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G-20 Foreign Ministers Meet

Why in News Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the G-20 foreign ministers meeting with focus on cross-border movement amid the Covid-19...

04 Sep 2020 News Analysis
English as Medium of Education

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court refused to stay the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s order striking down the state government’s...

04 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Hurricane Nana

Why in News Atlantic Hurricane Nana has made a landfall on the coast of Belize. The country Belize is located on the northeast coast of Central...

04 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Significance of Dead Coral Reef

Why in News According to a recent study by researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, more life can be supported by dead coral...

04 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Digital Education In India

This editorial analysis is based on the article Digital India is not prepared for digital education which was published in the Indian Express on...

03 Sep 2020 News Editorials
Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020

Why in News Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020 to be introduced in the monsoon session of...

03 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Capping of MEIS Scheme Benefits

Why in News The government has taken a decision to cap export incentives under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) at Rs. 2 crore per...

03 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Postal Voting in the USA

Why in News Many states in the USA are making postal voting options more easily accessible, as the USA presidential election is set to take place in...

03 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Sub-categorisation of OBCs

Why in News A commission headed by Justice (Retd.) G Rohini has been examining sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) for almost three...

03 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Covid-19 Detection Using Mass Spectrometer

Why in News Researchers from the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have...

03 Sep 2020 News Analysis
UNSC Rejects to Designate Indians as Terrorists

Why in News The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has rejected all Pakistan’s requests to list four Indians as designated terrorists...

03 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Indian Forest Act, 1927

The Indian Forest Act,1927 aimed to regulate the movement of forest produce, and duty leviable forest produce. It also explains the procedure to be...

03 Sep 2020 Paper 2
Covid-19 and Food Security

This editorial analysis is based on the article Fighting COVID-19 and food insecurity requires new ideas, robust political will, which was...

02 Sep 2020 News Editorials
Manufacturing Improved: PMI

Why in News As per the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data, India’s manufacturing sector activity has started to show signs of growth...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Indra 2020 to be held in Andaman Sea

Why In News India and Russia are scheduled to hold Indra 2020 in the Andaman Sea, close to the Strait of Malacca instead of the Indian Ocean Region...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Compatibility of the Contempt of Court with International Standards

Why in News The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has urged for a review of criminal contempt laws in India, expressing its concerns over...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Eighth East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting

Why in News Recently, the 8th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) was held virtually and attended by 10 ASEAN members and...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis
NPAs in SHG loans

Why in News The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has asked states to monitor the status of Non Performing Assets (NPAs) district-wise and...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Spot Robot

Why in News Recently, researchers from Boston Dynamics, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT - USA) have developed a robot, called...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Adjusted Gross Revenue to be Paid in 10 Years

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court of India allowed telecom companies (telcos) 10 years’ time to pay their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)...

