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Ken-Betwa Link Project

Why in News Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP), the...

23 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Fundamental Rights (Part-1)

Introduction About: The Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12-35). Part III of the Constitution is...

23 Mar 2021 Paper 2
Union vs. Delhi Government

This article is based on “Delhi Bill will sow the seeds of absolutism” which was published in The Indian Express on 22/03/2021. It...

22 Mar 2021 News Editorials
Right to Health

Why in News Recently, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan announced the implementation of the Rajasthan Model of Public Health that would include a...

22 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Rising Cases of Diphtheria

Why in News A recent study has found that Diphtheria, which is a relatively easily-preventable infection, could become a major global threat. Key...

22 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Global Water Crisis: UNICEF

Why in News According to a new report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in five children worldwide reside in areas...

22 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Haridwar Kumbh Mela

Why in News The Centre has written to the Uttarakhand government about the need for stringent measures to control the spread of Covid-19 during the...

22 Mar 2021 News Analysis
General Lachit Borphukan of Ahom Kingdom

Why in News Recently, the Prime Minister called 17th century Ahom general Lachit Borphukan a symbol of India’s “Atma Nirbhar military...

22 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Lateral Entry Reform

This article is based on “Lateral Entry: A challenging administrative reform” which was published in The Indian Express on 19/03/2021....

20 Mar 2021 News Editorials
World Happiness Report 2021

Why in News The Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations released the World Happiness Report 2021, a day before the...

20 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Covid Increased Poverty: Pew Report

Why in News Recently, a new research conducted by Pew Research Center has found that the coronavirus pandemic has pushed about 32 million Indians...

20 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Refrigeration System Pusa-FSF

Why in News Scientists from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) have developed an on-farm green energy refrigeration system...

20 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Open Market Operations by RBI

Why in News The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to conduct simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities (G-Sec) under Open Market...

20 Mar 2021 News Analysis
US India Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Why in News Recently, US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) initiative has been launched to scale up the science and technology relationship...

20 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Empowering the MSMEs Digitally

This article is based on “How e-commerce marketplaces can drive MSME makeover” which was published in The Indian Express on 18/03/2021....

19 Mar 2021 News Editorials
Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

Why in News The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has demanded the national project status for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). The main...

19 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Vehicle Scrapping Policy

Why in News Recently, the Union Road and Transport Minister announced the Vehicle Scrapping Policy in the Lok Sabha. It was first announced in...

19 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Damages Recovery Bill

Why in News Recently, the Government of Haryana has passed the Haraya Recovery of Damages to Property During Disturbance to Public Order Bill,...

19 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Stop TB Partnership Board

Why in News Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has been appointed Chairman of the Stop TB Partnership Board. He...

19 Mar 2021 News Analysis
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Why in News Recently, the Rajya Sabha passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in...

