strong>Asian economies advancing up</strong> the rankings, the index indicates that <strong>"a gradual eastward shift in the locus of innovation"</strong> is underway.</li>
<li>In Asian economies, <strong>China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam</strong> have made the most progress on the index in recent years, with all four now among the top 50.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is one of the leading innovation achievers</strong> in the central and southern Asian region, as it has <strong>shown a consistent improvement</strong> in its innovation ranking for the last 5 years.</li>
<li><strong>China,</strong> which is the <strong>only middle-income economy among the top 30,</strong> now holds the <strong>14<sup>th</sup> position.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has become the <strong>third most innovative lower-middle-income economy</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>India ranks in the <strong>top 15</strong> in indicators such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-technology-in-governance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information and Communication Technology</strong></a><strong> (ICT) services exports, <a href="/admin/articles/edit/oronavirus%20live update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">government online services</a>, graduates in science and engineering, </strong>and<strong> Research and Development-intensive global companies.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>improved the most in three pillars:</strong> Institutions (61<sup>st</sup>), business sophistication (55<sup>th</sup>), and creative outputs (64<sup>th</sup>).</li>
<li>The<strong> consistent improvement</strong> in the index rankings is owing to the immense knowledge capital, the vibrant startup ecosystem, and the amazing work done by the public and private research organisations.</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-innovation-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India Innovation Index 2019</strong> </a>which was released by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a>, has been widely <strong>accepted as the major step in the direction of decentralisation of innovation</strong> across all the states of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Innovation Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It provides <strong>detailed metrics about the innovation performance of 131 countries and economies</strong> around the world.</li>
<li>Its<strong> 80 indicators</strong> explore a broad vision of innovation, including political environment, education, infrastructure and business sophistication.</li>
<li>It is published annually by <strong>Cornell University, INSEAD </strong>and the<strong> WIPO.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2020 Theme: Who will Finance Innovation?</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GII 2020 sheds light on the state of innovation financing by investigating the evolution of existing mechanisms and by pointing to progress and remaining challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599819009_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599819009_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-jumps-4-places-to-rank-48-on-global-innovation-index-2020/articleshow/77890704.cms#:~:text=NEW%20DELHI%3A%20The%202020%20edition,at%2048th%20position%20since%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TOI</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-innovation-index-2020'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'SAROD-Ports: Dispute Resolution Mechanism',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union <strong>Ministry of Shipping</strong> launched <strong>&lsquo;SAROD-Ports&rsquo; (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports)</strong> through virtual ceremony in New Delhi.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About SAROD-Ports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is established under <strong>Societies Registration Act, 1860.</strong></li>
<li>&lsquo;SAROD-Ports&rsquo; is similar to provision available in Highway Sector in the form of <strong>SAROD-Roads</strong> constituted by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-highways-authority-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Highways Authority of India</a> (NHAI).</strong></li>
<li>It consists of members from <strong>Indian Ports Association (IPA) </strong>and<strong> Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SAROD-Ports will <strong>advise and assist</strong> in settlement of disputes <strong>through arbitrations</strong> in the maritime sector, including ports and shipping sector in Major Port Trusts, Non-major Ports, including private ports, jetties, terminals and harbours.</li>
<li>It will also cover disputes between:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Granting authority and Licensee/Concessionaire /Contractor.</li>
<li>Also, disputes between Licensee/Concessionaire and their contractors arising out of and during the course of execution of various contracts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SAROD-Ports will become the pivotal mechanism of <strong><em>ummeed</em> (hope), <em>vishwas</em> (trust) and <em>nyaya</em> (justice)</strong> in the Port sector of India. It will lead to <strong>saving huge amounts of legal expenditure and time.</strong></li>
<li>Enforcement of <strong>concession agreements</strong> in the letter and spirit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>concession agreement</strong> is a<strong> contract</strong> that gives a company the right to operate a specific business within a government's jurisdiction or on another firm's property, subject to particular terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will promote <strong>ease of doing business</strong> in the maritime sector because of the <strong>fast, timely, cost effective and robust dispute resolution mechanism.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will inspire confidence in the private players.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All major Ports will shift towards the <strong>&lsquo;Landlord Model&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Model Concession Agreement</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Model Concession Agreement is the <strong>core of public private partnership projects</strong> in India. It sets regulatory framework to implement PPP (Public Private Projects) in India. There are MCAs for national highways, urban rail transit systems, state highways and ports.</li>
<li><strong>Amendments to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA):</strong> In January 2018, the government approved amendments in the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) to make the Port Projects more investor-friendly.</li>
<li><strong>Key features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Constitution of the<strong> Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes &ndash;</strong> Ports (SAROD-Ports) as dispute resolution mechanism.</li>
<li>Providing <strong>an exit route to developers</strong> by way of divesting their equity upto 100% after completion of 2 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).</li>
<li>Under provision of additional land to the Concessionaire, <strong>land rent has been reduced</strong> from 200% to 120% of the applicable scale of rates for the proposed additional land.</li>
<li>Introduction of <strong>Complaint Portal</strong> for the use of port users.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Landlord Port Model</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the landlord port model, the <strong>publicly governed port authority acts as a regulatory body</strong> and as landlord <strong>while private companies carry out port operations&mdash;</strong>mainly cargo-handling activities.</li>
<li>The port authority maintains ownership of the port while the infrastructure is leased to private firms that provide and maintain their own superstructure and install their own equipment to handle cargo.</li>
<li>In return, the landlord port gets a share of the revenue from the private entity.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, most major port trusts in India carry out terminal operations as well, resulting in a hybrid model of port governance. The involvement of the port authorities in terminal operations leads to a<strong> conflict of interest.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> neutrality</strong> of the landlord port authority is a<strong> basic requirement</strong> for fair competition between port service providers, particularly the terminal operators.</li>
<li>The role of the landlord port authority would be to carry out all public sector services and operations such as the award of bids for cargo terminals and dredging.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1652979" 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/sarod-ports-dispute-resolution-mechanism'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Panel to Assess Impact of Waiving Loan Interest',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union government has constituted an expert committee to measure the economic impact of waiving of interest and interest on interest on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> related <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>loan moratorium.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chairmanship:</strong> The expert panel will be <strong>chaired by Rajiv Mehrishi,</strong> former <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)</strong></a> of India, and will<strong> submit its report within one week.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Task:</strong> It will measure the impact on the national economy and financial stability of waiving of interest and Covid-19 related moratorium. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will also give suggestions to mitigate financial constraints of various sections of society in this respect and measures to be adopted in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> The move came as<strong> various concerns</strong> have been raised during the ongoing hearing in the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supreme Court</strong></a> in the matter regarding relief sought in terms of waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest and other related issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Court has extended its interim order that no account is to be declared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non Performing Assets (NPA)</strong> </a>till further orders.</li>
<li>The Court granted two weeks to the Centre and 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 (RBI)</strong></a> to file the affidavit and place before it the decisions taken in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Moratorium on Repayments of Loans</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>moratorium</strong> provides stressed customers extra time to repay without their accounts being labelled NPA or their credit score being affected.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>not a loan waiver</strong> and does not offer any discount on interest payout.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>RBI had allowed banks to<strong> defer payment of Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs)</strong> on home, car, personal loans as well as <strong>credit card dues till 31<sup>st</sup> August 2020.</strong></li>
<li>The RBI had also allowed lending institutions, banks to <strong>defer interest on working capital repayments&mdash;</strong> a move aimed at addressing the distress among firms as production is down.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A working capital loan is a loan that is taken to finance a company&rsquo;s everyday operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As the six-month moratorium on loan repayments ended on <strong>31<sup>st</sup></strong> August, the RBI has released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/resolution-plan-by-rbi-for-covid-19-stressed-assets" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>final loan restructuring guidelines</strong></a> suggested by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/k-v-kamath-committee-on-restructuring-of-loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> K.V. Kamath Committee.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Restructuring for corporate loans will be based on financial parameters set out in RBI rules, while for retail borrowers, lenders will put in place board-approved policies for recasting loans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/govt-forms-panel-to-measure-economic-impact-of-waiving-interest-on-loans-under-covid-moratorium-6591189/" 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/panel-to-assess-impact-of-waiving-loan-interest'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Disposal of Cigarette Butts',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></a> (NGT) has directed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong> </a>(CPCB) to lay down guidelines pertaining to <strong>disposal of cigarette and beedi butts</strong> within three months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NGT held that tobacco is undoubtedly harmful and it is mainly concerned with the manner of disposal of cigarette and beedi butts.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An NGO <strong>&lsquo;Doctors for You&rsquo;</strong> sought instructions to <strong>regulate the disposal</strong> of cigarette and beedi butts apart from <strong>prohibiting the consumption of tobacco in public places.</strong></li>
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted that cigarette and beedi butts are not biodegradable but the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change noted that these are <strong>not listed as hazardous.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>CPCB Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A report by CPCB highlighted that the analysis of the cigarette and beedi butts reflects that their <strong>concentrations detected will not be toxic to humans and the environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cellulose acetate</strong> is a major component (95%) of the cigarette butts <strong>along with the wrapping paper and rayon</strong> and its degradation studies show that it will persist for a longer duration.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>toxicity data for cellulose acetate is not available</strong> yet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of a Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A study conducted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ganga-aamantran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Institute of Toxicology Research</strong></a> (IITR) <strong>approves the CPCB report</strong> and holds that the concentration of various parameters analysed is lower than the prescribed limits and will not be toxic.</li>
<li>It added that <strong>natural environmental conditions and laboratory stimulating conditions would be required</strong> to conclude the safety or toxicity of cigarette butts to further correlate with human and environmental health risk assessment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An<strong> inter-ministerial or departmental committee should be constituted</strong> to consult at the national level for conducting an impact study of discarded cigarette and beedi butts and spitting of tobacco products in public places.</li>
<li><strong>Recycling of cellulose acetate</strong> after recovery from cigarette butts may be an immediate solution to the problem.</li>
<li>There is a <strong>need for more studies and research</strong> so that degradation and safety data can be generated which would be helpful in forming guidelines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Steps Taken by the Indian Government to Control Tobacco Consumption</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/who-report-on-global-tobacco-epidemic-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first international treaty</strong> </a>negotiated under the auspices of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health.</li>
<li><strong>India ratified it in 2004.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>mCessation Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an initiative<strong> using mobile technology for tobacco cessation.</strong></li>
<li>India launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mobile-scheme-to-quit-tobacco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>mCessation</strong> </a>using text messages in 2016 as part of the government&rsquo;s <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital India</a> initiative.</strong></li>
<li>It uses two-way messaging between the individual seeking to quit tobacco use and programme specialists providing them with dynamic support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-april-2020#9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>rules</strong> </a>have been notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to amend the 2008 rules which were notified under the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Tobacco Control Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare <strong>launched the programme in 2007-08.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to <strong>facilitate the effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Law,</strong> to bring about greater awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco as well as to fulfil the obligations under the WHO-FCTC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>World No Tobacco Day:</strong> Every year, 31<sup>st</sup> May is observed as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-no-tobacco-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World No Tobacco Day</strong> </a>by WHO and global partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since 2007, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been pushing to introduce <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Important%20Facts%20for%20Prelims%20(05th%20October%202018)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stronger graphic health warnings on tobacco packets,</strong></a> with mixed success.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/frame-rules-for-disposal-of-cigarette-butts-ngt/article32576373.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/disposal-of-cigarette-butts'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Paddy Stubble Use by PEDA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Punjab Energy Development Agency</strong> (PEDA) in association with the Govt. of Punjab, is creating alternatives for paddy stubble utilisation.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This includes setting up <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biomass power plants</strong></a> and <strong>producing Bio CNG</strong> from the paddy stubble biomass.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Punjab Energy Development Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was formed in Sept. 1991 as a<strong> state nodal agency for promotion and development of renewable energy programmes/projects</strong> and energy conservation programme in the state of Punjab. PEDA is registered as a Society under the Societies Act of 1860.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Biomass Power Plants:</strong> PEDA has set up <strong>11 biomass power plants</strong> where 97.50 mega watts (MW) of power is generated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In these plants, 8.80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble is used annually to generate power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bio CNG: Eight projects of Bio CNG are under execution in the state.</strong> These will need around 3-lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble annually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s largest Bio CNG project,</strong> which will produce 8,000 m cube biogas per day (equivalent to 33.23 tonnes of Bio CNG per day) is under execution at <strong>Lehragaga tehsil in Sangrur district.</strong> The project is expected to be commissioned by March 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bioethanol Project:</strong> A Bioethanol project of 100 kilolitre is being set up at Talwandi Sabo in <strong>Bathinda.</strong> This will require 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble annually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bioethanol-blending-of-petrol" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bioethanol</strong></a> can be used to run vehicles after blending with diesel and petrol.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages of these Projects:</strong> After commissioning of all these projects, Punjab will be able to utilise 1.5 million tonnes (7% of the total) paddy stubble.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Farmers&rsquo; income:</strong> Farmers can benefit hugely if they can <strong>sell paddy stubble to the industry</strong> instead of burning it.</li>
<li><strong>Environment benefits:</strong> It will reduce the<strong> pollution</strong> caused by stubble burning and also preserve the<strong> fertility</strong> of the soil which is lost due to burning paddy stubble.</li>
<li><strong>Entrepreneurship:</strong> The youth, particularly engineers, graduates in science and technology can start such projects under the<strong> &lsquo;start-up&rsquo; concept,</strong> which will create entrepreneurship among them.</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong> Educated unemployed youth in rural Punjab where such projects will be set up can get big <strong>job opportunities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong> Current usage of stubble in these plants is very small compared to the generation of stubble. Punjab needs <strong>varieties of stubble-based industry</strong> where more and more stubble is consumed.</li>
<li><strong>Issues involved with Paddy Stubble:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aboutl 20 million tonnes of paddy stubble or paddy crop residue is generated in Punjab annually. <strong>Less than 5% is being utilized</strong> in Bio-gas, Biomass power generation or other environment-friendly uses. The main mode of getting rid of this stubble is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning.</strong></a></li>
<li>Stubble Burning is a major cause of concern because of environmental and health reasons. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Stubble burning is considered to be one of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/stubble-burning-and-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>factors responsible for smog in Delhi.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The burning of stubble <strong>reduces the soil fertility,</strong> besides polluting the environment.</li>
<li>Additionally, the <strong>heat generated</strong> by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other alternatives to utilize paddy stubble:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Torrefaction: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swedish-technology-to-reduce-stubble-burning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Torrefaction</a></strong> is a thermal process to convert biomass into a coal-like material, which has better fuel characteristics than the original biomass.</li>
<li><strong>Fertilizer:</strong> The stubble can be used for preparation of the <strong>high-grade organic fertilizers</strong> by mixing with cow dung and few natural enzymes.</li>
<li><strong>Mechanized Management:</strong> Stubble can be managed in three ways &mdash; by <strong>pressing the left over stubble under the earth; sowing wheat directly in the standing stubble in the fields and thirdly, by collecting it in bundles.</strong> This can be aided by use of machines like:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Super SMS (Straw Management System):</strong> It cuts and spreads the straw in uniform manner in the field at the time of harvesting of paddy.</li>
<li><strong>Happy Seeder</strong>: It can sow wheat directly in such fields in standing paddy stubble (the height of which remains around 18 inches after cutting with Super SMS).</li>
<li><strong>Super Seeder:</strong> It is more advanced and it ploughs standing paddy stubble in soil and sows wheat seed simultaneously in a single operation after harvesting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reduction-in-stubble-burning-incidents" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue</strong> </a>- It is a Central Sector Scheme that was launched by the Government of India to tackle air pollution and to subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/satat-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SATAT Scheme:</strong></a><strong> Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme</strong> was launched by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Its objectives include reducing pollution from burning of agricultural / organic waste and utilising more than 62 million metric tonnes of waste generated every year in India.</li>
<li>The<strong> Punjab government</strong> has provided <strong>74,000 subsidised machines</strong> called Super SMS, Happy Seeder and Super Seeders to the farmers for stubble management after harvesting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government must help the youth in setting start-ups for stubble utilization by <strong>getting sanctioned loans and providing a market.</strong></li>
<li>Joint efforts are required on the part of the state, Centre and industries, including public and private participation, to convert all of Punjab&rsquo;s stubble into farmers&rsquo; income. <strong>Stubble-based projects</strong> can be set up at the block-level to manage stubble of that bloc.</li>
<li>An expansion of schemes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fund-crunch-in-mgnrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act</strong></a> (MGNREGA) for harvesting and composting of stubble will help to resolve the dual problem of unemployment and stubble burning.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/biomass-power-plants-bio-cng-bioethanol-how-peda-plans-to-spin-paddy-stubble-into-gold-6590158/" 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/paddy-stubble-use-by-peda'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'India-Japan Logistics Agreement',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Japan signed a <strong>logistics agreement</strong> 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).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has similar agreements with the <strong>USA, Australia, France, Oman and Singapore.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599810825_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599810825_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Agreement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>aimed</strong> at greater maritime cooperation and can <strong>upgrade India-Japan naval exercises</strong> as both countries are expected to share maritime facilities for mutual benefit.</li>
<li>It <strong>establishes the enabling framework</strong> for closer cooperation between the armed forces of both countries in <strong>reciprocal provision of supplies and services</strong> while engaged in bilateral training activities, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Humanitarian International Relief and other mutually agreed activities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The supplies and services include food, water, transportation, airlift, petroleum, clothing, communications and medical services etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will also<strong> enhance the interoperability, assist in maintaining regional security</strong> and further<strong> increase the bilateral defence engagements</strong> between the two countries.</li>
<li>It will <strong>remain in force for 10 years</strong> and will be automatically extended for periods of 10 years unless one of the parties decides to end it.</li>
<li>The agreement is being interpreted as a coming together of Japan and India when India is having a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>border standoff with China at Line of Actual Control (LAC)</strong> </a>in eastern Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Japan Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, India and Japan held the first-ever ministerial-level <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-japan-2-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2+2 dialogue.</strong></a> This dialogue involves the Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides and is seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Japan.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both nations share a common vision of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong></a> in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured.</li>
<li>India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-08th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JIMEX</a> (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 <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-dharma-guardian-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dharma Guardian</a> (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>Both the countries are also part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India needs sophisticated weapons and technology from Japan, so more collaboration and cooperation can prove beneficial to both nations.</li>
<li>There is huge potential as far as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a> and defence deals are concerned. Joint ventures could be created by merging Japanese technology with Indian raw materials and labour.</li>
<li>Closer cooperation is the best measure to combat China&rsquo;s growing role in Asia and Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-abe-speak-on-phone-after-india-and-japan-sign-logistics-agreement/article32575638.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/india-japan-logistics-agreement'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'PRS Capsule July 2020',
			'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
			'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">Governance</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Code on Social Security</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Code on Wages</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">Non-Personal Data Governance</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#5">Social Justice</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#6">National Education Policy 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#7">Economy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#8">Consumer Protection Act, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#9">Private participation for the Operation of Passenger Train Services</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Investment Clearance Cell (ICC)</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Agriculture Infrastructure Fund</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">Report on Agricultural Exports</a></li>
<li><a href="#13">Rate of Royalty for Coal Produced from Commercial Mining</a></li>
<li><a href="#14">Contributions from Persons or Institutions in the NDRF</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#15">Security</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#16">Permanent commission for women officers in Army</a></li>
<li><a href="#17">Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#18">Science and Tech</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">Procurement of Power from a Mix of Renewable and Thermal Sources </a></li>
<li><a href="#20">Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme</a></li>
<li><a href="#21">Implementation of Component - C of PM-KUSUM Scheme</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">Governance</h2>
<h3 id="2">Code on Social Security</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Standing Committee on Labour submitted its report on the Code on Social Security, 2019. The Code replaces nine laws related to social security.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/idea-of-social-security-number-for-migrants#:~:text=Social%20Security%20Code%20Bill%2C%202019&amp;text=The%20Social%20Security%20Code%20Bill%20seeks%20to%20amend%20and%20consolidate,'%20Social%20Security%20Act%2C%202008." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Social Security Code Bill</strong></a> seeks to amend and consolidate nine laws related to social security, including the Employees&rsquo; Provident Fund Act, 1952, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Unorganised Workers&rsquo; Social Security Act, 2008.</li>
<li><strong>Social security</strong> refers to measures to ensure access to health care and provision of income security to workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It mandates social security for certain enterprises based on their size or wage ceilings of workers. The government may also frame schemes for: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>unorganised workers, such as self-employed or home-based workers,</li>
<li>gig workers, defined as those outside the traditional employer-employee relationship, and</li>
<li>platform workers, i.e., those who access an online platform to provide services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Key recommendations include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong> The Committee stated that the Code should provide a framework to achieve universal social security for all workers with a secure financial commitment and within a definite time frame.</li>
<li>It also recommended that the government: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>re-consider enterprise-size based thresholds,</li>
<li>provide a model scheme prescribing &ldquo;mandatory minimum entitlements&rdquo; for unorganised workers across all states,</li>
<li>provide unemployment insurance to all unorganised, building and plantation workers,</li>
<li>re-introduce welfare funds for workers in specific industries such iron ore mines and beedi establishments, and</li>