02 Sep 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'G-20 Foreign Ministers Meet',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-meeting-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G-20</strong> </a>foreign ministers meeting with focus on cross-border movement amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia holds the presidency</strong></a> of G-20. It is the <strong>first Arab nation</strong> to take over the G20 Presidency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The foreign ministers <strong>acknowledged the importance of opening borders,</strong> and<strong> promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive</strong> in light of the protective measures for the<strong> Covid-19 pandemic.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many health safety protocols were brought in to minimize the risk of spread of the Covid-19, like closed borders.</li>
<li>However, they have now become a <strong>huge obstacle</strong> in running trade and businesses worldwide resulting in a crisis of life and livelihood for many.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India apprised the G-20 foreign ministers about steps taken by India including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vande-bharat-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vande Bharat Mission</strong></a> and creation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>travel bubbles</strong></a> for the welfare and protection of foreign citizens stranded in India as well as its own citizens abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Initiatives Taken by G-20:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, in the 3<sup>rd</sup> G-20 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3rd-g20-fmcbg-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG)</strong></a> meeting held in july 2020, G-20 came up with the <strong>G20 Action Plan</strong> to deal with the pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Action Plan includes a list of collective commitments under the pillars of Health Response, Economic Response, Strong and Sustainable Recovery and International Financial Coordination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The G-20 also organised a virtual meeting of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-digital-economy-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G-20 Digital Economy Ministers</strong></a> to highlight the digital initiatives taken by the countries to deal with Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Proposal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Development of <strong>voluntary &lsquo;G-20 Principles</strong> on <strong>Coordinated Cross-Border Movement of People&rsquo;</strong> with three elements: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Standardisation of testing procedures</strong> and universal acceptability of test results.</li>
<li>Standardisation of <strong>Quarantine procedures.</strong></li>
<li>Standardisation of <strong>&lsquo;movement and transit&rsquo; protocols.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Governments around the world need to ensure that <strong>interests of foreign students are protected</strong> and <strong>movement of stranded seafarers</strong> back to their home country is facilitated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The education institutes around the globe have been shut for months due to pandemic. With borders closed now, foreign students who had returned to their home countries are now finding it difficult to rejoin their respective institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>G-20</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The G20 is an<strong> informal group of 19 countries</strong> and the <strong>European Union,</strong> with representatives of the <strong>International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The G20 membership comprises a<strong> mix of the world&rsquo;s largest advanced and emerging economies,</strong> representing about two-thirds of the world&rsquo;s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade.</li>
<li>The members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.</li>
<li>It does not have <strong>any permanent secretariat</strong> or headquarters.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-proposes-g-20-principles-on-cross-border-movement-6582278/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'English as Medium of Education',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court refused to stay the Andhra Pradesh High Court&rsquo;s order <strong>striking down</strong> the state government&rsquo;s decision to make <strong>English the medium of education for government school students</strong> from Classes I to VI beginning 2020-21 academic year.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Court pointed out that <strong>Section 29(2)(f) of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right to Education</a> (RTE) Act, 2009</strong> says that the medium of instruction shall, as far as practicable, be in a child&rsquo;s mother tongue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional and Legal Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 29 (Protection of interests of minorities)</strong> gives all citizens right to <strong>conserve their language and prohibits discrimination on the basis of language.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 120 (Language to be used in Parliament)</strong> provides for use of Hindi or English for transactions of parliament but gives the right to members of parliament to express themselves in their mother tongue.</li>
<li><strong>Part XVII of the Indian Constitution</strong> deals with the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bill-to-change-stature-of-official-languages" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official languages</a> </strong>in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/three-language-formula" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Articles 343 to 351.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 350A (Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage)</strong> provides that it shall be the endeavour of every State and of every local authority within the State to provide adequate facilities for <strong>instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 351 (Directive for development of the Hindi language)</strong> provides that it shall be the duty of the Union to <strong>promote the spread of the Hindi language.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-language" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Eighth Schedule</strong></a> recognises <strong>following 22 languages as official languages:</strong> Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.</li>
<li><strong>Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009</strong> says that the medium of instruction shall, as far as practicable, be in a child&rsquo;s mother tongue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Favour of English as Medium of Instruction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Career:</strong> The ability to speak in english qualifies one for many jobs which are not yet available for speakers of regional languages.</li>
<li><strong>Competitive Exams:</strong> Lack of knowledge of english will put the students of government schools on a backfoot as compared to those of English-medium private schools in competitive exams,</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education:</strong> Most technical and scientific books are available only in english and much of higher education is also imparted in english. This may hinder the access of students from government schools to STEM and higher education.</li>
<li><strong>Global Opportunities:</strong> English being the global lingua franca gives the students opportunity to compete at the global level.</li>
<li><strong>Status Symbol:</strong> Knowing english is often equated with progressiveness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments against English as Medium of Instruction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Accessibility to Knowledge:</strong> The use of mother tongue or regional languages makes the process of learning familiar, comprehensible, and approachable for the students. This encourages wholehearted engagement of students in the learning process and boosts their confidence.</li>
<li><strong>Promotion of Local Culture:</strong> Also, using mother tongue allows students to express themselves better and communicate their experiences, their multifaceted identities, and their cultures.</li>
<li><strong>Encouragement to Merit:</strong> The use of English language often creates a divide between students hailing from backward castes and communities and the &lsquo;upper&rsquo; class. Often, <strong>real talent and merit gets suppressed </strong>due to an<strong> imposed linguistic disability.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government Initiatives to Promote Regional Languages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recently announced <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/national-education-policy-nep-2020-languages-culture-values" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Education Policy</strong> </a>states that wherever possible, students <strong>till Class 5 in schools</strong> should be taught in mother tongue/regional language/local language. It also introduces the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/three-language-formula-and-autonomy-in-language-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Three-Language Formula</strong> </a>for <strong>primary education,</strong> as per the recommendation of <strong>Kothari Commision, 1968.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)</strong> is providing publication grants towards the publications of University Level Books in regional languages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established in 1961 to evolve technical terminology in all Indian Languages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>National Translation Mission (NTM)</strong> is being implemented through the <strong>Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)</strong>, Mysore under which the text books of various subjects prescribed in Universities and Colleges are being translated in all languages of the Eighth Schedule.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CIIL was established in 1969 under the administrative control of the Ministry<strong> of Education.</strong></li>
<li>Its objective is to<strong> coordinate the development of Indian languages,</strong> to bring about the essential unity of Indian languages through <strong>scientific studies</strong> and <strong>protect and document minor, minority and tribal languages.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government of India is running a scheme known as<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protection-and-preservation-of-endangered-language" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages&rdquo;</strong> </a>for conservation of threatened languages.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-decision-on-ugc-guidelines-on-conduct-of-examinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>University Grants Commission (UGC)</strong></a> also promotes regional languages in higher education courses in the country and supports nine Central Universities under the scheme<strong> &ldquo;Establishment of Centre for Endangered Languages in Central Universities&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, an initiative <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/namath-basai-kerala" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Namath Basai</strong></a> by Kerala State Government has proved to be very beneficial in educating children from tribal areas by adopting vernacular languages as medium of instruction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Yuelu Proclamation made by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</a> at Changsha, China, in 2018</strong> plays a central role in guiding the efforts of countries and regions around the world to <strong>protect linguistic resources and diversity.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong> has proclaimed <strong>2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL).</strong> The IYIL 2019 strives to preserve, support and promote indigenous languages at the national, regional and international levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Countries around the world have successfully substituted english with their mother tongues</strong> and have been able to produce world-class scientists, researchers, technicians and thinkers. The barrier of language is only as long as there is lack of proper encouragement to the generation of knowledge in the respective language. The government should encourage original scientific writing, publication of books in regional languages to help this transition.</li>
<li>Also, studies around the world have shown that children are able to<strong> learn multiple languages</strong> if they are taught from an early age. We can actively promote regional languages without compromising knowledge of English language which can be taught as an extra subject. It is important to remember that <strong>English is one of many skills which we can equip the children with</strong> in order for them to fully participate in and experience the world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/education/sc-quotes-rte-act-no-stay-on-hc-order-against-andhra-govts-english-medium-move-6582273/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Hurricane Nana',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Atlantic Hurricane Nana</strong> has made a landfall on the coast of <strong>Belize.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The country Belize is located on the <strong>northeast coast of Central America.</strong></li>
<li>Few days back, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hurricane Laura</strong></a> made landfall in southwestern Louisiana (South Central United States).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599207357_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599207357_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="416" height="489" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclone:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A hurricane is a <strong>type of storm called a tropical cyclone,</strong> which forms over tropical or subtropical waters.</li>
<li>A tropical cyclone is a <strong>rotating low-pressure weather system</strong> that has organized <strong>thunderstorms but no fronts</strong> (a boundary separating two air masses of different densities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speed of Winds:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface <strong>winds</strong> of less than<strong> 39 miles per hour (mph)</strong> are called <strong>tropical depressions.</strong></li>
<li>Those with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or<strong> higher are called tropical storms.</strong></li>
<li>When a storm's maximum sustained winds reach <strong>74 mph,</strong> it is called a<strong> hurricane. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measurement of Wind Speed:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale</strong> is a <strong>1 to 5 rating,</strong> or category, based on a hurricane's maximum sustained winds.</li>
<li>The higher the category, the <strong>greater the hurricane's</strong> potential for property <strong>damage. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There needs to be <strong>warm ocean water</strong> and <strong>moist, humid air</strong> in the region.</li>
<li>When humid air is flowing upward at a zone of low pressure over warm ocean water, the water is released from the air as creating the <strong>clouds of the storm.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has a <strong>low pressure centre</strong> and clouds spiraling towards the eyewall surrounding the <strong>"eye",</strong> the central part of the system where the weather is normally calm and free of clouds.</li>
<li>Its <strong>diameter</strong> is typically around<strong> 200 to 500 km,</strong> but can reach 1000 km.</li>
<li>The <strong>winds</strong> blow <strong>counterclockwise</strong> in the <strong>Northern Hemisphere</strong> and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.</li>
<li>A tropical cyclone brings very violent winds, torrential rain, high waves and, in some cases, very destructive storm surges and coastal flooding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Different Names:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hurricane:</strong> Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, North Atlantic Ocean and the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean</li>
<li><strong>Typhoon:</strong> Western North Pacific</li>
<li><strong>Cyclone:</strong> Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea</li>
<li><strong>Willy-willies:</strong> Australia</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/hurricane-nana-hits-belize-drives-across-guatemala/lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
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		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Significance of Dead Coral Reef',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent study by researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), Australia,<strong> more life can be supported by dead coral remains than live corals.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dead coral reefs support cryptic organisms like hidden sea creatures, including fishes, snails, tiny crabs and worms, who hide under its rubble<strong> to save themselves from predation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Cryptic organisms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are organisms that are <strong>morphologically indistinguishable</strong> (identical in appearance) but are <strong>genetically distinct.</strong> Many species that are classified as single species but are found to be genetically different are called <strong>cryptic species.</strong></li>
<li>Examples of cryptic species include the<strong> African elephant.</strong> A 2001 study found the elephants were actually two genetically distinct, non-interbreeding species, the African bush elephant and the African elephant.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599205766_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599205766_image3.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Method:</strong> The researchers designed three-dimensional-printed coral stacks called <strong>RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS)</strong> to survey cryptic organisms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>3D-printed coral</strong> mimicked surrounding reef rubble and invited unwitting reef organisms to be monitored.</li>
<li>By sampling the RUBS&rsquo; structures over time, the team were able to <strong>identify changes in the cryptic population.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> The researchers found the <strong>missing link in the coral reef food webs.</strong> This data fills important knowledge gaps, such as how small cryptic animals support coral reefs from the bottom of the food chain, all the way up to bigger predators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This also helped to know the importance <strong>of dead coral reef rubble</strong> to the ocean ecosystem.</li>
<li>The RUBS technology provides a new opportunity for<strong> reef management,</strong> particularly for <strong>reef education and awareness.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coral Reefs:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coral reefs are <strong>large underwater structures composed of the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates called coral.</strong></li>
<li>Corals extract <strong>calcium carbonate</strong> from seawater to create a hard, durable exoskeleton that protects their soft, sac-like bodies. These exoskeleton remains of millions of corals pile up with time to form coral reefs.</li>
<li>The corals have a<strong> symbiotic relationship with an algae</strong> called the<strong> zooxanthellae.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These algae live inside the coral polyp's body and provide the coral with <strong>food.</strong> The polyps, in turn, provide a <strong>home and carbon dioxide</strong> for the algae.</li>
<li>These algae are responsible for the variety of <strong>colours</strong> of corals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but they are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth.</li>
<li>They are referred to as<strong> "the rainforests of the sea"</strong> for their biodiversity,</li>
<li><strong>Death of Coral Reefs:</strong> When corals become stressed due to any changes, including pollution or global warming, they can expel algae and get <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/coral-bleaching" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bleached</strong></a>, meaning the &lsquo;death&rsquo; of the coral reef.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-downgrades-great-barrier-reef-to-very-poor-status" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>concerns of fast paced coral bleaching</strong></a> due to <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>emission of greenhouse gases</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-report-on-climate-change-ipcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change.</strong></a></li>
<li>A number of global initiatives are being taken to address the issues, like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3rd-international-year-of-reef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Coral Reef Initiative</strong></a>, the US Coral Reef Task Force etc.</li>
<li>In india, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-eels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zoological Survey of India</a> (ZSI)</strong>, with help from Gujarat&rsquo;s forest department, is attempting a process to restore coral reefs using <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coral-restoration-through-biorock" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;biorock&rdquo; or mineral accretion technology.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There has been little information on the role of dead coral reefs so far. The study can help<strong> in studying the oceanic ecosystem</strong> in a more holistic way.</li>
<li>The research is certainly a lesson that even<strong> dead coral reefs need to be preserved</strong> in order to protect the biodiversity that remains. The understanding of foundational structure of coral reefs might inform efforts to<strong> create artificial reefs,</strong> which may be a short-term solution to the dying coral reef problem.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/-dead-coral-reefs-as-important-as-live-ones-shows-new-study-73178" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: Down to Earth</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/significance-of-dead-coral-reef'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Digital Education In India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p style="text-align: left;">This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/digital-education-online-classes-learning-coronavirus-national-education-policy-6580744/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India is not prepared for digital education</strong> </a>which was published in the Indian Express on 3<sup>rd</sup> of September 2020. It analyses the impact of Covid-19 on Education of the children and the issues of digital education in India.</p>
</div>
<p>Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the education sector is in crisis at the moment. Educational institutes are closed and most probably, they will remain closed through 2020 due to an increasing number of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> cases. This could even extend to 2021.</p>
<p>In this situation online education has come to the rescue of the cause of education. However there are several challenges of online education and the same needs to be fixed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599134653_Image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599134653_Image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Challenges of Digital Education</h3>
<p><strong>Lack of Proper Study Room</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2011-census-data-on-migration#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202011%20Census,migrants%20according%20to%20that%20enumeration." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2011</strong></a> tells us that 71 per cent of households with three or more members have dwellings with two rooms or less (74 per cent in rural and 64 per cent in urban areas).</li>
<li>In such a situation how will the children avail education in an undisturbed ambience remain a huge question.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inadequate Internet Penetration</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to National Sample Survey data for 2017-18, only 42 percent of urban and 15 percent of rural households had <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/access-to-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>internet access</strong></a>, and only 34 per cent of urban and 11 per cent of rural persons had used the internet in the past 30 days.</li>
<li>These data clearly suggest that 2/3<sup>rd</sup> of the children will be left out of the online education process.</li>
<li>The worst affected, as always, will be the marginalised, rural and poor populations.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Slow Internet Speed</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When it comes to online education, it is mostly about communicating with teachers directly through video calls or watching online video lectures, and both require high-speed with a stable internet connection.</li>
<li>In absence of adequate speed of the internet the whole idea will fail. We can see the same from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir when there are regular protests by the students as they are not able to study in absence of proper internet connection.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>No Standard Policy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/online-education#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Human%20Resource,home%20(DTH)%2C%20etc." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital education</strong></a> is not about videos of lectures on blackboards by teachers on the internet.</li>
<li>It is about appropriate platforms, technology, tools, interactivity, curation, content and a lot more.</li>
<li>We lack a proper policy on digital education, infrastructure, content, interaction and multiple languages.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Lack of Social Cohesion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Public educational institutions also play an exemplary role in social inclusion and relative equality.</li>
<li>It is the place where people of all genders, classes, castes, and communities can meet without one group being forced to bow to others.</li>
<li>This is critical learning for life which may not be supplemented by online education.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Teacher Training</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Teachers look after the mental, emotional and social health of children in schools.</li>
<li>Schooling is supposed to look after the emotional, social and behavioural health of children, which is diametrically opposite to social distancing.</li>
<li>Teachers are not adequately trained to inculcate these learnings through online mediums.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issue of Parenting</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Another challenge is to keep thousands of children out of school when their parents return to their work spaces post lock down.</li>
<li>Who will assume responsibility for a child&rsquo;s safety and learning at home remains a huge problem.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Bharat Network</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) now called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatnet-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Network</strong> </a>aims to connect all 2,50,000 panchayats at the cost of over Rs 40,000 crore.</li>
<li>Through BharatNet, the government envisages providing a minimum of 100 Mbps bandwidth at each Gram Panchayat so that online services can be accessed by everyone, especially those in rural India.</li>
<li>This includes e-governance, e-learning, e-banking, e-commerce and e-health services.</li>
<li>Once completed the Infrastructure will be a national asset and non-discriminatory access will be a game changer in the method of service delivery and hence it must be fast tracked.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Knowledge Network (NKN)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-210" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NKN</strong></a> is a multi-gigabit national research and education network, whose purpose is to provide a unified high speed network backbone for educational institutions in India.</li>
<li>The NKN was established as a high bandwidth network to connect all knowledge-creating organisations comprising IITs, IIMs, universities, research labs and other e-governance institutions up to the district level.</li>
<li>It was aimed at encouraging collaborative development and building a repository of knowledge in all fields.</li>
<li>This network exists and is fully functional but only a few institutions take full advantage of it because of a lack of understanding, local facilities, funding and technical expertise.</li>
<li>NKN is being expanded soon, which is a positive step. There is, however, an urgent need to also make it a core component of the Digital India initiative and leverage it to provide e-services at the bottom of the economic pyramid.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increased Financing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Governments will have to think very seriously about allocating more money in the budget for technical education in schools.</li>
<li>Increasing the education budget to 6% of the GDP is a welcome move in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/national-education-policy-nep-2020-languages-culture-values" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New National Education Policy-2020</strong></a> unveiled a few days back.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Parents and Teachers Training</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most of the teachers and parents are not technically sound and many of them even lack the basic knowledge about technology.</li>
<li>It is important that they are trained in that regard so that the fruits of their knowledge can reach the students.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increase Accessibility</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The pandemic has taught us a lot about adjusting to changes in new and creative ways. But taking the weaker sections along is equally necessary.</li>
<li>Inclusion in distance learning programs, especially for students coming from low-income groups or the presence of disability is very important.</li>
<li>Government needs to provide support for digitalization to teachers as well as students by making such platforms and content available for free.</li>
<li>They must be assured the required infrastructure for online learning such as smartphones, and laptops.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Digital education is fun learning for all cadres and particularly effective for child learning as the innovative audio-video feature boosts the cognitive elements in a child&rsquo;s brain.</li>
<li>The INFO-TAINMENT combination involved in digital learning makes it more practical, applicable and relatable to our life and surroundings in an interesting manner.</li>
<li>Students view this as a flexible option allowing them to study as per their time and pace. Teachers too find it convenient to prepare their learning plans well aided by technology. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Teaching becomes a smoother experience with a perfect mesh of personalized packages having a blend of animations, gamification and elaborate audio-visual effects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>So, online methods of teaching and learning deserve our highest praise but only when cast in their proper role, which is to supplement, support and amplify the techniques of face-to-face education.</li>
<li>Transition from teacher-class based teaching to digital-education will need multi-pronged efforts over time.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffede;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Transition from teacher-class based teaching to digital-education will need multi-pronged efforts over time&rdquo;. Discuss in the light of Covid-19 crisis and its effect on the education sector in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WWLkz2ZLkik" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/india-does-need-a-fiscal-council/article32432565.ece#:~:text=The%20important%20tasks%20of%20these,presenting%20policy%20makers%20with%20alternative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;India does need a Fiscal Council&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on August 25<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/digital-education-in-india'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the <strong>Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020</strong> to be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill will <strong>include Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bill-to-change-stature-of-official-languages" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official languages</a></strong> in the newly-created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Only English and Urdu were official languages</strong> in the former State, which was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uts-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bifurcated on 5<sup>th</sup> August 2019</strong></a>, with <strong>Ladakh becoming a separate Union Territory.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Dogri along with Bodo, Maithili and Santhali</strong> was added to the <strong>scheduled languages</strong> under the<strong> Eighth Schedule</strong> by <strong>92<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act of 2003,</strong> which consists of the<strong> following 22 languages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.</li>
<li>Of these languages, <strong>14 were initially included</strong> in the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Sindhi</strong> language was added by the <strong>21<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act of 1967.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali</strong> were included by the <strong>71<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act of 1992.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill not only <strong>fulfills a long-pending public demand</strong> of the region but also <strong>keeps with the spirit of equality.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Part XVII of the Indian Constitution</strong> deals with the official languages in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/three-language-formula" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Articles 343 to 351.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 345:</strong> Official language or languages of a State subject to the provisions of Article 346 and 347.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Constitutional provisions related to the <strong>Eighth Schedule</strong> are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 344</strong>: Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission by the President on expiration of five years from the commencement of the Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of ten years from such commencement, which shall consist of a Chairman and such other members representing the different languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to make recommendations to the President for the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union.</li>