19 Mar 2021 News Analysis

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		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Ken-Betwa Link Project',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Chief Ministers of <strong>Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh</strong> signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/ken-betwa-interlink-project#:~:text=The%20Ken%2DBetwa%20Link%20Project,UP%20and%20Tikamgarh%2C%20Panna%20and" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP)</strong></a>, the first project of the <strong>National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The two states <strong>signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre</strong> on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-water-crisis-unicef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Water Day</strong> </a>(22nd March) to finally implement this ambitious project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)</strong> is the River interlinking project that <strong>aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken river in MP to Betwa in UP to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The region spread across the districts of two states mainly Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The project involves building a 77-metre tall and a 2-km wide <strong>Dhaudhan dam and a 230-km canal.</strong></li>
<li>Ken-Betwa is <strong>one of the 30 river interlinking projects</strong> conceived across the country.</li>
<li>The project has been <strong>delayed due to political and environmental issues.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage of Interlining of Rivers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reducing Drought:</strong> River linking will be a solution to recurring droughts in Bundelkhand region.</li>
<li><strong>Farmers&rsquo; Benefit:</strong> It will curb the rate of farmers suicide and will ensure them stable livelihood by providing sustainable means of irrigation and reducing excessive dependence on groundwater.</li>
<li><strong>Electricity Production:</strong> It will not only <strong>accelerate the water conservation</strong> by construction of a multipurpose dam but will also <strong>produce 103 MW of hydropower</strong> and will <strong>supply drinking water to 62 lakh people.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rejuvenate Biodiversity:</strong> Few are of the view that the introduction of dams inside the water scarce regions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panna-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>panna tiger reserve (MP)</strong></a>, will rejuvenate the forests of the reserve that in turn will pave the way for Rich Biodiversity in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Environmental:</strong> Because of certain environmental and wildlife conservation concerns like <strong>passing of the project though critical tiger habitat of panna tiger reserve</strong>, the project is stuck in for the approval from <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a>, and other higher authorities.</li>
<li><strong>Economic:</strong> There is a huge economic cost attached with the project implementation and maintenance, which has been rising due to delays in project implementation.</li>
<li><strong>Social:</strong> Reconstruction and rehabilitation caused due to displacement resulting from the implementation of the project will involve social cost as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ken and Betwa Rivers</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ken and Betwa rivers originate in MP and are the <strong>tributaries of Yamuna.</strong></li>
<li>Ken meets with Yamuna in Banda district of UP and with Betwa in Hamirpur district of UP.</li>
<li>Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila dams are over Betwa river.</li>
<li>Ken River passes through Panna tiger reserve.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>National River Linking Project (NRLP)</strong> formally known as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-of-river-interlinking#:~:text=The%20National%20River%20Linking%20Project,inter%2Dbasin%20water%20transfer%20projects." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Perspective Plan</strong></a>, envisages the transfer of <strong>water from water &lsquo;surplus&rsquo; basins</strong> where there is flooding, to <strong>water &lsquo;deficit&rsquo; basins</strong> where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.</li>
<li>Under the <strong>National Perspective Plan (NPP)</strong>, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), has identified 30 links (16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component) for the preparation of feasibility reports (FRs).</li>
<li>The NPP for transferring water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins was prepared in August 1980.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616483113_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616483113_image3.png" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ken-betwa-link-up-mp-to-sign-pact-today-7239044/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1616486682250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Cuziby0hv5PSwbwUWEzL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Fundamental Rights (Part-1)',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12-35).</li>
<li>Part III of the Constitution is described as the<em><strong> Magna Carta</strong></em> of India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>&lsquo;Magna Carta&rsquo;, the Charter of Rights issued by King John of England in 1215 was the first written document relating to the Fundamental Rights of citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Fundamental Rights:</strong> The Constitution of India provides for six Fundamental Rights:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Right to equality (Articles 14&ndash;18)</li>
<li>Right to freedom (Articles 19&ndash;22)</li>
<li>Right against exploitation (Articles 23&ndash;24)</li>
<li>Right to freedom of religion (Articles 25&ndash;28)</li>
<li>Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29&ndash;30)</li>
<li>Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Originally the constitution also included <strong>Right to property (Article 31).</strong> However, it was deleted from the list of Fundamental Rights by the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendments-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>44<sup>th</sup> Amendment Act, 1978.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is made a <strong>legal right under Article 300-A&nbsp;</strong>in Part XII of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provision for Laws Violating Fundamental Rights: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=Article%2013(2)%20reads%2C,of%20contravention%2C%20be%20void.%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 13</a></strong> of the Indian constitution declares that all laws that are inconsistent with or in derogation of any of the fundamental rights shall be void. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This power has been conferred on the Supreme Court <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-32-of-the-constitution#:~:text=Article%2032%20of%20the%20Constitution%20(Right%20to%20Constitutional%20Remedies)%3A,rights%20recognised%20by%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Article 32)</strong></a> and the high courts (Article 226).</li>
<li>Further, the article declares that a constitutional amendment cannot be challenged (as it is not a law). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the Supreme Court in the<strong> Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)</strong> held that a Constitutional amendment can be challenged if it violates a fundamental right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Writ Jurisdiction:</strong> A writ is a legal order given by a court of law. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Supreme Court (Article 32) and the High courts (Article 226) can issue the writs of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/constitutional-rights-judicial-review-and-parliamentary-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo-warranto.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Features of the Fundamental Rights:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Protected by Constitution:</strong> Fundamental Rights, unlike ordinary legal rights, are protected and guaranteed by the constitution of the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some of the rights are available only to the citizens while others are available to all persons whether citizens, foreigners or legal persons like corporations or companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Not Sacrosanct, Permanent, or Absolute:</strong> They are not sacrosanct or permanent and the Parliament can curtail or repeal them but only by a constitutional amendment act.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rights are not absolute but qualified.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The state can impose reasonable restrictions on them, however, the reasonability of the restrictions is decided by the courts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rights are Justiciable:</strong> The rights are justiciable and allow persons to move the courts for their enforcement, if and when they are violated. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any aggrieved person can directly go to the Supreme Court in case of violation of any fundamental right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suspension of Rights:</strong> The rights can be suspended during the operation of a National Emergency except the rights guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the six rights guaranteed by Article 19 can be suspended only when there is an external emergency war or external aggression) [and not on the ground of armed rebellion (i.e., internal emergency].</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restriction of Laws:</strong> Their application to the members of armed forces, paramilitary forces, police forces, intelligence agencies and analogous services can be restricted or abrogated by the Parliament (Article 33).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their application can be restricted while martial law (military rule imposed under abnormal circumstances) is in force in any area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #140a3d; text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Fundamental Rights (available to citizens as well foreigners) (except enemy aliens)</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #140a3d; text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Fundamental Rights available to citizens only</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 36px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 36px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Equality before law.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 36px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<p>Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 10px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protection in respect of conviction for offences.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<p>Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 37px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 37px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protection of personal life and liberty.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 37px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<p>Protection of the six fundamental rights of freedom mentioned in article 19.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 45px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Right to elementary education.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">Protection of language, script and culture of minorities.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 29px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 29px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prohibition of human trafficking and forced labour.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 29px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 10px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prohibition of employment of children in factories.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 10px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 45px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom to manage religious affairs.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 67px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom from payment of taxes for promotion of any religion.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 67px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 89px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 89px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom from attending religious instruction or worship in certain educational institutions.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 89px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>The Fundamental Rights</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616481225_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616481225_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Right to Equality (Article <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/important-articles-from-indian-constitution-compilation-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14, 15, 16</a>, 17 and 18):</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Equality Before Law: Article 14</strong> says that no person shall be denied treatment of equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The right is extended to all persons whether citizens or foreigners, statutory corporations, companies, registered societies or any other type of legal person.</li>