<li>reduce required period of service to avail gratuity from five years to one year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Definitions:</strong> The Committee recommended amendments to various definitions. These include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>expanding <strong>&ldquo;social security&rdquo;</strong> to cover the nine components recommended by the International Labour Organisation (including unemployment, maternity, old-age, and medical care benefits.</li>
<li>expanding &ldquo;employees&rdquo; to include anganwadi and asha workers.</li>
<li>expanding &ldquo;unorganised workers&rdquo; to include gig and platform workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administration:</strong> The Committee noted that the Code has a fragmented delivery structure with multiple organisations administering different benefits. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It recommended that the government consider inserting a compact system of governance of social security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Registration:</strong> All eligible establishments are required to register with their respective social security organisations under the Code.</li>
<li>The Committee recommended: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>expanding the definition of establishments to include all enterprise categories such as own account enterprises.</li>
<li>providing for a unified registration and compliance platform</li>
<li>providing for a single registration authority, to administer social security for all workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inter-state migrant workers (ISMW):</strong> The Committee recommended: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>creating a separate fund for ISMW.</li>
<li>expanding their definition to include self-employed workers from another state.</li>
<li>maintaining a national migrant worker database and linking it with the unorganised workers database.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aadhaar:</strong> Unorganised workers may register under the Code by providing their Aadhaar number. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Committee noted that Aadhaar may only be made mandatory if expenditure is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India.</li>
<li>It noted the Ministry&rsquo;s assurance that this provision would be re-examined.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Code on Wages</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Labour and Employment</strong> notified the draft Rules under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-rules-for-code-on-wages-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Code on Wages</strong></a> for public comments.</li>
<li>These Draft Rules will apply to all central sector establishments.</li>
<li>Key features include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Calculation of minimum wage:</strong> The Draft Rules lay down the criteria for fixing the minimum rate of wages per day for employees.</li>
<li>These criteria include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>three adult consumption units per household,</li>
<li>daily intake of 2,700 calories per consumption unit,</li>
<li>10% of food and clothing expenditure on rent,</li>
<li>20% expenditure of fuel, electricity, and miscellaneous items, and</li>
<li>25% expenditure on education, medical requirements, and contingencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Norms for fixing minimum wage:</strong> Minimum wages will be calculated on the basis of the geographical area of employment and the skill category of an employee. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For this purpose, the central government will divide the geographical area into three categories: metropolitan (population of 40 lakh or more), nonmetropolitan (between 10 lakh and 40 lakh), and rural areas (all other areas).</li>
<li>The Draft Rules categorise occupations into four skill categories: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government will constitute a committee to advise on modifications in skill categorisation of these categories of occupations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Revision of dearness allowance:</strong> The Draft Rules state that an effort will be made to revise the dearness allowance linked to the minimum wage twice a year; before April 1 and October 1 each year.</li>
<li><strong>Method of fixing floor wage:</strong> According to the Code, the central government will fix a floor wage. The minimum wage must be higher than the floor wage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Draft Rules provide that the floor wage will be decided on the basis of minimum living standards taking into account factors such as food, clothing, and housing.</li>
<li>The floor wage will be decided in consultation with the<strong> Central Advisory Board</strong> and certain state governments as the central government deems necessary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Board will include: (i) employers, (ii) employees (equal number as employers), (iii) independent persons, and (iv) five representatives of state governments.</li>
<li>The floor wage may be revised every five years, and periodic adjustments may be made to accommodate changes in the cost of living.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Work hours:</strong> The Draft Rules state that a normal working day will constitute a maximum of eight hours of work per day, with a maximum spread of 12 hours including rest intervals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The minimum wages decided by the central or state governments must be higher than the floor wage.</li>
<li>Under the Constitution of India, <strong>labour</strong> is a subject in the <strong>Concurrent List</strong> of the Seventh Schedule where both the Central and State Governments are competent to enact legislation.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">Non-Personal Data Governance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Expert Committee constituted by the <strong>Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology</strong> to study various issues relating to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-personal-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-personal data</strong></a> submitted its report.</li>
<li>The Committee observed that non-personal data should be regulated to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Enable a data sharing framework to tap the economic, social, and public value of such data.</li>
<li>Address concerns of harm arising from the use of such data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Key recommendations include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Non-personal data:</strong> Any data which is not personal data (data pertaining to characteristics, traits or attributes of identity, which can be used to identify an individual) is categorised as non-personal data.</li>
<li>In terms of origin, non-personal data can be data which never related to natural persons (such as data on weather or supply chains), or data which was initially personal data, but has been anonymised (through certain techniques to ensure that individuals to whom the data relates to cannot be identified).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Non-personal data can further be classified as: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public non-personal data:</strong> data collected or generated by the government in the course of publicly funded works. For example, anonymised data of land records or vehicle registration can be considered as public non-personal data.</li>
<li><strong>Community non-personal data:</strong> raw or factual data (without any processing) which is sourced from a community of natural persons. For example, datasets collected by municipal corporations or public electric utilities.</li>
<li><strong>Private non-personal data:</strong> data which is collected or generated by private entities through privately owned processes (derived insights or proprietary knowledge).</li>
<li><strong>Non-Personal Data Authority:</strong> This regulatory authority will be established for putting in place the framework for governance of non-personal data. It will consist of experts in fields such as data governance and technology. The Authority will be responsible for framing guidelines with respect to data sharing and risks associated with non-personal data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sharing of non-personal data:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Public data, community data or private data (limited to raw/factual data collected by a private entity) can be requested at no remuneration.</li>
<li>Private data where the processing value add is significant may be shared based on remuneration which is fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory. Algorithms or proprietary knowledge may not be considered for data sharing.</li>
<li>The regulator will also be responsible for adjudication in case of any data sharing disputes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="5">Social Justice</h2>
<h3 id="6">National Education Policy 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)</strong> had constituted a Committee for drafting the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Education Policy (NEP)</strong></a> in June 2017. The Committee had submitted a draft NEP for public consultation in May 2019. The NEP will replace the <strong>National Policy on Education, 1986.</strong></li>
<li>Key aspects of the NEP include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>School Education:</strong> The current structure of school education (10+2 design) will be replaced by a 5-3-3-4 curriculum structure corresponding to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>five years of foundational stage (age 3 to 8)</li>
<li>three years of preparatory stage (age 8 to 11)</li>
<li>three years of middle stage (age 11 to 14)</li>
<li>four years of secondary stage (age 14 to 18)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will bring early childhood care and education (ECCE) within the scope of school curriculum. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will develop the curriculum and pedagogy framework for ECCE. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Schools will be grouped together to form a school complex. A school complex will consist of a secondary school and other schools, anganwadis in a 5-10 km radius.</li>
<li>This will ensure: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>adequate number of teachers for all subjects in a school complex</li>
<li>adequate physical resources (such as library books, sports equipment)</li>
<li>effective governance of schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education:</strong> The <strong>Gross Enrolment Ratio</strong> in higher education (students enrolled as a percent of population of corresponding age group) to be increased to 50% by 2035 (from 26.3% in 2018). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The undergraduate degree will be made more flexible with multiple exit options with appropriate certification.</li>
<li><strong>For example:</strong> students will receive a certificate after one year, diploma after two years, bachelor&rsquo;s degree after three years, and bachelor&rsquo;s with research degree after four years.</li>
<li>Further, an academic bank of credit will be established for digitally storing academic credits earned from different higher education institutes.</li>
<li>A <strong>national research foundation</strong> will be established for fostering research in higher education.</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education Commission of India</strong> will be set up as a single regulating body for higher education (excluding medical and legal education).</li>
<li>It will have four independent verticals for: (i) regulation, (ii) standard setting, (iii) funding, and (iv) accreditation.</li>
<li>High performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries. Similarly, selected top foreign universities will be permitted to operate in India. The NEP also recommended that public investment in education should be 6% of GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/national-education-policy-nep-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read more..</strong></a></p>
<h2 id="7">Economy</h2>
<h3 id="8">Consumer Protection Act, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Department of Consumer Affairs notified certain Rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These Rules are related to the following aspects: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trade practices of e-commerce entities</li>
<li>The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions and the Central Consumer Protection Council</li>
<li>Members of the District and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions</li>
<li>Mediation of disputes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features are:</strong> Duties and liabilities of e-commerce entities: An e-commerce entity is required to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provide an adequate grievance redressal mechanism.</li>
<li>State upfront the policies regarding shipping, exchange, return, refund, and warranty. It is prohibited from: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>manipulating or imposing unjustified prices so as to gain unreasonable profit, and</li>
<li>discriminating between consumers of the same class or making any arbitrary classification of consumers which affects their rights under the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marketplace e-commerce entities (entities providing a platform to facilitate ecommerce transactions) are required to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>include any differentiated treatment given to goods, services, or sellers of the same category in its terms and conditions, and</li>
<li>explain main parameters determining the rank of goods, services, or sellers on its ecommerce platform. Sellers on the marketplace are required to also specify expiry date of goods and country of origin of goods or services. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For imported products, sellers are required to provide the name and details of the importer.</li>
<li>Sellers on marketplace, and inventory e-commerce entities (entities also owning the inventory) cannot refuse a refund in specified cases including the delivery of damaged goods and late delivery.</li>
<li>They are prohibited from falsely representing themselves as consumers and posting reviews or misrepresenting the quality or features of goods and services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fee for filing complaints:</strong> The Rules specify the fee required to be paid for filing a complaint with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fee depends on the value of goods or services under the complaint. No fee is required to be paid if such value is up to five lakh rupees.</li>
<li>The fee ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 7,500 for complaints filed for higher values.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="9">Private participation for the Operation of Passenger Train Services</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Railways</strong> invited <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privatisation-of-railways#:~:text=Private%20participation%20in%20passenger%20train,30%2C000%20crore." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>private sector participation</strong></a> for the operation of passenger train services over 109 Origin-Destination pairs of routes through the introduction of 151 trains.</li>
<li>These 151 trains will be in addition to the existing trains.</li>
<li>Each of these trains will have a minimum of 16 coaches and will be designed for a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour.</li>
<li>Private entities will be selected through a competitive bidding process. The concession period for the project will be 35 years. This is expected to attract an investment of about Rs 30,000 crore from the private sector.</li>
<li>Key features of the project are: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Role of private entity:</strong> The private entity will be responsible for financing, procuring, operating, and maintaining these trains. The operation and maintenance will be governed by standards specified by Indian Railways.</li>
<li><strong>Role of Indian Railways:</strong> The driver and guard operating these trains will be from Indian Railways.</li>
<li><strong>Charges to be paid by private entity:</strong> The private entity will pay following fees and charges to Indian Railways: (i) fixed haulage charges, (ii) energy charges as per actual consumption, and (iii) a share in gross revenue determined through the bidding process.</li>
<li><strong>Performance standards:</strong> The private entity will be required to conform to the key performance standards including punctuality, reliability, and upkeep of trains.</li>
<li><strong>Timeline for the project:</strong> The tenders are to be finalised by March 2021 and trains will start operating from March 2023.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatizing-indian-railways" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read more...</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="10">Investment Clearance Cell (ICC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Civil Aviation</strong> established an <strong>Investment Clearance Cell.</strong> It will be chaired by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry.</li>
<li>The Cell will act as the single-window mechanism to expedite investment in the civil aviation sector.</li>
<li>Terms of Reference of the Cell include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>accelerating investments</li>
<li>identifying projects which require policy interventions and faster clearances and reporting them to the Empowered Group of Secretaries</li>
<li>identifying policy and regulatory obstacles to investments in the sector</li>
<li>adopting ways to bring states on board the institutional set-up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="11">Agriculture Infrastructure Fund</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet approved the central scheme <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agriculture-infrastructure-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.</strong></a> The Fund was announced in May 2020 under the<strong> Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Economic Package.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to provide debt of one lakh crore rupees for financing post-harvest infrastructure projects at farm-gate and aggregation points (where farmers can directly or collectively sell their produce).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the scheme, banks and financial institutions will provide debt of Rs 10,000 crore in 2020-21 and Rs 30,000 crore per year during the period 2021-22 to 2023-24 for this purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries eligible</strong> for loans under the scheme include farmers, farmer producer organisations, agricultural credit and cooperative societies, self help groups, start-ups, and government agencies.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, the government will provide a <strong>3% interest subsidy</strong> on all such loans, up to a limit of two crore rupees. The subsidy will be provided for a maximum period of seven years. The government is estimated to incur an expenditure of Rs 10,736 crore under the scheme over a period of 10 years (2020-21 to 2029-30).</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">Report on Agricultural Exports</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Expert Group constituted by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission on Agricultural Exports submitted its report.</li>
<li>The Expert Group was constituted in February 2020 to suggest performance-based incentives for states for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, with the aim of increasing agricultural exports and promoting crops that can enable high import substitution.</li>
<li>The Group estimates India&rsquo;s agricultural exports to grow from USD 40 billion to USD 70 billion in a few years, with an investment of USD 8-10 billion expected across the value chain.</li>
<li>Key recommendations of the Group include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Focusing on the value chain of certain crops based on their demand.</li>
<li>Creating cluster based supply chains with focus on value addition.</li>
<li>Creating state-led export plans (i.e. business plans for these clusters), which will be funded through a combination of existing schemes, Finance Commission allocations, and private investment.</li>
<li>Creating a robust institutional mechanism to fund and support implementation. The report of the Expert Group is not available in public domain yet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="13">Rate of Royalty for Coal Produced from Commercial Mining</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Ministry of Coal</strong> specified the rate of royalty for coal mined for the purpose of sale (commercial mining) through an amendment in the Second Schedule of the<strong> Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Royalty is a payment that the lessee is required to make in proportion to the quantity of mineral extracted.</li>
<li>The Second Schedule of the Act enlists the rate of royalty for various minerals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The rate of royalty for the coal produced from commercial mining will be <strong>14% over the notional price</strong> or the actual price, whichever is higher.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Notional price:</strong> It means the price arrived at after adjusting for representative price from the <strong>National Coal Index.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Index reflects the prevailing market prices of coal.</li>
<li>The actual price means the sale invoice value of coal after excluding the statutory dues such as taxes, levies, royalty, and contribution to the National Mineral Exploration Trust, and the District Mineral Foundation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/investment-in-coal-mining#:~:text=The%20Union%20Cabinet%20has%20approved,attract%20investment%20in%20coal%20mining.&amp;text=)%20Act%2C%202015.-,The%20Mines%20and%20Minerals%20(Development%20and%20Regulation)%20Act%2C%201957,mining%20leases%20for%20mining%20operations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read more...</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="14">Contributions from Persons or Institutions in the NDRF</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the <strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005,</strong> the central government can constitute the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to meet expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation in situations of disasters.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NDRF may be credited with funds from the central government, or from any persons or institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The central government laid out modalities through which the NDRF can receive contributions or grants from any person or institution.</li>
<li>The contributions can be made through physical instruments, RTGS/NEFT/UPI, or through the Bharatkosh portal of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="15">Security</h2>
<h3 id="16">Permanent commission for women officers in Army</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence has sanctioned the grant of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-order-for-pc-of-women-in-army" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Permanent Commission to women officers</strong></a> in the Indian Army.</li>
<li>The services in the Army are broadly classified into: (i) combat arms, (ii) combat support arms, and (iii) services.</li>
<li>Earlier, women officers were eligible to work in all non-combat services through a Short Services Commission (SSC, i.e. for a tenure of 14 years) and Permanent Commission for women officers was available only in two non-combat streams: (i) judge and advocate general, (ii) army educational corps.</li>
<li>The Ministry has sanctioned grant of permanent commission to SSC women officers in all ten non-combat streams of the Indian Army: (i) army air defence, (ii) signals, (iii) engineers, (iv) army aviation, (v) electronics and mechanical engineers, (vi) army service corps, (vii) army ordnance corps, and (viii) intelligence corps (besides the two existing streams above).</li>
<li>SSC women officers who are granted permanent commission will be entitled to all consequential benefits including promotion and financial benefits.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> The Supreme Court had ruled in favour of granting permanent commission to all women officers in the Army in its non-combat services in February 2020.</p>
<h3 id="17">Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence has released the draft<strong> Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020 (DAP).</strong></li>
<li>The DAP governs the acquisition of weapons and equipment for India's defence forces. An earlier version of the draft was released for public comments in March, 2020.</li>
<li>The draft has been revised based on the inputs received and defence reforms announced under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.</li>
<li>The draft DAP revises the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016 with the aim of increasing indigenous manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment.</li>
<li>Key features of the draft DAP include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leasing:</strong> The DPP-2016 specified two modes of capital acquisition: (i) buy, and (ii) buy and make.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The draft DAP has introduced &lsquo;leasing&rsquo; as a new mode of acquisition. Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leasing is preferred in some situations such as where:</strong> (i) procurement is not feasible due to time constraint, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.</li>
<li><strong>Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC):</strong> The DPP-2016 specified five categories of capital acquisition for the above two modes.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The five categories are: (i)Buy (Indian-IDDM), (ii) Buy (Indian), (iii) Buy and Make (Indian), (iv) Buy and Make, and (v) Buy (Global).</li>
<li>The draft DAP adds a <strong>sixth category as Buy (Global-Manufacture in India).</strong> Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in various categories of procurement.</li>
<li>These IC requirements for the above categories are listed in Table 1.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weapons/platforms banned for import:</strong> To promote domestic industry and to give effect to the defence reforms announced under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the Ministry will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for import. This list will be updated from time to time.</li>
<li>These equipment can be procured under the Buy (Indian - IDDM), Buy (Indian), Buy and Make (Indian) (if buy quantity is zero) and Buy and Make (if buy quantity is zero) modes of procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Science and Tech</h2>
<h3 id="19">Procurement of Power from a Mix of Renewable and Thermal Sources</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> released guidelines for the <strong>tariff-based competitive bidding process</strong> for procurement of round-the-clock power from renewable energy sources, complemented with power from coal-based thermal power sources.</li>
<li>Bundling of renewable and thermal sources for power procurement is aimed towards addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy.</li>
<li>During the hours of non-availability of renewable energy, power will be sourced from thermal power plants. The renewable energy component of the power so supplied will be accounted for the renewable purchase obligation of a distribution company (discom).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The discom can procure power from such bundled sources through a tariff-based competitive bidding process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Key features of the guidelines are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicability:</strong> The guidelines are applicable for long term power procurement on the round-the-clock basis from inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected renewable power projects, complemented with power from ISTS connected coal-based thermal power projects.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Renewable power projects can be based on solar, wind or a combination of solar and wind. They may have an electricity storage system.</li>
<li>The power purchase agreement (PPA) will be signed between a discom and the renewable power generator. The duration of PPA will be a minimum of 25 years.</li>
<li>The renewable power generator can tie up with one or more thermal power plants for this mechanism. The thermal power plant can offer that part of its capacity which is not under any PPA or any other power supply commitments for this purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Energy Mix and availability of supply:</strong> On an annual basis, at least 51% of power must come from renewable sources.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The renewable power generator is required to ensure at least 85% availability of power annually and also during the peak hours. Peak hours will last four hours and will be specified by the procurer beforehand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bidding process:</strong> The procurer will specify the total quantum to be contracted in power capacity terms. A bidder can bid for a part of the total quantum to be procured (subject to a minimum of 250 MW).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The bidder is required to quote a composite tariff (accounting for both renewable and thermal power) for per unit of supply.</li>
<li>The bidder will be selected based on the least quoted composite tariff. To accommodate for variation in coal prices, 25% of the composite tariff will be indexed and adjusted with the cost of domestic coal or imported coal as and when notified by the <strong>Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="20">Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of New and Renewable Energy</strong> approved the continuation of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development.</li>
<li>Guidelines and model PPA released for implementation of off-grid solar power packs/plants under <strong>RESCO model Programme</strong> for the year 2020-21.</li>
<li>It will continue till March 31, 2021 or the date on which recommendations of the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission come into effect, whichever is earlier.</li>
<li>The programme is aimed at supporting research and development projects in different areas of new and renewable energy.</li>
<li>Some of the areas supported under the programme are solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaic systems, biogas systems and waste to energy systems.</li>
<li>The programme was originally approved in February 2019 for the year 2019-20 at a cost of Rs 176 crore.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="21">Implementation of Component - C of PM-KUSUM Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy amended the guidelines for implementation of Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.</li>
<li>The guidelines were released in November 2019. This component of the scheme seeks to solarise 10 lakh agriculture pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP by 2022.</li>
<li>The selection of vendors for supplying solarised pumps is done through a bidding process. As per the original guidelines, manufacturers of solar panels and manufacturers of solar water pumps are allowed to participate in the bidding process.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amendment allows joint ventures of manufacturers of solar pumps or manufacturers for solar water pumps with system integrators to also participate in the bidding process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines and model power purchase agreement (PPA) for implementation of off-grid solar power packs/plants under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model.</li>
<li>Key features of the guidelines are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicability:</strong> The guidelines apply to offgrid solar power plants with capacity up to 25kWp in areas beyond the reach of grid power and those with unreliable grid connections. The beneficiaries of these plants will be public service institutions including hostels, schools, panchayats, and police stations.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation Model:</strong> The plants will be made operational through a framework based on the <strong>RESCO model.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this model, an external company or a government agency owns all the equipment and performs complete maintenance as well as repair work.</li>
<li>The beneficiary only pays the service charge which covers the cost of providing electricity including cost of maintenance and repairs.</li>
<li>This will help in avoiding financial challenges and effectively utilise the costly assets of solar PV systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Duration:</strong> The vendor will install and operate the power plant with capacity up to 10 kWp for at least 10 years and those with capacity above 10 kWp for at least 15 years.</li>
<li><strong>Features of solar PV plants:</strong> The plants will be designed to supply a daily minimum guaranteed energy to the beneficiary. The guidelines specify features of solar power plants in areas isolated from the grid system and areas with unreliable grid connections.</li>
<li><strong>Some of the common features include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>use of energy efficient equipment such as LED lights</li>
