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Shanghai Cooperation Organisation & India

This article is based on “Regional priorities: On the SCO summit” which was published in The Hindu on 02/12/2020. It talks about the...

02 Dec 2020 News Editorials
National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre

Why in News The Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), the nodal agency for maritime data fusion set up after the 26/11...

02 Dec 2020 News Analysis
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme

Why in News A review meeting regarding the progress of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme (UBA) was held via videoconferencing. Key Points Highlights...

02 Dec 2020 News Analysis
Virtual Aadi Mahotsav

Why in News The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the virtual edition of Aadi Mahotsav - Madhya Pradesh. The next focus state would be...

02 Dec 2020 News Analysis
Criticism of Policies on Kashmir: OIC

Why in News India has ‘strongly’ rejected the criticism of its Kashmir policy by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The...

02 Dec 2020 News Analysis
The Big Picture: Special Marriage Act

Why in News? The Allahabad high Court has recently expressed its concern over the issue of one changing his/her faith just for the sake of...

02 Dec 2020 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Mandi System In India

This article is based on “The perils of deregulated imperfect agrimarkets” which was published in The Hindu on 01/12/2020. It talks...

01 Dec 2020 News Editorials
SCO Online International Exhibition

Why in News Recently, the Vice President of India has launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage. The launch...

01 Dec 2020 News Analysis
Influenza and Bacterial Infection

Why in News Recently, researches at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute have come out with findings on superinfections and have also highlighted...

01 Dec 2020 News Analysis
Rise in NREGS Demand

Why in News A recent analysis of data available up to November on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) portal shows that demand...

01 Dec 2020 News Analysis
Peacock Soft-shelled Turtle

Why in News Recently, Peacock soft-shelled turtle (a turtle of a vulnerable species) has been rescued from a fish market in Assam’s...

01 Dec 2020 News Analysis
IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course)

IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course) Registration open Mode: Pen Drive Course (Total 8 Pen...

01 Dec 2020 Online Courses
Implementing Forest Rights

This article is based on “How FRA helped India’s forest communities during COVID-19” which was published in Down to Earth on...

30 Nov 2020 News Editorials
Hidden Epidemic

Why In News A new research published recently in Diabetologia (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) highlights the...

30 Nov 2020 News Analysis
China’s New Dam on Brahmaputra

Why in News Recently, Chinese authorities have given the go ahead for a Chinese hydropower company to construct the first downstream hydropower...

30 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Mission COVID Suraksha

Why in News The Government of India has announced the stimulus package of Rs. 900 crore for the Mission COVID Suraksha, the Indian Covid-19 Vaccine...

30 Nov 2020 News Analysis
OTT Platforms

Why in News? The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and...

30 Nov 2020 Paper 3
Checks & Balances

This article is based on “The Red Lines” which was published in The Indian Express on 27/11/2020. It talks about the issues and...

28 Nov 2020 News Editorials
The Constitution Day

Why in News Recently on 26th November, 71st constitution day was celebrated in the country. Every year as part of the celebrations, a number of...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis
National Organ Donation Day

