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India-Mongolia Relations

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

09 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Death Penalty For Sexual Offences

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

08 Jan 2021 News Editorials
Vertical and Horizontal Reservations

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC), in a case, has clarified the position of law on the interplay of vertical and horizontal...

08 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir

Why in News Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade...

08 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Indian Digital Tax Discriminatory: USTR

Why in News Recently, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has said that the Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy...

08 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Advisory for Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict

Why in News Recently, the Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife (SC-NBWL) in its 60th meeting has approved the advisory for management of...

08 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Last Mile Challenges To Financial Inclusion

This article is based on “Not by digital alone” which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the last mile...

07 Jan 2021 News Editorials
Longitudinal Ageing Study of India

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has released the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 Report on the...

07 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Air Pollution and Pregnancy Losses: Lancet Report

Why in News According to recent study poor air quality is associated with a considerable proportion of pregnancy loss in India, Pakistan, and...

07 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog

Why in News Recently, the Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog has announced ‘Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam’ with an aim to “infuse...

07 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Helping Hand to Sri Lanka

Why in News An India-funded free ambulance service is playing a vital role in Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 response. Key...

07 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan: Karnataka

Why in News Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the...

07 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Sulfur Dioxide Emission Norms Delayed

Why in News The Ministry of Power has proposed pushing back the deadlines for adoption of new emission norms by coal-fired power plants, stating "an...

07 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Changing World Order, India & UNSC

This article is based on “India’s UNSC opportunity” which was published in The Indian Express on 05/01/2021. It talks about the...

06 Jan 2021 News Editorials
Judicial Review

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) refused to treat the Central Vista project as a unique one requiring greater or heightened judicial...

06 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Conflict Over Nile

Why in News Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have recently agreed to resume negotiations to resolve their decade-long complex dispute over the Grand...

06 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Yakshagana

Why in News Recently a Yakshagana artiste died while performing on stage. Key Points Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of...

06 Jan 2021 News Analysis
Solidarity and Stability Deal: Gulf Countries

Why in News Recently, Gulf states signed a ‘solidarity and stability’ deal at the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in Al...

06 Jan 2021 News Analysis
The Big Picture: The Demands of Farmers

Why in News? Farmers have been protesting for over months and have congregated on the periphery of the National Capital. They have blocked...

06 Jan 2021 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Governor: An Agent of the Centre?

This article is based on “Maximum Governor: On Governor's role” which was published in The Hindu on 05/01/2021. It talks about the...