<li>battery back-up to support daily guaranteed energy</li>
<li>deployment of remote monitoring systems</li>
<li>metering of supplied solar power at the point of delivery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The grid-connected plants can feed surplus power to the grid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Financial Assistance:</strong> 90% of the benchmark cost will be paid upfront as central financial assistance on successful commissioning of the plant.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The benchmark cost will include cost of complete system, transportation of material, installation, commissioning, insurance, and annual maintenance contract period for five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-july-2020'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Low Ozone Over Brahmaputra River Valley',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists at the <strong>Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences</strong> (ARIES), <strong>Nainital</strong> (Uttarakhand) have evaluated the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-29th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>near surface ozone</strong></a> in the <strong>Brahmaputra River Valley</strong> (BRV).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ARIES is an <strong>autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Scientists analysed the<strong> variability of ozone</strong> (O<sub>3</sub>) <strong>and other air pollutants over the BRV region.</strong></li>
<li>They assessed<strong> seasonal characteristics of ozone</strong> to identify the emission source of ozone and its precursors, especially <strong>methane</strong> (CH<sub>4</sub>) and <strong>non-methane hydrocarbons</strong> (NMHCs).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NMHCs such as<strong> ethane, ethene, propane, propene,</strong> etc. play an important role in <strong>controlling ozone concentrations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They also studied the<strong> relationships between the meteorological parameters</strong> like air temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, soil temperature, rainfall, etc. and <strong>ozone</strong> in a tropical setting.</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists have found<strong> relatively low concentration of ozone over BRV (Guwahati - Assam)</strong> compared to the other urban locations in India.</li>
<li>The pattern of O<sub>3</sub> concentrations in the BRV indicated that it was <strong>strongly influenced by local oxides of nitrogen (NOx) sources</strong> with an <strong>adjacent national highway</strong> being the likely major source.</li>
<li>The <strong>mean ventilation coefficient was greater than 6000 m<sup>2</sup>s</strong> during the day in the pre-monsoon season indicating pollutant dispersion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> ventilation coefficient,</strong> which is the product of mixing depth and the average wind speed, is an atmospheric condition which gives an indication of the air quality and pollution potential i.e. the ability of the atmosphere to dilute and disperse the pollutants over a region.</li>
<li>The <strong>higher the coefficient,</strong> the more efficiently the atmosphere is able to dispose of the pollutants and <strong>better is the air quality.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Low ventilation coefficients lead to</strong> poor dispersal of pollutants causing stagnation and <strong>poor air quality leading to possible pollution related hazards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High O<sub>3</sub> winter concentrations</strong> were observed, likely driven by local biomass burning providing reactive <strong>volatile organic compounds</strong> (VOCs) that contributed to ozone formation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>VOCs are compounds that have a <strong>high vapor pressure and low water solubility.</strong></li>
<li>Many VOCs are <strong>human-made chemicals</strong> that are used and produced in the manufacturing of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.</li>
<li>VOCs are common<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/groundwater-crisis-in-india#:~:text=Water%20contamination%20as%20in%20the,groundwater%20resources%20without%20any%20penalty." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> ground-water contaminants.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the<strong> pre-monsoon season,</strong> an<strong> impact of solar radiation</strong> (SR) on the <strong>photochemical formation of O<sub>3</sub> </strong>was observed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ozone-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tropospheric, or ground-level ozone</strong></a>, is <strong>created by chemical reactions between</strong> NOx and VOC.</li>
<li>It usually increases when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources<strong> chemically react in the presence of sunlight,</strong> impacting human health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599809093_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599809093_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="656" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1651641" 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/low-ozone-over-brahmaputra-river-valley'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Ease of Doing Business Rankings of the States: DPIIT',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade</strong> (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the 4<sup>th</sup> edition of <strong>Ease of Doing Business Rankings</strong> based on the State<strong> Business Reform Action Plan (State BRAP).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong> has topped the rankings followed by<strong> Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. Tripura, Sikkim, Odisha</strong> were among the worst performers.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599807176_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599807176_image1.png" 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>Andhra Pradesh has achieved <strong>100% compliance with BRAP.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the first State to take measures to revive the economy hit by the global pandemic and revive the small and medium scale industries with a <strong>ReSTART package.</strong></li>
<li>The ReSTART package includes the payment of sanctioned incentives, working capital loans, preferential market access etc. to MSME units.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ease of Doing Business (EODB) :</strong> It is a joint initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> to improve the overall business environment in the States. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ranking of all the States and Union Territories is done, based on the implementation of BRAP by them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched in 2015.</li>
<li>BRAP 2019 contains a list of <strong>80 reforms</strong> (187 reform action points) to be implemented by<strong> 19 State departments.</strong></li>
<li>These reforms cover <strong>12 business regulatory areas</strong> such as Access to Information, Single Window System, Labour, Environment, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Objective :</strong> It was introduced to <strong>encourage a healthy competition between states.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would help in <strong>attracting investments and increasing Ease of Doing Business</strong> in each State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> India ranked 63rd out of 190 countries in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Doing Business 2020: World Bank Report.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was a jump of 79 places since 2014 due to a number of reforms by the central government since then including BRAP.</li>
<li>The Doing Business report, introduced in <strong>2003,</strong> provides an assessment of objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on <strong>ten parameters</strong> affecting a business through its life cycle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1651598" 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/ease-of-doing-business-rankings-of-the-states-dpiit'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Cooperative Labour in Odisha Tribes',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The concept of labour cooperatives is popular in almost all tribal communities in Odisha including the <strong>Dongria Kondh, Juanga, Lanjia Saura, Saura, Didayi, Paudi Bhuyan and Kandh.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Farming on the steep hill slopes <strong>requires more labour which a single family cannot provide.</strong> Therefore, they have evolved an indigenous system to engage the labour available in the community to accomplish the <strong>farming tasks of all the families of the village.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> These cooperatives ensure all families of the community are ensured food and <strong>no fields remain barren.</strong> They also strengthen the <strong>feeling of collective belongingness</strong> among the members.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperatives in Different Tribes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lanjia Saura:</strong> All members are bound to participate in constructing terraces for farming on the slopes and designing and creating traditional irrigation systems, harnessing hill streams.</li>
<li><strong>Juanga community:</strong> All villagers trek hills, clear trees and create crop fields. The village council ensures that all members contribute their labour. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Juanga and Saura are <strong>Munda ethnic groups</strong> from Southern Odisha.</li>
<li>They are <strong>Austroasiatic tribes</strong> i.e. they are believed to be <strong>part of the first wave of migration out of Africa</strong> about 60,000 years ago.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dongria Kondh:</strong> This tribe practices <strong>at least 10 types of cooperative labour sharing within the community.</strong></li>
<li>Types of Cooperatives in Dongria Kondh Tribe:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><em><strong>Sahabati:</strong> </em>All Dongria households of the village work in turns for a day on the land of one villager.</li>
<li><em><strong>Daasibati:</strong></em> Cooperative of younger, unmarried girls from the village for less strenuous but tedious work such as weeding, fencing of fields, cleaning or harvesting of crops.</li>
<li><em><strong>Dhangdabati:</strong></em> Young bachelors are required to take up work such as felling trees, hoeing, carrying logs and digging pits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Dongria Kondh</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> They derive their name from dongar, meaning &lsquo;hill&rsquo; and are the member of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/khond-tribe" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Khond Tribe</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Status:</strong> They are a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Habitation:</strong> They reside in the Niyamgiri hill range of Odisha, around 4,500 ft above sea level.</li>
<li><strong>Language:</strong> <strong>Kui language</strong> (Oral only, not written)</li>
<li><strong>Beliefs:</strong> They worship <strong>Niyam Raja,</strong> the god of the Niyamgiri Forests.</li>
<li><strong>Occupation:</strong> They sustain themselves from the resources of the Niyamgiri forests, practising horticulture and shifting cultivation</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong> They are currently facing displacement due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-2nd-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri</strong></a> hills.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are also facing <strong>severe health problems</strong> because of<strong> dust coming from</strong> the red mud pond (waste generated by the refinery) <strong>site. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tribes in Odisha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Odisha is home to 62 tribal communities &mdash; the<strong> largest diverse groups of tribal population in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>13 of them are PVTGs&mdash; <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/odisha-s-bonda-tribe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bonda</a>, Birhor, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Dungaria Kandha, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirdia, Paudi Bhuyan and Saora.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tribal populations are found in the<strong> entire seven districts of Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri and Rayagada,</strong> and in parts of 6 other districts.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/many-hands-ensure-green-fields-among-odishas-tribal-villages/article32532422.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/cooperative-labour-in-odisha-tribes'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Impacts of Bt Cotton',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-twisted-trajectory-of-bt-cotton/article32566091.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The twisted trajectory of Bt cotton</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 10<sup>th</sup> of September 2020. It analyses the impact of the Bt. Cotton on Indian farming and farmers.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/genetically-modified-seeds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Genetically modified (GM) cotton</strong></a>, the plant containing the pesticide gene from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has been grown in India for about twenty years now. This pesticide, now produced in each Bt plant cell, ought to protect the plant from bollworm, thereby increasing yields and reducing insecticide spraying on the cotton plant. However despite finding huge favour in India, the GM crop has only brought modest benefits according to several studies.</p>
<h3>History of Bt. Cotton</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Cotton has been woven and used in India for thousands of years.</li>
<li>Cotton fabric from around 3,000 BCE has been excavated from the ruins of Mohenjo-daro, and archaeological findings in Mehrgarh, Pakistan, show that cotton was used in the subcontinent as far back as 5,000 BCE.</li>
<li>Much of the cotton cultivated until the 20th century in India was of the indigenous &lsquo;desi&rsquo; variety, Gossypium arboreum.</li>
<li>From the 1990s, hybrid varieties of G. hirsutum were promoted.</li>
<li>These hybrids cannot resist a variety of local pests and require more fertilizers and pesticides. Cotton suffers from plenty of infestation from moth pests such as the Pink Bollworm (PBW) and sap-sucking pests such as aphids and mealy bugs.</li>
<li>Rising debts and reducing yields, coupled with increasing insect resistance, worsened the plight of cotton farmers.</li>
<li>It was in this setting that Bt cotton was introduced in India in 2002.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adoption of Bt. Cotton</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the Ministry of Agriculture, from 2005, adoption of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bt-cotton-in-india-problems-and-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bt cotton</strong></a> rose to 81% in 2007, and up to 93% in 2011.</li>
<li>Many short-duration studies examining Bt cotton, in the early years, pronounced that Bt was a panacea for dwindling yields and pesticide expenses.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Has Bt. Cotton been really successful?</h3>
<p><strong>Discrepancy Between Yields And Bt Cover</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are discrepancies between yield and the deployment of Bt cotton.</li>
<li>For instance, the Bt acreage was only 3.4% of the total cotton area in 2003. However the increase in yield in 2003-2004 was 61% so it is not sufficient to credit the Bt. cotton for that. Similarly Bt coverage by 2005 was only 15.7 but increase in yield increases were over 90% over 2002 levels.</li>
<li>While Bt cotton adoption corresponded to a drop in spraying for bollworms, the study states, that countrywide yields stagnated after 2007 even as more farmers began to grow Bt.</li>
<li>By 2018, yields were lower than in the years of rapid Bt adoption.</li>
<li>Many State&rsquo;s Figure Correspond To Same
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Individual State data are more helpful in understanding subnational trends.</li>
<li>In Maharashtra, yields climbed in the decade after 2000, with no change in the rate of increase when Bt cotton was introduced.</li>
<li>In Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh as well, there is no correlation between the adoption of the variety and increase in yields.</li>
<li>For instance, Gujarat&rsquo;s surge in cotton yields was 138% in 2003, even as Bt cotton was used only for 5% of land under cotton.</li>
<li>Similar findings are seen in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, where yield increase is incongruous with the spread of Bt cotton</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Low Productivity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s productivity (yield per unit area), is much lower than other major cotton-producing countries.</li>
<li>This means that a much larger area is used for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-cotton-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> cotton</strong> </a>production and hence the Bt. Cotton has failed to increase yield.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Market Capture</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Commercial Bt hybrids have overshadowed the market, accompanied by the rollback of public sector cottonseed production.</li>
<li>Hence, the Indian cotton farmers are left with little choice but to use Bt hybrid seed produced by private seed companies.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Farmers Distress</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the combination of high input and high risk, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agricultural-distress-in-india#:~:text=Lack%20of%20Mechanisation%3A%20Introduction%20of,like%20seeds%20and%20irrigation%20facilities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>agricultural distress</strong></a> is extremely high among hybrid cotton cultivating farmers.</li>
<li>Compact varieties (plant is sown at high density for a small period of time) would have significantly reduced this distress as well as increased yield.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Impact Assessment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Before extending GM technology to increase food crop yield it is mandatory to assess its <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>impact</strong></a> on livelihood, agrarian distress, etc. Hence, the outcome of deploying a technology must be evaluated in a particular context.</li>
<li>If the technology does not prioritize the needs of the principal stakeholders (farmers), it can have significant negative fallouts, especially in India which has a high proportion of marginal and subsistence farmers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Change In Cropping Pattern</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are two patterns of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-two#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20the%20cropping%20pattern,economic%20conditions%20of%20the%20farmers.&amp;text=Green%20Revolution%20also%20led%20to,Punjab%2C%20Haryana%20and%20Uttar%20Pradesh." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cotton plantation.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is compact and short term where the plant is sown at high density for a small period of time.</li>
<li>The other is for longer duration and not that dense.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India prefers longer duration with less density method.</li>
<li>However, hybrids in India are bushy, long duration and planted at a ten-fold lower density but cotton is a dryland crop and 65% of the area under cotton in India is rain-fed.</li>
<li>Farmers with insufficient access to groundwater in these areas are entirely dependent on rain. Here, the shorter duration variety has a major advantage as it reduces dependence on irrigation and risk.</li>
<li>Particularly late in the growing season when soil moisture drops following the monsoon&rsquo;s withdrawal.</li>
<li>This period is when bolls develop and water requirement is the highest.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Focus On Indigenous Breeds</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Before the advent of British in India, different varieties of cotton indigenously developed over a long period of time, were grown in different parts of the country, each being suited to the local soil, water and climate.</li>
<li>Indian cotton fabrics dominated the world trade during the succeeding millennia and were exported to many places, including Greece, Rome, Persia, Egypt, Assyria and parts of Asia.</li>
<li>The cost of ignoring &lsquo;desi&rsquo; varieties for decades has been high for India.</li>
<li>These varieties resist many pests and don&rsquo;t present the problems faced with hybrids.</li>
<li>Research suggests that with pure-line cotton varieties, high density planting, and short season plants, cotton yields in India can be good and stand a better chance at withstanding the vagaries of climate change.</li>
<li>Government backing for resources, infrastructure and seeds is essential to scale up &lsquo;desi&rsquo; varieties.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599739486_Image12.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599739486_Image12.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #f70000; background-color: #f2f3fc;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Despite finding huge favour in India, the GM crop has only brought modest benefits&rdquo;. In the light of statement critically analyse the use and impact of hybrid cotton seed in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4EeDV0ZEumU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/vaccine-for-all-on-covid-19-vaccine-policy/article32555374.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Vaccine for all: On COVID-19 vaccine policy&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on September 9<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/impacts-of-bt-cotton'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'UK Internal Market Bill, 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>new UK Internal Market Bill</strong> has run into controversy over its impact on talks with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong> </a>(EU) and on international treaties, given it could rewrite parts of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/brexit-deal-what-lies-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Brexit withdrawal agreement.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599737443_image11.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599737443_image11.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Bill:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bill is <strong>designed to &ldquo;protect jobs and trade&rdquo; within the UK</strong> after the end of 2020&rsquo;s<strong> transition period</strong> for leaving the EU.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the withdrawal treaty, a transition period has been<strong> finalised until December 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will enable the UK government to provide<strong> financial assistance to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland</strong> and with new <strong>powers to spend taxpayers&rsquo; money</strong> previously administered by the EU.</li>
<li>It will also <strong>empower ministers to pass regulations,</strong> specifically on<strong> trade and state aid, even if they are contrary to the agreement</strong> previously reached with the EU under what is known as the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-uk-s-constitutional-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Irish Backstop</strong></a> (earlier known as the <strong>Northern Ireland Protocol).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Irish Backstop is the draft agreement between the UK and the EU that <strong>aims to prevent a hard border</strong> (limited number of authorised crossing points staffed by customs officers and police)<strong> in Ireland after the UK leaves the EU.</strong></li>
<li>Northern Ireland will become the<strong> UK&rsquo;s only land border with the EU</strong> after the transition ends.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UK has held that the Bill is<strong> needed for a smooth trade</strong> between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will <strong>help power recovery from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, the UK is a part of the European single market, with <strong>jointly agreed regulations and standards</strong> right across the continent.</li>
<li>Post-Brexit, the UK wants to continue to have a<strong> joint and &ldquo;internal market&rdquo; across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.</strong></li>
<li>Due to Brexit, <strong>rules and regulations</strong> around things like food and air quality and animal welfare <strong>have to be set in the UK only but there is a conflict</strong> on who should have the ultimate authority out of the four countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticisms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the EU Withdrawal Treaty, <strong>England is meant to cooperate with Brussels (EU&rsquo;s Headquarter)</strong> on any arrangements for Northern Ireland and not decide on such matters all by itself.</li>
<li>Scotland holds that the new Bill is a<strong> just a power-grab by England</strong> from the devolved administrations in Scotland itself, Wales and Northern Ireland.</li>
<li><strong>All four nations will have to accept goods at the standards set in any one country</strong> so there are fears local <strong>quality controls could be dragged down</strong> to the lowest common denominator if England sets any such standard which is not practical or profitable for the rest of the three countries.</li>
<li>Furthermore, under the current proposals, <strong>any disputes would be settled by a new Office</strong> for the Internal Market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This might be envisioned as an independent third party forum, but the devolved administrations see it as being <strong>another example of decisions being taken out of their hands.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uks-new-law-breaches-eu-treaty/article32564780.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/uk-internal-market-bill-2020'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Shikshak Parv',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Shikshak Parv is<strong> being celebrated from 8<sup>th</sup>-25<sup>th</sup> September 2020</strong> to <strong>felicitate the teachers</strong> and to<strong> take <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Education Policy (NEP) 2020</a> forward.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the Shikshak Parv initiative, the<strong> Ministry of Education</strong> is organizing a series of webinars on NEP and its implementation.</li>
<li><strong>Teachers&rsquo; Day</strong> is celebrated on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> September</strong> every year throughout <strong>India</strong> in memory of <strong>Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan</strong> on his birth anniversary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Radhakrishnan was born in a family in Tiruttani (Tamil Nadu) in 1888.</li>
<li>He has played many roles in his life. He has been a teacher, philosopher, author and politician. He was the <strong>first Vice President of India (1952&ndash;1962)</strong> and the <strong>second President of India from 1962 to 1967.</strong></li>
<li>He was awarded <strong>knighthood in 1931. </strong>In 1954, he was <strong>awarded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/padma-awards-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Ratna</a>,</strong> the highest civilian award in India. He got<strong> honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit</strong> in 1963.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>World Teachers&rsquo; Day</strong> is celebrated on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> October</strong> annually to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the <strong>1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation</strong> concerning the Status of Teachers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This instrument sets forth the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Education Policy (NEP) 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This policy aims to pave the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country. This policy<strong> replaces the 34 year old National Policy on Education (NPE),1986.</strong></li>
<li>NEP 2020 is <strong>aligned to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development</a>.</strong> It is built on the <strong>foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability.</strong></li>
<li>An autonomous body, the <strong>National Educational Technology Forum (NETF),</strong> is proposed to provide a platform to facilitate decision making on the induction, deployment, and use of technology, as well as the opportunity to consult and share best practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599734985_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599734985_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1652690" 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/shikshak-parv'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'New FDI Policy in Defence Sector',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-foreign-direct-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong></a> <strong>(FDI)</strong> policy in the defence sector which allows the FDI through automatic approval to be increased from 49% to 74%.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the defence industry can bring FDI up to 49% under the<strong> automatic route,</strong> and above it <strong>under government route.</strong></li>
<li>However, the new policy has a <strong>&lsquo;National Security&rsquo;</strong> clause as a condition which has been proposed by the <strong>Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Security Clause:</strong> FDI in the defence sector<strong> shall be subject to scrutiny on the ground of National Security</strong> and the <strong>Government reserves the right to review</strong> any foreign investment in the defence sector that may affect national security.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Indigenous Manufacturing:</strong> Through more <strong>liberalised FDI policy</strong> the government is seeking<strong> to attract foreign players</strong> to set up manufacturing units in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been focusing on the <strong>defence sector to act as an engine for boosting manufacturing in the country,</strong> and is <strong>aiming</strong> to achieve a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore, including exports worth Rs 35,000 crore, by 2025. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As of 2019, the defence industry, along with the aerospace and shipbuilding industry, was estimated to be worth Rs. 80,000 crore, of which the share of Public Sector Units (PSUs) was nearly 80%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government has brought a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-defence-production-and-export-promotion-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020)</strong></a>, which <strong>aims</strong> to provide an overarching guiding document to provide a focused, structured and significant thrust to defence production capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports.</li>
<li>The government has also brought a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/negative-imports-list-for-defence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>negative imports list</strong></a> for defence equipment and a dedicated budget for capital acquisition from the domestic industry. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The negative imports list<strong> contains a list of weapons that will not be imported</strong> and can only be purchased from within the country.</li>
<li>It was done with an aim to <strong>reduce the defence import bill.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government has <strong>inaugurated two defence industrial corridors,</strong> in <strong>Tamil Nadu and in Uttar Pradesh,</strong> to boost the flagship <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india#:~:text=On%20September%2025%2C%202014%2C%20the,surpassing%20the%20U.S.%20and%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Make in India'</strong></a> programme that in turn would attract investments as well as encourage employment generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>FDI is an <strong>investment made by a firm or individual</strong> in one country into business interests located in another country.</li>
<li>Generally, FDI takes place when an investor establishes foreign business operations or acquires foreign business assets, including establishing ownership or controlling interest in a foreign company.</li>
<li>It is different from<strong> Foreign Portfolio Investment</strong> where the foreign entity merely buys equity shares of a company. FPI does not provide the investor with control over the business.</li>
<li>Routes through which India gets FDI:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Automatic Route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity does not require the prior approval of the government or the RBI.</li>