Why in News National Organ Donation Day was celebrated on 27th November by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Key Points National Organ...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Shanghai Cooperation Organisation & India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
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<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/regional-priorities-on-the-sco-summit/article33224842.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Regional priorities: On the SCO summit&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 02/12/2020. It talks about the opportunities posted in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a grouping for India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India for the first time hosted the heads of governments (HoG) meeting of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-balancing-with-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</strong></a>, three years after joining the eight-nation group. The focus of this virtual conference was in developing a plan to overcome the socio-economic consequences of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> in the region.</p>
<p>In less than two decades, SCO has emerged as a key regional organisation in the Eurasian space. It accounts for over 60% of Eurasia's territory, more than 40% of the world's population, and almost a quarter of the world's GDP.</p>
<p>Given the increasing role and significance of the SCO in the Eurasian region and beyond, India is likely to benefit more in the long-term by joining the organisation. Therefore, SCO provides the opportunity for India to fulfil its national interest while cautiously navigating through challenges.</p>
<h3>Opportunities For India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Regional Security:</strong> SCO will enable India, as an integral part of the Eurasian security grouping, to neutralise centrifugal forces arising from religious extremism and terrorism in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The drawdown of Western forces from Afghanistan and the rise of Islamic State (IS) with its stated intention to create &lsquo;Khorasan&rsquo; have added a new explosive dimension to the region's security landscape.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Embracing Regionalism:</strong> The SCO is one of the few regional structures India is a part of now, given a decline in its engagement with <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>, BBIN and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCEP</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More importantly, cooperation in three critical areas&mdash; energy, building trade and transportation links, and dealing with traditional and non-traditional security threats&mdash; can be facilitated through the SCO mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connect With Central Asia:</strong> SCO is also a potential platform to advance India&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/connect-central-asia-policy#:~:text=It%20was%20in%20this%20context,%2C%20economic%2C%20and%20cultural%20connections." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Connect Central Asia policy.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s ongoing engagement with SCO can be seen through the prism of reconnecting and re-energising ties with a region with which India has shared civilizational linkages, and is considered the country&rsquo;s extended neighbourhood.</li>
<li>The SCO provides India with a convenient channel for its outreach &mdash; trade and strategic ties &mdash; to Central Asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>Note:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The foundation of India&rsquo;s economic outreach to Central Asia is based on its 2012 Connect Central Asia Policy with its focus on the 4 C&rsquo;s - Commerce, Connectivity, Consular and Community.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Dealing With Pakistan &amp; China:</strong> SCO provides India with a forum where it can constructively engage both China and Pakistan in a regional context and project India&rsquo;s security interests.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While the government has eschewed meetings with Pakistan for the last five years, it has used the SCO for talks with China, including this year amidst the LAC stand-off.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bringing Stability in Afganistan:</strong> SCO also an alternative regional platform to delve into the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan and the centrifugal forces arising from religious extremism and terrorism in the region which threaten India&rsquo;s security and development.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Balancing:</strong> Above all, the SCO has been seen as a grouping worth pursuing as it retains India&rsquo;s geopolitical balance, a useful counterpoint to New Delhi&rsquo;s otherwise much more robust relations with the western world.</li>
<li><strong>Foundational Dimensions of SECURE:</strong> Acknowledging the strategic importance emanating from the region and SCO, the Indian Prime Minister had articulated the foundational dimension of Eurasia being<strong> 'SECURE&rsquo;.</strong> The letters in the word SECURE are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>S for Security of our citizens,</li>
<li>E for Economic development for all,</li>
<li>C for Connecting the region,</li>
<li>U for Unite our people,</li>
<li>R for Respect for Sovereignty and Integrity, and</li>
<li>E for Environment protection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges That India Needs to Navigate</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Denial Of Direct Land Connectivity:</strong> A major impediment in India&rsquo;s expanded engagement with Eurasia remains the strategic denial of direct land connectivity between India and Afghanistan and beyond by Pakistan.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is due to this, India&rsquo;s bilateral trade with Central Asia stands at about $2 billion and with Russia about $10 billion in 2017.</li>
<li>In contrast, China&rsquo;s trade with Russia has crossed $100 billion in 2018 while the bilateral figures for Central Asia stand at over $50 billion.</li>
<li>The lack of connectivity has also hampered the development of energy ties between the hydrocarbon-rich region and India</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Russia-China Convergence:</strong> One of the major factors for Russia pushing India&rsquo;s inclusion into the SCO was to balance China&rsquo;s power.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, today the challenge India faces is the growing closeness of Russia and China, even as India has promoted better relations with the US.</li>
<li>Further, the new equation of growing Russia &mdash; China &mdash; Pakistan triangular convergence of interests is a challenge that needs to be navigated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Difference Over BRI:</strong> While India has made its opposition to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRI</strong></a> clear, all other SCO members have embraced the Chinese project.</li>
<li><strong>India-Pakistan Rivalry:</strong> SCO members have, in the past, expressed fears of the organisation being held hostage to India&rsquo;s and Pakistan&rsquo;s adversarial relationship, and their fears would likely have worsened in recent times.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Improving Connectivity With Central Asia:</strong> India can seek to capitalise on Russian concerns about China exercising disproportionate influence in Central Asia. Moreover, Central Asian states are also keen for India to play a bigger role in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in order to succeed, India would first have to improve its own standing in the region.</li>
<li>In this context, the opening of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chabahar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chabahar port</strong></a> and entry into <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-central-asia-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ashgabat agreement</strong> </a>should be utilized for a stronger presence in Eurasia besides a clear focus on operationalising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-firm-takes-over-chabahar-port-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Relations With China:</strong> It is imperative that India and China set up a modus vivendi (agreement allowing conflicting parties to coexist peacefully) for the 21<sup>st</sup> century to be viewed through the lens of an Asia century.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This sentiment was aptly reflected in Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s statement at the 2018 Shangri La Dialogue wherein he stated: <strong>"Asia of rivalry will hold us all back. Asia of cooperation will shape this century."</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Relation With Pakistan:</strong> SCO&rsquo;s emphasis on promoting economic cooperation, trade, energy and regional connectivity should be leveraged to improve relations with Pakistan and persuade it to unblock India&rsquo;s access to Eurasia and provide a fillip to projects like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ6dDPQK1Zg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>TAPI.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Military Corporation:</strong> In the context of increasing terrorism in the region, it is imperative for SCO countries to develop a &lsquo;cooperative and sustainable security&rsquo; framework and make the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure more effective.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>An evolving objective of SCO now appears to increase not just its regional but also its global strategic and economic profile. In this scenario, India, as a new member of SCO, will need to formulate an appropriate Eurasian strategy.</p>
<p>This strategy should serve India&rsquo;s regional interests to ensuring sustainable nation-building through development partnerships, maintaining sovereignty, preventing the region from being a hub of terrorism and extremism. At the same time, it is also in India&rsquo;s interest that this region does not evolve into a geopolitical chessboard of new great game rivalries.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606910428_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606910428_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) provides the opportunity for India to fulfil its national interest while cautiously navigating through challenges. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e2nhRDrd4W4" 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/donald-trump-s-last-push-in-west-asia-ht-editorial/story-JjeyZwYA5TH837OHn7NEbL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Donald Trump&rsquo;s last push in West Asia&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on November 30<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Navy&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Management and Analysis Centre</strong> </a>(IMAC), the nodal agency for maritime data fusion set up after the <strong>26/11 Mumbai terror attacks,</strong> will soon become a <strong>National Maritime Domain Awareness</strong> (NDMA) Centre.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> One of the areas for enhancing coastal security is Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which is extremely challenging since<strong> India is located in one of the busiest maritime traffic regions of the world.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong> is the commercial highway for large traffic and critical for the prosperity of many nations. Hence, <strong>threats</strong> such as maritime terrorism, piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing etc. are required to be kept subdued at all times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maritime Domain Awareness:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is defined by the <strong>International Maritime Organization</strong> (IMO) as the effective understanding of <strong>anything associated with the maritime domain</strong> that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>maritime domain is defined</strong> as all areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, including all maritime-related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, and vessels and other conveyances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier this year in March, India joined the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)</a> as Observer.</strong> The Commission is an <strong>important regional institution in Western/African Indian Ocean.</strong></li>
<li>Previously in 2018,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> the Information Fusion Centre &ndash; Indian Ocean region (IFC-IOR)</strong> </a>was set up within the premises of the IMAC<strong> to coordinate with regional countries on maritime security and act as a regional repository of maritime data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Proposed NDMA Centre:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be a <strong>multi-agency centre and provide information</strong> to various stakeholders, from the fisheries department to local policing authorities on <strong>development or movements across the coast.</strong> This will make sure that any risk, especially transnational can be prevented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>main center of the Indian Navy for coastal surveillance and monitoring.</strong> It is located in <strong>Gurugram</strong> (Haryana) and became <strong>operational in 2014.</strong></li>
<li>It is a<strong> joint initiative</strong> of Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Bharat Electronics Ltd. and <strong>functions under the National Security Adviser (NSA).</strong></li>
<li>It is the nodal center of the <strong>National Command Control Communications and Intelligence Network</strong> (NC3I Network).</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It tracks vessels on the high seas and gets data from the coastal radars, white shipping agreements, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) transponders fitted on merchant ships, air and traffic management systems and global shipping databases. Its functions in line with the principles listed under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-20th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Security and Growth of All in the Region (SAGAR)'.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>White Shipping Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The white shipping information refers to an <strong>exchange of relevant advance information on the identity and movement of commercial non-military merchant vessels.</strong></li>
<li>Ships are classified into <strong>white (commercial ships), grey (military vessels), </strong>and<strong> black (illegal vessels).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Automatic Identification System:</strong> It is an automated tracking system installed on all commercial vessels of specific tonnage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After the 26/11 terror attack, all fishing vessels <strong>more than 20m long were mandated to have AIS transponders installed,</strong> while efforts are on to have such a system on under 20m fishing vessels as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Initiatives by IMAC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2019, it conducted a coastal security workshop for <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> countries.</li>
<li>During the<strong> MT New Diamond</strong> (vessel) <strong>fire incident off the coast of Sri Lanka, IFC-IOR</strong> played a key role in the early mobilization of resources that resulted in a quick reaction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Command Control Communications and Intelligence Network</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Navy has established the NC3IN linking 51 stations, including 20 of the Navy and 31 of the Coast Guard, with a nodal Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC).</li>
<li>The NC3I generates <strong>a seamless real-time picture of the nearly 7,500-km long coastline.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navys-imac-to-become-national-maritime-domain-awareness-centre/article33186731.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A review meeting regarding the progress of<strong> Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme</strong> (UBA) was held via videoconferencing.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Meeting:</strong> The <strong>Union Education Minister emphasised</strong> on the following:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Identify <strong>three to five core issues common amongst all the villages</strong> and few issues based on <strong>local conditions</strong> and work on these.</li>
<li>Efforts should be made to maximise the number of <strong>Higher Educational Institutions</strong> under the scheme in order to benefit more villages.</li>
<li>UBA should be used in <strong>sensitizing the school teachers regarding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20Union%20Cabinet%20has,India%20a%20global%20knowledge%20superpower%E2%80%9D." target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Education Policy, 2020.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Need for a portal</strong> was highlighted which will serve as an interactive platform for different institutions wherein they can share success stories and motivate each other.</li>
<li>Carry out a<strong> state-wise study </strong>and <strong>set targets regarding the parameters under UBA</strong> such as improvement in literacy, healthcare etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a flagship program of the<strong> Ministry of Education.</strong> It was <strong>launched in 2014.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to <strong>link the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with a set of at least (5) villages,</strong> so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>covers two major domains</strong> for holistic development of villages &ndash;<strong> human development and material (economic) development</strong> - in an integrated way.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Indian Institute of Technology Delhi</strong> (IIT, Delhi) has been designated as the <strong>National Coordinating Institute</strong> (NCI) for the UBA scheme.</li>
<li><strong>Main Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>engage the faculty and students of HEIs in identifying development issues in rural areas</strong> and finding sustainable solutions for the same.</li>
<li>Identify &amp; select existing innovative technologies, enable customisation of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions,<strong> as required by the people.</strong></li>
<li>To allow HEIs to contribute to devising systems for smooth <strong>implementation of various Government programmes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the upgraded version of<strong> UBA 1.0.</strong> It was<strong> launched in 2018.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>UBA 1.0</strong> or UBA Phase-1 was the <strong>Invitation Mode</strong> in which Participating Institutions were invited to be a part of UBA.</li>
<li>Whereas <strong>UBA 2.0 is the Challenge Mode</strong> of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan programme where all HEIs are required to willingly adopt at least 5 villages. Currently, UBA 2.0 Mode is going on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606904480_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606904480_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="535" height="469" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1674507" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Virtual Aadi Mahotsav',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> has launched the <strong>virtual edition of Aadi Mahotsav -</strong> Madhya Pradesh.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>next focus state</strong> would be Gujarat, followed by West Bengal.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aadi Mahotsav:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>national tribal festival</strong> and a <strong>joint initiative</strong> of the <strong>Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> and the <strong>Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).</strong> It <strong>commenced in 2017</strong> and is <strong>held annually.</strong></li>
<li>It is an attempt <strong>to familiarise the people</strong> with the rich and diverse craft, <strong>culture of the tribal communities</strong> across the country, in <strong>one place.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2019,</strong> the festival was held in <strong>New Delhi</strong> and featured an exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Virtual Edition of Aadi Mahotsav:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This year, TRIFED has <strong>moved the event online</strong> and will be <strong>hosted on the Tribes India E-Marketplace.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>bring the spotlight on all the major tribes one-by one.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> It was established in 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 by the Government of India as a National level Cooperative body.</li>
<li><strong>Organisation:</strong> It is a national-level apex organization functioning under the <strong>administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has its <strong>head office in New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> Socio-economic development of tribal people, empowerment of tribal people with knowledge, tools and information and their capacity building.</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives and Involvement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>TRIFED, under the <strong>brand name Tribes India,</strong> markets the handcrafted products directly procured from the tribals in India through its 73 brick and mortar outlets all over India. Tribes India has its<strong> own e-commerce platform.</strong></li>
<li><strong>TRIFOOD Scheme</strong> is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED and it promotes value addition to Minor Forest Produce (MFP).</li>
<li>It has organised the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/van-dhan-internship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Van Dhan Internship Programme</strong></a>, to enhance the output of the Van Dhan Yojana.</li>
<li>TRIFED helps in <strong>implementation of the scheme</strong> &lsquo;Mechanism for Marketing of MFP through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price</strong></a> (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP&rsquo; to ensure fair returns to forest dwelling <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes#:~:text=However%2C%20Article%20366(25),the%20purposes%20of%20this%20Constitution.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes</strong> </a>(STs) and other traditional forest dwellers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MSP for MFP and Van Dhan program is in line with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3#:~:text=The%20Act%20identifies%20four%20types,a%20maximum%20of%204%20hectares.&amp;text=Use%20rights%3A%20The%20rights%20of,Forest%20Produce%2C%20grazing%20areas%20etc." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>"The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights Act, 2006)"</strong></a>, a key forest legislation passed for securing protection &amp; livelihood of poor tribals and concerns with the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other natural resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has also launched a transformational <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tech-for-tribals-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tech For Tribals program</strong> </a>in partnership with Institutes of National Importance (INIs) to develop tribal entrepreneurship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1677381" 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/virtual-aadi-mahotsav'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Criticism of Policies on Kashmir: OIC',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India has &lsquo;strongly&rsquo; <strong>rejected the criticism of its Kashmir policy by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).</a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>47<sup>th</sup> session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers,</strong> held at <strong>Niamey (Niger),</strong> had made a reference to India over its <strong>policies on Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OIC is the <strong>second largest intergovernmental organization</strong> after the United Nations with a membership of <strong>57 states.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is not a member of the OIC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the <strong>collective voice of the Muslim world.</strong> It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of <strong>promoting international peace and harmony</strong> among various people of the world.</li>
<li>It was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in <strong>Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, in 1969.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>47<sup>th</sup> Session of OIC:</strong> A report submitted at the 47<sup>th</sup> session referred to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It said that the decision of the Indian government to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> repeal special status</strong></a> (in 2019) was aimed towards <strong>changing the demographic and geographic composition</strong> of the territory.</li>
<li>The continuous blockade and restrictions together have<strong> led to human rights abuses.</strong></li>
<li>The statement <strong>acknowledged the support that Pakistan has been providing to keep the Kashmir issue</strong> on the agenda of the organisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India strongly hit out at the OIC, accusing it of making<strong> "factually incorrect and unwarranted"</strong> references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted by the grouping at the session.</li>
<li>India asserted that the <strong>union territory is an integral and inalienable part of the country.</strong></li>
<li>India<strong> advised the OIC to refrain from making such references in future</strong> and said it is regrettable that the<strong> grouping continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country</strong> "which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities" in a <strong>clear reference to Pakistan.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After India revoked<strong> special status</strong> in Kashmir, Pakistan lobbied with the OIC for their condemnation of the move.</li>
<li>Over the last one year, Pakistan has tried to rouse sentiments among the Islamic countries, but only a handful of them, <strong>Turkey</strong> and <strong>Malaysia</strong> publicly criticised India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Saudi Arabia</strong> and the <strong>UAE,</strong> both top leaders among the Muslim countries, were <strong>not as critical</strong> of India as Pakistan had hoped.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of India&rsquo;s latest statement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India believes to bust the <strong>double standard of OIC,</strong> where it supports the agenda of Pakistan in the name of human rights.</li>
<li>India now sees the <strong>duality of the OIC unjustifiable,</strong> since many of the member countries of the OIC have <strong>good bilateral ties</strong> and convey to India to ignore OIC statements <strong>but sign off on the joint statements</strong> which are<strong> largely drafted by Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>India also wants to challenge this issue because of the possibility of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-us-election-results-on-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Joe Biden administration in the US</strong></a> which may have a strong view on human rights in Kashmir and may issue statements that <strong>may complicate India&rsquo;s</strong> image at the global stage.</li>
<li>With India preparing to take <strong>over a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-permanent member&rsquo;s seat at the UN Security Council</a></strong>, it wants to use its diplomatic clout and goodwill to bury this issue at the global body in the next two years and bring up the<strong> Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism</strong> high on agenda.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India and OIC</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s relationship with OIC as an organisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the 45<sup>th</sup> session of the Foreign Ministers&rsquo; Summit in 2018, Bangladesh, the host, <strong>suggested that India,</strong> where more than 10% of the world&rsquo;s Muslims live,<strong> should be given Observer status,</strong> but <strong>Pakistan opposed</strong> the proposal.</li>
<li>In 2019, India <strong>made its maiden appearance</strong> at the OIC Foreign Ministers&rsquo; meeting, as a &ldquo;guest of honour&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This<strong> first-time invitation was seen as a diplomatic victory for India,</strong> especially at a time of heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism of India's Policies by OIC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>generally supportive of Pakistan&rsquo;s stand on Kashmir,</strong> and has issued statements criticising the alleged Indian &ldquo;atrocities&rdquo; in the state/Union Territory.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018, the OIC General Secretariat had &ldquo;expressed strong condemnation of the killing of innocent Kashmiris by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It described the<strong> &ldquo;direct shooting at demonstrators&rdquo;</strong> as a<strong> &ldquo;terrorist act&rdquo;,</strong> and <strong>&ldquo;called upon the international community to play its role in order to reach a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Kashmir&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>OIC has criticised the Government of India over the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></a>, and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liberhan-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Babri Masjid verdict</strong> </a>of the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>OIC has also criticised the Indian government for what it called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/islamophobia-in-india-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;growing Islamophobia&rdquo;</strong></a> in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has always maintained that<strong> OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India</strong> including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s relationship with OIC member countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Individually, India has good relations with almost all member nations.</li>
<li>Ties with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-gulf-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UAE</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia</strong></a>, especially, have improved significantly in recent years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (UAE)</strong> was a special chief guest at the <strong>68<sup>th</sup> Republic Day</strong> celebrations in 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The OIC includes two of <strong>India&rsquo;s close neighbours,</strong> Bangladesh and Maldives. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian diplomats say both countries<strong> privately admit that they do not want to complicate their bilateral ties with India on Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-kashmir-india-and-the-oic-7074514/" 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/criticism-of-policies-on-kashmir-oic'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Special Marriage Act',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HyyYpMxxQ_s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>The Allahabad high Court has recently expressed its concern over the issue of one changing his/her faith just for the sake of matrimony while the two persons professing different religions can marry under<strong> the Special Marriage Act</strong> which is &lsquo;one of the earliest endeavours towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/uniform-civil-code-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uniform Civil Code.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The court had made the comments after finding that a Muslim woman had converted to Hinduism, and a month later married as per Hindu rituals.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Special Marriage Act is the legislation made to validate and register interreligious and inter-caste marriages in India.</li>
<li>It allows two individuals to solemnise their marriage through a civil contract.</li>
<li>No religious formalities are needed to be carried out under the Act.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Provisions Under The Special Marriage Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Special Marriage Act came into effect in 1954 permitting any individual belonging to a faith to marry another person belonging to a different faith provided there are certain conditions. The conditions are laid down in section 4 of the act: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It says that neither of the parties should have a spouse living.</li>