05 Jan 2021 News Editorials

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			'title' => 'India-Mongolia Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Mongolia have <strong>reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India reiterated its commitment to timely completion of the <strong>Mongol Refinery Project,</strong> the country&rsquo;s 1<sup>st</sup> oil refinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The greenfield Mongol Refinery Project is <strong>being built under a Line of Credit from the Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to cut some of Mongolia&rsquo;s fuel import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>The Project came in the backdrop of <strong>Mongolia,</strong> which has <strong>large uranium deposits</strong> signing an<strong> agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with India in 2009</strong> and <strong>China</strong> unfolding its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is opposed to the BRI,</strong> which seeks to invest about USD 8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>welcomed the keenness of Mongolian companies in supplying coking coal to Indian steel industry.</strong> According to a recent report, India will overtake China as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-largest-importer-of-coking-coal-by-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>largest importer of coking coal by 2025.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India looks forward to substantial partnerships with Mongolian companies in the areas of minerals, coal and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India expressed its willingness to further <strong>share its expertise in the oil and gas sector</strong> including capacity building in accordance with the developmental priorities of Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mongolia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Mongolia have interacted<strong> through <a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a></strong> throughout history.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, the first country outside the former Soviet bloc of nations to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955, has upgraded ties with Mongolia to a <strong>strategic partnership.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2015,</strong> Mongolia witnessed the <strong>first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India</strong> (a part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s Act East policy</strong></a>).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mongolia has publicly reiterated its <strong>support for India&rsquo;s membership to the permanent seat</strong> of the expanded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has played an <strong>important role</strong> in getting <strong>Mongolia membership</strong> to key international forums, including the <strong>United Nations</strong> (UN), despite strong opposition from China and Taiwan. India also championed the <strong>inclusion of Mongolia in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Aligned Movement.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a reciprocal gesture, <strong>Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution</strong> with India and Bhutan for the<strong> recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Forums of which both the countries are members:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Asia-Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM), <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is a <strong>member</strong> whereas <strong>Mongolia</strong> is an <strong>observer state</strong> at the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India - Mongolia <strong>bilateral trade was USD 38.3 million in 2019,</strong> down from USD 52.6 million in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Joint defence exercises code-named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nomadic-elephant-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,October%20at%20Bakloh%2C%20Himachal%20Pradesh.&amp;text=The%20joint%20exercise%20will%20enhance,relations%20between%20the%20two%20nations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nomadic Elephant.</strong></a></li>
<li>India is also an active participant in an annual week-long joint training exercise called the<strong> Khaan Quest,</strong> hosted by Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation over Environmental Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Culture (India)</strong> has taken up the project of<strong> reprinting 108 volumes of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mongolian-kanjur-being-reprinted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mongolian Kanjur</a></strong> under the <strong>National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Areas of Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Solar energy</strong> is abundant and cooperation is solicited especially as India has emerged as the leader by way of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong> </a>and its very own ambitious alternate and renewable energy projects.</li>
<li><strong>Mongolia&rsquo;s mining sector including copper and Uranium</strong> hold exceptional cooperation possibilities.</li>
<li>In the area of<strong> cooperatives,</strong> India has the capacity to share its expertise for the vastly dispersed farmers and milkmen in Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mongolia&rsquo;s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attracts major powers towards it. India should <strong>consider Mongolia as a green zone of economic development</strong> that absorbs hi-tech features and production skills in a modernization process.</li>
<li>To preserve and <strong>promote the common heritage of Indo-Mongolian culture</strong> is important. This should serve as the basis for nurturing and pursuing future common interests.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Death Penalty For Sexual Offences',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-shakti-bill-rape-offence-disha-bill-maharashtra-cabinet-7135848/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The wrong answer&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the issues related to the award of the death penalty for sexual offences.</p>
</div>
<p>Sexual offences against women and children are one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Given this, the public has a real and legitimate interest in addressing such concerns, leading to the death penalty&rsquo;s demand to deter sexual offences purportedly.</p>
<p>In this context, on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Day 2020</strong></a>, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the Shakti Bill, enlarging the scope of harsher and mandatory sentences &mdash; including the death penalty &mdash; for non-homicidal rape (excluding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/marital-rape-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marital Rape</strong></a>).</p>
<p>The Shakti Bill comes amid the recent legislative trend to invoke the death penalty for sexual offences. For instance, the Andhra Pradesh government passed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disha-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disha Bill in 2020</strong></a> (pending presidential assent), that provides the death penalty for the rape of adult women.</p>
<p>However, introducing the death penalty diverts attention from deep-rooted issues &amp; long-term solutions. It suggests that the reason for such crimes is that the punishment is not severe enough.</p>
<h3>Associated Issues With Death Penalty Against Sexual Offences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>May Do More Harm To Victim:</strong> Women&rsquo;s right groups have argued that the death penalty is a knee-jerk and populist solution to counter sexual offences. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Child-right activists insist that introducing capital punishment for non-homicidal rape may lead rapists to kill their victims to erase testimonial evidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death Penalty Won&rsquo;t Remove Prejudice:</strong> Introducing harsher penalties does not remove systemic prejudices from the minds of judges and the police.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generally, police might refuse to register complaints or acquit offenders in cases they do not consider &ldquo;serious&rdquo; enough to warrant a mandatory minimum.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lower Rate of Conviction:</strong> According to crime data from the <a href="/printpdf/crime-in-india-2019-report-ncrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Crime Records Bureau</strong></a>, in 93.6% of sexual offences, the perpetrators were known to the victims. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, introducing capital punishment would deter complainants from registering complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delay in Closure of Justice:</strong> The execution of a death sentence comes at the end of multiple stages of appeals and avenues of seeking clemency. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This time extended to the defendant to exhaust all legal remedies will delay the judicial process&rsquo;s finality and closure&mdash;militating against the competing interest of ensuring speedy justice.</li>
<li>It might also see an increase in instances of instant retribution, such as the extrajudicial killing of gang-rape and murder suspects in Hyderabad late in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regressive Step:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-s-verma-committee-on-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Justice Verma Committee Report</strong></a> that made several recommendations on the laws on sexual offences (after Nirbhya rape case 2012), held that the death penalty&rsquo;s deterrent effect is &ldquo;a myth&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report stated that it would be a regressive step to introduce the death sentence in non-homicidal cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Issues Related to Shakti Bill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The other anti-women assertion in the bill moves away from the standard of affirmative consent in cases involving adult victims and offenders.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Significant advocacy from the women&rsquo;s movement led to introducing an affirmative standard of consent, rooted in unequivocal voluntary agreement by women through words, gestures or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In a sharp departure, the bill stipulates that valid consent can be presumed from the &ldquo;conduct of the parties&rdquo; and the &ldquo;circumstances surrounding it&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Rape trials continue to be guided by misogynistic notions, expecting survivors to necessarily resist the act, suffer injuries and appear visibly distressed.</li>
<li>Therefore, the bill&rsquo;s vaguely worded explanation holds dangerous possibilities of expecting survivors to respond only in a particular manner, thus creating the stereotype of an &ldquo;ideal&rdquo; victim.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plugging Gaps in Justice Delivery:</strong> The most severe gaps in the justice delivery system are reporting a police complaint. Therefore, the focus of the criminal justice system needs to shift from sentencing and punishment to the stages of reporting, investigation, and victim-support mechanisms. In this context, the following measures must be ensured: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The victim reports a case without any fear.</li>
<li>Police to conduct a sound investigation.</li>
<li>Victim protection throughout the trial.</li>
<li>Making testification as easy and as quick as possible.</li>
<li>Allocation of resources and more robust implementation of the law than is currently evident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensitisation At a Broader Level:</strong> Despite the ever-increasing ambit of the death sentence, there has been little effort to address prejudices in society.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Addressing the prejudices in the society against sexual offences requires sensitisation of functionaries of the justice system &amp; more importantly society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Instead of merely enhancing punishment, tackling crimes against women and children requires broader social reforms, sustained governance efforts and strengthening investigative and reporting mechanisms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fff5;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Punitive responses to sexual violence need serious rethinking, given the multitude of perverse consequences and their minor role in addressing the actual needs of rape survivors. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ytfp3NErDB0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/where-india-and-us-diverge-ht-editorial/story-fPy0uthKnZr3iRrt6O8CLL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Where India and US diverge&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 7<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/death-penalty-for-sexual-offences'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Vertical and Horizontal Reservations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a> (SC)</strong>, in a case, has clarified the <strong>position of law</strong> on the interplay of vertical and horizontal <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reservations.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vertical Reservation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reservation for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reimagining-the-national-commission-for-scheduled-castes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Castes</strong></a>, <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/xaxa-committee-on-tribal-communities-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes</strong></a>, <strong>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Other Backward Classes</a></strong> is referred to as vertical reservation.</li>
<li>It <strong>applies separately for each of the groups</strong> specified under the law.</li>
<li><strong>Example: Article 16(4)</strong>&nbsp;of the Constitution contemplates vertical reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Horizontal Reservation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It refers to the<strong> equal opportunity provided to other categories of beneficiaries</strong> such as women, veterans, the transgender community, and individuals <strong>with disabilities,</strong> cutting through the vertical categories.</li>
<li><strong>Example: Article 15 (3)</strong>&nbsp;of the Constitution contemplates horizontal reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of Reservations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>horizontal quota is applied separately</strong> to each vertical category, and not across the board.</li>
<li>For<strong> example,</strong> if <strong>women have 50% horizontal quota,</strong> then <strong>half of the selected candidates will have to necessarily be women in each vertical quota</strong> category i.e., half of all selected <strong>Scheduled Caste candidates</strong> will have to be women, half of the unreserved or general category will have to be women, and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Case:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em><strong>Saurav Yadav versus State of Uttar Pradesh</strong></em><strong> 2020</strong> dealt with issues arising from the way different classes of reservation were to be applied in the selection process to fill posts of constables in the state.</li>
<li>The <strong>Uttar Pradesh government&rsquo;s policy was to restrict and contain reserved category candidates to their categories,</strong> even when they had secured higher grades.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SC&rsquo;s Ruling:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The court ruled against the Uttar Pradesh government, holding that if a <strong>person belonging to an intersection of vertical-horizontal reserved category </strong>had <strong>secured scores high enough to qualify without the vertical reservation, the person would be counted as qualifying without the vertical reservation, and cannot be excluded from the horizontal quota</strong> in the general category.</li>
<li>The court said Uttar Pradesh Government's argument meant that it was ensuring that the general category was &lsquo;reserved&rsquo; for upper castes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ruling will give <strong>clarity on reservation and make it easier for governments to implement and apply reservation.</strong></li>
<li>More<strong> needy scheduled caste, scheduled tribes and other backward class candidates will be benefited</strong> if high scoring candidates are recruited under general category.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Reservation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Reservation is a form of <strong>positive discrimination, created to promote equality among marginalised sections,</strong> so as to protect them from social and historical injustice.</li>
<li>Generally, it means giving <strong>preferential treatment to marginalised sections</strong> of society in employment and access to education.</li>
<li>It was also originally <strong>developed to correct years of discrimination and to give a boost to disadvantaged groups.</strong></li>
<li>In India, people have been historically discriminated against on the basis of caste.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions Governing Reservation in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 15(3)</strong> allows <strong>protective discrimination in favour of women.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 15(4) and 16(4)</strong> of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to<strong> reserve seats in government services</strong> for the members of the SC and ST.</li>
<li>The Constitution was amended by the Constitution<strong> (77<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act,</strong> 1995 and a new clause <strong>(4A) was inserted in Article 16 to enable the government to provide reservation in promotion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court of India has said that reservation of seats provided to certain communities <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reservation-not-a-fundamental-right-supreme-court#:~:text=SC%2FST%20Reservation%3A,scheduled%20castes%20and%20scheduled%20tribes.&amp;text=The%20quota%20for%20SCs%20is,for%20STs%20it%20is%207.5%25" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>is not a fundamental right.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Later, clause (4A) was modified</strong> by the Constitution <strong>(85<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 2001</strong> to provide consequential seniority to SC and ST candidates promoted by giving reservation.</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional 81<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act, 2000</strong> inserted Article 16 (4 B) which enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent reservation on total number of vacancies of that year.</li>
<li><strong>Article 330 and 332</strong> provides for specific representation through<strong> reservation of seats</strong> for SCs and STs<strong> in the Parliament and in the State Legislative Assemblies</strong> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Article 243D</strong> provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every <strong>Panchayat.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also <strong>provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total number of seats for women</strong> (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the SCs and STs).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 233T</strong> provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every<strong> Municipality.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 335</strong> of the Constitution says that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the maintenance of efficacy of the administration.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-horizontal-vertical-quotas-work-what-sc-said-7135872/" 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/vertical-and-horizontal-reservations'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-committees-formed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs</strong></a> has approved the proposal of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dipp-renamed-as-dpiit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)</strong></a> for<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Central Sector Scheme</a> for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>DPIIT</strong> comes under the <strong>Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Sector Schemes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These schemes are <strong>100% funded by the Central government.</strong></li>
<li>Implemented by the Central Government machinery.</li>
<li>Formulated on subjects mainly from the Union List.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>take industrial development to the block level in Union Territory (UT)</strong> of J and K, which is the<strong> first time in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Government of India</strong> and attempts for a more <strong>sustained and balanced industrial growth</strong> in the entire UT.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scheme is made attractive for <strong>both <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smaller</a> and larger industrial units. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expenditure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The financial outlay is <strong>Rs. 28,400 crore</strong> for the scheme <strong>period 2020-21 to 2036-37</strong> (17 years).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of J&amp;K in Implementation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scheme envisages a greater role of the UT of J&amp;K <strong>in registration and implementation of the scheme</strong> while having proper checks and balances by having an <strong>independent audit agency</strong> before the claims are approved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incentives Under the Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Capital Investment Incentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides an <strong>incentive at the rate of 30% in Zone-A and 50% in Zone-B on investment</strong> made in plant and machinery (in manufacturing), or construction of building and other durable physical assets (in service sector).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Zone-B</strong> includes far-off areas and will receive higher incentives so as to ensure equal opportunities of growth in far-flung areas and major towns.</li>
<li><strong>Zone-A</strong> includes areas other than Zone-B.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>capital investment</strong> is a sum of money that goes towards furthering the objectives of a business or towards purchasing long-term assets for the business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Capital Interest subvention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides for <strong>6% capital interest subvention for a maximum of seven years on loans up to Rs. 500 crore</strong> for investment in plant and machinery (in manufacturing), or construction in building and all other durable physical assets (in service sector) for 10 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Capitalized interest</strong> is the cost of borrowing to acquire or construct a long-term asset.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST Linked Incentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is based on<strong> Gross <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goods and Services Tax (GST).</a></strong></li>
<li>This will <strong>incentivise output up to 300% of the eligible value of actual investment</strong> made in the plant and machinery (in manufacturing), or construction in building and all other durable physical assets (in service sector).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working Capital Interest Incentive:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will provide all existing units<strong> incentive at the annual rate of 5% for maximum 5 years.</strong> Maximum limit of incentive is <strong>Rs. 1 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Working capital,</strong> also known as<strong> net working capital (NWC),</strong> is the <strong>difference between a company's current assets,</strong> such as cash, accounts receivable (customers' unpaid bills) and inventories of raw materials and finished goods,<strong> and its current liabilities,</strong> such as accounts payable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scheme will encourage <strong>new investment, substantial expansion and also nurture the existing industries</strong> in the Union Territory.</li>
<li>It will also provide <strong>employment to 4.5 lakh people</strong> besides leading to equitable, balanced and sustainable<strong> socio-economic development of the region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayushman-bharat-pm-jay-sehat-jk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine (SEHAT) scheme</strong></a> was launched to extend health insurance coverage to all residents of J&amp;K.</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/day-nrlm-special-package-for-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Union Cabinet has also approved a special package</a> worth Rs. 520 crore in the Union Territories (UTs) of J&amp;K and Ladakh</strong> for a period of five years under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In August 2019, the Central government had suspended all modes of communications in the wake of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, granted under Article 370.</strong></a> Eventually, services were partially restored, with internet speed restricted to 2G.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1686743#:~:text=of%20Jammu%20%26%20Kashmir.-,The%20scheme%20is%20approved%20with%20a%20total%20outlay%20of%20Rs,the%20UT%20of%20Jammu%20%26%20Kashmir." 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/scheme-for-industrial-development-of-jammu-and-kashmir'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Indian Digital Tax Discriminatory: USTR',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Office of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ustr-s-probe-into-digital-services-taxes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United States Trade Representative (USTR)</strong></a> has said that the <strong>Digital services taxes</strong> adopted by<strong> India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against US companies</strong> and are <strong>inconsistent with international tax principles.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is responsible for <strong>developing and coordinating US international trade.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ustr-takes-india-off-developing-country-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Section 301 (US Trade Act)</strong> </a>gives the USTR broad authority to<strong> investigate and respond to a foreign country&rsquo;s action which may be unfair or discriminatory</strong> as well as negatively affect US commerce.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Adopted through the<strong> 1974 Trade act,</strong> the Section allows the US President to <strong>impose tariffs or other curbs on foreign nations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the law <strong>mandates consultations with trading partners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Digital Services Taxes (DSTs):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are the adopted taxes on <strong>revenues that certain companies generate from providing certain digital services.</strong> E.g. digital multinationals like Google, Amazon and Apple etc.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)</strong> </a>is currently <strong>hosting negotiations with over 130 countries that aim to adapt the international tax system.</strong> One goal is to address the tax challenges of the digitalization of the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some experts argue that a<strong> tax policy designed to target a single sector</strong> or activity is likely to be unfair and have complex consequences.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>digital economy cannot be easily separated</strong> out from the rest of the <strong>global economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Tax on Digital Companies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government <strong>had moved an amendment in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/finance-bill-2020-passed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finance Bill 2020-21</a> imposing a 2% digital service tax (DST) on trade and services by non-resident e-commerce operators</strong> with a <strong>turnover of over Rs. 2 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This effectively <strong>expanded the scope of equalisation levy</strong> that, till last year, only applied to digital advertising services.</li>
<li>Earlier, the<strong> equalisation levy (at 6%) was introduced in 2016</strong> and imposed on the revenues generated on business-to-business digital advertisements and allied services of the resident service provider.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The new levy<strong> came into effect from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2020.</strong> E-commerce operators are <strong>obligated to pay the tax at the end of each quarter.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USTR&rsquo;s Investigation Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>DST in India is discriminatory</strong> because it exempts Indian companies and targets non-Indian firms. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This hits US firms which <strong>dominate the technology industry.</strong></li>
<li>119 companies that it identified as likely liable under the digital services tax, 86, or 72%, were American.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>USTR estimates that the aggregate tax bill for US companies could exceed <strong>USD 30 million per year.</strong></li>
<li>The USTR has determined that India&rsquo;s DST is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts US commerce and thus is <strong>actionable</strong> under <strong>Section 301 (US Trade Act).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has described the <strong>equalization levy as a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory tax</strong> aimed at all offshore digital economy firms accessing the local market and has <strong>denied it targets US companies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It seeks to<strong> ensure a level-playing field</strong> with respect to e-commerce activities undertaken by entities resident in India as well as those not residents in India or without permanent establishment in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government of <strong>India will examine the determination/decision notified by the US</strong> in this regard, and would <strong>take appropriate action keeping in view the overall interest of the nation.</strong></li>
<li>There was no retroactive element or extra-territorial application involved in the levy which applied only on the revenue generated from India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a recognition of the principle that in a digital world,<strong> a seller can engage in business transactions without any physical presence, and governments have a legitimate right to tax such transactions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610094520_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610094520_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="592" height="413" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the backdrop of an improper functioning of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a>, the move could signal the <strong>start of more unilateral action by the US especially on the digital services front.</strong></li>
<li>In India&rsquo;s case, the probe could <strong>potentially affect the outcome of a bilateral trade</strong> deal that India has been looking to forge with the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>As India is racing towards becoming a digital giant, the<strong> 2% DST should be negotiated to avoid any hurdles</strong> in its implementation. Further, there needs to be<strong> international consensus on taxation on a digital economy.</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-equalisation-levy-not-discriminatory-will-take-appropriate-action-7137479/" 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/indian-digital-tax-discriminatory-ustr'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Advisory for Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Standing Committee of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wildlife-panel-holds-virtual-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Board of Wildlife</a> (SC-NBWL)</strong> in its 60<sup>th</sup> meeting has approved the advisory for management of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/daily-updates-news-editorials-the-high-cost-of-man-animal-conflict#:~:text=Man%20animal%20conflict%20leads%20to,standards%20of%20the%20affected%20population." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)</strong></a> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the meeting approval was given for including <strong>Caracal, a medium sized wildcat</strong> into the list of critically endangered species for taking up conservation efforts with financial support under <strong>centrally sponsored scheme <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clouded-leopards-and-their-habitats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Advisory:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Empower Gram Panchayats:</strong> The advisory envisages <strong>empowering gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals</strong> as per the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> WildLife (Protection) Act, 1972.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Provide Insurance: Utilising add-on coverage</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revamping-of-pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna</strong></a> <strong>for crop compensation</strong> against crop damage due to HWC.</li>
<li><strong>Augmenting Fodder:</strong> It also envisages<strong> augmenting fodder and water sources</strong> within the forest areas.</li>
<li><strong>Take Proactive Measures:</strong> The advisory <strong>prescribes inter-departmental committees</strong> at local/state level, <strong>adoption of early warning systems, creation of barriers, dedicated circle wise Control Rooms</strong> with <strong>toll free hotline numbers</strong> which could be operated on <strong>24X7 basis, Identification of hotspots</strong> and formulation and implementation of special plans for improved stall-fed farm animal etc.</li>
<li><strong>Provide Instant Relief:</strong> Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Caracal Cat</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610090536_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610090536_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> caracal wild cat <em>(Caracal caracal)</em></strong> is a rare species in India. They are slender, medium-sized cats with long powerful legs and tufted ears.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The black tufted ears of this cat are one of its most distinguishing features.</li>
<li>It is shy, nocturnal, elusive and difficult to spot in the wild.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> In India, presence of these Cats has been reported from only three states which are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In<strong> Madhya Pradesh</strong> it is locally called as <strong>Shea-gosh or siyah-gush.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Gujarat,</strong> Caracals are locally referred to as <strong>Hornotro</strong> which means killer of a Blackbuck.</li>
<li>In<strong> Rajasthan</strong> it is known as<strong> Junglee Bilao or Wildcat.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong> Caracals are mostly killed for<strong> livestock predation</strong> however in some areas of the world it is hunted for its <strong>meat and flesh.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN Red List</a>: Least Concern</strong></li>
<li><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>: Appendix I</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Human-Wildlife/Animal Conflict</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It refers to the<strong> interaction between wild animals and humans</strong> which results in a <strong>negative impact on people, animals, resources, and habitats. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Urbanization:</strong> In modern times <strong>rapid urbanization and industrialisation</strong> have led to the diversion of forest land to non-forest purposes, as a result, the wildlife habitat is shrinking.</li>
<li><strong>Transport Network:</strong> The <strong>expansion of road and rail network</strong> through forest ranges has resulted in animals getting killed or injured in accidents on roads or railway tracks.</li>
<li><strong>Population:</strong> The <strong>increasing population</strong> has also led to many human settlements coming up near the peripheries of protected areas and encroachment in the forest lands by local people for cultivation and collection of food and fodder etc. therefore increasing pressure on limited natural resources in the forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Initiatives/Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-of-passage-of-the-animals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right of passage of the Elephants</a></strong> and the closure of resorts in the Nilgiris elephant corridor. It held that it was the <strong>State&rsquo;s duty to protect a &ldquo;keystone species&rdquo;</strong> like elephants.</li>
<li>The Odisha Government has started casting <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seed-bombs-solution-to-man-animal-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>seed balls (or bombs) inside different reserve forest areas</strong></a> to enrich food stock for wild elephants.</li>
<li>The Uttarakhand government carried out <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bio-fences-to-curb-man-animal-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bio-fencing by growing various species of plants in the areas</strong> </a>in order to reduce the man-animal conflict, prevent wild animals from entering residential areas, and protect agricultural crops and livestock in areas adjoining the forests.</li>