<li><strong>Government route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity has to take the approval of the government.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal</strong> (FIFP) facilitates the single window clearance of applications which are through approval route.</li>
<li>This portal is administered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new FDI policy has the potential to reduce dependency on imports in the defence sector and boost manufacturing in India.</li>
<li>It will also provide employment and business opportunities to the Indian businesses and boost self-dependency.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/govt-puts-national-security-clause-in-defence-fdi-hike-to-74-per-cent-6589841/" 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/new-fdi-policy-in-defence-sector'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'EASE 2.0  Banking Reforms Index',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) 2.0 Banking Reforms Index</strong> on performance of Public Sector Banks (PSB) from March 2018-2020 was released and best performing banks on EASE were felicitated.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Union Minister of Finance &amp; Corporate Affairs also inaugurated<strong> Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs</strong> on the occasion.</li>
<li>In February, 2020, <strong>EASE 3.0 (2020-21)</strong> for smart, tech-enabled banking was also unveiled.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732321_image9.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732321_image9.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>EASE Reforms Agenda:</strong> It was launched in<strong> January 2018</strong> jointly<strong> by the government and PSBs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was commissioned through <strong>Indian Banks&rsquo; Association</strong> and authored by <strong>Boston Consulting Group.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian Banks' Association, formed on 26<sup>th</sup> September 1946 is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions based in Mumbai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>EASE Agenda is aimed at institutionalizing <strong>CLEAN and SMART banking.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>EASE Reforms Index:</strong> The Index measures <strong>performance of each PSB</strong> on 120+ objective metrics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Index follows a fully transparent scoring methodology, which <strong>enables banks to identify their strengths</strong> as well as<strong> areas for improvement.</strong></li>
<li>The goal is to continue driving change by <strong>encouraging healthy competition among PSBs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>EASE 1.0 :</strong> The EASE 1.0 report showed significant improvement in PSB performance in resolution of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/solving-the-npa-crisis-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non Performing Assets</a> (NPAs)</strong> transparently.</li>
<li><strong>EASE 2.0 :</strong> EASE 2.0 builds on the foundation of EASE 1.0 and introduces<strong> new reform Action Points</strong> across six themes to make reforms journey irreversible, strengthen processes and systems, and drive outcomes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>six themes</strong> of EASE 2.0 are - <br />
<ol>
<li>Responsible Banking;</li>
<li>Customer Responsiveness;</li>
<li>Credit Off-take;</li>
<li>PSBs as <strong>UdyamiMitra</strong> (SIDBI portal for credit management of MSMEs);</li>
<li>Financial Inclusion &amp; Digitalisation; and</li>
<li>Governance and HR</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Performance of PSB on EASE 2.0 Index</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Overall Score: Increased by 37%</strong> between March-2019 and March-2020, with the average EASE index score improving from <strong>49.2 to 67.4</strong> out of 100.</li>
<li><strong>Top Performing Banks: Bank of Baroda,</strong> State Bank of India, and erstwhile Oriental Bank of Commerce</li>
<li><strong>Major improvements:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Digital Banking:</strong> Nearly 4 crore active customers on mobile and internet banking.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>50% of financial transactions through digital channels.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Customer service:</strong> Increase in <strong>number of call centres</strong> and <strong>inclusion of 13 regional languages</strong> in customer service, enhanced doorstep banking support by <strong>75,000+ Bank Mitras etc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Easy loans:</strong> Turnaround time for retail loans reduced by from <strong>nearly 30 days to nearly 10 days.</strong></li>
<li><strong>NPAs and Frauds:</strong> Gross NPAs reduced from Rs. 8.96 lakh crore in March-2018 to Rs. 6.78 lakh crore in March-2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A sharp decline in fraud occurrence from 0.65% of advances during FY10-FY14 to 0.06% in FY19-20</li>
<li>Record recovery of Rs. 2.27 lakh crore in FY19-FY20</li>
<li>Banks have taken steps like instituting <strong>data-driven risk assessments</strong> and introducing <strong>Early Warning Signals (EWS)</strong> systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732358_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732358_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>EASE 3.0</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A comprehensive agenda for <strong>smart, tech-enabled banking</strong> has been adopted for FY 2020-21, under which PSBs have initiated<strong> eShishu Mudra</strong> (app-based lending for instant sanction of working capital up to Rs. 50,000) for straight-through processing of loans to micro-enterprises.</li>
<li>EASE 3.0 seeks to enhance ease of banking in all customer experiences, using technology viz. <strong>Dial-a-loan, Partnerships with FinTechs and E-commerce companies, [email protected], Tech-enabled agriculture lending, EASE Banking Outlets etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Doorstep Banking Services</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As part of the EASE Reforms, Doorstep Banking Services is envisaged to provide convenience of banking services to the customers at their doorstep through the universal touch points of <strong>Call Centre, Web Portal or Mobile App.</strong></li>
<li>At present,<strong> only non-financial services viz.</strong> request for account statement, delivery of cheque book, demand draft, pay order etc are available to customers. <strong>Financial services shall be made available from October 2020.</strong></li>
<li>The services shall benefit all customers, particularly<strong> Senior Citizens and Divyangs</strong> who would find it at ease to avail these services.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1652723" 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/ease-2-0-banking-reforms-index'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Typhoon Maysak and Typhoon Haishen',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p>Why in News</p>
<p>Recently, <strong>Korean Peninsula</strong> and<strong> Japan</strong> were hit by two typhoons named<strong> Maysak</strong> and <strong>Haishen.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Typhoons</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Typhoons are a kind of<strong> storm.</strong> The storms, depending on where they occur, may be called <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hurricanes</a>, typhoons or cyclones.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Typhoons:</strong> In the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Hurricanes:</strong> In the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Tornados:</strong> In the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.</li>
<li><strong>Willy-willies:</strong> In north-western Australia and</li>
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclones:</strong> In the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scientific name for all these kinds of storms is <strong>tropical cyclones.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tropical cyclones</strong> are intense circular storms that originate over the warm tropical oceans with speed more than 119 kilometres per hour and heavy rains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599730742_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599730742_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="614" height="328" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Categorisation:</strong> Both typhoons were categorised as a <strong>Category 4 hurricane storm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Category 4 storm has <strong>wind speeds between 130-156 mph</strong> and can uproot trees and bring down power lines.</li>
<li>Hurricanes are categorized on the <strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,</strong> which rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 based on wind speed. Hurricanes that reach category <strong>three or higher</strong> are classified as<strong> major hurricanes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Naming:</strong> The <strong>Maysak</strong> typhoon takes its name from a <strong>Cambodian word</strong> for a type of <strong>tree.</strong> While, Haishen means<strong> sea god</strong> in <strong>Chinese.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Typhoon Maysak and Haishen are referred to as typhoon number 9 and 10 in Japan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background of Naming:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>Japan</strong> the first typhoon to occur after January 1<sup>st</sup> of the year is called typhoon number 1.</li>
<li>In the <strong>USA,</strong> hurricanes are referred to by English names.</li>
<li>The intergovernmental organisation called the <strong>Typhoon Committee</strong> which has 14 members including Japan, USA and China uses Asian names for typhoons that are contributed by the member countries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Haishen was a name recommended by China, while Maysak is a Combodian name.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/typhoon-pummels-south-korea-with-flooding/article32510493.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/typhoon-maysak-and-typhoon-haishen'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenge',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</strong> </a>ARISE-Atal New India Challenge (ANIC) Program, launched by the government, is a<strong> national initiative</strong> to promote <strong>research &amp; innovation</strong> and increase<strong> competitiveness</strong> of Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/policy-reforms-for-startups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>startups</strong></a> and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a> (MSMEs).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To proactively collaborate with Ministries and the associated industries <strong>to catalyse research, innovation and facilitate innovative solutions</strong> to sectoral problems.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objective is also to provide a steady stream of innovative products &amp; solutions where the Central Government Ministries/Departments will become the <strong>potential first buyers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The initiative will be carried under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aim-icrest-niti-aayog" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong></a> <strong>(AIM - an</strong> initiative by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a>).</li>
<li>The programme will be driven by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organization</strong> </a><strong>(ISRO)</strong> and four ministries:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ministry of Defence;</li>
<li>Ministry of Food Processing Industries;</li>
<li>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and</li>
<li>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The initiative will help promote techno-preneurs who deserve to be supported because of their immense potential of taking India forward.</li>
<li>A total of 15 sector-specific challenges will be selected where <strong>three challenges</strong> are kept for<strong> each ministry.</strong></li>
<li>A grant-of-aid of up<strong> Rs. 50 lakh</strong> for a period of 9 to 12 months have been earmarked for startups to develop <strong>a minimum usable prototype.</strong></li>
<li>Innovators would also be attracted by using the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-gandhian-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi Challenge method.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On the 150<sup>th</sup> birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, &lsquo;the Gandhian Challenge&rsquo; was launched.</li>
<li>It provides a platform for <strong>every child across India</strong> to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi&rsquo;s principles.</li>
<li>Broad categories in the challenge:<strong> Art &amp; Innovation and Science, Technology &amp; Innovation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Program is in line with the mandate of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india#:~:text=On%20September%2025%2C%202014%2C%20the,surpassing%20the%20U.S.%20and%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Make in India&rdquo;</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-start-up-india-fund#:~:text=early%2Dstage%20companies.-,Startup%20India,innovation%20and%20entrepreneurship%20in%20India." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Startup India&rdquo;</strong></a></li>
<li>&ldquo;Aatmanirbhar Bharat&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of the Indian Space Research Organisation :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO is the leading organization to promote innovations and entrepreneurship across the length and breath of our country.</li>
<li>ISRO has extensively supported MSMEs and has also set up R&amp;D labs across India to promote innovation and research in space science and technology.</li>
<li>ISRO is planning to <strong>adopt 100 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-collabcad-in-atal-tinkering-labs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atal Tinkering Labs</a>,</strong> 3 each in each state and UTs.</li>
<li><strong>Three thrust areas identified by ISRO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Propulsion:</strong> Green propellants, electric propulsion, and advanced air-breathing.</li>
<li><strong>Geo-spatial Information:</strong> Using <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artificial Intelligence</a> (AI)</strong> for crop monitoring, weather forecasting and programme evaluation.</li>
<li><strong>AI and Robotics:</strong> For supporting space exploration and outer space monitoring.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of MSMEs for Indian Economy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>They are considered as the engine of growth in an economy.</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong> It is the second largest employment generating sector after agriculture. It provides employment to around 120 million persons in India.</li>
<li><strong>Contribution to GDP:</strong> With around 36.1 million units throughout the geographical expanse of the country, MSMEs contribute around 6.11% of the manufacturing GDP and 24.63% of the GDP from service activities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>MSME ministry has set a target to up its contribution to GDP to 50% by 2025 as India becomes a $5 trillion economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exports:</strong> It contributes around 45% of the overall exports from India.</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive growth:</strong> MSMEs promote inclusive growth by providing employment opportunities in rural areas especially to people belonging to weaker sections of the society.</li>
<li><strong>Financial inclusion:</strong> Small industries and retail businesses in tier-II and tier-III cities create opportunities for people to use banking services and products.</li>
<li><strong>Promote innovation:</strong> It provides opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to build creative products boosting business competition and fuels growth.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AIM is Government of India&rsquo;s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s <strong>objective</strong> is to develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of the economy, provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness and create an umbrella structure to oversee the innovation ecosystem of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Major Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-collabcad-in-atal-tinkering-labs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Tinkering Labs</strong></a>: These are creating problem solving mindset across schools in India.</li>
<li><strong>Atal Incubation Centers:</strong> Fostering world class startups and adding a new dimension to the incubator model.</li>
<li><strong>Atal New India Challenges:</strong> Fostering product innovations and aligning them to the needs of various sectors/ministries.</li>
<li><strong>Mentor India Campaign:</strong> A national mentor network in collaboration with the public sector, corporates and institutions, to support all the initiatives of the mission.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-community-innovation-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Community Innovation Center:</strong></a> To stimulate community centric innovation and ideas in the <strong>unserved/underserved regions of the</strong> <strong>country</strong> including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.</li>
<li><strong>Atal Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE):</strong> To stimulate innovation and research in the MSME industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599727741_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599727741_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1652751#:~:text=ISRO%20and%20Four%20Ministries%20Roped%20In&amp;text=Atal%20Innovation%20Mission%20(AIM)%2C,in%20Indian%20MSMEs%20and%20startups." 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/aatmanirbhar-bharat-arise-atal-new-india-challenge'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Indo-Pacific Trilateral Dialogue',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India, Australia and France</strong> held a dialogue for the first time under a <strong>trilateral framework.</strong> The three sides have<strong> agreed to hold the dialogue on an annual basis.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus: Enhancing cooperation</strong> in the<strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importancehttps://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Indo-Pacific Region.</a></strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Australia,</strong> along with <strong>France,</strong> has emerged as a<strong> major strategic partner for India</strong> in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially in the maritime domain. For instance:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>logistics agreements</strong> with both countries. The logistics agreement provides for easier access to supplies of goods and services.</li>
<li>There is significant cooperation in information exchange for <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>France was the first country to deploy a Liaison Officer at the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Navy&rsquo;s Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR)</strong></a> as part of efforts to improve Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India conducted its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-france-joint-patrolling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first joint patrols</strong> </a>with France in Reunion Island (western Indian ocean) in February 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trilateral cooperation will help to take on China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. E.g in South China Sea.</li>
<li>This trilateral cooperation is an addition to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Quad</strong> </a>which comprises the USA, Japan, Australia and India.</li>
<li>It also adds diplomatic muscle to the global coalition that is shaping up to counter China's belligerence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Discussed:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Possibility of <strong>enhancing maritime security cooperation</strong> between the three countries in the Indo-Pacific region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It also includes areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime domain awareness, mutual logistics support and capacity-building of friendly countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,</strong> initiatives such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/second-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a>, and the need for a <strong>reformed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-75-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multilateralism.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Cooperation on marine global commons.</strong> It includes <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>blue economy</strong></a>, <strong>marine biodiversity</strong> and <strong>environmental challenges</strong> such as marine pollution.</li>
<li><strong>Practical cooperation</strong> at the<strong> trilateral and regional level,</strong> including through regional organisations such as <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Ocean Rim Association</a> (IORA)</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Commission.</strong></a></li>
<li>The increased salience of<strong> resilient and reliable supply chains.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, Australia and Japan recently inked an initiative to build resilient supply chains, which is named as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).</strong></a> France may join this initiative too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emerging challenges</strong> in the context of <strong>Covid-19 pandemic,</strong> including the financial impact of the pandemic on the Indian Ocean region countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Significance of the Indo-Pacific Region</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2018 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-maritime-affairs-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shangrila Dialogue</strong></a> India had clearly indicated the geographical reach of <strong>India&rsquo;s idea of the Indo-Pacific,</strong> which starts from <strong>Africa to the America,</strong> which covers both the Indian and Pacific Oceans, in tandem with that of Japan.</li>
<li>It is a very<strong> rich region in terms of natural resources</strong> (fisheries, oil, gas) as well as mineral resources.</li>
<li><strong>Trade of some of the major economies</strong> like China, Japan, Korea or the west coast of the United States goes through this region.</li>
<li>About 50% of <strong>India&rsquo;s trade</strong> is conducted through the South China Sea. India has been one of the major players in the region. <strong>India conducts many naval exercises</strong> with the United States, countries of ASEAN, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.</li>
<li>The international community including India wants freedom of navigation, freedom of over flights in the region.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599733774_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599733774_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>France and Australia are India&rsquo;s key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting provided a unique opportunity to build upon the progress that the three countries have achieved bilaterally in recent years.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indo-pacific-cooperation-maritime-security-in-focus-at-trilateral-dialogue-6589741/" 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/indo-pacific-trilateral-dialogue'
		]
	],
	'updates' => object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

		'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
		'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 37,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 274,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/estore/test-series-en/upsc-mains-english/sociology-optional-mains-online-en',
		'title' => 'Sociology Mains Test Series 2020 - Join Now',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	},
	(int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/estore/test-series-en/upsc-prelims-english/prelims-test-series-2021-online',
		'title' => 'Prelims Test Series 2021 (Online) - Join Now',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	},
	(int) 2 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://bit.ly/drishtibooks',
		'title' => 'Get Drishti Publications books & magazines on Amazon - click here!',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	},
	(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://bit.ly/joindrishti',
		'title' => 'Click here for Online Inquiry form to join Drishti IAS programmes',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Financing the Fiscal Deficit',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India, being one the hardest hit major economy due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, faces the challenge of managing its fiscal deficit.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Borrowing more and monetizing the deficit</strong> are the options being considered by the government and <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 (RBI)</strong></a> to finance the fiscal deficit.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>State of Indian Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the official data, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Centre&rsquo;s fiscal deficit</strong> </a>for the first three months of fiscal 2020-21 (April-June) was Rs. 6.62 lakh crore, which is 83% of the budgeted target for the whole year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the economists, the fiscal deficit may end up as high as 8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far exceeding the budget&rsquo;s goal of 3.5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-contracted-by-23-9-in-first-quarter" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GDP contracted by 23.9% in the first</strong></a> (April-June) quarter of 2020 compared to the same period (April-June) in 2019.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-manufacturing-pmi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>manufacturing sector is also contracting,</strong></a> as per the recent IHS Markit India Manufacturing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/purchasing-manager-s-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI).</strong></a></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-core-sector-industries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>output of eight core industries</strong> </a>contracted for the <strong>fourth consecutive month - shrinking by 15%</strong> in June 2020.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-stability-report-rbi-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Stability Report</strong></a> from RBI also shows an increase in bad loans and Non-Performing Assets (NPA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Methods of Bridging the Fiscal Deficit</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Borrowing from the market:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has already raised its gross market borrowing target for the current financial year by<strong> more than 50%,</strong> owing to the pandemic.</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantage: </strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>High Debt:</strong> An increased <strong>borrowing</strong> programme means that the public <strong>debt</strong> will go up.</li>
<li><strong>Higher Interest Rates:</strong> Higher borrowing can <strong>push up interest rates</strong> because markets are nervous about the government's ability to repay.</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Taxes:</strong> It may also necessitate an increase in taxes. This may burden the common people and also lead to less spending and saving by the public, leading to a stalled market.</li>
<li><strong>Crowding out:</strong> When the government borrows from the private sector by selling bonds, the private sector is left with less money to spend and invest. Therefore, although government spending increases, private sector spending falls.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monetisation of the Deficit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Monetising deficit means RBI purchases government bonds in the primary market and <strong>prints more money to finance the debt.</strong></li>
<li>This is resorted to only when the government <strong>cannot borrow from the market</strong> (Banks and other Financial Institutions like LIC).</li>
<li>The money printed by the RBI is called <strong>high powered money or reserve money or monetary base.</strong></li>
<li>RBI also conducts <strong>indirect monetization of deficit</strong> through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-twist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Open Market Operations (OMOs).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>OMOs are market operations conducted by RBI by way of <strong>sale/purchase of government securities to/from the market</strong> with an objective to <strong>adjust the rupee liquidity conditions</strong> in the market on a durable basis.</li>
<li>Recently, RBI <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>decided to infuse Rs. 10,000 crore liquidity in the banking system</strong></a> by buying government securities through OMOs.</li>
<li>Purchase of Government securities by the RBI helps in increasing the supply of the money in the market and with banks. It helps to stabilize the market economy and generates credibility in the investors.</li>
<li>It is different from monetization as it is controlled by RBI instead of the government as it is not as inflationary as deficit monetization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has <strong>helped in the economic development</strong> of India as our domestic savings were less than 9% of GDP and the capacity to raise loans was also limited during the early 1950s, constraining the welfare activities of the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantages:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Deficit financing is <strong>inflationary</strong> and is bad for the health of the central bank.</li>
<li>It may<strong> push up interest rates</strong> and thus make it even more difficult for the government to service the loan.</li>
<li>It also poses threat to the<strong> financial stability</strong> of the economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>FRBM and Monetizing Deficits</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Monetisation of deficit was in practice in India till 1997, whereby the central bank automatically monetised government deficit through the issuance of ad-hoc<strong> treasury bills.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Two agreements were signed between the government and RBI in 1994 and 1997</strong> to completely phase out funding through ad-hoc treasury bills.</li>
<li>With the enactment of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/government-budgeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management</a> (FRBM) Act, 2003,</strong> it was totally barred.</li>
<li>However, the FRBM Act Amendment, 2018 contains an escape clause which permits monetisation of the deficit under special circumstances. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Escape clause</strong> generally refers to a contract provision that specifies the conditions under which a party can be freed from an obligation.</li>
<li>Escape clauses provide <strong>flexibility to governments to overshoot fiscal deficit targets</strong> in times of need, enabling them to respond to economic shocks.</li>
<li>The escape clause under the FRBM Act details a set of events in which the Central government can deviate from fiscal deficit targets. These include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Overriding considerations of national security, acts of war, and calamities of national proportion and collapse of agriculture severely affecting farm output and incomes.</li>
<li>Far-reaching structural reforms in the economy with unanticipated fiscal implications.</li>
<li>A sharp decline in real output growth of at least 3% points below the average for the previous four quarters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since the RBI has already taken up Open Market Operations and adopted a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>monetary policy framework</strong></a> to insert liquidity into the market, monetizing the deficit will only cost the government the credibility of the market and put inflationary pressure.</li>
<li>Given the inflation-prone nature of Indian economy, monetization of deficit should only be considered as a last resort. Even if it is adopted, the primary challenge will be to communicate and ensure that this is a one-off pandemic-induced arrangement and not a recurrent financing line.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/pandemic-may-force-govt-to-borrow-more/article32575961.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/financing-the-fiscal-deficit'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Autonomous Bodies',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/autonomous-bodies-are-crucial-to-the-government-s-functioning-streamline-them/story-dvMYKe37JaXNrlnPJW8NzH.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Autonomous bodies are crucial to the government&rsquo;s functioning. Streamline them</strong></a>, which was published in Hindustan Times on 11<sup>th</sup> of September 2020. It analyses the issues of Autonomous Bodies and their utilities.</p>