<li>Both the parties should be capable of giving consent; should be sane at the time of marriage.</li>
<li>The parties shall not be within the prohibited degree of relations as prescribed under their law. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Relationship by half blood as well as by full blood</li>
<li>Illegitimate as well as legitimate blood relationship</li>
<li>Relationship by adoption as well as by blood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While considering the age, the male must be at least 21 and the female be 18 at least.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In case all of these conditions are fulfilled, the parties are supposed to give a notice for their marriage to the Marriage Officer in an area where one of them has been living for the last 30 days.</li>
<li>Anyone having any objection to the marriage can file against it within a period of 30 days, after a 30 days period of considering the objections, the marriage is permitted with 3 witnesses required to sign the registration of marriage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Anyone who believes that either of the given parties do not fulfill all the required conditions can file an objection against the marriage and the marriage officer can reject the marriage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong> People of the same faith can also marry under this act; but separate laws for marriage also exist in their respective faith.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Issue related to the Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The act only validates the marriage of two people belonging to different faiths, but there is no punishment for those who forcibly convert the other partner just for the sake of marriage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a serious issue for the communities such as the Parsis which already exist in minorities, due to coerced conversion these communities will soon be vanished.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Uniform Civil Code</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A uniform civil code here refers to a single law, applicable to all citizens of India in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, custody, adoption and inheritance.</li>
<li>The Constitution in Article 44 requires the State to strive to secure for its citizens a <strong>Uniform Civil Code (UCC)</strong> throughout India. However, no action has been taken in this regard till date.</li>
<li>Uniform Civil Code seeks to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Effective implementation and amendment:</strong> India has a strong set of laws but they are needed to be implemented strictly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the purview of interfaith marriages, the Idea should be to eradicate the core issue; coerced conversion.</li>
<li>Moreover, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 is now a 66 years old law and it definitely needs to undergo certain changes now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Separating religion and personal matters:</strong> Religion and personal matters are something to be dealt with separately, moreover, marriage and conversion of religion are two things and should definitely not be interconnected.</li>
<li><strong>UCC as the silver bullet:</strong> A uniform civil code for all personal matters; marriage, succession, divorce etc of all the communities including all the citizens shall be there leaving aside the religion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Issues such as marriages are secular in nature, therefore, a <strong>uniform law can regulate them.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Articles 44, 25 and 26:</strong> Article 44 mentioning the Uniform Civil Code and articles 25 and 26 are often believed to be contradictory. The balance with these articles is something that is rarely discussed and needs more attention now.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 25</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion. According to it, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate a religion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Article 26</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom to manage religious affairs. Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right to establish and maintain religious institutions and manage its own affairs in matters of religion.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Religion today has gone far beyond the faith in the almighty and has become quite antagonistic,where people want to impose their values and beliefs on others.</li>
<li>The time is right to bring in the UCC, by having consultation at a wider level with all the stakeholders.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-special-marriage-act'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Mandi System In India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-perils-of-deregulated-imperfect-agrimarkets/article33216046.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The perils of deregulated imperfect agrimarkets&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 01/12/2020. It talks about the recent farmers&rsquo; protest in New Delhi.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest#:~:text=Three%20Farm%20Bills%20that%20are,(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>massive farmers&rsquo; protests</strong> </a>erupted in New Delhi and adjoining areas against the newly introduced Farm Acts. According to the government, these <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest#:~:text=Three%20Farm%20Bills%20that%20are,(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new farm laws</strong></a> (particularly Farmers&rsquo; Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020- FPTC Act) are intended to benefit farmers by establishing private markets, elimination of middlemen and farmers would be free to sell to any buyer.</p>
<p>However, the protesting farmers do not accept these claims. They believe that if mandis weaken and private markets with no commitment to MSPs expand, this would lead to a gradual erosion of the guaranteed pricing i.e. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/need-for-msp-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.</strong></a></p>
<p>Therefore, these farmer&rsquo;s protest demand for a deeper analysis of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agricultural-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>mandi system in India and associated reforms</strong></a> to ensure the viability of agriculture for Aanadata (Farmers) of India.</p>
<h3>Intended Benefits of Liberalising Mandis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Level playing field:</strong> The new legislation will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc., on a level playing field without any fear of exploitation.</li>
<li><strong>Transfers the risk:</strong> It will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor and also enable the farmer to access modern technology and better inputs.</li>
<li><strong>Attracts private sector:</strong> This legislation will act as a catalyst to attract private sector investment for building supply chains for supply of Indian farm produce to national and global markets, and in agricultural infrastructure.</li>
<li><strong>Eliminates intermediaries:</strong> Farmers will engage in direct marketing thereby eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of price.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Replacing the Mandi System May Not Help?</h3>
<p>An important assumption behind the FPTC Act is that mandis controlled by Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) are monopsonies in rural areas and liberalising agricultural markets will provide higher pricing for farmers. <strong>However, the organizational structure of Indian agriculture forces farmers to sell outside the mandis.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Large Proportion of Produce Sold Outside Mandi:</strong> Official data show that for paddy and wheat, respectively, only 29% and 44% of the harvest is sold in a mandi, while 49% and 36% is sold to either a local private trader or an input dealer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In other words, de facto, a large proportion of Indian harvest is not directly sold in a mandi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Number of Mandis:</strong> The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) had recommended that every Indian farmer should be able to reach a mandi in one hour by a cart. Thus, the average area served by a mandi was to be reduced to 80 square kilometres.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there were only 6,630 mandis in 2019 with an average area served of 463 square kilometres.</li>
<li>Therefore, India needs not less but more mandis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marginal Farmers Domination:</strong> In India, nearly 86% of landholding are owned by small &amp; marginal farmers. These farmers, given their small marketable surplus, do not find it economical to bear the transport costs to take their harvests to mandis.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, they end up selling their harvest to a village trader even if at a lower price.</li>
<li>Even if private markets replace mandis, small and marginal farmers will continue to sell to traders in the village itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Private Investment In Liberalised Agricultural Markets:</strong> The freedom to sell outside mandis already exists in many States.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Already, 18 States have allowed the establishment of private markets outside the APMC and have allowed the direct purchase of agricultural produce from farmers.</li>
<li>Despite such legislative changes, no significant private investment has flowed in to establish private markets in these States.</li>
<li>The reason for poor private investment in markets is the presence of high transaction costs in product collection and aggregation. Moreover, due to a large number of small and marginal farmers, this cost will be higher.</li>
<li>This is why many retail chains prefer purchasing bulk quantities of fruits and vegetables from mandis rather than directly from farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Evidence of Higher Prices:</strong> In the existing private markets too, there is no evidence of farmers receiving higher prices than in the mandis.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In fact, if transaction costs exceed mandi taxes, the costs would be transferred to the farmers at a lower price.</li>
<li>This, then, would imply a stronger squeeze on the farmer than at present.</li>
<li>Further, if mandis weaken and private markets do not sufficiently replace them, there are fears that the void would be filled by unscrupulous and unregulated traders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Quantitatively Improving Mandi Infrastructure:</strong> At the current stage of agricultural marketing in India, there is a need to increase in the density of mandis, expansion of investment in mandi infrastructure and a spread of the MSP system to more regions and crops.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For this to happen much of the mandi taxes should be properly reinvested by APMCs to improve market infrastructure.</li>
<li>In this context, the Punjab Mandi Board example is worth emulating, whereby it uses these revenues to construct rural roads, run medical and veterinary dispensaries, supply drinking water, improve sanitation, expand rural electrification and provide relief to farmers during calamities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Qualitative Improving Mandi Infrastructure:</strong> There is a need for not just more mandis, but also better mandis.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>APMCs need internal reform to ease the entry of new players, reduce trader collusion and link them up with national e-trading platforms.</li>
<li>The introduction of unified national licences for traders and a single point levy of market fees are also steps in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Economies of Scale:</strong> The bargaining power of Indian Farmer&rsquo;s vis-a-vis corporates will change only if economies of scale rise substantially at the farm-level.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to achieve this, there is a need to strengthen <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-76#:~:text=Farmer%20Producer%20Organisation%20(FPO)%20is,profits%2Fbenefits%20among%20the%20members." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Indian agricultural marketing reforms should derive inspiration from Barbara Harriss-White, a scholar of India&rsquo;s agricultural markets, who once observed, &ldquo;deregulated imperfect markets may become more, not less, imperfect than regulated imperfect markets&rdquo;.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606825691_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606825691_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="635" height="925" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffef0;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Recent farmer&rsquo;s protest demand for a deeper analysis of the mandi system in India and associated reforms. Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bXAp7UzbR5E" 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/reaping-the-whirlwind-the-hindu-editorial-on-farmer-protests/article33207268.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reaping the whirlwind: On farmer protests&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on November 30<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/mandi-system-in-india'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'SCO Online International Exhibition',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Vice President of India</strong> has launched the first ever<strong> SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The launch happened during the <strong>19<sup>th</sup> Meeting of the <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> Council of Heads of Government</strong> (SCO CHG), held in<strong> New Delhi.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India highlighted that the <strong>crossborder terrorism</strong> is the <strong>biggest challenge</strong> for the SCO countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SCO Online International Exhibition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Developed by: First ever of its kind</strong> the exhibition was developed and curated by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-museum-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Museum</strong></a>, <strong>New Delhi,</strong> in active collaboration with SCO member countries.</li>
<li><strong>Participants:</strong> Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Budhhist Connection:</strong> Buddhist philosophy and art of Central Asia connects <strong>SCO</strong> countries to each other and presents an excellent<strong> opportunity for visitors</strong> to access, appreciate and compare <strong>Buddhist art antiquities from SCO</strong> countries on a <strong>single platform.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Knowledge about Different Schools of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/buddhism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a>:</strong> The visitors can explore the Indian Buddhist treasures from the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/mauryan-architecture-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gandhara and Mathura Schools</strong></a>, <strong>Nalanda, Amaravati, Sarnath, etc. in a 3D virtual format.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Artistic Wealth and Excellence:</strong> The international exhibition gives a glimpse of the artistic wealth displayed in various museums across Asia and also represents the artistic excellence embedded within an eclectic historical timeline.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Pakistan Hall</strong> depicts the life of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/buddhism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gautama Buddha</strong></a> <strong>and buddhist art through a collection of impressive Gandhara art objects</strong> including fasting Siddhartha and footprint of Buddha from Sikri, meditating Buddha from Sahri Bahlol, miracle of Sravasti from Gandhara, etc.</li>
<li>The <strong>State Oriental Art Museum, Moscow</strong> contributed objects which depict the <strong>Buddhist Buriyat Art of Russia</strong> through icons, ritual objects, monastery traditions etc.</li>
<li><strong>The Dunhuang Academy of China</strong> contributed a rich <strong>digital collection on buddhist art</strong> which include<strong> ingenious architecture, resplendent murals, decorative designs, costumes etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India on Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India raised the issue of terrorism at the meeting and highlighted it as the enemy of humanity. It expressed its concerns on the <strong>state sponsored terrorism and in particular crossborder terrorism.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India supports the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-brics-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy.</strong></a></li>
<li>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s annual resolution on the issue of counter-terrorism</strong> </a>was adopted by consensus in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First Committee</strong> </a>of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also criticised Pakistan for using terrorism as a<strong> instrument of state policy</strong> and called upon the members of<strong> SCO</strong> to fight it <strong>collectively.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>permanent intergovernmental international organisation</strong> and a <strong>Eurasian political, economic and military organisation</strong> aiming to maintain <strong>peace, security and stability in the region</strong> created in <strong>2001.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>SCO</strong> is widely regarded as the<strong> "Alliance of the East",</strong> due to its growing centrality in Asia-Pacific, and has been the primary security pillar of the region.</li>
<li>It is the<strong> largest regional organisation in the world</strong> in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering <strong>three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Observer states:</strong> Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia.</li>
<li><strong>Dialogue Partners:</strong> Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1677157#:~:text=Shri%20M.%20Venkaiah%20Naidu%2C%20Vice,New%20Delhi%2C%20in%20videoconference%20format." 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/sco-online-international-exhibition'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Influenza and Bacterial Infection',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researches at <strong>Sweden&rsquo;s Karolinska Institute</strong> have come out with findings on <strong>superinfections</strong> and have also highlighted that <strong>influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial infections.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Superinfections:</strong> These are infection <strong>occurring after or on top of an earlier infection,</strong> especially following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is an overgrowth of an opportunistic pathogen from the bacterial or yeast imbalance of systemic antibiotics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example,<strong> influenza</strong> is caused by a<strong> virus,</strong> but the <strong>most common cause of death</strong> in influenza patients<strong> is secondary <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-forum-on-childhood-pneumonia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pneumonia</a>,</strong> which is caused by <strong>bacteria.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the<strong> reason</strong> behind influenza infections leading to an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia is<strong> not known.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Case study of Spanish Flu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was an<strong> influenza pandemic</strong> that swept across the world in the year <strong>1918&ndash;1920.</strong></li>
<li>It disproportionately hit young healthy adults and important reason for this was <strong>superinfections</strong> caused by bacteria, in particular <strong>pneumococci.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Pneumococcal infections</strong> are the most common cause of community acquired <strong>pneumonia</strong> and a leading global cause of death.</li>
<li>A prior <strong>influenza</strong> virus infection is often followed by a <strong>pneumococcal infection.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of the Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When an individual is <strong>infected by influenza</strong> different <strong>nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin C,</strong> leak from the blood.</li>
<li>The absence of nutrients and antioxidants <strong>creates a favourable environment for bacteria in the lungs.</strong></li>
<li>The bacteria <strong>adapt to the inflammatory environment</strong> by<strong> increasing</strong> the production of an enzyme called <strong>High temperature requirement A</strong> (HtrA).</li>
<li>The presence of <strong>HtrA</strong> weakens the <strong>immune system and promotes bacterial growth in the influenza-infected airways.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>ability of pneumococcus to grow</strong> seems to <strong>depend on the nutrient-rich environment with its higher levels of antioxidants</strong> that occurs during a viral infection, as well as on the <strong>bacteria&rsquo;s ability to adapt to the environment and protect itself</strong> from being eradicated by the immune system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The results could be <strong>used to find new therapies for double infections between the influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A possible strategy can therefore be <strong>use of protease inhibitors to prevent pneumococcal growth</strong> in the lungs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The information can<strong> contribute to the research on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-indian-federalism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19.</a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, it is still not known if <strong>Covid-19 patients are also sensitive to such secondary bacterial infections.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Influenza</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>viral infection that attacks the respiratory system</strong> i.e. nose, throat and lungs and is commonly called the <strong>flu.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.</li>
<li><strong>Common Treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Flu is primarily treated with<strong> rest and fluid intake</strong> to allow the body to fight the infection on its own.</li>
<li><strong>Paracetamol may help</strong> cure the symptoms but <strong>Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs</strong> (NSAIDs) should be avoided. <strong>An annual vaccine can help prevent</strong> the flu and limit its complications.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pneumonia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an infection that <strong>inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.</strong> The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus.</li>
<li><strong>Cause:</strong> Variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> Antibiotics can treat many forms of pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented by <strong>vaccines.</strong></li>
<li>The infection can be<strong> life-threatening to anyone,</strong> but particularly to <strong>infants, children and people over 65.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-influenza-makes-people-vulnerable-to-bacterial-infection-7074564/" 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/influenza-and-bacterial-infection'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Rise in NREGS Demand',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent analysis of data available up to November on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong> </a>(NREGS) portal shows that demand for work has been at all time high.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>NREGS</strong> is a <strong>demand-based scheme</strong> and has emerged as a <strong>safety net during the pandemic for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/woes-of-migrants-amid-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jobless migrant workers</a></strong> returning to their villages</li>
<li>Despite a progressive relaxation in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> curbs to revive the economy, <strong>96% gram panchayats</strong> have logged work under the scheme in the financial year (2020-21) as compared to previous seven years.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606813920_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606813920_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The number of gram panchayats generating <strong>nil person days of work</strong> (panchayats with zero person days work) during the current financial year<strong> are at an eight-year low</strong> of only<strong> 3.42% of the 2.68 lakh gram panchayats across the country.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, the number of gram panchayats generating nil person days during the entire period<strong> was 3.91% of the total 2.64 lakh gram panchayats.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Over <strong>96% of gram panchayats</strong> across the country have<strong> registered demand for work</strong> under NREGS from April till November-end.</li>
<li><strong>Over 6.5 crore households,</strong> covering 9.42 crore individuals, have availed NREGS till November 2020, which is an <strong>all-time high.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over 265.81 crore person days have been generated, which is <strong>higher than</strong> 265.44 crore generated in<strong> 2019.</strong></li>
<li>1.98 crore households availed the scheme in October 2020, which is<strong> 82% higher than</strong> 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Highest number of demand</strong> for work came from <strong>Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>wage expenditure</strong> has also reached an <strong>all-time high of Rs. 53,522 crore</strong> during this period.</li>
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> has <strong>reported the highest figure of households</strong> that availed the NREGS across the country, since July and has been <strong>followed by West Bengal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These two states were not covered under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/garib-kalyan-rojgar-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005</strong></a> was notified by the Government of India on September, 2005 and was made <strong>effective in February 2006.</strong> Under it, the <strong>NREGS was introduced.</strong></li>
<li>The Act aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by <strong>guaranteeing hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members</strong> (at least 18 years of age) volunteer to do unskilled work.</li>
<li>The central government bears the <strong>full cost of unskilled labour,</strong> and<strong> 75% of the cost of material</strong> (the rest is borne by the states).</li>
<li>It is a <strong>demand-driven, social security and labour law</strong> that aims to enforce the <strong>&lsquo;right to work&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ministry of Rural Development</strong> in association with state governments, monitors the implementation of the scheme.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched in <strong>June 2020 to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens</strong> who had <strong>returned to their home states</strong> due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns.</strong></a></li>
<li>It worked in mission mode for<strong> 125 days</strong> with an outlay of <strong>Rs. 50,000 crore.</strong></li>
<li>A total of 116 districts across six states, namely <strong>Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha</strong> were chosen for the campaign.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These districts covered the <strong>maximum number</strong> (about 2/3) of such <strong>migrant workers who had returned.</strong></li>
<li>The chosen districts include 27 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aspirational Districts</strong></a>, districts which are affected by poor socio-economic indicators. These are aspirational in the context, that improvement in these districts can lead to the overall improvement in human development in India. It is a NITI Aayog&rsquo;s Programme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nregs-demand-still-on-rise-96-of-the-panchayats-have-applicants-7074545/" 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/rise-in-nregs-demand'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Peacock Soft-shelled Turtle',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Peacock soft-shelled turtle</strong> (a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-turtle-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>turtle</strong></a> of a<strong> vulnerable species</strong>) has been rescued from a fish market in<strong> Assam&rsquo;s Silchar.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> <em>Nilssonia hurum.</em></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They have a <strong>large head, downturned snout</strong> with low and oval carapace of dark olive green to nearly black, sometimes with a yellow rim.</li>
<li>The<strong> head and limbs are olive green;</strong> the <strong>forehead has dark reticulations</strong> and large<strong> yellow or orange patches or spots,</strong> especially behind the eyes and across the snout.</li>
<li><strong>Males</strong> possess <strong>relatively longer and thicker tails</strong> than females.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This species is confined to<strong> India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>In india, it is widespread in the northern and <strong>central parts of the Indian subcontinent.</strong></li>
<li>These are found in <strong>rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with mud or sand bottoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The species is <strong>heavily exploited for its meat and calipee</strong> (the outer cartilaginous rim of the shell).</li>
<li>Threats in the River Ganga to the species are those generic for all large river turtles, including <strong>reduction of fish stock,</strong> as a result of <strong>overfishing, pollution, increase in river traffic, and sand-mining,</strong> among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</strong></a>: Schedule I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>: Vulnerable</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/professor-rescues-vulnerable-turtle-species-from-assam-fish-market-7074419/" 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/peacock-soft-shelled-turtle'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course)',
			'catname' => 'Online Courses',
			'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Pendrive Course)</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Registration open</strong></li>
<!--<li><strong>Batch Starts</strong>: December 15, 2020.</li>-->
<li><strong>Mode</strong>: Pen Drive Course (Total 8 Pen Drives, one pen drive to be sent every month)</li>
<li><strong>Team</strong>: Team of best teachers led by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li><strong>Course Size</strong>: 400+ classes of 1000+ hours. Full syllabus course starting at the very basic level.</li>
<li><strong>Course Validity</strong>: 3 years, Facility to see each class 3 times.</li>
<li>A special concession of 20% in the fee for admission in General Studies Classroom Course at our any branch - Delhi, Prayagraj or Jaipur. (conditions apply)</li>
<li><strong>Other facilities</strong>: Printed Notes for all segments, 24 Main's Tests with evaluation facility, Current Affairs classes for 3 years, Prelims Test Series for 3 years, Monthly Magazine and personalized guidance for doubts for 3 years.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Special Discount</h2>
<p><strong>Fee: <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">₹ 1,00,000</span> ₹ 75,000 (including GST). - with 25% discount for the first 500 students.<br /><br />Last Date to Avail Discount - 15th April, 2021<br /></strong></p>
<p>For additional information related to this course, call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:8010440440">7669806814</a>.</p>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Now</a>&nbsp;<a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn blue" id="bookSession" rel="noopener" data-course="IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch(Pendrive Course)">Book Counseling Session</a></div>