<li><strong>Article 351:</strong> It provides for the spread of the Hindi language to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-jk-official-languages-bill/article32504278.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/jammu-and-kashmir-official-languages-bill-2020'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Capping of MEIS Scheme Benefits',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The government has taken a decision to <strong>cap export incentives</strong> under <strong>Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)</strong> at <strong>Rs. 2 crore per exporter</strong> on outbound shipments made during September-December, 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Decision:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ceiling would be<strong> subject to a downward revision</strong> to ensure that the total claim doesn&rsquo;t exceed the allocated Rs. 5,000 crore for the period.</li>
<li>The new <strong>Import Export Code (IEC)</strong> obtained on or after 1<sup>st</sup> September will be <strong>ineligible to submit any MEIS claim</strong> for exports.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Import Export Code:</strong> It is issued by the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade - Ministry of Commerce and Industry). <strong>IEC</strong> is a 10-digit <strong>code</strong> which has a lifetime validity. Predominantly importers cannot <strong>import</strong> goods without the <strong>Import Export Code</strong> and similarly, the exporter merchant cannot avail benefits from DGFT for the<strong> export</strong> scheme, etc. without<strong> IEC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Government Decision:</strong> MEIS is not World Trade Organisation (WTO) compliant and rolling back of the MEIS scheme will pave the way for a new scheme in place. The Indian government has announced a <strong>new WTO-compliant scheme</strong> called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/remission-of-duties-or-taxes-on-export-product" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Remission of Duties or Taxes On Export Product (RoDTEP)</strong> </a>which will replace MEIS starting 1<sup>st</sup> January 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) was introduced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)</strong> </a>2015-20 w.e.f. 1<sup>st</sup> April 2015 with the objective to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in exporting goods/products which are produced /manufactured in India including products produced/manufactured by MSME Sector.</li>
<li>Under MEIS, the government provides duty benefits depending on product and country.</li>
<li>Rewards under the scheme are payable as percentage of realised free-on-board value (of 2%, 3% and 5%) and MEIS duty credit scrip can be transferred or used for payment of a number of duties including the basic customs duty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Remission of Duties or Taxes On Export Product (RoDTEP):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new scheme will be implemented from 1<sup>st</sup> January 2020 and create a<strong> fully automated route</strong> for <strong>Input Tax Credit (ITC)</strong> in the GST to help increase exports in India.</li>
<li>It will <strong>reimburse all the taxes/duties/levies</strong> being charged at the Central/State/Local level which are not currently refunded under any of the existing schemes but are incurred at the manufacturing and distribution process.</li>
<li>The Ministry of Finance has set up a <strong>committee</strong> under the chairmanship of former commerce and home secretary <strong>GK Pillai</strong> to finalise the rates under RoDTEP that will allow reimbursement of all embedded taxes including local levies paid on inputs by exporters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of data for new scheme to replace MEIS:</strong> The RoDTEP committee has started the work, but the industry is facing <strong>challenges in providing the data</strong> due to frequent local lockdowns, non-availability of transport and non-functioning of auditors.</li>
<li><strong>The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)</strong> is of the view that exports during September-December are based on orders that had been<strong> negotiated earlier after factoring in</strong> the existing <strong>Merchant Export from India Scheme (MEIS)</strong> benefit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These benefits are <strong>part of the export competitiveness</strong> and therefore the sudden change will affect exporters&rsquo; financially as <strong>buyers are not going to revise their prices upwards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Federation of Indian Export Organisations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Federation of Indian Export Organisations represents the Indian entrepreneurs spirit of enterprise in the global market. It was set up in <strong>1965.</strong></li>
<li>It is an<strong> Apex body</strong> of the export promotion councils, community boards and development authorities in India.</li>
<li>It provides the crucial interface between the international trading community of India &amp; the Central and State Governments, financial institutions, ports, railways and all engaged in export trade facilitation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The extension in the MEIS Scheme till March 2021 will help in a smooth rolling of the RoDTEP scheme.</li>
<li>The sudden imposition of <strong>a cap of Rs. 2 crore per IEC (Import Export Code),</strong> on MEIS benefit of exports made during 1<sup>st</sup> September to 31<sup>st</sup> December, 2020, is going to seriously affect exporters, whose numbers may not be very large, but their contribution to exports warrant a revisit to the imposition of the cap.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/capping-meis-benefits-will-seriously-affect-traders-fieo/article32508182.ece#:~:text=The%20government's%20decision%20to%20cap,traders%2C%20FIEO%20said%20on%20Wednesday." 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/capping-of-meis-scheme-benefits'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Postal Voting in the USA',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Many states in the USA are making <strong>postal voting options</strong> more easily accessible, as the <strong>USA presidential election</strong> is set to take place in <strong>November 2020</strong> amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Election in USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the USA, all elections&ndash;federal, state, and local&ndash; are directly organised by the governments of individual states.</li>
<li>Unlike India, there is no Election Commission independent of the government in the USA to conduct elections at the national (federal) level.</li>
<li>The USA Constitution and laws grant the states wide latitude in how they administer elections, this has resulted in varying rules across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Postal Voting in USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Every single state allows postal voting, but they have different rules for this.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In some states voters are provided <strong>absentee ballots</strong> if they provide an <strong>excuse</strong> as to why they cannot be present in person on election day.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Absentee voting</strong> allows a person to <strong>vote by mail.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, in some states there is<strong> &ldquo;no-excuse absentee voting&rdquo;,</strong> where voters can get an absentee ballot without providing justification.</li>
<li>Some states also have <strong>&ldquo;vote-by-mail&rdquo;</strong> facilities, where every registered voter is sent a ballot without a request.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2016 around 24% of voting happened through postal ballots. In 2020, the proportion is expected to surge significantly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mr. Trump and his supporters allege that the expansion of postal voting in the November 2020 elections will lead to malpractices. However, Democrats and a section of the Republicans disagree with Mr. Trump, saying he is deliberately disrupting the postal voting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Postal Voting in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ballot papers</strong> are distributed electronically to electors and are returned to the election officers via post.</li>
<li>Currently, only the <strong>following voters</strong> are allowed to cast their votes through postal ballot:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Service voters</strong> (armed forces, the armed police force of a state and government servants posted abroad),</li>
<li><strong>Voters on election duty.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Voters above 80 years of age </strong>or <strong>Persons with Disabilities (PwD).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Voters under preventive detention.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The exception to the above-mentioned category of voters is provided under Section 60 of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amendments-in-postal-ballot-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Representation of the People Act, 1951.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The postal voting can be conducted in the USA by introducing stricter identity checks for voting, so that no malpractice occurs in the voting. However, stricter rules should be introduced taking consideration of the fact that it could disenfranchise minority populations and the less educated and further suppress voting.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-vote-amid-covid/article32476141.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/postal-voting-in-the-usa'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Sub-categorisation of OBCs',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A <strong>commission headed by Justice (Retd.) G Rohini</strong> has been <strong>examining</strong> <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panel-to-examine-obc-sub-categorisation-seeks-third-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes </a></strong>(OBC) for almost three years now.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The issue of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sub-categorisation-of-backward-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes</strong></a> for reservations is also in the highlights after the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> (SC) has referred it to a larger Bench.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sub-categorisation of OBCs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>OBCs are granted <strong>27% reservation in jobs and education</strong> under the central government <strong>but only a few affluent communities</strong> among the over 2,600 included in the Central List of OBCs <strong>have secured a major part</strong> of this.</li>
<li>Sub-categorisation or creating categories within OBCs for reservation would <strong>ensure &ldquo;equitable distribution&rdquo; of representation</strong> among all OBC communities.</li>
<li>However, sub-categorisation <strong>can be used to appease one vote-bank or the other within the category</strong> and thus a <strong>cause of social justice would end up being politicised.</strong></li>
<li>The commission requested for an appropriate budget provision for a <strong>proposed all-India survey for an estimate of the caste-wise population of OBCs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The reason given was the <strong>absence of data for the population of various communities to compare with</strong> their representation in jobs and admissions as the data of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance#:~:text=While%20the%20Socio%2DEconomic%20Caste,the%20family%20will%20be%20collected." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Socio-Economic Caste Census</strong></a> (SECC) were not considered reliable.</li>
<li>In August 2018, it was announced that the data of OBCs will also be collected in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2021</strong></a> but there have been no other announcements after that.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It took charge in October 2017 with a tenure of 12 weeks ending in January 2018. In <strong>June 2020,</strong> the Cabinet approved a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>six-month extension to the commission</strong></a> up to 31<sup>st</sup> January 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Progress:</strong> It is <strong>ready with the draft report</strong> and would have huge political consequences and is likely to face a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/constitutional-rights-judicial-review-and-parliamentary-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>judicial review</strong></a> as well.</li>
<li><strong>Budget:</strong> Until November 2019, the government has spent <strong>over Rs. 1.70 crore</strong> on the Commission including salary and other expenses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The budget is being drawn from the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-commission-for-backward-classes-ncbc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Commission for Backward Classes</strong></a> (NCBC) which was given <strong>constitutional</strong> status by the government in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commission&rsquo;s Terms of References:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>examine the uneven distribution of reservation benefits</strong> among different castes in the central OBC list.</li>
<li>To <strong>work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach</strong> for sub-categorisation within such OBCs.</li>
<li>To <strong>take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes/communities/sub-castes/synonyms</strong> for comprehensive data coverage.</li>
<li>To <strong>study and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors</strong> of spelling or transcription.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings So Far:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>2018 data analysis of 1.3 lakh central jobs and admissions to central higher education institutions</strong> given under OBC quota:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>24.95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities.</li>
<li>97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes classified as OBCs.</li>
<li>983 OBC communities, 37% of the total, have zero representation in jobs and educational institutions.</li>
<li>994 OBC sub-castes have a total representation of only 2.68% in recruitment and admissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the <strong>2018-19 annual report of the Department of Personnel and Training, OBC recruitment in central jobs is considerably low.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, there was <strong>not a single professor and associate professor appointed under the OBC quota</strong> in central universities.</li>
<li>Posts reserved for them were being<strong> filled by people of general category</strong> as OBC candidates were declared <strong>&lsquo;None Found Suitable&rsquo; (NFS).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/obc-sub-categorisation-findings-progress-by-a-panel-so-far-6580748/" 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/sub-categorisation-of-obcs'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Covid-19 Detection Using Mass Spectrometer',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers from the <strong>Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cobas-6800-testing-machine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)</strong></a> have developed a<strong> technique that uses mass spectrometry</strong> to detect <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>IGIB</strong> is a<strong> premier institute of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</a>,</strong> engaged in research of national importance in the areas of genomics, molecular medicine, bioinformatics, etc. It is based in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li><strong>NCDC</strong> is under administrative control of the Directorate General of Health Services in the <strong>Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mass Spectrometry (MS):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>analytical technique</strong> used for<strong> determining the elemental composition of samples,</strong> quantifying the mass of particles and molecules, and elucidating their chemical structure.</li>
<li>MS is <strong>based on ionization and fragmentation of sample molecules in the gaseous phase.</strong></li>
<li>The instruments used in this technique are called <strong>mass spectrometers</strong> and <strong>mass spectrographs,</strong> and they operate on the principle that<strong> moving ions may be deflected by electric and magnetic fields.</strong></li>
<li>Clinical laboratories use the MS technology for <strong>disease screening, diagnosis of disease and metabolic disorders,</strong> monitoring of drug therapy, identifying drug toxicity and poisoning, and discovering new biomarkers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Biomarker</strong> is short for <strong>biological marker,</strong> and is used as an indication that a biological process in the body has happened or is ongoing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Technique Covid-19 Detection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new technique based on mass spectrometry relies on <strong>detecting the presence of two peptides which are unique to SARS-CoV-2 virus</strong> and not seen in any other coronavirus or other viruses. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Peptides </strong>are <strong>building blocks of the viral protein.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Only two peptides are used for quick virus detection, though seven peptides were found to be unique to SARS-CoV-2. One of the peptides is the<strong> spike protein</strong> and the other is a<strong> replicase protein.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The unique peptides were seen in over 54,000 genomic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus deposited in a <strong>public database (GISAID)</strong> as on 1<sup>st</sup> July 2020.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GISAID initiative</strong> </a>promotes the rapid sharing of data from all influenza viruses and the coronavirus causing Covid-19. It was launched on the occasion of the <strong>61<sup>st</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-chair-who-executive-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Assembly </a></strong>in <strong>May 2008.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Technique vs RT-PCR:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>No Amplification of RNA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The new method can directly detect the virus without amplifying the RNA for detection, as is the case with the <strong>Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test,</strong> which is considered the gold standard of testing for the infection.</li>
<li>Scientists <strong>could detect the peptides</strong> of SARS-CoV-2 virus even in patients who have recovered from the symptoms and have<strong> tested negative for the virus by RT-PCR.</strong> The peptides were present even after 14 days of initial infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensitivity and Specificity:</strong> With the new technique, scientists have been able to detect novel coronavirus with<strong> 95% sensitivity</strong> and <strong>100% specificity</strong> with respect to RT-PCR. This is <strong>much better than the alternative rapid antigen kits,</strong> currently in use in India for scaling up testing, that can throw up 20 to 50% false negatives.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sensitivity</strong> measures how often a test correctly generates a positive result for people who have the condition that&rsquo;s being tested for (also known as <strong>&lsquo;true positive&rsquo; rate).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Specificity</strong> measures a test&rsquo;s ability to correctly generate a negative result for people who don&rsquo;t have the condition that is being tested for (also known as the <strong>&lsquo;true negative&rsquo;</strong> rate).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Detection Time:</strong> Detection of the virus takes less than<strong> three minutes;</strong> time from sample preparation to detection takes less than <strong>30 minutes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>RT-PCR takes a minimum of 2-5 hours</strong> including time taken for a sample transportation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost:</strong> The mass spectrometer is <strong>expensive</strong> but it would cost only about <strong>Rs.100 per test,</strong> and so <strong>cheaper than RT-PCR.</strong> Further, many research labs have the mass spectrometer.</li>
<li><strong>Pooled Testing:</strong> The method <strong>also allows for effective pooling of samples.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-advises-pool-testing-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pooled testing</strong></a> is when samples from more than one person are mixed together and tested. And, if one of the batches comes back positive, the samples from only that batch are retested individually to detect the person who has the infection. This method helps save cost and scale up testing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Considering its benefits, it can <strong>either complement RT-PCR</strong> or be used as an <strong>alternative to RT-PCR.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Different Types of Test for Detecting Covid-19</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RT-PCR Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rapid Antigen Detection Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rt-npcr-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RTnPCR Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/feluda-test-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Feluda Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elisa-antibody-kits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ELISA Antibody Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/salivadirect-covid-19-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SalivaDirect Test</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/detecting-coronavirus-using-mass-spectrometer/article32508000.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/covid-19-detection-using-mass-spectrometer'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'UNSC Rejects to Designate Indians as Terrorists',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council</strong></a> (UNSC) has rejected all Pakistan&rsquo;s requests to list four Indians as designated terrorists under its <strong>1267 Committee for Counterterrorism Sanctions.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The USA, UK, France, Germany and Belgium blocked Pakistan's requests due to<strong> lack of evidence.</strong></li>
<li>While the USA, UK and France are permanent members of the UNSC, Germany and Belgium are non-permanent members.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UNSC Resolution 1267 Sanctions Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This committee oversees the implementation of sanctions pursuant to UNSC resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015).</li>
<li>It was adopted unanimously on 15<sup>th</sup> October 1999.</li>
<li>It is one of the most important and active <strong>UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism,</strong> particularly in relation to Al Qaeda, Taliban and the Islamic State group. It prepares a consolidated list of people associated with these organizations.</li>
<li>It discusses UN efforts to <strong>limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In September 2019, Pakistan had alleged that four Indians working in Afghanistan, formed an Afghanistan-based &ldquo;Indian terror syndicate&rdquo; that was organising the banned terror groups <strong>Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar (JuA)</strong> to carry out attacks in Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Pakistan and China</strong> also moved the joint proposal to declare one of these four, as a <strong>sanctioned terrorist</strong> with links to TTP and JuA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This proposal received a<strong> veto from the USA</strong> in UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Pakistan later claimed it had made a statement at an Open Debate of the Security Council on the <strong>Report of the Secretary-General on the Threats to International Peace and Security</strong> posed by Terrorism Actions, accusing India of terrorism.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the UNSC President had refused to take cognisance of the statement, as <strong>Pakistan is not a member of the UNSC.</strong></li>
<li>India formally protested against this calling this a <strong>false claim.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In July 2020, Pakistan moved the <strong>1267 Resolution Sanctions Committee</strong> to designate the four Indians as<strong> global terrorists.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Pakistan&rsquo;s Actions :</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The tension between India and Pakistan has escalated after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370</strong></a> in August 2019, which was heavily objected by Pakistan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pakistan-s-new-map" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan released a new political map</strong></a> that included all of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh, Sir Creek and Junagadh on the completion of one year of abrogation of Article 370.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>After repeated attempts (in 2009, 2016 and 2017) to list Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief as &ldquo;global terrorist&rdquo;, India finally <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/masood-azhar-listed-as-a-global-terrorist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>succeeded in getting him listed</strong></a> in 2019. This move was not received well by Pakistan as it tainted its international image as a terrorism-supporter.</li>
<li>Pakistan also received another <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icrg-recommends-continuation-of-pakistan-in-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extension on the greylist of the Financial Action Task Force</strong> </a>(FATF) until October 2020.</li>
<li>It also faced setbacks on other fronts like the United States slamming its record on terrorism, including its failure to act against groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-pak-tension-amidst-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan also opposed India&rsquo;s leadership</strong></a> in dealing with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> crisis in the <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> region which was criticized by India.</li>
<li>Pakistan&rsquo;s requests to get Indians listed in the 1267 sanctions are also being seen as attempts to <strong>target India ahead of January 2021,</strong> when <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-campaign-brochure-for-unsc-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India will join as a non-permanent member</strong></a> for a two year term at the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While India&rsquo;s role in combating terrorism has been internationally acclaimed, Pakistan is constantly facing rebuke on not doing enough to deal with terrorism on its soil. Rejection of Pakistan&rsquo;s attempts to list Indians as terrorists will only taint Pakistan&rsquo;s image in the global community.</li>
<li>In light of recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between India and China</strong></a> and closeness of China with Pakistan, India needs to be concerned for its security. International support is crucial for India amidst rising tension with its neighbourhood.</li>
<li>The recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan are just another proof of lack of seriousness on its behalf in engaging peacefully with India. Although, India must not give up on establishing better diplomatic ties with Pakistan, until Pakistan takes a strong step towards elimination of state-backed terrorism, the likelihood of peace between India and Pakistan will remain low.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/five-unsc-members-to-block-pakistan-move-to-list-two-indians-as-global-terrorists-6580808/" 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/unsc-rejects-to-designate-indians-as-terrorists'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Indian Forest Act, 1927',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<p>The Indian Forest Act,1927 aimed to regulate the movement of forest produce, and duty leviable forest produce. It also explains the procedure to be followed for declaring an area as Reserved Forest, Protected Forest or a Village Forest. </p>
<p>This act has details of what a forest offence is, what are the acts prohibited inside a Reserved Forest, and penalties leviable on violation of the provisions of the Act. After the Forest Act was enacted in 1865, it was amended twice (1878 and 1927).</p>
<h3>History</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Forest Act of 1865:</strong> The Imperial Forest Department, set up in 1864, attempted to establish British control over forests, by various legislations<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It empowered the British government to declare any land covered with trees as a government forest and make rules to manage it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Forest Act of 1878:</strong> By the Forest Act of 1878, the British Administration acquired the sovereignty of all wastelands which by definition included forests. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This Act also enabled the administration to demarcate reserved and protected forests. The local rights were refused in the case of protected forests while some privileges which were given to the local people by the government which can be taken away are anytime. </li>
<li>This Act classified the forests into three &ndash; <strong>reserved forests, protected forests and village forests.</strong> It attempted to regulate the collection of forest produce by forest dwellers and some activities declared as offences and imprisonment and fines were imposed in this policy to establish the state control over forests. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Forest Act of 1927:&nbsp;</strong>This Act impacted the life of forest-dependent communities. The penalties and procedures given in this Act aimed to extend the state&rsquo;s control over forests as well as diminishing the status of people&rsquo;s rights to forest use. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The village communities were alienated from their age-old symbiotic association with forests. Further amendments were also made to restrain the local use of forests mainly by forest-dependent communities. </li>
<li>It was enacted to make forest laws more effective and to improve the previous forest laws.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To consolidate all the previous laws regarding forests.</li>
<li>To give the Government the power to create different classes of forests for their effective usage for the colonial purpose.</li>
<li>To regulate movement and transit of forest produce, and duty leviable on timber and other forest produce.</li>
<li>To define the procedure to be followed for declaring an area as Reserved Forest, Protected Forest or Village Forest.</li>
<li>To define forest offences acts prohibited inside the Reserved Forest, and penalties leviable on the violation.</li>
<li>To make conservation of forests and wildlife more accountable.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Types of Forests</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reserved Forests:</strong> Reserve forests are the most restricted forests and are constituted by the State Government on any forest land or wasteland which is the property of the Government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In reserved forests, local people are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by a Forest Officer in the course of the settlement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protected Forests:</strong> The State Government is empowered to constitute any land other than reserved forests as protected forests over which the Government has proprietary rights and the power to issue rules regarding the use of such forests.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This power has been used to establish State control over trees, whose timber, fruit or other non-wood products have revenue-raising potential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Village forest:</strong> Village forests are the one in which the State Government may assign to &lsquo;any village community the rights of Government to or over any land which has been constituted a reserved forest&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Degree of protection</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reserved forests &gt; Protected forests &gt; Village forests</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forest Settlement Officer</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Forest Settlement Office is appointed, by the State government, to inquire into and determine the existence, nature and extent of any rights alleged to exist in favour of any person in or over any land comprising a Reserved forest.</li>
<li>He/she is empowered even to acquire land over which right is claimed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drawbacks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government claimed that the act was aimed to protect the vegetation cover of India. However, a deep investigation of the act reveals that the real motive behind the act was to earn revenue from the cutting of the trees and from the forest produce.</li>
<li>The act gave immense discretion and power to the forest bureaucracy which often led to the harassment of the forest dwellers.</li>
<li>Moreover, it led to depriving the nomads and tribal people their age-old rights and privileges to use the forests and forest produce.</li>