</div>
<p>The Union Government has recently abolished the All India Handicrafts Board, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-handloom-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Handloom</strong></a> Board and the Power Loom Board in consonance with the government&rsquo;s vision of <strong>minimum government, maximum governance.</strong> The Ministry of Textiles also changed the status of the eight Textile Research Associations to &ldquo;approved bodies&rdquo;, instead of the earlier &ldquo;affiliated bodies&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Thereafter, the government withdrew the officials of the ministry of textiles from the governing bodies of these textile associations. These are bold steps in achieving leaner government machinery and to introduce systematic rationalisation of government bodies.</p>
<p>Further, it was evident for quite some time now that despite a laid out administrative structure in <strong>Autonomous Bodies (ABs),</strong> there are a number of governance issues that need review.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What are Autonomous Bodies (ABs)?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Autonomous Bodies are set up whenever it is felt that certain functions need to be discharged outside the governmental set up with some amount of independence and flexibility without day-to-day interference of the Governmental machinery.</li>
<li>These are set up by the Ministries/Departments concerned with the subject matter and are funded through grants-in-aid, either fully or partially, depending on the extent which such institutes generate internal resources of their own.</li>
<li>These grants are regulated by the Ministry of Finance through their instructions as well as the instructions relating to powers for creation of posts and etc.</li>
<li>They are mostly registered as societies under the Societies Registration Act and in certain cases they have been set up as statutory institutions under the provisions contained in various Acts.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Functionality of Autonomous Bodies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Autonomous bodies are a major stakeholder in the government&rsquo;s functioning as they are engaged in diverse activities, ranging from formulating frameworks for policies, conducting research, and preserving the cultural heritage, etc.</li>
<li>The apex administrative body of ABs is called governing council or governing body and is chaired by the minister or the secretary of the respective ministry.</li>
<li>These Autonomous Bodies have specialised committees such as the purchase committee, works committee, finance committee, with nominated ministry officials.</li>
<li>These Autonomous Bodies are audited by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)</strong></a>, and the annual report is presented in the Parliament every year.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Issues With ABs</h3>
<p><strong>Accountability</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These bodies are funded by taxpayer&rsquo;s money. However, there have been complaints that they don&rsquo;t follow the policies of the government and are accountable the way the government departments are.</li>
<li>Even though the senior ministry officials are required to attend ABs&rsquo; committee meetings, they mostly don&rsquo;t due to their busy schedules.</li>
<li>They nominate junior officials who often lack the jurisdiction to take meaningful decisions during the meetings.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Opaque Recruitment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The exact count of these bodies is not known, with estimates ranging from 400 to 650.</li>
<li>Autonomous Bodies employ a considerable number of people. For example, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icar-to-set-up-farmers-innovation-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Agricultural Research</strong></a>, an Autonomous Body under the ministry of agriculture, has almost 17,000 employees.</li>
<li>However, unlike the government and the public sector undertakings, in which the recruitment rules are uniform and the recruitment is done by a centralised body such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/legal-status-for-ssc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Staff Selection Committee (SSC)</strong></a>, the<strong> Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)</strong> there is no such body for such recruitments.</li>
<li>As a result, the mode of recruitment and recruitment rules differs for each of these bodies, sometimes even across ABs within the same ministry.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Non-Adherence to Envisaged Goal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The boards have fallen into disuse and did not serve the purpose for which they were envisioned.</li>
<li>The boards were merely advisory in nature and failed to impact on influencing policy-making while they became vehicles of &ldquo;political patronage&rdquo; with the emergence of a &lsquo;middleman culture&rsquo; that did not help the interests of weavers.</li>
<li>The structure of these boards made room for a large number of non-official members to advise the government.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Non Uniform Auditing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is no uniform audit procedure.</li>
<li>Some ABs are audited by CAG whereas many are done by chartered accountants.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Legal Framework</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A legal framework should be devised which defines the boundaries of its working, its autonomy, and the various policies that it must follow.</li>
<li>This will simultaneously help identify the numbers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comprehensive Review</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Each ministry will need to undertake a comprehensive review of ABs under their jurisdiction.</li>
<li>ABs that have outlived the cause for which they were established may need to be closed or merged with a similar organisation or their memorandum altered as per the new charter.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A Pan India Recruitment Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To bring about uniformity in the policies, a task force needs to be set up under a pan-Indian agency such as SSC or UPSC.</li>
<li>It will streamline the recruitment rules, salary structure, allowance and perks paid to employees, and mode of recruitment.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Collaborated Approach</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To ensure the participation of ministry officials, committee meetings of similar ABs should be held together so that the appropriate authorities could provide meaningful suggestions.</li>
<li>It is also alleged that most of the agenda items raised by ABs are routine in nature. This should be discouraged, and only the important policy issues that need the ministry&rsquo;s intervention should be taken up in such meetings.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Uniform Independent Auditing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Audits of ABs should be undertaken by an independent agency.</li>
<li>CAG had done an exhaustive performance audit of autonomous scientific bodies in 2016, highlighting the gaps in their performance.</li>
<li>Such a theme-based audit should be done for other ABs as well.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All these years on, these ABs have remained the one official forum however watered down, where the voices and views of different stakeholders could be expressed directly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They bring diversity and can shape the government policies in a more inclusive way.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There is an urgent need to define them properly, bring uniformity in their policies, facilitate senior officials&rsquo; attendance in their meetings, and seek independent audits.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #faffd6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Autonomous bodies are very crucial to the government&rsquo;s functioning. Thus, there is an urgent need to streamline them&rdquo;. In the light of the statement critically discuss the role of Autonomous Bodies and their governance issues.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/autonomous-bodies'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Global Innovation Index 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Global Innovation Index 2020</strong> was released by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institutions-international-world-intellectual-property-organisation-wipo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Intellectual Property Organisation</strong></a> (WIPO).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India <strong>is at the 48<sup>th</sup> position</strong> in the list of top 50 innovative countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India occupied the 52<sup>nd</sup> position in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-innovation-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2019 rankings.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Switzerland, Sweden, the USA, the UK and Netherlands</strong> are the top five countries.</li>
<li>With a group of <strong>Asian economies advancing up</strong> the rankings, the index indicates that <strong>"a gradual eastward shift in the locus of innovation"</strong> is underway.</li>
<li>In Asian economies, <strong>China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam</strong> have made the most progress on the index in recent years, with all four now among the top 50.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is one of the leading innovation achievers</strong> in the central and southern Asian region, as it has <strong>shown a consistent improvement</strong> in its innovation ranking for the last 5 years.</li>
<li><strong>China,</strong> which is the <strong>only middle-income economy among the top 30,</strong> now holds the <strong>14<sup>th</sup> position.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has become the <strong>third most innovative lower-middle-income economy</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>India ranks in the <strong>top 15</strong> in indicators such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-technology-in-governance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information and Communication Technology</strong></a><strong> (ICT) services exports, <a href="/admin/articles/edit/oronavirus%20live update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">government online services</a>, graduates in science and engineering, </strong>and<strong> Research and Development-intensive global companies.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>improved the most in three pillars:</strong> Institutions (61<sup>st</sup>), business sophistication (55<sup>th</sup>), and creative outputs (64<sup>th</sup>).</li>
<li>The<strong> consistent improvement</strong> in the index rankings is owing to the immense knowledge capital, the vibrant startup ecosystem, and the amazing work done by the public and private research organisations.</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-innovation-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India Innovation Index 2019</strong> </a>which was released by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a>, has been widely <strong>accepted as the major step in the direction of decentralisation of innovation</strong> across all the states of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Innovation Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It provides <strong>detailed metrics about the innovation performance of 131 countries and economies</strong> around the world.</li>
<li>Its<strong> 80 indicators</strong> explore a broad vision of innovation, including political environment, education, infrastructure and business sophistication.</li>
<li>It is published annually by <strong>Cornell University, INSEAD </strong>and the<strong> WIPO.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2020 Theme: Who will Finance Innovation?</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GII 2020 sheds light on the state of innovation financing by investigating the evolution of existing mechanisms and by pointing to progress and remaining challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599819009_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599819009_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-jumps-4-places-to-rank-48-on-global-innovation-index-2020/articleshow/77890704.cms#:~:text=NEW%20DELHI%3A%20The%202020%20edition,at%2048th%20position%20since%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TOI</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-innovation-index-2020'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'SAROD-Ports: Dispute Resolution Mechanism',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union <strong>Ministry of Shipping</strong> launched <strong>&lsquo;SAROD-Ports&rsquo; (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports)</strong> through virtual ceremony in New Delhi.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About SAROD-Ports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is established under <strong>Societies Registration Act, 1860.</strong></li>
<li>&lsquo;SAROD-Ports&rsquo; is similar to provision available in Highway Sector in the form of <strong>SAROD-Roads</strong> constituted by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-highways-authority-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Highways Authority of India</a> (NHAI).</strong></li>
<li>It consists of members from <strong>Indian Ports Association (IPA) </strong>and<strong> Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SAROD-Ports will <strong>advise and assist</strong> in settlement of disputes <strong>through arbitrations</strong> in the maritime sector, including ports and shipping sector in Major Port Trusts, Non-major Ports, including private ports, jetties, terminals and harbours.</li>
<li>It will also cover disputes between:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Granting authority and Licensee/Concessionaire /Contractor.</li>
<li>Also, disputes between Licensee/Concessionaire and their contractors arising out of and during the course of execution of various contracts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SAROD-Ports will become the pivotal mechanism of <strong><em>ummeed</em> (hope), <em>vishwas</em> (trust) and <em>nyaya</em> (justice)</strong> in the Port sector of India. It will lead to <strong>saving huge amounts of legal expenditure and time.</strong></li>
<li>Enforcement of <strong>concession agreements</strong> in the letter and spirit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>concession agreement</strong> is a<strong> contract</strong> that gives a company the right to operate a specific business within a government's jurisdiction or on another firm's property, subject to particular terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will promote <strong>ease of doing business</strong> in the maritime sector because of the <strong>fast, timely, cost effective and robust dispute resolution mechanism.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will inspire confidence in the private players.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All major Ports will shift towards the <strong>&lsquo;Landlord Model&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Model Concession Agreement</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Model Concession Agreement is the <strong>core of public private partnership projects</strong> in India. It sets regulatory framework to implement PPP (Public Private Projects) in India. There are MCAs for national highways, urban rail transit systems, state highways and ports.</li>
<li><strong>Amendments to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA):</strong> In January 2018, the government approved amendments in the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) to make the Port Projects more investor-friendly.</li>
<li><strong>Key features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Constitution of the<strong> Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes &ndash;</strong> Ports (SAROD-Ports) as dispute resolution mechanism.</li>
<li>Providing <strong>an exit route to developers</strong> by way of divesting their equity upto 100% after completion of 2 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).</li>
<li>Under provision of additional land to the Concessionaire, <strong>land rent has been reduced</strong> from 200% to 120% of the applicable scale of rates for the proposed additional land.</li>
<li>Introduction of <strong>Complaint Portal</strong> for the use of port users.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Landlord Port Model</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the landlord port model, the <strong>publicly governed port authority acts as a regulatory body</strong> and as landlord <strong>while private companies carry out port operations&mdash;</strong>mainly cargo-handling activities.</li>
<li>The port authority maintains ownership of the port while the infrastructure is leased to private firms that provide and maintain their own superstructure and install their own equipment to handle cargo.</li>
<li>In return, the landlord port gets a share of the revenue from the private entity.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, most major port trusts in India carry out terminal operations as well, resulting in a hybrid model of port governance. The involvement of the port authorities in terminal operations leads to a<strong> conflict of interest.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> neutrality</strong> of the landlord port authority is a<strong> basic requirement</strong> for fair competition between port service providers, particularly the terminal operators.</li>
<li>The role of the landlord port authority would be to carry out all public sector services and operations such as the award of bids for cargo terminals and dredging.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1652979" 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/sarod-ports-dispute-resolution-mechanism'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Panel to Assess Impact of Waiving Loan Interest',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union government has constituted an expert committee to measure the economic impact of waiving of interest and interest on interest on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> related <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>loan moratorium.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chairmanship:</strong> The expert panel will be <strong>chaired by Rajiv Mehrishi,</strong> former <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)</strong></a> of India, and will<strong> submit its report within one week.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Task:</strong> It will measure the impact on the national economy and financial stability of waiving of interest and Covid-19 related moratorium. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will also give suggestions to mitigate financial constraints of various sections of society in this respect and measures to be adopted in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> The move came as<strong> various concerns</strong> have been raised during the ongoing hearing in the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supreme Court</strong></a> in the matter regarding relief sought in terms of waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest and other related issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Court has extended its interim order that no account is to be declared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non Performing Assets (NPA)</strong> </a>till further orders.</li>
<li>The Court granted two weeks to the Centre and 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 (RBI)</strong></a> to file the affidavit and place before it the decisions taken in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Moratorium on Repayments of Loans</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>moratorium</strong> provides stressed customers extra time to repay without their accounts being labelled NPA or their credit score being affected.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>not a loan waiver</strong> and does not offer any discount on interest payout.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>RBI had allowed banks to<strong> defer payment of Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs)</strong> on home, car, personal loans as well as <strong>credit card dues till 31<sup>st</sup> August 2020.</strong></li>
<li>The RBI had also allowed lending institutions, banks to <strong>defer interest on working capital repayments&mdash;</strong> a move aimed at addressing the distress among firms as production is down.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A working capital loan is a loan that is taken to finance a company&rsquo;s everyday operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As the six-month moratorium on loan repayments ended on <strong>31<sup>st</sup></strong> August, the RBI has released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/resolution-plan-by-rbi-for-covid-19-stressed-assets" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>final loan restructuring guidelines</strong></a> suggested by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/k-v-kamath-committee-on-restructuring-of-loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> K.V. Kamath Committee.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Restructuring for corporate loans will be based on financial parameters set out in RBI rules, while for retail borrowers, lenders will put in place board-approved policies for recasting loans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/govt-forms-panel-to-measure-economic-impact-of-waiving-interest-on-loans-under-covid-moratorium-6591189/" 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/panel-to-assess-impact-of-waiving-loan-interest'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Disposal of Cigarette Butts',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></a> (NGT) has directed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong> </a>(CPCB) to lay down guidelines pertaining to <strong>disposal of cigarette and beedi butts</strong> within three months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NGT held that tobacco is undoubtedly harmful and it is mainly concerned with the manner of disposal of cigarette and beedi butts.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An NGO <strong>&lsquo;Doctors for You&rsquo;</strong> sought instructions to <strong>regulate the disposal</strong> of cigarette and beedi butts apart from <strong>prohibiting the consumption of tobacco in public places.</strong></li>
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted that cigarette and beedi butts are not biodegradable but the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change noted that these are <strong>not listed as hazardous.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>CPCB Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A report by CPCB highlighted that the analysis of the cigarette and beedi butts reflects that their <strong>concentrations detected will not be toxic to humans and the environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cellulose acetate</strong> is a major component (95%) of the cigarette butts <strong>along with the wrapping paper and rayon</strong> and its degradation studies show that it will persist for a longer duration.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>toxicity data for cellulose acetate is not available</strong> yet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of a Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A study conducted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ganga-aamantran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Institute of Toxicology Research</strong></a> (IITR) <strong>approves the CPCB report</strong> and holds that the concentration of various parameters analysed is lower than the prescribed limits and will not be toxic.</li>
<li>It added that <strong>natural environmental conditions and laboratory stimulating conditions would be required</strong> to conclude the safety or toxicity of cigarette butts to further correlate with human and environmental health risk assessment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An<strong> inter-ministerial or departmental committee should be constituted</strong> to consult at the national level for conducting an impact study of discarded cigarette and beedi butts and spitting of tobacco products in public places.</li>
<li><strong>Recycling of cellulose acetate</strong> after recovery from cigarette butts may be an immediate solution to the problem.</li>
<li>There is a <strong>need for more studies and research</strong> so that degradation and safety data can be generated which would be helpful in forming guidelines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Steps Taken by the Indian Government to Control Tobacco Consumption</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/who-report-on-global-tobacco-epidemic-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first international treaty</strong> </a>negotiated under the auspices of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health.</li>
<li><strong>India ratified it in 2004.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>mCessation Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an initiative<strong> using mobile technology for tobacco cessation.</strong></li>
<li>India launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mobile-scheme-to-quit-tobacco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>mCessation</strong> </a>using text messages in 2016 as part of the government&rsquo;s <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital India</a> initiative.</strong></li>
<li>It uses two-way messaging between the individual seeking to quit tobacco use and programme specialists providing them with dynamic support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-april-2020#9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>rules</strong> </a>have been notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to amend the 2008 rules which were notified under the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Tobacco Control Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare <strong>launched the programme in 2007-08.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to <strong>facilitate the effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Law,</strong> to bring about greater awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco as well as to fulfil the obligations under the WHO-FCTC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>World No Tobacco Day:</strong> Every year, 31<sup>st</sup> May is observed as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-no-tobacco-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World No Tobacco Day</strong> </a>by WHO and global partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since 2007, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been pushing to introduce <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Important%20Facts%20for%20Prelims%20(05th%20October%202018)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stronger graphic health warnings on tobacco packets,</strong></a> with mixed success.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/frame-rules-for-disposal-of-cigarette-butts-ngt/article32576373.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/disposal-of-cigarette-butts'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Paddy Stubble Use by PEDA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Punjab Energy Development Agency</strong> (PEDA) in association with the Govt. of Punjab, is creating alternatives for paddy stubble utilisation.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This includes setting up <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biomass power plants</strong></a> and <strong>producing Bio CNG</strong> from the paddy stubble biomass.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Punjab Energy Development Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was formed in Sept. 1991 as a<strong> state nodal agency for promotion and development of renewable energy programmes/projects</strong> and energy conservation programme in the state of Punjab. PEDA is registered as a Society under the Societies Act of 1860.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Biomass Power Plants:</strong> PEDA has set up <strong>11 biomass power plants</strong> where 97.50 mega watts (MW) of power is generated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In these plants, 8.80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble is used annually to generate power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bio CNG: Eight projects of Bio CNG are under execution in the state.</strong> These will need around 3-lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble annually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s largest Bio CNG project,</strong> which will produce 8,000 m cube biogas per day (equivalent to 33.23 tonnes of Bio CNG per day) is under execution at <strong>Lehragaga tehsil in Sangrur district.</strong> The project is expected to be commissioned by March 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bioethanol Project:</strong> A Bioethanol project of 100 kilolitre is being set up at Talwandi Sabo in <strong>Bathinda.</strong> This will require 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble annually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bioethanol-blending-of-petrol" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bioethanol</strong></a> can be used to run vehicles after blending with diesel and petrol.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages of these Projects:</strong> After commissioning of all these projects, Punjab will be able to utilise 1.5 million tonnes (7% of the total) paddy stubble.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Farmers&rsquo; income:</strong> Farmers can benefit hugely if they can <strong>sell paddy stubble to the industry</strong> instead of burning it.</li>
<li><strong>Environment benefits:</strong> It will reduce the<strong> pollution</strong> caused by stubble burning and also preserve the<strong> fertility</strong> of the soil which is lost due to burning paddy stubble.</li>
<li><strong>Entrepreneurship:</strong> The youth, particularly engineers, graduates in science and technology can start such projects under the<strong> &lsquo;start-up&rsquo; concept,</strong> which will create entrepreneurship among them.</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong> Educated unemployed youth in rural Punjab where such projects will be set up can get big <strong>job opportunities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong> Current usage of stubble in these plants is very small compared to the generation of stubble. Punjab needs <strong>varieties of stubble-based industry</strong> where more and more stubble is consumed.</li>
<li><strong>Issues involved with Paddy Stubble:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aboutl 20 million tonnes of paddy stubble or paddy crop residue is generated in Punjab annually. <strong>Less than 5% is being utilized</strong> in Bio-gas, Biomass power generation or other environment-friendly uses. The main mode of getting rid of this stubble is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning.</strong></a></li>
<li>Stubble Burning is a major cause of concern because of environmental and health reasons. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Stubble burning is considered to be one of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/stubble-burning-and-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>factors responsible for smog in Delhi.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The burning of stubble <strong>reduces the soil fertility,</strong> besides polluting the environment.</li>
<li>Additionally, the <strong>heat generated</strong> by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other alternatives to utilize paddy stubble:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Torrefaction: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swedish-technology-to-reduce-stubble-burning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Torrefaction</a></strong> is a thermal process to convert biomass into a coal-like material, which has better fuel characteristics than the original biomass.</li>
<li><strong>Fertilizer:</strong> The stubble can be used for preparation of the <strong>high-grade organic fertilizers</strong> by mixing with cow dung and few natural enzymes.</li>
<li><strong>Mechanized Management:</strong> Stubble can be managed in three ways &mdash; by <strong>pressing the left over stubble under the earth; sowing wheat directly in the standing stubble in the fields and thirdly, by collecting it in bundles.</strong> This can be aided by use of machines like:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Super SMS (Straw Management System):</strong> It cuts and spreads the straw in uniform manner in the field at the time of harvesting of paddy.</li>
<li><strong>Happy Seeder</strong>: It can sow wheat directly in such fields in standing paddy stubble (the height of which remains around 18 inches after cutting with Super SMS).</li>