<li>In 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government has given its in-principle approval to bring <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/man-animal-conflict-to-be-listed-as-disaster-by-up-govt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>man-animal conflict under listed disasters</strong></a> in the State Disaster Response Fund to ensure better coordination and relief during such incidents.</li>
<li>In the <strong>Western Ghats of India,</strong> a new conservation initiative has utilized texting as an <strong>early warning system</strong> to prevent human-elephant encounters. Elephant <strong>tracking collars embedded with SMS chips</strong> automatically text nearby residents, warning them of recent elephant movements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1686597#:~:text=approves%20advisory%20for%20management%20of%20Human%2DWildlife%20Conflict%20across%20the%20country.&amp;text=The%20Standing%20Committee%20of%20National,(HWC)%20in%20the%20country." 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/advisory-for-management-of-human-wildlife-conflict'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Last Mile Challenges To Financial Inclusion',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/how-over-reliance-on-tech-worsens-financial-exclusion-in-rural-india-7134424/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Not by digital alone&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the last mile challenges to financial inclusion in India.</p>
</div>
<p>Being a welfare state, one of the prime objectives of government policy in India has been to enable financial inclusion and to reduce abject poverty through interventionist public policies. One such approach is the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-advisory-on-direct-benefit-transfer" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) initiative.</strong></a></p>
<p>Various government programmes such as maternity entitlements, student scholarships, and wages for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong></a> workers fall under the DBT initiative where the money is transferred to the respective beneficiaries&rsquo; bank accounts.</p>
<p>However, the beneficiaries face many hurdles in accessing their money. For example, in rural areas, beneficiaries have to travel miles and wait for several hours to make one banking transaction.</p>
<p>These hurdles are broadly referred to as <strong>&ldquo;last mile challenges''</strong>. These challenges have widened the distance between the rights holder and their entitlements, which must be urgently resolved.</p>
<h3>Last Mile Challenges &amp; Their Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digital Exclusions:</strong> A recently published KPMG report found that India&rsquo;s Internet usage is the lowest of the BRICS nations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Similarly, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/digital-quality-of-life-index-2020-surfshark" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index 2020</strong></a> reflects the dismal performance of India in digital parameters.</li>
<li>Moreover, digital illiteracy, innumeracy, and unfamiliarity with technology hinder the digital product&rsquo;s full uptake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unfamiliarity With DBT:</strong> Beneficiaries of DBT do not know what to do when their payments get rejected, often due to technical reasons such as incorrect account numbers and incorrect Aadhaar mapping with bank accounts. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More importantly, the workers/beneficiaries have rarely been consulted regarding their preferred mode of transacting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Breeding of Corruption:</strong> The digital exclusion and unfamiliarity of beneficiaries with DBT, has created new forms of corruption.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was evidenced in the massive scholarship scam in Jharkhand, where many poor students were deprived of their scholarships owing to a nexus of intermediaries, government officials, banking correspondents and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Rural Banking:</strong> There are just 14.6 bank branches per 1 lakh adults in India. It is sparser in rural India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, rural banks are short-staffed and tend to get overcrowded.</li>
<li>Accessing banks in rural areas leads to loss of one wage day for the worker. Also, people have to spend money on transportation to access the bank to withdraw their payments/subsidies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unsuccessful Banking Correspondent Model:</strong> More than a decade after the first regulations on the Business Correspondent (BC) Model were issued in 2006, banks and other financial service providers are struggling to establish a viable and sustainable business case for branchless banking.</li>
<li><strong>Accountability Issue:</strong> The lack of accountability and absence of grievance redressal continue to impact all DBT programmes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expanding Scope of Social Justice:</strong> Understanding social justice should be broadened by including the right to access own money in a timely and transparent manner. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, these rights should be protected through strengthening grievance redressal processes and setting accountability norms for all payment intermediaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Providing More Choices:</strong> Universalization of Aadhar Enabled Payment System will enable Aadhar Enabled Bank Account holders to carry out seamless financial transactions.</li>
<li><strong>Establishing a Code of Conduct for BC Model:</strong> Banks should develop standard rules and formulate a code of conduct to develop effective monitoring and supervision of banking correspondents.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Geotagging and GPS mapping of agent locations to search agent points will also enable better monitoring and supervision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uber Model:</strong> There is a need to explore the possibility to adopt the &ldquo;Uber&rdquo; model to handle cash-in/cash-out (CICO), by enabling customers to act as CICO points. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will reduce dependence on agents and allow them to go beyond CICO.</li>
<li>On the other hand, customers would be able to transact beyond a stationary and limited agent network.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Digital Literacy:</strong> Digital literacy is the lynchpin of triggering a revolution in India&rsquo;s financial inclusion and doorstep delivery models.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, <a href="/pdf/1607550498-conference-on-digital-cashless-economy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)</strong></a> is a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is a clear need for a fresh perspective by re-imagining some key aspects of DBT initiative. It requires that all stakeholders, including the government, regulators, service providers, industry bodies, and others, need to catalyse radical changes in the way the &lsquo;last mile&rsquo; functions at present.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #f51d1d; background-color: #fff9cf;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In rural India, over-reliance on digital technology has worsened financial exclusion. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m5eqIEUgN64" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/india-at-the-horse-shoe-table/story-KZexjyZVCTyCJKnoDIuqCN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;India at the horseshoe table&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 6th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/last-mile-challenges-to-financial-inclusion'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Longitudinal Ageing Study of India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare</strong> has released the <strong>Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 Report</strong> on the virtual platform.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About LASI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a full scale <strong>national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing</strong> in India. It was <strong>commissioned in 2016.</strong></li>
<li>It is India&rsquo;s <strong>first and the world&rsquo;s largest ever survey that provides a longitudinal database</strong> for designing policies and programmes <strong>for the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/elderly-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">older population</a></strong> in the broad domains of social, health, and economic well-being.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agencies Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>National Programme for Health Care of Elderly,</strong> Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare has undertaken the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India, through <strong>International Institute for Population Sciences,</strong> (IIPS), <strong>Mumbai</strong> in collaboration with <strong>Harvard School of Public Health, University of Southern California, USA, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-world-population-2019-unfpa#:~:text=According%20to%20State%20of%20World,annual%20growth%20rate%20of%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Population Fund</a> (UNFPA)</strong> and <strong>National Institute on Ageing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first national wave of the LASI (Wave 1)</strong> covered a <strong>baseline sample of 72,250</strong> individuals <strong>aged 45 and above and their spouses</strong>, including elderly persons aged <strong>60</strong> and above and oldest-old persons aged <strong>75</strong> and above from all States and Union Territories (UTs) of India (excluding Sikkim).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It collects detailed data on health and biomarkers together with information on family and social network, income, assets, and consumption.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In medicine, a biomarker is a <strong>measurable indicator of the severity or presence of some disease state</strong>. More generally a biomarker is anything that can be used <strong>as an indicator of a particular disease</strong> state or some other physiological state of an organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the 2011 census, the <strong>60+ population accounted for 8.6% of India&rsquo;s population,</strong> accounting for <strong>103 million elderly people.</strong></li>
<li>Growing at around <strong>3% annually</strong>, the number of elderly people will rise to <strong>319 million in 2050.</strong></li>
<li><strong>75%</strong> of the elderly people suffer from one or the other <strong>chronic disease. 40%</strong> of the elderly people have <strong>one or the other disability</strong> and <strong>20%</strong> have issues related to <strong>mental health.</strong></li>
<li>The self-reported prevalence of diagnosed <strong>cardiovascular diseases</strong> (CVDs) is <strong>28%</strong> among older adults aged <strong>45 and above.</strong></li>
<li>The prevalence of <strong>multi-morbidity conditions</strong> among the elderly age <strong>60 and above</strong> is <strong>much higher in the states/UTs</strong> of Kerala (52%), Chandigarh (41%), Lakshadweep (40%), Goa (39%) and Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands (38%). The prevalence of <strong>single morbidity and multi-morbidity</strong> conditions increases with age.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The evidence from LASI will be used to further strengthen and broaden the <strong>scope of the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly</strong> and also help in establishing a range of preventive and health care programmes for the older population and most vulnerable among them.</li>
<li>The study holds significance in light of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic with the elderly and persons with <strong>comorbidities</strong> being at the highest risk of contracting the disease.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Comorbidity</strong> simply means <strong>more than one illness or disease occurring in one person at the same time</strong> and <strong>multimorbidity means more than two illnesses</strong> or diseases occurring in the same person at the same time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Programme for Health Care of Elderly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The programme is being implemented under the <strong>Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) flexible pool within the overarching umbrella of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission</strong></a> for Districts and below in the States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide <strong>accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services</strong> to an Ageing population.</li>
<li>Creating a new <strong>&ldquo;architecture&rdquo;</strong> for Ageing.</li>
<li>To build a framework to create an enabling environment for <strong>&ldquo;a Society for all Ages&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>To promote the concept of <strong>Active and Healthy Ageing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre bears 75% of the total budget and the State Government contributes <strong>25%</strong> of the budget, for activities up to district level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligible Beneficiary:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All elderly People (above 60 Years) in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Free, Specialized health care facilities exclusively for the elderly people through the State health delivery system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1686552" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:PIB</a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/longitudinal-ageing-study-of-india'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Air Pollution and Pregnancy Losses: Lancet Report',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to recent study <strong>poor air quality is associated</strong> with a considerable proportion of <strong>pregnancy loss in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>first study to estimate the effect of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air pollution</a> on pregnancy loss</strong> across the region.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They created a model to <strong>examine how exposure to PM 2.5 increased women&rsquo;s risk of pregnancy loss</strong>, calculating risk for each 10 &micro;g/m&sup3; increased in PM 2.5 after <strong>adjusting for maternal age, temperature and humidity, seasonal variation, and long-term trends</strong> in pregnancy loss.</li>
<li>Each <strong>increase in 10 &micro;g/m&sup3;</strong> was estimated to <strong>increase a mother&rsquo;s risk of pregnancy loss by 3%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The increase in <strong>risk was greater for mothers from rural areas or those who became pregnant at an older age</strong>, compared to younger mothers from urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Area Specific Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Of the pregnancy loss cases, <strong>77% were from India</strong>, 12% from Pakistan, and 11% from Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study was <strong>unable to distinguish between natural pregnancy loss and abortions</strong>, which may have led to an underestimation of the effect of air pollution on natural pregnancy loss.</li>
<li>There was <strong>under-reporting</strong> of pregnancy losses because of <strong>stigma</strong> or <strong>ignoring very early pregnancy losses.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Air Pollution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Air pollution refers to any <strong>physical, chemical, or biological change in the air</strong>. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust, and smoke which <strong>affects plants, animals, and humans drastically.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Air Pollutants:</strong> Pollutants are the substances which cause pollution. <strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Primary:</strong> The pollutants that directly cause air pollution or the pollutants that are formed and <strong>emitted directly from particular sources</strong>. Examples are <strong>particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Secondary:</strong> The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Examples are <strong>ozone and secondary organic aerosol (haze).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of Air Pollution:</strong> Major sources of air pollution are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indoor <strong>burning of fossil fuels, woods and other biomass</strong> to cook, heat and light homes.</li>
<li><strong>Industry</strong>, including power generation such as coal-fired plants and diesel generators.</li>
<li><strong>Transport</strong>, especially <strong>vehicles</strong> with diesel engines.</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture</strong>, including livestock, which produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of agricultural waste.</li>
<li>Open <strong>waste burning</strong> and organic waste in landfills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-global-air-2020-hei" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020)</strong></a> released by the <strong>Health Effects Institute (HEI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>High PM contributed to the deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants who did not survive their first month.</li>
<li>More than half of these deaths were associated with outdoor PM2.5 and others were linked to the use of solid fuels such as charcoal, wood, and animal dung for cooking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malnutrition-and-disease-burden" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2017 Global Burden of Disease report</strong></a> published by the <strong>Lancet Planetary Health journal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, which accounts for 18% of the global population, recorded 26% of the global premature deaths and disease burden due to air pollution.</li>
<li><strong>One in every eight deaths in India (2017)</strong> could be attributed to air pollution, which now contributes to more disease burden than smoking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Household air pollution causes about <strong>3.8 million premature deaths</strong> each year.</li>
<li>Air quality has become a <strong>serious health issue</strong> because the pollutants enter deep inside the lungs and the lungs capacity to purify blood gets reduced which affects the person&rsquo;s growth, mental ability and the working capacity especially for <strong>children, pregnant women and elderly people.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In children, it is associated with <strong>low birth weight, asthma, childhood <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-cancer-awareness-day#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20World%20Health,2018%20against%209.5%20million%20globally." target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancers</a>, obesity, poor lung development and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autism</a></strong>, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiatives to Control Air Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commission-for-air-quality-management-in-the-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas</a>:</strong> It coordinates efforts of state governments to curb air pollution, and will lay down the parameters of air quality for the region.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/only-bs-vi-vehicles-to-be-sold-from-april-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Stage (BS) VI norms</a>:</strong> These are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality</a>:</strong> It is a <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)</strong> based dashboard, built on data from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/health-emergency-in-new-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong></a>&rsquo;s <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM)</strong> Network which was started in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/govt-launches-mission-to-fight-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Clean Air Programme</a>:</strong>&nbsp;Launched in 2019, it is a comprehensive pan-India air pollution abatement scheme for 102 cities.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Air Quality Index (AQI)</a>:</strong> It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Ambient Air Quality Standards</a>:</strong> They are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites#:~:text=It%20was%20entrusted%20with%20the,of%20Pollution)%20Act%2C%201981.&amp;text=to%20promote%20cleanliness%20of%20streams,and%20abatement%20of%20water%20pollution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/breathe-an-action-plan-for-combating-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breathe</a>:</strong> It is a 15 point action plan to fight air pollution by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-reconstituted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</a>:</strong> It aims at providing clean-cooking fuel to the poor households and bringing in qualitative charges in the living standards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Climate and Clean Air Coalition:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Launched in <strong>2019</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>voluntary partnership</strong> of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, scientific institutions and civil society organizations <strong>committed to protecting the climate and improving air quality through actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India is a member</strong> of the coalition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nation</a>s</strong> <strong>Clean Air Initiative:</strong> It calls on national and subnational governments to commit to achieving air quality that is safe for citizens, and to align climate change and air pollution policies by 2030.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organization (WHO)&rsquo;s 4 Pillar Strategy</a></strong>: WHO adopted a resolution (2015) to address the adverse health effects of air pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PM 2.5 is an atmospheric particulate matter of diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres, which is around 3% the diameter of a human hair.</li>
<li>It causes respiratory problems and also reduces visibility. It is an endocrine disruptor that can affect insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, thus contributing to diabetes.</li>
<li>It can only be detected with the help of an electron microscope because of them being very small.</li>
<li>Sources of fine particles include all types of <strong>combustion activities</strong> (motor vehicles, power plants, wood burning, etc.) and certain <strong>industrial processes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need to urgently confront air pollution and strengthen health systems. The short-term respite from air pollution that most big cities in the world experienced was because of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a> measures and not a permanent fix</strong>.</li>
<li>Also there is a need to <strong>increase public awareness on air pollution. Educate and inform people about what they can do to reduce air pollution</strong>. Put out public health messages on the metro, buses, billboards, and radio to help change public behaviour.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/south-asia-air-pollution-pregnancy-loss/" 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/air-pollution-and-pregnancy-losses-lancet-report'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3><span style="font-size: 14px;">Recently, the <strong>Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog</strong> has announced <strong>&lsquo;Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam&rsquo;</strong> with an aim to &ldquo;infuse curiosity&rdquo; among people about the importance of cows, and to &ldquo;sensitise and educate&rdquo; them about the bovine species.</span></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog</strong> is an agency under the <strong>Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &amp; Dairying)</strong> established for the protection of cows.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>It has been constituted to organize animal husbandry on <strong>modern and scientific lines</strong> and to take steps for preserving and improving breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are 50 well-defined breeds of cattle and 17 breeds of buffaloes in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a <strong>high-powered permanent body</strong> to formulate policies and to provide directions for the implementation of schemes related to cattle so as to lay more emphasis on livelihood generation for small &amp; marginal farmers, women and youth entrepreneurs.</li>
<li>It functions as an integral part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rashtriya-gokul-mission#:~:text=Government%20has%20sanctioned%20funds%20under,in%20remaining%2017%20Gokul%20grams."><strong>Rashtriya Gokul Mission</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rashtriya Gokul Mission was initiated by Government of India in December 2014 with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines thereby making milk production more remunerative to the farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/emotions-to-earthquakes-einstein-waves-a-govt-bodys-cattle-class-7136043/">Source: IE</a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rastriya-kamdhenu-aayog'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Helping Hand to Sri Lanka',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>An India-funded <strong>free ambulance service</strong> is playing a vital role in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> response.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610014882_07.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610014882_07.png" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India provided a <strong>grant of 7.56 million USD</strong> for the <strong>Suwa Seriya</strong> [vehicle or journey for good health] <strong>service</strong> which was launched in 2016, on a pilot basis. Later, this was extended throughout the country with additional grants from India.</li>
<li><strong>India also helped with Capacity Building:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Training and refresher programmes for <strong>Sri Lankan emergency medical technicians</strong> which further <strong>generated employment</strong> for the local population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is India&rsquo;s <strong>second largest grant project to Sri Lanka</strong> after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>housing project</strong></a> of more than <strong>60,000 houses</strong>, with a nearly 400 million USD grant.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India Sri Lanka Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical Significance of SriLanka:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s location in the <strong>Indian Ocean region</strong> has been of strategic geopolitical relevance to several major powers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>string of pearl&rsquo;s strategy</strong></a> is aimed at encircling India to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China is building state of the art gigantic modern ports all along the Indian Ocean and to the south of it, in Gwadar (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh, Kyauk Phru (Myanmar) and <strong>Hambantota (Sri Lanka)</strong>. Thus Sri Lanka is vital for China&rsquo;s <strong>String of Pearls strategy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Sri Lanka has a list of <strong>highly strategic ports</strong> located among <strong>busiest sea lanes of communication.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/printpdf/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) has signed an agreement for extending a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-signs-currency-swap-for-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 400 million currency swap</strong></a> facility to Sri Lanka to boost the foreign reserves and ensure financial stability of the country, which is badly hit by Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>Political relations between India and Sri Lanka have been marked by <strong>high-level exchanges of visits at regular intervals.</strong></li>
<li>Sri Lanka is a member of regional groupings like <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bimstec-guests-of-honour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC</strong></a> in which India plays a leading role.</li>
<li>India and Sri Lanka conduct <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-mitra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>joint Military (Mitra Shakti)</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naval (SLINEX)</strong></a> exercises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka is one of India&rsquo;s <strong>largest trading partners among the SAARC countries.</strong> India in turn is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <strong>largest trade partner globally</strong>.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s exports to Sri Lanka amounted to 5.3 billion USD in 2015-17 whereas its imports from the country were at 743 million USD.</li>
<li>Trade between the two countries grew particularly rapidly after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement</strong></a> which came into force in March 2000.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural and Educational Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo actively promotes awareness of Indian culture by offering classes in <strong>Indian music, dance, Hindi and Yoga</strong>. Every year, cultural troupes from both countries exchange visits.</li>
<li>The <strong>India-Sri Lanka Foundation</strong>, set up in December 1998 as an <strong>intergovernmental initiative</strong>, also aims towards enhancement of scientific, technical, educational and cultural cooperation through civil society exchanges and enhancing contact between the younger generations of the two countries.</li>
<li>The People of Indian Origin (PIOs) comprise <strong>Sindhis, Borahs, Gujaratis, Memons, Parsis, Malayalis and Telugu</strong> speaking persons who have settled down in Sri Lanka (most of them after partition) and are engaged in various business ventures.</li>
<li>In April 2019, India and Sri Lanka also concluded agreement on <strong>countering Drug and Human trafficking.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues and Conflicts</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka also handed over the <strong>strategic port of Hambantota</strong>, which is expected to play a key role in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative</strong></a><strong>, to China on a 99-year lease.</strong></li>
<li>China has also supplied arms as well as provided huge loans to Sri Lanka for its development.</li>
<li>The two countries have signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement which is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s first nuclear partnership with any country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fishermen issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given the proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, especially in the <strong>Palk Straits</strong> and the <strong>Gulf of Mannar</strong>, incidents of straying of fishermen are common.</li>
<li>Fishermen often <strong>risk their lives</strong> and cross in to Srilankan rather than return empty-handed, but the Sri Lankan Navy is on alert, and have either arrested or destroyed fishing nets and vessels of those who have crossed the line.</li>
<li>The 4<sup>th</sup> meeting under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-sri-lanka-joint-working-group-on-fisheries#:~:text=India%20and%20Sri%20Lanka%20agreed,solution%20to%20the%20fishermen%20issue." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Joint Working Group</strong></a> (JWG) on fisheries was held recently between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka as the mechanism to help find a permanent solution to the fishermen issue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/an-indian-gift-helps-sri-lankas-covid-19-fight/article33503867.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:TH</a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/helping-hand-to-sri-lanka'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan: Karnataka',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has laid the foundation stone for the <strong>&lsquo;New Anubhava Mantapa&rsquo; in Basavakalyan</strong>, the place where <strong>12<sup>th</sup> century poet-philosopher <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basava-jayanthi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basaveshwara</a></strong> lived for most of his life.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the New Anubhava Mantapa:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5-acre plot and <strong>represent various principles of Basaveshwara&rsquo;s philosophy.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>showcase the 12<sup>th</sup> Century Anubhava Mantapa</strong> (often referred to as the <strong>&ldquo;first Parliament of the world&rdquo;</strong>) established by Basaveshwara in Basavakalyan where philosophers and social reformers held debates.</li>
<li>The building will adopt the <strong>Kalyana <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chalukyan-rulers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chalukya</a> style of architecture.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Later Chalukyas, popularly known as the Chalukyas of Kalyan or Kalyani Chalukyas form an integral part of ancient Karnataka history of early medieval period. Kalyan Chalukya rulers patronised temple construction, dance and music, as their predecessors did.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The grand structure <strong>supported by 770 pillars</strong> will have an auditorium with a seating capacity of 770 people. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is believed that <strong>770 Sharanas</strong> (followers of Basaveshwara) led the <strong>Vachana reformist movement</strong> in the 12th Century.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On its top, the structure would have a <strong>Shiva Linga placed on a large pedestal.</strong></li>
<li>The project also envisages <strong>state-of-the-art robotic system</strong>, open-air theatre, <strong>modern water conservation system</strong>, terrace garden, library, research centre, prayer hall, yoga centre and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basaveshwara:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brief Profile:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basaveshwara (1134-1168)</strong> was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610013023_06.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610013023_06.png" width="250" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basava Jayanthi</strong> is an <strong>annual event</strong> celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara.</li>
<li>He was <strong>born in Bagevadi</strong> (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/center-refuses-to-recognize-lingayat-as-separate-religion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tradition of Lingayatism</strong></a> is known to have been founded by him.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Philosophy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>His spiritual discipline was based on the <strong>principles of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience)</strong> and it brought social, religious and economical revolution in the 12th century.</li>
<li>This path <strong>advocates a holistic approach of Lingangayoga</strong> (union with the divine). This comprehensive discipline encompasses <strong>bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), and kriye (action)</strong> in a well balanced manner.</li>
<li>He <strong>went to Kalyana (now called Basavakalyan)</strong> probably in the year A.D. 1154. His achievements in the short span of twelve or thirteen years of his stay at Kalyana are striking. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Gates of Dharma were thrown open to all</strong> without any barriers of caste, creed or sex (<strong>Kalyana Rajya</strong> - Welfare State).</li>
<li>He <strong>established the Anubhava Mantapa</strong>, which was a common forum for all to discuss the prevailing problems of socio, economic and political strata including religious and spiritual principles along with personal problems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thus, it was the <strong>first and foremost Parliament of India</strong>, where Sharanas sat together and discussed the socialistic principles of a Democratic set up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He gave <strong>two more very important socio-economic principles</strong>. They are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kayaka (Divine work):</strong> According to this, every individual of the society should take up the job of his choice and perform it with all sincerity.</li>
<li><strong>Dasoha (Equal distribution):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There must be an equal income for equal work.</li>
<li>The worker (Kayakajeevi) may lead his day-today life by his hard earned income. But he should not preserve the money or property for tomorrow. He must utilise the</li>
<li>surplus money for the society and poors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vachana Reformist Movement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main aim of the <strong>Vachana (poetry)</strong> movement, led by Basaveshwara in 12th century, was welfare of all.</li>