<li>The revenue earning potential from timber overshadowed the other values like biodiversity, prevention of soil erosion, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Later Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Forest Policy, 1952:</strong> The Indian Forest Policy, 1952 was a simple extension of colonial forest policy. However, it became conscious about the need to increase the forest cover to one-third of the total land area.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At that time maximum annual revenue from forests is the vital national need. The two World Wars, need for defence, developmental projects such as river valley projects, industries like pulp, paper and plywood, and communication heavily depended on forest produce on national interest, as a result, huge areas of forests were cleared to raise revenue for the State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forest Conservation Act, 1980:</strong> The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 stipulated that the central permission is necessary to practice sustainable agro-forestry in forest areas. Violation or lack of permit was treated as a criminal offence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It targeted to limit deforestation, conserve biodiversity and save wildlife. Though this Act provides greater hope towards forest conservation it was not successful in its target.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Forest Policy, 1988:</strong> The ultimate objective of the National Forest policy was to maintain environmental stability and ecological balance through conservation of forests as a natural heritage. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Forest Policy in 1988 made a very significant and categorical shift from commercial concerns to focus on the ecological role of the forests and participatory management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Some of the other Acts related to forest conservation are :<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972</strong></a>, The Environment Protection Act of 1986, and The Biodiversity Protection Act of 2003.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-dwellers-face-eviction" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006</strong></a>: It has been enacted to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation of forest land in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, who have been residing in such forests for generations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Read more<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019</a></strong></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Covid-19 and Food Security',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/two-pandemics-covid-19-food-security-hunger-economic-growth-6579348/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fighting COVID-19 and food insecurity requires new ideas</strong></a>, robust political will, which was published in the Indian Express on 2nd of September 2020. It analyses the impact of Covid-19 on food security of the world especially the poor of South Asia.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic has severely derailed development across the world. It has compounded the pre-crisis levels of food insecurity and malnutrition with job losses, supply chain disruptions, and declines in revenue from key exports and remittances.</p>
<p>Globally, the World Food Programme predicts that the number of people facing acute food insecurity around the world will almost double to 270 million, including 121 million new food insecure due to Covid-19.</p>
<p>However, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asia</strong> </a>is particularly vulnerable, with the number of chronically underfed people projected to rise by to 330 million by 2030. It is also the only subregion in the world where more than half the children from the poorest fifth of society are stunted.</p>
<h3>Impact on Food Security</h3>
<p><strong>Extreme Hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Covid-19 has struck at a time when hunger or undernourishment keeps rising.</li>
<li>According to the latest <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN</strong></a> estimates, 83 to 132 million more people may suffer extreme hunger in 2020 as a result of the economic recession triggered by the pandemic.</li>
<li>This would be in addition to the 690 million people going hungry now.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Malnourishment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from extreme hunger people are also suffering from undernourishment.</li>
<li>It means that they are unable to consume enough healthy calories to lead a normal, active life.</li>
<li>Over a prolonged period this will have long-term implications for their future.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Extreme Poverty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a>, the pandemic's economic impact could push about 100 million people into extreme poverty.</li>
<li>Soaring unemployment rates, income losses and rising food costs are jeopardizing food access in developed and developing countries alike and will have long-term effects on food security.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recession</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Furthermore, the pandemic may plunge national economies into recession which will severely hamper their power to run welfare schemes for the poor and deprived.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Sharpened Social Divides</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Covid-19 has exposed some of the world&rsquo;s deepest inequalities.</li>
<li>The rich have been able to keep enjoying even the luxury due to their wealth accumulation.</li>
<li>Millions of people on the other hand have been thrown out of work and don&rsquo;t have enough money to even feed their families.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Departure From Trickle Down Effect</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tackling these new problems will require new ideas and a more robust political will.</li>
<li>Past progress was sustained by the benign trickle-down effects of strong economies. The Government must take direct responsibility for the ones who are vulnerable and marginalised.</li>
<li>This is not the case anymore. The facts have changed, and so must our minds.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increasing Resilience</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We need to find ways to increase resilience across our food systems by identifying new marketing channels like e-commerce which will provide more avenues to the farmers to sell their product in case of low demand in the local market.</li>
<li>If feasible, relocate markets to larger premises, while ensuring the appropriate infrastructure is in place to maintain health, hygiene, quality and food safety.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increase Efficiency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We must increase our efficiency to reduce losses and improve the quality of products available.</li>
<li>It would be a good initiative to identify collection centres closer to producers, for example develop storage facilities like warehouse receipt system platforms where farmers can deliver their produce without the need to go to markets.</li>
<li>If possible, allow local markets to remain open, while putting in place strict physical distancing measures within and outside markets.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inclusive Finance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Inclusive access to finance to strengthen and expand rural supply chains is also crucial.</li>
<li>Banking products and financial services must be made available to poor populations on priority basis.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comprehensive Recovery Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/search/Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organization%20(FAO)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organisation</strong></a> (FAO) of the United Nations has recently launched a new comprehensive Covid-19 Response and Recovery Programme to provide an agile and coordinated global response aimed at ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone.</li>
<li>It aims to mobilise all forms of resources and partnerships at the hands of every country.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Encouraging Innovation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We must, as a priority, enable farmers to be more dynamic, entrepreneurial and competitive through continual innovation.</li>
<li>We need smallholder farmers to produce nutritious foods, without fear of crop failures, and we also need to get those foods to the mouths of the hungry across the region and beyond.</li>
<li>To do this, smallholders desperately need access to financial resources, technology and innovation.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Response to Covid-19</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To remedy the situation emerging out of the Covid-19 pandemic and to prevent any major devastation by way of loss of human lives and livelihood, the country has unitedly taken some quick decisions.</li>
<li>The government enhanced its social safety programs including direct benefit transfers such as cash transfers under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Kisan scheme</strong></a>, more liberal financing under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong></a> like advance disbursement, direct cash grants to construction workers and release of free and subsidized food grains under <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/27-03-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</strong></a> to about 800 million people to ensure food for all.</li>
<li>The Government announced a special economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore (equivalent to 10% of India&rsquo;s GDP) under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme</strong> </a>with the aim of making the country independent against the tough competition in the global supply chain and to help in empowering the poor, labourers, migrants who have been adversely affected by Covid.</li>
<li>Rapid up-gradation of health infrastructure and manpower; and swift readjustment of policies and programs with active association and participation of all stakeholders, be that politicians, governments, NGOs, and private sectors, were other daunting tasks performed by the governments.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia-Pacific region</strong></a> has some of the best agricultural scientists, institutions and innovative ideas. If we are able to cooperate and coordinate then we can also battle this pandemic.</li>
<li>There is no time to waste. Everyone needs to lend a hand. Governments, academia, the private sector, UN agencies, civil society organisations, international financial institutions and the people who bring us the food we eat, the smallholders should come together and help each other in every way possible.</li>
<li>We need to be working in unison to overcome pandemics that by definition affect and involve everyone.</li>
<li>The FAO has rolled out the Hand-in-Hand initiative to tackle these collective challenges, and the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, which will be virtually hosted by Bhutan, is the perfect opportunity for the countries to forge ways to expedite action and leverage resources.</li>
<li>By working together, learning and contributing together, we can overcome both pandemics and transform the agri-food system.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599048967_image6.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599048967_image6.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" 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: #f7ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Covid-19 crisis has derailed the development process of the world and only a sustained innovative and coordinated effort can help the world overcome this crisis. Discuss the steps taken by India in this regard.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JxSQyKRX6P0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/for-the-weakest-the-hindu-editorial-on-sub-classification-among-scs/article32481807.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;For the weakest: On sub-classification among SCs&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on August 31<sup>st</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-food-security'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Manufacturing Improved: PMI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As per the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data, India&rsquo;s manufacturing sector activity has started to show signs of growth in August, driven mainly by pick-up in production along with improvement in customer demand.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Purchasing Managers' Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI) is an indicator of business activity - both in the <strong>manufacturing </strong>and<strong> services sectors.</strong></li>
<li>It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is also constructed.</li>
<li>The PMI summarizes whether market conditions as viewed by purchasing managers are expanding, neutral, or contracting.</li>
<li>The purpose of the PMI is to provide information about current and future business conditions to company decision makers, analysts, and investors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The PMI is a number from <strong>0 to 100.</strong></li>
<li>PMI<strong> above 50</strong> represents an expansion when compared to the previous month;</li>
<li>PMI <strong>under 50</strong> represents a contraction, and</li>
<li>A <strong>reading at 50</strong> indicates no change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The PMI is usually released at the start of every month. It is, therefore, considered a good leading indicator of economic activity.</li>
<li>The Index (PMI) is compiled by <strong>IHS Markit</strong> for more than 40 economies worldwide. IHS Markit is a global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>PMI Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/purchasing-manager-s-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI)</strong></a> rose from<strong> 46 in July to 52 in August.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In PMI parlance, a value <strong>above 50 means expansion,</strong> while a score below that denotes contraction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>In April,</strong> the index had slipped into contraction mode, after remaining in the growth territory for 32 consecutive months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Positive Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>New business</strong> received by Indian manufacturers <strong>expanded at the fastest pace since February.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Higher levels of production</strong> supported a <strong>modest rise in the number of purchases</strong> during August.</li>
<li><strong>Goods and Services Tax Collection:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-goods-and-services-tax-gst-collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GST</strong></a> collections in August stood at&mdash; 88% of the august 2019-20 level.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Collections in July were marginally higher but at 85.6% of the year earlier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure:</strong> The contraction in India&rsquo;s infrastructure sector<strong> slowed to 9.6%</strong> in July compared with 12.9% shrinkage in June.</li>
<li><strong>Mobility: The Google Mobility index,</strong> which measures visits to different locations such as retail shops, workplaces, parks and transport hubs, <strong>showed a 2% rise in trends</strong> for places such as supermarkets, food warehouses, farmers&rsquo; markets, speciality food shops and pharmacies.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-way-bills-during-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>E-way bills</strong></a>, another widely followed indicator of business activity, reached <strong>99.8% of last year&rsquo;s level in August.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Petrol consumption:</strong> Petrol consumption <strong>rose by about 2%</strong> in the first fortnight of August from the corresponding period in July.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> The pick-up in demand from domestic markets gave rise to upturns in production and input buying.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gradually, unlocking after lockdown has increased the pace of mobilization of economic resources.</li>
<li>Exports are also on marginal improvement. When compared to imports, the rate of export demand is on the higher side due to strict slash on imports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unemployment:</strong> Despite an expansion in new orders,<strong> job shedding</strong> continued in the Indian manufacturing sector.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The relocation of employees following Covid-19 pandemic is linked to the reduction in staffing numbers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inflation:</strong> Reports of higher raw material costs due to supplier shortages and transportation delays stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in rising input prices during August.</li>
<li><strong>Exports:</strong> The decline in foreign exports weighed slightly on overall new orders as firms cited subdued demand conditions from abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focusing on Atmanirbhar Bharat:</strong> The government announced an economic stimulus package of Rs. 20 lakh crore and big-bang systemic reforms under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> (self-reliant India). The intended objective of this plan is two-fold. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>First,<strong> interim measures</strong> such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers for the poor will work as shock absorbers for those in acute stress.</li>
<li>The second, <strong>long-term reforms</strong> in growth-critical sectors to make them globally competitive and attractive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing the MGNREGA Funding and Expanding to Urban Areas:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA)</strong> </a>programme has proved to be a bedrock of support in the normal times and during times of difficulty (like Covid-19) and it will be a good idea to expand the scheme to urban areas.</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of Cash Benefits:</strong> Money in the hands of people can provide an immediate sense of security and confidence, which is the cornerstone to restoring economic normalcy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will raise the consumption and demand of the economy and can bring back the virtuous cycle of demand and supply in play.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with the Banking System:</strong> Covid-19 assistance measures undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government such as interest rate reductions, credit guarantee and liquidity enhancement schemes are welcome steps.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although banks have largely failed to take initiatives as they are not confident of lending.</li>
<li>The RBI should consider a Single One Time Window for restructuring business loans, as required, by all banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tax Incentivization:</strong> Big business houses and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MSME sector</strong> </a>should be supported by the government though tax incentivization to reopen their operations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will energize consumer demand and boost the functioning of the vendor or ancillary industry in the MSME sector (which has huge potential for job creation).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Calibrating Make in India</strong>: The ongoing distrust on Chinese manufacturing amid USA-China spat can be very well garnered by India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Making India a global trading hub &ndash; devise an incentive regime for companies setting up global trading operations from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Sunrise Sectors:</strong> It should also encourage sunrise sectors as part of re-imagining Indian economy such as battery manufacturing (storage systems)/ solar panel manufacturing.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government can also consider giving impetus to &ldquo;Deep Tech&rdquo;-leveraged businesses - blockchain, robotics, AI, machine learning, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Auto-sector Reforms:</strong> The auto industry which contributes significantly to GDP (nearly 9%) deserves special treatment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addition to reducing GST rate, old vehicle scrap policy with tax incentives for creating a demand for new vehicles may be formulated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Labour Law Reforms:</strong> Focus should be given to strictly enforce discipline within the factory premises and demand higher productivity. The moves by U.P., M.P. and Gujarat are welcome signals.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>labour laws must be motivated by concerns of sustainability. Minimum wages, a written job contract that specifies terms and conditions of working, social security provisions etc. increase costs in the short run but augment economic optimisation in the long run by enhancing the productivity of the workforce.</li>
<li>The government has come out with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/labour-laws-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> four labour codes</strong></a> as long term reforms.</li>
<li>The government should provide health insurance for migrant labourers as experimented by certain States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/manufacturing-sector-activity-returns-to-growth-in-august-as-demand-picks-up-pmi/article32495954.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/manufacturing-improved-pmi'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Indra 2020 to be held in Andaman Sea',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p><strong>India and Russia</strong> are scheduled to hold <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-indra-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indra</strong> </a><strong>2020</strong> in the <strong>Andaman Sea, close to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/china-in-south-china-sea#:~:text=The%20Strait%20of%20Malacca%20connects,control%20such%20a%20strategic%20location." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Strait of Malacca</a></strong> instead of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-and-emerging-concerns-in-indian-ocean-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region</strong></a> (IOR).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Strait of Malacca <strong>connects Indian Ocean to the South China Sea</strong> and is 900 km in length and is also a<strong> prominent trade route between East Asia and West Asia-Europe.</strong></li>
<li>IOR is under <strong>high operational alert by the Indian Navy</strong> due to the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=Key%20Points,on%205%2F6th%20May." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff with China in Ladakh.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042917_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042917_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="534" height="398" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Indra series of exercises began in 2003</strong> and was conducted as a <strong>bilateral naval exercise</strong> alternately between the two countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the <strong>first joint Tri-Services Exercise was conducted in 2017.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indra 2020</strong> will be the<strong> first bilateral naval exercise</strong> since all such engagements were <strong>suspended due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its timing coincides with<strong> Indian Defence Minister&rsquo;s visit to Russia</strong> for the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) Defence Ministers Meet.</strong></li>
<li>Andaman Sea was also the location where frontline warships of the<strong> Indian Navy conducted a Passage Exercise (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/passex-with-the-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PASSEX</a>) with the USA Navy&rsquo;s USS Nimitz carrier strike group</strong> in July this year.</li>
<li><strong>China Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, <strong>India has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-pulls-out-of-kavkaz-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawn from the Kavkaz-2020</a></strong> <strong>multinational exercise in Russia</strong> due to the restrictions posed by the pandemic. However, the<strong> participation of Chinese troops in the same</strong> exercise is apparently the main reason.</li>
<li>Indian Navy is keeping a <strong>close watch on the movement of Chinese Naval ships in the IOR</strong> because their presence in the IOR has gone up considerably over the years in the name of Anti-Piracy patrols.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In<strong> 2017,</strong> China opened its first overseas <strong>military base in Djibouti</strong> in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-pulls-out-of-kavkaz-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Horn of Africa.</a></strong></li>
<li>Given its strategic location, <strong>India has embarked on a major <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-to-be-maritime-and-startup-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infrastructure expansion plan</a></strong> on the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar island chain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-russia-to-hold-naval-drills-in-andaman-sea/article32496756.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/indra-2020-to-be-held-in-andaman-sea'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Compatibility of the Contempt of Court with International Standards',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)</strong> has urged for a review of criminal contempt laws in India, expressing its concerns over the Supreme Court's decision to convict <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/prashant-bhushan-judgement-the-law-of-contempt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Advocate Prashant Bhushan for criminal contempt.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Supreme Court's Decision:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Court found Prashant Bhushan guilty of &lsquo;scandalizing the court&rsquo; on a suo-motu consideration of his two tweets. It has fined him with Rs. 1.</li>
<li>It held that tweets on its &ldquo;role&rdquo; in the &ldquo;last six years&rdquo; and a photograph of the Chief Justice of India on a motorbike undermines its dignity and the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the public eye.</li>
<li><strong>Contempt of Court:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions: Article 129 and 215 of the Constitution</strong> of India empowers the Supreme Court (SC) and High Court respectively to punish people for their respective contempt.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Article 142 of the Indian Constitution also empowers the SC to punish for its contempt. However, <strong>what is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contempt-of-court-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contempt of court</a> per se has not been defined</strong> by the Indian Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Provisions:</strong> The <strong>Contempt of Court Act, 1971</strong> elaborately deals with the concept of contempt of court.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act divides contempt into civil and criminal contempt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Commission of Jurists&rsquo; Views:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For the ICJ, the conviction appears to be inconsistent with international standards on freedom of expression and the role of lawyers.</li>
<li><strong>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:</strong> The judgement goes against the general protection of free speech and expression in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. For the first time, fundamental human rights were made universally applicable and protected.</li>
<li>It states that &lsquo;All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The International Covenant on Civil &amp; Political Rights:</strong> The judgement is inconsistent with the freedom of expression law guaranteed by the <strong>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The ICCPR is a key international human rights treaty, providing a range of protections for civil and political rights.</li>
<li>The Covenant compels governments to take administrative, judicial, and legislative measures in order to protect the rights enshrined in the treaty and to provide an effective remedy.</li>
<li>The Covenant was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and came into force in 1976. 173 countries including <strong>India have ratified</strong> the Covenant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The United Nations&rsquo; Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers:</strong> The judgement goes against the principles enshrined under the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Principle 23:</strong> Lawyers &ldquo;shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights&rdquo;.</li>
<li>These Principles were adopted by the 8<sup>th</sup> United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Cuba in 1990.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Bar Association of India</strong> also highlighted that &ldquo;the exercise of contempt jurisdiction by the Court in this manner has potential for more self-harm than the avowed purpose of safeguarding the prestige of the institution&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Commission of Jurists</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since <strong>1952,</strong> the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has performed a unique and prominent role as a <strong>Non Governmental Organization (NGO)</strong> defending human rights and the rule of law worldwide.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The contempt of court should not be allowed to be used as a means to prevent criticisms and in the<strong> era of social media,</strong> besides the need to revisit the law on criminal contempt, even the test for contempt needs to be evaluated.</li>
<li>In contemporary times, it is more important that courts are seen to be concerned about <strong>accountability</strong> rather than threats of contempt action, and processes are <strong>transparent.</strong></li>
<li>On criminal contempt, India can learn from Britain which abolished the offence of scandalizing the judiciary as a form of contempt of court in 2013.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/law-commission-of-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Law Commission of India</strong> </a>held that there is a need to retain the provision regarding the contempt of courts. However, it also recommended the definition of contempt in the Contempt of Court Act should be restricted to civil contempt, i.e., <strong>willful disobedience of judgments of the court.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prashant-bhushans-conviction-seems-at-odds-with-international-free-speech-law-international-commission-of-jurists/article32496322.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/compatibility-of-the-contempt-of-court-with-international-standards'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Eighth East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>8<sup>th</sup> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">East Asia Summit</a> Economic Ministers&rsquo; Meeting</strong> (EAS-EMM) was held<strong> virtually</strong> and attended by <strong>10<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ASEAN</a> members and eight other nations,</strong> including India, the USA, and China.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The meeting<strong> highlighted the importance of strengthening regional supply chains to make them resilient</strong> in times of heightened challenges posed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong> </a>and to <strong>spur economic growth.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, Japan has mooted the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative#:~:text=Supply%20Chain%20Resilience%20Initiative%20(SCRI)%3A,lead%20to%20the%20supply%20chain." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)</strong></a> as a trilateral approach to trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features of the Joint Statement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any <strong>trade-restrictive emergency measures</strong> put in place to address the impact of Covid-19 must be <strong>targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary, consistent with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative#:~:text=Supply%20Chain%20Resilience%20Initiative%20(SCRI)%3A,lead%20to%20the%20supply%20chain." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> World Trade Organisation</a> (WTO) rules and do not create unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption of global and regional supply chains.</strong></li>
<li>Support for the <strong>necessary reforms in the WTO</strong> and pledge to continue to work together to <strong>realise a free, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, predictable, and stable trade environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Facilitating the essential movement of people across borders,</strong> without undermining each country&rsquo;s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and to stabilise the trade and investment.</li>
<li><strong>Commitment to facilitate supply chain connectivity,</strong> including for essential goods such as medical supplies, medicines, including vaccines, food, commodities and other essential supplies and services in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Harness the opportunities of the digital economy</strong> to overcome the challenges posed by restricted movement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India highlighted its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong> </a>which is about <strong>upscaling the growth of Indian industry,</strong> its<strong> skills and capabilities to make them resilient and less vulnerable to shocks </strong>and<strong> integrating Indian industries with the global supply chains.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meeting comes at a <strong>critical juncture</strong> when the pandemic has not just <strong>posed an unprecedented health crisis</strong> but also caused a <strong>sharp contraction in economic activities,</strong> disrupting trade and investments.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Monetary Fund</strong></a> (IMF) has predicted a 4.9% contraction for the 2020 global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Gross%20Domestic%20Product%20(GDP)%3A,output%20from%20the%20consumers'%20side." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gross Domestic Product</strong></a> (GDP), warning that the Covid-19 outbreak has plunged the global economy into its worst recession since the <strong>Great Depression in the 1930s.</strong></li>
<li>In April, the WTO also warned that <strong>global trade volume growth could crash</strong> by 13-32% in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>East Asia Summit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established in <strong>2005,</strong> it is a<strong> forum of 18 regional leaders for strategic dialogue and cooperation</strong> on the key political, security, and economic challenges facing the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Genesis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The concept of an East Asia Grouping was<strong> first promoted in 1991 by the then Malaysian Prime Minister,</strong> Mahathir bin Mohamad.</li>
<li><strong>India is one of the founding members</strong> of the East Asia Summit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Membership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It comprises the<strong> ten member states of the ASEAN</strong> which are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, <strong>along with 8 other countries namely</strong> Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the USA.</li>