<li><strong>Exceptions:</strong> As per article 361, the President of India or Governor of states is not answerable to any court for the exercise of their powers/duties and no civil or criminal proceedings can occur or continue against them in any court during their term of office.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per article 361-A, no civil or court proceedings can occur for a person for publishing any substantially true report of either House of the Parliament and State Legislature.</li>
<li>No member of Parliament (article 105) and State Legislature (article 194) shall be liable to any court proceedings in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee.</li>
<li>The foreign sovereigns (rulers), ambassadors and diplomats enjoy immunity from criminal and civil proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prohibition of Discrimination: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lok-sabha-passes-the-constitution-124th-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 15</a></strong> provides that no citizen shall be discriminated on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exception:</strong> Certain provisions can be made for the women, children, citizens from any socially or educationally backward class for their upliftment (such as reservation and access to free education).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lok-sabha-passes-the-constitution-124th-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 16</a></strong> of the Indian constitution provides for equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of employment or appointment to any public office. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exceptions:</strong> There are provisions for reservation in appointments or posts for any backward class that is not adequately represented in the state services. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, an incumbent of a religious or denominational institution may belong to the particular religion or denomination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Abolition of Untouchability: Article 17</strong> abolishes &lsquo;untouchability&rsquo; and forbids its practice in any form. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A person convicted of the offence of &lsquo;untouchability&rsquo; is disqualified for election to the Parliament or state legislature. <strong>The acts of offences include:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Preaching untouchability directly or indirectly.</li>
<li>Preventing any person from entering any shop, hotel, public place of worship and place of public entertainment.</li>
<li>Refusing to admit persons in hospitals, educational institutions or hostels established for public benefit.</li>
<li>Justifying untouchability on traditional, religious, philosophical or other grounds.</li>
<li>Insulting a person belonging to scheduled caste on the ground of untouchability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Abolition of Titles: Article 18</strong> of the constitution of India abolishes titles and makes four provisions in that regard: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It prohibits the state from conferring any title on any citizen or a foreigner (except a military or academic distinction).</li>
<li>It prohibits a citizen of India from accepting any title from any foreign state.</li>
<li>A foreigner holding any office of profit or trust under the state cannot accept any title from any foreign state without the consent of the President of India.</li>
<li>No citizen or foreigner holding any office of profit or trust within the territory of India can accept any present, emolument or office from or under any foreign State without the consent of the president.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Right to Freedom (Article <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rights-to-freedom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19</a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/no-double-jeopardy-bar-if-there-was-no-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 20</a>, 21 and <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/17-09-2019#:~:text=Article%2022(2)%20states%20that,the%20authority%20of%20a%20magistrate.'" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22</a>):</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Protection of 6 Rights: Article 19</strong> guarantees to all citizens the six rights of freedom including: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right to freedom of speech and expression.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Expressing one&rsquo;s own views, opinions, belief and convictions freely by word of mouth, writing, printing, picturing or in any other manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to assemble peaceably and without arms.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Includes the right to hold public meetings, demonstrations and take out processions which can be exercised only on public land.</li>
<li>It does not protect violent, disorderly and riotous assemblies or strike.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to form associations or unions or co-operative societies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It includes the right to form (and not to form) political parties, companies, partnership firms, societies, clubs, organisations, trade unions or any body of persons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to move freely throughout the territory of India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The freedom of movement has two dimensions, viz, internal (right to move inside the country) (article 19) and external (right to move out of the country and right to come back to the country) (article 21).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The right of outsiders to reside and settle in tribal areas is restricted to protect the distinctive culture and customs of scheduled tribes and to safeguard their traditional vocation and properties against exploitation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It doesn&rsquo;t include the right to carry on a profession that is immoral (trafficking in women or children) or dangerous (harmful drugs or explosives, etc,).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences: Article 20</strong> grants protection against arbitrary and excessive punishment to an accused person, whether citizen or foreigner or legal person like a company or a corporation. It provides that: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act or subjected to a penalty greater than that prescribed by the law.</li>
<li>No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once.</li>
<li>No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection of Life and Personal Liberty: Article 21</strong> declares that no person shall be deprived of his<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fundamental-rights-and-oci-cardholders#:~:text=Article%2021%3A%20It%20declares%20that,both%20citizens%20and%20non%2Dcitizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> life or personal liberty</strong></a> except according to procedure established by law. This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The right to life is not merely confined to animal existence or survival but also includes the right to live with human dignity and all those aspects of life which go to make a man&rsquo;s life meaningful, complete and worth living.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to Education:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-to-education-2#:~:text=The%2086th%20Constitutional%20Amendment,Right%20to%20Education%20Act%202009." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Article 21 (A)</a></strong> declares that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This provision makes only elementary education a Fundamental Right and not higher or professional education.</li>
<li>This provision was added by the <strong>86<sup>th</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002.</strong></li>
<li>Before the 86<sup>th</sup> amendment, the Constitution contained a provision for free and compulsory education for children under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education#:~:text=Originally%20Part%20IV%20of%20Indian,as%20equitable%20and%20accessible%20education.&amp;text=The%2086th%20amendment%20to,part%2DIII%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 45 in Part IV</strong> </a>of the constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Against Arrest and Detention:</strong> Article 22 grants protection to persons who are arrested or detained. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Detention is of two types, namely, <strong>punitive</strong> (punishment after trial and conviction) and <strong>preventive</strong> (punishment without trial and conviction).</li>
<li>The first part of Article 22 deals with the ordinary law and includes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Right to be informed of the grounds of arrest.</li>
<li>Right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner.</li>
<li>Right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, excluding the journey time.</li>
<li>Right to be released after 24 hours unless the magistrate authorises further detention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The second part of Article 22 deals with preventive detention law. Protection under this article is available to both citizens as well as aliens and includes the following:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The detention of a person <strong>cannot exceed three months</strong> unless an advisory board (judges of high court) reports sufficient cause for extended detention.</li>
<li>The grounds of detention should be communicated to the detenu.</li>
<li>The detenu should be afforded an opportunity to make a representation against the detention order.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Union vs. Delhi Government',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/nct-bill-electoral-autocracy-constitutional-democracy-7238825/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Delhi Bill will sow the seeds of absolutism&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 22/03/2021. It talks about the issues related to the recently introduced <strong>Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021.</strong></p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Centre government proposed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-of-nct-of-delhi-amendment-bill-2021#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20central%20government%20introduced,Territory%20of%20Delhi%20Act%2C%201991." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021</strong></a> in the parliament. According to the central government, the bill seeks to amend the law relating to the running of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and give effect to the interpretation given by the Supreme Court judgments on Delhi&rsquo;s governance structure.</p>
<p>However, many constitutional experts are of the view that the proposed bill is the very antithesis of what the Court has said. They held that the Bill, if it becomes law, will wholly undermine the Court&rsquo;s efforts to strengthen the elected government vis-&agrave;-vis the appointed Lieutenant Governor.</p>