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<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of the Course</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Teaching by the best teachers of the country under the leadership of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti. Ethics (complete syllabus) and Indian Constitution (main sections) to be taught by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti himself.</li>
<li>Total 1000+ hours of classes. Facility to view each class up to 3 times. Validity of the course is for 3 years from the start of the batch.</li>
<li>Special emphasis on conceptual clarity and developing answer writing skills in classes. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years&rsquo; as well as probable questions in upcoming exams.</li>
<li>A team of subject experts will be made available for clearing doubts. Provision of resolving doubts via regular online meetings also.</li>
<li>The following books / notes will be sent to your address as text material free of charge:
<ul>
<li>Printed booklets of notes for each section.</li>
<li>Our monthly magazine 'Drishti Current Affairs Today' for 3 years.</li>
<li>6 books of 'Prelims Practice Series' published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your prelims preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
<li>5 books of 'Mains Capsule' Series published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your Mains' preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
</ul>
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<li>Current Affairs Classes and Prelims Crash Course free for three years (online).</li>
<li>IAS Prelims Online Test Series free for 3 years. Total 30x3 = 90 Tests (75 Tests for General Studies and 15 for CSAT)</li>
<li>One or more Practice Tests from each section for Prelims and Mains. Test evaluation (for Mains) will be done by our academic support team.</li>
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<h2><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Process of Sending Pen Drives &amp; Notes</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>All pen drives and notes related to this course will be sent to you according to a fixed schedule. Since this batch will start from December 15, 2020, we will dispatch the first pen drive and the first set of notes by speed post or courier service by December 15. In 7-10 days (ie by 20-25 December) you will receive a pen drive and the first packet of notes. (Note: If you live at a place where it takes longer to reach the postal/courier services due to COVID-19 or other reasons, then it may take some extra time).</li>
<li>Initially, pen drives and notes are sent for the segments from which questions are asked in the prelims exam. After them, the topics of the main examination are covered. This sequence has been devised so that even the students taking prelims examination in 2021 are not inconvenienced in taking the exam.</li>
<li>A schedule will be sent to you along with the first packet mentioning the dates of sending all pen drives and notes.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="image-block"><img src="/hindi/drishti/img/feature-thumb-img.png" alt="" /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REQI0jAqRA&amp;list=PLQpF--VlgguRCRkwkjnCsiVit9vTtSuLZ" class="icon-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> <span>Demo classes available on YouTube. </span></div>
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<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
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<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
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<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
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</section>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/gs-foundation-batch-pendrive-course'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Implementing Forest Rights',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/forests/how-fra-helped-india-s-forest-communities-during-covid-19-74440" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;How FRA helped India&rsquo;s forest communities during COVID-19&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in Down to Earth on 27/11/2020. It talks about the implementation issues regarding the Forest Rights Act, 2006.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, like any other dimension, has had a drastic impact on forest communities. It caused losses of livelihoods and shelter, food insecurity, physical hardships, health-concerns and economic suffering.</p>
<p>In order to cope with the crisis, effective implementation of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, also known as Forest Rights Act (FRA)</a> </strong>assumes much importance.</p>
<p>FRA has the potential to secure the forest rights and address other issues of at least 200 million tribals (covering 50% of India&rsquo;s forest land). However, it is laxity in the implementation of the act that undermines fructification of the law, even after a decade and a half of its enactment.</p>
<h3>FRA &amp; Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s Forest Rights Act empowers the forest communities to use, manage and govern forests for their livelihood as well as for the conservation and protection of forests. But its poor implementation remains an issue.</li>
<li>The key reasons for poor implementation of FRA include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lack of political commitment;</li>
<li>Lack of adequate human and financial resources with the Department of Tribal Affairs, which is the nodal agency for implementation of FRA;</li>
<li>The tussle with forest bureaucracy which influences decision at various levels;</li>
<li>Poor or non-functioning of district and sub-division level committees, which consider the claims filed by gram sabhas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been a decade and a half since the law was passed. However, only 13% of the 40 million ha has been demarcated under the FRA by the environment ministry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This laxity in duly recording existing forest rights and the resultant tenurial insecurity is likely to increase vulnerability and more adversely impact livelihoods and food security of forest dwellers during the pandemic and after.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Issues Faced by the Forest Communities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Absence of Social Infrastructure:</strong> The absence of healthcare facilities in tribal areas, with a prevalence of diseases and health concerns such as malnutrition, malaria, leprosy, etc, severely limited the capacities to deal with any major outbreak like Covid-19.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The poor access of tribal and forest dwellers to the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> public distribution system</strong></a> was reported from all states.</li>
<li>There were also various reports of starvation from the tribal areas since they remain excluded from most of the benefits of the socio-economic scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Related to Minor Forest Produce:</strong> Mere granting of ownership over minor forest produce (MFPs) will not improve tribal livelihoods, as overall production of MFPs (except of tendu leaves) has fallen rapidly due to monoculture plantation by the forest department.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Silvicultural practices of plant species, such as teak (in place of sal), yields no recurrent product for gathering.</li>
<li>Moreover, the important MFPs continue to be &lsquo;nationalised&rsquo;, that is, these can be sold only to government agencies.</li>
<li>Further, the collection, use and sale of minor forest produce (MFP) by forest dwellers also got severely affected due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PVTG Issue:</strong> The survival of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>particularly vulnerable tribal groups</strong></a> (PVTG) living in remote and scattered geographical locations in India was another issue. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>PVTG have been the prime conservationists of deep forests and have managed the biodiversity of forests since ages.</li>
<li>Deep forests are a complex ecosystem encapsulating the grand narratives of resources, nature, biodiversity and lives.</li>
<li>Breaking this ecosystem would only intensify the dispossession, alienation of the communities, thereby adversely impacting the forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dilution of EIA:</strong> Amid such hardships faced by tribal communities, the dilution of laws and policies under the theme of &lsquo;Self-Reliant India&rsquo; to boost the economy has increased resentment among them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recent announcements regarding the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/draft-eia-notification-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dilution of Environment Impact Assessment</strong></a> and liberalisation of entry norms for private entities in the coal sector have increased tribal anger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implementing FRA in Letter &amp; Spirit:</strong> Implementing FRA will not only lead to the development of forest dwellers but also build a relationship of trust and bond between them and the government, thereby reducing land conflict, Naxalism and underdevelopment.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperative Federalism:</strong> Keeping in view the enormous economic, social and ecological benefits of individual and community forest management, the Centre in cooperation with State governments should implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in its right spirit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it is important that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the Central and State levels are strengthened with human and financial resources to help implement FRA on a mission mode.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforming Forest Bureaucracy:</strong> Besides leveraging modern technology to map and monitor the implementation of FRA, the forest bureaucracy must also be reformed to serve as service providers to gram sabhas.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Market For MFP:</strong> There is a need to provide marketing and MSP support to non-timber forest products and create institutional mechanisms to support community forest enterprises for value addition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the government should continue to provide technical support to the gram sabhas, so as to ensure not only higher production of MFPs but price support as provided to farmers so as to rejuvenate the tribal economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Rights recognised under FRA have helped to facilitate support for forest communities at various levels by overcoming constraints and crisis situations during times of wide-scale distress. However, a wider implementation of the law is what is the need of the hour.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fcf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Forest Rights Act-2006 remains crucial to secure rights of the forest dwellers and rejuvenation of the tribal economy. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/implementing-forest-rights'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Hidden Epidemic',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>A new research published recently in <strong>Diabetologia</strong> (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) highlights the <strong>vulnerability of indian youth</strong> towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetes.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The research titled <strong>&ldquo;Lifetime risk of diabetes in metropolitan cities in India,&rsquo;&rsquo;</strong> was done by a team of authors in India, U.K. and U.S.,<strong> led by Shammi Luhar, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, U.K.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Findings of the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than<strong> half of men</strong> (55%) and<strong> two thirds</strong> (65%) of <strong>women aged 20 years in India</strong> are more likely to develop diabetes, with most of those cases<strong> (around 95%)</strong> likely to be <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>type 2 diabetes</strong></a> (T2D) in their lifetime.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Type 2 diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the<strong> cells in the body do not respond</strong> to it as effectively as they once did.</li>
<li>The population with 45 and above age groups is the most affected with it.</li>
<li>This is the most common type of diabetes and it has strong links with obesity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lifetime risk of developing diabetes in 20 year old men and women free of diabetes today is <strong>56% and 65%,</strong> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Obesity</strong> has a significant impact on vulnerability to diabetes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>86%</strong> higher among 20 year old women and <strong>87%</strong> among men of <strong>metropolitan area.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India currently has <strong>77 million adults who have diabetes</strong> and this number is <strong>expected to almost double to 134 million by 2045.</strong></li>
<li>Women generally<strong> had a higher lifetime risk of developing diabetes</strong> across their lifespan.</li>
<li>Remaining lifetime risk of developing diabetes<strong> declined with age.</strong> As per researchers, those <strong>currently aged 60 years and free of diabetes, </strong>are<strong> less likely to develop diabetes</strong> in their remaining life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sources of data for the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sex and BMI-specific incidence rates</strong> of diabetes<strong> in urban India</strong> taken from the <strong>Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (2010&ndash;2018);</strong></li>
<li><strong>age, sex and urban-specific rates of mortality</strong> from period lifetables reported by the <strong>Government of India</strong> (2014);</li>
<li>Prevalence of diabetes from the <strong>Indian Council for Medical Research India Diabetes study</strong> (2008&ndash;2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of high probabilities of developing diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overburdening of already<strong> strained health Infrastructure</strong> of the country.</li>
<li>Increase <strong>out-of-pocket expenditure</strong> on diabetes treatment by patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of such high incidences of diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urbanisation</li>
<li>Decreasing diet quality</li>
<li>Decreased levels of physical activity</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention or postponing diabetes by effective lifestyle modification, such as:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following a healthy diet</li>
<li>Increasing physical activity</li>
<li>Reducing body weight in those who are obese or overweight</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="480" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diabetes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Diabetes is a<strong> Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas<strong> does not produce enough insulin</strong> (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the<strong> body cannot effectively use</strong> the insulin it produces.</li>
<li>Types:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Type I diabetes:</strong> It is also known as<strong> juvenile diabetes</strong> (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the <strong>body fails to produce sufficient insulin.</strong> People with type I diabetes are <strong>insulin-dependent,</strong> which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.</li>
<li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes <strong>becomes less sensitive to insulin.</strong> Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and <strong>usually resolves after giving birth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Diabetes affects the<strong> five major organs</strong> namely,<strong> Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).</strong></li>
<li>The factors responsible for the increase in diabetes are an <strong>unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/lifetime-risk-of-diabetes-in-metropolitan-cities-is-alarming-warns-study/article33205315.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/hidden-epidemic'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'China’s New Dam on Brahmaputra',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Chinese authorities have given the go ahead for a <strong>Chinese hydropower company</strong> to construct the<strong> first downstream hydropower project</strong> on the lower reaches of the river<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Brahmaputra</strong></a> (known as <strong>Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet</strong>).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brahmaputra:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It originates under the name of <strong>Siang or Dihang,</strong> from the <strong>Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake.</strong> It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Dibang, Lohit, Siang, Burhi Dihing, Tista, and Dhansari.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a<strong> perennial river</strong> and has <strong>several peculiar characteristics due to its geography and prevailing climatic conditions.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> flooded twice annually.</strong> One flood is caused by the<strong> melting of the Himalayan snow in summer</strong> and the <strong>other due to the monsoon flows.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> frequency</strong> of these floods have increased and are devastating due to climate change and its impact on high and low flows.</li>
<li>These <strong>pose a concern for the population and food security in the lower riparian states of India and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The river is in itself <strong>dynamic as frequent landslides and geological activity force it to change course</strong> very often.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> state-owned</strong> hydropower company <strong>POWERCHINA</strong> signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tibet Autonomous Region</strong></a> (TAR) <strong>government</strong> to implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river as part of the new <strong>Five Year Plan</strong> (2021-2025).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will be the<strong> first time the downstream sections of the river will be tapped.</strong> However, the<strong> location</strong> of the planned project <strong>has not been mentioned anywhere.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Great Bend of the Brahmaputra</strong> and the<strong> Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Medog county,</strong> where the river turns sharply to flow across the border into f <strong>Arunachal Pradesh could be the potential spot</strong> for the project. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This<strong> 50 km section</strong> alone offers a potential of developing <strong>70 million kilowatt hours</strong> (Kwh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Previous Projects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> China operationalised its<strong> first hydropower project at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zangmu in Tibet</a>,</strong> while three other dams at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dagu, Jiexu and Jiacha</strong></a> are being developed, all on the upper and middle reaches of the river.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Importance of the Project for China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> 60 million kWh hydropower</strong> exploitation could <strong>provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.</strong></li>
<li>The project will play a significant role in realising China&rsquo;s goal of reaching a <strong>carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been expressing concerns on Brahmaputra<strong> since 2015</strong> when China operationalised its <strong>project at Zangmu.</strong></li>
<li>A dam at the <strong>Great Bend,</strong> if approved, would raise fresh concerns considering its <strong>location downstream and just across the border</strong> from Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For India, <strong>quantity of water is not an issue</strong> because these are run of the river dams and will not impact the Brahmaputra flow. More importantly, Brahmaputra is not entirely dependent on upstream flows and an estimated <strong>35% of its basin is in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, India is concerned about the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese activities affecting the quality of water, ecological balance and the flood management.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China</strong> </a>do not have a water sharing agreement. Both nations share hydrological data so it becomes important to share genuine data and have continuous dialogue on issues like warning of droughts, floods and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-water-discharge-from-china-threatens-arunachal-assam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high water discharges.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is required to go beyond the exchange of hydrological data and ask China for information on the topographic condition of the whole basin.</li>
<li>Any forward movement on ensuring hydro-security in the Brahmaputra basin would require a long-term understanding between the two countries. It is necessary for India to engage China in a sustained dialogue and secure a water-sharing treaty that serves the interests of both the countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-hydropower-company-plans-first-downstream-dam-on-brahmaputra/article33206687.ece#:~:text=China's%20media%20reported%20on%20Sunday,of%20the%20river%20with%20potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-new-dam-on-brahmaputra'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Mission COVID Suraksha',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government of India has announced the<strong> stimulus package of Rs. 900 crore</strong> for the <strong>Mission COVID Suraksha,</strong> the Indian Covid-19 Vaccine Development Mission, which will <strong>help the development process of the vaccine candidates.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mission COVID Suraksha is India&rsquo;s <strong>targeted effort to enable the development of indigenous, affordable and accessible vaccines</strong> for the country and will complement the ongoing mission of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Centre had announced this package during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>third economic stimulus.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Mission with its <strong>end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment,</strong> would consolidate all available and funded resources towards accelerated product development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grant:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase-I of the Mission has been allotted <strong>Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12 months.</strong></li>
<li>The grant will be provided to the<strong> Department of Biotechnology</strong> (DBT) for Research and Development (R&amp;D) of Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakeholders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be<strong> led by DBT</strong> and implemented by a dedicated <strong>Mission Implementation Unit</strong> at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/making-india-a-biotech-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council</strong></a> (BIRAC).</li>
<li>The existing activities under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-biopharma-mission#:~:text=The%20National%20Biopharma%20Mission%20(NBM,funded%20by%20World%20Bank%20loan." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bio Pharma Mission</strong> </a>(NBM) and<strong> Ind-CEPI Mission</strong> will provide complementary strengths to this Mission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The DBT is supporting the implementation of the Ind-CEPI Mission, &ldquo;Epidemic preparedness through rapid vaccine development: Support of Indian vaccine development aligned with the global initiative of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thsti-part-of-vaccine-assessment-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations</strong></a> (CEPI)&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Ind-CEPI Mission was approved in<strong> March 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development.</li>
<li>Licensure of Covid-19 vaccine candidates that are currently in clinical stages or ready to enter the clinical stage of development.</li>
<li>Establishing clinical trial sites.</li>
<li>Strengthening the existing central laboratories and suitable facilities for animal studies, production facilities and other testing facilities to support the vaccine development.</li>
<li>Supporting the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management systems, regulatory submissions, internal and external quality management systems and accreditations.</li>
<li>Supporting capabilities for process development, cell line development and manufacturing of GMP batches for animal toxicology studies and clinical trials.</li>
<li>Developing suitable<strong> Target Product Profile</strong> so that vaccines being introduced through the mission have preferred characteristics applicable to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Candidates:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A total of<strong> 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by DBT</strong> so far at both academia and industry and as on date and<strong> 5 vaccine candidates are in human trials.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covishield</strong></a>: The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India</strong></a> (SII) is conducting the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/drugs-and-clinical-trials-rules-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>phase-3</strong></a> trial of the <strong>Oxford-Astrazeneca</strong> Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a>: The indigenously developed <strong>Bharat Biotech</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong> </a>(ICMR) vaccine has already started the phase III clinical trial.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a>: Indigenously developed vaccine by<strong> Zydus Cadila</strong> has completed the phase-2 clinical trial in the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sputnik V</strong></a>: The combined phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the<strong> Russian Covid-19 vaccine</strong> Sputnik V in India are about to get started.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-candidate#:~:text=India%20is%20preparing%20to%20administer,vaccine%20candidates%20in%20the%20future." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BNT162b2</strong></a>: India is focusing on training for conducting phase II and III human clinical trials of the <strong>Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate</strong> along lines of India&rsquo;s regulatory mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Clinical Trials</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>systematic study to generate data for discovering or verifying the clinical and pharmacological profile</strong> (including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic) or <strong>adverse effects</strong> of a new drug on humans.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>only way of establishing the safety and efficacy</strong> of any drug before its introduction in the market for human use and is preceded by animal trials where the efficacy and side effects are observed in animals and an estimated drug dose is established.</li>
<li>Clinical trials of drugs developed in India<strong> have to undergo all four phases of trials in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase I or clinical pharmacology trials or &ldquo;first in man&rdquo; study.</li>
<li>Phase II or exploratory trials.</li>
<li>Phase III or confirmatory trials.</li>
<li>Phase IV trials or post-marketing phase.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1676998" 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/mission-covid-suraksha'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'OTT Platforms',
			'catname' => 'Paper 3',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These platforms were so far under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</p>
<h3>Over-The-Top Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OTT or Over-the-Top platforms are audio and video hosting and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar etc, which started out as content hosting platforms but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web series themselves<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These platforms offer a range of content and use <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> to suggest users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform. </li>
<li>Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>OTT Platforms and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is currently the world&rsquo;s fastest growing OTT (over-the-top streaming) market, and is all set to emerge as the world&rsquo;s sixth-largest by 2024.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present, the OTT platform&rsquo;s valuation stands at 35 billion INR, with nearly 500 million internet users, expected to grow at 8% per year. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In January 2019, eight video streaming services had signed a self-regulatory code that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms which prohibited five types of content. This includes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Content that deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or national flag.</li>
<li>Any visual or story line that promotes child pornography. </li>
<li>Any content that &ldquo;maliciously&rdquo; intends to outrage religious sentiments. </li>
<li>Content that &ldquo;deliberately and maliciously&rdquo; promotes or encourages terrorism.</li>
<li>Any content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by law or court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues with OTT Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Content regulation:</strong> There is no law or autonomous body to monitor and manage the digital contents provided on these OTT platforms and it is made available to the public at large without any filter or screening.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike television, print or radio which follow guidelines released by governments, OTT platforms classified as digital media or social media, had little to no regulation on the choice of content they offered, the subscription rates, certification for adult movies and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regulation of OTT Content</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a move that will have a far-reaching impact, the Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms, or video streaming service providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others, under the ambit of the <strong>Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.</strong></li>
<li>The latest order covers &ldquo;Digital/Online Media&rdquo;, including &ldquo;films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers&rdquo; and &ldquo;news and current affairs content on online platforms&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It will give the government control over these platforms, which were unregulated till now as there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content.</li>
<li>Online content providers come under the legal framework of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security#:~:text=Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000,Hacking%20with%20computer%20system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Technology Act 2000</strong></a> but, unlike print and broadcast media, were not directly under any Ministry.</li>
<li>However, there are no details yet on how the government will regulate it. But it is learnt that the Programme Code that governs content on TV and which found an outlet in the Cable Television Network Regulation Act, 1995, may serve as a template to frame rules for online content.</li>
<li><strong>Impact of regulation:</strong> The regulation of OTT could also mean that these platforms would have to apply for certification and approval of the content they wish to stream.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This in itself could give rise to many conflicts as most OTT platforms have content that could otherwise be censored by the certification boards in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digital Awareness:</strong> Consumers should be made aware of the impacts of their streaming and realise if there is really a need to watch these videos multiple times. Every video viewed consumes energy every time. Rather watching the video with a group can save energy. </li>