<li>It is an <strong>ASEAN-centred forum</strong> so it can <strong>only be chaired by an ASEAN member.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042187_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042187_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/ensure-covid-related-trade-curbs-are-temporary/article32476185.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eighth-east-asia-summit-economic-ministers-meeting'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'NPAs in SHG loans',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has asked states to monitor the status of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/solving-the-npa-crisis-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non Performing Assets (NPAs)</strong> </a>district-wise and take corrective measures to recover overdue/outstanding dues from <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self-Help Groups</a> (SHGs).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The issue was raised in the review meeting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission.</strong></a></li>
<li>A <strong>Non Performing Asset (NPA)</strong> is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Livelihoods Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched by the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD),</strong> Government of India in 2011.</li>
<li>NRLM set out with an agenda to cover 7 Crore rural poor households, across 600 districts, 6000 blocks, 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats and 6 lakh villages in the country through <strong>SHGs and federated institutions</strong> and support them for livelihoods collectives in a period of 8-10 years.</li>
<li>The Mission aims at creating <strong>efficient and effective institutional platforms for the rural poor </strong>enabling them to<strong> increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SHG Loans as NPAs:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>About Rs. 91,130 crore have been given to about 54.57 lakh SHGs across the country by the end of March 2020 as loans.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Around <strong>2.37%</strong> or <strong>Rs. 2,168 crore</strong> of this total outstanding bank loans turned out to be <strong>NPAs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The proportion of NPAs in bank loans given to SHGs has <strong>significantly increased</strong> over the last decade from <strong>2.90% in 2008 to 6.12% in 2018.</strong></li>
<li>There has been a rise of <strong>0.19%</strong> in overall NPAs in SHG loans in 2019-20 compared to financial year 2018-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Wise Distribution:</strong> <a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038917_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038917_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="550" caption="false" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Uttar Pradesh,</strong> which has 71,907 SHGs, reported that 36.02% of the loans taken by the groups were NPAs at the end of March 2020, as compared to 22.16% in 2018-19.</li>
<li>In <strong>Arunachal Pradesh,</strong> the NPA proportion stood at an alarming 43%, though the number of SHGs there is just <strong>209.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Directions:</strong> The <strong>State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs)</strong> were directed by the MoRD to monitor the status of NPA district wise and take immediate corrective actions wherever instances of NPA or overdues were found.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A mechanism under which representatives drawn from SHGs monitored loans had proved critical in ensuring timely repayment and therefore, it should be <strong>institutionalised in all bank branches.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> In 2019, the <strong>National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)</strong> has conducted a research<strong> study on NPAs by SHGs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It found that <strong>poor economic conditions, non-cooperation, lack-of training, expenses towards marriages and social ceremonies, and medical emergencies</strong> are the main reasons for non-payment of loans by SHGs.</li>
<li><strong>Expectations of loan waiver from the government</strong> was also found to be a major reason for the poor financial health of SHGs.</li>
<li>The<strong> role played by banks</strong> in handholding, timely opening accounts, monitoring and follow-up was not as per the expectation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Initiatives by Central Government to promote SHGs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agriculture-infrastructure-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Infrastructure Fund</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-formalization-of-micro-food-processing-enterprises-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/states-share-in-pmmsy-and-fme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ambedkar-hastshilp-vikas-yojana-ahvy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/north-east-rural-livelihood-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>North East Rural Livelihood Project</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-III</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an<strong> autonomous</strong> organisation under the<strong> Union Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
<li>It is a premier national centre of excellence in <strong>rural development and Panchayati Raj.</strong></li>
<li>It has been recognized internationally as one of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/survey-2019-ambitions-beyond-growth-escap" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN-ESCAP</strong> </a><strong>Centres of Excellence.</strong></li>
<li>It builds <strong>capacities of rural development functionaries,</strong> elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, bankers, Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy.</li>
<li>The Institute is located in<strong> Hyderabad (Telangana).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Training SHGs and providing them market linkages</strong> for the products/services so that they use the funds for income generating activity and have no problem in paying back the loan amount should be done by the government. In addition, providing group health and life insurance clubbed with loans at low cost will help as members spend a significant portion of the loan on events like ill-health, ceremonies etc.</li>
<li>It needs to be ensured that <strong>grading of SHGs</strong> needs to be done properly and loans should be issued only if it is found suitable for lending.<strong> Follow-ups and constant monitoring</strong> is a must.</li>
<li><strong>Quantum of loan should be high</strong> as it is a major limiting factor, one-time lending not only impedes the process of business expansion but also wastes the money lent so far. Banks need to be sensitized to<strong> lend multiple doses of credit, for well performing SHGs.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though NPAs by SHGs are a major concern, it must <strong>not deter the government from supporting SHGs.</strong> Post <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lockdown-extended" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>, there is an imperative need for economic revival and reconstruction. Each SHG loan sanctioned or enhanced, will either facilitate spending or investment- the twin engines for driving an economy.</li>
<li>Women members of SHGs across the country from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/women-shgs-fight-against-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NRLM have also contributed</strong></a> to contain the spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/npas-in-shg-loans-see-jump-states-told-to-collect-dues-6579603/" 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/npas-in-shg-loans'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Spot Robot',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers from Boston Dynamics, of <strong>Massachusetts Institute of Technology</strong> (MIT - USA) have developed a robot, called<strong> &lsquo;Spot&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>They have planned to use it for patients with <a href="/admin/articles/edit/Why%20in News Recently, researchers from Boston Dynamics, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT - USA) have developed a robot, called &lsquo;Spot&rsquo;.  They have planned to use it for patients with Covid-19 symptoms. 	  Key Points Features:  The robot is controlled by a handheld device. It can walk on four legs, similarly to a dog, climbs stairs and can traverse rough terrain with ease and small enough to be used indoors. It can measure skin temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation in healthy patients, from 2 metres away. It has four cameras &mdash; one infrared, three monochrome. Working: Body Temperature: The infrared camera measures skin temperature on the face.  An algorithm then correlates the facial skin temperature with core body temperature. Breathing Rate: When a patient wearing a mask breathes, their breath changes the temperature of the mask.  The infrared camera measures this temperature change, enabling researchers to calculate the breathing rate. Pulse Rate &amp; Oxygen Level: When haemoglobin binds to oxygen and flows through blood vessels, it results in slight changes in colour.  These changes are measured with the help of the three monochrome cameras, which filter lights of three different wavelengths.  Using these measurements, the algorithm calculates pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. Benefit: The robot can be deployed in areas where suspected cases of Covid-19 assemble. Healthcare workers can avoid exposing themselves to risk, by manoeuvring the robot to wherever patients are sitting.  The robot can also carry a tablet that allows doctors to ask patients about their symptoms without being in the same room. Source: IE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> symptoms.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038203_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038203_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The robot is controlled by a <strong>handheld device.</strong></li>
<li>It can<strong> walk</strong> on four legs, similarly to a dog,<strong> climbs stairs</strong> and can <strong>traverse rough terrain</strong> with ease and<strong> small enough to be used indoors.</strong></li>
<li>It can<strong> measure skin temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation</strong> in healthy patients,<strong> from 2 metres away.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has <strong>four cameras</strong> &mdash; one infrared, three monochrome.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Body Temperature:</strong> The infrared camera measures skin temperature on the face. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An algorithm then correlates the facial skin temperature with core body temperature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Breathing Rate:</strong> When a patient wearing a mask breathes, their breath changes the temperature of the mask. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The infrared camera measures this temperature change, enabling researchers to calculate the breathing rate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pulse Rate &amp; Oxygen Level:</strong> When haemoglobin binds to oxygen and flows through blood vessels, it results in slight changes in colour. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These changes are measured with the help of the three monochrome cameras, which filter lights of three different wavelengths.</li>
<li>Using these measurements, the algorithm calculates pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The robot can be deployed in areas where suspected cases of Covid-19 assemble. Healthcare workers can avoid exposing themselves to risk, by manoeuvring the robot to wherever patients are sitting.</li>
<li>The robot can also carry a tablet that allows doctors to ask patients about their symptoms without being in the same room.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-a-robot-to-measure-covid-patients-vital-signs-6579419/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Adjusted Gross Revenue to be Paid in 10 Years',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court of India</strong></a> allowed <strong>telecom companies (telcos)</strong> 10 years&rsquo; time to pay their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-telecom-sector-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)</strong></a> dues to the government.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Adjusted Gross Revenue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AGR is a <strong>fee-sharing mechanism</strong> between the government and the telcos who shifted to the <strong>'revenue-sharing fee'</strong> model in 1999, from the <strong>'fixed license fee'</strong> model. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this course, telcos are supposed to<strong> share a percentage</strong> of AGR with the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The telecom sector was liberalised under the <strong>National Telecom Policy, 1994</strong> after which licenses were issued to companies in return for a fixed license fee.</li>
<li>To provide relief from the steep fixed license fee, the <strong>government in 1999</strong> gave an option to the licensees to migrate to the<strong> revenue sharing fee model.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under this, mobile telephone operators were required to share a percentage of their AGR with the government as <strong>annual license fee</strong> (LF) and <strong>spectrum usage charges (SUC).</strong></li>
<li>License agreements between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the telecom companies define the gross revenues of the latter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The definition of AGR has been under litigation for 14 years. In 2005, <strong>Cellular Operators Association of India</strong> (COAI) challenged the government&rsquo;s definition for AGR calculation.</li>
<li>However, DoT argued that AGR includes<strong> all revenues from both telecom and non-telecom services.</strong></li>
<li>The companies claimed that <strong>AGR should comprise just the revenue accrued from core services</strong> and not dividend, interest income or profit on the sale of any investment or fixed assets.</li>
<li>In 2015, the <strong>Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)</strong> stayed the case in favour of telecom companies and held that AGR includes all receipts except capital receipts and revenue from non-core sources such as rent, profit on the sale of fixed assets, dividend, interest and miscellaneous income.</li>
<li>However, setting aside TDSAT&rsquo;s order, the Supreme Court upheld the definition of AGR as stipulated by the DoT in October 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the government definition, AGR includes rental receipts, dividend income and income from any other-activity arising out of the telecom licence the company has.</li>
<li>Later on, the Court rejected a 20-year payment timeline proposed by the central government and supported by telecom companies. Instead it has given 10 years&rsquo; time to repay the AGR dues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Directions Issued by Court:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The telecom operators would<strong> make the payment of 10% of the total dues</strong> as demanded by the Department of Telecom by 31<sup>st</sup> March 2021.</li>
<li>The <strong>yearly instalments would commence from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2021 up to 31<sup>st</sup> March 2031.</strong> The instalments would be paid by <strong>31<sup>st</sup> March every year.</strong></li>
<li>In the event of any default in making payment of annual instalments,<strong> interest would be levied</strong> as per the agreement<strong> along with penalty and interest on penalty</strong> automatically without reference to court. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Besides, it would be <strong>punishable for contempt of court.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Compliance with the court order should be reported by the telcos and the telecom department every year on 7<sup>th</sup> April.</li>
<li>The sale of spectrum by telcos facing insolvency proceedings shall be decided by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-fact-for-prelims-4th-march-2019-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The definition of AGR has been such a contentious issue because it has<strong> huge financial implications for both telcos and the government.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was estimated, after the SC&rsquo;s 2019 judgment, that the telecom operators owe the government about Rs. 92,000 crore in back charges, interest and penalties on license fee alone.</li>
<li>The October 2019 judgment had pushed many telcos on the verge of bankruptcy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While the <strong>government has been deprived of the extra revenue,</strong> the financial implications for telecom companies &mdash; who now have to pay overdue amounts piled up for years &mdash; are serious too. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Especially at the current juncture, when profits for telcos are under pressure from severe competition and the falling average revenue per user.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To enhance the growth of the telecom sector, improve the quality of service, and generate resources for the telcos, a <strong>new infrastructural policy</strong> is the need of the hour.</li>
<li>The government needs to provide an<strong> enabling environment</strong> for telecom operators. In order to achieve that, a long-term vision plan must be made accordingly.</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced accessibility of the broadband services</strong> will enable the digital empowerment of India, hence adequate steps must be taken by the government to strengthen the overall telecom sector.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-directs-telcos-to-pay-agr-dues-in-10-years/article32493787.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'G-20 Foreign Ministers Meet',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-meeting-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G-20</strong> </a>foreign ministers meeting with focus on cross-border movement amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia holds the presidency</strong></a> of G-20. It is the <strong>first Arab nation</strong> to take over the G20 Presidency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The foreign ministers <strong>acknowledged the importance of opening borders,</strong> and<strong> promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive</strong> in light of the protective measures for the<strong> Covid-19 pandemic.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many health safety protocols were brought in to minimize the risk of spread of the Covid-19, like closed borders.</li>
<li>However, they have now become a <strong>huge obstacle</strong> in running trade and businesses worldwide resulting in a crisis of life and livelihood for many.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India apprised the G-20 foreign ministers about steps taken by India including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vande-bharat-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vande Bharat Mission</strong></a> and creation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>travel bubbles</strong></a> for the welfare and protection of foreign citizens stranded in India as well as its own citizens abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Initiatives Taken by G-20:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, in the 3<sup>rd</sup> G-20 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3rd-g20-fmcbg-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG)</strong></a> meeting held in july 2020, G-20 came up with the <strong>G20 Action Plan</strong> to deal with the pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Action Plan includes a list of collective commitments under the pillars of Health Response, Economic Response, Strong and Sustainable Recovery and International Financial Coordination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The G-20 also organised a virtual meeting of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-digital-economy-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G-20 Digital Economy Ministers</strong></a> to highlight the digital initiatives taken by the countries to deal with Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Proposal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Development of <strong>voluntary &lsquo;G-20 Principles</strong> on <strong>Coordinated Cross-Border Movement of People&rsquo;</strong> with three elements: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Standardisation of testing procedures</strong> and universal acceptability of test results.</li>
<li>Standardisation of <strong>Quarantine procedures.</strong></li>
<li>Standardisation of <strong>&lsquo;movement and transit&rsquo; protocols.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Governments around the world need to ensure that <strong>interests of foreign students are protected</strong> and <strong>movement of stranded seafarers</strong> back to their home country is facilitated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The education institutes around the globe have been shut for months due to pandemic. With borders closed now, foreign students who had returned to their home countries are now finding it difficult to rejoin their respective institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>G-20</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The G20 is an<strong> informal group of 19 countries</strong> and the <strong>European Union,</strong> with representatives of the <strong>International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The G20 membership comprises a<strong> mix of the world&rsquo;s largest advanced and emerging economies,</strong> representing about two-thirds of the world&rsquo;s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade.</li>
<li>The members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.</li>
<li>It does not have <strong>any permanent secretariat</strong> or headquarters.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-proposes-g-20-principles-on-cross-border-movement-6582278/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'English as Medium of Education',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Supreme Court refused to stay the Andhra Pradesh High Court&rsquo;s order <strong>striking down</strong> the state government&rsquo;s decision to make <strong>English the medium of education for government school students</strong> from Classes I to VI beginning 2020-21 academic year.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Court pointed out that <strong>Section 29(2)(f) of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right to Education</a> (RTE) Act, 2009</strong> says that the medium of instruction shall, as far as practicable, be in a child&rsquo;s mother tongue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional and Legal Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 29 (Protection of interests of minorities)</strong> gives all citizens right to <strong>conserve their language and prohibits discrimination on the basis of language.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 120 (Language to be used in Parliament)</strong> provides for use of Hindi or English for transactions of parliament but gives the right to members of parliament to express themselves in their mother tongue.</li>
<li><strong>Part XVII of the Indian Constitution</strong> deals with the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bill-to-change-stature-of-official-languages" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official languages</a> </strong>in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/three-language-formula" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Articles 343 to 351.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 350A (Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage)</strong> provides that it shall be the endeavour of every State and of every local authority within the State to provide adequate facilities for <strong>instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 351 (Directive for development of the Hindi language)</strong> provides that it shall be the duty of the Union to <strong>promote the spread of the Hindi language.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-language" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Eighth Schedule</strong></a> recognises <strong>following 22 languages as official languages:</strong> Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.</li>
<li><strong>Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009</strong> says that the medium of instruction shall, as far as practicable, be in a child&rsquo;s mother tongue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Favour of English as Medium of Instruction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Career:</strong> The ability to speak in english qualifies one for many jobs which are not yet available for speakers of regional languages.</li>
<li><strong>Competitive Exams:</strong> Lack of knowledge of english will put the students of government schools on a backfoot as compared to those of English-medium private schools in competitive exams,</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education:</strong> Most technical and scientific books are available only in english and much of higher education is also imparted in english. This may hinder the access of students from government schools to STEM and higher education.</li>
<li><strong>Global Opportunities:</strong> English being the global lingua franca gives the students opportunity to compete at the global level.</li>
<li><strong>Status Symbol:</strong> Knowing english is often equated with progressiveness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments against English as Medium of Instruction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Accessibility to Knowledge:</strong> The use of mother tongue or regional languages makes the process of learning familiar, comprehensible, and approachable for the students. This encourages wholehearted engagement of students in the learning process and boosts their confidence.</li>
<li><strong>Promotion of Local Culture:</strong> Also, using mother tongue allows students to express themselves better and communicate their experiences, their multifaceted identities, and their cultures.</li>
<li><strong>Encouragement to Merit:</strong> The use of English language often creates a divide between students hailing from backward castes and communities and the &lsquo;upper&rsquo; class. Often, <strong>real talent and merit gets suppressed </strong>due to an<strong> imposed linguistic disability.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government Initiatives to Promote Regional Languages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recently announced <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/national-education-policy-nep-2020-languages-culture-values" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Education Policy</strong> </a>states that wherever possible, students <strong>till Class 5 in schools</strong> should be taught in mother tongue/regional language/local language. It also introduces the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/three-language-formula-and-autonomy-in-language-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Three-Language Formula</strong> </a>for <strong>primary education,</strong> as per the recommendation of <strong>Kothari Commision, 1968.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)</strong> is providing publication grants towards the publications of University Level Books in regional languages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established in 1961 to evolve technical terminology in all Indian Languages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>National Translation Mission (NTM)</strong> is being implemented through the <strong>Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)</strong>, Mysore under which the text books of various subjects prescribed in Universities and Colleges are being translated in all languages of the Eighth Schedule.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CIIL was established in 1969 under the administrative control of the Ministry<strong> of Education.</strong></li>
<li>Its objective is to<strong> coordinate the development of Indian languages,</strong> to bring about the essential unity of Indian languages through <strong>scientific studies</strong> and <strong>protect and document minor, minority and tribal languages.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government of India is running a scheme known as<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protection-and-preservation-of-endangered-language" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages&rdquo;</strong> </a>for conservation of threatened languages.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-decision-on-ugc-guidelines-on-conduct-of-examinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>University Grants Commission (UGC)</strong></a> also promotes regional languages in higher education courses in the country and supports nine Central Universities under the scheme<strong> &ldquo;Establishment of Centre for Endangered Languages in Central Universities&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, an initiative <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/namath-basai-kerala" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Namath Basai</strong></a> by Kerala State Government has proved to be very beneficial in educating children from tribal areas by adopting vernacular languages as medium of instruction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Yuelu Proclamation made by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</a> at Changsha, China, in 2018</strong> plays a central role in guiding the efforts of countries and regions around the world to <strong>protect linguistic resources and diversity.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong> has proclaimed <strong>2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL).</strong> The IYIL 2019 strives to preserve, support and promote indigenous languages at the national, regional and international levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Countries around the world have successfully substituted english with their mother tongues</strong> and have been able to produce world-class scientists, researchers, technicians and thinkers. The barrier of language is only as long as there is lack of proper encouragement to the generation of knowledge in the respective language. The government should encourage original scientific writing, publication of books in regional languages to help this transition.</li>
<li>Also, studies around the world have shown that children are able to<strong> learn multiple languages</strong> if they are taught from an early age. We can actively promote regional languages without compromising knowledge of English language which can be taught as an extra subject. It is important to remember that <strong>English is one of many skills which we can equip the children with</strong> in order for them to fully participate in and experience the world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/education/sc-quotes-rte-act-no-stay-on-hc-order-against-andhra-govts-english-medium-move-6582273/" 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/english-as-medium-of-education'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Hurricane Nana',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Atlantic Hurricane Nana</strong> has made a landfall on the coast of <strong>Belize.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The country Belize is located on the <strong>northeast coast of Central America.</strong></li>
<li>Few days back, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hurricane Laura</strong></a> made landfall in southwestern Louisiana (South Central United States).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599207357_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599207357_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="416" height="489" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclone:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A hurricane is a <strong>type of storm called a tropical cyclone,</strong> which forms over tropical or subtropical waters.</li>
<li>A tropical cyclone is a <strong>rotating low-pressure weather system</strong> that has organized <strong>thunderstorms but no fronts</strong> (a boundary separating two air masses of different densities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speed of Winds:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface <strong>winds</strong> of less than<strong> 39 miles per hour (mph)</strong> are called <strong>tropical depressions.</strong></li>
<li>Those with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or<strong> higher are called tropical storms.</strong></li>
<li>When a storm's maximum sustained winds reach <strong>74 mph,</strong> it is called a<strong> hurricane. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measurement of Wind Speed:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale</strong> is a <strong>1 to 5 rating,</strong> or category, based on a hurricane's maximum sustained winds.</li>
<li>The higher the category, the <strong>greater the hurricane's</strong> potential for property <strong>damage. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There needs to be <strong>warm ocean water</strong> and <strong>moist, humid air</strong> in the region.</li>
<li>When humid air is flowing upward at a zone of low pressure over warm ocean water, the water is released from the air as creating the <strong>clouds of the storm.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has a <strong>low pressure centre</strong> and clouds spiraling towards the eyewall surrounding the <strong>"eye",</strong> the central part of the system where the weather is normally calm and free of clouds.</li>
<li>Its <strong>diameter</strong> is typically around<strong> 200 to 500 km,</strong> but can reach 1000 km.</li>
<li>The <strong>winds</strong> blow <strong>counterclockwise</strong> in the <strong>Northern Hemisphere</strong> and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.</li>
<li>A tropical cyclone brings very violent winds, torrential rain, high waves and, in some cases, very destructive storm surges and coastal flooding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Different Names:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hurricane:</strong> Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, North Atlantic Ocean and the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean</li>
<li><strong>Typhoon:</strong> Western North Pacific</li>
<li><strong>Cyclone:</strong> Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea</li>
<li><strong>Willy-willies:</strong> Australia</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/hurricane-nana-hits-belize-drives-across-guatemala/lite/" 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/hurricane-nana'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Significance of Dead Coral Reef',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent study by researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), Australia,<strong> more life can be supported by dead coral remains than live corals.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dead coral reefs support cryptic organisms like hidden sea creatures, including fishes, snails, tiny crabs and worms, who hide under its rubble<strong> to save themselves from predation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Cryptic organisms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are organisms that are <strong>morphologically indistinguishable</strong> (identical in appearance) but are <strong>genetically distinct.</strong> Many species that are classified as single species but are found to be genetically different are called <strong>cryptic species.</strong></li>