<h3>Major Amendments Proposed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Change in Definition of Government:</strong> It defines the term &ldquo;government&rdquo; in the context of laws made by the legislative assembly to be the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Delhi, not the elected government.</li>
<li><strong>Expanding Powers of L-G:</strong> It expands L-G&rsquo;s powers by requiring the elected government to seek L-G&rsquo;s opinion on specific matters. Furter, it is left to L-G to define these &ldquo;matters&rdquo; through a general or specific order.</li>
<li><strong>Weakens Legislative Assembly:</strong> It weakens the powers of the assembly by prohibiting it from making rules for its committees on day-to-day administration.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court on Delhi Governance Structure</h3>
<p><strong>Background:</strong> The 69<sup>th</sup> amendment to the Constitution of India inserted<strong> Article 239AA,</strong> which declared the Union Territory of Delhi to be administered by a L-G who works on &lsquo;aid and advice of elected legislative assembly.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>However, the &lsquo;aid and advice&rsquo; clause pertains only to matters on which the elected Assembly has powers under the State and Concurrent Lists, but with the exception of <strong>public order, police, and land.</strong></li>
<li>Further, the Article 239AA also notes that L-G has to either act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, or he is bound to implement the decision taken by the President on a reference being made by him.</li>
<li>Also, Article 239AA, empowers the L-G to refer a difference of opinion on &lsquo;any matter&rsquo; with the Council of Ministers to the President.</li>
<li>Thus, this dual control between L-G and the elected government leads to power tussle, which was referred to the Supreme Court in 2018.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Supreme Court Judgement:</strong> The Constitution Bench verdict of July 4, 2018, held that the L-G has not been entrusted with any independent decision-making power.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Court clarified that the power to refer &ldquo;any matter&rdquo; to the President did not mean that &ldquo;every matter&rdquo; .</li>
<li>In other words, the LG cannot refer any matter to the President; he has to employ &ldquo;constitutional objectivity&rdquo; and exercise this power in the rarest of rare situations for sound and valid reasons.</li>
<li>Thus, his concurrence is not needed in every matter, and he can refer matters to the President only in exceptional situations and not in a &ldquo;routine or mechanical manner&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Justice Chandrachud in NCT vs UOI case, 2018 mentioned the term <strong>&ldquo;constitutional objectivity&rdquo;</strong> as the key to checks and balances between the legislature and executive.</li>
<li>Constitutional objectivity ensures that the two operate within their allotted spheres since &ldquo;legitimate constitutional trust&rdquo; is based on distribution and separation of powers with denial of absolute power to anyone functionary being the ultimate goal.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Arguments Against the Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Against the Spirit of Supreme Court Judgement:</strong> The Bill seeks to declare that in the context of legislation passed by the Delhi Assembly, all references to the &lsquo;government&rsquo; would mean the &ldquo;Lieutenant Governor&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The guiding principle behind the judgment was that the elected government should not be undermined by the unelected administrator. The Bill takes away almost all the powers of elected representatives.</li>
<li>Thereby, the bill contradicts the 2018 judgment, which unambiguously clarifies that the council of ministers with the chief minister at its helm is the executive head of the government of Delhi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rollback of Representative Government:</strong> By conflating the government of Delhi with L-G, the bill blurs the distinction between the elected government and L-G. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, by requiring L-G&rsquo;s opinion before the elected government can take executive action, it effectively renders the elected government powerless.</li>
<li>Moreover, the clause that declares void any rule that empowers the Assembly or its Committees to discuss any matter of day-to-day administration or conduct enquiries amounts to a rollback of representative government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Centralising India&rsquo;s Federal Polity:</strong> Recently, the central government has taken several steps that undermines the spirit of federalism (Three Farmers&rsquo; laws, Revocation of Article 370, etc.). The bill represents yet another step toward centralizing India&rsquo;s federal polity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A recent report held that such bills could strengthen the international perception of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/autocratisation-goes-viral-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India becoming an electoral autocracy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Working Through Constitutional Trust:</strong> The apex court had rightly concluded that the scheme set out in the Constitution and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 envisages a collaborative structure that can be worked only through constitutional trust. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the Bill should be referred to a select committee and not passed in haste like the Farm Bills.</li>
<li>Evolving consensus in such matters would be consistent both with federalism as well as the high principles laid down by the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Principle of Subsidiarity:</strong> Subsidiarity &mdash; the foundational principle of fiscal federalism &mdash; necessitates empowered sub-national governments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thereby, the central government should move towards allocating greater powers to city governments.</li>
<li>In this context, India should emulate several large megapolis around the globe, from Jakarta and Seoul to London and Paris, which have had strong sub-national governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The fundamental principles of constitutionalism embodies the concept of limited powers as its central idea. To sustain these ethos the highest importance should be given to people who are the real sovereigns and who speak through their elected representatives.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fbfcf7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Lieutenant-Governor must reign and not rule is the core principle of the cabinet system of governance&rdquo;. Analyse the statement in the context of the recently introduced Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/union-vs-delhi-government'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Right to Health',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan announced the implementation of the <strong>Rajasthan Model of Public Health</strong> that would include a <strong>Right to Health</strong> as well as measures for preventive, primary and curative care as envisioned by the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organisation (WHO)</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rajasthan Model of Public Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Mukhya Mantri Chiranjeevi Yojana</strong> will also be launched as a <strong>Universal Health Care scheme</strong> as part of measures to reinforce health infrastructure and ensure accessibility to all citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scheme stipulates cashless health services up to <strong>Rs. 5 lakh to every family in the State.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR)</strong> has recommended <strong>setting of standards</strong> in accordance with the resources available in the State to <strong>match with the rights of patients as well as the service providers.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)</strong> set by the Union government, have also been revised keeping in view the changing protocols of the existing programmes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Public Health Standards</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>IPHS</strong> are a set of uniform standards envisaged to improve the quality of health care delivery in the country.</li>
<li>The IPHS documents have been revised keeping in view the changing protocols of the existing programmes and introduction of new programmes especially for Non-Communicable Diseases.</li>
<li>Flexibility is allowed to suit the diverse needs of the States and regions.</li>
<li>The IPHS guidelines act as the main driver for continuous improvement in quality and serve as the benchmark for assessing the functional status of health facilities.</li>
<li>States and UTs adopt these IPHS guidelines for strengthening the Public Health Care Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right To Health:</strong> The right to health, as with other rights, includes both <strong>freedoms and entitlements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Freedoms</strong> include the <strong>right to control one&rsquo;s health and body</strong> (for example, sexual and reproductive rights) and to be free from interference (for example, free from torture and non-consensual medical treatment and experimentation).</li>
<li><strong>Entitlements</strong> include the <strong>right to a system of health protection</strong> that gives everyone an equal opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable level of health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions Related to Right to Health in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>International Conventions:</strong> India is a signatory of the <strong>Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)</strong> by the United Nations that grants the <strong>right to a standard of living</strong> adequate for the <strong>health</strong> and well-being to humans including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights:</strong> Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees a fundamental right to life &amp; personal liberty. The right to health is inherent to a life with dignity.</li>
<li><strong>Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Articles 38, 39, 42, 43, &amp; 47</strong> put the obligation on the state in order to ensure the effective realization of right to health.</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Pronouncements:</strong> Supreme Court in <em><strong>Paschim Bangal Khet Mazdoor Samity case (1996)</strong></em> held that in a welfare state, primary duty of the government is to secure the welfare of the people and moreover it is the obligation of the government to provide adequate medical facilities for its people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also in its landmark judgment in <em><strong>Parmanand Katara Vs Union Of India (1989)</strong></em>, Supreme Court had ruled that every doctor whether at a government hospital or otherwise has the professional obligation to extend his services with due expertise for protecting life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Right to Health for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right Based Healthcare Services:</strong> The people are entitled to the right to health and it puts a compulsion for the government to take steps toward this.</li>