<li><strong>Viewers&rsquo; Responsibility:</strong> The purpose of creating laws for the OTT content is to prevent the underage people from watching certain contents. Ensuring on our part that kids in our home do not access such contents can help fulfill the very purpose.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/ott-platforms'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Checks & Balances',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-red-lines-narendra-modi-7069676/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Red Lines&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 27/11/2020. It talks about the issues and solutions related to the principle of checks and balances in Indian Polity.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-on-one-nation-one-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong></a> was conducted at Kevadia in Gujarat. The conference discussed many issues largely on the theme of harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.</p>
<p>At the conference, the Prime Minister of India highlighted the ethos of separation of powers and checks &amp; balances that are built into the Indian constitutional design.</p>
<p>However, recently <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/parliamentary-reforms-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>there are many instances</strong></a> which undermine the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-673" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doctrine of separation of powers and weakens the system of checks &amp; balances.</strong></a> This loss of integrity may erode people&rsquo;s trust in the functioning of the government.</p>
<h3>The Doctrine of Separation of Powers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Separation of powers is the division of the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government.</li>
<li>Since the sanction of all three branches is required for the making, executing, and administering of laws, it minimises the possibility of arbitrary excesses by the government.</li>
<li>The constitutional demarcation precludes the concentration of excessive power by any branch of the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instruments of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<p><strong>Legislature Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Impeachment and the removal of the judges. Power to amend laws declared ultra vires by the Court and revalidating it.</li>
<li><strong>On Executive:</strong> Through a no-confidence vote it can dissolve the Government. Power to assess works of the executive through the question hour and zero hour. Impeachment of the President.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Executive Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Making appointments to the office of Chief Justice and other judges.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Powers under delegated legislation. Authority to make rules for regulating their respective procedure and conduct of business subject to the provisions of this Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Judicial Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Executive: <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/13-04-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Judicial review</a></strong> i.e. the power to review executive action to determine if it violates the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Unamendability of the constitution under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=The%20Constitutional%20Bench%20in%20Kesavananda,essential%20features%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure doctrine</strong> </a>pronounced by the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati Case 1973.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Weakening System of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Weakened Opposition in India:</strong> Democracy works on the principle of checks and balances. It is these checks and balances that prevent democracy from turning into majoritarianism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In a Parliamentary system, these checks and balances are provided by the opposition party.</li>
<li>However, the majority of a single party in the Lok Sabha has diminished the role of an effective opposition in the Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakened Legislature Scrutiny:</strong> According to data by PRS Legislative Research, while 60% of the Bills in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha and 71% in the 15<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha were referred to Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs) concerned, this proportion came down to 27% in the 16<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the DRSCs, there are negligible bills referred to Select Committees of the Houses or Joint Parliamentary Committees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judiciary Being Averse to Checks &amp; Balances:</strong> The Supreme Court has held the 99th constitutional amendment, which provided for the establishment of the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-94" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Judicial Appointments Commission</strong> </a>as ultra-vires.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) could guarantee the independence of the system from inappropriate politicization, strengthen the quality of appointments, enhance the fairness of the selection process, promote diversity in the composition of the judiciary, and rebuild public confidence in the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> In many recent judgments, the Supreme Court has become hyper-activist in making judgements that are deemed as laws and rules. This transgresses the domain of legislature and executive.</li>
<li><strong>Executive Excesses:</strong> Executive in India is alleged of over-centralisation of power, weakening of public institutions like CIC &amp; RTI and passing laws to strengthen law, order &amp; security of the state but curbs freedom of expression as well like UAPA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Introducing Legislative Impact Assessment (LIA):</strong> A detailed framework for pre and post-legislative Impact Assessment was needed whereby every legislative proposal is evaluated on account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new Legislation Committee of Parliament to oversee and coordinate legislative planning should be constituted.</li>
<li>This can check any overreach by the executive that may curb the civil liberties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthen the Role of the Opposition:</strong> In order to strengthen the role of the opposition, the institution of shadow cabinet can be formed in India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shadow Cabinet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>&lsquo;Shadow Cabinet&rsquo; is a unique institution of the British cabinet system.</li>
<li>It is formed by the opposition party to balance the ruling cabinet and to prepare its members for future ministerial office.</li>
<li>In such a system each action of Cabinet Minister must be countersigned by the minister in the shadow cabinet.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judiciary Should Lead By Example:</strong> Supreme Court is the custodian of the constitution that checks any overreach by legislature and executive. Therefore, the judiciary should lead to the adherence of maintaining constitutional morality by proactively making the collegium system transparent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Until a better mechanism is evolved, the Supreme court can take steps to make collegium more transparent and accountable to make it&rsquo;s functioning democratic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the other organs. It also undermines the spirit of democracy as too much accumulation of powers in organs of government undermines the principle of check and balance.</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>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in a democracy. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDiHWatgxRU" 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://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/vexatious-dragon-resolute-india-strong-india-to-keep-chinas-rise-peaceful/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Vexatious Dragon, Resolute India: Strong India, to keep China&rsquo;s rise peaceful&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 26th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/checks-balances-1'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'The Constitution Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently on 26<sup>th</sup> November, <strong>71<sup>st</sup> constitution day</strong> was celebrated in the country. Every year as part of the celebrations, a number of activities aimed<strong> at highlighting and reiterating the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution</strong> are organised.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas</strong> is also known as <strong>National Law Day.</strong> The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India <strong>formally adopted the Constitution of India that came into force on 26 January 1950.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> on 19 November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Facts about the Constitution of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The framing of the Constitution took over <strong>2 years, 11 months and 18 days.</strong></li>
<li>The original copies of the Indian Constitution <strong>weren&rsquo;t typed or printed. They have been handwritten</strong> and are now kept in a helium-filled case within the library of the Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Prem Bihari Narain Raizada</strong> had written the unique copies of the Structure of India.</li>
<li>Originally, the Constitution of India was written in English and Hindi.</li>
<li>The Constitution of India has borrowed some of its features from a number of countries, including Britain, Ireland, Japan, USA, South Africa, Germany, Australia, and Canada.</li>
<li>The basic structure of the Indian Constitution stands on the <strong>Government of India Act, 1935.</strong></li>
<li>World's lengthiest Constitution</li>
<li>Federal System with Unitary Features</li>
<li>Parliamentary Form of Government</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1934, <strong>M N Roy</strong> first proposed the idea of a <strong>constituent assembly.</strong> Under the <strong>Cabinet Mission plan</strong> of 1946, elections were held for the formation of the constituent assembly.</li>
<li><strong>Drafting Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Drafting Committee had seven members: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami, B.R. Ambedkar, K.M Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter and D.P. Khaitan.</li>
<li>At its first meeting on 30<sup>th</sup> August 1947, the Drafting Committee elected <strong>B.R Ambedkar</strong> as its Chairman.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Constitutional Amendment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First Amendment Act, 1951</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provided for the saving of laws providing for the acquisition of estates, etc.</li>
<li>Added<strong> Ninth Schedule</strong> to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Second and Seventh schedules were substantially amended for the purpose of the States Reorganization Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1976</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The major Amendments made in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act are:</li>
<li><strong>Preamble</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The characterization of India as &lsquo;Sovereign Democratic Republic&rsquo; has been changed to &lsquo;Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The words &lsquo;Unity of the nation&rsquo; have been changed to &lsquo;Unity and integrity of the nation&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A major change that was made by the 42<sup>nd</sup> Constitutional Amendment was to give primacy to all Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights contained in Articles 14, 19 or 31.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Duties</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act inserted Article 51-A to create a new part called IV-A in the Constitution, which prescribed the Fundamental Duties to the citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (44<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1978</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new provision was added to Article 74(1) saying that the President could require the council of ministers to reconsider its advice to him, either generally or otherwise and the President should Act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.</li>
<li>It has been provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet.</li>
<li>Right to Property has been taken out from the list of Fundamental Rights and has been declared a legal right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (73<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A separate part IX has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh Schedule called the Eleventh Schedule enumerating the powers and functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (74<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. After part VIII of the Constitution, a separate part IXA has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh schedule called Twelfth schedule enumerating the powers and functions of urban local bodies has been incorporated.</li>
<li>The Act provides Municipal Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation, reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and one-third reservation of seats for women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (101<sup>st</sup> Amendment) Act, 2017</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduced the Goods and Services Tax.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2018</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (103<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2019</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) of citizens of classes other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1675720#:~:text=25.11.2020%20%7C%20Goa&amp;text=Constitution%20Day%20also%20known%20as,effect%20from%2026th%20January%201950." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'National Organ Donation Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>National Organ Donation Day</strong> was celebrated on <strong>27<sup>th</sup> November</strong> by the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Provides financial grants for</strong> establishing ROTTOs, SOTTOs, developing new and upgrading existing retrieval and transplant centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organ Donation Institutional Set up:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-28th-november-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisation</strong></a> (NOTTO), the <strong>Regional Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (ROTTO) at regional level and the <strong>State Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (SOTTO) at state level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State of Organ Donation in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India <strong>ranked third</strong> in the world as per<strong> WHO Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation</strong> (GODT) in terms of organ donation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in 1994 and subsequently amended in 2011 thus bringing in form<strong> Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.</strong></li>
<li>It provides various regulations for the removal of human organs and its storage.</li>
<li>It also regulates the transplantation of human organs for<strong> therapeutic purposes</strong> and for the <strong>prevention of commercial dealings</strong> in human organs.</li>
<li><strong>Main Provisions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The act recognises brain death identified as a form of the death process and defines criteria for brain death.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>regulatory and advisory bodies for monitoring transplantation activity.</strong></li>
<li>It also provides for <strong>maintenance of a registry of donors and recipients</strong> of human organs and tissues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Initiatives such as <strong>Indian Organ Donation Day</strong> helps <strong>promote awareness and recognize the selfless contribution</strong> made by deceased donors to healthcare and mankind re-instill our faith in humanity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1676491" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Shanghai Cooperation Organisation & India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/regional-priorities-on-the-sco-summit/article33224842.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Regional priorities: On the SCO summit&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 02/12/2020. It talks about the opportunities posted in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a grouping for India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India for the first time hosted the heads of governments (HoG) meeting of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-balancing-with-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</strong></a>, three years after joining the eight-nation group. The focus of this virtual conference was in developing a plan to overcome the socio-economic consequences of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> in the region.</p>
<p>In less than two decades, SCO has emerged as a key regional organisation in the Eurasian space. It accounts for over 60% of Eurasia's territory, more than 40% of the world's population, and almost a quarter of the world's GDP.</p>
<p>Given the increasing role and significance of the SCO in the Eurasian region and beyond, India is likely to benefit more in the long-term by joining the organisation. Therefore, SCO provides the opportunity for India to fulfil its national interest while cautiously navigating through challenges.</p>
<h3>Opportunities For India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Regional Security:</strong> SCO will enable India, as an integral part of the Eurasian security grouping, to neutralise centrifugal forces arising from religious extremism and terrorism in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The drawdown of Western forces from Afghanistan and the rise of Islamic State (IS) with its stated intention to create &lsquo;Khorasan&rsquo; have added a new explosive dimension to the region's security landscape.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Embracing Regionalism:</strong> The SCO is one of the few regional structures India is a part of now, given a decline in its engagement with <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>, BBIN and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCEP</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More importantly, cooperation in three critical areas&mdash; energy, building trade and transportation links, and dealing with traditional and non-traditional security threats&mdash; can be facilitated through the SCO mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connect With Central Asia:</strong> SCO is also a potential platform to advance India&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/connect-central-asia-policy#:~:text=It%20was%20in%20this%20context,%2C%20economic%2C%20and%20cultural%20connections." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Connect Central Asia policy.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s ongoing engagement with SCO can be seen through the prism of reconnecting and re-energising ties with a region with which India has shared civilizational linkages, and is considered the country&rsquo;s extended neighbourhood.</li>
<li>The SCO provides India with a convenient channel for its outreach &mdash; trade and strategic ties &mdash; to Central Asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p>Note:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The foundation of India&rsquo;s economic outreach to Central Asia is based on its 2012 Connect Central Asia Policy with its focus on the 4 C&rsquo;s - Commerce, Connectivity, Consular and Community.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Dealing With Pakistan &amp; China:</strong> SCO provides India with a forum where it can constructively engage both China and Pakistan in a regional context and project India&rsquo;s security interests.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While the government has eschewed meetings with Pakistan for the last five years, it has used the SCO for talks with China, including this year amidst the LAC stand-off.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bringing Stability in Afganistan:</strong> SCO also an alternative regional platform to delve into the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan and the centrifugal forces arising from religious extremism and terrorism in the region which threaten India&rsquo;s security and development.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Balancing:</strong> Above all, the SCO has been seen as a grouping worth pursuing as it retains India&rsquo;s geopolitical balance, a useful counterpoint to New Delhi&rsquo;s otherwise much more robust relations with the western world.</li>
<li><strong>Foundational Dimensions of SECURE:</strong> Acknowledging the strategic importance emanating from the region and SCO, the Indian Prime Minister had articulated the foundational dimension of Eurasia being<strong> 'SECURE&rsquo;.</strong> The letters in the word SECURE are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>S for Security of our citizens,</li>
<li>E for Economic development for all,</li>
<li>C for Connecting the region,</li>
<li>U for Unite our people,</li>
<li>R for Respect for Sovereignty and Integrity, and</li>
<li>E for Environment protection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges That India Needs to Navigate</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Denial Of Direct Land Connectivity:</strong> A major impediment in India&rsquo;s expanded engagement with Eurasia remains the strategic denial of direct land connectivity between India and Afghanistan and beyond by Pakistan.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is due to this, India&rsquo;s bilateral trade with Central Asia stands at about $2 billion and with Russia about $10 billion in 2017.</li>
<li>In contrast, China&rsquo;s trade with Russia has crossed $100 billion in 2018 while the bilateral figures for Central Asia stand at over $50 billion.</li>
<li>The lack of connectivity has also hampered the development of energy ties between the hydrocarbon-rich region and India</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Russia-China Convergence:</strong> One of the major factors for Russia pushing India&rsquo;s inclusion into the SCO was to balance China&rsquo;s power.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, today the challenge India faces is the growing closeness of Russia and China, even as India has promoted better relations with the US.</li>
<li>Further, the new equation of growing Russia &mdash; China &mdash; Pakistan triangular convergence of interests is a challenge that needs to be navigated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Difference Over BRI:</strong> While India has made its opposition to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRI</strong></a> clear, all other SCO members have embraced the Chinese project.</li>
<li><strong>India-Pakistan Rivalry:</strong> SCO members have, in the past, expressed fears of the organisation being held hostage to India&rsquo;s and Pakistan&rsquo;s adversarial relationship, and their fears would likely have worsened in recent times.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Improving Connectivity With Central Asia:</strong> India can seek to capitalise on Russian concerns about China exercising disproportionate influence in Central Asia. Moreover, Central Asian states are also keen for India to play a bigger role in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in order to succeed, India would first have to improve its own standing in the region.</li>
<li>In this context, the opening of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chabahar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chabahar port</strong></a> and entry into <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-central-asia-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ashgabat agreement</strong> </a>should be utilized for a stronger presence in Eurasia besides a clear focus on operationalising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-firm-takes-over-chabahar-port-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Relations With China:</strong> It is imperative that India and China set up a modus vivendi (agreement allowing conflicting parties to coexist peacefully) for the 21<sup>st</sup> century to be viewed through the lens of an Asia century.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This sentiment was aptly reflected in Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s statement at the 2018 Shangri La Dialogue wherein he stated: <strong>"Asia of rivalry will hold us all back. Asia of cooperation will shape this century."</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Relation With Pakistan:</strong> SCO&rsquo;s emphasis on promoting economic cooperation, trade, energy and regional connectivity should be leveraged to improve relations with Pakistan and persuade it to unblock India&rsquo;s access to Eurasia and provide a fillip to projects like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ6dDPQK1Zg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>TAPI.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Military Corporation:</strong> In the context of increasing terrorism in the region, it is imperative for SCO countries to develop a &lsquo;cooperative and sustainable security&rsquo; framework and make the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure more effective.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>An evolving objective of SCO now appears to increase not just its regional but also its global strategic and economic profile. In this scenario, India, as a new member of SCO, will need to formulate an appropriate Eurasian strategy.</p>
<p>This strategy should serve India&rsquo;s regional interests to ensuring sustainable nation-building through development partnerships, maintaining sovereignty, preventing the region from being a hub of terrorism and extremism. At the same time, it is also in India&rsquo;s interest that this region does not evolve into a geopolitical chessboard of new great game rivalries.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606910428_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606910428_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) provides the opportunity for India to fulfil its national interest while cautiously navigating through challenges. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e2nhRDrd4W4" 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/donald-trump-s-last-push-in-west-asia-ht-editorial/story-JjeyZwYA5TH837OHn7NEbL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Donald Trump&rsquo;s last push in West Asia&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on November 30<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/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-india'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Navy&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Management and Analysis Centre</strong> </a>(IMAC), the nodal agency for maritime data fusion set up after the <strong>26/11 Mumbai terror attacks,</strong> will soon become a <strong>National Maritime Domain Awareness</strong> (NDMA) Centre.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> One of the areas for enhancing coastal security is Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which is extremely challenging since<strong> India is located in one of the busiest maritime traffic regions of the world.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong> is the commercial highway for large traffic and critical for the prosperity of many nations. Hence, <strong>threats</strong> such as maritime terrorism, piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing etc. are required to be kept subdued at all times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maritime Domain Awareness:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is defined by the <strong>International Maritime Organization</strong> (IMO) as the effective understanding of <strong>anything associated with the maritime domain</strong> that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>maritime domain is defined</strong> as all areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, including all maritime-related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, and vessels and other conveyances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier this year in March, India joined the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)</a> as Observer.</strong> The Commission is an <strong>important regional institution in Western/African Indian Ocean.</strong></li>
<li>Previously in 2018,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/information-fusion-centre-of-indian-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> the Information Fusion Centre &ndash; Indian Ocean region (IFC-IOR)</strong> </a>was set up within the premises of the IMAC<strong> to coordinate with regional countries on maritime security and act as a regional repository of maritime data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Proposed NDMA Centre:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be a <strong>multi-agency centre and provide information</strong> to various stakeholders, from the fisheries department to local policing authorities on <strong>development or movements across the coast.</strong> This will make sure that any risk, especially transnational can be prevented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>main center of the Indian Navy for coastal surveillance and monitoring.</strong> It is located in <strong>Gurugram</strong> (Haryana) and became <strong>operational in 2014.</strong></li>
<li>It is a<strong> joint initiative</strong> of Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Bharat Electronics Ltd. and <strong>functions under the National Security Adviser (NSA).</strong></li>
<li>It is the nodal center of the <strong>National Command Control Communications and Intelligence Network</strong> (NC3I Network).</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It tracks vessels on the high seas and gets data from the coastal radars, white shipping agreements, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) transponders fitted on merchant ships, air and traffic management systems and global shipping databases. Its functions in line with the principles listed under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-20th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Security and Growth of All in the Region (SAGAR)'.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>White Shipping Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The white shipping information refers to an <strong>exchange of relevant advance information on the identity and movement of commercial non-military merchant vessels.</strong></li>
<li>Ships are classified into <strong>white (commercial ships), grey (military vessels), </strong>and<strong> black (illegal vessels).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Automatic Identification System:</strong> It is an automated tracking system installed on all commercial vessels of specific tonnage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After the 26/11 terror attack, all fishing vessels <strong>more than 20m long were mandated to have AIS transponders installed,</strong> while efforts are on to have such a system on under 20m fishing vessels as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Initiatives by IMAC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2019, it conducted a coastal security workshop for <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> countries.</li>
<li>During the<strong> MT New Diamond</strong> (vessel) <strong>fire incident off the coast of Sri Lanka, IFC-IOR</strong> played a key role in the early mobilization of resources that resulted in a quick reaction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Command Control Communications and Intelligence Network</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Navy has established the NC3IN linking 51 stations, including 20 of the Navy and 31 of the Coast Guard, with a nodal Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC).</li>
<li>The NC3I generates <strong>a seamless real-time picture of the nearly 7,500-km long coastline.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navys-imac-to-become-national-maritime-domain-awareness-centre/article33186731.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/national-maritime-domain-awareness-centre'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A review meeting regarding the progress of<strong> Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme</strong> (UBA) was held via videoconferencing.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Meeting:</strong> The <strong>Union Education Minister emphasised</strong> on the following:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Identify <strong>three to five core issues common amongst all the villages</strong> and few issues based on <strong>local conditions</strong> and work on these.</li>