<li>It <strong>attempted to address class, caste and to some extent gender issues</strong> in a given societal milieu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yediyurappa-lays-foundation-stone-for-new-anubhava-mantapa-at-basavakalyan/article33514139.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/anubhava-mantapa-in-basavakalyan-karnataka'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Sulfur Dioxide Emission Norms Delayed',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> has <strong>proposed pushing back the deadlines for adoption of new emission norms by coal-fired power plants</strong>, stating "an unworkable time schedule" would burden utilities and lead to an increase in power tariffs.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India initially had set a <strong>2017 deadline</strong> for <strong>thermal power plants</strong> to comply with <strong>emissions standards for installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units</strong> that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This was <strong>later changed to varying deadlines for different regions, ending in 2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FED):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Removal of Sulfur Dioxide</strong> is called as Flue-gas Desulphurization (FGD).</li>
<li>It seeks to remove gaseous pollutants viz. SO<sub>2</sub> from exhaust flue gases generated in furnaces, boilers, and other industrial processes due to thermal processing, treatment, and combustion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Proposal of the Ministry of Power:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has proposed<strong> a "graded action plan,"</strong> whereby areas where plants are located would be graded according to the severity of pollution, with <strong>Region 1 referring to critically polluted areas</strong>, and <strong>Region 5 being the least polluted.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Strict control of emissions</strong> shall be required in such key areas for thermal power stations categorised under <strong>Region 1</strong>.</li>
<li>Plants in <strong>Region 2</strong> could begin to <strong>take action one year after those in Region 1.</strong></li>
<li>Presently <strong>no action</strong> is required for power plants that are situated under <strong>Region 3, 4 &amp; 5.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the Ministry, the target should be to maintain <strong>uniform ambient air quality</strong> across the country and <strong>not uniform emission norms</strong> for thermal power plants.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This could avoid immediate increase in power price in various relatively clean areas of the country (and) avoid unnecessary burden on power utilities/consumers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Sulfur Dioxide Pollution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Source:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The largest source of SO<sub>2</sub> in the atmosphere is the<strong> burning of fossil fuels</strong> by power plants and other industrial facilities.</li>
<li>Smaller sources of SO<sub>2&nbsp;</sub>emissions include: industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore; <strong>natural sources such as volcanoes</strong>; and locomotives, ships and other vehicles and heavy equipment that burn fuel with a high sulfur content.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> SO<sub>2</sub> can affect both <strong>health and the environment.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Short-term exposures</strong> to SO<sub>2</sub> can <strong>harm the human respiratory system</strong> and make breathing difficult. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO<sub>2</sub>.</li>
<li>SO<sub>2</sub> emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO<sub>2</sub> in the air generally also lead to the <strong>formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx)</strong>. SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles <strong>contribute to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">particulate matter (PM)</a> pollution.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs and in sufficient quantities can contribute to health problems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Case:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) emissions <strong>recorded a significant decline of approximately 6% in 2019 compared to 2018</strong>, the steepest drop in four years, according to a report from Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, India remained the <strong>largest emitter of SO<sub>2</sub>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>2015</strong>, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&amp;CC)</strong> <strong>introduced Sulfur Dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) emission limits for coal power stations.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air Quality sub-index</strong> </a>has been evolved for <strong>eight pollutants</strong> (PM10, PM2.5, NO<sub>2</sub>, SO<sub>2</sub>, CO, O<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>3</sub>, and Pb) for which short-term (upto 24-hours) <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Standards</strong> are prescribed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/indias-power-ministry-proposes-pushing-back-emission-norms-deadline/article33495403.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/sulfur-dioxide-emission-norms-delayed'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Changing World Order, India & UNSC',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-elected-united-nations-security-council-7132965/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;India&rsquo;s UNSC opportunity&rdquo;</a> which was published in The Indian Express on 05/01/2021. It talks about the changing world order and new challenges and how India should leverage its <strong>two-year tenure of Non-Permanent Membership at UNSC.</strong></p>
</div>
<p>Since the end of the Cold War, India has entered the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/22-09-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong></a> for the third time. However, the current world order is very different from India&rsquo;s earlier stints in UNSC viz. 1991-92 and 2011-12.</p>
<p>The challenge emanating from the current world order is whether a peaceful consensus can bring about the redistribution of power between various superpowers.</p>
<p>In this context, India should leverage this two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of UNSC, to promote national interests and global peace.</p>
<h3>Changing World Order in the Recent Times</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Cold-War:</strong> With the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991</strong></a>, the world order turned from being bi-polar to unipolar. However, the current world order is without a systemic equilibrium, which is essential to the maintenance of international stability.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is due to the emergence of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Cold War</strong></a> between US &amp; China, which amounts to a struggle for a new distribution of power&mdash;political, economic and military.</li>
<li>Moreover, the differences between the US, China and Russia have become intractable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Retrenchment of US:</strong> The prominent feature of the current world order is the US&rsquo;s retrenchment from global affairs. This can be reflected by the withdrawal of the US the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement#:~:text=Paris%20Agreement%20(also%20known%20as,to%20deal%20with%20climate%20change." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate deal</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JCPOA</strong></a>, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This retrenchment has led to a severe blow to multilateralism and globalisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indo-Pacific as a New Sub-System:</strong> The rise of China has been redrawing the balance of power in the South-China Sea. This has led to countries like US, India, Japan, etc., colluding in framing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/europe-in-indo-pacific" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific as a new sub-system in international affairs.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indo-Pacific refers to the Indian and the Pacific Oceans between the east coast of Africa and the American west coast and their several littoral countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declining Role of UN:</strong> The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the UN&rsquo;s main executive body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the veto powers possessed by the UNSC&rsquo;s five permanent members are used as an instrument to shore up their geopolitical interests, regardless of the disastrous consequences for the victims of armed conflict as can be seen in Syria, Iraq, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Current Challenges For Indian Foreign Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aggressive China:</strong> At the end of the Cold War, India ought to strengthen cooperation with China on the multilateral front with a view that it would also help generate the conditions for resolving the boundary dispute and expand the areas of bilateral cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this strategy has been proved counter-effective as China now has assumed an aggressive posture towards India. It can be seen in recent Galwan Valley Clashes.</li>
<li>Moreover, China protects Pakistan from the international pressures that India has sought to mobilise at various fora.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compromising Non-Alignment:</strong> To counter China, India has colluded with like-minded countries, forming Quad grouping (US, India, Japan, Australia).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this convergence with the US has tarnished India&rsquo;s image of non-alignment and deteriorated relations with traditional partners like Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward: Leveraging Non-Permanent Membership</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Becoming Part of the Great Game</strong>: The UNSC offers room for sustained diplomatic interaction between the major powers, minimising tensions and creating new opportunities for cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Much like the US and USSR that cooperated on nuclear proliferation issues at the height of the Cold War, the US and China could explore potential common ground even amidst their broad-based confrontation.</li>
<li>In this context, India can carve out a larger role for itself amid renewed great power rivalry.</li>
<li>Further, as India now joins the UNSC amid a continuing military standoff, India can now expose the Chinese aggression in the Ladakh region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UNSC Reforms:</strong> Making the UNSC more &ldquo;representative&rdquo; has been one of India&rsquo;s demands since the end of the Cold War.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India should continue its partnership with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G4 (Brazil, Germany and Japan)</strong> </a>countries to expand the UNSC and become a permanent member.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deepening International Collaboration:</strong> The engagement with peace and security issues at the UNSC will allow India to strengthen its new coalitions such as the Quad.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, India could also use the UNSC tenure to deepen collaboration with its European partners like France and Germany in the security arena.</li>
<li>India must also sustain an intensive dialogue with Russia on all international issues, notwithstanding Russia&rsquo;s worsening problems with the West and closer ties to China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With Global South:</strong> India needs to revitalise its engagement with its traditional partners in the &ldquo;global south&rdquo; by articulating their peace and security concerns in the UNSC. In this context, two sub-groups of the global south should be of particular interest.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Small Island States:</strong> The numerous small island states worldwide face existential challenges from global warming and rising sea levels.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They also struggle to exercise control over their large maritime estates.</li>
<li>Supporting the sovereignty and survivability of the island states is a crucial political task for India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Africa:</strong> Nearly half of UNSC meetings, 60% of its documents, and 70% of its resolutions are about peace and security in Africa.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The continent has three seats in the UNSC (Kenya, Niger and Tunisia) and there is regular consultation between the UNSC and the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU).</li>
<li>The UNSC tenure is a good moment for India to intensify India&rsquo;s engagement on peace and security issues in Africa at bilateral, regional and global levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s foreign policy approach has also shifted from the reactive to the proactive. That, in turn, should make India&rsquo;s new stint at the UNSC more purposeful and pragmatic.</p>
<p>Purposefulness is about tightly integrating its UNSC engagement with India&rsquo;s broader national goals. Pragmatism demands adapting to the changed conditions at the UNSC and avoiding overly ambitious goals.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf2;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the context of changing world order and new challenges, India&rsquo;s foreign policy should leverage India&rsquo;s new stint at the UNSC more purposefully and pragmatically. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9d7n87-WiNg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/black-and-grey-on-pakistans-actions-against-terrorists/article33496043.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Black and grey: On Pakistan's actions against terrorists&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 5<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/changing-world-order-india-unsc'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Judicial Review',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a> (SC)</strong> refused to treat the <strong>Central Vista project</strong> as a unique one requiring greater or heightened <strong>judicial review.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>SC</strong> said the <strong>government</strong> was <strong>&ldquo;entitled to commit errors or achieve successes&rdquo;</strong> in <strong>policy matters</strong> without the court&rsquo;s interference <strong>as long as it follows constitutional principles.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Central-Vista-redevelopment-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Vista project</strong></a> of New Delhi includes <strong>Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North</strong> and <strong>South Block, India Gate, National Archives</strong> among others.</li>
<li>The Indian Constitution <strong>adopted the Judicial Review</strong> on <strong>lines of the American Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a type of <strong>court proceeding</strong> in which a judge <strong>reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In other words, judicial reviews are a <strong>challenge to the way in which a decision has been made</strong>, rather than the rights and wrongs of the conclusion reached.</li>
<li><strong>Concepts of Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Procedure Established by Law:</strong> It means that a law enacted by the legislature or the concerned body is valid only if the correct procedure has been followed to the letter.</li>
<li><strong>Due Process of Law:</strong> It is a doctrine that not only checks if there is a law to deprive the life and personal liberty of a person but also ensures that the law is made fair and just.</li>
<li>India follows <strong>Procedure Established by Law.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the <strong>power exerted by the courts of a country to examine the actions of the legislatures, executive and administrative arms of government and to ensure that such actions conform to the provisions of the nation&rsquo;s Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>Judicial review has <strong>two important functions, like, of legitimizing government action</strong> and <strong>the protection of constitution against any undue encroachment by the gov&shy;ernment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Judicial review is considered a <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=Origin%3A%20The%20basic%20structure%20theory,fundamental%20features%E2%80%9D%20of%20their%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener">basic structure of the constitution</a> (<a href="/printpdf/major-constitutional-amendments-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case</em></a> 1975)</strong>.</li>
<li>Judicial review is also called the <strong>interpretational and observer roles of the Indian judiciary.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Suo Moto cases</strong> and the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/public-interest-litigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Interest Litigation (PIL)</strong></a>, with the discontinuation of the principle of Locus Standi, have <strong>allowed the judiciary to intervene in many public issues</strong>, even when there is no complaint from the aggrieved party.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reviews of Legislative Actions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This review implies the power to ensure that <strong>laws passed by the legislature are in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Administrative Actions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a tool for <strong>enforcing constitutional discipline</strong> over administrative agencies while exercising their powers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Judicial Decisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This review is used to correct or make any change in previous decisions by the judiciary itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is essential for maintaining the <strong>supremacy of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>It is essential for <strong>checking</strong> the possible <strong>misuse of power</strong> by the legislature and executive.</li>
<li>It <strong>protects the rights</strong> of the people.</li>
<li>It <strong>maintains</strong> the federal <strong>balance</strong>.</li>
<li>It is essential for securing the <strong>independence of the judiciary</strong>.</li>
<li>It <strong>prevents tyranny</strong> of executives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Problems with Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>limits the functioning of the government.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>violates the limit of power set to be exercised by the constitution</strong> when it overrides any existing law.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In India, a <strong>separation of functions rather than of powers is followed.</strong></li>
<li>The concept of separation of powers is not adhered to strictly. However, a system of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/checks-balances-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>checks and balances</strong></a> have been put in place in such a manner that the judiciary has the power to strike down any <strong>unconstitutional laws passed by the legislature.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The judicial opinions of the judges once taken for any case becomes the standard for ruling other cases.</li>
<li>Judicial review can harm the public at large as the judgment may be <strong>influenced by personal or selfish motives.</strong></li>
<li>Repeated interventions of courts can <strong>diminish the faith of the people in the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the government.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions for Judicial Review</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is no direct and express provision in the constitution empowering the courts to invalidate laws, but <strong>the constitution has imposed definite limitations upon each of the organs, the transgression of which would make the law void.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>court is entrusted with the task of deciding whether any of the consti&shy;tutional limitations has been transgressed or not.</strong></li>
<li>Some provisions in the constitution supporting the process of judicial review are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 372 (1)</strong> establishes the judicial review of the pre-constitution legislation.</li>
<li><strong>Article 13</strong> declares that any law which contravenes any of the provisions of the part of Funda&shy;mental Rights shall be void.</li>
<li><strong>Articles 32 and 226</strong> entrusts the roles of the protector and guarantor of fundamental rights to the Supreme and High Courts.</li>
<li><strong>Article 251 and 254</strong> states that in case of inconsistency between union and state laws, the state law shall be void.</li>
<li><strong>Article 246 (3)</strong> ensures the state legislature&rsquo;s exclusive powers on matters pertaining to the State List.</li>
<li><strong>Article 245</strong> states that the powers of both Parliament and State legislatures are subject to the provisions of the constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Articles 131-136</strong> entrusts the court with the power to adjudicate disputes between individuals, between individuals and the state, between the states and the union; but the court may be required to interpret the provisions of the constitution and the interpretation given by the Supreme Court becomes the law honoured by all courts of the land.</li>
<li><strong>Article 137</strong> gives a special power to the SC to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it. An order passed in a criminal case can be reviewed and set aside only if there are errors apparent on the record.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With the power of judicial review, the courts <strong>act as a custodian of the fundamental rights.</strong></li>
<li>With the growing functions of the modern state, <strong>judicial intervention in the process of making administrative decisions and executing them has also increased.</strong></li>
<li>When the judiciary surpasses the line of the powers set for it in the name of judicial activism, it could be rightly said that the judiciary then <strong>begins to invalidate the concept of separation of powers set out in the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Making laws is the function and duty of the legislature</strong>, to fill the gap of laws and to implement them in a proper manner is responsibility of the executive. So that the only work remaining for the judiciary is interpretations. Only a <strong>fine equilibrium between these government bodies can sustain the constitutional values.</strong></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/judicial-review-1'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Conflict Over Nile',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have recently agreed to resume negotiations to resolve their <strong>decade-long complex dispute</strong> over the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Grand Renaissance Dam</strong> </a>hydropower project in the Horn of Africa.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Horn of Africa is the <strong>easternmost extension of African land</strong> and includes the region that is home to the countries of <strong>Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia,</strong> whose cultures have been linked throughout their long history.</li>
<li>The Grand Renaissance Dam is being constructed by<strong> Ethiopia on the river Nile.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926506_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926506_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conflict:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Nile, Africa&rsquo;s longest river,</strong> has been at the center of a decade-long complex dispute involving several countries that are dependent on the river&rsquo;s waters.</li>
<li><strong>Grand Renaissance Dam:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This 145-meter-tall (475-foot-tall) hydropower project, started by<strong> Ethiopia</strong> is the cause of conflict.</li>
<li>Given the <strong>dam&rsquo;s location on the Blue Nile tributary,</strong> it would <strong>allow Ethiopia to gain control</strong> of the flow of the river&rsquo;s waters.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Blue Nile is a tributary of the Nile river and it carries about two-thirds of the river's water volume and most of the silt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At the forefront of this <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/egypt-ethiopia-conflict-on-gerd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dispute are Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Dam&rsquo;s Importance for Ethiopia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ethiopia believes this dam will generate approximately<strong> 6,000 megawatts</strong> of electricity which will<strong> support its industrial growth.</strong></li>
<li>It can also <strong>export surplus electricity</strong> to neighbouring regions to generate revenue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Neighbouring countries like <strong>Kenya, Sudan, Eritrea and South Sudan</strong> also suffer from <strong>electricity shortages</strong> and they can also <strong>benefit from the hydropower project</strong> if Ethiopia decides to sell electricity to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Egypt&rsquo;s Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Egypt lies <strong>downstream</strong> and is concerned that Ethiopia&rsquo;s control over the water could result in <strong>lower water levels within its own borders.</strong></li>
<li>Egypt depends on the Nile for approximately 97% of its drinking water and irrigation supplies.</li>
<li>The dam would jeopardise<strong> food and water security</strong> and <strong>livelihoods</strong> of ordinary Egyptian citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sudan&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sudan too is concerned that if Ethiopia were to gain control over the river, it would affect the <strong>water levels Sudan receives.</strong></li>
<li>Sudan is likely to<strong> benefit from the power generated</strong> by the dam.</li>
<li>The<strong> regulated flow of the river will save Sudan</strong> from serious flooding in August and September. Thus it has proposed joint management of the dam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Situation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The latest round of talks between<strong> Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt</strong> occurred with<strong> South Africa</strong> observing the proceedings in its role as the current head of the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/09-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> African Union&rsquo;s</strong> </a>rotating council, in addition to other international observers.</li>
<li>Despite previous talks, the point of contention hasn&rsquo;t changed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nile River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The River Nile is in Africa. It originates in <strong>Burundi, south of the equator,</strong> and flows northward through northeastern Africa, eventually flowing through Egypt and finally draining into the <strong>Mediterranean Sea.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Source:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The source of the Nile is sometimes considered to be <strong>Lake Victoria,</strong> but the lake itself has feeder rivers of considerable size like the<strong> Kagera River.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Nile River is considered as one of the<strong> longest rivers</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>The Nile has a length of about <strong>6,695 kilometers</strong> (4,160 miles).</li>
<li>The Nile basin is huge and includes parts of <strong>Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo (Kinshasa), Kenya.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Nile River</strong> forms an <strong>arcuate delta</strong> as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Deltas with<strong> triangular or fan-shape</strong> are called<strong> arcuate (arc-like) deltas.</strong></li>
<li>The Nile is formed by three principal streams: <strong>the Blue Nile, the Atbara, and the White Nile.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926533_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926533_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="320" height="586" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To solve the <strong>conflict peacefully, mediation and facilitation</strong> by the neighbouring countries and the international bodies are necessary.</li>
<li>In case, the attempt to resolve the conflict does not work out by facilitating negotiations between the conflict parties, then<strong> a compensation method</strong> can be adopted which would need the countries to compensate each others&rsquo; losses.</li>
<li>All countries involved in the issue <strong>need to peacefully resolve the issue</strong> so that they can <strong>reap the advantages</strong> of the dam and <strong>their peace and security</strong> is restored again.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ethiopias-dam-on-river-nile-is-triggering-water-conflict-in-east-africa-7133441/" 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/conflict-over-nile'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Yakshagana',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently a Yakshagana artiste died while performing on stage.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609921754_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609921754_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="435" height="653" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of <strong>Karnataka.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>temple art</strong> form that depicts mythological stories and Puranas.</li>
<li>It is performed with massive headgears, elaborate facial make-up and vibrant costumes and ornaments.</li>
<li>Usually recited in Kannada, it is also performed in <strong>Malayalam</strong> as well as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tulu-language" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tulu (the dialect of south Karnataka).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tulu is a <strong>Dravidian language</strong> whose speakers are concentrated in the region of Tulu Nadu, which comprises the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka and the northern part of Kasaragod district of Kerala.</li>
<li>The oldest available inscriptions in Tulu are from the period between 14<sup>th</sup> to 15<sup>th</sup> century AD.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is performed with percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam, jagatta or chengila (cymbals) and chakratala or elathalam (small cymbals).</li>
<li>The most popular <strong>episodes are from the Mahabharata</strong> i.e. Draupadi swayamvar, Subhadra vivah, etc. and <strong>from Ramayana</strong> i.e. Rajyabhishek, Lav-Kush yuddh, etc.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; text-align: center; background-color: #0a0a3b;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Theatre Forms</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; text-align: center; background-color: #0a0a3b;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>State</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; text-align: center; background-color: #0a0a3b;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Theme</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 51px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 51px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Nautanki</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 51px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 51px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Often draws on <strong>romantic Persian literature</strong> for its themes.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Tamasha</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Maharashtra</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Evolved from the folk forms such as gondhal, jagran and kirtan.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Bhavai</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Gujarat</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;"><strong>Subtle social criticism</strong> laced with humour.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Jatra</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">West Bengal/Orissa and eastern Bihar</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Originated in Bengal as a result of the <strong>Bhakti movement.</strong> Initially known as Krishna jatra due to Chaitanya&rsquo;s (spiritual founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism) influence.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Koodiyattam</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Kerala</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;"><strong>Oldest traditional theatre forms</strong> of India, it follows the performative principles of the ancient tradition of Sanskrit theatre. In 2001, Koodiyattam was officially recognized by <strong>UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage</strong> of Humanity.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">
<p>Mudiyettu</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Kerala</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Traditional ritual theatre and folk dance drama from Kerala that enacts the mythological tale of a <strong>battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika.</strong> The ritual is a part of the bhagavathi or bhadrakali cult.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Bhaona</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Assam</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">A creation of Srimanta Sankardeva (an Assamese saint-scholar), these plays were written in <strong>Brajavali, a unique Assamese-Maithili mixed language,</strong> and are primarily centered on <strong>Hindu deity, Krishna.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 19px;">Maach</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 19px;">Madhya Pradesh</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 19px;">It is a sung folk theatre that has a semi sacred character, blending religious and secular themes.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 35px;">Bhand Pather</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 35px;">Kashmir</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 35px;"><strong>Satire, wit and parody</strong> are commonly used in this folk drama that incorporates local mythological legends and contemporary social commentary.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br /><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yakshagana-artiste-dies-while-performing-on-stage/article33499319.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: The Hindu</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/yakshagana-4'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Solidarity and Stability Deal: Gulf Countries',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Gulf states signed a<strong> &lsquo;solidarity and stability&rsquo;</strong> deal at the 41<sup>st</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></a> <strong>(GCC) summit</strong> held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609920965_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609920965_image7.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>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sanctions on Qatar:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In June 2017, Saudi Arabia and its allies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar and imposed a naval, air and land blockade on the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Qatar was <strong>charged to be too close to Iran</strong> and backed radical Islamist groups.</li>
<li>The country was <strong>alleged to support and fund terror</strong> through its support of Iran and <strong>Muslim Brotherhood</strong> (a Sunni Islamist political group <strong>outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solidarity and Stability Deal:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members of the<strong> GCC</strong> signed a deal in<strong> Al&shy;Ula, Saudi Arabia</strong> to remove all the sanctions over Qatar and<strong> re-open</strong> their<strong> land, sea and air borders to Qatar.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,<strong> Qatar,</strong> Saudi Arabia and UAE are the members of <strong>GCC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To unite efforts to promote the Gulf region and to confront challenges that surround them, especially the threats posed by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-steps-up-uranium-enrichment#:~:text=Under%20the%20deal%2C%20Iran%20agreed,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Iranian regime&rsquo;s nuclear and ballistic missile programme</strong></a> and its <strong>plans for sabotage and destruction.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GCC is a <strong>political, economic, social, and regional organisation</strong> which was<strong> established by an agreement concluded in 1981</strong> among Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE in view of their special relations, geographic proximity, similar political systems based on Islamic beliefs, joint destiny and common objectives.</li>
<li>The structure of the GCC consists of the <strong>Supreme Council (the highest authority), the Ministerial Council and the Secretariat General.</strong> The Secretariat is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Relation with Gulf Region</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India and GCC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The economic and political relationship of India with the GCC has improved in recent years.</li>
<li>The friendly relation has been reflected in the<strong> bilateral trade</strong> of around USD 121 billion and <strong>remittances</strong> of USD 49 billion from a workforce of over nine million.</li>
<li>GCC suppliers account for around <strong>34% of India&rsquo;s crude imports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and Iran:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has always <strong>shared a friendly relationship with Iran.</strong> But the India-Iran relation faces one of the most complex phases at all times due to the USA&rsquo;s pressure which has politico-economic impacts.</li>