<li><strong>Wide Access to Health Services:</strong> Enables <strong>everyone to access the services</strong> and ensures that the quality of those services is good enough to <strong>improve the health of the people</strong> who receive them.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Out of Pocket Expenditure:</strong> Protects people from the <strong>financial consequences</strong> of paying for health services out of their own pockets and reduces the risk of people getting pushed into poverty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Primary Healthcare Services:</strong> The existing public primary health care model in the country is limited in scope.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even where there is a well-functioning public primary health centre, only services related to pregnancy care, limited childcare and certain services related to national health programmes are provided.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Funding:</strong> Expenditure on public health funding has been consistently low in India<strong> (approximately 1.3% of GDP).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per OECD, India's total out-of-pocket expenditure is around 2.3 % of GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sub-optimal Public Health System:</strong> Due to this, it is challenging to tackle <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-communicable Diseases</strong></a>, which is all about prevention and early detection.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It diminishes preparedness and effective management for new and emerging threats such as pandemic like Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>More Funding:</strong> Public funding on health should be increased to at least 2.5% of GDP as envisaged in the <strong>National Health Policy, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>A comprehensive <strong>public health legislation</strong> incorporating the right to health may be passed by the Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Creating a Nodal Health Agency:</strong> There is need to create a designated and autonomous agency to perform the functions of disease surveillance, information gathering on the health impact of policies of key non-health departments, maintenance of national health statistics, enforcement of public health regulations, and dissemination of information to the public.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/research-institution-joins-efforts-to-bring-law-on-right-to-health/article34127657.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/right-to-health'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Rising Cases of Diphtheria',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study has found that Diphtheria, which is a relatively easily-preventable infection, could become a<strong> major global threat.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Global Rise:</strong> The number of diphtheria cases reported globally has been increasing gradually. In<strong> 2018, there were 16,651</strong> reported cases, more than double the yearly average for <strong>1996-2017 (8,105 cases).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong> According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization</strong></a> <strong>(WHO),</strong> India reported<strong> 2,365 cases in 2015.</strong> However, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, the numbers rose successively to 3,380, 5,293 and 8,788.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the WHO, <strong>India accounted for 60% of all diphtheria cases globally in 2017.</strong></li>
<li>In 2018, Delhi witnessed the death of more than 50 children because of Diphtheria.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)</strong></a>: Diphtheria has started to become resistant to several classes of antibiotics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by <strong>any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.)</strong> against<strong> antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics)</strong> that are used to treat infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gap-in-vaccination-of-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 Impact</strong></a>: Covid-19 has severely impacted vaccination schedules in different parts of the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to the recently released <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Children</strong></a>, suspension of immunization campaigns will set back the decades-long effort to eliminate various diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Misunderstanding of Disease:</strong> Parents often misunderstand the disease as usual cough and cold and take medicines from a physician. Since the child has not been given diphtheria shots, with the passage of time, the toxin released from the bacteria starts hampering the functioning of the kidney, heart and nervous system.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vaccine Hesitancy</strong></a>: It refers to delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccine services. It is complex and context specific varying across time, place and vaccine. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience and confidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Diphtheria</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Caused by Bacteria:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Diphtheria is primarily caused by the <strong>bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Common cold, fever, chills, swollen gland in neck, sore throat, bluish skin etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The primary infection is in the <strong>throat and upper airways.</strong> Produces a toxin affecting other organs.</li>
<li>One type of diphtheria affects the <strong>throat and sometimes the tonsils.</strong></li>
<li>Another type causes <strong>ulcers on the skin.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spread:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is mainly spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone infected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Target Population:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Diphtheria particularly affects children <strong>aged 1 to 5 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Occurrence of diphtheria cases in under-five children reflects<strong> low coverage</strong> of primary diphtheria vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fatality Rate:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Diphtheria is fatal in only 5-10% cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Fatality Rate</strong> is the proportion of people <strong>who die from a specified disease among all individuals diagnosed with the disease</strong> over a certain period of time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Administering <strong>diphtheria antitoxin</strong> to neutralize the effects of the toxin, as well as antibiotics to kill the bacteria.</li>
<li>Diphtheria is preventable with use of <strong>antibiotics and vaccines.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccination:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The diphtheria vaccine is among the oldest vaccines in India&rsquo;s Universal Immunisation Programme. As per data from the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-family-health-survey-5-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Family Health Survey-4</strong></a>, the coverage of <strong>diphtheria vaccine is 78.4%.</strong></li>
<li>In 1978, India launched the<strong> Expanded Programme on Immunisation.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first three vaccines</strong> in the programme were <strong>BCG (against TB), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) and cholera.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 1985, the programme was converted to the <strong>Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).</strong> DPT continues to be a part of UIP, which now includes 12 vaccines.</li>
<li>It is now <strong>incorporated as a pentavalent vaccine</strong> (containing a vaccine against <strong>diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also included among the combination of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gap-in-vaccination-of-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> eight vaccine doses</strong></a> which are administered in the first year of life under the<strong> full immunisation programme.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/intensified-mission-indradhanush-3-0-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 scheme</strong> </a>has been rolled out to cover children and pregnant women who missed routine immunisation during the Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/study-warns-diphtheria-could-become-a-major-global-threat-75866" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rising-cases-of-diphtheria'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Global Water Crisis: UNICEF',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a new report released by the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unicef-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund</strong></a> (UNICEF), <strong>one in five children</strong> worldwide reside in areas of <strong>high or extremely high water vulnerability.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Report was released ahead of <strong>World Water Day (22<sup>nd</sup> March).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Report :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new report is <strong>part of UNICEF&rsquo;s &lsquo;Water security for all&rsquo;</strong> initiative that identifies areas where physical water scarcity risks overlap with poor water service levels.</li>
<li>The<strong> initiative aims to mobilise resources, partnerships, innovation and global response to identified hot spots.</strong></li>
<li>UNICEF identified <strong>37 hot-spot countries</strong> where children faced especially distressing circumstances in terms of absolute numbers, where global resources, support and urgent action had to be mobilised.</li>
<li>Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Tanzania and Yemen were especially vulnerable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Children in more than 80 countries</strong> live in areas with high or extremely high water vulnerability.</li>
<li><strong>Eastern and Southern Africa</strong> has the <strong>highest proportion</strong> of children living in such areas, with more than half of children &ndash;<strong> 58%</strong> &ndash; facing difficulty accessing sufficient water every day.</li>
<li>It is followed by <strong>West and Central Africa (31%), South Asia (25%),</strong> and the <strong>Middle East (23%). </strong></li>
<li><strong>More than 155 million children in South Asia</strong> lived in areas with high or even extremely high water vulnerability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Crisis in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has<strong> 4% of the world&rsquo;s freshwater</strong> which has to cater to <strong>17% of the world&rsquo;s population.</strong></li>
<li>As per <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a> report</strong> released in June 2018, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis in history. Approximately 600 million people or roughly around <strong>45% of the population in India is facing high to severe water stress.</strong></li>
<li>The report says that nearly <strong>40% of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030 and 6% of India&rsquo;s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of Water Crisis in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Central Groundwater Board&rsquo;s estimates show that the <strong>groundwater table in most parts of the country has been declining every year</strong> because of over-exploitation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If the groundwater continues to decline unabated, meeting the country&rsquo;s agricultural and drinking water requirements will become a big challenge.</li>
<li>85% of rural water supply, 45% of urban water supply and over 64% of irrigation now rely on groundwater.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Due to<strong> accumulation of sediments in the water storage area of major and medium irrigation dams</strong> that are currently in use, the<strong> total storage capacity has fallen significantly.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is clearly underlined in the<strong> report &lsquo;Compendium of Silting of Reservoirs in India&rsquo;,</strong> released by the Central Water Commission in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate change</strong> is causing major changes in rainfall levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Taken by the Central Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain&rdquo; Campaign:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The campaign will be implemented during the period 22<sup>nd</sup> March, 2021 to 30<sup>th</sup> November, 2021 - the <strong>pre-monsoon and monsoon period</strong> in the country.</li>