<li>Efforts should be made to maximise the number of <strong>Higher Educational Institutions</strong> under the scheme in order to benefit more villages.</li>
<li>UBA should be used in <strong>sensitizing the school teachers regarding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20Union%20Cabinet%20has,India%20a%20global%20knowledge%20superpower%E2%80%9D." target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Education Policy, 2020.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Need for a portal</strong> was highlighted which will serve as an interactive platform for different institutions wherein they can share success stories and motivate each other.</li>
<li>Carry out a<strong> state-wise study </strong>and <strong>set targets regarding the parameters under UBA</strong> such as improvement in literacy, healthcare etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a flagship program of the<strong> Ministry of Education.</strong> It was <strong>launched in 2014.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to <strong>link the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with a set of at least (5) villages,</strong> so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>covers two major domains</strong> for holistic development of villages &ndash;<strong> human development and material (economic) development</strong> - in an integrated way.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Indian Institute of Technology Delhi</strong> (IIT, Delhi) has been designated as the <strong>National Coordinating Institute</strong> (NCI) for the UBA scheme.</li>
<li><strong>Main Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>engage the faculty and students of HEIs in identifying development issues in rural areas</strong> and finding sustainable solutions for the same.</li>
<li>Identify &amp; select existing innovative technologies, enable customisation of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions,<strong> as required by the people.</strong></li>
<li>To allow HEIs to contribute to devising systems for smooth <strong>implementation of various Government programmes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the upgraded version of<strong> UBA 1.0.</strong> It was<strong> launched in 2018.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>UBA 1.0</strong> or UBA Phase-1 was the <strong>Invitation Mode</strong> in which Participating Institutions were invited to be a part of UBA.</li>
<li>Whereas <strong>UBA 2.0 is the Challenge Mode</strong> of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan programme where all HEIs are required to willingly adopt at least 5 villages. Currently, UBA 2.0 Mode is going on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606904480_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606904480_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="535" height="469" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1674507" 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/unnat-bharat-abhiyan-scheme'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Virtual Aadi Mahotsav',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> has launched the <strong>virtual edition of Aadi Mahotsav -</strong> Madhya Pradesh.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>next focus state</strong> would be Gujarat, followed by West Bengal.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aadi Mahotsav:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>national tribal festival</strong> and a <strong>joint initiative</strong> of the <strong>Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> and the <strong>Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).</strong> It <strong>commenced in 2017</strong> and is <strong>held annually.</strong></li>
<li>It is an attempt <strong>to familiarise the people</strong> with the rich and diverse craft, <strong>culture of the tribal communities</strong> across the country, in <strong>one place.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2019,</strong> the festival was held in <strong>New Delhi</strong> and featured an exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Virtual Edition of Aadi Mahotsav:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This year, TRIFED has <strong>moved the event online</strong> and will be <strong>hosted on the Tribes India E-Marketplace.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>bring the spotlight on all the major tribes one-by one.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> It was established in 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 by the Government of India as a National level Cooperative body.</li>
<li><strong>Organisation:</strong> It is a national-level apex organization functioning under the <strong>administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has its <strong>head office in New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> Socio-economic development of tribal people, empowerment of tribal people with knowledge, tools and information and their capacity building.</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives and Involvement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>TRIFED, under the <strong>brand name Tribes India,</strong> markets the handcrafted products directly procured from the tribals in India through its 73 brick and mortar outlets all over India. Tribes India has its<strong> own e-commerce platform.</strong></li>
<li><strong>TRIFOOD Scheme</strong> is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED and it promotes value addition to Minor Forest Produce (MFP).</li>
<li>It has organised the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/van-dhan-internship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Van Dhan Internship Programme</strong></a>, to enhance the output of the Van Dhan Yojana.</li>
<li>TRIFED helps in <strong>implementation of the scheme</strong> &lsquo;Mechanism for Marketing of MFP through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price</strong></a> (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP&rsquo; to ensure fair returns to forest dwelling <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes#:~:text=However%2C%20Article%20366(25),the%20purposes%20of%20this%20Constitution.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes</strong> </a>(STs) and other traditional forest dwellers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MSP for MFP and Van Dhan program is in line with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3#:~:text=The%20Act%20identifies%20four%20types,a%20maximum%20of%204%20hectares.&amp;text=Use%20rights%3A%20The%20rights%20of,Forest%20Produce%2C%20grazing%20areas%20etc." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>"The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights Act, 2006)"</strong></a>, a key forest legislation passed for securing protection &amp; livelihood of poor tribals and concerns with the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other natural resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has also launched a transformational <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tech-for-tribals-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tech For Tribals program</strong> </a>in partnership with Institutes of National Importance (INIs) to develop tribal entrepreneurship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1677381" 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/virtual-aadi-mahotsav'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Criticism of Policies on Kashmir: OIC',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India has &lsquo;strongly&rsquo; <strong>rejected the criticism of its Kashmir policy by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).</a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>47<sup>th</sup> session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers,</strong> held at <strong>Niamey (Niger),</strong> had made a reference to India over its <strong>policies on Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OIC is the <strong>second largest intergovernmental organization</strong> after the United Nations with a membership of <strong>57 states.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is not a member of the OIC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the <strong>collective voice of the Muslim world.</strong> It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of <strong>promoting international peace and harmony</strong> among various people of the world.</li>
<li>It was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in <strong>Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, in 1969.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>47<sup>th</sup> Session of OIC:</strong> A report submitted at the 47<sup>th</sup> session referred to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It said that the decision of the Indian government to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> repeal special status</strong></a> (in 2019) was aimed towards <strong>changing the demographic and geographic composition</strong> of the territory.</li>
<li>The continuous blockade and restrictions together have<strong> led to human rights abuses.</strong></li>
<li>The statement <strong>acknowledged the support that Pakistan has been providing to keep the Kashmir issue</strong> on the agenda of the organisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India strongly hit out at the OIC, accusing it of making<strong> "factually incorrect and unwarranted"</strong> references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted by the grouping at the session.</li>
<li>India asserted that the <strong>union territory is an integral and inalienable part of the country.</strong></li>
<li>India<strong> advised the OIC to refrain from making such references in future</strong> and said it is regrettable that the<strong> grouping continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country</strong> "which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities" in a <strong>clear reference to Pakistan.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After India revoked<strong> special status</strong> in Kashmir, Pakistan lobbied with the OIC for their condemnation of the move.</li>
<li>Over the last one year, Pakistan has tried to rouse sentiments among the Islamic countries, but only a handful of them, <strong>Turkey</strong> and <strong>Malaysia</strong> publicly criticised India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Saudi Arabia</strong> and the <strong>UAE,</strong> both top leaders among the Muslim countries, were <strong>not as critical</strong> of India as Pakistan had hoped.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of India&rsquo;s latest statement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India believes to bust the <strong>double standard of OIC,</strong> where it supports the agenda of Pakistan in the name of human rights.</li>
<li>India now sees the <strong>duality of the OIC unjustifiable,</strong> since many of the member countries of the OIC have <strong>good bilateral ties</strong> and convey to India to ignore OIC statements <strong>but sign off on the joint statements</strong> which are<strong> largely drafted by Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>India also wants to challenge this issue because of the possibility of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-us-election-results-on-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Joe Biden administration in the US</strong></a> which may have a strong view on human rights in Kashmir and may issue statements that <strong>may complicate India&rsquo;s</strong> image at the global stage.</li>
<li>With India preparing to take <strong>over a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-permanent member&rsquo;s seat at the UN Security Council</a></strong>, it wants to use its diplomatic clout and goodwill to bury this issue at the global body in the next two years and bring up the<strong> Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism</strong> high on agenda.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India and OIC</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s relationship with OIC as an organisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the 45<sup>th</sup> session of the Foreign Ministers&rsquo; Summit in 2018, Bangladesh, the host, <strong>suggested that India,</strong> where more than 10% of the world&rsquo;s Muslims live,<strong> should be given Observer status,</strong> but <strong>Pakistan opposed</strong> the proposal.</li>
<li>In 2019, India <strong>made its maiden appearance</strong> at the OIC Foreign Ministers&rsquo; meeting, as a &ldquo;guest of honour&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This<strong> first-time invitation was seen as a diplomatic victory for India,</strong> especially at a time of heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism of India's Policies by OIC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>generally supportive of Pakistan&rsquo;s stand on Kashmir,</strong> and has issued statements criticising the alleged Indian &ldquo;atrocities&rdquo; in the state/Union Territory.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018, the OIC General Secretariat had &ldquo;expressed strong condemnation of the killing of innocent Kashmiris by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It described the<strong> &ldquo;direct shooting at demonstrators&rdquo;</strong> as a<strong> &ldquo;terrorist act&rdquo;,</strong> and <strong>&ldquo;called upon the international community to play its role in order to reach a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Kashmir&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>OIC has criticised the Government of India over the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></a>, and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liberhan-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Babri Masjid verdict</strong> </a>of the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>OIC has also criticised the Indian government for what it called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/islamophobia-in-india-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;growing Islamophobia&rdquo;</strong></a> in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Response:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has always maintained that<strong> OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India</strong> including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s relationship with OIC member countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Individually, India has good relations with almost all member nations.</li>
<li>Ties with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-gulf-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UAE</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia</strong></a>, especially, have improved significantly in recent years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (UAE)</strong> was a special chief guest at the <strong>68<sup>th</sup> Republic Day</strong> celebrations in 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The OIC includes two of <strong>India&rsquo;s close neighbours,</strong> Bangladesh and Maldives. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian diplomats say both countries<strong> privately admit that they do not want to complicate their bilateral ties with India on Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-kashmir-india-and-the-oic-7074514/" 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/criticism-of-policies-on-kashmir-oic'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Special Marriage Act',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HyyYpMxxQ_s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>The Allahabad high Court has recently expressed its concern over the issue of one changing his/her faith just for the sake of matrimony while the two persons professing different religions can marry under<strong> the Special Marriage Act</strong> which is &lsquo;one of the earliest endeavours towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/uniform-civil-code-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uniform Civil Code.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The court had made the comments after finding that a Muslim woman had converted to Hinduism, and a month later married as per Hindu rituals.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Special Marriage Act is the legislation made to validate and register interreligious and inter-caste marriages in India.</li>
<li>It allows two individuals to solemnise their marriage through a civil contract.</li>
<li>No religious formalities are needed to be carried out under the Act.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Provisions Under The Special Marriage Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Special Marriage Act came into effect in 1954 permitting any individual belonging to a faith to marry another person belonging to a different faith provided there are certain conditions. The conditions are laid down in section 4 of the act: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It says that neither of the parties should have a spouse living.</li>
<li>Both the parties should be capable of giving consent; should be sane at the time of marriage.</li>
<li>The parties shall not be within the prohibited degree of relations as prescribed under their law. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Relationship by half blood as well as by full blood</li>
<li>Illegitimate as well as legitimate blood relationship</li>
<li>Relationship by adoption as well as by blood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While considering the age, the male must be at least 21 and the female be 18 at least.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In case all of these conditions are fulfilled, the parties are supposed to give a notice for their marriage to the Marriage Officer in an area where one of them has been living for the last 30 days.</li>
<li>Anyone having any objection to the marriage can file against it within a period of 30 days, after a 30 days period of considering the objections, the marriage is permitted with 3 witnesses required to sign the registration of marriage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Anyone who believes that either of the given parties do not fulfill all the required conditions can file an objection against the marriage and the marriage officer can reject the marriage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong> People of the same faith can also marry under this act; but separate laws for marriage also exist in their respective faith.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Issue related to the Act</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The act only validates the marriage of two people belonging to different faiths, but there is no punishment for those who forcibly convert the other partner just for the sake of marriage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is a serious issue for the communities such as the Parsis which already exist in minorities, due to coerced conversion these communities will soon be vanished.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Uniform Civil Code</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A uniform civil code here refers to a single law, applicable to all citizens of India in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, custody, adoption and inheritance.</li>
<li>The Constitution in Article 44 requires the State to strive to secure for its citizens a <strong>Uniform Civil Code (UCC)</strong> throughout India. However, no action has been taken in this regard till date.</li>
<li>Uniform Civil Code seeks to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Effective implementation and amendment:</strong> India has a strong set of laws but they are needed to be implemented strictly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the purview of interfaith marriages, the Idea should be to eradicate the core issue; coerced conversion.</li>
<li>Moreover, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 is now a 66 years old law and it definitely needs to undergo certain changes now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Separating religion and personal matters:</strong> Religion and personal matters are something to be dealt with separately, moreover, marriage and conversion of religion are two things and should definitely not be interconnected.</li>
<li><strong>UCC as the silver bullet:</strong> A uniform civil code for all personal matters; marriage, succession, divorce etc of all the communities including all the citizens shall be there leaving aside the religion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Issues such as marriages are secular in nature, therefore, a <strong>uniform law can regulate them.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Articles 44, 25 and 26:</strong> Article 44 mentioning the Uniform Civil Code and articles 25 and 26 are often believed to be contradictory. The balance with these articles is something that is rarely discussed and needs more attention now.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 25</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion. According to it, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate a religion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Article 26</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom to manage religious affairs. Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right to establish and maintain religious institutions and manage its own affairs in matters of religion.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Religion today has gone far beyond the faith in the almighty and has become quite antagonistic,where people want to impose their values and beliefs on others.</li>
<li>The time is right to bring in the UCC, by having consultation at a wider level with all the stakeholders.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-special-marriage-act'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Mandi System In India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-perils-of-deregulated-imperfect-agrimarkets/article33216046.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The perils of deregulated imperfect agrimarkets&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 01/12/2020. It talks about the recent farmers&rsquo; protest in New Delhi.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest#:~:text=Three%20Farm%20Bills%20that%20are,(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>massive farmers&rsquo; protests</strong> </a>erupted in New Delhi and adjoining areas against the newly introduced Farm Acts. According to the government, these <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest#:~:text=Three%20Farm%20Bills%20that%20are,(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new farm laws</strong></a> (particularly Farmers&rsquo; Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020- FPTC Act) are intended to benefit farmers by establishing private markets, elimination of middlemen and farmers would be free to sell to any buyer.</p>
<p>However, the protesting farmers do not accept these claims. They believe that if mandis weaken and private markets with no commitment to MSPs expand, this would lead to a gradual erosion of the guaranteed pricing i.e. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/need-for-msp-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.</strong></a></p>
<p>Therefore, these farmer&rsquo;s protest demand for a deeper analysis of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agricultural-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>mandi system in India and associated reforms</strong></a> to ensure the viability of agriculture for Aanadata (Farmers) of India.</p>
<h3>Intended Benefits of Liberalising Mandis</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Level playing field:</strong> The new legislation will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc., on a level playing field without any fear of exploitation.</li>
<li><strong>Transfers the risk:</strong> It will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor and also enable the farmer to access modern technology and better inputs.</li>
<li><strong>Attracts private sector:</strong> This legislation will act as a catalyst to attract private sector investment for building supply chains for supply of Indian farm produce to national and global markets, and in agricultural infrastructure.</li>
<li><strong>Eliminates intermediaries:</strong> Farmers will engage in direct marketing thereby eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of price.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Replacing the Mandi System May Not Help?</h3>
<p>An important assumption behind the FPTC Act is that mandis controlled by Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) are monopsonies in rural areas and liberalising agricultural markets will provide higher pricing for farmers. <strong>However, the organizational structure of Indian agriculture forces farmers to sell outside the mandis.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Large Proportion of Produce Sold Outside Mandi:</strong> Official data show that for paddy and wheat, respectively, only 29% and 44% of the harvest is sold in a mandi, while 49% and 36% is sold to either a local private trader or an input dealer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In other words, de facto, a large proportion of Indian harvest is not directly sold in a mandi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Number of Mandis:</strong> The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) had recommended that every Indian farmer should be able to reach a mandi in one hour by a cart. Thus, the average area served by a mandi was to be reduced to 80 square kilometres.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there were only 6,630 mandis in 2019 with an average area served of 463 square kilometres.</li>
<li>Therefore, India needs not less but more mandis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marginal Farmers Domination:</strong> In India, nearly 86% of landholding are owned by small &amp; marginal farmers. These farmers, given their small marketable surplus, do not find it economical to bear the transport costs to take their harvests to mandis.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, they end up selling their harvest to a village trader even if at a lower price.</li>
<li>Even if private markets replace mandis, small and marginal farmers will continue to sell to traders in the village itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Private Investment In Liberalised Agricultural Markets:</strong> The freedom to sell outside mandis already exists in many States.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Already, 18 States have allowed the establishment of private markets outside the APMC and have allowed the direct purchase of agricultural produce from farmers.</li>
<li>Despite such legislative changes, no significant private investment has flowed in to establish private markets in these States.</li>
<li>The reason for poor private investment in markets is the presence of high transaction costs in product collection and aggregation. Moreover, due to a large number of small and marginal farmers, this cost will be higher.</li>
<li>This is why many retail chains prefer purchasing bulk quantities of fruits and vegetables from mandis rather than directly from farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Evidence of Higher Prices:</strong> In the existing private markets too, there is no evidence of farmers receiving higher prices than in the mandis.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In fact, if transaction costs exceed mandi taxes, the costs would be transferred to the farmers at a lower price.</li>
<li>This, then, would imply a stronger squeeze on the farmer than at present.</li>
<li>Further, if mandis weaken and private markets do not sufficiently replace them, there are fears that the void would be filled by unscrupulous and unregulated traders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Quantitatively Improving Mandi Infrastructure:</strong> At the current stage of agricultural marketing in India, there is a need to increase in the density of mandis, expansion of investment in mandi infrastructure and a spread of the MSP system to more regions and crops.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For this to happen much of the mandi taxes should be properly reinvested by APMCs to improve market infrastructure.</li>
<li>In this context, the Punjab Mandi Board example is worth emulating, whereby it uses these revenues to construct rural roads, run medical and veterinary dispensaries, supply drinking water, improve sanitation, expand rural electrification and provide relief to farmers during calamities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Qualitative Improving Mandi Infrastructure:</strong> There is a need for not just more mandis, but also better mandis.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>APMCs need internal reform to ease the entry of new players, reduce trader collusion and link them up with national e-trading platforms.</li>
<li>The introduction of unified national licences for traders and a single point levy of market fees are also steps in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Economies of Scale:</strong> The bargaining power of Indian Farmer&rsquo;s vis-a-vis corporates will change only if economies of scale rise substantially at the farm-level.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to achieve this, there is a need to strengthen <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-76#:~:text=Farmer%20Producer%20Organisation%20(FPO)%20is,profits%2Fbenefits%20among%20the%20members." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Indian agricultural marketing reforms should derive inspiration from Barbara Harriss-White, a scholar of India&rsquo;s agricultural markets, who once observed, &ldquo;deregulated imperfect markets may become more, not less, imperfect than regulated imperfect markets&rdquo;.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606825691_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606825691_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="635" height="925" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffef0;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Recent farmer&rsquo;s protest demand for a deeper analysis of the mandi system in India and associated reforms. Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bXAp7UzbR5E" 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/reaping-the-whirlwind-the-hindu-editorial-on-farmer-protests/article33207268.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reaping the whirlwind: On farmer protests&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on November 30<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/mandi-system-in-india'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'SCO Online International Exhibition',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Vice President of India</strong> has launched the first ever<strong> SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The launch happened during the <strong>19<sup>th</sup> Meeting of the <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> Council of Heads of Government</strong> (SCO CHG), held in<strong> New Delhi.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India highlighted that the <strong>crossborder terrorism</strong> is the <strong>biggest challenge</strong> for the SCO countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SCO Online International Exhibition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Developed by: First ever of its kind</strong> the exhibition was developed and curated by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-museum-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Museum</strong></a>, <strong>New Delhi,</strong> in active collaboration with SCO member countries.</li>
<li><strong>Participants:</strong> Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Budhhist Connection:</strong> Buddhist philosophy and art of Central Asia connects <strong>SCO</strong> countries to each other and presents an excellent<strong> opportunity for visitors</strong> to access, appreciate and compare <strong>Buddhist art antiquities from SCO</strong> countries on a <strong>single platform.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Knowledge about Different Schools of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/buddhism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a>:</strong> The visitors can explore the Indian Buddhist treasures from the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/mauryan-architecture-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gandhara and Mathura Schools</strong></a>, <strong>Nalanda, Amaravati, Sarnath, etc. in a 3D virtual format.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Artistic Wealth and Excellence:</strong> The international exhibition gives a glimpse of the artistic wealth displayed in various museums across Asia and also represents the artistic excellence embedded within an eclectic historical timeline.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Pakistan Hall</strong> depicts the life of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/buddhism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gautama Buddha</strong></a> <strong>and buddhist art through a collection of impressive Gandhara art objects</strong> including fasting Siddhartha and footprint of Buddha from Sikri, meditating Buddha from Sahri Bahlol, miracle of Sravasti from Gandhara, etc.</li>