<li>In May 2018, the USA abandoned the nuclear deal <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea#:~:text=Iran%20Nuclear%20Program%20and%20JCPOA&amp;text=The%20deal%20was%20named%20as,parlance%20as%20Iran%20Nuclear%20Deal.&amp;text=The%20agreement%20allowed%20Iran%20to,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bigger-picture-of-usas-action-against-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reinstated economic sanctions against Iran.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and Qatar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-qatar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister met the top leaders of Qatar</strong></a> and discussed strengthening the economic and security cooperation between the two countries.</li>
<li>India shares a <strong>friendly relation with Qatar</strong> and even at the time of sanctions on Qatar, India maintained a cordial relation with the oil rich nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Overall Role in the Region:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>avoided involvement in local or regional disputes</strong> in the region, since Indian interests do not entail power projection but necessitate <strong>peace and regional stability.</strong></li>
<li>The Gulf is among India&rsquo;s <strong>top trading partners.</strong> The <strong>deepening energy interdependence</strong> is marked by growing volumes of energy imports into India. There is also the prospect of substantive investments from the Gulf into the <strong>Indian hydrocarbon sector.</strong></li>
<li>The number of Indian <strong>migrant workers in the region</strong> stands at more than <strong>7 million.</strong></li>
<li>The expansion of the political engagement has been matched by the <strong>growing security cooperation, especially on counter-terrorism.</strong></li>
<li>India and its Gulf partners are also <strong>taking tentative steps towards defence cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example participation of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and others in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/naval-exercise-milan-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India&rsquo;s mega multilateral Milan Exercise.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Gulf region has historical, political, economic, strategic and cultural significance for India. <strong>India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can provide a boost to the relations.</strong></li>
<li>It has been assessed that Saudi Arabia is a fading power whereas UAE, Qatar and Iran are emerging as the new regional leaders. <strong>Oman and Iraq will have to struggle to retain their sovereign identities.</strong></li>
<li>Thus, <strong>Indian interests would be best served</strong> if the <strong>stability in the region</strong> is ensured through cooperative security since the alternative, of competitive security options, cannot ensure durable peace.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solidarity-and-stability-deal-gulf-countries'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: The Demands of Farmers',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TM_cpDR0S90" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Farmers have been protesting for over months and have congregated on the periphery of the National Capital.</li>
<li>They have blocked roads to Delhi and remain firm on their demand to repeal the recently passed <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agricultural-reforms#:~:text=The%20Government%20with%20the%20aim,three%20important%20legislation%20from%20Parliament.&amp;text=The%20Farmers%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>farm laws</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the government&rsquo;s assurance given to the farmers that the new laws are for their benefit, they still fear that their livelihood will be severely affected.</li>
<li>The major demands of farmers include completely rolling back the three farm laws along with ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) on the crop products.</li>
<li>Farmer unions had also intensified their agitation against the farm laws by calling for 'Bharat Bandh' to show their discontentment with amendments to the agricultural legislations being proposed by the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Farmers&rsquo; Demands</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Repealing the farm laws:</strong> The first and foremost demand of the protesting farmers&rsquo; organisations is the repeal of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agricultural-reforms#:~:text=The%20Government%20with%20the%20aim,three%20important%20legislation%20from%20Parliament.&amp;text=The%20Farmers%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>three new agricultural laws</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Minimum support price:</strong> The second demand of farmers is the guarantee of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price-for-crops" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price (MSP)</strong></a> to ensure procurement of crops at a suitable price.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Farmers are also demanding to get a written assurance in the form of a Bill for the continuation MSP and conventional food grain procurement system.</li>
<li>The Farmers&rsquo; organisations want the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketinghttps://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APMC</strong></a> or the Mandi System to be protected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Electricity (Amendment) Bill:</strong> The third demand of farmers is the withdrawal of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electricity-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Electricity (Amendment) Bill</strong></a>, as they feel that they won&rsquo;t get free electricity due to this.</li>
<li><strong>Stubble burning:</strong> The farmers&rsquo; fourth demand is to end the fine and jail sentence for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Swaminathan Commission:</strong> The Farmers are demanding MSP as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Swaminathan Commission Report states that the government should raise the MSP to at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production. <strong>It is also known as the C2+ 50% formula.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It includes the imputed cost of capital and the rent on the land (called &lsquo;C2&rsquo; ) to give farmers 50% returns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Are the Demands Justified?</h3>
<p><strong>Arguments in Against</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MSP is an incentive not a right:</strong> Even though the MSP might be beneficial for a section of the farmers only, the cost of MSP itself is very high for the country as a whole.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>MSP was given to the farmers as an incentive to prevent them from exploitation, it cannot be mandated as a right.</li>
<li>It is an artificially high price which hurts the population who does not cultivate these crops but is poor; e.g. landless labourers, small &amp; marginal farmers in villages who are also the net buyers of the food grains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The law does not dismantle the APMC system:</strong> The APMCs are not going to shut down and will continue to be available as an alternate option for the sale of farmers&rsquo; produce.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has only given the farmers the freedom to sell out of the APMCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contract farming:</strong> Contract farming already exists in parts of the country. Large scale informal contract farming is already happening in West Bengal and around Delhi.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The law simply recognises contract farming, makes it legal and provides mechanism protection for the farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowing stubble burning:</strong> The farmers, who burn stubble, are conscious of going to jail if they continue burning the stubble as the law provides for a fine up to Rs. 1 crore or jail of up to five years or both.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite the raging need for laws against pollution, this demand of the farmers is utterly saddening.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Arguments in Favour</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Corporatisation of agriculture is against the farmers&rsquo; welfare:</strong> The global experience across agricultural markets demonstrates that corporatisation of agriculture without a concomitant security net in the form of an assured payment guarantee to the farmers results in the exploitation of farmers at the hands of big business.</li>
<li><strong>Threat for small and marginal farmers:</strong> This poses a significant challenge to Small and Marginal Farmers which constitute 86% of our agricultural class.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The present laws alter the bargaining landscape in favour of the corporate players.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dispute resolution mechanism:</strong> The new farm laws expressly exclude the jurisdiction of the civil court, leaving the farmers remediless and with no independent medium of dispute redressal mechanism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The farmers shall be given the right to take their stand to the court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Gradual decline of APMC mandis:</strong> The farm laws open the field to an alternate set of markets/private yards, where the buyer will have no statutory obligation to pay the MSP.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Since the markets/private yards will not be charged any market fee/levy and the agricultural sector will see the gradual shifting of trade from the APMC mandis to these private yards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture is a state subject:</strong> The Union Government has by-passed the federal structure by legislating on subjects that exclusively fall within the domain of the state government under the state list of the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/30-09-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Seventh Schedule of the Constitution</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Choosing a middle ground:</strong> The government is not going to repeal all the three laws while the farmers are adamant about their protest for repealing the laws. The need here is to adopt a middle path.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There must be some negotiations between the two, while the government is accepting the genuine demands, the farmers should also agree to some of the former&rsquo;s terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Complete information about the rights:</strong> What farmers need is complete information of their rights and duties and connectivity which needs to be provided by central as well as state governments.</li>
<li><strong>Landless labourers:</strong> The landless labourers are often left out of welfare policies, while they are the majority of rural areas. More policies should be more focussed upon the landless labourers.</li>
<li><strong>People&rsquo;s suggestion:</strong> It is important to take the suggestions of all the stakeholders before passing a new bill especially in the world's largest democratic country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The farmers are an integral part in the formation of the country, their interests must be preserved and their issues must be looked and worked upon. In this case, adopting a middle path is the best and wisest way forward.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-the-demands-of-farmers'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Governor: An Agent of the Centre?',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/maximum-governor-on-governors-role/article33496044.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Maximum Governor: On Governor's role&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 05/01/2021. It talks about the controversial position of the governor as an agent of the central government.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Governor</strong></a> of Kerala refused to convene a special session of the Kerala Assembly that was intended to discuss the ongoing farmer protest in New Delhi.</p>
<p>This conduct is comparable to the many actions of governors of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc., that led to unwarranted interference of centre in states&rsquo; politics. These states happen to be ruled by the political parties governed by the opposition parties at the centre.</p>
<p>Such instances portray the negative image of the state governors as an agent of the centre. The Governor&rsquo;s office&rsquo;s misuse to undermine duly elected State governments undermines democratic processes and compromises one of the Basic Structure doctrine elements, i.e. federalism.</p>
<h3>Governor: Acting As Agent of Centre &amp; It&rsquo;s Effect</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Source: Article 163</strong> of Indian Constitution states that the Governor should exercise his functions based on the <strong>state&rsquo;s Council of Ministers&rsquo; aid and advice</strong>, except it is required to exercise his functions at his discretion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, Article 163 acts as a source of the discretionary power of the governor.</li>
<li>As the union government nominates the governor, the combined effect with Article 163 provides the scope centre meddling in the state&rsquo;s affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nature of Intervention:</strong> The present controversies have been around issues like:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Selecting the Chief Minister,</li>
<li>Determining the timing for proving legislative majority,</li>
<li>Demanding information about day-to-day administration,</li>
<li>Giving assent to bills or reserving bills for the President,</li>
<li>Frequent use of Article 356 for removing state governments run by opposition parties based on the governor&rsquo;s recommendation.</li>
<li>Commenting adversely on specific policies of the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect:</strong> The encroachment upon the legislature&rsquo;s powers and the elected government amounts to an abuse of Governor&rsquo;s authority as a nominal head under the Constitution.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Various wrongdoings of the centre through the governor&rsquo;s office damage India&rsquo;s essential federal structure and the democratic process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Envisaged Role of Governor</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Taking Clues From Constituent Assembly Debates:</strong> On analysing the constituent assembly debates, it can be inferred that the constituent assembly envisaged creating &lsquo;responsible government&rsquo; in the states as much as at the centre.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to <strong>Dr Ambedkar</strong>, &ldquo;I have no doubt in my mind that discretionary power is in no sense a negation of responsible government. It is not a general clause giving the governor power to disregard the advice of his ministers in any matter in which he finds he ought to disregard.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taking Clues From Constitution:</strong> As the states were indeed sovereign within their own domain, the discretionary power, beyond the specific situations mentioned in the constitution, does not enable a governor to override the state government.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, selecting a chief minister of his choice or creating/utilising opportunities for defections to change the party in power cannot be a governor&rsquo;s job.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taking Clues from Various Committees on Centre-States Relation:</strong> In the last few decades, various committees were appointed to understand the governor&rsquo;s role in India&rsquo;s federal democratic setup.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These committees made extremely valuable recommendations to make the governor&rsquo;s office the <strong>&ldquo;linchpin of the state&rsquo;s constitutional apparatus.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg"><strong>Note:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Various Committees on Centre-States Relations
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Administrative Reforms Commission of 1968,</li>
<li>The Rajamannar Committee of 1969,</li>
<li>Committee of Governors of 1971,</li>
<li>The Sarkaria commission of 1988,</li>
<li>Punchhi Commission, 2007.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Governor&rsquo;s Discretion Should Be Only Her Discretion:</strong> For the smooth functioning of a democratic government, it is equally essential that the governor must act judiciously, impartially and efficiently while exercising his discretion and personal judgment.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the Sarkaria Commission put it, the governor&rsquo;s task <strong>&ldquo;is to see that a government is formed and not to try to form a government,&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening of Federalism:</strong> In order to check misuse of the office of governor, there is a need to strengthen federal setup in India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this regard, the Inter-State council and the role of Rajya Sabha as the chamber of federalism must be strengthened.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reform the Method of Appointment of Governor:</strong> In order to end the monopoly of the centre in selecting its &lsquo;own man&rsquo; as governor, the appointment can be made from a panel prepared by the state legislature and actual appointing authority should be the Inter-state Council, not the central government.</li>
<li><strong>Code of Conduct for Governor:</strong> In order to enable the governor to successfully discharge his functions under the centre and states governments should agree on a 'Code of Conduct'.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This 'Code of Conduct' should lay down certain 'norms and principles' which should guide the exercise of the governor's 'discretion' and his powers which he is entitled to use and exercise on his judgment.</li>
<li>In this context, the inspiration for such a code can be derived from the various recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission on centre-states relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The governor&rsquo;s role is not merely an agent of the centre sitting in state capitals; he is the lynchpin of India&rsquo;s federalism and democracy at the state&rsquo;s level. Therefore, the governor&rsquo;s role is indispensable for the successful working of constitutional democracy, and he must withhold the virtue of impartiality.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ed1c1c; background-color: #fffde3;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The governor&rsquo;s role and powers have been a controversial issue in Indian politics. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oL-X94-ne3c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-tortuous-recovery-the-hindu-editorial-on-record-gst-inflows/article33488173.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A tortuous recovery: On record GST inflows&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 4<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'title' => 'India-Mongolia Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Mongolia have <strong>reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India reiterated its commitment to timely completion of the <strong>Mongol Refinery Project,</strong> the country&rsquo;s 1<sup>st</sup> oil refinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The greenfield Mongol Refinery Project is <strong>being built under a Line of Credit from the Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to cut some of Mongolia&rsquo;s fuel import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>The Project came in the backdrop of <strong>Mongolia,</strong> which has <strong>large uranium deposits</strong> signing an<strong> agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with India in 2009</strong> and <strong>China</strong> unfolding its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is opposed to the BRI,</strong> which seeks to invest about USD 8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>welcomed the keenness of Mongolian companies in supplying coking coal to Indian steel industry.</strong> According to a recent report, India will overtake China as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-largest-importer-of-coking-coal-by-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>largest importer of coking coal by 2025.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India looks forward to substantial partnerships with Mongolian companies in the areas of minerals, coal and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India expressed its willingness to further <strong>share its expertise in the oil and gas sector</strong> including capacity building in accordance with the developmental priorities of Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mongolia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Mongolia have interacted<strong> through <a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a></strong> throughout history.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, the first country outside the former Soviet bloc of nations to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955, has upgraded ties with Mongolia to a <strong>strategic partnership.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2015,</strong> Mongolia witnessed the <strong>first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India</strong> (a part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s Act East policy</strong></a>).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mongolia has publicly reiterated its <strong>support for India&rsquo;s membership to the permanent seat</strong> of the expanded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has played an <strong>important role</strong> in getting <strong>Mongolia membership</strong> to key international forums, including the <strong>United Nations</strong> (UN), despite strong opposition from China and Taiwan. India also championed the <strong>inclusion of Mongolia in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Aligned Movement.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a reciprocal gesture, <strong>Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution</strong> with India and Bhutan for the<strong> recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Forums of which both the countries are members:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Asia-Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM), <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is a <strong>member</strong> whereas <strong>Mongolia</strong> is an <strong>observer state</strong> at the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India - Mongolia <strong>bilateral trade was USD 38.3 million in 2019,</strong> down from USD 52.6 million in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Joint defence exercises code-named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nomadic-elephant-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,October%20at%20Bakloh%2C%20Himachal%20Pradesh.&amp;text=The%20joint%20exercise%20will%20enhance,relations%20between%20the%20two%20nations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nomadic Elephant.</strong></a></li>
<li>India is also an active participant in an annual week-long joint training exercise called the<strong> Khaan Quest,</strong> hosted by Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation over Environmental Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Culture (India)</strong> has taken up the project of<strong> reprinting 108 volumes of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mongolian-kanjur-being-reprinted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mongolian Kanjur</a></strong> under the <strong>National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Areas of Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Solar energy</strong> is abundant and cooperation is solicited especially as India has emerged as the leader by way of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong> </a>and its very own ambitious alternate and renewable energy projects.</li>
<li><strong>Mongolia&rsquo;s mining sector including copper and Uranium</strong> hold exceptional cooperation possibilities.</li>
<li>In the area of<strong> cooperatives,</strong> India has the capacity to share its expertise for the vastly dispersed farmers and milkmen in Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mongolia&rsquo;s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attracts major powers towards it. India should <strong>consider Mongolia as a green zone of economic development</strong> that absorbs hi-tech features and production skills in a modernization process.</li>
<li>To preserve and <strong>promote the common heritage of Indo-Mongolian culture</strong> is important. This should serve as the basis for nurturing and pursuing future common interests.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Death Penalty For Sexual Offences',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-shakti-bill-rape-offence-disha-bill-maharashtra-cabinet-7135848/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The wrong answer&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the issues related to the award of the death penalty for sexual offences.</p>
</div>
<p>Sexual offences against women and children are one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Given this, the public has a real and legitimate interest in addressing such concerns, leading to the death penalty&rsquo;s demand to deter sexual offences purportedly.</p>
<p>In this context, on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Day 2020</strong></a>, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the Shakti Bill, enlarging the scope of harsher and mandatory sentences &mdash; including the death penalty &mdash; for non-homicidal rape (excluding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/marital-rape-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marital Rape</strong></a>).</p>
<p>The Shakti Bill comes amid the recent legislative trend to invoke the death penalty for sexual offences. For instance, the Andhra Pradesh government passed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disha-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disha Bill in 2020</strong></a> (pending presidential assent), that provides the death penalty for the rape of adult women.</p>
<p>However, introducing the death penalty diverts attention from deep-rooted issues &amp; long-term solutions. It suggests that the reason for such crimes is that the punishment is not severe enough.</p>
<h3>Associated Issues With Death Penalty Against Sexual Offences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>May Do More Harm To Victim:</strong> Women&rsquo;s right groups have argued that the death penalty is a knee-jerk and populist solution to counter sexual offences. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Child-right activists insist that introducing capital punishment for non-homicidal rape may lead rapists to kill their victims to erase testimonial evidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death Penalty Won&rsquo;t Remove Prejudice:</strong> Introducing harsher penalties does not remove systemic prejudices from the minds of judges and the police.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generally, police might refuse to register complaints or acquit offenders in cases they do not consider &ldquo;serious&rdquo; enough to warrant a mandatory minimum.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lower Rate of Conviction:</strong> According to crime data from the <a href="/printpdf/crime-in-india-2019-report-ncrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Crime Records Bureau</strong></a>, in 93.6% of sexual offences, the perpetrators were known to the victims. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, introducing capital punishment would deter complainants from registering complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delay in Closure of Justice:</strong> The execution of a death sentence comes at the end of multiple stages of appeals and avenues of seeking clemency. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This time extended to the defendant to exhaust all legal remedies will delay the judicial process&rsquo;s finality and closure&mdash;militating against the competing interest of ensuring speedy justice.</li>
<li>It might also see an increase in instances of instant retribution, such as the extrajudicial killing of gang-rape and murder suspects in Hyderabad late in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regressive Step:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-s-verma-committee-on-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Justice Verma Committee Report</strong></a> that made several recommendations on the laws on sexual offences (after Nirbhya rape case 2012), held that the death penalty&rsquo;s deterrent effect is &ldquo;a myth&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report stated that it would be a regressive step to introduce the death sentence in non-homicidal cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Issues Related to Shakti Bill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The other anti-women assertion in the bill moves away from the standard of affirmative consent in cases involving adult victims and offenders.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Significant advocacy from the women&rsquo;s movement led to introducing an affirmative standard of consent, rooted in unequivocal voluntary agreement by women through words, gestures or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In a sharp departure, the bill stipulates that valid consent can be presumed from the &ldquo;conduct of the parties&rdquo; and the &ldquo;circumstances surrounding it&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Rape trials continue to be guided by misogynistic notions, expecting survivors to necessarily resist the act, suffer injuries and appear visibly distressed.</li>
<li>Therefore, the bill&rsquo;s vaguely worded explanation holds dangerous possibilities of expecting survivors to respond only in a particular manner, thus creating the stereotype of an &ldquo;ideal&rdquo; victim.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plugging Gaps in Justice Delivery:</strong> The most severe gaps in the justice delivery system are reporting a police complaint. Therefore, the focus of the criminal justice system needs to shift from sentencing and punishment to the stages of reporting, investigation, and victim-support mechanisms. In this context, the following measures must be ensured: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The victim reports a case without any fear.</li>
<li>Police to conduct a sound investigation.</li>
<li>Victim protection throughout the trial.</li>
<li>Making testification as easy and as quick as possible.</li>
<li>Allocation of resources and more robust implementation of the law than is currently evident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensitisation At a Broader Level:</strong> Despite the ever-increasing ambit of the death sentence, there has been little effort to address prejudices in society.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Addressing the prejudices in the society against sexual offences requires sensitisation of functionaries of the justice system &amp; more importantly society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Instead of merely enhancing punishment, tackling crimes against women and children requires broader social reforms, sustained governance efforts and strengthening investigative and reporting mechanisms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fff5;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Punitive responses to sexual violence need serious rethinking, given the multitude of perverse consequences and their minor role in addressing the actual needs of rape survivors. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ytfp3NErDB0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/where-india-and-us-diverge-ht-editorial/story-fPy0uthKnZr3iRrt6O8CLL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Where India and US diverge&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 7<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
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	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Vertical and Horizontal Reservations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a> (SC)</strong>, in a case, has clarified the <strong>position of law</strong> on the interplay of vertical and horizontal <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reservations.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vertical Reservation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reservation for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reimagining-the-national-commission-for-scheduled-castes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Castes</strong></a>, <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/xaxa-committee-on-tribal-communities-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes</strong></a>, <strong>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Other Backward Classes</a></strong> is referred to as vertical reservation.</li>
<li>It <strong>applies separately for each of the groups</strong> specified under the law.</li>
<li><strong>Example: Article 16(4)</strong>&nbsp;of the Constitution contemplates vertical reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Horizontal Reservation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It refers to the<strong> equal opportunity provided to other categories of beneficiaries</strong> such as women, veterans, the transgender community, and individuals <strong>with disabilities,</strong> cutting through the vertical categories.</li>
<li><strong>Example: Article 15 (3)</strong>&nbsp;of the Constitution contemplates horizontal reservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of Reservations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>horizontal quota is applied separately</strong> to each vertical category, and not across the board.</li>
<li>For<strong> example,</strong> if <strong>women have 50% horizontal quota,</strong> then <strong>half of the selected candidates will have to necessarily be women in each vertical quota</strong> category i.e., half of all selected <strong>Scheduled Caste candidates</strong> will have to be women, half of the unreserved or general category will have to be women, and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Case:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em><strong>Saurav Yadav versus State of Uttar Pradesh</strong></em><strong> 2020</strong> dealt with issues arising from the way different classes of reservation were to be applied in the selection process to fill posts of constables in the state.</li>
<li>The <strong>Uttar Pradesh government&rsquo;s policy was to restrict and contain reserved category candidates to their categories,</strong> even when they had secured higher grades.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SC&rsquo;s Ruling:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The court ruled against the Uttar Pradesh government, holding that if a <strong>person belonging to an intersection of vertical-horizontal reserved category </strong>had <strong>secured scores high enough to qualify without the vertical reservation, the person would be counted as qualifying without the vertical reservation, and cannot be excluded from the horizontal quota</strong> in the general category.</li>
<li>The court said Uttar Pradesh Government's argument meant that it was ensuring that the general category was &lsquo;reserved&rsquo; for upper castes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ruling will give <strong>clarity on reservation and make it easier for governments to implement and apply reservation.</strong></li>
<li>More<strong> needy scheduled caste, scheduled tribes and other backward class candidates will be benefited</strong> if high scoring candidates are recruited under general category.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Reservation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Reservation is a form of <strong>positive discrimination, created to promote equality among marginalised sections,</strong> so as to protect them from social and historical injustice.</li>
<li>Generally, it means giving <strong>preferential treatment to marginalised sections</strong> of society in employment and access to education.</li>
<li>It was also originally <strong>developed to correct years of discrimination and to give a boost to disadvantaged groups.</strong></li>
<li>In India, people have been historically discriminated against on the basis of caste.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions Governing Reservation in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 15(3)</strong> allows <strong>protective discrimination in favour of women.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 15(4) and 16(4)</strong> of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to<strong> reserve seats in government services</strong> for the members of the SC and ST.</li>
<li>The Constitution was amended by the Constitution<strong> (77<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act,</strong> 1995 and a new clause <strong>(4A) was inserted in Article 16 to enable the government to provide reservation in promotion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court of India has said that reservation of seats provided to certain communities <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reservation-not-a-fundamental-right-supreme-court#:~:text=SC%2FST%20Reservation%3A,scheduled%20castes%20and%20scheduled%20tribes.&amp;text=The%20quota%20for%20SCs%20is,for%20STs%20it%20is%207.5%25" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>is not a fundamental right.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Later, clause (4A) was modified</strong> by the Constitution <strong>(85<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 2001</strong> to provide consequential seniority to SC and ST candidates promoted by giving reservation.</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional 81<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act, 2000</strong> inserted Article 16 (4 B) which enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent reservation on total number of vacancies of that year.</li>