<li>Examples of cryptic species include the<strong> African elephant.</strong> A 2001 study found the elephants were actually two genetically distinct, non-interbreeding species, the African bush elephant and the African elephant.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599205766_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599205766_image3.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Method:</strong> The researchers designed three-dimensional-printed coral stacks called <strong>RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS)</strong> to survey cryptic organisms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>3D-printed coral</strong> mimicked surrounding reef rubble and invited unwitting reef organisms to be monitored.</li>
<li>By sampling the RUBS&rsquo; structures over time, the team were able to <strong>identify changes in the cryptic population.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> The researchers found the <strong>missing link in the coral reef food webs.</strong> This data fills important knowledge gaps, such as how small cryptic animals support coral reefs from the bottom of the food chain, all the way up to bigger predators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This also helped to know the importance <strong>of dead coral reef rubble</strong> to the ocean ecosystem.</li>
<li>The RUBS technology provides a new opportunity for<strong> reef management,</strong> particularly for <strong>reef education and awareness.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coral Reefs:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coral reefs are <strong>large underwater structures composed of the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates called coral.</strong></li>
<li>Corals extract <strong>calcium carbonate</strong> from seawater to create a hard, durable exoskeleton that protects their soft, sac-like bodies. These exoskeleton remains of millions of corals pile up with time to form coral reefs.</li>
<li>The corals have a<strong> symbiotic relationship with an algae</strong> called the<strong> zooxanthellae.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These algae live inside the coral polyp's body and provide the coral with <strong>food.</strong> The polyps, in turn, provide a <strong>home and carbon dioxide</strong> for the algae.</li>
<li>These algae are responsible for the variety of <strong>colours</strong> of corals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but they are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth.</li>
<li>They are referred to as<strong> "the rainforests of the sea"</strong> for their biodiversity,</li>
<li><strong>Death of Coral Reefs:</strong> When corals become stressed due to any changes, including pollution or global warming, they can expel algae and get <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/coral-bleaching" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bleached</strong></a>, meaning the &lsquo;death&rsquo; of the coral reef.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-downgrades-great-barrier-reef-to-very-poor-status" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>concerns of fast paced coral bleaching</strong></a> due to <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>emission of greenhouse gases</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-report-on-climate-change-ipcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change.</strong></a></li>
<li>A number of global initiatives are being taken to address the issues, like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3rd-international-year-of-reef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Coral Reef Initiative</strong></a>, the US Coral Reef Task Force etc.</li>
<li>In india, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-eels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zoological Survey of India</a> (ZSI)</strong>, with help from Gujarat&rsquo;s forest department, is attempting a process to restore coral reefs using <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coral-restoration-through-biorock" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;biorock&rdquo; or mineral accretion technology.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There has been little information on the role of dead coral reefs so far. The study can help<strong> in studying the oceanic ecosystem</strong> in a more holistic way.</li>
<li>The research is certainly a lesson that even<strong> dead coral reefs need to be preserved</strong> in order to protect the biodiversity that remains. The understanding of foundational structure of coral reefs might inform efforts to<strong> create artificial reefs,</strong> which may be a short-term solution to the dying coral reef problem.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/-dead-coral-reefs-as-important-as-live-ones-shows-new-study-73178" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: Down to Earth</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/significance-of-dead-coral-reef'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Digital Education In India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p style="text-align: left;">This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/digital-education-online-classes-learning-coronavirus-national-education-policy-6580744/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India is not prepared for digital education</strong> </a>which was published in the Indian Express on 3<sup>rd</sup> of September 2020. It analyses the impact of Covid-19 on Education of the children and the issues of digital education in India.</p>
</div>
<p>Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the education sector is in crisis at the moment. Educational institutes are closed and most probably, they will remain closed through 2020 due to an increasing number of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> cases. This could even extend to 2021.</p>
<p>In this situation online education has come to the rescue of the cause of education. However there are several challenges of online education and the same needs to be fixed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599134653_Image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599134653_Image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Challenges of Digital Education</h3>
<p><strong>Lack of Proper Study Room</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2011-census-data-on-migration#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202011%20Census,migrants%20according%20to%20that%20enumeration." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2011</strong></a> tells us that 71 per cent of households with three or more members have dwellings with two rooms or less (74 per cent in rural and 64 per cent in urban areas).</li>
<li>In such a situation how will the children avail education in an undisturbed ambience remain a huge question.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inadequate Internet Penetration</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to National Sample Survey data for 2017-18, only 42 percent of urban and 15 percent of rural households had <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/access-to-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>internet access</strong></a>, and only 34 per cent of urban and 11 per cent of rural persons had used the internet in the past 30 days.</li>
<li>These data clearly suggest that 2/3<sup>rd</sup> of the children will be left out of the online education process.</li>
<li>The worst affected, as always, will be the marginalised, rural and poor populations.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Slow Internet Speed</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When it comes to online education, it is mostly about communicating with teachers directly through video calls or watching online video lectures, and both require high-speed with a stable internet connection.</li>
<li>In absence of adequate speed of the internet the whole idea will fail. We can see the same from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir when there are regular protests by the students as they are not able to study in absence of proper internet connection.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>No Standard Policy</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/online-education#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Human%20Resource,home%20(DTH)%2C%20etc." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital education</strong></a> is not about videos of lectures on blackboards by teachers on the internet.</li>
<li>It is about appropriate platforms, technology, tools, interactivity, curation, content and a lot more.</li>
<li>We lack a proper policy on digital education, infrastructure, content, interaction and multiple languages.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Lack of Social Cohesion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Public educational institutions also play an exemplary role in social inclusion and relative equality.</li>
<li>It is the place where people of all genders, classes, castes, and communities can meet without one group being forced to bow to others.</li>
<li>This is critical learning for life which may not be supplemented by online education.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Teacher Training</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Teachers look after the mental, emotional and social health of children in schools.</li>
<li>Schooling is supposed to look after the emotional, social and behavioural health of children, which is diametrically opposite to social distancing.</li>
<li>Teachers are not adequately trained to inculcate these learnings through online mediums.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Issue of Parenting</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Another challenge is to keep thousands of children out of school when their parents return to their work spaces post lock down.</li>
<li>Who will assume responsibility for a child&rsquo;s safety and learning at home remains a huge problem.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Bharat Network</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) now called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatnet-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Network</strong> </a>aims to connect all 2,50,000 panchayats at the cost of over Rs 40,000 crore.</li>
<li>Through BharatNet, the government envisages providing a minimum of 100 Mbps bandwidth at each Gram Panchayat so that online services can be accessed by everyone, especially those in rural India.</li>
<li>This includes e-governance, e-learning, e-banking, e-commerce and e-health services.</li>
<li>Once completed the Infrastructure will be a national asset and non-discriminatory access will be a game changer in the method of service delivery and hence it must be fast tracked.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Knowledge Network (NKN)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-210" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NKN</strong></a> is a multi-gigabit national research and education network, whose purpose is to provide a unified high speed network backbone for educational institutions in India.</li>
<li>The NKN was established as a high bandwidth network to connect all knowledge-creating organisations comprising IITs, IIMs, universities, research labs and other e-governance institutions up to the district level.</li>
<li>It was aimed at encouraging collaborative development and building a repository of knowledge in all fields.</li>
<li>This network exists and is fully functional but only a few institutions take full advantage of it because of a lack of understanding, local facilities, funding and technical expertise.</li>
<li>NKN is being expanded soon, which is a positive step. There is, however, an urgent need to also make it a core component of the Digital India initiative and leverage it to provide e-services at the bottom of the economic pyramid.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increased Financing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Governments will have to think very seriously about allocating more money in the budget for technical education in schools.</li>
<li>Increasing the education budget to 6% of the GDP is a welcome move in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/national-education-policy-nep-2020-languages-culture-values" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New National Education Policy-2020</strong></a> unveiled a few days back.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Parents and Teachers Training</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most of the teachers and parents are not technically sound and many of them even lack the basic knowledge about technology.</li>
<li>It is important that they are trained in that regard so that the fruits of their knowledge can reach the students.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increase Accessibility</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The pandemic has taught us a lot about adjusting to changes in new and creative ways. But taking the weaker sections along is equally necessary.</li>
<li>Inclusion in distance learning programs, especially for students coming from low-income groups or the presence of disability is very important.</li>
<li>Government needs to provide support for digitalization to teachers as well as students by making such platforms and content available for free.</li>
<li>They must be assured the required infrastructure for online learning such as smartphones, and laptops.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Digital education is fun learning for all cadres and particularly effective for child learning as the innovative audio-video feature boosts the cognitive elements in a child&rsquo;s brain.</li>
<li>The INFO-TAINMENT combination involved in digital learning makes it more practical, applicable and relatable to our life and surroundings in an interesting manner.</li>
<li>Students view this as a flexible option allowing them to study as per their time and pace. Teachers too find it convenient to prepare their learning plans well aided by technology. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Teaching becomes a smoother experience with a perfect mesh of personalized packages having a blend of animations, gamification and elaborate audio-visual effects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>So, online methods of teaching and learning deserve our highest praise but only when cast in their proper role, which is to supplement, support and amplify the techniques of face-to-face education.</li>
<li>Transition from teacher-class based teaching to digital-education will need multi-pronged efforts over time.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffede;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Transition from teacher-class based teaching to digital-education will need multi-pronged efforts over time&rdquo;. Discuss in the light of Covid-19 crisis and its effect on the education sector in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WWLkz2ZLkik" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/india-does-need-a-fiscal-council/article32432565.ece#:~:text=The%20important%20tasks%20of%20these,presenting%20policy%20makers%20with%20alternative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;India does need a Fiscal Council&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on August 25<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/digital-education-in-india'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the <strong>Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020</strong> to be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill will <strong>include Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bill-to-change-stature-of-official-languages" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official languages</a></strong> in the newly-created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Only English and Urdu were official languages</strong> in the former State, which was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uts-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bifurcated on 5<sup>th</sup> August 2019</strong></a>, with <strong>Ladakh becoming a separate Union Territory.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Dogri along with Bodo, Maithili and Santhali</strong> was added to the <strong>scheduled languages</strong> under the<strong> Eighth Schedule</strong> by <strong>92<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act of 2003,</strong> which consists of the<strong> following 22 languages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.</li>
<li>Of these languages, <strong>14 were initially included</strong> in the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Sindhi</strong> language was added by the <strong>21<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act of 1967.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali</strong> were included by the <strong>71<sup>st</sup> Amendment Act of 1992.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill not only <strong>fulfills a long-pending public demand</strong> of the region but also <strong>keeps with the spirit of equality.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Part XVII of the Indian Constitution</strong> deals with the official languages in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/three-language-formula" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Articles 343 to 351.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 345:</strong> Official language or languages of a State subject to the provisions of Article 346 and 347.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Constitutional provisions related to the <strong>Eighth Schedule</strong> are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 344</strong>: Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission by the President on expiration of five years from the commencement of the Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of ten years from such commencement, which shall consist of a Chairman and such other members representing the different languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to make recommendations to the President for the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union.</li>
<li><strong>Article 351:</strong> It provides for the spread of the Hindi language to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-jk-official-languages-bill/article32504278.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/jammu-and-kashmir-official-languages-bill-2020'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Capping of MEIS Scheme Benefits',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The government has taken a decision to <strong>cap export incentives</strong> under <strong>Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)</strong> at <strong>Rs. 2 crore per exporter</strong> on outbound shipments made during September-December, 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Decision:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ceiling would be<strong> subject to a downward revision</strong> to ensure that the total claim doesn&rsquo;t exceed the allocated Rs. 5,000 crore for the period.</li>
<li>The new <strong>Import Export Code (IEC)</strong> obtained on or after 1<sup>st</sup> September will be <strong>ineligible to submit any MEIS claim</strong> for exports.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Import Export Code:</strong> It is issued by the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade - Ministry of Commerce and Industry). <strong>IEC</strong> is a 10-digit <strong>code</strong> which has a lifetime validity. Predominantly importers cannot <strong>import</strong> goods without the <strong>Import Export Code</strong> and similarly, the exporter merchant cannot avail benefits from DGFT for the<strong> export</strong> scheme, etc. without<strong> IEC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Government Decision:</strong> MEIS is not World Trade Organisation (WTO) compliant and rolling back of the MEIS scheme will pave the way for a new scheme in place. The Indian government has announced a <strong>new WTO-compliant scheme</strong> called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/remission-of-duties-or-taxes-on-export-product" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Remission of Duties or Taxes On Export Product (RoDTEP)</strong> </a>which will replace MEIS starting 1<sup>st</sup> January 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) was introduced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)</strong> </a>2015-20 w.e.f. 1<sup>st</sup> April 2015 with the objective to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in exporting goods/products which are produced /manufactured in India including products produced/manufactured by MSME Sector.</li>
<li>Under MEIS, the government provides duty benefits depending on product and country.</li>
<li>Rewards under the scheme are payable as percentage of realised free-on-board value (of 2%, 3% and 5%) and MEIS duty credit scrip can be transferred or used for payment of a number of duties including the basic customs duty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Remission of Duties or Taxes On Export Product (RoDTEP):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new scheme will be implemented from 1<sup>st</sup> January 2020 and create a<strong> fully automated route</strong> for <strong>Input Tax Credit (ITC)</strong> in the GST to help increase exports in India.</li>
<li>It will <strong>reimburse all the taxes/duties/levies</strong> being charged at the Central/State/Local level which are not currently refunded under any of the existing schemes but are incurred at the manufacturing and distribution process.</li>
<li>The Ministry of Finance has set up a <strong>committee</strong> under the chairmanship of former commerce and home secretary <strong>GK Pillai</strong> to finalise the rates under RoDTEP that will allow reimbursement of all embedded taxes including local levies paid on inputs by exporters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of data for new scheme to replace MEIS:</strong> The RoDTEP committee has started the work, but the industry is facing <strong>challenges in providing the data</strong> due to frequent local lockdowns, non-availability of transport and non-functioning of auditors.</li>
<li><strong>The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)</strong> is of the view that exports during September-December are based on orders that had been<strong> negotiated earlier after factoring in</strong> the existing <strong>Merchant Export from India Scheme (MEIS)</strong> benefit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These benefits are <strong>part of the export competitiveness</strong> and therefore the sudden change will affect exporters&rsquo; financially as <strong>buyers are not going to revise their prices upwards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Federation of Indian Export Organisations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Federation of Indian Export Organisations represents the Indian entrepreneurs spirit of enterprise in the global market. It was set up in <strong>1965.</strong></li>
<li>It is an<strong> Apex body</strong> of the export promotion councils, community boards and development authorities in India.</li>
<li>It provides the crucial interface between the international trading community of India &amp; the Central and State Governments, financial institutions, ports, railways and all engaged in export trade facilitation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The extension in the MEIS Scheme till March 2021 will help in a smooth rolling of the RoDTEP scheme.</li>
<li>The sudden imposition of <strong>a cap of Rs. 2 crore per IEC (Import Export Code),</strong> on MEIS benefit of exports made during 1<sup>st</sup> September to 31<sup>st</sup> December, 2020, is going to seriously affect exporters, whose numbers may not be very large, but their contribution to exports warrant a revisit to the imposition of the cap.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/capping-meis-benefits-will-seriously-affect-traders-fieo/article32508182.ece#:~:text=The%20government's%20decision%20to%20cap,traders%2C%20FIEO%20said%20on%20Wednesday." 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/capping-of-meis-scheme-benefits'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Postal Voting in the USA',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Many states in the USA are making <strong>postal voting options</strong> more easily accessible, as the <strong>USA presidential election</strong> is set to take place in <strong>November 2020</strong> amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Election in USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the USA, all elections&ndash;federal, state, and local&ndash; are directly organised by the governments of individual states.</li>
<li>Unlike India, there is no Election Commission independent of the government in the USA to conduct elections at the national (federal) level.</li>
<li>The USA Constitution and laws grant the states wide latitude in how they administer elections, this has resulted in varying rules across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Postal Voting in USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Every single state allows postal voting, but they have different rules for this.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In some states voters are provided <strong>absentee ballots</strong> if they provide an <strong>excuse</strong> as to why they cannot be present in person on election day.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Absentee voting</strong> allows a person to <strong>vote by mail.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, in some states there is<strong> &ldquo;no-excuse absentee voting&rdquo;,</strong> where voters can get an absentee ballot without providing justification.</li>
<li>Some states also have <strong>&ldquo;vote-by-mail&rdquo;</strong> facilities, where every registered voter is sent a ballot without a request.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2016 around 24% of voting happened through postal ballots. In 2020, the proportion is expected to surge significantly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mr. Trump and his supporters allege that the expansion of postal voting in the November 2020 elections will lead to malpractices. However, Democrats and a section of the Republicans disagree with Mr. Trump, saying he is deliberately disrupting the postal voting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Postal Voting in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ballot papers</strong> are distributed electronically to electors and are returned to the election officers via post.</li>
<li>Currently, only the <strong>following voters</strong> are allowed to cast their votes through postal ballot:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Service voters</strong> (armed forces, the armed police force of a state and government servants posted abroad),</li>
<li><strong>Voters on election duty.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Voters above 80 years of age </strong>or <strong>Persons with Disabilities (PwD).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Voters under preventive detention.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The exception to the above-mentioned category of voters is provided under Section 60 of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amendments-in-postal-ballot-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Representation of the People Act, 1951.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The postal voting can be conducted in the USA by introducing stricter identity checks for voting, so that no malpractice occurs in the voting. However, stricter rules should be introduced taking consideration of the fact that it could disenfranchise minority populations and the less educated and further suppress voting.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-vote-amid-covid/article32476141.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/postal-voting-in-the-usa'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Sub-categorisation of OBCs',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A <strong>commission headed by Justice (Retd.) G Rohini</strong> has been <strong>examining</strong> <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panel-to-examine-obc-sub-categorisation-seeks-third-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes </a></strong>(OBC) for almost three years now.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The issue of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sub-categorisation-of-backward-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes</strong></a> for reservations is also in the highlights after the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> (SC) has referred it to a larger Bench.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sub-categorisation of OBCs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>OBCs are granted <strong>27% reservation in jobs and education</strong> under the central government <strong>but only a few affluent communities</strong> among the over 2,600 included in the Central List of OBCs <strong>have secured a major part</strong> of this.</li>
<li>Sub-categorisation or creating categories within OBCs for reservation would <strong>ensure &ldquo;equitable distribution&rdquo; of representation</strong> among all OBC communities.</li>
<li>However, sub-categorisation <strong>can be used to appease one vote-bank or the other within the category</strong> and thus a <strong>cause of social justice would end up being politicised.</strong></li>
<li>The commission requested for an appropriate budget provision for a <strong>proposed all-India survey for an estimate of the caste-wise population of OBCs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The reason given was the <strong>absence of data for the population of various communities to compare with</strong> their representation in jobs and admissions as the data of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance#:~:text=While%20the%20Socio%2DEconomic%20Caste,the%20family%20will%20be%20collected." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Socio-Economic Caste Census</strong></a> (SECC) were not considered reliable.</li>
<li>In August 2018, it was announced that the data of OBCs will also be collected in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2021</strong></a> but there have been no other announcements after that.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It took charge in October 2017 with a tenure of 12 weeks ending in January 2018. In <strong>June 2020,</strong> the Cabinet approved a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>six-month extension to the commission</strong></a> up to 31<sup>st</sup> January 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Progress:</strong> It is <strong>ready with the draft report</strong> and would have huge political consequences and is likely to face a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/constitutional-rights-judicial-review-and-parliamentary-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>judicial review</strong></a> as well.</li>
<li><strong>Budget:</strong> Until November 2019, the government has spent <strong>over Rs. 1.70 crore</strong> on the Commission including salary and other expenses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The budget is being drawn from the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-commission-for-backward-classes-ncbc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Commission for Backward Classes</strong></a> (NCBC) which was given <strong>constitutional</strong> status by the government in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commission&rsquo;s Terms of References:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>examine the uneven distribution of reservation benefits</strong> among different castes in the central OBC list.</li>
<li>To <strong>work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach</strong> for sub-categorisation within such OBCs.</li>
<li>To <strong>take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes/communities/sub-castes/synonyms</strong> for comprehensive data coverage.</li>
<li>To <strong>study and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors</strong> of spelling or transcription.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings So Far:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>2018 data analysis of 1.3 lakh central jobs and admissions to central higher education institutions</strong> given under OBC quota:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>24.95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities.</li>
<li>97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes classified as OBCs.</li>
<li>983 OBC communities, 37% of the total, have zero representation in jobs and educational institutions.</li>
<li>994 OBC sub-castes have a total representation of only 2.68% in recruitment and admissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the <strong>2018-19 annual report of the Department of Personnel and Training, OBC recruitment in central jobs is considerably low.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, there was <strong>not a single professor and associate professor appointed under the OBC quota</strong> in central universities.</li>
<li>Posts reserved for them were being<strong> filled by people of general category</strong> as OBC candidates were declared <strong>&lsquo;None Found Suitable&rsquo; (NFS).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/obc-sub-categorisation-findings-progress-by-a-panel-so-far-6580748/" 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/sub-categorisation-of-obcs'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Covid-19 Detection Using Mass Spectrometer',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers from the <strong>Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cobas-6800-testing-machine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)</strong></a> have developed a<strong> technique that uses mass spectrometry</strong> to detect <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>IGIB</strong> is a<strong> premier institute of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</a>,</strong> engaged in research of national importance in the areas of genomics, molecular medicine, bioinformatics, etc. It is based in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
<li><strong>NCDC</strong> is under administrative control of the Directorate General of Health Services in the <strong>Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mass Spectrometry (MS):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>analytical technique</strong> used for<strong> determining the elemental composition of samples,</strong> quantifying the mass of particles and molecules, and elucidating their chemical structure.</li>
<li>MS is <strong>based on ionization and fragmentation of sample molecules in the gaseous phase.</strong></li>
<li>The instruments used in this technique are called <strong>mass spectrometers</strong> and <strong>mass spectrographs,</strong> and they operate on the principle that<strong> moving ions may be deflected by electric and magnetic fields.</strong></li>