<li>The <strong>State Oriental Art Museum, Moscow</strong> contributed objects which depict the <strong>Buddhist Buriyat Art of Russia</strong> through icons, ritual objects, monastery traditions etc.</li>
<li><strong>The Dunhuang Academy of China</strong> contributed a rich <strong>digital collection on buddhist art</strong> which include<strong> ingenious architecture, resplendent murals, decorative designs, costumes etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India on Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India raised the issue of terrorism at the meeting and highlighted it as the enemy of humanity. It expressed its concerns on the <strong>state sponsored terrorism and in particular crossborder terrorism.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India supports the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-brics-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy.</strong></a></li>
<li>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s annual resolution on the issue of counter-terrorism</strong> </a>was adopted by consensus in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First Committee</strong> </a>of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also criticised Pakistan for using terrorism as a<strong> instrument of state policy</strong> and called upon the members of<strong> SCO</strong> to fight it <strong>collectively.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>permanent intergovernmental international organisation</strong> and a <strong>Eurasian political, economic and military organisation</strong> aiming to maintain <strong>peace, security and stability in the region</strong> created in <strong>2001.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>SCO</strong> is widely regarded as the<strong> "Alliance of the East",</strong> due to its growing centrality in Asia-Pacific, and has been the primary security pillar of the region.</li>
<li>It is the<strong> largest regional organisation in the world</strong> in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering <strong>three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Observer states:</strong> Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia.</li>
<li><strong>Dialogue Partners:</strong> Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1677157#:~:text=Shri%20M.%20Venkaiah%20Naidu%2C%20Vice,New%20Delhi%2C%20in%20videoconference%20format." 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/sco-online-international-exhibition'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Influenza and Bacterial Infection',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researches at <strong>Sweden&rsquo;s Karolinska Institute</strong> have come out with findings on <strong>superinfections</strong> and have also highlighted that <strong>influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial infections.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Superinfections:</strong> These are infection <strong>occurring after or on top of an earlier infection,</strong> especially following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is an overgrowth of an opportunistic pathogen from the bacterial or yeast imbalance of systemic antibiotics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example,<strong> influenza</strong> is caused by a<strong> virus,</strong> but the <strong>most common cause of death</strong> in influenza patients<strong> is secondary <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-forum-on-childhood-pneumonia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pneumonia</a>,</strong> which is caused by <strong>bacteria.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the<strong> reason</strong> behind influenza infections leading to an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia is<strong> not known.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Case study of Spanish Flu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was an<strong> influenza pandemic</strong> that swept across the world in the year <strong>1918&ndash;1920.</strong></li>
<li>It disproportionately hit young healthy adults and important reason for this was <strong>superinfections</strong> caused by bacteria, in particular <strong>pneumococci.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Pneumococcal infections</strong> are the most common cause of community acquired <strong>pneumonia</strong> and a leading global cause of death.</li>
<li>A prior <strong>influenza</strong> virus infection is often followed by a <strong>pneumococcal infection.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of the Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When an individual is <strong>infected by influenza</strong> different <strong>nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin C,</strong> leak from the blood.</li>
<li>The absence of nutrients and antioxidants <strong>creates a favourable environment for bacteria in the lungs.</strong></li>
<li>The bacteria <strong>adapt to the inflammatory environment</strong> by<strong> increasing</strong> the production of an enzyme called <strong>High temperature requirement A</strong> (HtrA).</li>
<li>The presence of <strong>HtrA</strong> weakens the <strong>immune system and promotes bacterial growth in the influenza-infected airways.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>ability of pneumococcus to grow</strong> seems to <strong>depend on the nutrient-rich environment with its higher levels of antioxidants</strong> that occurs during a viral infection, as well as on the <strong>bacteria&rsquo;s ability to adapt to the environment and protect itself</strong> from being eradicated by the immune system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The results could be <strong>used to find new therapies for double infections between the influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A possible strategy can therefore be <strong>use of protease inhibitors to prevent pneumococcal growth</strong> in the lungs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The information can<strong> contribute to the research on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-indian-federalism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19.</a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, it is still not known if <strong>Covid-19 patients are also sensitive to such secondary bacterial infections.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Influenza</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>viral infection that attacks the respiratory system</strong> i.e. nose, throat and lungs and is commonly called the <strong>flu.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.</li>
<li><strong>Common Treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Flu is primarily treated with<strong> rest and fluid intake</strong> to allow the body to fight the infection on its own.</li>
<li><strong>Paracetamol may help</strong> cure the symptoms but <strong>Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs</strong> (NSAIDs) should be avoided. <strong>An annual vaccine can help prevent</strong> the flu and limit its complications.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pneumonia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an infection that <strong>inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.</strong> The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus.</li>
<li><strong>Cause:</strong> Variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> Antibiotics can treat many forms of pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented by <strong>vaccines.</strong></li>
<li>The infection can be<strong> life-threatening to anyone,</strong> but particularly to <strong>infants, children and people over 65.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-influenza-makes-people-vulnerable-to-bacterial-infection-7074564/" 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/influenza-and-bacterial-infection'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Rise in NREGS Demand',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent analysis of data available up to November on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong> </a>(NREGS) portal shows that demand for work has been at all time high.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>NREGS</strong> is a <strong>demand-based scheme</strong> and has emerged as a <strong>safety net during the pandemic for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/woes-of-migrants-amid-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jobless migrant workers</a></strong> returning to their villages</li>
<li>Despite a progressive relaxation in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> curbs to revive the economy, <strong>96% gram panchayats</strong> have logged work under the scheme in the financial year (2020-21) as compared to previous seven years.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606813920_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606813920_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The number of gram panchayats generating <strong>nil person days of work</strong> (panchayats with zero person days work) during the current financial year<strong> are at an eight-year low</strong> of only<strong> 3.42% of the 2.68 lakh gram panchayats across the country.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, the number of gram panchayats generating nil person days during the entire period<strong> was 3.91% of the total 2.64 lakh gram panchayats.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Over <strong>96% of gram panchayats</strong> across the country have<strong> registered demand for work</strong> under NREGS from April till November-end.</li>
<li><strong>Over 6.5 crore households,</strong> covering 9.42 crore individuals, have availed NREGS till November 2020, which is an <strong>all-time high.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over 265.81 crore person days have been generated, which is <strong>higher than</strong> 265.44 crore generated in<strong> 2019.</strong></li>
<li>1.98 crore households availed the scheme in October 2020, which is<strong> 82% higher than</strong> 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Highest number of demand</strong> for work came from <strong>Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>wage expenditure</strong> has also reached an <strong>all-time high of Rs. 53,522 crore</strong> during this period.</li>
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> has <strong>reported the highest figure of households</strong> that availed the NREGS across the country, since July and has been <strong>followed by West Bengal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These two states were not covered under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/garib-kalyan-rojgar-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005</strong></a> was notified by the Government of India on September, 2005 and was made <strong>effective in February 2006.</strong> Under it, the <strong>NREGS was introduced.</strong></li>
<li>The Act aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by <strong>guaranteeing hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members</strong> (at least 18 years of age) volunteer to do unskilled work.</li>
<li>The central government bears the <strong>full cost of unskilled labour,</strong> and<strong> 75% of the cost of material</strong> (the rest is borne by the states).</li>
<li>It is a <strong>demand-driven, social security and labour law</strong> that aims to enforce the <strong>&lsquo;right to work&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ministry of Rural Development</strong> in association with state governments, monitors the implementation of the scheme.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched in <strong>June 2020 to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens</strong> who had <strong>returned to their home states</strong> due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns.</strong></a></li>
<li>It worked in mission mode for<strong> 125 days</strong> with an outlay of <strong>Rs. 50,000 crore.</strong></li>
<li>A total of 116 districts across six states, namely <strong>Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha</strong> were chosen for the campaign.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These districts covered the <strong>maximum number</strong> (about 2/3) of such <strong>migrant workers who had returned.</strong></li>
<li>The chosen districts include 27 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aspirational Districts</strong></a>, districts which are affected by poor socio-economic indicators. These are aspirational in the context, that improvement in these districts can lead to the overall improvement in human development in India. It is a NITI Aayog&rsquo;s Programme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nregs-demand-still-on-rise-96-of-the-panchayats-have-applicants-7074545/" 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/rise-in-nregs-demand'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Peacock Soft-shelled Turtle',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Peacock soft-shelled turtle</strong> (a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-turtle-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>turtle</strong></a> of a<strong> vulnerable species</strong>) has been rescued from a fish market in<strong> Assam&rsquo;s Silchar.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> <em>Nilssonia hurum.</em></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They have a <strong>large head, downturned snout</strong> with low and oval carapace of dark olive green to nearly black, sometimes with a yellow rim.</li>
<li>The<strong> head and limbs are olive green;</strong> the <strong>forehead has dark reticulations</strong> and large<strong> yellow or orange patches or spots,</strong> especially behind the eyes and across the snout.</li>
<li><strong>Males</strong> possess <strong>relatively longer and thicker tails</strong> than females.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This species is confined to<strong> India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>In india, it is widespread in the northern and <strong>central parts of the Indian subcontinent.</strong></li>
<li>These are found in <strong>rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with mud or sand bottoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The species is <strong>heavily exploited for its meat and calipee</strong> (the outer cartilaginous rim of the shell).</li>
<li>Threats in the River Ganga to the species are those generic for all large river turtles, including <strong>reduction of fish stock,</strong> as a result of <strong>overfishing, pollution, increase in river traffic, and sand-mining,</strong> among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</strong></a>: Schedule I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>: Vulnerable</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/professor-rescues-vulnerable-turtle-species-from-assam-fish-market-7074419/" 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/peacock-soft-shelled-turtle'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course)',
		'catname' => 'Online Courses',
		'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Pendrive Course)</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Registration open</strong></li>
<!--<li><strong>Batch Starts</strong>: December 15, 2020.</li>-->
<li><strong>Mode</strong>: Pen Drive Course (Total 8 Pen Drives, one pen drive to be sent every month)</li>
<li><strong>Team</strong>: Team of best teachers led by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li><strong>Course Size</strong>: 400+ classes of 1000+ hours. Full syllabus course starting at the very basic level.</li>
<li><strong>Course Validity</strong>: 3 years, Facility to see each class 3 times.</li>
<li>A special concession of 20% in the fee for admission in General Studies Classroom Course at our any branch - Delhi, Prayagraj or Jaipur. (conditions apply)</li>
<li><strong>Other facilities</strong>: Printed Notes for all segments, 24 Main's Tests with evaluation facility, Current Affairs classes for 3 years, Prelims Test Series for 3 years, Monthly Magazine and personalized guidance for doubts for 3 years.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">
<h2>Special Discount</h2>
<p><strong>Fee: <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">₹ 1,00,000</span> ₹ 75,000 (including GST). - with 25% discount for the first 500 students.<br /><br />Last Date to Avail Discount - 15th April, 2021<br /></strong></p>
<p>For additional information related to this course, call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:8010440440">7669806814</a>.</p>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Now</a>&nbsp;<a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn blue" id="bookSession" rel="noopener" data-course="IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch(Pendrive Course)">Book Counseling Session</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of the Course</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Teaching by the best teachers of the country under the leadership of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti. Ethics (complete syllabus) and Indian Constitution (main sections) to be taught by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti himself.</li>
<li>Total 1000+ hours of classes. Facility to view each class up to 3 times. Validity of the course is for 3 years from the start of the batch.</li>
<li>Special emphasis on conceptual clarity and developing answer writing skills in classes. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years&rsquo; as well as probable questions in upcoming exams.</li>
<li>A team of subject experts will be made available for clearing doubts. Provision of resolving doubts via regular online meetings also.</li>
<li>The following books / notes will be sent to your address as text material free of charge:
<ul>
<li>Printed booklets of notes for each section.</li>
<li>Our monthly magazine 'Drishti Current Affairs Today' for 3 years.</li>
<li>6 books of 'Prelims Practice Series' published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your prelims preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
<li>5 books of 'Mains Capsule' Series published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your Mains' preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Current Affairs Classes and Prelims Crash Course free for three years (online).</li>
<li>IAS Prelims Online Test Series free for 3 years. Total 30x3 = 90 Tests (75 Tests for General Studies and 15 for CSAT)</li>
<li>One or more Practice Tests from each section for Prelims and Mains. Test evaluation (for Mains) will be done by our academic support team.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper" style="background-color: #f9ffe4;"><strong><span style="color: #00008b; font-size: 22px;">-->
<div class="pendrive-feature-block">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Process of Sending Pen Drives &amp; Notes</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>All pen drives and notes related to this course will be sent to you according to a fixed schedule. Since this batch will start from December 15, 2020, we will dispatch the first pen drive and the first set of notes by speed post or courier service by December 15. In 7-10 days (ie by 20-25 December) you will receive a pen drive and the first packet of notes. (Note: If you live at a place where it takes longer to reach the postal/courier services due to COVID-19 or other reasons, then it may take some extra time).</li>
<li>Initially, pen drives and notes are sent for the segments from which questions are asked in the prelims exam. After them, the topics of the main examination are covered. This sequence has been devised so that even the students taking prelims examination in 2021 are not inconvenienced in taking the exam.</li>
<li>A schedule will be sent to you along with the first packet mentioning the dates of sending all pen drives and notes.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="image-block"><img src="/hindi/drishti/img/feature-thumb-img.png" alt="" /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REQI0jAqRA&amp;list=PLQpF--VlgguRCRkwkjnCsiVit9vTtSuLZ" class="icon-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> <span>Demo classes available on YouTube. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
<div class="section-payment">
<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end --></div>
<!-- end row --></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/gs-foundation-batch-pendrive-course'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Implementing Forest Rights',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/forests/how-fra-helped-india-s-forest-communities-during-covid-19-74440" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;How FRA helped India&rsquo;s forest communities during COVID-19&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in Down to Earth on 27/11/2020. It talks about the implementation issues regarding the Forest Rights Act, 2006.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, like any other dimension, has had a drastic impact on forest communities. It caused losses of livelihoods and shelter, food insecurity, physical hardships, health-concerns and economic suffering.</p>
<p>In order to cope with the crisis, effective implementation of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, also known as Forest Rights Act (FRA)</a> </strong>assumes much importance.</p>
<p>FRA has the potential to secure the forest rights and address other issues of at least 200 million tribals (covering 50% of India&rsquo;s forest land). However, it is laxity in the implementation of the act that undermines fructification of the law, even after a decade and a half of its enactment.</p>
<h3>FRA &amp; Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s Forest Rights Act empowers the forest communities to use, manage and govern forests for their livelihood as well as for the conservation and protection of forests. But its poor implementation remains an issue.</li>
<li>The key reasons for poor implementation of FRA include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lack of political commitment;</li>
<li>Lack of adequate human and financial resources with the Department of Tribal Affairs, which is the nodal agency for implementation of FRA;</li>
<li>The tussle with forest bureaucracy which influences decision at various levels;</li>
<li>Poor or non-functioning of district and sub-division level committees, which consider the claims filed by gram sabhas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been a decade and a half since the law was passed. However, only 13% of the 40 million ha has been demarcated under the FRA by the environment ministry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This laxity in duly recording existing forest rights and the resultant tenurial insecurity is likely to increase vulnerability and more adversely impact livelihoods and food security of forest dwellers during the pandemic and after.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Issues Faced by the Forest Communities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Absence of Social Infrastructure:</strong> The absence of healthcare facilities in tribal areas, with a prevalence of diseases and health concerns such as malnutrition, malaria, leprosy, etc, severely limited the capacities to deal with any major outbreak like Covid-19.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The poor access of tribal and forest dwellers to the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> public distribution system</strong></a> was reported from all states.</li>
<li>There were also various reports of starvation from the tribal areas since they remain excluded from most of the benefits of the socio-economic scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Related to Minor Forest Produce:</strong> Mere granting of ownership over minor forest produce (MFPs) will not improve tribal livelihoods, as overall production of MFPs (except of tendu leaves) has fallen rapidly due to monoculture plantation by the forest department.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Silvicultural practices of plant species, such as teak (in place of sal), yields no recurrent product for gathering.</li>
<li>Moreover, the important MFPs continue to be &lsquo;nationalised&rsquo;, that is, these can be sold only to government agencies.</li>
<li>Further, the collection, use and sale of minor forest produce (MFP) by forest dwellers also got severely affected due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PVTG Issue:</strong> The survival of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>particularly vulnerable tribal groups</strong></a> (PVTG) living in remote and scattered geographical locations in India was another issue. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>PVTG have been the prime conservationists of deep forests and have managed the biodiversity of forests since ages.</li>
<li>Deep forests are a complex ecosystem encapsulating the grand narratives of resources, nature, biodiversity and lives.</li>
<li>Breaking this ecosystem would only intensify the dispossession, alienation of the communities, thereby adversely impacting the forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dilution of EIA:</strong> Amid such hardships faced by tribal communities, the dilution of laws and policies under the theme of &lsquo;Self-Reliant India&rsquo; to boost the economy has increased resentment among them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recent announcements regarding the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/draft-eia-notification-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dilution of Environment Impact Assessment</strong></a> and liberalisation of entry norms for private entities in the coal sector have increased tribal anger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implementing FRA in Letter &amp; Spirit:</strong> Implementing FRA will not only lead to the development of forest dwellers but also build a relationship of trust and bond between them and the government, thereby reducing land conflict, Naxalism and underdevelopment.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperative Federalism:</strong> Keeping in view the enormous economic, social and ecological benefits of individual and community forest management, the Centre in cooperation with State governments should implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in its right spirit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it is important that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the Central and State levels are strengthened with human and financial resources to help implement FRA on a mission mode.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforming Forest Bureaucracy:</strong> Besides leveraging modern technology to map and monitor the implementation of FRA, the forest bureaucracy must also be reformed to serve as service providers to gram sabhas.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Market For MFP:</strong> There is a need to provide marketing and MSP support to non-timber forest products and create institutional mechanisms to support community forest enterprises for value addition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the government should continue to provide technical support to the gram sabhas, so as to ensure not only higher production of MFPs but price support as provided to farmers so as to rejuvenate the tribal economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Rights recognised under FRA have helped to facilitate support for forest communities at various levels by overcoming constraints and crisis situations during times of wide-scale distress. However, a wider implementation of the law is what is the need of the hour.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fcf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Forest Rights Act-2006 remains crucial to secure rights of the forest dwellers and rejuvenation of the tribal economy. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/implementing-forest-rights'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Hidden Epidemic',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>A new research published recently in <strong>Diabetologia</strong> (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) highlights the <strong>vulnerability of indian youth</strong> towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetes.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The research titled <strong>&ldquo;Lifetime risk of diabetes in metropolitan cities in India,&rsquo;&rsquo;</strong> was done by a team of authors in India, U.K. and U.S.,<strong> led by Shammi Luhar, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, U.K.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Findings of the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than<strong> half of men</strong> (55%) and<strong> two thirds</strong> (65%) of <strong>women aged 20 years in India</strong> are more likely to develop diabetes, with most of those cases<strong> (around 95%)</strong> likely to be <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>type 2 diabetes</strong></a> (T2D) in their lifetime.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Type 2 diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the<strong> cells in the body do not respond</strong> to it as effectively as they once did.</li>
<li>The population with 45 and above age groups is the most affected with it.</li>
<li>This is the most common type of diabetes and it has strong links with obesity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lifetime risk of developing diabetes in 20 year old men and women free of diabetes today is <strong>56% and 65%,</strong> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Obesity</strong> has a significant impact on vulnerability to diabetes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>86%</strong> higher among 20 year old women and <strong>87%</strong> among men of <strong>metropolitan area.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India currently has <strong>77 million adults who have diabetes</strong> and this number is <strong>expected to almost double to 134 million by 2045.</strong></li>
<li>Women generally<strong> had a higher lifetime risk of developing diabetes</strong> across their lifespan.</li>
<li>Remaining lifetime risk of developing diabetes<strong> declined with age.</strong> As per researchers, those <strong>currently aged 60 years and free of diabetes, </strong>are<strong> less likely to develop diabetes</strong> in their remaining life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sources of data for the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sex and BMI-specific incidence rates</strong> of diabetes<strong> in urban India</strong> taken from the <strong>Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (2010&ndash;2018);</strong></li>
<li><strong>age, sex and urban-specific rates of mortality</strong> from period lifetables reported by the <strong>Government of India</strong> (2014);</li>
<li>Prevalence of diabetes from the <strong>Indian Council for Medical Research India Diabetes study</strong> (2008&ndash;2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of high probabilities of developing diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overburdening of already<strong> strained health Infrastructure</strong> of the country.</li>
<li>Increase <strong>out-of-pocket expenditure</strong> on diabetes treatment by patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of such high incidences of diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urbanisation</li>
<li>Decreasing diet quality</li>
<li>Decreased levels of physical activity</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention or postponing diabetes by effective lifestyle modification, such as:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following a healthy diet</li>
<li>Increasing physical activity</li>
<li>Reducing body weight in those who are obese or overweight</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="480" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diabetes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Diabetes is a<strong> Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas<strong> does not produce enough insulin</strong> (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the<strong> body cannot effectively use</strong> the insulin it produces.</li>
<li>Types:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Type I diabetes:</strong> It is also known as<strong> juvenile diabetes</strong> (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the <strong>body fails to produce sufficient insulin.</strong> People with type I diabetes are <strong>insulin-dependent,</strong> which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.</li>
<li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes <strong>becomes less sensitive to insulin.</strong> Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and <strong>usually resolves after giving birth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Diabetes affects the<strong> five major organs</strong> namely,<strong> Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).</strong></li>