<li><strong>Super Seeder:</strong> It is more advanced and it ploughs standing paddy stubble in soil and sows wheat seed simultaneously in a single operation after harvesting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reduction-in-stubble-burning-incidents" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue</strong> </a>- It is a Central Sector Scheme that was launched by the Government of India to tackle air pollution and to subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/satat-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SATAT Scheme:</strong></a><strong> Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme</strong> was launched by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Its objectives include reducing pollution from burning of agricultural / organic waste and utilising more than 62 million metric tonnes of waste generated every year in India.</li>
<li>The<strong> Punjab government</strong> has provided <strong>74,000 subsidised machines</strong> called Super SMS, Happy Seeder and Super Seeders to the farmers for stubble management after harvesting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government must help the youth in setting start-ups for stubble utilization by <strong>getting sanctioned loans and providing a market.</strong></li>
<li>Joint efforts are required on the part of the state, Centre and industries, including public and private participation, to convert all of Punjab&rsquo;s stubble into farmers&rsquo; income. <strong>Stubble-based projects</strong> can be set up at the block-level to manage stubble of that bloc.</li>
<li>An expansion of schemes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fund-crunch-in-mgnrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act</strong></a> (MGNREGA) for harvesting and composting of stubble will help to resolve the dual problem of unemployment and stubble burning.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/biomass-power-plants-bio-cng-bioethanol-how-peda-plans-to-spin-paddy-stubble-into-gold-6590158/" 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/paddy-stubble-use-by-peda'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'India-Japan Logistics Agreement',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Japan signed a <strong>logistics agreement</strong> 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).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has similar agreements with the <strong>USA, Australia, France, Oman and Singapore.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599810825_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599810825_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Agreement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>aimed</strong> at greater maritime cooperation and can <strong>upgrade India-Japan naval exercises</strong> as both countries are expected to share maritime facilities for mutual benefit.</li>
<li>It <strong>establishes the enabling framework</strong> for closer cooperation between the armed forces of both countries in <strong>reciprocal provision of supplies and services</strong> while engaged in bilateral training activities, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Humanitarian International Relief and other mutually agreed activities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The supplies and services include food, water, transportation, airlift, petroleum, clothing, communications and medical services etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will also<strong> enhance the interoperability, assist in maintaining regional security</strong> and further<strong> increase the bilateral defence engagements</strong> between the two countries.</li>
<li>It will <strong>remain in force for 10 years</strong> and will be automatically extended for periods of 10 years unless one of the parties decides to end it.</li>
<li>The agreement is being interpreted as a coming together of Japan and India when India is having a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>border standoff with China at Line of Actual Control (LAC)</strong> </a>in eastern Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Japan Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, India and Japan held the first-ever ministerial-level <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-japan-2-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2+2 dialogue.</strong></a> This dialogue involves the Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides and is seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Japan.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both nations share a common vision of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong></a> in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured.</li>
<li>India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-08th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JIMEX</a> (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 <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-dharma-guardian-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dharma Guardian</a> (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>Both the countries are also part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India needs sophisticated weapons and technology from Japan, so more collaboration and cooperation can prove beneficial to both nations.</li>
<li>There is huge potential as far as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a> and defence deals are concerned. Joint ventures could be created by merging Japanese technology with Indian raw materials and labour.</li>
<li>Closer cooperation is the best measure to combat China&rsquo;s growing role in Asia and Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-abe-speak-on-phone-after-india-and-japan-sign-logistics-agreement/article32575638.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/india-japan-logistics-agreement'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'PRS Capsule July 2020',
		'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
		'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">Governance</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Code on Social Security</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Code on Wages</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">Non-Personal Data Governance</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#5">Social Justice</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#6">National Education Policy 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#7">Economy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#8">Consumer Protection Act, 2019</a></li>
<li><a href="#9">Private participation for the Operation of Passenger Train Services</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Investment Clearance Cell (ICC)</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Agriculture Infrastructure Fund</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">Report on Agricultural Exports</a></li>
<li><a href="#13">Rate of Royalty for Coal Produced from Commercial Mining</a></li>
<li><a href="#14">Contributions from Persons or Institutions in the NDRF</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#15">Security</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#16">Permanent commission for women officers in Army</a></li>
<li><a href="#17">Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#18">Science and Tech</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">Procurement of Power from a Mix of Renewable and Thermal Sources </a></li>
<li><a href="#20">Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme</a></li>
<li><a href="#21">Implementation of Component - C of PM-KUSUM Scheme</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">Governance</h2>
<h3 id="2">Code on Social Security</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Standing Committee on Labour submitted its report on the Code on Social Security, 2019. The Code replaces nine laws related to social security.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/idea-of-social-security-number-for-migrants#:~:text=Social%20Security%20Code%20Bill%2C%202019&amp;text=The%20Social%20Security%20Code%20Bill%20seeks%20to%20amend%20and%20consolidate,'%20Social%20Security%20Act%2C%202008." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Social Security Code Bill</strong></a> seeks to amend and consolidate nine laws related to social security, including the Employees&rsquo; Provident Fund Act, 1952, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Unorganised Workers&rsquo; Social Security Act, 2008.</li>
<li><strong>Social security</strong> refers to measures to ensure access to health care and provision of income security to workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It mandates social security for certain enterprises based on their size or wage ceilings of workers. The government may also frame schemes for: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>unorganised workers, such as self-employed or home-based workers,</li>
<li>gig workers, defined as those outside the traditional employer-employee relationship, and</li>
<li>platform workers, i.e., those who access an online platform to provide services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Key recommendations include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong> The Committee stated that the Code should provide a framework to achieve universal social security for all workers with a secure financial commitment and within a definite time frame.</li>
<li>It also recommended that the government: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>re-consider enterprise-size based thresholds,</li>
<li>provide a model scheme prescribing &ldquo;mandatory minimum entitlements&rdquo; for unorganised workers across all states,</li>
<li>provide unemployment insurance to all unorganised, building and plantation workers,</li>
<li>re-introduce welfare funds for workers in specific industries such iron ore mines and beedi establishments, and</li>
<li>reduce required period of service to avail gratuity from five years to one year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Definitions:</strong> The Committee recommended amendments to various definitions. These include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>expanding <strong>&ldquo;social security&rdquo;</strong> to cover the nine components recommended by the International Labour Organisation (including unemployment, maternity, old-age, and medical care benefits.</li>
<li>expanding &ldquo;employees&rdquo; to include anganwadi and asha workers.</li>
<li>expanding &ldquo;unorganised workers&rdquo; to include gig and platform workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administration:</strong> The Committee noted that the Code has a fragmented delivery structure with multiple organisations administering different benefits. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It recommended that the government consider inserting a compact system of governance of social security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Registration:</strong> All eligible establishments are required to register with their respective social security organisations under the Code.</li>
<li>The Committee recommended: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>expanding the definition of establishments to include all enterprise categories such as own account enterprises.</li>
<li>providing for a unified registration and compliance platform</li>
<li>providing for a single registration authority, to administer social security for all workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inter-state migrant workers (ISMW):</strong> The Committee recommended: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>creating a separate fund for ISMW.</li>
<li>expanding their definition to include self-employed workers from another state.</li>
<li>maintaining a national migrant worker database and linking it with the unorganised workers database.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aadhaar:</strong> Unorganised workers may register under the Code by providing their Aadhaar number. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Committee noted that Aadhaar may only be made mandatory if expenditure is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India.</li>
<li>It noted the Ministry&rsquo;s assurance that this provision would be re-examined.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Code on Wages</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Labour and Employment</strong> notified the draft Rules under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-rules-for-code-on-wages-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Code on Wages</strong></a> for public comments.</li>
<li>These Draft Rules will apply to all central sector establishments.</li>
<li>Key features include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Calculation of minimum wage:</strong> The Draft Rules lay down the criteria for fixing the minimum rate of wages per day for employees.</li>
<li>These criteria include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>three adult consumption units per household,</li>
<li>daily intake of 2,700 calories per consumption unit,</li>
<li>10% of food and clothing expenditure on rent,</li>
<li>20% expenditure of fuel, electricity, and miscellaneous items, and</li>
<li>25% expenditure on education, medical requirements, and contingencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Norms for fixing minimum wage:</strong> Minimum wages will be calculated on the basis of the geographical area of employment and the skill category of an employee. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For this purpose, the central government will divide the geographical area into three categories: metropolitan (population of 40 lakh or more), nonmetropolitan (between 10 lakh and 40 lakh), and rural areas (all other areas).</li>
<li>The Draft Rules categorise occupations into four skill categories: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government will constitute a committee to advise on modifications in skill categorisation of these categories of occupations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Revision of dearness allowance:</strong> The Draft Rules state that an effort will be made to revise the dearness allowance linked to the minimum wage twice a year; before April 1 and October 1 each year.</li>
<li><strong>Method of fixing floor wage:</strong> According to the Code, the central government will fix a floor wage. The minimum wage must be higher than the floor wage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Draft Rules provide that the floor wage will be decided on the basis of minimum living standards taking into account factors such as food, clothing, and housing.</li>
<li>The floor wage will be decided in consultation with the<strong> Central Advisory Board</strong> and certain state governments as the central government deems necessary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Board will include: (i) employers, (ii) employees (equal number as employers), (iii) independent persons, and (iv) five representatives of state governments.</li>
<li>The floor wage may be revised every five years, and periodic adjustments may be made to accommodate changes in the cost of living.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Work hours:</strong> The Draft Rules state that a normal working day will constitute a maximum of eight hours of work per day, with a maximum spread of 12 hours including rest intervals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The minimum wages decided by the central or state governments must be higher than the floor wage.</li>
<li>Under the Constitution of India, <strong>labour</strong> is a subject in the <strong>Concurrent List</strong> of the Seventh Schedule where both the Central and State Governments are competent to enact legislation.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">Non-Personal Data Governance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Expert Committee constituted by the <strong>Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology</strong> to study various issues relating to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-personal-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-personal data</strong></a> submitted its report.</li>
<li>The Committee observed that non-personal data should be regulated to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Enable a data sharing framework to tap the economic, social, and public value of such data.</li>
<li>Address concerns of harm arising from the use of such data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Key recommendations include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Non-personal data:</strong> Any data which is not personal data (data pertaining to characteristics, traits or attributes of identity, which can be used to identify an individual) is categorised as non-personal data.</li>
<li>In terms of origin, non-personal data can be data which never related to natural persons (such as data on weather or supply chains), or data which was initially personal data, but has been anonymised (through certain techniques to ensure that individuals to whom the data relates to cannot be identified).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Non-personal data can further be classified as: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public non-personal data:</strong> data collected or generated by the government in the course of publicly funded works. For example, anonymised data of land records or vehicle registration can be considered as public non-personal data.</li>
<li><strong>Community non-personal data:</strong> raw or factual data (without any processing) which is sourced from a community of natural persons. For example, datasets collected by municipal corporations or public electric utilities.</li>
<li><strong>Private non-personal data:</strong> data which is collected or generated by private entities through privately owned processes (derived insights or proprietary knowledge).</li>
<li><strong>Non-Personal Data Authority:</strong> This regulatory authority will be established for putting in place the framework for governance of non-personal data. It will consist of experts in fields such as data governance and technology. The Authority will be responsible for framing guidelines with respect to data sharing and risks associated with non-personal data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sharing of non-personal data:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Public data, community data or private data (limited to raw/factual data collected by a private entity) can be requested at no remuneration.</li>
<li>Private data where the processing value add is significant may be shared based on remuneration which is fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory. Algorithms or proprietary knowledge may not be considered for data sharing.</li>
<li>The regulator will also be responsible for adjudication in case of any data sharing disputes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="5">Social Justice</h2>
<h3 id="6">National Education Policy 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)</strong> had constituted a Committee for drafting the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Education Policy (NEP)</strong></a> in June 2017. The Committee had submitted a draft NEP for public consultation in May 2019. The NEP will replace the <strong>National Policy on Education, 1986.</strong></li>
<li>Key aspects of the NEP include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>School Education:</strong> The current structure of school education (10+2 design) will be replaced by a 5-3-3-4 curriculum structure corresponding to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>five years of foundational stage (age 3 to 8)</li>
<li>three years of preparatory stage (age 8 to 11)</li>
<li>three years of middle stage (age 11 to 14)</li>
<li>four years of secondary stage (age 14 to 18)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This will bring early childhood care and education (ECCE) within the scope of school curriculum. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will develop the curriculum and pedagogy framework for ECCE. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Schools will be grouped together to form a school complex. A school complex will consist of a secondary school and other schools, anganwadis in a 5-10 km radius.</li>
<li>This will ensure: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>adequate number of teachers for all subjects in a school complex</li>
<li>adequate physical resources (such as library books, sports equipment)</li>
<li>effective governance of schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education:</strong> The <strong>Gross Enrolment Ratio</strong> in higher education (students enrolled as a percent of population of corresponding age group) to be increased to 50% by 2035 (from 26.3% in 2018). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The undergraduate degree will be made more flexible with multiple exit options with appropriate certification.</li>
<li><strong>For example:</strong> students will receive a certificate after one year, diploma after two years, bachelor&rsquo;s degree after three years, and bachelor&rsquo;s with research degree after four years.</li>
<li>Further, an academic bank of credit will be established for digitally storing academic credits earned from different higher education institutes.</li>
<li>A <strong>national research foundation</strong> will be established for fostering research in higher education.</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education Commission of India</strong> will be set up as a single regulating body for higher education (excluding medical and legal education).</li>
<li>It will have four independent verticals for: (i) regulation, (ii) standard setting, (iii) funding, and (iv) accreditation.</li>
<li>High performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries. Similarly, selected top foreign universities will be permitted to operate in India. The NEP also recommended that public investment in education should be 6% of GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/national-education-policy-nep-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read more..</strong></a></p>
<h2 id="7">Economy</h2>
<h3 id="8">Consumer Protection Act, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Department of Consumer Affairs notified certain Rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These Rules are related to the following aspects: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trade practices of e-commerce entities</li>
<li>The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions and the Central Consumer Protection Council</li>
<li>Members of the District and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions</li>
<li>Mediation of disputes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key features are:</strong> Duties and liabilities of e-commerce entities: An e-commerce entity is required to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provide an adequate grievance redressal mechanism.</li>
<li>State upfront the policies regarding shipping, exchange, return, refund, and warranty. It is prohibited from: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>manipulating or imposing unjustified prices so as to gain unreasonable profit, and</li>
<li>discriminating between consumers of the same class or making any arbitrary classification of consumers which affects their rights under the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marketplace e-commerce entities (entities providing a platform to facilitate ecommerce transactions) are required to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>include any differentiated treatment given to goods, services, or sellers of the same category in its terms and conditions, and</li>
<li>explain main parameters determining the rank of goods, services, or sellers on its ecommerce platform. Sellers on the marketplace are required to also specify expiry date of goods and country of origin of goods or services. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For imported products, sellers are required to provide the name and details of the importer.</li>
<li>Sellers on marketplace, and inventory e-commerce entities (entities also owning the inventory) cannot refuse a refund in specified cases including the delivery of damaged goods and late delivery.</li>
<li>They are prohibited from falsely representing themselves as consumers and posting reviews or misrepresenting the quality or features of goods and services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fee for filing complaints:</strong> The Rules specify the fee required to be paid for filing a complaint with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fee depends on the value of goods or services under the complaint. No fee is required to be paid if such value is up to five lakh rupees.</li>
<li>The fee ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 7,500 for complaints filed for higher values.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="9">Private participation for the Operation of Passenger Train Services</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Railways</strong> invited <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privatisation-of-railways#:~:text=Private%20participation%20in%20passenger%20train,30%2C000%20crore." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>private sector participation</strong></a> for the operation of passenger train services over 109 Origin-Destination pairs of routes through the introduction of 151 trains.</li>
<li>These 151 trains will be in addition to the existing trains.</li>
<li>Each of these trains will have a minimum of 16 coaches and will be designed for a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour.</li>
<li>Private entities will be selected through a competitive bidding process. The concession period for the project will be 35 years. This is expected to attract an investment of about Rs 30,000 crore from the private sector.</li>
<li>Key features of the project are: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Role of private entity:</strong> The private entity will be responsible for financing, procuring, operating, and maintaining these trains. The operation and maintenance will be governed by standards specified by Indian Railways.</li>
<li><strong>Role of Indian Railways:</strong> The driver and guard operating these trains will be from Indian Railways.</li>
<li><strong>Charges to be paid by private entity:</strong> The private entity will pay following fees and charges to Indian Railways: (i) fixed haulage charges, (ii) energy charges as per actual consumption, and (iii) a share in gross revenue determined through the bidding process.</li>
<li><strong>Performance standards:</strong> The private entity will be required to conform to the key performance standards including punctuality, reliability, and upkeep of trains.</li>
<li><strong>Timeline for the project:</strong> The tenders are to be finalised by March 2021 and trains will start operating from March 2023.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatizing-indian-railways" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read more...</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="10">Investment Clearance Cell (ICC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Civil Aviation</strong> established an <strong>Investment Clearance Cell.</strong> It will be chaired by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry.</li>
<li>The Cell will act as the single-window mechanism to expedite investment in the civil aviation sector.</li>
<li>Terms of Reference of the Cell include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>accelerating investments</li>
<li>identifying projects which require policy interventions and faster clearances and reporting them to the Empowered Group of Secretaries</li>
<li>identifying policy and regulatory obstacles to investments in the sector</li>
<li>adopting ways to bring states on board the institutional set-up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="11">Agriculture Infrastructure Fund</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet approved the central scheme <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agriculture-infrastructure-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.</strong></a> The Fund was announced in May 2020 under the<strong> Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Economic Package.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to provide debt of one lakh crore rupees for financing post-harvest infrastructure projects at farm-gate and aggregation points (where farmers can directly or collectively sell their produce).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the scheme, banks and financial institutions will provide debt of Rs 10,000 crore in 2020-21 and Rs 30,000 crore per year during the period 2021-22 to 2023-24 for this purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries eligible</strong> for loans under the scheme include farmers, farmer producer organisations, agricultural credit and cooperative societies, self help groups, start-ups, and government agencies.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, the government will provide a <strong>3% interest subsidy</strong> on all such loans, up to a limit of two crore rupees. The subsidy will be provided for a maximum period of seven years. The government is estimated to incur an expenditure of Rs 10,736 crore under the scheme over a period of 10 years (2020-21 to 2029-30).</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">Report on Agricultural Exports</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Expert Group constituted by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission on Agricultural Exports submitted its report.</li>
<li>The Expert Group was constituted in February 2020 to suggest performance-based incentives for states for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, with the aim of increasing agricultural exports and promoting crops that can enable high import substitution.</li>
<li>The Group estimates India&rsquo;s agricultural exports to grow from USD 40 billion to USD 70 billion in a few years, with an investment of USD 8-10 billion expected across the value chain.</li>
<li>Key recommendations of the Group include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Focusing on the value chain of certain crops based on their demand.</li>
<li>Creating cluster based supply chains with focus on value addition.</li>
<li>Creating state-led export plans (i.e. business plans for these clusters), which will be funded through a combination of existing schemes, Finance Commission allocations, and private investment.</li>
<li>Creating a robust institutional mechanism to fund and support implementation. The report of the Expert Group is not available in public domain yet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="13">Rate of Royalty for Coal Produced from Commercial Mining</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Ministry of Coal</strong> specified the rate of royalty for coal mined for the purpose of sale (commercial mining) through an amendment in the Second Schedule of the<strong> Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Royalty is a payment that the lessee is required to make in proportion to the quantity of mineral extracted.</li>
<li>The Second Schedule of the Act enlists the rate of royalty for various minerals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The rate of royalty for the coal produced from commercial mining will be <strong>14% over the notional price</strong> or the actual price, whichever is higher.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Notional price:</strong> It means the price arrived at after adjusting for representative price from the <strong>National Coal Index.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Index reflects the prevailing market prices of coal.</li>
<li>The actual price means the sale invoice value of coal after excluding the statutory dues such as taxes, levies, royalty, and contribution to the National Mineral Exploration Trust, and the District Mineral Foundation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/investment-in-coal-mining#:~:text=The%20Union%20Cabinet%20has%20approved,attract%20investment%20in%20coal%20mining.&amp;text=)%20Act%2C%202015.-,The%20Mines%20and%20Minerals%20(Development%20and%20Regulation)%20Act%2C%201957,mining%20leases%20for%20mining%20operations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read more...</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="14">Contributions from Persons or Institutions in the NDRF</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the <strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005,</strong> the central government can constitute the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to meet expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation in situations of disasters.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The NDRF may be credited with funds from the central government, or from any persons or institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The central government laid out modalities through which the NDRF can receive contributions or grants from any person or institution.</li>
<li>The contributions can be made through physical instruments, RTGS/NEFT/UPI, or through the Bharatkosh portal of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="15">Security</h2>
<h3 id="16">Permanent commission for women officers in Army</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence has sanctioned the grant of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-order-for-pc-of-women-in-army" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Permanent Commission to women officers</strong></a> in the Indian Army.</li>
<li>The services in the Army are broadly classified into: (i) combat arms, (ii) combat support arms, and (iii) services.</li>
<li>Earlier, women officers were eligible to work in all non-combat services through a Short Services Commission (SSC, i.e. for a tenure of 14 years) and Permanent Commission for women officers was available only in two non-combat streams: (i) judge and advocate general, (ii) army educational corps.</li>
<li>The Ministry has sanctioned grant of permanent commission to SSC women officers in all ten non-combat streams of the Indian Army: (i) army air defence, (ii) signals, (iii) engineers, (iv) army aviation, (v) electronics and mechanical engineers, (vi) army service corps, (vii) army ordnance corps, and (viii) intelligence corps (besides the two existing streams above).</li>