<li>The campaign is <strong>intended to nudge the State and all stakeholders</strong> to create <strong>Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS)</strong> suitable to the climatic conditions and subsoil strata to ensure storage of rainwater.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rains falling in the four/five months of monsoon are the only source of water for most parts of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the Budget 2021-22, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-jeevan-mission-urban" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban)</strong></a> has been announced under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all statutory towns in accordance with <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goal- 6.</strong></a></li>
<li>It complements the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-jeevan-mission-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Jal Jeevan Mission (Rural)</strong> </a>which envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ministry of Jal Shakti:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Government of India <strong>established the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019</strong> to consolidate interrelated functions pertaining to water management.</li>
<li>The Ministry<strong> launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-shakti-abhiyan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jal Shakti Abhiyan</a></strong> &ndash; a campaign for water conservation and water security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Taken by State Governments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Uttar Pradesh &ndash; Jakhni Village (water village), Bundelkhand</li>
<li>Punjab &ndash; Pani Bachao Paise Kamao</li>
<li>Madhya Pradesh &ndash; Kapil Dhara Yojana</li>
<li>Gujarat &ndash; Sujalam Sufalam Yojana</li>
<li>Telangana &ndash; Mission Kakatiya Program</li>
<li>Maharashtra &ndash; Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan</li>
<li>Andhra Pradesh &ndash; Neeru Chettu Programme</li>
<li>Rajasthan &ndash; Mukhya Mantri Jal Swalambhan Abhiyan (MJSA)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Water Day </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is observed annually across the globe on <strong>22<sup>nd</sup> March,</strong> with the purpose of highlighting the importance of water, and raising awareness about the water crisis that the world faces.</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong> </a>website, the main focus of the day is to support the achievement of<strong> sustainable development goals (SDG) 6:</strong> water and sanitation for all by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The resolution to observe World Water Day was first adopted by the UN General Assembly on <strong>22<sup>nd</sup> December 1992.</strong></li>
<li>After which<strong> 22<sup>nd</sup> March</strong> was declared as <strong>World Water Day</strong> and is being celebrated around the world since<strong> 1993.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Theme of World Water Day 2021:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Valuing Water&rdquo;</strong> - To highlight the value of water in our daily lives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A new <strong>World Water Development Report</strong> is released each year on or near World Water Day, to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. This report is coordinated by UNESCO&rsquo;s World Water Development Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>UNICEF</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund (UNICEF) is <strong>a special program of the United Nations (UN)</strong> devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.</li>
<li>UNICEF was <strong>created in 1946 as the International Children&rsquo;s Emergency Fund (ICEF)</strong> by the UN relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.</li>
<li>UNICEF <strong>became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name was shortened to the United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund but it is still referred to as UNICEF.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>UNICEF is<strong> guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965</strong> for &ldquo;promotion of brotherhood among the nations&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> New York City.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It works in over 190 countries and territories with 7 regional offices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/every-fifth-child-faces-water-scarcity-globally-unicef-report-76048" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-water-crisis-unicef'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Haridwar Kumbh Mela',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Centre has written to the Uttarakhand government about the need for stringent measures to control the spread of Covid-19 during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in the state (at Haridwar).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Kumbh Mela comes under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unesco-list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kumbh Mela is the <strong>largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims</strong> on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It takes place on the banks of the <strong>Godavari river in Nashik,</strong> the <strong>Shipra river in Ujjain,</strong> the <strong>Ganges in Haridwar,</strong> and the<strong> confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayag.</strong> The confluence is referred to as the <strong>&lsquo;Sangam&lsquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As it is held in four different cities in India, it involves different social and cultural activities, making this <strong>a culturally diverse festival.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While technically, it is <strong>to be held in each of the aforementioned locations once every 12 years, sometimes,</strong> the mela <strong>can happen only a year apart at the sites.</strong></li>
<li>It should also be known that in between, around the sixth year, the <strong>Ardh Kumbh Mela (also known as the half mela)</strong> is held. In addition to that, in Allahabad, every year the Maagh Mela is celebrated in the month of Maagh (mid-January to February, as per the Hindu calendar) at the Sangam. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This Maagh Mela is also referred to as the Ardh Kumbh Mela and Kumbh Mela when it happens in the sixth and twelfth years, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is being held after 11 years</strong> &mdash; not the usual 12 &mdash; because of specific auspicious dates. In fact, this is the first time in 80 years that such a phenomenon has happened.</li>
<li>The event encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and social and cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge.</li>
<li>The teacher-student relationship of the sadhus in the ashrams and akhadas remains the most important method of imparting and safeguarding knowledge and skills relating to Kumbh Mela.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This coveted list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance.</li>
<li>The list was established in 2008 when the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect.</li>
<li><strong>Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, recognized by UNESCO:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616406572_image.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616406572_image.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-centre-warns-of-upsurge-following-kumbh-mela-at-haridwar/article34122996.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/haridwar-kumbh-mela'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'General Lachit Borphukan of Ahom Kingdom',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<p><strong>Why in News</strong></p>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister called 17<sup>th</sup> century <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/founder-of-ahom-kingdom-chaolung-sukapha#:~:text=Key%20Points,of%20the%20Treaty%20of%20Yandaboo." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ahom</a> general Lachit Borphukan</strong> a symbol of India&rsquo;s<strong> &ldquo;Atma Nirbhar military might&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lachit Borphukan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Born on 24<sup>th</sup> November, 1622, Borphukan was known for his leadership in the <strong>Battle of Saraighat</strong>, 1671 in which an attempt by Mughal forces to capture Assam was thwarted.</li>
<li>He was the inspiration behind <strong>strengthening India&rsquo;s naval force</strong> and revitalising <strong>inland water transport</strong> and creating infrastructure associated with it due to his great naval strategies.</li>
<li><strong>The Lachit Borphukan gold medal</strong> is awarded to the best cadet from the <strong>National Defence Academy.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>medal was instituted in 1999</strong> to inspire defence personnel to emulate Borphukan&rsquo;s heroism and sacrifices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He died on 25<sup>th</sup> April, 1672.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ahom Kingdom:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Founder:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Chaolung Sukapha</strong> was a 13<sup>th</sup> century ruler who founded the Ahom kingdom that ruled Assam for six centuries. The Ahoms ruled the land till the province was annexed to British India in 1826 with the signing of the <strong>Treaty of Yandaboo.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Setup:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ahoms created a new state by suppressing the older political system of the <strong>bhuiyans (landlords).</strong></li>
<li>The Ahom state depended upon <strong>forced labour.</strong> Those forced to work for the state were called <strong>paiks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Society:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ahom society was divided into <strong>clans or khels</strong>. A khel often controlled several villages.</li>
<li>Ahoms worshipped their own tribal gods, yet they accepted <strong>the Hindu religion and the Assamese language.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the Ahom kings did not completely give up their traditional beliefs after adopting Hinduism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Intermarriage with local also increased assimilation processes of Ahoms in Assamese culture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Art and Culture:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poets and scholars were <strong>given land grants</strong> and theatre was encouraged.</li>
<li>Important works of Sanskrit were translated into the local language.</li>
<li>Historical works, known as <strong>buranjis</strong>, were also written, <strong>first in the Ahom language and then in Assamese.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Military Strategy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Ahom king was the supreme <strong>commander of the state as well as the Military.</strong> The Ahom king himself led the state forces in the time of wars. The Paiks were the main army of the state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There were two types of Paiks i.e. <strong>serving and nonserving.</strong> The <strong>non-serving Paiks</strong> constituted <strong>a standing militia</strong> which could be mobilized at a short notice by the <strong>kheldar</strong> (an expert military organizer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The full contingent of the Ahom Army consisted of <strong>infantry, navy, artillery, elephantry, cavalry and spies.</strong> The main war weapons consisted of bows and arrows, swords, Javelins discus, guns, match-locks and cannons.</li>
<li>The Ahoms <strong>sent spies to the enemy&rsquo;s camp</strong> to study the strength and the war strategies of the enemies before leading an expedition.</li>
<li>The Ahom soldiers were experts in <strong>guerilla fighting.</strong> Sometimes they allowed the enemies to enter the country, then cut off their communications and attack them in front and rear</li>
<li><strong>Few important forts:</strong> Chamdhara, Saraighat, Simlagarh, Kaliabar, Kajali and Pandu.</li>
<li>They also learnt the technique of <strong>constructing boatbridges</strong> in the Brahmaputra.</li>
<li>Above all, the mutual understanding among the <strong>civil and military wings, unity among the nobles</strong> always worked as <strong>strong weapons of the Ahoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Battle of Saraighat</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The battle of Saraighat was fought on the banks of the <strong>Brahmaputra</strong> in Guwahati in 1671.</li>