<li><strong>Article 330 and 332</strong> provides for specific representation through<strong> reservation of seats</strong> for SCs and STs<strong> in the Parliament and in the State Legislative Assemblies</strong> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Article 243D</strong> provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every <strong>Panchayat.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also <strong>provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total number of seats for women</strong> (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the SCs and STs).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 233T</strong> provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every<strong> Municipality.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 335</strong> of the Constitution says that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the maintenance of efficacy of the administration.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-horizontal-vertical-quotas-work-what-sc-said-7135872/" 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/vertical-and-horizontal-reservations'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-committees-formed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs</strong></a> has approved the proposal of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dipp-renamed-as-dpiit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)</strong></a> for<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Central Sector Scheme</a> for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>DPIIT</strong> comes under the <strong>Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Sector Schemes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These schemes are <strong>100% funded by the Central government.</strong></li>
<li>Implemented by the Central Government machinery.</li>
<li>Formulated on subjects mainly from the Union List.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>take industrial development to the block level in Union Territory (UT)</strong> of J and K, which is the<strong> first time in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Government of India</strong> and attempts for a more <strong>sustained and balanced industrial growth</strong> in the entire UT.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficiaries:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scheme is made attractive for <strong>both <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smaller</a> and larger industrial units. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expenditure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The financial outlay is <strong>Rs. 28,400 crore</strong> for the scheme <strong>period 2020-21 to 2036-37</strong> (17 years).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of J&amp;K in Implementation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scheme envisages a greater role of the UT of J&amp;K <strong>in registration and implementation of the scheme</strong> while having proper checks and balances by having an <strong>independent audit agency</strong> before the claims are approved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incentives Under the Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Capital Investment Incentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides an <strong>incentive at the rate of 30% in Zone-A and 50% in Zone-B on investment</strong> made in plant and machinery (in manufacturing), or construction of building and other durable physical assets (in service sector).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Zone-B</strong> includes far-off areas and will receive higher incentives so as to ensure equal opportunities of growth in far-flung areas and major towns.</li>
<li><strong>Zone-A</strong> includes areas other than Zone-B.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>capital investment</strong> is a sum of money that goes towards furthering the objectives of a business or towards purchasing long-term assets for the business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Capital Interest subvention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides for <strong>6% capital interest subvention for a maximum of seven years on loans up to Rs. 500 crore</strong> for investment in plant and machinery (in manufacturing), or construction in building and all other durable physical assets (in service sector) for 10 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Capitalized interest</strong> is the cost of borrowing to acquire or construct a long-term asset.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST Linked Incentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is based on<strong> Gross <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goods and Services Tax (GST).</a></strong></li>
<li>This will <strong>incentivise output up to 300% of the eligible value of actual investment</strong> made in the plant and machinery (in manufacturing), or construction in building and all other durable physical assets (in service sector).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working Capital Interest Incentive:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will provide all existing units<strong> incentive at the annual rate of 5% for maximum 5 years.</strong> Maximum limit of incentive is <strong>Rs. 1 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Working capital,</strong> also known as<strong> net working capital (NWC),</strong> is the <strong>difference between a company's current assets,</strong> such as cash, accounts receivable (customers' unpaid bills) and inventories of raw materials and finished goods,<strong> and its current liabilities,</strong> such as accounts payable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scheme will encourage <strong>new investment, substantial expansion and also nurture the existing industries</strong> in the Union Territory.</li>
<li>It will also provide <strong>employment to 4.5 lakh people</strong> besides leading to equitable, balanced and sustainable<strong> socio-economic development of the region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayushman-bharat-pm-jay-sehat-jk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine (SEHAT) scheme</strong></a> was launched to extend health insurance coverage to all residents of J&amp;K.</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/day-nrlm-special-package-for-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Union Cabinet has also approved a special package</a> worth Rs. 520 crore in the Union Territories (UTs) of J&amp;K and Ladakh</strong> for a period of five years under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In August 2019, the Central government had suspended all modes of communications in the wake of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, granted under Article 370.</strong></a> Eventually, services were partially restored, with internet speed restricted to 2G.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1686743#:~:text=of%20Jammu%20%26%20Kashmir.-,The%20scheme%20is%20approved%20with%20a%20total%20outlay%20of%20Rs,the%20UT%20of%20Jammu%20%26%20Kashmir." 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/scheme-for-industrial-development-of-jammu-and-kashmir'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Indian Digital Tax Discriminatory: USTR',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Office of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ustr-s-probe-into-digital-services-taxes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United States Trade Representative (USTR)</strong></a> has said that the <strong>Digital services taxes</strong> adopted by<strong> India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against US companies</strong> and are <strong>inconsistent with international tax principles.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is responsible for <strong>developing and coordinating US international trade.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ustr-takes-india-off-developing-country-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Section 301 (US Trade Act)</strong> </a>gives the USTR broad authority to<strong> investigate and respond to a foreign country&rsquo;s action which may be unfair or discriminatory</strong> as well as negatively affect US commerce.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Adopted through the<strong> 1974 Trade act,</strong> the Section allows the US President to <strong>impose tariffs or other curbs on foreign nations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the law <strong>mandates consultations with trading partners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Digital Services Taxes (DSTs):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are the adopted taxes on <strong>revenues that certain companies generate from providing certain digital services.</strong> E.g. digital multinationals like Google, Amazon and Apple etc.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)</strong> </a>is currently <strong>hosting negotiations with over 130 countries that aim to adapt the international tax system.</strong> One goal is to address the tax challenges of the digitalization of the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some experts argue that a<strong> tax policy designed to target a single sector</strong> or activity is likely to be unfair and have complex consequences.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>digital economy cannot be easily separated</strong> out from the rest of the <strong>global economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Tax on Digital Companies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government <strong>had moved an amendment in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/finance-bill-2020-passed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finance Bill 2020-21</a> imposing a 2% digital service tax (DST) on trade and services by non-resident e-commerce operators</strong> with a <strong>turnover of over Rs. 2 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This effectively <strong>expanded the scope of equalisation levy</strong> that, till last year, only applied to digital advertising services.</li>
<li>Earlier, the<strong> equalisation levy (at 6%) was introduced in 2016</strong> and imposed on the revenues generated on business-to-business digital advertisements and allied services of the resident service provider.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The new levy<strong> came into effect from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2020.</strong> E-commerce operators are <strong>obligated to pay the tax at the end of each quarter.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USTR&rsquo;s Investigation Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>DST in India is discriminatory</strong> because it exempts Indian companies and targets non-Indian firms. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This hits US firms which <strong>dominate the technology industry.</strong></li>
<li>119 companies that it identified as likely liable under the digital services tax, 86, or 72%, were American.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>USTR estimates that the aggregate tax bill for US companies could exceed <strong>USD 30 million per year.</strong></li>
<li>The USTR has determined that India&rsquo;s DST is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts US commerce and thus is <strong>actionable</strong> under <strong>Section 301 (US Trade Act).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has described the <strong>equalization levy as a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory tax</strong> aimed at all offshore digital economy firms accessing the local market and has <strong>denied it targets US companies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It seeks to<strong> ensure a level-playing field</strong> with respect to e-commerce activities undertaken by entities resident in India as well as those not residents in India or without permanent establishment in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government of <strong>India will examine the determination/decision notified by the US</strong> in this regard, and would <strong>take appropriate action keeping in view the overall interest of the nation.</strong></li>
<li>There was no retroactive element or extra-territorial application involved in the levy which applied only on the revenue generated from India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a recognition of the principle that in a digital world,<strong> a seller can engage in business transactions without any physical presence, and governments have a legitimate right to tax such transactions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610094520_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610094520_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="592" height="413" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the backdrop of an improper functioning of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a>, the move could signal the <strong>start of more unilateral action by the US especially on the digital services front.</strong></li>
<li>In India&rsquo;s case, the probe could <strong>potentially affect the outcome of a bilateral trade</strong> deal that India has been looking to forge with the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>As India is racing towards becoming a digital giant, the<strong> 2% DST should be negotiated to avoid any hurdles</strong> in its implementation. Further, there needs to be<strong> international consensus on taxation on a digital economy.</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-equalisation-levy-not-discriminatory-will-take-appropriate-action-7137479/" 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/indian-digital-tax-discriminatory-ustr'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Advisory for Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Standing Committee of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wildlife-panel-holds-virtual-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Board of Wildlife</a> (SC-NBWL)</strong> in its 60<sup>th</sup> meeting has approved the advisory for management of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/daily-updates-news-editorials-the-high-cost-of-man-animal-conflict#:~:text=Man%20animal%20conflict%20leads%20to,standards%20of%20the%20affected%20population." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)</strong></a> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the meeting approval was given for including <strong>Caracal, a medium sized wildcat</strong> into the list of critically endangered species for taking up conservation efforts with financial support under <strong>centrally sponsored scheme <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clouded-leopards-and-their-habitats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Advisory:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Empower Gram Panchayats:</strong> The advisory envisages <strong>empowering gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals</strong> as per the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> WildLife (Protection) Act, 1972.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Provide Insurance: Utilising add-on coverage</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revamping-of-pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna</strong></a> <strong>for crop compensation</strong> against crop damage due to HWC.</li>
<li><strong>Augmenting Fodder:</strong> It also envisages<strong> augmenting fodder and water sources</strong> within the forest areas.</li>
<li><strong>Take Proactive Measures:</strong> The advisory <strong>prescribes inter-departmental committees</strong> at local/state level, <strong>adoption of early warning systems, creation of barriers, dedicated circle wise Control Rooms</strong> with <strong>toll free hotline numbers</strong> which could be operated on <strong>24X7 basis, Identification of hotspots</strong> and formulation and implementation of special plans for improved stall-fed farm animal etc.</li>
<li><strong>Provide Instant Relief:</strong> Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Caracal Cat</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610090536_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610090536_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> caracal wild cat <em>(Caracal caracal)</em></strong> is a rare species in India. They are slender, medium-sized cats with long powerful legs and tufted ears.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The black tufted ears of this cat are one of its most distinguishing features.</li>
<li>It is shy, nocturnal, elusive and difficult to spot in the wild.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> In India, presence of these Cats has been reported from only three states which are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In<strong> Madhya Pradesh</strong> it is locally called as <strong>Shea-gosh or siyah-gush.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Gujarat,</strong> Caracals are locally referred to as <strong>Hornotro</strong> which means killer of a Blackbuck.</li>
<li>In<strong> Rajasthan</strong> it is known as<strong> Junglee Bilao or Wildcat.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong> Caracals are mostly killed for<strong> livestock predation</strong> however in some areas of the world it is hunted for its <strong>meat and flesh.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN Red List</a>: Least Concern</strong></li>
<li><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>: Appendix I</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Human-Wildlife/Animal Conflict</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It refers to the<strong> interaction between wild animals and humans</strong> which results in a <strong>negative impact on people, animals, resources, and habitats. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Urbanization:</strong> In modern times <strong>rapid urbanization and industrialisation</strong> have led to the diversion of forest land to non-forest purposes, as a result, the wildlife habitat is shrinking.</li>
<li><strong>Transport Network:</strong> The <strong>expansion of road and rail network</strong> through forest ranges has resulted in animals getting killed or injured in accidents on roads or railway tracks.</li>
<li><strong>Population:</strong> The <strong>increasing population</strong> has also led to many human settlements coming up near the peripheries of protected areas and encroachment in the forest lands by local people for cultivation and collection of food and fodder etc. therefore increasing pressure on limited natural resources in the forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Initiatives/Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-of-passage-of-the-animals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right of passage of the Elephants</a></strong> and the closure of resorts in the Nilgiris elephant corridor. It held that it was the <strong>State&rsquo;s duty to protect a &ldquo;keystone species&rdquo;</strong> like elephants.</li>
<li>The Odisha Government has started casting <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seed-bombs-solution-to-man-animal-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>seed balls (or bombs) inside different reserve forest areas</strong></a> to enrich food stock for wild elephants.</li>
<li>The Uttarakhand government carried out <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bio-fences-to-curb-man-animal-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bio-fencing by growing various species of plants in the areas</strong> </a>in order to reduce the man-animal conflict, prevent wild animals from entering residential areas, and protect agricultural crops and livestock in areas adjoining the forests.</li>
<li>In 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government has given its in-principle approval to bring <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/man-animal-conflict-to-be-listed-as-disaster-by-up-govt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>man-animal conflict under listed disasters</strong></a> in the State Disaster Response Fund to ensure better coordination and relief during such incidents.</li>
<li>In the <strong>Western Ghats of India,</strong> a new conservation initiative has utilized texting as an <strong>early warning system</strong> to prevent human-elephant encounters. Elephant <strong>tracking collars embedded with SMS chips</strong> automatically text nearby residents, warning them of recent elephant movements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1686597#:~:text=approves%20advisory%20for%20management%20of%20Human%2DWildlife%20Conflict%20across%20the%20country.&amp;text=The%20Standing%20Committee%20of%20National,(HWC)%20in%20the%20country." 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/advisory-for-management-of-human-wildlife-conflict'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Last Mile Challenges To Financial Inclusion',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/how-over-reliance-on-tech-worsens-financial-exclusion-in-rural-india-7134424/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Not by digital alone&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 06/01/2021. It talks about the last mile challenges to financial inclusion in India.</p>
</div>
<p>Being a welfare state, one of the prime objectives of government policy in India has been to enable financial inclusion and to reduce abject poverty through interventionist public policies. One such approach is the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-advisory-on-direct-benefit-transfer" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) initiative.</strong></a></p>
<p>Various government programmes such as maternity entitlements, student scholarships, and wages for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong></a> workers fall under the DBT initiative where the money is transferred to the respective beneficiaries&rsquo; bank accounts.</p>
<p>However, the beneficiaries face many hurdles in accessing their money. For example, in rural areas, beneficiaries have to travel miles and wait for several hours to make one banking transaction.</p>
<p>These hurdles are broadly referred to as <strong>&ldquo;last mile challenges''</strong>. These challenges have widened the distance between the rights holder and their entitlements, which must be urgently resolved.</p>
<h3>Last Mile Challenges &amp; Their Impact</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digital Exclusions:</strong> A recently published KPMG report found that India&rsquo;s Internet usage is the lowest of the BRICS nations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Similarly, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/digital-quality-of-life-index-2020-surfshark" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index 2020</strong></a> reflects the dismal performance of India in digital parameters.</li>
<li>Moreover, digital illiteracy, innumeracy, and unfamiliarity with technology hinder the digital product&rsquo;s full uptake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unfamiliarity With DBT:</strong> Beneficiaries of DBT do not know what to do when their payments get rejected, often due to technical reasons such as incorrect account numbers and incorrect Aadhaar mapping with bank accounts. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More importantly, the workers/beneficiaries have rarely been consulted regarding their preferred mode of transacting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Breeding of Corruption:</strong> The digital exclusion and unfamiliarity of beneficiaries with DBT, has created new forms of corruption.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was evidenced in the massive scholarship scam in Jharkhand, where many poor students were deprived of their scholarships owing to a nexus of intermediaries, government officials, banking correspondents and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Rural Banking:</strong> There are just 14.6 bank branches per 1 lakh adults in India. It is sparser in rural India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, rural banks are short-staffed and tend to get overcrowded.</li>
<li>Accessing banks in rural areas leads to loss of one wage day for the worker. Also, people have to spend money on transportation to access the bank to withdraw their payments/subsidies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unsuccessful Banking Correspondent Model:</strong> More than a decade after the first regulations on the Business Correspondent (BC) Model were issued in 2006, banks and other financial service providers are struggling to establish a viable and sustainable business case for branchless banking.</li>
<li><strong>Accountability Issue:</strong> The lack of accountability and absence of grievance redressal continue to impact all DBT programmes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expanding Scope of Social Justice:</strong> Understanding social justice should be broadened by including the right to access own money in a timely and transparent manner. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, these rights should be protected through strengthening grievance redressal processes and setting accountability norms for all payment intermediaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Providing More Choices:</strong> Universalization of Aadhar Enabled Payment System will enable Aadhar Enabled Bank Account holders to carry out seamless financial transactions.</li>
<li><strong>Establishing a Code of Conduct for BC Model:</strong> Banks should develop standard rules and formulate a code of conduct to develop effective monitoring and supervision of banking correspondents.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Geotagging and GPS mapping of agent locations to search agent points will also enable better monitoring and supervision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uber Model:</strong> There is a need to explore the possibility to adopt the &ldquo;Uber&rdquo; model to handle cash-in/cash-out (CICO), by enabling customers to act as CICO points. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will reduce dependence on agents and allow them to go beyond CICO.</li>
<li>On the other hand, customers would be able to transact beyond a stationary and limited agent network.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Digital Literacy:</strong> Digital literacy is the lynchpin of triggering a revolution in India&rsquo;s financial inclusion and doorstep delivery models.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, <a href="/pdf/1607550498-conference-on-digital-cashless-economy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)</strong></a> is a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is a clear need for a fresh perspective by re-imagining some key aspects of DBT initiative. It requires that all stakeholders, including the government, regulators, service providers, industry bodies, and others, need to catalyse radical changes in the way the &lsquo;last mile&rsquo; functions at present.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #f51d1d; background-color: #fff9cf;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In rural India, over-reliance on digital technology has worsened financial exclusion. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m5eqIEUgN64" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/india-at-the-horse-shoe-table/story-KZexjyZVCTyCJKnoDIuqCN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;India at the horseshoe table&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 6th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/last-mile-challenges-to-financial-inclusion'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Longitudinal Ageing Study of India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare</strong> has released the <strong>Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 Report</strong> on the virtual platform.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About LASI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a full scale <strong>national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing</strong> in India. It was <strong>commissioned in 2016.</strong></li>
<li>It is India&rsquo;s <strong>first and the world&rsquo;s largest ever survey that provides a longitudinal database</strong> for designing policies and programmes <strong>for the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/elderly-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">older population</a></strong> in the broad domains of social, health, and economic well-being.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agencies Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>National Programme for Health Care of Elderly,</strong> Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare has undertaken the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India, through <strong>International Institute for Population Sciences,</strong> (IIPS), <strong>Mumbai</strong> in collaboration with <strong>Harvard School of Public Health, University of Southern California, USA, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-world-population-2019-unfpa#:~:text=According%20to%20State%20of%20World,annual%20growth%20rate%20of%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Population Fund</a> (UNFPA)</strong> and <strong>National Institute on Ageing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first national wave of the LASI (Wave 1)</strong> covered a <strong>baseline sample of 72,250</strong> individuals <strong>aged 45 and above and their spouses</strong>, including elderly persons aged <strong>60</strong> and above and oldest-old persons aged <strong>75</strong> and above from all States and Union Territories (UTs) of India (excluding Sikkim).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It collects detailed data on health and biomarkers together with information on family and social network, income, assets, and consumption.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In medicine, a biomarker is a <strong>measurable indicator of the severity or presence of some disease state</strong>. More generally a biomarker is anything that can be used <strong>as an indicator of a particular disease</strong> state or some other physiological state of an organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the 2011 census, the <strong>60+ population accounted for 8.6% of India&rsquo;s population,</strong> accounting for <strong>103 million elderly people.</strong></li>
<li>Growing at around <strong>3% annually</strong>, the number of elderly people will rise to <strong>319 million in 2050.</strong></li>
<li><strong>75%</strong> of the elderly people suffer from one or the other <strong>chronic disease. 40%</strong> of the elderly people have <strong>one or the other disability</strong> and <strong>20%</strong> have issues related to <strong>mental health.</strong></li>
<li>The self-reported prevalence of diagnosed <strong>cardiovascular diseases</strong> (CVDs) is <strong>28%</strong> among older adults aged <strong>45 and above.</strong></li>
<li>The prevalence of <strong>multi-morbidity conditions</strong> among the elderly age <strong>60 and above</strong> is <strong>much higher in the states/UTs</strong> of Kerala (52%), Chandigarh (41%), Lakshadweep (40%), Goa (39%) and Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands (38%). The prevalence of <strong>single morbidity and multi-morbidity</strong> conditions increases with age.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The evidence from LASI will be used to further strengthen and broaden the <strong>scope of the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly</strong> and also help in establishing a range of preventive and health care programmes for the older population and most vulnerable among them.</li>
<li>The study holds significance in light of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic with the elderly and persons with <strong>comorbidities</strong> being at the highest risk of contracting the disease.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Comorbidity</strong> simply means <strong>more than one illness or disease occurring in one person at the same time</strong> and <strong>multimorbidity means more than two illnesses</strong> or diseases occurring in the same person at the same time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Programme for Health Care of Elderly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The programme is being implemented under the <strong>Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) flexible pool within the overarching umbrella of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission</strong></a> for Districts and below in the States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide <strong>accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services</strong> to an Ageing population.</li>
<li>Creating a new <strong>&ldquo;architecture&rdquo;</strong> for Ageing.</li>
<li>To build a framework to create an enabling environment for <strong>&ldquo;a Society for all Ages&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>To promote the concept of <strong>Active and Healthy Ageing.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre bears 75% of the total budget and the State Government contributes <strong>25%</strong> of the budget, for activities up to district level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligible Beneficiary:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All elderly People (above 60 Years) in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Free, Specialized health care facilities exclusively for the elderly people through the State health delivery system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1686552" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:PIB</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/longitudinal-ageing-study-of-india'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Air Pollution and Pregnancy Losses: Lancet Report',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to recent study <strong>poor air quality is associated</strong> with a considerable proportion of <strong>pregnancy loss in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>first study to estimate the effect of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air pollution</a> on pregnancy loss</strong> across the region.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They created a model to <strong>examine how exposure to PM 2.5 increased women&rsquo;s risk of pregnancy loss</strong>, calculating risk for each 10 &micro;g/m&sup3; increased in PM 2.5 after <strong>adjusting for maternal age, temperature and humidity, seasonal variation, and long-term trends</strong> in pregnancy loss.</li>
<li>Each <strong>increase in 10 &micro;g/m&sup3;</strong> was estimated to <strong>increase a mother&rsquo;s risk of pregnancy loss by 3%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The increase in <strong>risk was greater for mothers from rural areas or those who became pregnant at an older age</strong>, compared to younger mothers from urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Area Specific Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Of the pregnancy loss cases, <strong>77% were from India</strong>, 12% from Pakistan, and 11% from Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study was <strong>unable to distinguish between natural pregnancy loss and abortions</strong>, which may have led to an underestimation of the effect of air pollution on natural pregnancy loss.</li>
<li>There was <strong>under-reporting</strong> of pregnancy losses because of <strong>stigma</strong> or <strong>ignoring very early pregnancy losses.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Air Pollution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Air pollution refers to any <strong>physical, chemical, or biological change in the air</strong>. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust, and smoke which <strong>affects plants, animals, and humans drastically.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Air Pollutants:</strong> Pollutants are the substances which cause pollution. <strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Primary:</strong> The pollutants that directly cause air pollution or the pollutants that are formed and <strong>emitted directly from particular sources</strong>. Examples are <strong>particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Secondary:</strong> The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Examples are <strong>ozone and secondary organic aerosol (haze).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of Air Pollution:</strong> Major sources of air pollution are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indoor <strong>burning of fossil fuels, woods and other biomass</strong> to cook, heat and light homes.</li>
<li><strong>Industry</strong>, including power generation such as coal-fired plants and diesel generators.</li>
<li><strong>Transport</strong>, especially <strong>vehicles</strong> with diesel engines.</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture</strong>, including livestock, which produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of agricultural waste.</li>
<li>Open <strong>waste burning</strong> and organic waste in landfills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-global-air-2020-hei" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020)</strong></a> released by the <strong>Health Effects Institute (HEI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>High PM contributed to the deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants who did not survive their first month.</li>
<li>More than half of these deaths were associated with outdoor PM2.5 and others were linked to the use of solid fuels such as charcoal, wood, and animal dung for cooking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malnutrition-and-disease-burden" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2017 Global Burden of Disease report</strong></a> published by the <strong>Lancet Planetary Health journal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, which accounts for 18% of the global population, recorded 26% of the global premature deaths and disease burden due to air pollution.</li>
<li><strong>One in every eight deaths in India (2017)</strong> could be attributed to air pollution, which now contributes to more disease burden than smoking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Household air pollution causes about <strong>3.8 million premature deaths</strong> each year.</li>