<li>Clinical laboratories use the MS technology for <strong>disease screening, diagnosis of disease and metabolic disorders,</strong> monitoring of drug therapy, identifying drug toxicity and poisoning, and discovering new biomarkers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Biomarker</strong> is short for <strong>biological marker,</strong> and is used as an indication that a biological process in the body has happened or is ongoing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Technique Covid-19 Detection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new technique based on mass spectrometry relies on <strong>detecting the presence of two peptides which are unique to SARS-CoV-2 virus</strong> and not seen in any other coronavirus or other viruses. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Peptides </strong>are <strong>building blocks of the viral protein.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Only two peptides are used for quick virus detection, though seven peptides were found to be unique to SARS-CoV-2. One of the peptides is the<strong> spike protein</strong> and the other is a<strong> replicase protein.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The unique peptides were seen in over 54,000 genomic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus deposited in a <strong>public database (GISAID)</strong> as on 1<sup>st</sup> July 2020.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GISAID initiative</strong> </a>promotes the rapid sharing of data from all influenza viruses and the coronavirus causing Covid-19. It was launched on the occasion of the <strong>61<sup>st</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-chair-who-executive-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Assembly </a></strong>in <strong>May 2008.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Technique vs RT-PCR:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>No Amplification of RNA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The new method can directly detect the virus without amplifying the RNA for detection, as is the case with the <strong>Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test,</strong> which is considered the gold standard of testing for the infection.</li>
<li>Scientists <strong>could detect the peptides</strong> of SARS-CoV-2 virus even in patients who have recovered from the symptoms and have<strong> tested negative for the virus by RT-PCR.</strong> The peptides were present even after 14 days of initial infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensitivity and Specificity:</strong> With the new technique, scientists have been able to detect novel coronavirus with<strong> 95% sensitivity</strong> and <strong>100% specificity</strong> with respect to RT-PCR. This is <strong>much better than the alternative rapid antigen kits,</strong> currently in use in India for scaling up testing, that can throw up 20 to 50% false negatives.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sensitivity</strong> measures how often a test correctly generates a positive result for people who have the condition that&rsquo;s being tested for (also known as <strong>&lsquo;true positive&rsquo; rate).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Specificity</strong> measures a test&rsquo;s ability to correctly generate a negative result for people who don&rsquo;t have the condition that is being tested for (also known as the <strong>&lsquo;true negative&rsquo;</strong> rate).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Detection Time:</strong> Detection of the virus takes less than<strong> three minutes;</strong> time from sample preparation to detection takes less than <strong>30 minutes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>RT-PCR takes a minimum of 2-5 hours</strong> including time taken for a sample transportation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost:</strong> The mass spectrometer is <strong>expensive</strong> but it would cost only about <strong>Rs.100 per test,</strong> and so <strong>cheaper than RT-PCR.</strong> Further, many research labs have the mass spectrometer.</li>
<li><strong>Pooled Testing:</strong> The method <strong>also allows for effective pooling of samples.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-advises-pool-testing-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pooled testing</strong></a> is when samples from more than one person are mixed together and tested. And, if one of the batches comes back positive, the samples from only that batch are retested individually to detect the person who has the infection. This method helps save cost and scale up testing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Considering its benefits, it can <strong>either complement RT-PCR</strong> or be used as an <strong>alternative to RT-PCR.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Different Types of Test for Detecting Covid-19</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RT-PCR Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rapid Antigen Detection Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rt-npcr-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RTnPCR Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/feluda-test-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Feluda Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elisa-antibody-kits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ELISA Antibody Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/salivadirect-covid-19-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SalivaDirect Test</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/detecting-coronavirus-using-mass-spectrometer/article32508000.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/covid-19-detection-using-mass-spectrometer'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'UNSC Rejects to Designate Indians as Terrorists',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council</strong></a> (UNSC) has rejected all Pakistan&rsquo;s requests to list four Indians as designated terrorists under its <strong>1267 Committee for Counterterrorism Sanctions.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The USA, UK, France, Germany and Belgium blocked Pakistan's requests due to<strong> lack of evidence.</strong></li>
<li>While the USA, UK and France are permanent members of the UNSC, Germany and Belgium are non-permanent members.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UNSC Resolution 1267 Sanctions Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This committee oversees the implementation of sanctions pursuant to UNSC resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015).</li>
<li>It was adopted unanimously on 15<sup>th</sup> October 1999.</li>
<li>It is one of the most important and active <strong>UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism,</strong> particularly in relation to Al Qaeda, Taliban and the Islamic State group. It prepares a consolidated list of people associated with these organizations.</li>
<li>It discusses UN efforts to <strong>limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In September 2019, Pakistan had alleged that four Indians working in Afghanistan, formed an Afghanistan-based &ldquo;Indian terror syndicate&rdquo; that was organising the banned terror groups <strong>Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar (JuA)</strong> to carry out attacks in Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Pakistan and China</strong> also moved the joint proposal to declare one of these four, as a <strong>sanctioned terrorist</strong> with links to TTP and JuA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This proposal received a<strong> veto from the USA</strong> in UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Pakistan later claimed it had made a statement at an Open Debate of the Security Council on the <strong>Report of the Secretary-General on the Threats to International Peace and Security</strong> posed by Terrorism Actions, accusing India of terrorism.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the UNSC President had refused to take cognisance of the statement, as <strong>Pakistan is not a member of the UNSC.</strong></li>
<li>India formally protested against this calling this a <strong>false claim.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In July 2020, Pakistan moved the <strong>1267 Resolution Sanctions Committee</strong> to designate the four Indians as<strong> global terrorists.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Pakistan&rsquo;s Actions :</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The tension between India and Pakistan has escalated after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370</strong></a> in August 2019, which was heavily objected by Pakistan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pakistan-s-new-map" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan released a new political map</strong></a> that included all of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh, Sir Creek and Junagadh on the completion of one year of abrogation of Article 370.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>After repeated attempts (in 2009, 2016 and 2017) to list Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief as &ldquo;global terrorist&rdquo;, India finally <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/masood-azhar-listed-as-a-global-terrorist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>succeeded in getting him listed</strong></a> in 2019. This move was not received well by Pakistan as it tainted its international image as a terrorism-supporter.</li>
<li>Pakistan also received another <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icrg-recommends-continuation-of-pakistan-in-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extension on the greylist of the Financial Action Task Force</strong> </a>(FATF) until October 2020.</li>
<li>It also faced setbacks on other fronts like the United States slamming its record on terrorism, including its failure to act against groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-pak-tension-amidst-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan also opposed India&rsquo;s leadership</strong></a> in dealing with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> crisis in the <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> region which was criticized by India.</li>
<li>Pakistan&rsquo;s requests to get Indians listed in the 1267 sanctions are also being seen as attempts to <strong>target India ahead of January 2021,</strong> when <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-campaign-brochure-for-unsc-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India will join as a non-permanent member</strong></a> for a two year term at the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>While India&rsquo;s role in combating terrorism has been internationally acclaimed, Pakistan is constantly facing rebuke on not doing enough to deal with terrorism on its soil. Rejection of Pakistan&rsquo;s attempts to list Indians as terrorists will only taint Pakistan&rsquo;s image in the global community.</li>
<li>In light of recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between India and China</strong></a> and closeness of China with Pakistan, India needs to be concerned for its security. International support is crucial for India amidst rising tension with its neighbourhood.</li>
<li>The recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan are just another proof of lack of seriousness on its behalf in engaging peacefully with India. Although, India must not give up on establishing better diplomatic ties with Pakistan, until Pakistan takes a strong step towards elimination of state-backed terrorism, the likelihood of peace between India and Pakistan will remain low.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/five-unsc-members-to-block-pakistan-move-to-list-two-indians-as-global-terrorists-6580808/" 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/unsc-rejects-to-designate-indians-as-terrorists'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Indian Forest Act, 1927',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<p>The Indian Forest Act,1927 aimed to regulate the movement of forest produce, and duty leviable forest produce. It also explains the procedure to be followed for declaring an area as Reserved Forest, Protected Forest or a Village Forest. </p>
<p>This act has details of what a forest offence is, what are the acts prohibited inside a Reserved Forest, and penalties leviable on violation of the provisions of the Act. After the Forest Act was enacted in 1865, it was amended twice (1878 and 1927).</p>
<h3>History</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Forest Act of 1865:</strong> The Imperial Forest Department, set up in 1864, attempted to establish British control over forests, by various legislations<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It empowered the British government to declare any land covered with trees as a government forest and make rules to manage it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Forest Act of 1878:</strong> By the Forest Act of 1878, the British Administration acquired the sovereignty of all wastelands which by definition included forests. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This Act also enabled the administration to demarcate reserved and protected forests. The local rights were refused in the case of protected forests while some privileges which were given to the local people by the government which can be taken away are anytime. </li>
<li>This Act classified the forests into three &ndash; <strong>reserved forests, protected forests and village forests.</strong> It attempted to regulate the collection of forest produce by forest dwellers and some activities declared as offences and imprisonment and fines were imposed in this policy to establish the state control over forests. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Forest Act of 1927:&nbsp;</strong>This Act impacted the life of forest-dependent communities. The penalties and procedures given in this Act aimed to extend the state&rsquo;s control over forests as well as diminishing the status of people&rsquo;s rights to forest use. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The village communities were alienated from their age-old symbiotic association with forests. Further amendments were also made to restrain the local use of forests mainly by forest-dependent communities. </li>
<li>It was enacted to make forest laws more effective and to improve the previous forest laws.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To consolidate all the previous laws regarding forests.</li>
<li>To give the Government the power to create different classes of forests for their effective usage for the colonial purpose.</li>
<li>To regulate movement and transit of forest produce, and duty leviable on timber and other forest produce.</li>
<li>To define the procedure to be followed for declaring an area as Reserved Forest, Protected Forest or Village Forest.</li>
<li>To define forest offences acts prohibited inside the Reserved Forest, and penalties leviable on the violation.</li>
<li>To make conservation of forests and wildlife more accountable.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Types of Forests</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reserved Forests:</strong> Reserve forests are the most restricted forests and are constituted by the State Government on any forest land or wasteland which is the property of the Government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In reserved forests, local people are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by a Forest Officer in the course of the settlement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protected Forests:</strong> The State Government is empowered to constitute any land other than reserved forests as protected forests over which the Government has proprietary rights and the power to issue rules regarding the use of such forests.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This power has been used to establish State control over trees, whose timber, fruit or other non-wood products have revenue-raising potential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Village forest:</strong> Village forests are the one in which the State Government may assign to &lsquo;any village community the rights of Government to or over any land which has been constituted a reserved forest&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Degree of protection</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reserved forests &gt; Protected forests &gt; Village forests</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forest Settlement Officer</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Forest Settlement Office is appointed, by the State government, to inquire into and determine the existence, nature and extent of any rights alleged to exist in favour of any person in or over any land comprising a Reserved forest.</li>
<li>He/she is empowered even to acquire land over which right is claimed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drawbacks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government claimed that the act was aimed to protect the vegetation cover of India. However, a deep investigation of the act reveals that the real motive behind the act was to earn revenue from the cutting of the trees and from the forest produce.</li>
<li>The act gave immense discretion and power to the forest bureaucracy which often led to the harassment of the forest dwellers.</li>
<li>Moreover, it led to depriving the nomads and tribal people their age-old rights and privileges to use the forests and forest produce.</li>
<li>The revenue earning potential from timber overshadowed the other values like biodiversity, prevention of soil erosion, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Later Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Forest Policy, 1952:</strong> The Indian Forest Policy, 1952 was a simple extension of colonial forest policy. However, it became conscious about the need to increase the forest cover to one-third of the total land area.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At that time maximum annual revenue from forests is the vital national need. The two World Wars, need for defence, developmental projects such as river valley projects, industries like pulp, paper and plywood, and communication heavily depended on forest produce on national interest, as a result, huge areas of forests were cleared to raise revenue for the State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forest Conservation Act, 1980:</strong> The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 stipulated that the central permission is necessary to practice sustainable agro-forestry in forest areas. Violation or lack of permit was treated as a criminal offence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It targeted to limit deforestation, conserve biodiversity and save wildlife. Though this Act provides greater hope towards forest conservation it was not successful in its target.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Forest Policy, 1988:</strong> The ultimate objective of the National Forest policy was to maintain environmental stability and ecological balance through conservation of forests as a natural heritage. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Forest Policy in 1988 made a very significant and categorical shift from commercial concerns to focus on the ecological role of the forests and participatory management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Some of the other Acts related to forest conservation are :<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972</strong></a>, The Environment Protection Act of 1986, and The Biodiversity Protection Act of 2003.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-dwellers-face-eviction" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006</strong></a>: It has been enacted to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation of forest land in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, who have been residing in such forests for generations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Read more<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019</a></strong></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Covid-19 and Food Security',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial analysis is based on the article <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/two-pandemics-covid-19-food-security-hunger-economic-growth-6579348/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fighting COVID-19 and food insecurity requires new ideas</strong></a>, robust political will, which was published in the Indian Express on 2nd of September 2020. It analyses the impact of Covid-19 on food security of the world especially the poor of South Asia.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic has severely derailed development across the world. It has compounded the pre-crisis levels of food insecurity and malnutrition with job losses, supply chain disruptions, and declines in revenue from key exports and remittances.</p>
<p>Globally, the World Food Programme predicts that the number of people facing acute food insecurity around the world will almost double to 270 million, including 121 million new food insecure due to Covid-19.</p>
<p>However, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asia</strong> </a>is particularly vulnerable, with the number of chronically underfed people projected to rise by to 330 million by 2030. It is also the only subregion in the world where more than half the children from the poorest fifth of society are stunted.</p>
<h3>Impact on Food Security</h3>
<p><strong>Extreme Hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Covid-19 has struck at a time when hunger or undernourishment keeps rising.</li>
<li>According to the latest <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN</strong></a> estimates, 83 to 132 million more people may suffer extreme hunger in 2020 as a result of the economic recession triggered by the pandemic.</li>
<li>This would be in addition to the 690 million people going hungry now.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Malnourishment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from extreme hunger people are also suffering from undernourishment.</li>
<li>It means that they are unable to consume enough healthy calories to lead a normal, active life.</li>
<li>Over a prolonged period this will have long-term implications for their future.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Extreme Poverty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a>, the pandemic's economic impact could push about 100 million people into extreme poverty.</li>
<li>Soaring unemployment rates, income losses and rising food costs are jeopardizing food access in developed and developing countries alike and will have long-term effects on food security.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recession</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Furthermore, the pandemic may plunge national economies into recession which will severely hamper their power to run welfare schemes for the poor and deprived.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Sharpened Social Divides</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Covid-19 has exposed some of the world&rsquo;s deepest inequalities.</li>
<li>The rich have been able to keep enjoying even the luxury due to their wealth accumulation.</li>
<li>Millions of people on the other hand have been thrown out of work and don&rsquo;t have enough money to even feed their families.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p><strong>Departure From Trickle Down Effect</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tackling these new problems will require new ideas and a more robust political will.</li>
<li>Past progress was sustained by the benign trickle-down effects of strong economies. The Government must take direct responsibility for the ones who are vulnerable and marginalised.</li>
<li>This is not the case anymore. The facts have changed, and so must our minds.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increasing Resilience</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We need to find ways to increase resilience across our food systems by identifying new marketing channels like e-commerce which will provide more avenues to the farmers to sell their product in case of low demand in the local market.</li>
<li>If feasible, relocate markets to larger premises, while ensuring the appropriate infrastructure is in place to maintain health, hygiene, quality and food safety.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Increase Efficiency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We must increase our efficiency to reduce losses and improve the quality of products available.</li>
<li>It would be a good initiative to identify collection centres closer to producers, for example develop storage facilities like warehouse receipt system platforms where farmers can deliver their produce without the need to go to markets.</li>
<li>If possible, allow local markets to remain open, while putting in place strict physical distancing measures within and outside markets.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inclusive Finance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Inclusive access to finance to strengthen and expand rural supply chains is also crucial.</li>
<li>Banking products and financial services must be made available to poor populations on priority basis.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comprehensive Recovery Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/search/Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organization%20(FAO)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organisation</strong></a> (FAO) of the United Nations has recently launched a new comprehensive Covid-19 Response and Recovery Programme to provide an agile and coordinated global response aimed at ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone.</li>
<li>It aims to mobilise all forms of resources and partnerships at the hands of every country.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Encouraging Innovation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We must, as a priority, enable farmers to be more dynamic, entrepreneurial and competitive through continual innovation.</li>
<li>We need smallholder farmers to produce nutritious foods, without fear of crop failures, and we also need to get those foods to the mouths of the hungry across the region and beyond.</li>
<li>To do this, smallholders desperately need access to financial resources, technology and innovation.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Response to Covid-19</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To remedy the situation emerging out of the Covid-19 pandemic and to prevent any major devastation by way of loss of human lives and livelihood, the country has unitedly taken some quick decisions.</li>
<li>The government enhanced its social safety programs including direct benefit transfers such as cash transfers under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Kisan scheme</strong></a>, more liberal financing under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong></a> like advance disbursement, direct cash grants to construction workers and release of free and subsidized food grains under <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/27-03-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</strong></a> to about 800 million people to ensure food for all.</li>
<li>The Government announced a special economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore (equivalent to 10% of India&rsquo;s GDP) under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme</strong> </a>with the aim of making the country independent against the tough competition in the global supply chain and to help in empowering the poor, labourers, migrants who have been adversely affected by Covid.</li>
<li>Rapid up-gradation of health infrastructure and manpower; and swift readjustment of policies and programs with active association and participation of all stakeholders, be that politicians, governments, NGOs, and private sectors, were other daunting tasks performed by the governments.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia-Pacific region</strong></a> has some of the best agricultural scientists, institutions and innovative ideas. If we are able to cooperate and coordinate then we can also battle this pandemic.</li>
<li>There is no time to waste. Everyone needs to lend a hand. Governments, academia, the private sector, UN agencies, civil society organisations, international financial institutions and the people who bring us the food we eat, the smallholders should come together and help each other in every way possible.</li>
<li>We need to be working in unison to overcome pandemics that by definition affect and involve everyone.</li>
<li>The FAO has rolled out the Hand-in-Hand initiative to tackle these collective challenges, and the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, which will be virtually hosted by Bhutan, is the perfect opportunity for the countries to forge ways to expedite action and leverage resources.</li>
<li>By working together, learning and contributing together, we can overcome both pandemics and transform the agri-food system.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599048967_image6.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599048967_image6.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" 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: #f7ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Covid-19 crisis has derailed the development process of the world and only a sustained innovative and coordinated effort can help the world overcome this crisis. Discuss the steps taken by India in this regard.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JxSQyKRX6P0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/for-the-weakest-the-hindu-editorial-on-sub-classification-among-scs/article32481807.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;For the weakest: On sub-classification among SCs&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on August 31<sup>st</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-food-security'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Manufacturing Improved: PMI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As per the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data, India&rsquo;s manufacturing sector activity has started to show signs of growth in August, driven mainly by pick-up in production along with improvement in customer demand.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Purchasing Managers' Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI) is an indicator of business activity - both in the <strong>manufacturing </strong>and<strong> services sectors.</strong></li>
<li>It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is also constructed.</li>
<li>The PMI summarizes whether market conditions as viewed by purchasing managers are expanding, neutral, or contracting.</li>
<li>The purpose of the PMI is to provide information about current and future business conditions to company decision makers, analysts, and investors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The PMI is a number from <strong>0 to 100.</strong></li>
<li>PMI<strong> above 50</strong> represents an expansion when compared to the previous month;</li>
<li>PMI <strong>under 50</strong> represents a contraction, and</li>
<li>A <strong>reading at 50</strong> indicates no change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The PMI is usually released at the start of every month. It is, therefore, considered a good leading indicator of economic activity.</li>
<li>The Index (PMI) is compiled by <strong>IHS Markit</strong> for more than 40 economies worldwide. IHS Markit is a global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>PMI Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/purchasing-manager-s-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI)</strong></a> rose from<strong> 46 in July to 52 in August.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In PMI parlance, a value <strong>above 50 means expansion,</strong> while a score below that denotes contraction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>In April,</strong> the index had slipped into contraction mode, after remaining in the growth territory for 32 consecutive months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Positive Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>New business</strong> received by Indian manufacturers <strong>expanded at the fastest pace since February.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Higher levels of production</strong> supported a <strong>modest rise in the number of purchases</strong> during August.</li>
<li><strong>Goods and Services Tax Collection:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-goods-and-services-tax-gst-collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GST</strong></a> collections in August stood at&mdash; 88% of the august 2019-20 level.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Collections in July were marginally higher but at 85.6% of the year earlier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure:</strong> The contraction in India&rsquo;s infrastructure sector<strong> slowed to 9.6%</strong> in July compared with 12.9% shrinkage in June.</li>
<li><strong>Mobility: The Google Mobility index,</strong> which measures visits to different locations such as retail shops, workplaces, parks and transport hubs, <strong>showed a 2% rise in trends</strong> for places such as supermarkets, food warehouses, farmers&rsquo; markets, speciality food shops and pharmacies.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-way-bills-during-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>E-way bills</strong></a>, another widely followed indicator of business activity, reached <strong>99.8% of last year&rsquo;s level in August.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Petrol consumption:</strong> Petrol consumption <strong>rose by about 2%</strong> in the first fortnight of August from the corresponding period in July.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> The pick-up in demand from domestic markets gave rise to upturns in production and input buying.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gradually, unlocking after lockdown has increased the pace of mobilization of economic resources.</li>
<li>Exports are also on marginal improvement. When compared to imports, the rate of export demand is on the higher side due to strict slash on imports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unemployment:</strong> Despite an expansion in new orders,<strong> job shedding</strong> continued in the Indian manufacturing sector.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The relocation of employees following Covid-19 pandemic is linked to the reduction in staffing numbers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inflation:</strong> Reports of higher raw material costs due to supplier shortages and transportation delays stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in rising input prices during August.</li>
<li><strong>Exports:</strong> The decline in foreign exports weighed slightly on overall new orders as firms cited subdued demand conditions from abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focusing on Atmanirbhar Bharat:</strong> The government announced an economic stimulus package of Rs. 20 lakh crore and big-bang systemic reforms under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> (self-reliant India). The intended objective of this plan is two-fold. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>First,<strong> interim measures</strong> such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers for the poor will work as shock absorbers for those in acute stress.</li>
<li>The second, <strong>long-term reforms</strong> in growth-critical sectors to make them globally competitive and attractive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing the MGNREGA Funding and Expanding to Urban Areas:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA)</strong> </a>programme has proved to be a bedrock of support in the normal times and during times of difficulty (like Covid-19) and it will be a good idea to expand the scheme to urban areas.</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of Cash Benefits:</strong> Money in the hands of people can provide an immediate sense of security and confidence, which is the cornerstone to restoring economic normalcy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will raise the consumption and demand of the economy and can bring back the virtuous cycle of demand and supply in play.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues with the Banking System:</strong> Covid-19 assistance measures undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government such as interest rate reductions, credit guarantee and liquidity enhancement schemes are welcome steps.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although banks have largely failed to take initiatives as they are not confident of lending.</li>