<li>SSC women officers who are granted permanent commission will be entitled to all consequential benefits including promotion and financial benefits.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> The Supreme Court had ruled in favour of granting permanent commission to all women officers in the Army in its non-combat services in February 2020.</p>
<h3 id="17">Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence has released the draft<strong> Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020 (DAP).</strong></li>
<li>The DAP governs the acquisition of weapons and equipment for India's defence forces. An earlier version of the draft was released for public comments in March, 2020.</li>
<li>The draft has been revised based on the inputs received and defence reforms announced under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.</li>
<li>The draft DAP revises the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016 with the aim of increasing indigenous manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment.</li>
<li>Key features of the draft DAP include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leasing:</strong> The DPP-2016 specified two modes of capital acquisition: (i) buy, and (ii) buy and make.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The draft DAP has introduced &lsquo;leasing&rsquo; as a new mode of acquisition. Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leasing is preferred in some situations such as where:</strong> (i) procurement is not feasible due to time constraint, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.</li>
<li><strong>Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC):</strong> The DPP-2016 specified five categories of capital acquisition for the above two modes.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The five categories are: (i)Buy (Indian-IDDM), (ii) Buy (Indian), (iii) Buy and Make (Indian), (iv) Buy and Make, and (v) Buy (Global).</li>
<li>The draft DAP adds a <strong>sixth category as Buy (Global-Manufacture in India).</strong> Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in various categories of procurement.</li>
<li>These IC requirements for the above categories are listed in Table 1.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weapons/platforms banned for import:</strong> To promote domestic industry and to give effect to the defence reforms announced under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the Ministry will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for import. This list will be updated from time to time.</li>
<li>These equipment can be procured under the Buy (Indian - IDDM), Buy (Indian), Buy and Make (Indian) (if buy quantity is zero) and Buy and Make (if buy quantity is zero) modes of procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Science and Tech</h2>
<h3 id="19">Procurement of Power from a Mix of Renewable and Thermal Sources</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> released guidelines for the <strong>tariff-based competitive bidding process</strong> for procurement of round-the-clock power from renewable energy sources, complemented with power from coal-based thermal power sources.</li>
<li>Bundling of renewable and thermal sources for power procurement is aimed towards addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy.</li>
<li>During the hours of non-availability of renewable energy, power will be sourced from thermal power plants. The renewable energy component of the power so supplied will be accounted for the renewable purchase obligation of a distribution company (discom).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The discom can procure power from such bundled sources through a tariff-based competitive bidding process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Key features of the guidelines are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicability:</strong> The guidelines are applicable for long term power procurement on the round-the-clock basis from inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected renewable power projects, complemented with power from ISTS connected coal-based thermal power projects.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Renewable power projects can be based on solar, wind or a combination of solar and wind. They may have an electricity storage system.</li>
<li>The power purchase agreement (PPA) will be signed between a discom and the renewable power generator. The duration of PPA will be a minimum of 25 years.</li>
<li>The renewable power generator can tie up with one or more thermal power plants for this mechanism. The thermal power plant can offer that part of its capacity which is not under any PPA or any other power supply commitments for this purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Energy Mix and availability of supply:</strong> On an annual basis, at least 51% of power must come from renewable sources.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The renewable power generator is required to ensure at least 85% availability of power annually and also during the peak hours. Peak hours will last four hours and will be specified by the procurer beforehand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bidding process:</strong> The procurer will specify the total quantum to be contracted in power capacity terms. A bidder can bid for a part of the total quantum to be procured (subject to a minimum of 250 MW).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The bidder is required to quote a composite tariff (accounting for both renewable and thermal power) for per unit of supply.</li>
<li>The bidder will be selected based on the least quoted composite tariff. To accommodate for variation in coal prices, 25% of the composite tariff will be indexed and adjusted with the cost of domestic coal or imported coal as and when notified by the <strong>Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="20">Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of New and Renewable Energy</strong> approved the continuation of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development.</li>
<li>Guidelines and model PPA released for implementation of off-grid solar power packs/plants under <strong>RESCO model Programme</strong> for the year 2020-21.</li>
<li>It will continue till March 31, 2021 or the date on which recommendations of the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission come into effect, whichever is earlier.</li>
<li>The programme is aimed at supporting research and development projects in different areas of new and renewable energy.</li>
<li>Some of the areas supported under the programme are solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaic systems, biogas systems and waste to energy systems.</li>
<li>The programme was originally approved in February 2019 for the year 2019-20 at a cost of Rs 176 crore.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="21">Implementation of Component - C of PM-KUSUM Scheme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy amended the guidelines for implementation of Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.</li>
<li>The guidelines were released in November 2019. This component of the scheme seeks to solarise 10 lakh agriculture pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP by 2022.</li>
<li>The selection of vendors for supplying solarised pumps is done through a bidding process. As per the original guidelines, manufacturers of solar panels and manufacturers of solar water pumps are allowed to participate in the bidding process.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amendment allows joint ventures of manufacturers of solar pumps or manufacturers for solar water pumps with system integrators to also participate in the bidding process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines and model power purchase agreement (PPA) for implementation of off-grid solar power packs/plants under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model.</li>
<li>Key features of the guidelines are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicability:</strong> The guidelines apply to offgrid solar power plants with capacity up to 25kWp in areas beyond the reach of grid power and those with unreliable grid connections. The beneficiaries of these plants will be public service institutions including hostels, schools, panchayats, and police stations.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation Model:</strong> The plants will be made operational through a framework based on the <strong>RESCO model.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this model, an external company or a government agency owns all the equipment and performs complete maintenance as well as repair work.</li>
<li>The beneficiary only pays the service charge which covers the cost of providing electricity including cost of maintenance and repairs.</li>
<li>This will help in avoiding financial challenges and effectively utilise the costly assets of solar PV systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Duration:</strong> The vendor will install and operate the power plant with capacity up to 10 kWp for at least 10 years and those with capacity above 10 kWp for at least 15 years.</li>
<li><strong>Features of solar PV plants:</strong> The plants will be designed to supply a daily minimum guaranteed energy to the beneficiary. The guidelines specify features of solar power plants in areas isolated from the grid system and areas with unreliable grid connections.</li>
<li><strong>Some of the common features include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>use of energy efficient equipment such as LED lights</li>
<li>battery back-up to support daily guaranteed energy</li>
<li>deployment of remote monitoring systems</li>
<li>metering of supplied solar power at the point of delivery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The grid-connected plants can feed surplus power to the grid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Financial Assistance:</strong> 90% of the benchmark cost will be paid upfront as central financial assistance on successful commissioning of the plant.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The benchmark cost will include cost of complete system, transportation of material, installation, commissioning, insurance, and annual maintenance contract period for five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-july-2020'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Low Ozone Over Brahmaputra River Valley',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists at the <strong>Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences</strong> (ARIES), <strong>Nainital</strong> (Uttarakhand) have evaluated the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-29th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>near surface ozone</strong></a> in the <strong>Brahmaputra River Valley</strong> (BRV).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ARIES is an <strong>autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Scientists analysed the<strong> variability of ozone</strong> (O<sub>3</sub>) <strong>and other air pollutants over the BRV region.</strong></li>
<li>They assessed<strong> seasonal characteristics of ozone</strong> to identify the emission source of ozone and its precursors, especially <strong>methane</strong> (CH<sub>4</sub>) and <strong>non-methane hydrocarbons</strong> (NMHCs).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NMHCs such as<strong> ethane, ethene, propane, propene,</strong> etc. play an important role in <strong>controlling ozone concentrations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They also studied the<strong> relationships between the meteorological parameters</strong> like air temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, soil temperature, rainfall, etc. and <strong>ozone</strong> in a tropical setting.</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientists have found<strong> relatively low concentration of ozone over BRV (Guwahati - Assam)</strong> compared to the other urban locations in India.</li>
<li>The pattern of O<sub>3</sub> concentrations in the BRV indicated that it was <strong>strongly influenced by local oxides of nitrogen (NOx) sources</strong> with an <strong>adjacent national highway</strong> being the likely major source.</li>
<li>The <strong>mean ventilation coefficient was greater than 6000 m<sup>2</sup>s</strong> during the day in the pre-monsoon season indicating pollutant dispersion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> ventilation coefficient,</strong> which is the product of mixing depth and the average wind speed, is an atmospheric condition which gives an indication of the air quality and pollution potential i.e. the ability of the atmosphere to dilute and disperse the pollutants over a region.</li>
<li>The <strong>higher the coefficient,</strong> the more efficiently the atmosphere is able to dispose of the pollutants and <strong>better is the air quality.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Low ventilation coefficients lead to</strong> poor dispersal of pollutants causing stagnation and <strong>poor air quality leading to possible pollution related hazards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High O<sub>3</sub> winter concentrations</strong> were observed, likely driven by local biomass burning providing reactive <strong>volatile organic compounds</strong> (VOCs) that contributed to ozone formation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>VOCs are compounds that have a <strong>high vapor pressure and low water solubility.</strong></li>
<li>Many VOCs are <strong>human-made chemicals</strong> that are used and produced in the manufacturing of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.</li>
<li>VOCs are common<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/groundwater-crisis-in-india#:~:text=Water%20contamination%20as%20in%20the,groundwater%20resources%20without%20any%20penalty." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> ground-water contaminants.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the<strong> pre-monsoon season,</strong> an<strong> impact of solar radiation</strong> (SR) on the <strong>photochemical formation of O<sub>3</sub> </strong>was observed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ozone-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tropospheric, or ground-level ozone</strong></a>, is <strong>created by chemical reactions between</strong> NOx and VOC.</li>
<li>It usually increases when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources<strong> chemically react in the presence of sunlight,</strong> impacting human health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599809093_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599809093_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="656" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1651641" 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/low-ozone-over-brahmaputra-river-valley'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Ease of Doing Business Rankings of the States: DPIIT',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade</strong> (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the 4<sup>th</sup> edition of <strong>Ease of Doing Business Rankings</strong> based on the State<strong> Business Reform Action Plan (State BRAP).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong> has topped the rankings followed by<strong> Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. Tripura, Sikkim, Odisha</strong> were among the worst performers.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599807176_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599807176_image1.png" 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>Andhra Pradesh has achieved <strong>100% compliance with BRAP.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the first State to take measures to revive the economy hit by the global pandemic and revive the small and medium scale industries with a <strong>ReSTART package.</strong></li>
<li>The ReSTART package includes the payment of sanctioned incentives, working capital loans, preferential market access etc. to MSME units.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ease of Doing Business (EODB) :</strong> It is a joint initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> to improve the overall business environment in the States. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ranking of all the States and Union Territories is done, based on the implementation of BRAP by them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched in 2015.</li>
<li>BRAP 2019 contains a list of <strong>80 reforms</strong> (187 reform action points) to be implemented by<strong> 19 State departments.</strong></li>
<li>These reforms cover <strong>12 business regulatory areas</strong> such as Access to Information, Single Window System, Labour, Environment, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Objective :</strong> It was introduced to <strong>encourage a healthy competition between states.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would help in <strong>attracting investments and increasing Ease of Doing Business</strong> in each State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> India ranked 63rd out of 190 countries in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Doing Business 2020: World Bank Report.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was a jump of 79 places since 2014 due to a number of reforms by the central government since then including BRAP.</li>
<li>The Doing Business report, introduced in <strong>2003,</strong> provides an assessment of objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on <strong>ten parameters</strong> affecting a business through its life cycle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1651598" 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/ease-of-doing-business-rankings-of-the-states-dpiit'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Cooperative Labour in Odisha Tribes',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The concept of labour cooperatives is popular in almost all tribal communities in Odisha including the <strong>Dongria Kondh, Juanga, Lanjia Saura, Saura, Didayi, Paudi Bhuyan and Kandh.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Farming on the steep hill slopes <strong>requires more labour which a single family cannot provide.</strong> Therefore, they have evolved an indigenous system to engage the labour available in the community to accomplish the <strong>farming tasks of all the families of the village.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> These cooperatives ensure all families of the community are ensured food and <strong>no fields remain barren.</strong> They also strengthen the <strong>feeling of collective belongingness</strong> among the members.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperatives in Different Tribes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lanjia Saura:</strong> All members are bound to participate in constructing terraces for farming on the slopes and designing and creating traditional irrigation systems, harnessing hill streams.</li>
<li><strong>Juanga community:</strong> All villagers trek hills, clear trees and create crop fields. The village council ensures that all members contribute their labour. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Juanga and Saura are <strong>Munda ethnic groups</strong> from Southern Odisha.</li>
<li>They are <strong>Austroasiatic tribes</strong> i.e. they are believed to be <strong>part of the first wave of migration out of Africa</strong> about 60,000 years ago.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dongria Kondh:</strong> This tribe practices <strong>at least 10 types of cooperative labour sharing within the community.</strong></li>
<li>Types of Cooperatives in Dongria Kondh Tribe:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><em><strong>Sahabati:</strong> </em>All Dongria households of the village work in turns for a day on the land of one villager.</li>
<li><em><strong>Daasibati:</strong></em> Cooperative of younger, unmarried girls from the village for less strenuous but tedious work such as weeding, fencing of fields, cleaning or harvesting of crops.</li>
<li><em><strong>Dhangdabati:</strong></em> Young bachelors are required to take up work such as felling trees, hoeing, carrying logs and digging pits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Dongria Kondh</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> They derive their name from dongar, meaning &lsquo;hill&rsquo; and are the member of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/khond-tribe" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Khond Tribe</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Status:</strong> They are a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Habitation:</strong> They reside in the Niyamgiri hill range of Odisha, around 4,500 ft above sea level.</li>
<li><strong>Language:</strong> <strong>Kui language</strong> (Oral only, not written)</li>
<li><strong>Beliefs:</strong> They worship <strong>Niyam Raja,</strong> the god of the Niyamgiri Forests.</li>
<li><strong>Occupation:</strong> They sustain themselves from the resources of the Niyamgiri forests, practising horticulture and shifting cultivation</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong> They are currently facing displacement due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-2nd-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri</strong></a> hills.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are also facing <strong>severe health problems</strong> because of<strong> dust coming from</strong> the red mud pond (waste generated by the refinery) <strong>site. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tribes in Odisha</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Odisha is home to 62 tribal communities &mdash; the<strong> largest diverse groups of tribal population in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>13 of them are PVTGs&mdash; <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/odisha-s-bonda-tribe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bonda</a>, Birhor, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Dungaria Kandha, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirdia, Paudi Bhuyan and Saora.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tribal populations are found in the<strong> entire seven districts of Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri and Rayagada,</strong> and in parts of 6 other districts.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/many-hands-ensure-green-fields-among-odishas-tribal-villages/article32532422.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/cooperative-labour-in-odisha-tribes'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Impacts of Bt Cotton',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-twisted-trajectory-of-bt-cotton/article32566091.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The twisted trajectory of Bt cotton</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 10<sup>th</sup> of September 2020. It analyses the impact of the Bt. Cotton on Indian farming and farmers.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/genetically-modified-seeds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Genetically modified (GM) cotton</strong></a>, the plant containing the pesticide gene from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has been grown in India for about twenty years now. This pesticide, now produced in each Bt plant cell, ought to protect the plant from bollworm, thereby increasing yields and reducing insecticide spraying on the cotton plant. However despite finding huge favour in India, the GM crop has only brought modest benefits according to several studies.</p>
<h3>History of Bt. Cotton</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Cotton has been woven and used in India for thousands of years.</li>
<li>Cotton fabric from around 3,000 BCE has been excavated from the ruins of Mohenjo-daro, and archaeological findings in Mehrgarh, Pakistan, show that cotton was used in the subcontinent as far back as 5,000 BCE.</li>
<li>Much of the cotton cultivated until the 20th century in India was of the indigenous &lsquo;desi&rsquo; variety, Gossypium arboreum.</li>
<li>From the 1990s, hybrid varieties of G. hirsutum were promoted.</li>
<li>These hybrids cannot resist a variety of local pests and require more fertilizers and pesticides. Cotton suffers from plenty of infestation from moth pests such as the Pink Bollworm (PBW) and sap-sucking pests such as aphids and mealy bugs.</li>
<li>Rising debts and reducing yields, coupled with increasing insect resistance, worsened the plight of cotton farmers.</li>
<li>It was in this setting that Bt cotton was introduced in India in 2002.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adoption of Bt. Cotton</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the Ministry of Agriculture, from 2005, adoption of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bt-cotton-in-india-problems-and-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bt cotton</strong></a> rose to 81% in 2007, and up to 93% in 2011.</li>
<li>Many short-duration studies examining Bt cotton, in the early years, pronounced that Bt was a panacea for dwindling yields and pesticide expenses.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Has Bt. Cotton been really successful?</h3>
<p><strong>Discrepancy Between Yields And Bt Cover</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are discrepancies between yield and the deployment of Bt cotton.</li>
<li>For instance, the Bt acreage was only 3.4% of the total cotton area in 2003. However the increase in yield in 2003-2004 was 61% so it is not sufficient to credit the Bt. cotton for that. Similarly Bt coverage by 2005 was only 15.7 but increase in yield increases were over 90% over 2002 levels.</li>
<li>While Bt cotton adoption corresponded to a drop in spraying for bollworms, the study states, that countrywide yields stagnated after 2007 even as more farmers began to grow Bt.</li>
<li>By 2018, yields were lower than in the years of rapid Bt adoption.</li>
<li>Many State&rsquo;s Figure Correspond To Same
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Individual State data are more helpful in understanding subnational trends.</li>
<li>In Maharashtra, yields climbed in the decade after 2000, with no change in the rate of increase when Bt cotton was introduced.</li>
<li>In Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh as well, there is no correlation between the adoption of the variety and increase in yields.</li>
<li>For instance, Gujarat&rsquo;s surge in cotton yields was 138% in 2003, even as Bt cotton was used only for 5% of land under cotton.</li>
<li>Similar findings are seen in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, where yield increase is incongruous with the spread of Bt cotton</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Low Productivity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s productivity (yield per unit area), is much lower than other major cotton-producing countries.</li>
<li>This means that a much larger area is used for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-cotton-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> cotton</strong> </a>production and hence the Bt. Cotton has failed to increase yield.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Market Capture</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Commercial Bt hybrids have overshadowed the market, accompanied by the rollback of public sector cottonseed production.</li>
<li>Hence, the Indian cotton farmers are left with little choice but to use Bt hybrid seed produced by private seed companies.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Farmers Distress</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the combination of high input and high risk, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agricultural-distress-in-india#:~:text=Lack%20of%20Mechanisation%3A%20Introduction%20of,like%20seeds%20and%20irrigation%20facilities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>agricultural distress</strong></a> is extremely high among hybrid cotton cultivating farmers.</li>
<li>Compact varieties (plant is sown at high density for a small period of time) would have significantly reduced this distress as well as increased yield.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Impact Assessment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Before extending GM technology to increase food crop yield it is mandatory to assess its <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>impact</strong></a> on livelihood, agrarian distress, etc. Hence, the outcome of deploying a technology must be evaluated in a particular context.</li>
<li>If the technology does not prioritize the needs of the principal stakeholders (farmers), it can have significant negative fallouts, especially in India which has a high proportion of marginal and subsistence farmers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Change In Cropping Pattern</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are two patterns of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-two#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20the%20cropping%20pattern,economic%20conditions%20of%20the%20farmers.&amp;text=Green%20Revolution%20also%20led%20to,Punjab%2C%20Haryana%20and%20Uttar%20Pradesh." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cotton plantation.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is compact and short term where the plant is sown at high density for a small period of time.</li>
<li>The other is for longer duration and not that dense.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India prefers longer duration with less density method.</li>
<li>However, hybrids in India are bushy, long duration and planted at a ten-fold lower density but cotton is a dryland crop and 65% of the area under cotton in India is rain-fed.</li>
<li>Farmers with insufficient access to groundwater in these areas are entirely dependent on rain. Here, the shorter duration variety has a major advantage as it reduces dependence on irrigation and risk.</li>
<li>Particularly late in the growing season when soil moisture drops following the monsoon&rsquo;s withdrawal.</li>
<li>This period is when bolls develop and water requirement is the highest.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Focus On Indigenous Breeds</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Before the advent of British in India, different varieties of cotton indigenously developed over a long period of time, were grown in different parts of the country, each being suited to the local soil, water and climate.</li>
<li>Indian cotton fabrics dominated the world trade during the succeeding millennia and were exported to many places, including Greece, Rome, Persia, Egypt, Assyria and parts of Asia.</li>
<li>The cost of ignoring &lsquo;desi&rsquo; varieties for decades has been high for India.</li>
<li>These varieties resist many pests and don&rsquo;t present the problems faced with hybrids.</li>
<li>Research suggests that with pure-line cotton varieties, high density planting, and short season plants, cotton yields in India can be good and stand a better chance at withstanding the vagaries of climate change.</li>
<li>Government backing for resources, infrastructure and seeds is essential to scale up &lsquo;desi&rsquo; varieties.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599739486_Image12.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599739486_Image12.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #f70000; background-color: #f2f3fc;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Despite finding huge favour in India, the GM crop has only brought modest benefits&rdquo;. In the light of statement critically analyse the use and impact of hybrid cotton seed in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4EeDV0ZEumU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/vaccine-for-all-on-covid-19-vaccine-policy/article32555374.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Vaccine for all: On COVID-19 vaccine policy&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on September 9<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/impacts-of-bt-cotton'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'UK Internal Market Bill, 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>new UK Internal Market Bill</strong> has run into controversy over its impact on talks with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong> </a>(EU) and on international treaties, given it could rewrite parts of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/brexit-deal-what-lies-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Brexit withdrawal agreement.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599737443_image11.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599737443_image11.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Bill:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bill is <strong>designed to &ldquo;protect jobs and trade&rdquo; within the UK</strong> after the end of 2020&rsquo;s<strong> transition period</strong> for leaving the EU.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the withdrawal treaty, a transition period has been<strong> finalised until December 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will enable the UK government to provide<strong> financial assistance to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland</strong> and with new <strong>powers to spend taxpayers&rsquo; money</strong> previously administered by the EU.</li>
<li>It will also <strong>empower ministers to pass regulations,</strong> specifically on<strong> trade and state aid, even if they are contrary to the agreement</strong> previously reached with the EU under what is known as the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-uk-s-constitutional-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Irish Backstop</strong></a> (earlier known as the <strong>Northern Ireland Protocol).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Irish Backstop is the draft agreement between the UK and the EU that <strong>aims to prevent a hard border</strong> (limited number of authorised crossing points staffed by customs officers and police)<strong> in Ireland after the UK leaves the EU.</strong></li>