<li>It is considered as one of the <strong>greatest naval battles on a river</strong> which resulted in the victory of Ahoms over the Mughals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616399110_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616399110_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assam-assembly/assam-assembly-polls-legendary-ahom-general-symbol-of-indias-atmanirbhar-military-says-pm-modi/article34125716.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/general-lachit-borphukan-of-ahom-kingdom'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Lateral Entry Reform',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-ias-administrative-reforms-7234834/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Lateral Entry: A challenging administrative reform&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 19/03/2021. It talks about the lateral entry of the private sector into administrative positions.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, eight professionals were recruited for joint secretary-level positions in various ministries under the lateral entry scheme. Lateral entry means when personnel from the private sector are selected to an administrative post of the government despite them not being selected in or being part of a bureaucratic setup.</p>
<p>Lateral entry is needed because contemporary times require highly skilled and motivated individuals at the helm of administrative affairs, without which public service delivery mechanisms do not work smoothly.</p>
<p>However, the success of lateral entry hinges entirely on how it is designed.</p>
<h3>Permanent System of Administrators</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the permanent system, IAS officers get promoted to joint secretary level after 17 years of service and remain at that level for ten years.</li>
<li>Joint Secretaries are at a crucial level of senior management in the Government of India and lead policymaking as well as the implementation of various programs and schemes for the department assigned to them.</li>
<li>The joint secretary-level is usually filled by officers selected through the Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission.</li>
<li>The IAS and permanent system are strictly seniority-bound &mdash; nobody gets promoted ahead of time.</li>
<li>That makes the average age of a joint secretary around 45.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Advantages of Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need for Specialized Knowledge:</strong> Governance is becoming more and more complex requiring specialized skills. For example, increasing penetration of data dominance in our lives.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generalist officers cannot be always expected to be up-to-date with specialized knowledge.</li>
<li>Therefore, people with expertise and specialist domain knowledge are required to navigate the complex needs of present-day administrative challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Filling The Gap:</strong> According to Department of Personnel and Training data, there is a shortage of about 1500 IAS officers. Lateral entry can help bridge this deficit.</li>
<li><strong>Bringing a Change in Work Culture:</strong> It will help in bringing change in bureaucratic culture in Government sector culture. This bureaucratic culture is criticized for red-tapism, rule-book bureaucracy, and status-quoist.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lateral Entry helps in bringing the values of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the Government sector. It will help in building a culture of performance within the Government sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participatory Governance:</strong> Presently, governance is becoming a more participatory and multi-actor endeavor. In this context, the lateral entry provides stakeholders such as the private sector and non-profits an opportunity to participate in the governance process.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arguments Against Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Outsourcing Expertise:</strong> There is a difference between bringing expertise and being part of the decision-making process. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For bringing expertise, the government doesn&rsquo;t strictly need to hire private-sector personnel. Expertise is widely available and used by almost every ministry &mdash; expert committees, consultations, think tank engagements, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cumbersome Decision-Making Process:</strong> The success of lateral entry requires an understanding of the system and an ability to work with the &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; establishment. No training or orientation is provided for this. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By the time networks are built, it is time to move on. On past evidence, the lateral entrants who made the biggest impact are those who served in the system for a length of time and at different levels</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Profit Motive vs. Public Service:</strong> Private sector approach is profit-oriented on the other hand motive of the Government is public service. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is also a fundamental transition that a private sector person has to make while working in government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflict of Interest:</strong> Hiring of the private sector into administrative positions raises issues of potential conflict of interest. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This issue requires a stringent code of conduct for entrants from private sectors to ensure conflict of interest is not detrimental to the public good.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Setting Objective Criteria:</strong> There are several joint secretaries in each ministry who handle different portfolios. If lateral entrants are assigned to an unimportant portfolio, there are chances that they will not be motivated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A cursory look at the portfolios of the eight laterally-hired joint secretaries doesn&rsquo;t suggest that they hold critical portfolios. That&rsquo;s why one entrant has already quit.</li>
<li>Thus, what key skills, qualities, and experiences a particular role requires must be objectively decided.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relaxing Age Barrier:</strong> To attract the best talent from outside at the joint secretary level, entry requirements need to be relaxed so that persons of 35 years of age are eligible.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If one looks at lateral entry in an earlier generation, among economists, there was much greater flexibility.</li>
<li>The likes of Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Bimal Jalan and Vijay Kelkar were joint secretaries in their mid-30s and secretaries by their late 40s or by 50.</li>
<li>That is one of the reasons they left lucrative assignments abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for the Transparent Process:</strong> The key again to the success of this scheme would lie in selecting the right people in a manner that is manifestly transparent. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The constitutional role of UPSC should not be ignored as it will provide legitimacy to the entire process of selection</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Training of Lateral Entrants:</strong> An intensive training program for entrants from the private sector to civil services needs to be formulated which helps them understand the complex nature of work in Government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Lateral entry, like competition in any sphere, is a good thing. But serious thinking is required on entry requirements, job assignments, number of personnel, and training to make it a force for positive change. Apart from it, reforms of the &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; system &mdash; particularly its seniority principle &mdash; are also a prerequisite for holistic administrative reforms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fdfaff;">
<p><span style="color: #993300;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Enabling lateral entry into an otherwise &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; system of administrators is a positive step towards administrative reforms in India. Critically analyze.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lateral-entry-reform'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'World Happiness Report 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Sustainable Development Solutions Network</strong> for the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-world-happiness-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Happiness Report 2021</strong></a>, a day before the<strong> International Happiness Day.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This year it focuses on the effects of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>and how people all over the world have fared.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Happiness Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>celebrated every year on 20<sup>th</sup> March</strong> to highlight the importance of happiness in the diurnal lives of people.</li>
<li>The <strong>United Nations started to celebrate the International Day of Happiness in 2013 </strong>but a<strong> resolution for the same was passed in July, 2012.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This resolution was<strong> first initiated by Bhutan</strong> which emphasised on the importance of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s, thereby adopting the <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-bhutan-new-vistas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross National Happiness</a> (GNH)</strong> over <strong>Gross National Product (GNP).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Gross National Happiness:</strong> The phrase &lsquo;gross national happiness&rsquo; was first <strong>coined by the 4<sup>th</sup> King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The concept <strong>implies that sustainable development should take a holistic approach</strong> towards notions of progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of wellbeing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GNP</strong> is the total value of all finished goods and services produced by a country's citizens in a given financial year, irrespective of their location.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Theme of 2021:</strong> &ldquo;Happiness For All, Forever&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The World Happiness Report<strong> ranks 149 countries</strong> by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.</li>
<li>The rankings are based on polling (Gallup World Poll) which looks at six variables: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gross Domestic Product</strong> </a>Per Capita (Purchasing Power Parity).</li>
<li>Social Support.</li>
<li>Healthy life expectancy at birth.</li>
<li>Freedom to make life choices.</li>
<li>Generosity.</li>
<li>Perceptions of corruption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Respondents are asked to rate their own current lives on a <strong>0-10 scale.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Finland has been ranked as the happiest country</strong> in the world for the<strong> fourth consecutive year.</strong></li>
<li>Followed by Iceland, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Norway.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Worst Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Afghanistan (149)</strong> is the <strong>most unhappy</strong> country.</li>
<li>Followed by Zimbabwe (148), Rwanda (147), Botswana (146) and Lesotho (145).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Neighbours:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pakistan-</strong>105.</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh</strong>-101.</li>
<li><strong>China</strong>-84.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been ranked <strong>139, out of 149 countries</strong> evaluated.</li>