<li>Air quality has become a <strong>serious health issue</strong> because the pollutants enter deep inside the lungs and the lungs capacity to purify blood gets reduced which affects the person&rsquo;s growth, mental ability and the working capacity especially for <strong>children, pregnant women and elderly people.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In children, it is associated with <strong>low birth weight, asthma, childhood <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-cancer-awareness-day#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20World%20Health,2018%20against%209.5%20million%20globally." target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancers</a>, obesity, poor lung development and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autism</a></strong>, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiatives to Control Air Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commission-for-air-quality-management-in-the-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas</a>:</strong> It coordinates efforts of state governments to curb air pollution, and will lay down the parameters of air quality for the region.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/only-bs-vi-vehicles-to-be-sold-from-april-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Stage (BS) VI norms</a>:</strong> These are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality</a>:</strong> It is a <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)</strong> based dashboard, built on data from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/health-emergency-in-new-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong></a>&rsquo;s <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM)</strong> Network which was started in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/govt-launches-mission-to-fight-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Clean Air Programme</a>:</strong>&nbsp;Launched in 2019, it is a comprehensive pan-India air pollution abatement scheme for 102 cities.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Air Quality Index (AQI)</a>:</strong> It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Ambient Air Quality Standards</a>:</strong> They are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites#:~:text=It%20was%20entrusted%20with%20the,of%20Pollution)%20Act%2C%201981.&amp;text=to%20promote%20cleanliness%20of%20streams,and%20abatement%20of%20water%20pollution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/breathe-an-action-plan-for-combating-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breathe</a>:</strong> It is a 15 point action plan to fight air pollution by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-reconstituted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</a>:</strong> It aims at providing clean-cooking fuel to the poor households and bringing in qualitative charges in the living standards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Climate and Clean Air Coalition:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Launched in <strong>2019</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>voluntary partnership</strong> of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, scientific institutions and civil society organizations <strong>committed to protecting the climate and improving air quality through actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India is a member</strong> of the coalition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nation</a>s</strong> <strong>Clean Air Initiative:</strong> It calls on national and subnational governments to commit to achieving air quality that is safe for citizens, and to align climate change and air pollution policies by 2030.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organization (WHO)&rsquo;s 4 Pillar Strategy</a></strong>: WHO adopted a resolution (2015) to address the adverse health effects of air pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PM 2.5 is an atmospheric particulate matter of diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres, which is around 3% the diameter of a human hair.</li>
<li>It causes respiratory problems and also reduces visibility. It is an endocrine disruptor that can affect insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, thus contributing to diabetes.</li>
<li>It can only be detected with the help of an electron microscope because of them being very small.</li>
<li>Sources of fine particles include all types of <strong>combustion activities</strong> (motor vehicles, power plants, wood burning, etc.) and certain <strong>industrial processes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need to urgently confront air pollution and strengthen health systems. The short-term respite from air pollution that most big cities in the world experienced was because of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a> measures and not a permanent fix</strong>.</li>
<li>Also there is a need to <strong>increase public awareness on air pollution. Educate and inform people about what they can do to reduce air pollution</strong>. Put out public health messages on the metro, buses, billboards, and radio to help change public behaviour.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/south-asia-air-pollution-pregnancy-loss/" 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/air-pollution-and-pregnancy-losses-lancet-report'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3><span style="font-size: 14px;">Recently, the <strong>Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog</strong> has announced <strong>&lsquo;Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam&rsquo;</strong> with an aim to &ldquo;infuse curiosity&rdquo; among people about the importance of cows, and to &ldquo;sensitise and educate&rdquo; them about the bovine species.</span></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog</strong> is an agency under the <strong>Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &amp; Dairying)</strong> established for the protection of cows.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>It has been constituted to organize animal husbandry on <strong>modern and scientific lines</strong> and to take steps for preserving and improving breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are 50 well-defined breeds of cattle and 17 breeds of buffaloes in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a <strong>high-powered permanent body</strong> to formulate policies and to provide directions for the implementation of schemes related to cattle so as to lay more emphasis on livelihood generation for small &amp; marginal farmers, women and youth entrepreneurs.</li>
<li>It functions as an integral part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rashtriya-gokul-mission#:~:text=Government%20has%20sanctioned%20funds%20under,in%20remaining%2017%20Gokul%20grams."><strong>Rashtriya Gokul Mission</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rashtriya Gokul Mission was initiated by Government of India in December 2014 with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines thereby making milk production more remunerative to the farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/emotions-to-earthquakes-einstein-waves-a-govt-bodys-cattle-class-7136043/">Source: IE</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rastriya-kamdhenu-aayog'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Helping Hand to Sri Lanka',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>An India-funded <strong>free ambulance service</strong> is playing a vital role in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> response.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610014882_07.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610014882_07.png" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India provided a <strong>grant of 7.56 million USD</strong> for the <strong>Suwa Seriya</strong> [vehicle or journey for good health] <strong>service</strong> which was launched in 2016, on a pilot basis. Later, this was extended throughout the country with additional grants from India.</li>
<li><strong>India also helped with Capacity Building:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Training and refresher programmes for <strong>Sri Lankan emergency medical technicians</strong> which further <strong>generated employment</strong> for the local population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is India&rsquo;s <strong>second largest grant project to Sri Lanka</strong> after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>housing project</strong></a> of more than <strong>60,000 houses</strong>, with a nearly 400 million USD grant.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India Sri Lanka Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical Significance of SriLanka:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s location in the <strong>Indian Ocean region</strong> has been of strategic geopolitical relevance to several major powers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>string of pearl&rsquo;s strategy</strong></a> is aimed at encircling India to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China is building state of the art gigantic modern ports all along the Indian Ocean and to the south of it, in Gwadar (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh, Kyauk Phru (Myanmar) and <strong>Hambantota (Sri Lanka)</strong>. Thus Sri Lanka is vital for China&rsquo;s <strong>String of Pearls strategy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Sri Lanka has a list of <strong>highly strategic ports</strong> located among <strong>busiest sea lanes of communication.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/printpdf/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) has signed an agreement for extending a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-signs-currency-swap-for-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 400 million currency swap</strong></a> facility to Sri Lanka to boost the foreign reserves and ensure financial stability of the country, which is badly hit by Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>Political relations between India and Sri Lanka have been marked by <strong>high-level exchanges of visits at regular intervals.</strong></li>
<li>Sri Lanka is a member of regional groupings like <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bimstec-guests-of-honour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC</strong></a> in which India plays a leading role.</li>
<li>India and Sri Lanka conduct <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-mitra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>joint Military (Mitra Shakti)</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naval (SLINEX)</strong></a> exercises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka is one of India&rsquo;s <strong>largest trading partners among the SAARC countries.</strong> India in turn is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <strong>largest trade partner globally</strong>.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s exports to Sri Lanka amounted to 5.3 billion USD in 2015-17 whereas its imports from the country were at 743 million USD.</li>
<li>Trade between the two countries grew particularly rapidly after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement</strong></a> which came into force in March 2000.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural and Educational Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo actively promotes awareness of Indian culture by offering classes in <strong>Indian music, dance, Hindi and Yoga</strong>. Every year, cultural troupes from both countries exchange visits.</li>
<li>The <strong>India-Sri Lanka Foundation</strong>, set up in December 1998 as an <strong>intergovernmental initiative</strong>, also aims towards enhancement of scientific, technical, educational and cultural cooperation through civil society exchanges and enhancing contact between the younger generations of the two countries.</li>
<li>The People of Indian Origin (PIOs) comprise <strong>Sindhis, Borahs, Gujaratis, Memons, Parsis, Malayalis and Telugu</strong> speaking persons who have settled down in Sri Lanka (most of them after partition) and are engaged in various business ventures.</li>
<li>In April 2019, India and Sri Lanka also concluded agreement on <strong>countering Drug and Human trafficking.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues and Conflicts</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka also handed over the <strong>strategic port of Hambantota</strong>, which is expected to play a key role in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative</strong></a><strong>, to China on a 99-year lease.</strong></li>
<li>China has also supplied arms as well as provided huge loans to Sri Lanka for its development.</li>
<li>The two countries have signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement which is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s first nuclear partnership with any country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fishermen issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given the proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, especially in the <strong>Palk Straits</strong> and the <strong>Gulf of Mannar</strong>, incidents of straying of fishermen are common.</li>
<li>Fishermen often <strong>risk their lives</strong> and cross in to Srilankan rather than return empty-handed, but the Sri Lankan Navy is on alert, and have either arrested or destroyed fishing nets and vessels of those who have crossed the line.</li>
<li>The 4<sup>th</sup> meeting under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-sri-lanka-joint-working-group-on-fisheries#:~:text=India%20and%20Sri%20Lanka%20agreed,solution%20to%20the%20fishermen%20issue." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Joint Working Group</strong></a> (JWG) on fisheries was held recently between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka as the mechanism to help find a permanent solution to the fishermen issue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/an-indian-gift-helps-sri-lankas-covid-19-fight/article33503867.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:TH</a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/helping-hand-to-sri-lanka'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan: Karnataka',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has laid the foundation stone for the <strong>&lsquo;New Anubhava Mantapa&rsquo; in Basavakalyan</strong>, the place where <strong>12<sup>th</sup> century poet-philosopher <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basava-jayanthi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basaveshwara</a></strong> lived for most of his life.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the New Anubhava Mantapa:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5-acre plot and <strong>represent various principles of Basaveshwara&rsquo;s philosophy.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>showcase the 12<sup>th</sup> Century Anubhava Mantapa</strong> (often referred to as the <strong>&ldquo;first Parliament of the world&rdquo;</strong>) established by Basaveshwara in Basavakalyan where philosophers and social reformers held debates.</li>
<li>The building will adopt the <strong>Kalyana <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chalukyan-rulers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chalukya</a> style of architecture.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Later Chalukyas, popularly known as the Chalukyas of Kalyan or Kalyani Chalukyas form an integral part of ancient Karnataka history of early medieval period. Kalyan Chalukya rulers patronised temple construction, dance and music, as their predecessors did.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The grand structure <strong>supported by 770 pillars</strong> will have an auditorium with a seating capacity of 770 people. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is believed that <strong>770 Sharanas</strong> (followers of Basaveshwara) led the <strong>Vachana reformist movement</strong> in the 12th Century.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On its top, the structure would have a <strong>Shiva Linga placed on a large pedestal.</strong></li>
<li>The project also envisages <strong>state-of-the-art robotic system</strong>, open-air theatre, <strong>modern water conservation system</strong>, terrace garden, library, research centre, prayer hall, yoga centre and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basaveshwara:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brief Profile:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basaveshwara (1134-1168)</strong> was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610013023_06.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610013023_06.png" width="250" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basava Jayanthi</strong> is an <strong>annual event</strong> celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara.</li>
<li>He was <strong>born in Bagevadi</strong> (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/center-refuses-to-recognize-lingayat-as-separate-religion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tradition of Lingayatism</strong></a> is known to have been founded by him.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Philosophy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>His spiritual discipline was based on the <strong>principles of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience)</strong> and it brought social, religious and economical revolution in the 12th century.</li>
<li>This path <strong>advocates a holistic approach of Lingangayoga</strong> (union with the divine). This comprehensive discipline encompasses <strong>bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), and kriye (action)</strong> in a well balanced manner.</li>
<li>He <strong>went to Kalyana (now called Basavakalyan)</strong> probably in the year A.D. 1154. His achievements in the short span of twelve or thirteen years of his stay at Kalyana are striking. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Gates of Dharma were thrown open to all</strong> without any barriers of caste, creed or sex (<strong>Kalyana Rajya</strong> - Welfare State).</li>
<li>He <strong>established the Anubhava Mantapa</strong>, which was a common forum for all to discuss the prevailing problems of socio, economic and political strata including religious and spiritual principles along with personal problems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thus, it was the <strong>first and foremost Parliament of India</strong>, where Sharanas sat together and discussed the socialistic principles of a Democratic set up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He gave <strong>two more very important socio-economic principles</strong>. They are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kayaka (Divine work):</strong> According to this, every individual of the society should take up the job of his choice and perform it with all sincerity.</li>
<li><strong>Dasoha (Equal distribution):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There must be an equal income for equal work.</li>
<li>The worker (Kayakajeevi) may lead his day-today life by his hard earned income. But he should not preserve the money or property for tomorrow. He must utilise the</li>
<li>surplus money for the society and poors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vachana Reformist Movement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main aim of the <strong>Vachana (poetry)</strong> movement, led by Basaveshwara in 12th century, was welfare of all.</li>
<li>It <strong>attempted to address class, caste and to some extent gender issues</strong> in a given societal milieu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yediyurappa-lays-foundation-stone-for-new-anubhava-mantapa-at-basavakalyan/article33514139.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/anubhava-mantapa-in-basavakalyan-karnataka'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Sulfur Dioxide Emission Norms Delayed',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Power</strong> has <strong>proposed pushing back the deadlines for adoption of new emission norms by coal-fired power plants</strong>, stating "an unworkable time schedule" would burden utilities and lead to an increase in power tariffs.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India initially had set a <strong>2017 deadline</strong> for <strong>thermal power plants</strong> to comply with <strong>emissions standards for installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units</strong> that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This was <strong>later changed to varying deadlines for different regions, ending in 2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FED):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Removal of Sulfur Dioxide</strong> is called as Flue-gas Desulphurization (FGD).</li>
<li>It seeks to remove gaseous pollutants viz. SO<sub>2</sub> from exhaust flue gases generated in furnaces, boilers, and other industrial processes due to thermal processing, treatment, and combustion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Proposal of the Ministry of Power:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has proposed<strong> a "graded action plan,"</strong> whereby areas where plants are located would be graded according to the severity of pollution, with <strong>Region 1 referring to critically polluted areas</strong>, and <strong>Region 5 being the least polluted.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Strict control of emissions</strong> shall be required in such key areas for thermal power stations categorised under <strong>Region 1</strong>.</li>
<li>Plants in <strong>Region 2</strong> could begin to <strong>take action one year after those in Region 1.</strong></li>
<li>Presently <strong>no action</strong> is required for power plants that are situated under <strong>Region 3, 4 &amp; 5.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the Ministry, the target should be to maintain <strong>uniform ambient air quality</strong> across the country and <strong>not uniform emission norms</strong> for thermal power plants.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This could avoid immediate increase in power price in various relatively clean areas of the country (and) avoid unnecessary burden on power utilities/consumers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Sulfur Dioxide Pollution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Source:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The largest source of SO<sub>2</sub> in the atmosphere is the<strong> burning of fossil fuels</strong> by power plants and other industrial facilities.</li>
<li>Smaller sources of SO<sub>2&nbsp;</sub>emissions include: industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore; <strong>natural sources such as volcanoes</strong>; and locomotives, ships and other vehicles and heavy equipment that burn fuel with a high sulfur content.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> SO<sub>2</sub> can affect both <strong>health and the environment.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Short-term exposures</strong> to SO<sub>2</sub> can <strong>harm the human respiratory system</strong> and make breathing difficult. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO<sub>2</sub>.</li>
<li>SO<sub>2</sub> emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO<sub>2</sub> in the air generally also lead to the <strong>formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx)</strong>. SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles <strong>contribute to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">particulate matter (PM)</a> pollution.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs and in sufficient quantities can contribute to health problems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Case:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) emissions <strong>recorded a significant decline of approximately 6% in 2019 compared to 2018</strong>, the steepest drop in four years, according to a report from Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, India remained the <strong>largest emitter of SO<sub>2</sub>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>2015</strong>, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&amp;CC)</strong> <strong>introduced Sulfur Dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) emission limits for coal power stations.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air Quality sub-index</strong> </a>has been evolved for <strong>eight pollutants</strong> (PM10, PM2.5, NO<sub>2</sub>, SO<sub>2</sub>, CO, O<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>3</sub>, and Pb) for which short-term (upto 24-hours) <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Standards</strong> are prescribed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/indias-power-ministry-proposes-pushing-back-emission-norms-deadline/article33495403.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/sulfur-dioxide-emission-norms-delayed'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Changing World Order, India & UNSC',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-elected-united-nations-security-council-7132965/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;India&rsquo;s UNSC opportunity&rdquo;</a> which was published in The Indian Express on 05/01/2021. It talks about the changing world order and new challenges and how India should leverage its <strong>two-year tenure of Non-Permanent Membership at UNSC.</strong></p>
</div>
<p>Since the end of the Cold War, India has entered the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/22-09-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong></a> for the third time. However, the current world order is very different from India&rsquo;s earlier stints in UNSC viz. 1991-92 and 2011-12.</p>
<p>The challenge emanating from the current world order is whether a peaceful consensus can bring about the redistribution of power between various superpowers.</p>
<p>In this context, India should leverage this two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of UNSC, to promote national interests and global peace.</p>
<h3>Changing World Order in the Recent Times</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Cold-War:</strong> With the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991</strong></a>, the world order turned from being bi-polar to unipolar. However, the current world order is without a systemic equilibrium, which is essential to the maintenance of international stability.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is due to the emergence of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Cold War</strong></a> between US &amp; China, which amounts to a struggle for a new distribution of power&mdash;political, economic and military.</li>
<li>Moreover, the differences between the US, China and Russia have become intractable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Retrenchment of US:</strong> The prominent feature of the current world order is the US&rsquo;s retrenchment from global affairs. This can be reflected by the withdrawal of the US the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement#:~:text=Paris%20Agreement%20(also%20known%20as,to%20deal%20with%20climate%20change." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate deal</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JCPOA</strong></a>, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This retrenchment has led to a severe blow to multilateralism and globalisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indo-Pacific as a New Sub-System:</strong> The rise of China has been redrawing the balance of power in the South-China Sea. This has led to countries like US, India, Japan, etc., colluding in framing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/europe-in-indo-pacific" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific as a new sub-system in international affairs.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indo-Pacific refers to the Indian and the Pacific Oceans between the east coast of Africa and the American west coast and their several littoral countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declining Role of UN:</strong> The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the UN&rsquo;s main executive body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the veto powers possessed by the UNSC&rsquo;s five permanent members are used as an instrument to shore up their geopolitical interests, regardless of the disastrous consequences for the victims of armed conflict as can be seen in Syria, Iraq, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Current Challenges For Indian Foreign Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aggressive China:</strong> At the end of the Cold War, India ought to strengthen cooperation with China on the multilateral front with a view that it would also help generate the conditions for resolving the boundary dispute and expand the areas of bilateral cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this strategy has been proved counter-effective as China now has assumed an aggressive posture towards India. It can be seen in recent Galwan Valley Clashes.</li>
<li>Moreover, China protects Pakistan from the international pressures that India has sought to mobilise at various fora.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compromising Non-Alignment:</strong> To counter China, India has colluded with like-minded countries, forming Quad grouping (US, India, Japan, Australia).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this convergence with the US has tarnished India&rsquo;s image of non-alignment and deteriorated relations with traditional partners like Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward: Leveraging Non-Permanent Membership</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Becoming Part of the Great Game</strong>: The UNSC offers room for sustained diplomatic interaction between the major powers, minimising tensions and creating new opportunities for cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Much like the US and USSR that cooperated on nuclear proliferation issues at the height of the Cold War, the US and China could explore potential common ground even amidst their broad-based confrontation.</li>
<li>In this context, India can carve out a larger role for itself amid renewed great power rivalry.</li>
<li>Further, as India now joins the UNSC amid a continuing military standoff, India can now expose the Chinese aggression in the Ladakh region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UNSC Reforms:</strong> Making the UNSC more &ldquo;representative&rdquo; has been one of India&rsquo;s demands since the end of the Cold War.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India should continue its partnership with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G4 (Brazil, Germany and Japan)</strong> </a>countries to expand the UNSC and become a permanent member.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deepening International Collaboration:</strong> The engagement with peace and security issues at the UNSC will allow India to strengthen its new coalitions such as the Quad.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, India could also use the UNSC tenure to deepen collaboration with its European partners like France and Germany in the security arena.</li>
<li>India must also sustain an intensive dialogue with Russia on all international issues, notwithstanding Russia&rsquo;s worsening problems with the West and closer ties to China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With Global South:</strong> India needs to revitalise its engagement with its traditional partners in the &ldquo;global south&rdquo; by articulating their peace and security concerns in the UNSC. In this context, two sub-groups of the global south should be of particular interest.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Small Island States:</strong> The numerous small island states worldwide face existential challenges from global warming and rising sea levels.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They also struggle to exercise control over their large maritime estates.</li>
<li>Supporting the sovereignty and survivability of the island states is a crucial political task for India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Africa:</strong> Nearly half of UNSC meetings, 60% of its documents, and 70% of its resolutions are about peace and security in Africa.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The continent has three seats in the UNSC (Kenya, Niger and Tunisia) and there is regular consultation between the UNSC and the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU).</li>
<li>The UNSC tenure is a good moment for India to intensify India&rsquo;s engagement on peace and security issues in Africa at bilateral, regional and global levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s foreign policy approach has also shifted from the reactive to the proactive. That, in turn, should make India&rsquo;s new stint at the UNSC more purposeful and pragmatic.</p>
<p>Purposefulness is about tightly integrating its UNSC engagement with India&rsquo;s broader national goals. Pragmatism demands adapting to the changed conditions at the UNSC and avoiding overly ambitious goals.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf2;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the context of changing world order and new challenges, India&rsquo;s foreign policy should leverage India&rsquo;s new stint at the UNSC more purposefully and pragmatically. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9d7n87-WiNg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/black-and-grey-on-pakistans-actions-against-terrorists/article33496043.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Black and grey: On Pakistan's actions against terrorists&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 5<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Judicial Review',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court</a> (SC)</strong> refused to treat the <strong>Central Vista project</strong> as a unique one requiring greater or heightened <strong>judicial review.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>SC</strong> said the <strong>government</strong> was <strong>&ldquo;entitled to commit errors or achieve successes&rdquo;</strong> in <strong>policy matters</strong> without the court&rsquo;s interference <strong>as long as it follows constitutional principles.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Central-Vista-redevelopment-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Vista project</strong></a> of New Delhi includes <strong>Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North</strong> and <strong>South Block, India Gate, National Archives</strong> among others.</li>
<li>The Indian Constitution <strong>adopted the Judicial Review</strong> on <strong>lines of the American Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a type of <strong>court proceeding</strong> in which a judge <strong>reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In other words, judicial reviews are a <strong>challenge to the way in which a decision has been made</strong>, rather than the rights and wrongs of the conclusion reached.</li>
<li><strong>Concepts of Law:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Procedure Established by Law:</strong> It means that a law enacted by the legislature or the concerned body is valid only if the correct procedure has been followed to the letter.</li>
<li><strong>Due Process of Law:</strong> It is a doctrine that not only checks if there is a law to deprive the life and personal liberty of a person but also ensures that the law is made fair and just.</li>
<li>India follows <strong>Procedure Established by Law.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the <strong>power exerted by the courts of a country to examine the actions of the legislatures, executive and administrative arms of government and to ensure that such actions conform to the provisions of the nation&rsquo;s Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>Judicial review has <strong>two important functions, like, of legitimizing government action</strong> and <strong>the protection of constitution against any undue encroachment by the gov&shy;ernment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Judicial review is considered a <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=Origin%3A%20The%20basic%20structure%20theory,fundamental%20features%E2%80%9D%20of%20their%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener">basic structure of the constitution</a> (<a href="/printpdf/major-constitutional-amendments-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case</em></a> 1975)</strong>.</li>
<li>Judicial review is also called the <strong>interpretational and observer roles of the Indian judiciary.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Suo Moto cases</strong> and the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/public-interest-litigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Interest Litigation (PIL)</strong></a>, with the discontinuation of the principle of Locus Standi, have <strong>allowed the judiciary to intervene in many public issues</strong>, even when there is no complaint from the aggrieved party.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reviews of Legislative Actions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This review implies the power to ensure that <strong>laws passed by the legislature are in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Administrative Actions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a tool for <strong>enforcing constitutional discipline</strong> over administrative agencies while exercising their powers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Judicial Decisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This review is used to correct or make any change in previous decisions by the judiciary itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is essential for maintaining the <strong>supremacy of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>It is essential for <strong>checking</strong> the possible <strong>misuse of power</strong> by the legislature and executive.</li>
<li>It <strong>protects the rights</strong> of the people.</li>
<li>It <strong>maintains</strong> the federal <strong>balance</strong>.</li>
<li>It is essential for securing the <strong>independence of the judiciary</strong>.</li>
<li>It <strong>prevents tyranny</strong> of executives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Problems with Judicial Review:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>limits the functioning of the government.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>violates the limit of power set to be exercised by the constitution</strong> when it overrides any existing law.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In India, a <strong>separation of functions rather than of powers is followed.</strong></li>
<li>The concept of separation of powers is not adhered to strictly. However, a system of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/checks-balances-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>checks and balances</strong></a> have been put in place in such a manner that the judiciary has the power to strike down any <strong>unconstitutional laws passed by the legislature.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The judicial opinions of the judges once taken for any case becomes the standard for ruling other cases.</li>
<li>Judicial review can harm the public at large as the judgment may be <strong>influenced by personal or selfish motives.</strong></li>