<li>The RBI should consider a Single One Time Window for restructuring business loans, as required, by all banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tax Incentivization:</strong> Big business houses and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MSME sector</strong> </a>should be supported by the government though tax incentivization to reopen their operations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will energize consumer demand and boost the functioning of the vendor or ancillary industry in the MSME sector (which has huge potential for job creation).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Calibrating Make in India</strong>: The ongoing distrust on Chinese manufacturing amid USA-China spat can be very well garnered by India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Making India a global trading hub &ndash; devise an incentive regime for companies setting up global trading operations from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Sunrise Sectors:</strong> It should also encourage sunrise sectors as part of re-imagining Indian economy such as battery manufacturing (storage systems)/ solar panel manufacturing.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government can also consider giving impetus to &ldquo;Deep Tech&rdquo;-leveraged businesses - blockchain, robotics, AI, machine learning, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Auto-sector Reforms:</strong> The auto industry which contributes significantly to GDP (nearly 9%) deserves special treatment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addition to reducing GST rate, old vehicle scrap policy with tax incentives for creating a demand for new vehicles may be formulated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Labour Law Reforms:</strong> Focus should be given to strictly enforce discipline within the factory premises and demand higher productivity. The moves by U.P., M.P. and Gujarat are welcome signals.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>labour laws must be motivated by concerns of sustainability. Minimum wages, a written job contract that specifies terms and conditions of working, social security provisions etc. increase costs in the short run but augment economic optimisation in the long run by enhancing the productivity of the workforce.</li>
<li>The government has come out with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/labour-laws-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> four labour codes</strong></a> as long term reforms.</li>
<li>The government should provide health insurance for migrant labourers as experimented by certain States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/manufacturing-sector-activity-returns-to-growth-in-august-as-demand-picks-up-pmi/article32495954.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/manufacturing-improved-pmi'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Indra 2020 to be held in Andaman Sea',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p><strong>India and Russia</strong> are scheduled to hold <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-indra-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indra</strong> </a><strong>2020</strong> in the <strong>Andaman Sea, close to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/china-in-south-china-sea#:~:text=The%20Strait%20of%20Malacca%20connects,control%20such%20a%20strategic%20location." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Strait of Malacca</a></strong> instead of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-and-emerging-concerns-in-indian-ocean-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region</strong></a> (IOR).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Strait of Malacca <strong>connects Indian Ocean to the South China Sea</strong> and is 900 km in length and is also a<strong> prominent trade route between East Asia and West Asia-Europe.</strong></li>
<li>IOR is under <strong>high operational alert by the Indian Navy</strong> due to the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=Key%20Points,on%205%2F6th%20May." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff with China in Ladakh.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042917_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042917_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="534" height="398" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Indra series of exercises began in 2003</strong> and was conducted as a <strong>bilateral naval exercise</strong> alternately between the two countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the <strong>first joint Tri-Services Exercise was conducted in 2017.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indra 2020</strong> will be the<strong> first bilateral naval exercise</strong> since all such engagements were <strong>suspended due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its timing coincides with<strong> Indian Defence Minister&rsquo;s visit to Russia</strong> for the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) Defence Ministers Meet.</strong></li>
<li>Andaman Sea was also the location where frontline warships of the<strong> Indian Navy conducted a Passage Exercise (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/passex-with-the-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PASSEX</a>) with the USA Navy&rsquo;s USS Nimitz carrier strike group</strong> in July this year.</li>
<li><strong>China Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, <strong>India has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-pulls-out-of-kavkaz-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawn from the Kavkaz-2020</a></strong> <strong>multinational exercise in Russia</strong> due to the restrictions posed by the pandemic. However, the<strong> participation of Chinese troops in the same</strong> exercise is apparently the main reason.</li>
<li>Indian Navy is keeping a <strong>close watch on the movement of Chinese Naval ships in the IOR</strong> because their presence in the IOR has gone up considerably over the years in the name of Anti-Piracy patrols.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In<strong> 2017,</strong> China opened its first overseas <strong>military base in Djibouti</strong> in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-pulls-out-of-kavkaz-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Horn of Africa.</a></strong></li>
<li>Given its strategic location, <strong>India has embarked on a major <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-to-be-maritime-and-startup-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infrastructure expansion plan</a></strong> on the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar island chain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-russia-to-hold-naval-drills-in-andaman-sea/article32496756.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/indra-2020-to-be-held-in-andaman-sea'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Compatibility of the Contempt of Court with International Standards',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)</strong> has urged for a review of criminal contempt laws in India, expressing its concerns over the Supreme Court's decision to convict <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/prashant-bhushan-judgement-the-law-of-contempt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Advocate Prashant Bhushan for criminal contempt.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Supreme Court's Decision:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Court found Prashant Bhushan guilty of &lsquo;scandalizing the court&rsquo; on a suo-motu consideration of his two tweets. It has fined him with Rs. 1.</li>
<li>It held that tweets on its &ldquo;role&rdquo; in the &ldquo;last six years&rdquo; and a photograph of the Chief Justice of India on a motorbike undermines its dignity and the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the public eye.</li>
<li><strong>Contempt of Court:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions: Article 129 and 215 of the Constitution</strong> of India empowers the Supreme Court (SC) and High Court respectively to punish people for their respective contempt.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Article 142 of the Indian Constitution also empowers the SC to punish for its contempt. However, <strong>what is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contempt-of-court-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contempt of court</a> per se has not been defined</strong> by the Indian Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Provisions:</strong> The <strong>Contempt of Court Act, 1971</strong> elaborately deals with the concept of contempt of court.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act divides contempt into civil and criminal contempt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Commission of Jurists&rsquo; Views:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For the ICJ, the conviction appears to be inconsistent with international standards on freedom of expression and the role of lawyers.</li>
<li><strong>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:</strong> The judgement goes against the general protection of free speech and expression in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. For the first time, fundamental human rights were made universally applicable and protected.</li>
<li>It states that &lsquo;All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The International Covenant on Civil &amp; Political Rights:</strong> The judgement is inconsistent with the freedom of expression law guaranteed by the <strong>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The ICCPR is a key international human rights treaty, providing a range of protections for civil and political rights.</li>
<li>The Covenant compels governments to take administrative, judicial, and legislative measures in order to protect the rights enshrined in the treaty and to provide an effective remedy.</li>
<li>The Covenant was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and came into force in 1976. 173 countries including <strong>India have ratified</strong> the Covenant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The United Nations&rsquo; Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers:</strong> The judgement goes against the principles enshrined under the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Principle 23:</strong> Lawyers &ldquo;shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights&rdquo;.</li>
<li>These Principles were adopted by the 8<sup>th</sup> United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Cuba in 1990.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Bar Association of India</strong> also highlighted that &ldquo;the exercise of contempt jurisdiction by the Court in this manner has potential for more self-harm than the avowed purpose of safeguarding the prestige of the institution&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Commission of Jurists</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Since <strong>1952,</strong> the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has performed a unique and prominent role as a <strong>Non Governmental Organization (NGO)</strong> defending human rights and the rule of law worldwide.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The contempt of court should not be allowed to be used as a means to prevent criticisms and in the<strong> era of social media,</strong> besides the need to revisit the law on criminal contempt, even the test for contempt needs to be evaluated.</li>
<li>In contemporary times, it is more important that courts are seen to be concerned about <strong>accountability</strong> rather than threats of contempt action, and processes are <strong>transparent.</strong></li>
<li>On criminal contempt, India can learn from Britain which abolished the offence of scandalizing the judiciary as a form of contempt of court in 2013.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/law-commission-of-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Law Commission of India</strong> </a>held that there is a need to retain the provision regarding the contempt of courts. However, it also recommended the definition of contempt in the Contempt of Court Act should be restricted to civil contempt, i.e., <strong>willful disobedience of judgments of the court.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prashant-bhushans-conviction-seems-at-odds-with-international-free-speech-law-international-commission-of-jurists/article32496322.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/compatibility-of-the-contempt-of-court-with-international-standards'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Eighth East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>8<sup>th</sup> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">East Asia Summit</a> Economic Ministers&rsquo; Meeting</strong> (EAS-EMM) was held<strong> virtually</strong> and attended by <strong>10<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ASEAN</a> members and eight other nations,</strong> including India, the USA, and China.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The meeting<strong> highlighted the importance of strengthening regional supply chains to make them resilient</strong> in times of heightened challenges posed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong> </a>and to <strong>spur economic growth.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, Japan has mooted the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative#:~:text=Supply%20Chain%20Resilience%20Initiative%20(SCRI)%3A,lead%20to%20the%20supply%20chain." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)</strong></a> as a trilateral approach to trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features of the Joint Statement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any <strong>trade-restrictive emergency measures</strong> put in place to address the impact of Covid-19 must be <strong>targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary, consistent with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative#:~:text=Supply%20Chain%20Resilience%20Initiative%20(SCRI)%3A,lead%20to%20the%20supply%20chain." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> World Trade Organisation</a> (WTO) rules and do not create unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption of global and regional supply chains.</strong></li>
<li>Support for the <strong>necessary reforms in the WTO</strong> and pledge to continue to work together to <strong>realise a free, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, predictable, and stable trade environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Facilitating the essential movement of people across borders,</strong> without undermining each country&rsquo;s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and to stabilise the trade and investment.</li>
<li><strong>Commitment to facilitate supply chain connectivity,</strong> including for essential goods such as medical supplies, medicines, including vaccines, food, commodities and other essential supplies and services in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Harness the opportunities of the digital economy</strong> to overcome the challenges posed by restricted movement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India highlighted its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong> </a>which is about <strong>upscaling the growth of Indian industry,</strong> its<strong> skills and capabilities to make them resilient and less vulnerable to shocks </strong>and<strong> integrating Indian industries with the global supply chains.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meeting comes at a <strong>critical juncture</strong> when the pandemic has not just <strong>posed an unprecedented health crisis</strong> but also caused a <strong>sharp contraction in economic activities,</strong> disrupting trade and investments.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Monetary Fund</strong></a> (IMF) has predicted a 4.9% contraction for the 2020 global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Gross%20Domestic%20Product%20(GDP)%3A,output%20from%20the%20consumers'%20side." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gross Domestic Product</strong></a> (GDP), warning that the Covid-19 outbreak has plunged the global economy into its worst recession since the <strong>Great Depression in the 1930s.</strong></li>
<li>In April, the WTO also warned that <strong>global trade volume growth could crash</strong> by 13-32% in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>East Asia Summit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established in <strong>2005,</strong> it is a<strong> forum of 18 regional leaders for strategic dialogue and cooperation</strong> on the key political, security, and economic challenges facing the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Genesis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The concept of an East Asia Grouping was<strong> first promoted in 1991 by the then Malaysian Prime Minister,</strong> Mahathir bin Mohamad.</li>
<li><strong>India is one of the founding members</strong> of the East Asia Summit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Membership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It comprises the<strong> ten member states of the ASEAN</strong> which are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, <strong>along with 8 other countries namely</strong> Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the USA.</li>
<li>It is an <strong>ASEAN-centred forum</strong> so it can <strong>only be chaired by an ASEAN member.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042187_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599042187_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/ensure-covid-related-trade-curbs-are-temporary/article32476185.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eighth-east-asia-summit-economic-ministers-meeting'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'NPAs in SHG loans',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has asked states to monitor the status of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/solving-the-npa-crisis-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non Performing Assets (NPAs)</strong> </a>district-wise and take corrective measures to recover overdue/outstanding dues from <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self-Help Groups</a> (SHGs).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The issue was raised in the review meeting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission.</strong></a></li>
<li>A <strong>Non Performing Asset (NPA)</strong> is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Livelihoods Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched by the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD),</strong> Government of India in 2011.</li>
<li>NRLM set out with an agenda to cover 7 Crore rural poor households, across 600 districts, 6000 blocks, 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats and 6 lakh villages in the country through <strong>SHGs and federated institutions</strong> and support them for livelihoods collectives in a period of 8-10 years.</li>
<li>The Mission aims at creating <strong>efficient and effective institutional platforms for the rural poor </strong>enabling them to<strong> increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SHG Loans as NPAs:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>About Rs. 91,130 crore have been given to about 54.57 lakh SHGs across the country by the end of March 2020 as loans.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Around <strong>2.37%</strong> or <strong>Rs. 2,168 crore</strong> of this total outstanding bank loans turned out to be <strong>NPAs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The proportion of NPAs in bank loans given to SHGs has <strong>significantly increased</strong> over the last decade from <strong>2.90% in 2008 to 6.12% in 2018.</strong></li>
<li>There has been a rise of <strong>0.19%</strong> in overall NPAs in SHG loans in 2019-20 compared to financial year 2018-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Wise Distribution:</strong> <a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038917_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038917_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="550" caption="false" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Uttar Pradesh,</strong> which has 71,907 SHGs, reported that 36.02% of the loans taken by the groups were NPAs at the end of March 2020, as compared to 22.16% in 2018-19.</li>
<li>In <strong>Arunachal Pradesh,</strong> the NPA proportion stood at an alarming 43%, though the number of SHGs there is just <strong>209.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Directions:</strong> The <strong>State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs)</strong> were directed by the MoRD to monitor the status of NPA district wise and take immediate corrective actions wherever instances of NPA or overdues were found.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A mechanism under which representatives drawn from SHGs monitored loans had proved critical in ensuring timely repayment and therefore, it should be <strong>institutionalised in all bank branches.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> In 2019, the <strong>National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)</strong> has conducted a research<strong> study on NPAs by SHGs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It found that <strong>poor economic conditions, non-cooperation, lack-of training, expenses towards marriages and social ceremonies, and medical emergencies</strong> are the main reasons for non-payment of loans by SHGs.</li>
<li><strong>Expectations of loan waiver from the government</strong> was also found to be a major reason for the poor financial health of SHGs.</li>
<li>The<strong> role played by banks</strong> in handholding, timely opening accounts, monitoring and follow-up was not as per the expectation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Initiatives by Central Government to promote SHGs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agriculture-infrastructure-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Infrastructure Fund</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-formalization-of-micro-food-processing-enterprises-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/states-share-in-pmmsy-and-fme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ambedkar-hastshilp-vikas-yojana-ahvy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/north-east-rural-livelihood-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>North East Rural Livelihood Project</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Stimulus-III</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an<strong> autonomous</strong> organisation under the<strong> Union Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
<li>It is a premier national centre of excellence in <strong>rural development and Panchayati Raj.</strong></li>
<li>It has been recognized internationally as one of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/survey-2019-ambitions-beyond-growth-escap" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN-ESCAP</strong> </a><strong>Centres of Excellence.</strong></li>
<li>It builds <strong>capacities of rural development functionaries,</strong> elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, bankers, Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy.</li>
<li>The Institute is located in<strong> Hyderabad (Telangana).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Training SHGs and providing them market linkages</strong> for the products/services so that they use the funds for income generating activity and have no problem in paying back the loan amount should be done by the government. In addition, providing group health and life insurance clubbed with loans at low cost will help as members spend a significant portion of the loan on events like ill-health, ceremonies etc.</li>
<li>It needs to be ensured that <strong>grading of SHGs</strong> needs to be done properly and loans should be issued only if it is found suitable for lending.<strong> Follow-ups and constant monitoring</strong> is a must.</li>
<li><strong>Quantum of loan should be high</strong> as it is a major limiting factor, one-time lending not only impedes the process of business expansion but also wastes the money lent so far. Banks need to be sensitized to<strong> lend multiple doses of credit, for well performing SHGs.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though NPAs by SHGs are a major concern, it must <strong>not deter the government from supporting SHGs.</strong> Post <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lockdown-extended" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>, there is an imperative need for economic revival and reconstruction. Each SHG loan sanctioned or enhanced, will either facilitate spending or investment- the twin engines for driving an economy.</li>
<li>Women members of SHGs across the country from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/women-shgs-fight-against-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NRLM have also contributed</strong></a> to contain the spread of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/npas-in-shg-loans-see-jump-states-told-to-collect-dues-6579603/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Spot Robot',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers from Boston Dynamics, of <strong>Massachusetts Institute of Technology</strong> (MIT - USA) have developed a robot, called<strong> &lsquo;Spot&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>They have planned to use it for patients with <a href="/admin/articles/edit/Why%20in News Recently, researchers from Boston Dynamics, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT - USA) have developed a robot, called &lsquo;Spot&rsquo;.  They have planned to use it for patients with Covid-19 symptoms. 	  Key Points Features:  The robot is controlled by a handheld device. It can walk on four legs, similarly to a dog, climbs stairs and can traverse rough terrain with ease and small enough to be used indoors. It can measure skin temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation in healthy patients, from 2 metres away. It has four cameras &mdash; one infrared, three monochrome. Working: Body Temperature: The infrared camera measures skin temperature on the face.  An algorithm then correlates the facial skin temperature with core body temperature. Breathing Rate: When a patient wearing a mask breathes, their breath changes the temperature of the mask.  The infrared camera measures this temperature change, enabling researchers to calculate the breathing rate. Pulse Rate &amp; Oxygen Level: When haemoglobin binds to oxygen and flows through blood vessels, it results in slight changes in colour.  These changes are measured with the help of the three monochrome cameras, which filter lights of three different wavelengths.  Using these measurements, the algorithm calculates pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. Benefit: The robot can be deployed in areas where suspected cases of Covid-19 assemble. Healthcare workers can avoid exposing themselves to risk, by manoeuvring the robot to wherever patients are sitting.  The robot can also carry a tablet that allows doctors to ask patients about their symptoms without being in the same room. Source: IE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> symptoms.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038203_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599038203_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The robot is controlled by a <strong>handheld device.</strong></li>
<li>It can<strong> walk</strong> on four legs, similarly to a dog,<strong> climbs stairs</strong> and can <strong>traverse rough terrain</strong> with ease and<strong> small enough to be used indoors.</strong></li>
<li>It can<strong> measure skin temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation</strong> in healthy patients,<strong> from 2 metres away.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has <strong>four cameras</strong> &mdash; one infrared, three monochrome.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Working:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Body Temperature:</strong> The infrared camera measures skin temperature on the face. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An algorithm then correlates the facial skin temperature with core body temperature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Breathing Rate:</strong> When a patient wearing a mask breathes, their breath changes the temperature of the mask. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The infrared camera measures this temperature change, enabling researchers to calculate the breathing rate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pulse Rate &amp; Oxygen Level:</strong> When haemoglobin binds to oxygen and flows through blood vessels, it results in slight changes in colour. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These changes are measured with the help of the three monochrome cameras, which filter lights of three different wavelengths.</li>
<li>Using these measurements, the algorithm calculates pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The robot can be deployed in areas where suspected cases of Covid-19 assemble. Healthcare workers can avoid exposing themselves to risk, by manoeuvring the robot to wherever patients are sitting.</li>
<li>The robot can also carry a tablet that allows doctors to ask patients about their symptoms without being in the same room.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-a-robot-to-measure-covid-patients-vital-signs-6579419/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Adjusted Gross Revenue to be Paid in 10 Years',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court of India</strong></a> allowed <strong>telecom companies (telcos)</strong> 10 years&rsquo; time to pay their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-telecom-sector-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)</strong></a> dues to the government.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Adjusted Gross Revenue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AGR is a <strong>fee-sharing mechanism</strong> between the government and the telcos who shifted to the <strong>'revenue-sharing fee'</strong> model in 1999, from the <strong>'fixed license fee'</strong> model. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this course, telcos are supposed to<strong> share a percentage</strong> of AGR with the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The telecom sector was liberalised under the <strong>National Telecom Policy, 1994</strong> after which licenses were issued to companies in return for a fixed license fee.</li>
<li>To provide relief from the steep fixed license fee, the <strong>government in 1999</strong> gave an option to the licensees to migrate to the<strong> revenue sharing fee model.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under this, mobile telephone operators were required to share a percentage of their AGR with the government as <strong>annual license fee</strong> (LF) and <strong>spectrum usage charges (SUC).</strong></li>
<li>License agreements between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the telecom companies define the gross revenues of the latter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The definition of AGR has been under litigation for 14 years. In 2005, <strong>Cellular Operators Association of India</strong> (COAI) challenged the government&rsquo;s definition for AGR calculation.</li>
<li>However, DoT argued that AGR includes<strong> all revenues from both telecom and non-telecom services.</strong></li>
<li>The companies claimed that <strong>AGR should comprise just the revenue accrued from core services</strong> and not dividend, interest income or profit on the sale of any investment or fixed assets.</li>
<li>In 2015, the <strong>Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)</strong> stayed the case in favour of telecom companies and held that AGR includes all receipts except capital receipts and revenue from non-core sources such as rent, profit on the sale of fixed assets, dividend, interest and miscellaneous income.</li>
<li>However, setting aside TDSAT&rsquo;s order, the Supreme Court upheld the definition of AGR as stipulated by the DoT in October 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the government definition, AGR includes rental receipts, dividend income and income from any other-activity arising out of the telecom licence the company has.</li>
<li>Later on, the Court rejected a 20-year payment timeline proposed by the central government and supported by telecom companies. Instead it has given 10 years&rsquo; time to repay the AGR dues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Directions Issued by Court:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The telecom operators would<strong> make the payment of 10% of the total dues</strong> as demanded by the Department of Telecom by 31<sup>st</sup> March 2021.</li>
<li>The <strong>yearly instalments would commence from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2021 up to 31<sup>st</sup> March 2031.</strong> The instalments would be paid by <strong>31<sup>st</sup> March every year.</strong></li>
<li>In the event of any default in making payment of annual instalments,<strong> interest would be levied</strong> as per the agreement<strong> along with penalty and interest on penalty</strong> automatically without reference to court. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Besides, it would be <strong>punishable for contempt of court.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Compliance with the court order should be reported by the telcos and the telecom department every year on 7<sup>th</sup> April.</li>
<li>The sale of spectrum by telcos facing insolvency proceedings shall be decided by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-fact-for-prelims-4th-march-2019-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The definition of AGR has been such a contentious issue because it has<strong> huge financial implications for both telcos and the government.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was estimated, after the SC&rsquo;s 2019 judgment, that the telecom operators owe the government about Rs. 92,000 crore in back charges, interest and penalties on license fee alone.</li>
<li>The October 2019 judgment had pushed many telcos on the verge of bankruptcy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While the <strong>government has been deprived of the extra revenue,</strong> the financial implications for telecom companies &mdash; who now have to pay overdue amounts piled up for years &mdash; are serious too. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Especially at the current juncture, when profits for telcos are under pressure from severe competition and the falling average revenue per user.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To enhance the growth of the telecom sector, improve the quality of service, and generate resources for the telcos, a <strong>new infrastructural policy</strong> is the need of the hour.</li>
<li>The government needs to provide an<strong> enabling environment</strong> for telecom operators. In order to achieve that, a long-term vision plan must be made accordingly.</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced accessibility of the broadband services</strong> will enable the digital empowerment of India, hence adequate steps must be taken by the government to strengthen the overall telecom sector.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-directs-telcos-to-pay-agr-dues-in-10-years/article32493787.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Search/index.ctp, line 85
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93

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