<li>Northern Ireland will become the<strong> UK&rsquo;s only land border with the EU</strong> after the transition ends.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UK has held that the Bill is<strong> needed for a smooth trade</strong> between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will <strong>help power recovery from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, the UK is a part of the European single market, with <strong>jointly agreed regulations and standards</strong> right across the continent.</li>
<li>Post-Brexit, the UK wants to continue to have a<strong> joint and &ldquo;internal market&rdquo; across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.</strong></li>
<li>Due to Brexit, <strong>rules and regulations</strong> around things like food and air quality and animal welfare <strong>have to be set in the UK only but there is a conflict</strong> on who should have the ultimate authority out of the four countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticisms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the EU Withdrawal Treaty, <strong>England is meant to cooperate with Brussels (EU&rsquo;s Headquarter)</strong> on any arrangements for Northern Ireland and not decide on such matters all by itself.</li>
<li>Scotland holds that the new Bill is a<strong> just a power-grab by England</strong> from the devolved administrations in Scotland itself, Wales and Northern Ireland.</li>
<li><strong>All four nations will have to accept goods at the standards set in any one country</strong> so there are fears local <strong>quality controls could be dragged down</strong> to the lowest common denominator if England sets any such standard which is not practical or profitable for the rest of the three countries.</li>
<li>Furthermore, under the current proposals, <strong>any disputes would be settled by a new Office</strong> for the Internal Market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This might be envisioned as an independent third party forum, but the devolved administrations see it as being <strong>another example of decisions being taken out of their hands.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uks-new-law-breaches-eu-treaty/article32564780.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/uk-internal-market-bill-2020'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Shikshak Parv',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Shikshak Parv is<strong> being celebrated from 8<sup>th</sup>-25<sup>th</sup> September 2020</strong> to <strong>felicitate the teachers</strong> and to<strong> take <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Education Policy (NEP) 2020</a> forward.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the Shikshak Parv initiative, the<strong> Ministry of Education</strong> is organizing a series of webinars on NEP and its implementation.</li>
<li><strong>Teachers&rsquo; Day</strong> is celebrated on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> September</strong> every year throughout <strong>India</strong> in memory of <strong>Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan</strong> on his birth anniversary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Radhakrishnan was born in a family in Tiruttani (Tamil Nadu) in 1888.</li>
<li>He has played many roles in his life. He has been a teacher, philosopher, author and politician. He was the <strong>first Vice President of India (1952&ndash;1962)</strong> and the <strong>second President of India from 1962 to 1967.</strong></li>
<li>He was awarded <strong>knighthood in 1931. </strong>In 1954, he was <strong>awarded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/padma-awards-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Ratna</a>,</strong> the highest civilian award in India. He got<strong> honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit</strong> in 1963.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>World Teachers&rsquo; Day</strong> is celebrated on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> October</strong> annually to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the <strong>1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation</strong> concerning the Status of Teachers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This instrument sets forth the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Education Policy (NEP) 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This policy aims to pave the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country. This policy<strong> replaces the 34 year old National Policy on Education (NPE),1986.</strong></li>
<li>NEP 2020 is <strong>aligned to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development</a>.</strong> It is built on the <strong>foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability.</strong></li>
<li>An autonomous body, the <strong>National Educational Technology Forum (NETF),</strong> is proposed to provide a platform to facilitate decision making on the induction, deployment, and use of technology, as well as the opportunity to consult and share best practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599734985_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599734985_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1652690" 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/shikshak-parv'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'New FDI Policy in Defence Sector',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-foreign-direct-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong></a> <strong>(FDI)</strong> policy in the defence sector which allows the FDI through automatic approval to be increased from 49% to 74%.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the defence industry can bring FDI up to 49% under the<strong> automatic route,</strong> and above it <strong>under government route.</strong></li>
<li>However, the new policy has a <strong>&lsquo;National Security&rsquo;</strong> clause as a condition which has been proposed by the <strong>Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Security Clause:</strong> FDI in the defence sector<strong> shall be subject to scrutiny on the ground of National Security</strong> and the <strong>Government reserves the right to review</strong> any foreign investment in the defence sector that may affect national security.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Indigenous Manufacturing:</strong> Through more <strong>liberalised FDI policy</strong> the government is seeking<strong> to attract foreign players</strong> to set up manufacturing units in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been focusing on the <strong>defence sector to act as an engine for boosting manufacturing in the country,</strong> and is <strong>aiming</strong> to achieve a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore, including exports worth Rs 35,000 crore, by 2025. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As of 2019, the defence industry, along with the aerospace and shipbuilding industry, was estimated to be worth Rs. 80,000 crore, of which the share of Public Sector Units (PSUs) was nearly 80%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government has brought a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-defence-production-and-export-promotion-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020)</strong></a>, which <strong>aims</strong> to provide an overarching guiding document to provide a focused, structured and significant thrust to defence production capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports.</li>
<li>The government has also brought a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/negative-imports-list-for-defence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>negative imports list</strong></a> for defence equipment and a dedicated budget for capital acquisition from the domestic industry. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The negative imports list<strong> contains a list of weapons that will not be imported</strong> and can only be purchased from within the country.</li>
<li>It was done with an aim to <strong>reduce the defence import bill.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government has <strong>inaugurated two defence industrial corridors,</strong> in <strong>Tamil Nadu and in Uttar Pradesh,</strong> to boost the flagship <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india#:~:text=On%20September%2025%2C%202014%2C%20the,surpassing%20the%20U.S.%20and%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Make in India'</strong></a> programme that in turn would attract investments as well as encourage employment generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>FDI is an <strong>investment made by a firm or individual</strong> in one country into business interests located in another country.</li>
<li>Generally, FDI takes place when an investor establishes foreign business operations or acquires foreign business assets, including establishing ownership or controlling interest in a foreign company.</li>
<li>It is different from<strong> Foreign Portfolio Investment</strong> where the foreign entity merely buys equity shares of a company. FPI does not provide the investor with control over the business.</li>
<li>Routes through which India gets FDI:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Automatic Route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity does not require the prior approval of the government or the RBI.</li>
<li><strong>Government route:</strong> In this, the foreign entity has to take the approval of the government.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal</strong> (FIFP) facilitates the single window clearance of applications which are through approval route.</li>
<li>This portal is administered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new FDI policy has the potential to reduce dependency on imports in the defence sector and boost manufacturing in India.</li>
<li>It will also provide employment and business opportunities to the Indian businesses and boost self-dependency.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/govt-puts-national-security-clause-in-defence-fdi-hike-to-74-per-cent-6589841/" 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/new-fdi-policy-in-defence-sector'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'EASE 2.0  Banking Reforms Index',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) 2.0 Banking Reforms Index</strong> on performance of Public Sector Banks (PSB) from March 2018-2020 was released and best performing banks on EASE were felicitated.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Union Minister of Finance &amp; Corporate Affairs also inaugurated<strong> Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs</strong> on the occasion.</li>
<li>In February, 2020, <strong>EASE 3.0 (2020-21)</strong> for smart, tech-enabled banking was also unveiled.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732321_image9.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732321_image9.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>EASE Reforms Agenda:</strong> It was launched in<strong> January 2018</strong> jointly<strong> by the government and PSBs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was commissioned through <strong>Indian Banks&rsquo; Association</strong> and authored by <strong>Boston Consulting Group.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian Banks' Association, formed on 26<sup>th</sup> September 1946 is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions based in Mumbai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>EASE Agenda is aimed at institutionalizing <strong>CLEAN and SMART banking.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>EASE Reforms Index:</strong> The Index measures <strong>performance of each PSB</strong> on 120+ objective metrics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Index follows a fully transparent scoring methodology, which <strong>enables banks to identify their strengths</strong> as well as<strong> areas for improvement.</strong></li>
<li>The goal is to continue driving change by <strong>encouraging healthy competition among PSBs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>EASE 1.0 :</strong> The EASE 1.0 report showed significant improvement in PSB performance in resolution of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/solving-the-npa-crisis-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non Performing Assets</a> (NPAs)</strong> transparently.</li>
<li><strong>EASE 2.0 :</strong> EASE 2.0 builds on the foundation of EASE 1.0 and introduces<strong> new reform Action Points</strong> across six themes to make reforms journey irreversible, strengthen processes and systems, and drive outcomes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>six themes</strong> of EASE 2.0 are - <br />
<ol>
<li>Responsible Banking;</li>
<li>Customer Responsiveness;</li>
<li>Credit Off-take;</li>
<li>PSBs as <strong>UdyamiMitra</strong> (SIDBI portal for credit management of MSMEs);</li>
<li>Financial Inclusion &amp; Digitalisation; and</li>
<li>Governance and HR</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Performance of PSB on EASE 2.0 Index</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Overall Score: Increased by 37%</strong> between March-2019 and March-2020, with the average EASE index score improving from <strong>49.2 to 67.4</strong> out of 100.</li>
<li><strong>Top Performing Banks: Bank of Baroda,</strong> State Bank of India, and erstwhile Oriental Bank of Commerce</li>
<li><strong>Major improvements:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Digital Banking:</strong> Nearly 4 crore active customers on mobile and internet banking.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>50% of financial transactions through digital channels.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Customer service:</strong> Increase in <strong>number of call centres</strong> and <strong>inclusion of 13 regional languages</strong> in customer service, enhanced doorstep banking support by <strong>75,000+ Bank Mitras etc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Easy loans:</strong> Turnaround time for retail loans reduced by from <strong>nearly 30 days to nearly 10 days.</strong></li>
<li><strong>NPAs and Frauds:</strong> Gross NPAs reduced from Rs. 8.96 lakh crore in March-2018 to Rs. 6.78 lakh crore in March-2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A sharp decline in fraud occurrence from 0.65% of advances during FY10-FY14 to 0.06% in FY19-20</li>
<li>Record recovery of Rs. 2.27 lakh crore in FY19-FY20</li>
<li>Banks have taken steps like instituting <strong>data-driven risk assessments</strong> and introducing <strong>Early Warning Signals (EWS)</strong> systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732358_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599732358_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>EASE 3.0</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A comprehensive agenda for <strong>smart, tech-enabled banking</strong> has been adopted for FY 2020-21, under which PSBs have initiated<strong> eShishu Mudra</strong> (app-based lending for instant sanction of working capital up to Rs. 50,000) for straight-through processing of loans to micro-enterprises.</li>
<li>EASE 3.0 seeks to enhance ease of banking in all customer experiences, using technology viz. <strong>Dial-a-loan, Partnerships with FinTechs and E-commerce companies, [email protected], Tech-enabled agriculture lending, EASE Banking Outlets etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Doorstep Banking Services</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As part of the EASE Reforms, Doorstep Banking Services is envisaged to provide convenience of banking services to the customers at their doorstep through the universal touch points of <strong>Call Centre, Web Portal or Mobile App.</strong></li>
<li>At present,<strong> only non-financial services viz.</strong> request for account statement, delivery of cheque book, demand draft, pay order etc are available to customers. <strong>Financial services shall be made available from October 2020.</strong></li>
<li>The services shall benefit all customers, particularly<strong> Senior Citizens and Divyangs</strong> who would find it at ease to avail these services.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1652723" 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/ease-2-0-banking-reforms-index'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Typhoon Maysak and Typhoon Haishen',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p>Why in News</p>
<p>Recently, <strong>Korean Peninsula</strong> and<strong> Japan</strong> were hit by two typhoons named<strong> Maysak</strong> and <strong>Haishen.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Typhoons</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Typhoons are a kind of<strong> storm.</strong> The storms, depending on where they occur, may be called <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hurricanes</a>, typhoons or cyclones.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Typhoons:</strong> In the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Hurricanes:</strong> In the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Tornados:</strong> In the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.</li>
<li><strong>Willy-willies:</strong> In north-western Australia and</li>
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclones:</strong> In the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scientific name for all these kinds of storms is <strong>tropical cyclones.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tropical cyclones</strong> are intense circular storms that originate over the warm tropical oceans with speed more than 119 kilometres per hour and heavy rains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599730742_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599730742_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="614" height="328" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Categorisation:</strong> Both typhoons were categorised as a <strong>Category 4 hurricane storm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Category 4 storm has <strong>wind speeds between 130-156 mph</strong> and can uproot trees and bring down power lines.</li>
<li>Hurricanes are categorized on the <strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,</strong> which rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 based on wind speed. Hurricanes that reach category <strong>three or higher</strong> are classified as<strong> major hurricanes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Naming:</strong> The <strong>Maysak</strong> typhoon takes its name from a <strong>Cambodian word</strong> for a type of <strong>tree.</strong> While, Haishen means<strong> sea god</strong> in <strong>Chinese.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Typhoon Maysak and Haishen are referred to as typhoon number 9 and 10 in Japan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background of Naming:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>Japan</strong> the first typhoon to occur after January 1<sup>st</sup> of the year is called typhoon number 1.</li>
<li>In the <strong>USA,</strong> hurricanes are referred to by English names.</li>
<li>The intergovernmental organisation called the <strong>Typhoon Committee</strong> which has 14 members including Japan, USA and China uses Asian names for typhoons that are contributed by the member countries. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Haishen was a name recommended by China, while Maysak is a Combodian name.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/typhoon-pummels-south-korea-with-flooding/article32510493.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/typhoon-maysak-and-typhoon-haishen'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenge',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</strong> </a>ARISE-Atal New India Challenge (ANIC) Program, launched by the government, is a<strong> national initiative</strong> to promote <strong>research &amp; innovation</strong> and increase<strong> competitiveness</strong> of Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/policy-reforms-for-startups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>startups</strong></a> and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a> (MSMEs).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To proactively collaborate with Ministries and the associated industries <strong>to catalyse research, innovation and facilitate innovative solutions</strong> to sectoral problems.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objective is also to provide a steady stream of innovative products &amp; solutions where the Central Government Ministries/Departments will become the <strong>potential first buyers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The initiative will be carried under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aim-icrest-niti-aayog" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong></a> <strong>(AIM - an</strong> initiative by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a>).</li>
<li>The programme will be driven by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organization</strong> </a><strong>(ISRO)</strong> and four ministries:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ministry of Defence;</li>
<li>Ministry of Food Processing Industries;</li>
<li>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and</li>
<li>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The initiative will help promote techno-preneurs who deserve to be supported because of their immense potential of taking India forward.</li>
<li>A total of 15 sector-specific challenges will be selected where <strong>three challenges</strong> are kept for<strong> each ministry.</strong></li>
<li>A grant-of-aid of up<strong> Rs. 50 lakh</strong> for a period of 9 to 12 months have been earmarked for startups to develop <strong>a minimum usable prototype.</strong></li>
<li>Innovators would also be attracted by using the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-gandhian-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi Challenge method.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On the 150<sup>th</sup> birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, &lsquo;the Gandhian Challenge&rsquo; was launched.</li>
<li>It provides a platform for <strong>every child across India</strong> to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi&rsquo;s principles.</li>
<li>Broad categories in the challenge:<strong> Art &amp; Innovation and Science, Technology &amp; Innovation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Program is in line with the mandate of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india#:~:text=On%20September%2025%2C%202014%2C%20the,surpassing%20the%20U.S.%20and%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Make in India&rdquo;</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-start-up-india-fund#:~:text=early%2Dstage%20companies.-,Startup%20India,innovation%20and%20entrepreneurship%20in%20India." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Startup India&rdquo;</strong></a></li>
<li>&ldquo;Aatmanirbhar Bharat&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of the Indian Space Research Organisation :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ISRO is the leading organization to promote innovations and entrepreneurship across the length and breath of our country.</li>
<li>ISRO has extensively supported MSMEs and has also set up R&amp;D labs across India to promote innovation and research in space science and technology.</li>
<li>ISRO is planning to <strong>adopt 100 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-collabcad-in-atal-tinkering-labs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atal Tinkering Labs</a>,</strong> 3 each in each state and UTs.</li>
<li><strong>Three thrust areas identified by ISRO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Propulsion:</strong> Green propellants, electric propulsion, and advanced air-breathing.</li>
<li><strong>Geo-spatial Information:</strong> Using <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artificial Intelligence</a> (AI)</strong> for crop monitoring, weather forecasting and programme evaluation.</li>
<li><strong>AI and Robotics:</strong> For supporting space exploration and outer space monitoring.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of MSMEs for Indian Economy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>They are considered as the engine of growth in an economy.</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong> It is the second largest employment generating sector after agriculture. It provides employment to around 120 million persons in India.</li>
<li><strong>Contribution to GDP:</strong> With around 36.1 million units throughout the geographical expanse of the country, MSMEs contribute around 6.11% of the manufacturing GDP and 24.63% of the GDP from service activities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>MSME ministry has set a target to up its contribution to GDP to 50% by 2025 as India becomes a $5 trillion economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exports:</strong> It contributes around 45% of the overall exports from India.</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive growth:</strong> MSMEs promote inclusive growth by providing employment opportunities in rural areas especially to people belonging to weaker sections of the society.</li>
<li><strong>Financial inclusion:</strong> Small industries and retail businesses in tier-II and tier-III cities create opportunities for people to use banking services and products.</li>
<li><strong>Promote innovation:</strong> It provides opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to build creative products boosting business competition and fuels growth.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AIM is Government of India&rsquo;s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s <strong>objective</strong> is to develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of the economy, provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness and create an umbrella structure to oversee the innovation ecosystem of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Major Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-collabcad-in-atal-tinkering-labs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Tinkering Labs</strong></a>: These are creating problem solving mindset across schools in India.</li>
<li><strong>Atal Incubation Centers:</strong> Fostering world class startups and adding a new dimension to the incubator model.</li>
<li><strong>Atal New India Challenges:</strong> Fostering product innovations and aligning them to the needs of various sectors/ministries.</li>
<li><strong>Mentor India Campaign:</strong> A national mentor network in collaboration with the public sector, corporates and institutions, to support all the initiatives of the mission.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-community-innovation-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Community Innovation Center:</strong></a> To stimulate community centric innovation and ideas in the <strong>unserved/underserved regions of the</strong> <strong>country</strong> including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.</li>
<li><strong>Atal Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE):</strong> To stimulate innovation and research in the MSME industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599727741_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599727741_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1652751#:~:text=ISRO%20and%20Four%20Ministries%20Roped%20In&amp;text=Atal%20Innovation%20Mission%20(AIM)%2C,in%20Indian%20MSMEs%20and%20startups." 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/aatmanirbhar-bharat-arise-atal-new-india-challenge'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Indo-Pacific Trilateral Dialogue',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India, Australia and France</strong> held a dialogue for the first time under a <strong>trilateral framework.</strong> The three sides have<strong> agreed to hold the dialogue on an annual basis.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus: Enhancing cooperation</strong> in the<strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importancehttps://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Indo-Pacific Region.</a></strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Australia,</strong> along with <strong>France,</strong> has emerged as a<strong> major strategic partner for India</strong> in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially in the maritime domain. For instance:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>logistics agreements</strong> with both countries. The logistics agreement provides for easier access to supplies of goods and services.</li>
<li>There is significant cooperation in information exchange for <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>France was the first country to deploy a Liaison Officer at the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Navy&rsquo;s Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR)</strong></a> as part of efforts to improve Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India conducted its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-france-joint-patrolling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first joint patrols</strong> </a>with France in Reunion Island (western Indian ocean) in February 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trilateral cooperation will help to take on China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. E.g in South China Sea.</li>
<li>This trilateral cooperation is an addition to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Quad</strong> </a>which comprises the USA, Japan, Australia and India.</li>
<li>It also adds diplomatic muscle to the global coalition that is shaping up to counter China's belligerence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Discussed:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Possibility of <strong>enhancing maritime security cooperation</strong> between the three countries in the Indo-Pacific region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It also includes areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime domain awareness, mutual logistics support and capacity-building of friendly countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,</strong> initiatives such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/second-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a>, and the need for a <strong>reformed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-75-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multilateralism.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Cooperation on marine global commons.</strong> It includes <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>blue economy</strong></a>, <strong>marine biodiversity</strong> and <strong>environmental challenges</strong> such as marine pollution.</li>
<li><strong>Practical cooperation</strong> at the<strong> trilateral and regional level,</strong> including through regional organisations such as <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Ocean Rim Association</a> (IORA)</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Commission.</strong></a></li>
<li>The increased salience of<strong> resilient and reliable supply chains.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, Australia and Japan recently inked an initiative to build resilient supply chains, which is named as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).</strong></a> France may join this initiative too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emerging challenges</strong> in the context of <strong>Covid-19 pandemic,</strong> including the financial impact of the pandemic on the Indian Ocean region countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Significance of the Indo-Pacific Region</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2018 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-maritime-affairs-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shangrila Dialogue</strong></a> India had clearly indicated the geographical reach of <strong>India&rsquo;s idea of the Indo-Pacific,</strong> which starts from <strong>Africa to the America,</strong> which covers both the Indian and Pacific Oceans, in tandem with that of Japan.</li>
<li>It is a very<strong> rich region in terms of natural resources</strong> (fisheries, oil, gas) as well as mineral resources.</li>
<li><strong>Trade of some of the major economies</strong> like China, Japan, Korea or the west coast of the United States goes through this region.</li>
<li>About 50% of <strong>India&rsquo;s trade</strong> is conducted through the South China Sea. India has been one of the major players in the region. <strong>India conducts many naval exercises</strong> with the United States, countries of ASEAN, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.</li>
<li>The international community including India wants freedom of navigation, freedom of over flights in the region.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599733774_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599733774_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>France and Australia are India&rsquo;s key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting provided a unique opportunity to build upon the progress that the three countries have achieved bilaterally in recent years.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indo-pacific-cooperation-maritime-security-in-focus-at-trilateral-dialogue-6589741/" 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/indo-pacific-trilateral-dialogue'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 37
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 274
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”