<li>Repeated interventions of courts can <strong>diminish the faith of the people in the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the government.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions for Judicial Review</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is no direct and express provision in the constitution empowering the courts to invalidate laws, but <strong>the constitution has imposed definite limitations upon each of the organs, the transgression of which would make the law void.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>court is entrusted with the task of deciding whether any of the consti&shy;tutional limitations has been transgressed or not.</strong></li>
<li>Some provisions in the constitution supporting the process of judicial review are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 372 (1)</strong> establishes the judicial review of the pre-constitution legislation.</li>
<li><strong>Article 13</strong> declares that any law which contravenes any of the provisions of the part of Funda&shy;mental Rights shall be void.</li>
<li><strong>Articles 32 and 226</strong> entrusts the roles of the protector and guarantor of fundamental rights to the Supreme and High Courts.</li>
<li><strong>Article 251 and 254</strong> states that in case of inconsistency between union and state laws, the state law shall be void.</li>
<li><strong>Article 246 (3)</strong> ensures the state legislature&rsquo;s exclusive powers on matters pertaining to the State List.</li>
<li><strong>Article 245</strong> states that the powers of both Parliament and State legislatures are subject to the provisions of the constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Articles 131-136</strong> entrusts the court with the power to adjudicate disputes between individuals, between individuals and the state, between the states and the union; but the court may be required to interpret the provisions of the constitution and the interpretation given by the Supreme Court becomes the law honoured by all courts of the land.</li>
<li><strong>Article 137</strong> gives a special power to the SC to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it. An order passed in a criminal case can be reviewed and set aside only if there are errors apparent on the record.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With the power of judicial review, the courts <strong>act as a custodian of the fundamental rights.</strong></li>
<li>With the growing functions of the modern state, <strong>judicial intervention in the process of making administrative decisions and executing them has also increased.</strong></li>
<li>When the judiciary surpasses the line of the powers set for it in the name of judicial activism, it could be rightly said that the judiciary then <strong>begins to invalidate the concept of separation of powers set out in the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Making laws is the function and duty of the legislature</strong>, to fill the gap of laws and to implement them in a proper manner is responsibility of the executive. So that the only work remaining for the judiciary is interpretations. Only a <strong>fine equilibrium between these government bodies can sustain the constitutional values.</strong></li>
</ul>',
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	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Conflict Over Nile',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have recently agreed to resume negotiations to resolve their <strong>decade-long complex dispute</strong> over the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Grand Renaissance Dam</strong> </a>hydropower project in the Horn of Africa.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Horn of Africa is the <strong>easternmost extension of African land</strong> and includes the region that is home to the countries of <strong>Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia,</strong> whose cultures have been linked throughout their long history.</li>
<li>The Grand Renaissance Dam is being constructed by<strong> Ethiopia on the river Nile.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926506_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926506_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conflict:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Nile, Africa&rsquo;s longest river,</strong> has been at the center of a decade-long complex dispute involving several countries that are dependent on the river&rsquo;s waters.</li>
<li><strong>Grand Renaissance Dam:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This 145-meter-tall (475-foot-tall) hydropower project, started by<strong> Ethiopia</strong> is the cause of conflict.</li>
<li>Given the <strong>dam&rsquo;s location on the Blue Nile tributary,</strong> it would <strong>allow Ethiopia to gain control</strong> of the flow of the river&rsquo;s waters.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Blue Nile is a tributary of the Nile river and it carries about two-thirds of the river's water volume and most of the silt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At the forefront of this <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/egypt-ethiopia-conflict-on-gerd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dispute are Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Dam&rsquo;s Importance for Ethiopia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ethiopia believes this dam will generate approximately<strong> 6,000 megawatts</strong> of electricity which will<strong> support its industrial growth.</strong></li>
<li>It can also <strong>export surplus electricity</strong> to neighbouring regions to generate revenue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Neighbouring countries like <strong>Kenya, Sudan, Eritrea and South Sudan</strong> also suffer from <strong>electricity shortages</strong> and they can also <strong>benefit from the hydropower project</strong> if Ethiopia decides to sell electricity to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Egypt&rsquo;s Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Egypt lies <strong>downstream</strong> and is concerned that Ethiopia&rsquo;s control over the water could result in <strong>lower water levels within its own borders.</strong></li>
<li>Egypt depends on the Nile for approximately 97% of its drinking water and irrigation supplies.</li>
<li>The dam would jeopardise<strong> food and water security</strong> and <strong>livelihoods</strong> of ordinary Egyptian citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sudan&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sudan too is concerned that if Ethiopia were to gain control over the river, it would affect the <strong>water levels Sudan receives.</strong></li>
<li>Sudan is likely to<strong> benefit from the power generated</strong> by the dam.</li>
<li>The<strong> regulated flow of the river will save Sudan</strong> from serious flooding in August and September. Thus it has proposed joint management of the dam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Situation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The latest round of talks between<strong> Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt</strong> occurred with<strong> South Africa</strong> observing the proceedings in its role as the current head of the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/09-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> African Union&rsquo;s</strong> </a>rotating council, in addition to other international observers.</li>
<li>Despite previous talks, the point of contention hasn&rsquo;t changed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nile River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The River Nile is in Africa. It originates in <strong>Burundi, south of the equator,</strong> and flows northward through northeastern Africa, eventually flowing through Egypt and finally draining into the <strong>Mediterranean Sea.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Source:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The source of the Nile is sometimes considered to be <strong>Lake Victoria,</strong> but the lake itself has feeder rivers of considerable size like the<strong> Kagera River.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Nile River is considered as one of the<strong> longest rivers</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>The Nile has a length of about <strong>6,695 kilometers</strong> (4,160 miles).</li>
<li>The Nile basin is huge and includes parts of <strong>Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo (Kinshasa), Kenya.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Nile River</strong> forms an <strong>arcuate delta</strong> as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Deltas with<strong> triangular or fan-shape</strong> are called<strong> arcuate (arc-like) deltas.</strong></li>
<li>The Nile is formed by three principal streams: <strong>the Blue Nile, the Atbara, and the White Nile.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926533_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609926533_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="320" height="586" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To solve the <strong>conflict peacefully, mediation and facilitation</strong> by the neighbouring countries and the international bodies are necessary.</li>
<li>In case, the attempt to resolve the conflict does not work out by facilitating negotiations between the conflict parties, then<strong> a compensation method</strong> can be adopted which would need the countries to compensate each others&rsquo; losses.</li>
<li>All countries involved in the issue <strong>need to peacefully resolve the issue</strong> so that they can <strong>reap the advantages</strong> of the dam and <strong>their peace and security</strong> is restored again.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ethiopias-dam-on-river-nile-is-triggering-water-conflict-in-east-africa-7133441/" 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/conflict-over-nile'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Yakshagana',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently a Yakshagana artiste died while performing on stage.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609921754_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609921754_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="435" height="653" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of <strong>Karnataka.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>temple art</strong> form that depicts mythological stories and Puranas.</li>
<li>It is performed with massive headgears, elaborate facial make-up and vibrant costumes and ornaments.</li>
<li>Usually recited in Kannada, it is also performed in <strong>Malayalam</strong> as well as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tulu-language" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tulu (the dialect of south Karnataka).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tulu is a <strong>Dravidian language</strong> whose speakers are concentrated in the region of Tulu Nadu, which comprises the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka and the northern part of Kasaragod district of Kerala.</li>
<li>The oldest available inscriptions in Tulu are from the period between 14<sup>th</sup> to 15<sup>th</sup> century AD.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is performed with percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam, jagatta or chengila (cymbals) and chakratala or elathalam (small cymbals).</li>
<li>The most popular <strong>episodes are from the Mahabharata</strong> i.e. Draupadi swayamvar, Subhadra vivah, etc. and <strong>from Ramayana</strong> i.e. Rajyabhishek, Lav-Kush yuddh, etc.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; text-align: center; background-color: #0a0a3b;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Theatre Forms</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; text-align: center; background-color: #0a0a3b;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>State</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; text-align: center; background-color: #0a0a3b;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Theme</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 51px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 51px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Nautanki</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 51px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 51px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Often draws on <strong>romantic Persian literature</strong> for its themes.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Tamasha</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Maharashtra</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Evolved from the folk forms such as gondhal, jagran and kirtan.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Bhavai</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Gujarat</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;"><strong>Subtle social criticism</strong> laced with humour.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Jatra</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">West Bengal/Orissa and eastern Bihar</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Originated in Bengal as a result of the <strong>Bhakti movement.</strong> Initially known as Krishna jatra due to Chaitanya&rsquo;s (spiritual founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism) influence.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Koodiyattam</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Kerala</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;"><strong>Oldest traditional theatre forms</strong> of India, it follows the performative principles of the ancient tradition of Sanskrit theatre. In 2001, Koodiyattam was officially recognized by <strong>UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage</strong> of Humanity.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">
<p>Mudiyettu</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Kerala</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Traditional ritual theatre and folk dance drama from Kerala that enacts the mythological tale of a <strong>battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika.</strong> The ritual is a part of the bhagavathi or bhadrakali cult.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Bhaona</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">Assam</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0;">A creation of Srimanta Sankardeva (an Assamese saint-scholar), these plays were written in <strong>Brajavali, a unique Assamese-Maithili mixed language,</strong> and are primarily centered on <strong>Hindu deity, Krishna.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 19px;">Maach</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 19px;">Madhya Pradesh</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 19px;">It is a sung folk theatre that has a semi sacred character, blending religious and secular themes.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 18.2461%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 35px;">Bhand Pather</td>
<td style="width: 25.2969%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 35px;">Kashmir</td>
<td style="width: 56.4569%; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fffcf0; height: 35px;"><strong>Satire, wit and parody</strong> are commonly used in this folk drama that incorporates local mythological legends and contemporary social commentary.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br /><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yakshagana-artiste-dies-while-performing-on-stage/article33499319.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: The Hindu</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/yakshagana-4'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Solidarity and Stability Deal: Gulf Countries',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Gulf states signed a<strong> &lsquo;solidarity and stability&rsquo;</strong> deal at the 41<sup>st</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></a> <strong>(GCC) summit</strong> held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609920965_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609920965_image7.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>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sanctions on Qatar:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In June 2017, Saudi Arabia and its allies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar and imposed a naval, air and land blockade on the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Qatar was <strong>charged to be too close to Iran</strong> and backed radical Islamist groups.</li>
<li>The country was <strong>alleged to support and fund terror</strong> through its support of Iran and <strong>Muslim Brotherhood</strong> (a Sunni Islamist political group <strong>outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solidarity and Stability Deal:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members of the<strong> GCC</strong> signed a deal in<strong> Al&shy;Ula, Saudi Arabia</strong> to remove all the sanctions over Qatar and<strong> re-open</strong> their<strong> land, sea and air borders to Qatar.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,<strong> Qatar,</strong> Saudi Arabia and UAE are the members of <strong>GCC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To unite efforts to promote the Gulf region and to confront challenges that surround them, especially the threats posed by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-steps-up-uranium-enrichment#:~:text=Under%20the%20deal%2C%20Iran%20agreed,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Iranian regime&rsquo;s nuclear and ballistic missile programme</strong></a> and its <strong>plans for sabotage and destruction.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GCC is a <strong>political, economic, social, and regional organisation</strong> which was<strong> established by an agreement concluded in 1981</strong> among Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE in view of their special relations, geographic proximity, similar political systems based on Islamic beliefs, joint destiny and common objectives.</li>
<li>The structure of the GCC consists of the <strong>Supreme Council (the highest authority), the Ministerial Council and the Secretariat General.</strong> The Secretariat is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Relation with Gulf Region</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India and GCC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The economic and political relationship of India with the GCC has improved in recent years.</li>
<li>The friendly relation has been reflected in the<strong> bilateral trade</strong> of around USD 121 billion and <strong>remittances</strong> of USD 49 billion from a workforce of over nine million.</li>
<li>GCC suppliers account for around <strong>34% of India&rsquo;s crude imports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and Iran:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has always <strong>shared a friendly relationship with Iran.</strong> But the India-Iran relation faces one of the most complex phases at all times due to the USA&rsquo;s pressure which has politico-economic impacts.</li>
<li>In May 2018, the USA abandoned the nuclear deal <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea#:~:text=Iran%20Nuclear%20Program%20and%20JCPOA&amp;text=The%20deal%20was%20named%20as,parlance%20as%20Iran%20Nuclear%20Deal.&amp;text=The%20agreement%20allowed%20Iran%20to,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bigger-picture-of-usas-action-against-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reinstated economic sanctions against Iran.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and Qatar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-qatar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister met the top leaders of Qatar</strong></a> and discussed strengthening the economic and security cooperation between the two countries.</li>
<li>India shares a <strong>friendly relation with Qatar</strong> and even at the time of sanctions on Qatar, India maintained a cordial relation with the oil rich nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Overall Role in the Region:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>avoided involvement in local or regional disputes</strong> in the region, since Indian interests do not entail power projection but necessitate <strong>peace and regional stability.</strong></li>
<li>The Gulf is among India&rsquo;s <strong>top trading partners.</strong> The <strong>deepening energy interdependence</strong> is marked by growing volumes of energy imports into India. There is also the prospect of substantive investments from the Gulf into the <strong>Indian hydrocarbon sector.</strong></li>
<li>The number of Indian <strong>migrant workers in the region</strong> stands at more than <strong>7 million.</strong></li>
<li>The expansion of the political engagement has been matched by the <strong>growing security cooperation, especially on counter-terrorism.</strong></li>
<li>India and its Gulf partners are also <strong>taking tentative steps towards defence cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example participation of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and others in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/naval-exercise-milan-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India&rsquo;s mega multilateral Milan Exercise.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Gulf region has historical, political, economic, strategic and cultural significance for India. <strong>India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can provide a boost to the relations.</strong></li>
<li>It has been assessed that Saudi Arabia is a fading power whereas UAE, Qatar and Iran are emerging as the new regional leaders. <strong>Oman and Iraq will have to struggle to retain their sovereign identities.</strong></li>
<li>Thus, <strong>Indian interests would be best served</strong> if the <strong>stability in the region</strong> is ensured through cooperative security since the alternative, of competitive security options, cannot ensure durable peace.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solidarity-and-stability-deal-gulf-countries'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: The Demands of Farmers',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TM_cpDR0S90" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Farmers have been protesting for over months and have congregated on the periphery of the National Capital.</li>
<li>They have blocked roads to Delhi and remain firm on their demand to repeal the recently passed <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agricultural-reforms#:~:text=The%20Government%20with%20the%20aim,three%20important%20legislation%20from%20Parliament.&amp;text=The%20Farmers%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>farm laws</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the government&rsquo;s assurance given to the farmers that the new laws are for their benefit, they still fear that their livelihood will be severely affected.</li>
<li>The major demands of farmers include completely rolling back the three farm laws along with ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) on the crop products.</li>
<li>Farmer unions had also intensified their agitation against the farm laws by calling for 'Bharat Bandh' to show their discontentment with amendments to the agricultural legislations being proposed by the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Farmers&rsquo; Demands</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Repealing the farm laws:</strong> The first and foremost demand of the protesting farmers&rsquo; organisations is the repeal of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agricultural-reforms#:~:text=The%20Government%20with%20the%20aim,three%20important%20legislation%20from%20Parliament.&amp;text=The%20Farmers%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>three new agricultural laws</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Minimum support price:</strong> The second demand of farmers is the guarantee of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price-for-crops" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price (MSP)</strong></a> to ensure procurement of crops at a suitable price.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Farmers are also demanding to get a written assurance in the form of a Bill for the continuation MSP and conventional food grain procurement system.</li>
<li>The Farmers&rsquo; organisations want the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketinghttps://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APMC</strong></a> or the Mandi System to be protected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Electricity (Amendment) Bill:</strong> The third demand of farmers is the withdrawal of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electricity-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Electricity (Amendment) Bill</strong></a>, as they feel that they won&rsquo;t get free electricity due to this.</li>
<li><strong>Stubble burning:</strong> The farmers&rsquo; fourth demand is to end the fine and jail sentence for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Swaminathan Commission:</strong> The Farmers are demanding MSP as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Swaminathan Commission Report states that the government should raise the MSP to at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production. <strong>It is also known as the C2+ 50% formula.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It includes the imputed cost of capital and the rent on the land (called &lsquo;C2&rsquo; ) to give farmers 50% returns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Are the Demands Justified?</h3>
<p><strong>Arguments in Against</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MSP is an incentive not a right:</strong> Even though the MSP might be beneficial for a section of the farmers only, the cost of MSP itself is very high for the country as a whole.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>MSP was given to the farmers as an incentive to prevent them from exploitation, it cannot be mandated as a right.</li>
<li>It is an artificially high price which hurts the population who does not cultivate these crops but is poor; e.g. landless labourers, small &amp; marginal farmers in villages who are also the net buyers of the food grains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The law does not dismantle the APMC system:</strong> The APMCs are not going to shut down and will continue to be available as an alternate option for the sale of farmers&rsquo; produce.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has only given the farmers the freedom to sell out of the APMCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contract farming:</strong> Contract farming already exists in parts of the country. Large scale informal contract farming is already happening in West Bengal and around Delhi.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The law simply recognises contract farming, makes it legal and provides mechanism protection for the farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowing stubble burning:</strong> The farmers, who burn stubble, are conscious of going to jail if they continue burning the stubble as the law provides for a fine up to Rs. 1 crore or jail of up to five years or both.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite the raging need for laws against pollution, this demand of the farmers is utterly saddening.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Arguments in Favour</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Corporatisation of agriculture is against the farmers&rsquo; welfare:</strong> The global experience across agricultural markets demonstrates that corporatisation of agriculture without a concomitant security net in the form of an assured payment guarantee to the farmers results in the exploitation of farmers at the hands of big business.</li>
<li><strong>Threat for small and marginal farmers:</strong> This poses a significant challenge to Small and Marginal Farmers which constitute 86% of our agricultural class.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The present laws alter the bargaining landscape in favour of the corporate players.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dispute resolution mechanism:</strong> The new farm laws expressly exclude the jurisdiction of the civil court, leaving the farmers remediless and with no independent medium of dispute redressal mechanism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The farmers shall be given the right to take their stand to the court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Gradual decline of APMC mandis:</strong> The farm laws open the field to an alternate set of markets/private yards, where the buyer will have no statutory obligation to pay the MSP.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Since the markets/private yards will not be charged any market fee/levy and the agricultural sector will see the gradual shifting of trade from the APMC mandis to these private yards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture is a state subject:</strong> The Union Government has by-passed the federal structure by legislating on subjects that exclusively fall within the domain of the state government under the state list of the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/30-09-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Seventh Schedule of the Constitution</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Choosing a middle ground:</strong> The government is not going to repeal all the three laws while the farmers are adamant about their protest for repealing the laws. The need here is to adopt a middle path.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There must be some negotiations between the two, while the government is accepting the genuine demands, the farmers should also agree to some of the former&rsquo;s terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Complete information about the rights:</strong> What farmers need is complete information of their rights and duties and connectivity which needs to be provided by central as well as state governments.</li>
<li><strong>Landless labourers:</strong> The landless labourers are often left out of welfare policies, while they are the majority of rural areas. More policies should be more focussed upon the landless labourers.</li>
<li><strong>People&rsquo;s suggestion:</strong> It is important to take the suggestions of all the stakeholders before passing a new bill especially in the world's largest democratic country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The farmers are an integral part in the formation of the country, their interests must be preserved and their issues must be looked and worked upon. In this case, adopting a middle path is the best and wisest way forward.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-the-demands-of-farmers'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Governor: An Agent of the Centre?',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/maximum-governor-on-governors-role/article33496044.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Maximum Governor: On Governor's role&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 05/01/2021. It talks about the controversial position of the governor as an agent of the central government.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Governor</strong></a> of Kerala refused to convene a special session of the Kerala Assembly that was intended to discuss the ongoing farmer protest in New Delhi.</p>
<p>This conduct is comparable to the many actions of governors of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc., that led to unwarranted interference of centre in states&rsquo; politics. These states happen to be ruled by the political parties governed by the opposition parties at the centre.</p>
<p>Such instances portray the negative image of the state governors as an agent of the centre. The Governor&rsquo;s office&rsquo;s misuse to undermine duly elected State governments undermines democratic processes and compromises one of the Basic Structure doctrine elements, i.e. federalism.</p>
<h3>Governor: Acting As Agent of Centre &amp; It&rsquo;s Effect</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Source: Article 163</strong> of Indian Constitution states that the Governor should exercise his functions based on the <strong>state&rsquo;s Council of Ministers&rsquo; aid and advice</strong>, except it is required to exercise his functions at his discretion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, Article 163 acts as a source of the discretionary power of the governor.</li>
<li>As the union government nominates the governor, the combined effect with Article 163 provides the scope centre meddling in the state&rsquo;s affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nature of Intervention:</strong> The present controversies have been around issues like:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Selecting the Chief Minister,</li>
<li>Determining the timing for proving legislative majority,</li>
<li>Demanding information about day-to-day administration,</li>
<li>Giving assent to bills or reserving bills for the President,</li>
<li>Frequent use of Article 356 for removing state governments run by opposition parties based on the governor&rsquo;s recommendation.</li>
<li>Commenting adversely on specific policies of the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect:</strong> The encroachment upon the legislature&rsquo;s powers and the elected government amounts to an abuse of Governor&rsquo;s authority as a nominal head under the Constitution.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Various wrongdoings of the centre through the governor&rsquo;s office damage India&rsquo;s essential federal structure and the democratic process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Envisaged Role of Governor</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Taking Clues From Constituent Assembly Debates:</strong> On analysing the constituent assembly debates, it can be inferred that the constituent assembly envisaged creating &lsquo;responsible government&rsquo; in the states as much as at the centre.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to <strong>Dr Ambedkar</strong>, &ldquo;I have no doubt in my mind that discretionary power is in no sense a negation of responsible government. It is not a general clause giving the governor power to disregard the advice of his ministers in any matter in which he finds he ought to disregard.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taking Clues From Constitution:</strong> As the states were indeed sovereign within their own domain, the discretionary power, beyond the specific situations mentioned in the constitution, does not enable a governor to override the state government.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, selecting a chief minister of his choice or creating/utilising opportunities for defections to change the party in power cannot be a governor&rsquo;s job.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taking Clues from Various Committees on Centre-States Relation:</strong> In the last few decades, various committees were appointed to understand the governor&rsquo;s role in India&rsquo;s federal democratic setup.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These committees made extremely valuable recommendations to make the governor&rsquo;s office the <strong>&ldquo;linchpin of the state&rsquo;s constitutional apparatus.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg"><strong>Note:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Various Committees on Centre-States Relations
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Administrative Reforms Commission of 1968,</li>
<li>The Rajamannar Committee of 1969,</li>
<li>Committee of Governors of 1971,</li>
<li>The Sarkaria commission of 1988,</li>
<li>Punchhi Commission, 2007.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Governor&rsquo;s Discretion Should Be Only Her Discretion:</strong> For the smooth functioning of a democratic government, it is equally essential that the governor must act judiciously, impartially and efficiently while exercising his discretion and personal judgment.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the Sarkaria Commission put it, the governor&rsquo;s task <strong>&ldquo;is to see that a government is formed and not to try to form a government,&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening of Federalism:</strong> In order to check misuse of the office of governor, there is a need to strengthen federal setup in India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this regard, the Inter-State council and the role of Rajya Sabha as the chamber of federalism must be strengthened.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reform the Method of Appointment of Governor:</strong> In order to end the monopoly of the centre in selecting its &lsquo;own man&rsquo; as governor, the appointment can be made from a panel prepared by the state legislature and actual appointing authority should be the Inter-state Council, not the central government.</li>
<li><strong>Code of Conduct for Governor:</strong> In order to enable the governor to successfully discharge his functions under the centre and states governments should agree on a 'Code of Conduct'.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This 'Code of Conduct' should lay down certain 'norms and principles' which should guide the exercise of the governor's 'discretion' and his powers which he is entitled to use and exercise on his judgment.</li>
<li>In this context, the inspiration for such a code can be derived from the various recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission on centre-states relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The governor&rsquo;s role is not merely an agent of the centre sitting in state capitals; he is the lynchpin of India&rsquo;s federalism and democracy at the state&rsquo;s level. Therefore, the governor&rsquo;s role is indispensable for the successful working of constitutional democracy, and he must withhold the virtue of impartiality.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ed1c1c; background-color: #fffde3;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The governor&rsquo;s role and powers have been a controversial issue in Indian politics. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oL-X94-ne3c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-tortuous-recovery-the-hindu-editorial-on-record-gst-inflows/article33488173.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A tortuous recovery: On record GST inflows&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 4<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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