<li>The factors responsible for the increase in diabetes are an <strong>unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/lifetime-risk-of-diabetes-in-metropolitan-cities-is-alarming-warns-study/article33205315.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/hidden-epidemic'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'China’s New Dam on Brahmaputra',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Chinese authorities have given the go ahead for a <strong>Chinese hydropower company</strong> to construct the<strong> first downstream hydropower project</strong> on the lower reaches of the river<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Brahmaputra</strong></a> (known as <strong>Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet</strong>).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brahmaputra:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It originates under the name of <strong>Siang or Dihang,</strong> from the <strong>Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake.</strong> It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Dibang, Lohit, Siang, Burhi Dihing, Tista, and Dhansari.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a<strong> perennial river</strong> and has <strong>several peculiar characteristics due to its geography and prevailing climatic conditions.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> flooded twice annually.</strong> One flood is caused by the<strong> melting of the Himalayan snow in summer</strong> and the <strong>other due to the monsoon flows.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> frequency</strong> of these floods have increased and are devastating due to climate change and its impact on high and low flows.</li>
<li>These <strong>pose a concern for the population and food security in the lower riparian states of India and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The river is in itself <strong>dynamic as frequent landslides and geological activity force it to change course</strong> very often.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> state-owned</strong> hydropower company <strong>POWERCHINA</strong> signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tibet Autonomous Region</strong></a> (TAR) <strong>government</strong> to implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river as part of the new <strong>Five Year Plan</strong> (2021-2025).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will be the<strong> first time the downstream sections of the river will be tapped.</strong> However, the<strong> location</strong> of the planned project <strong>has not been mentioned anywhere.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Great Bend of the Brahmaputra</strong> and the<strong> Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Medog county,</strong> where the river turns sharply to flow across the border into f <strong>Arunachal Pradesh could be the potential spot</strong> for the project. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This<strong> 50 km section</strong> alone offers a potential of developing <strong>70 million kilowatt hours</strong> (Kwh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Previous Projects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> China operationalised its<strong> first hydropower project at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zangmu in Tibet</a>,</strong> while three other dams at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dagu, Jiexu and Jiacha</strong></a> are being developed, all on the upper and middle reaches of the river.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Importance of the Project for China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> 60 million kWh hydropower</strong> exploitation could <strong>provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.</strong></li>
<li>The project will play a significant role in realising China&rsquo;s goal of reaching a <strong>carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been expressing concerns on Brahmaputra<strong> since 2015</strong> when China operationalised its <strong>project at Zangmu.</strong></li>
<li>A dam at the <strong>Great Bend,</strong> if approved, would raise fresh concerns considering its <strong>location downstream and just across the border</strong> from Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For India, <strong>quantity of water is not an issue</strong> because these are run of the river dams and will not impact the Brahmaputra flow. More importantly, Brahmaputra is not entirely dependent on upstream flows and an estimated <strong>35% of its basin is in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, India is concerned about the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese activities affecting the quality of water, ecological balance and the flood management.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China</strong> </a>do not have a water sharing agreement. Both nations share hydrological data so it becomes important to share genuine data and have continuous dialogue on issues like warning of droughts, floods and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-water-discharge-from-china-threatens-arunachal-assam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high water discharges.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is required to go beyond the exchange of hydrological data and ask China for information on the topographic condition of the whole basin.</li>
<li>Any forward movement on ensuring hydro-security in the Brahmaputra basin would require a long-term understanding between the two countries. It is necessary for India to engage China in a sustained dialogue and secure a water-sharing treaty that serves the interests of both the countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-hydropower-company-plans-first-downstream-dam-on-brahmaputra/article33206687.ece#:~:text=China's%20media%20reported%20on%20Sunday,of%20the%20river%20with%20potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-new-dam-on-brahmaputra'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Mission COVID Suraksha',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government of India has announced the<strong> stimulus package of Rs. 900 crore</strong> for the <strong>Mission COVID Suraksha,</strong> the Indian Covid-19 Vaccine Development Mission, which will <strong>help the development process of the vaccine candidates.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mission COVID Suraksha is India&rsquo;s <strong>targeted effort to enable the development of indigenous, affordable and accessible vaccines</strong> for the country and will complement the ongoing mission of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Centre had announced this package during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>third economic stimulus.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Mission with its <strong>end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment,</strong> would consolidate all available and funded resources towards accelerated product development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grant:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase-I of the Mission has been allotted <strong>Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12 months.</strong></li>
<li>The grant will be provided to the<strong> Department of Biotechnology</strong> (DBT) for Research and Development (R&amp;D) of Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakeholders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be<strong> led by DBT</strong> and implemented by a dedicated <strong>Mission Implementation Unit</strong> at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/making-india-a-biotech-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council</strong></a> (BIRAC).</li>
<li>The existing activities under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-biopharma-mission#:~:text=The%20National%20Biopharma%20Mission%20(NBM,funded%20by%20World%20Bank%20loan." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bio Pharma Mission</strong> </a>(NBM) and<strong> Ind-CEPI Mission</strong> will provide complementary strengths to this Mission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The DBT is supporting the implementation of the Ind-CEPI Mission, &ldquo;Epidemic preparedness through rapid vaccine development: Support of Indian vaccine development aligned with the global initiative of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thsti-part-of-vaccine-assessment-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations</strong></a> (CEPI)&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Ind-CEPI Mission was approved in<strong> March 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development.</li>
<li>Licensure of Covid-19 vaccine candidates that are currently in clinical stages or ready to enter the clinical stage of development.</li>
<li>Establishing clinical trial sites.</li>
<li>Strengthening the existing central laboratories and suitable facilities for animal studies, production facilities and other testing facilities to support the vaccine development.</li>
<li>Supporting the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management systems, regulatory submissions, internal and external quality management systems and accreditations.</li>
<li>Supporting capabilities for process development, cell line development and manufacturing of GMP batches for animal toxicology studies and clinical trials.</li>
<li>Developing suitable<strong> Target Product Profile</strong> so that vaccines being introduced through the mission have preferred characteristics applicable to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Candidates:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A total of<strong> 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by DBT</strong> so far at both academia and industry and as on date and<strong> 5 vaccine candidates are in human trials.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covishield</strong></a>: The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India</strong></a> (SII) is conducting the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/drugs-and-clinical-trials-rules-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>phase-3</strong></a> trial of the <strong>Oxford-Astrazeneca</strong> Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a>: The indigenously developed <strong>Bharat Biotech</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong> </a>(ICMR) vaccine has already started the phase III clinical trial.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a>: Indigenously developed vaccine by<strong> Zydus Cadila</strong> has completed the phase-2 clinical trial in the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sputnik V</strong></a>: The combined phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the<strong> Russian Covid-19 vaccine</strong> Sputnik V in India are about to get started.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-candidate#:~:text=India%20is%20preparing%20to%20administer,vaccine%20candidates%20in%20the%20future." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BNT162b2</strong></a>: India is focusing on training for conducting phase II and III human clinical trials of the <strong>Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate</strong> along lines of India&rsquo;s regulatory mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Clinical Trials</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>systematic study to generate data for discovering or verifying the clinical and pharmacological profile</strong> (including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic) or <strong>adverse effects</strong> of a new drug on humans.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>only way of establishing the safety and efficacy</strong> of any drug before its introduction in the market for human use and is preceded by animal trials where the efficacy and side effects are observed in animals and an estimated drug dose is established.</li>
<li>Clinical trials of drugs developed in India<strong> have to undergo all four phases of trials in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase I or clinical pharmacology trials or &ldquo;first in man&rdquo; study.</li>
<li>Phase II or exploratory trials.</li>
<li>Phase III or confirmatory trials.</li>
<li>Phase IV trials or post-marketing phase.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1676998" 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/mission-covid-suraksha'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'OTT Platforms',
		'catname' => 'Paper 3',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These platforms were so far under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</p>
<h3>Over-The-Top Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OTT or Over-the-Top platforms are audio and video hosting and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar etc, which started out as content hosting platforms but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web series themselves<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These platforms offer a range of content and use <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> to suggest users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform. </li>
<li>Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>OTT Platforms and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is currently the world&rsquo;s fastest growing OTT (over-the-top streaming) market, and is all set to emerge as the world&rsquo;s sixth-largest by 2024.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present, the OTT platform&rsquo;s valuation stands at 35 billion INR, with nearly 500 million internet users, expected to grow at 8% per year. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In January 2019, eight video streaming services had signed a self-regulatory code that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms which prohibited five types of content. This includes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Content that deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or national flag.</li>
<li>Any visual or story line that promotes child pornography. </li>
<li>Any content that &ldquo;maliciously&rdquo; intends to outrage religious sentiments. </li>
<li>Content that &ldquo;deliberately and maliciously&rdquo; promotes or encourages terrorism.</li>
<li>Any content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by law or court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues with OTT Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Content regulation:</strong> There is no law or autonomous body to monitor and manage the digital contents provided on these OTT platforms and it is made available to the public at large without any filter or screening.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike television, print or radio which follow guidelines released by governments, OTT platforms classified as digital media or social media, had little to no regulation on the choice of content they offered, the subscription rates, certification for adult movies and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regulation of OTT Content</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a move that will have a far-reaching impact, the Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms, or video streaming service providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others, under the ambit of the <strong>Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.</strong></li>
<li>The latest order covers &ldquo;Digital/Online Media&rdquo;, including &ldquo;films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers&rdquo; and &ldquo;news and current affairs content on online platforms&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It will give the government control over these platforms, which were unregulated till now as there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content.</li>
<li>Online content providers come under the legal framework of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security#:~:text=Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000,Hacking%20with%20computer%20system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Technology Act 2000</strong></a> but, unlike print and broadcast media, were not directly under any Ministry.</li>
<li>However, there are no details yet on how the government will regulate it. But it is learnt that the Programme Code that governs content on TV and which found an outlet in the Cable Television Network Regulation Act, 1995, may serve as a template to frame rules for online content.</li>
<li><strong>Impact of regulation:</strong> The regulation of OTT could also mean that these platforms would have to apply for certification and approval of the content they wish to stream.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This in itself could give rise to many conflicts as most OTT platforms have content that could otherwise be censored by the certification boards in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digital Awareness:</strong> Consumers should be made aware of the impacts of their streaming and realise if there is really a need to watch these videos multiple times. Every video viewed consumes energy every time. Rather watching the video with a group can save energy. </li>
<li><strong>Viewers&rsquo; Responsibility:</strong> The purpose of creating laws for the OTT content is to prevent the underage people from watching certain contents. Ensuring on our part that kids in our home do not access such contents can help fulfill the very purpose.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/ott-platforms'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Checks & Balances',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-red-lines-narendra-modi-7069676/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Red Lines&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 27/11/2020. It talks about the issues and solutions related to the principle of checks and balances in Indian Polity.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-on-one-nation-one-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong></a> was conducted at Kevadia in Gujarat. The conference discussed many issues largely on the theme of harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.</p>
<p>At the conference, the Prime Minister of India highlighted the ethos of separation of powers and checks &amp; balances that are built into the Indian constitutional design.</p>
<p>However, recently <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/parliamentary-reforms-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>there are many instances</strong></a> which undermine the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-673" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doctrine of separation of powers and weakens the system of checks &amp; balances.</strong></a> This loss of integrity may erode people&rsquo;s trust in the functioning of the government.</p>
<h3>The Doctrine of Separation of Powers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Separation of powers is the division of the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government.</li>
<li>Since the sanction of all three branches is required for the making, executing, and administering of laws, it minimises the possibility of arbitrary excesses by the government.</li>
<li>The constitutional demarcation precludes the concentration of excessive power by any branch of the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instruments of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<p><strong>Legislature Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Impeachment and the removal of the judges. Power to amend laws declared ultra vires by the Court and revalidating it.</li>
<li><strong>On Executive:</strong> Through a no-confidence vote it can dissolve the Government. Power to assess works of the executive through the question hour and zero hour. Impeachment of the President.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Executive Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Making appointments to the office of Chief Justice and other judges.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Powers under delegated legislation. Authority to make rules for regulating their respective procedure and conduct of business subject to the provisions of this Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Judicial Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Executive: <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/13-04-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Judicial review</a></strong> i.e. the power to review executive action to determine if it violates the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Unamendability of the constitution under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=The%20Constitutional%20Bench%20in%20Kesavananda,essential%20features%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure doctrine</strong> </a>pronounced by the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati Case 1973.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Weakening System of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Weakened Opposition in India:</strong> Democracy works on the principle of checks and balances. It is these checks and balances that prevent democracy from turning into majoritarianism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In a Parliamentary system, these checks and balances are provided by the opposition party.</li>
<li>However, the majority of a single party in the Lok Sabha has diminished the role of an effective opposition in the Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakened Legislature Scrutiny:</strong> According to data by PRS Legislative Research, while 60% of the Bills in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha and 71% in the 15<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha were referred to Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs) concerned, this proportion came down to 27% in the 16<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the DRSCs, there are negligible bills referred to Select Committees of the Houses or Joint Parliamentary Committees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judiciary Being Averse to Checks &amp; Balances:</strong> The Supreme Court has held the 99th constitutional amendment, which provided for the establishment of the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-94" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Judicial Appointments Commission</strong> </a>as ultra-vires.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) could guarantee the independence of the system from inappropriate politicization, strengthen the quality of appointments, enhance the fairness of the selection process, promote diversity in the composition of the judiciary, and rebuild public confidence in the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> In many recent judgments, the Supreme Court has become hyper-activist in making judgements that are deemed as laws and rules. This transgresses the domain of legislature and executive.</li>
<li><strong>Executive Excesses:</strong> Executive in India is alleged of over-centralisation of power, weakening of public institutions like CIC &amp; RTI and passing laws to strengthen law, order &amp; security of the state but curbs freedom of expression as well like UAPA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Introducing Legislative Impact Assessment (LIA):</strong> A detailed framework for pre and post-legislative Impact Assessment was needed whereby every legislative proposal is evaluated on account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new Legislation Committee of Parliament to oversee and coordinate legislative planning should be constituted.</li>
<li>This can check any overreach by the executive that may curb the civil liberties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthen the Role of the Opposition:</strong> In order to strengthen the role of the opposition, the institution of shadow cabinet can be formed in India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shadow Cabinet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>&lsquo;Shadow Cabinet&rsquo; is a unique institution of the British cabinet system.</li>
<li>It is formed by the opposition party to balance the ruling cabinet and to prepare its members for future ministerial office.</li>
<li>In such a system each action of Cabinet Minister must be countersigned by the minister in the shadow cabinet.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judiciary Should Lead By Example:</strong> Supreme Court is the custodian of the constitution that checks any overreach by legislature and executive. Therefore, the judiciary should lead to the adherence of maintaining constitutional morality by proactively making the collegium system transparent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Until a better mechanism is evolved, the Supreme court can take steps to make collegium more transparent and accountable to make it&rsquo;s functioning democratic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the other organs. It also undermines the spirit of democracy as too much accumulation of powers in organs of government undermines the principle of check and balance.</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>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in a democracy. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDiHWatgxRU" 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://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/vexatious-dragon-resolute-india-strong-india-to-keep-chinas-rise-peaceful/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Vexatious Dragon, Resolute India: Strong India, to keep China&rsquo;s rise peaceful&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 26th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/checks-balances-1'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'The Constitution Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently on 26<sup>th</sup> November, <strong>71<sup>st</sup> constitution day</strong> was celebrated in the country. Every year as part of the celebrations, a number of activities aimed<strong> at highlighting and reiterating the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution</strong> are organised.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas</strong> is also known as <strong>National Law Day.</strong> The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India <strong>formally adopted the Constitution of India that came into force on 26 January 1950.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> on 19 November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Facts about the Constitution of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The framing of the Constitution took over <strong>2 years, 11 months and 18 days.</strong></li>
<li>The original copies of the Indian Constitution <strong>weren&rsquo;t typed or printed. They have been handwritten</strong> and are now kept in a helium-filled case within the library of the Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Prem Bihari Narain Raizada</strong> had written the unique copies of the Structure of India.</li>
<li>Originally, the Constitution of India was written in English and Hindi.</li>
<li>The Constitution of India has borrowed some of its features from a number of countries, including Britain, Ireland, Japan, USA, South Africa, Germany, Australia, and Canada.</li>
<li>The basic structure of the Indian Constitution stands on the <strong>Government of India Act, 1935.</strong></li>
<li>World's lengthiest Constitution</li>
<li>Federal System with Unitary Features</li>
<li>Parliamentary Form of Government</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1934, <strong>M N Roy</strong> first proposed the idea of a <strong>constituent assembly.</strong> Under the <strong>Cabinet Mission plan</strong> of 1946, elections were held for the formation of the constituent assembly.</li>
<li><strong>Drafting Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Drafting Committee had seven members: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami, B.R. Ambedkar, K.M Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter and D.P. Khaitan.</li>
<li>At its first meeting on 30<sup>th</sup> August 1947, the Drafting Committee elected <strong>B.R Ambedkar</strong> as its Chairman.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Constitutional Amendment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First Amendment Act, 1951</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provided for the saving of laws providing for the acquisition of estates, etc.</li>
<li>Added<strong> Ninth Schedule</strong> to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Second and Seventh schedules were substantially amended for the purpose of the States Reorganization Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1976</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The major Amendments made in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act are:</li>
<li><strong>Preamble</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The characterization of India as &lsquo;Sovereign Democratic Republic&rsquo; has been changed to &lsquo;Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The words &lsquo;Unity of the nation&rsquo; have been changed to &lsquo;Unity and integrity of the nation&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A major change that was made by the 42<sup>nd</sup> Constitutional Amendment was to give primacy to all Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights contained in Articles 14, 19 or 31.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Duties</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act inserted Article 51-A to create a new part called IV-A in the Constitution, which prescribed the Fundamental Duties to the citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (44<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1978</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new provision was added to Article 74(1) saying that the President could require the council of ministers to reconsider its advice to him, either generally or otherwise and the President should Act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.</li>
<li>It has been provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet.</li>
<li>Right to Property has been taken out from the list of Fundamental Rights and has been declared a legal right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (73<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A separate part IX has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh Schedule called the Eleventh Schedule enumerating the powers and functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (74<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. After part VIII of the Constitution, a separate part IXA has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh schedule called Twelfth schedule enumerating the powers and functions of urban local bodies has been incorporated.</li>
<li>The Act provides Municipal Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation, reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and one-third reservation of seats for women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (101<sup>st</sup> Amendment) Act, 2017</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduced the Goods and Services Tax.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2018</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (103<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2019</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) of citizens of classes other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1675720#:~:text=25.11.2020%20%7C%20Goa&amp;text=Constitution%20Day%20also%20known%20as,effect%20from%2026th%20January%201950." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'National Organ Donation Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>National Organ Donation Day</strong> was celebrated on <strong>27<sup>th</sup> November</strong> by the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Provides financial grants for</strong> establishing ROTTOs, SOTTOs, developing new and upgrading existing retrieval and transplant centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organ Donation Institutional Set up:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-28th-november-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisation</strong></a> (NOTTO), the <strong>Regional Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (ROTTO) at regional level and the <strong>State Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (SOTTO) at state level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State of Organ Donation in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India <strong>ranked third</strong> in the world as per<strong> WHO Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation</strong> (GODT) in terms of organ donation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in 1994 and subsequently amended in 2011 thus bringing in form<strong> Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.</strong></li>
<li>It provides various regulations for the removal of human organs and its storage.</li>
<li>It also regulates the transplantation of human organs for<strong> therapeutic purposes</strong> and for the <strong>prevention of commercial dealings</strong> in human organs.</li>
<li><strong>Main Provisions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The act recognises brain death identified as a form of the death process and defines criteria for brain death.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>regulatory and advisory bodies for monitoring transplantation activity.</strong></li>
<li>It also provides for <strong>maintenance of a registry of donors and recipients</strong> of human organs and tissues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Initiatives such as <strong>Indian Organ Donation Day</strong> helps <strong>promote awareness and recognize the selfless contribution</strong> made by deceased donors to healthcare and mankind re-instill our faith in humanity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1676491" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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