<li>In 2020, India was ranked <strong>144 out of 156 countries</strong> surveyed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Sustainable Development Network Solution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SDSN, <strong>launched in 2012,</strong> mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical problem solving for the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong> </a>and the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate Agreement.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was established under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General.</li>
<li>The <strong>SDSN and the Bertelsmann Stiftung</strong> have been publishing the<strong> annual SDG Index &amp; Dashboards Global Report</strong> since 2016.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:HT</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-happiness-report-2021'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Covid Increased Poverty: Pew Report',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a new research conducted by <strong>Pew Research Center</strong> has found that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coronavirus pandemic</strong></a> has pushed about 32 million Indians out of the<strong> middle class</strong> and increased poverty in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report is based on an analysis of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong> </a>data.</li>
<li><strong>Pew Research Center</strong> is a<strong> nonpartisan fact tank</strong> that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616228269_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616228269_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poverty Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The poverty rate in India likely <strong>rose to 9.7% in 2020,</strong> up sharply from the January 2020 forecast of 4.3%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Poverty:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From <strong>2011 to 2019,</strong> the number of poor in India was estimated to have <strong>reduced to 78 million from 340 million.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2020,</strong> the number <strong>increased by 75 million.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Poor:</strong> People with incomes of<strong> USD 2 or less</strong> a day.</li>
<li>Increase in India accounts for nearly<strong> 60% of the global increase in poverty.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Record increase in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mgnregs-praised-by-the-standing-committee-on-labour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</strong></a> participants as proof that the poor were struggling to find work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Middle Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The middle class in India is estimated to have <strong>shrunk by 3.2 crore in 2020.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Middle Class:</strong> Includes people with incomes of approximately Rs. 700-1,500 or USD 10-20 per day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The middle income group is likely to have decreased from almost <strong>10 crore to just 6.6 crore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shrinked Low Income Group:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The vast majority of India&rsquo;s population fall into the low income group.</li>
<li>This group <strong>shrank from 119.7 crore to 116.2 crore per day,</strong> with about <strong>3.5 crore dropping below the poverty line.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Low Income Group:</strong> Includes people earning about Rs.150 to 700 per day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rich Population:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The richer population also <strong>fell almost 30% to 1.8 crore people.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Rich:</strong> Includes the people who earn more than Rs.1,500 a day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Like India, China has a large population of around 1.4 billion people. But the <strong>pandemic&rsquo;s effect on poverty was much smaller in China.</strong></li>
<li>It was the<strong> only major economy to grow in 2020</strong> and that has helped poverty levels to remain &ldquo;virtually unchanged&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In January 2021, 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> in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-outlook-imf-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Outlook Report</strong></a>, estimated <strong>India&rsquo;s economy to contract 8%</strong> in the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Year (FY)</strong></a> 2020 while <strong>China&rsquo;s economy was expected to expand by 2.3% in 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s <strong>middle class is likely to see a miniscule dip</strong> of just one crore, while the number of <strong>poor people may have gone up by 10 lakh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poverty Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The global poverty rate also <strong>increased to 10.4%</strong> last year after witnessing a steady decline over the years.</li>
<li>It was previously expected that the poverty rate would decrease to 8.7% in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of <strong>&lsquo;global poor&rsquo;</strong> are <strong>estimated to have increased to 803 million in 2020,</strong> which is a significant increase from 672 million, the pre-pandemic prediction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Middle Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From 2011 to 2019, the <strong>middle class population globally had increased</strong> to 1.34 billion from 899 million. Further, it was expected to increase by 54 million annually on average.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>South Asia saw the <strong>greatest reduction in the number of middle class and the largest &lsquo;expansion&rsquo; in poverty in 2020.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This could be attributed to <strong>South Asia experiencing sharp decrease in economic growth</strong> during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> lockdown triggered by the pandemic</strong> resulted in <strong>shut businesses, lost jobs and falling incomes,</strong> plunging the Indian economy into a deep<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-emerged-out-of-technical-recession#:~:text=The%20Indian%20economy%20has%20emerged,in%20manufacturing%2C%20construction%20and%20agriculture.&amp;text=A%20technical%20recession%20is%20when,consecutive%20quarters%20in%20the%20GDP." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> recession</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Sharp rise in global poverty was owing to the fact that <strong>many under the low income tier prior to the pandemic were living on the margin of poverty.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India and China also account for more than a third of the global population,</strong> with about 1.4 billion people each, the course of the pandemic in these two countries and<strong> how each recovers will have a substantial effect on changes in the distribution of income at the global level.</strong></li>
<li>It claws back <strong>several years of progress</strong> on the economic front.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At least <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-lifted-271-million-people-out-of-poverty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">271 million people were lifted out of multi-dimensional poverty</a> between 2005-06 and 2016-17,</strong> claimed India&rsquo;s Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiatives to Mitigate the Effects of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India&rsquo;s Covid-19 Economic Relief Package.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (self-reliant India).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-pandemic-may-have-doubled-poverty-in-india-says-pew-study/article34110732.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-increased-poverty-pew-report'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Refrigeration System Pusa-FSF',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Scientists from the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICAR</a>-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)</strong> have developed an <strong>on-farm green energy refrigeration system (Pusa-FSF)</strong> and a <strong>technology for extraction of gluten from wheat dough</strong> and its<strong> regeneration in bajra</strong> (pearl-millet) <strong>and makka</strong> (maize) flour.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pusa-FSF:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pusa Farm Sun Fridge (Pusa-FSF)</strong> is<strong> a 100% solar-powered battery-less cold store</strong> that<strong> can preserve around 2 tonnes of freshly-harvested produce</strong> at 3-4&deg;C during the day and 8-12&deg;C at nighttime.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has rooftop solar panels that <strong>generate 5 kilowatt (KW) power,</strong> which helps in running air conditioning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The panels <strong>also power a 105-watt submersible pump</strong> circulating about 1,000 litres of water from a tank through overhead PVC pipes.</li>
<li>At night, there is<strong> only passive evaporative cooling,</strong> with the water chilled during the day acting as a natural heat sink.</li>
<li>All <strong>farmers with solar pumps are a potential market</strong> for the Pusa-FSF. India has <strong>an estimated four lakh-plus installed solar water pumps.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An average 5-horsepower pump costing Rs. 2.5 lakh <strong>attracts 70-90% subsidy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Farmers can <strong>store and preserve their own produce.</strong> It can <strong>avoid distress sales and help improve prices.</strong></li>
<li>It will help <strong>minimise post harvest losses.</strong></li>
<li><strong>More room to grow perishable items</strong> such as tomatoes, fruits, other than Paddy and Maize.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology for Extraction of Gluten from Wheat Dough:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Bajra, maize, jowar (sorghum), ragi and other <strong>millets contain comparable levels of protein and more vitamins, minerals,</strong> crude fibre and other nutrients than wheat. But<strong> they don&rsquo;t have any gluten proteins,</strong> which results in poor dough quality.</li>
<li><strong>About the Technology:</strong> The technology<strong> imparts elasticity and structural strength to bajra and maize dough,</strong> making their chapattis as soft as from regular wheat atta flour.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The proteins extracted and dried into powder have the capacity for regeneration or forming gluten networks in non-wheat dough.</li>
<li>Scientists have <strong>developed gluten based &lsquo;Hallur&rsquo; soft bajra flour,</strong> with the help of technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Technological Developments in the Field of Agriculture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/crop-stubble-burning-challenge-in-punjab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happy Seeder</a></strong> - machine for in-situ management of paddy stubble (straw).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/session-on-precision-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Precision Agriculture Technologies</strong></a> - Precision Agriculture (PA) is an approach to farm management that uses information technology to ensure that crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Gluten</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gluten is a family of storage proteins &mdash; formally known as<strong> prolamins</strong> &mdash; that are naturally found in certain cereal grains, such as wheat, barley etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>two main proteins</strong> in gluten are <strong>glutenin and gliadin.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gluten offers a variety of functional culinary benefits and is responsible for the <strong>soft, chewy texture</strong> that is characteristic of many gluten-containing, grain based foods.</li>
<li>When heated, gluten proteins form an elastic network that can stretch and trap gas, allowing for optimal leavening or rising and maintenance of moisture in breads, pasta, and other similar products.</li>
<li><strong>Celiac disease,</strong> also spelled as coeliac disease, is the <strong>most severe form of gluten intolerance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-agricultural-research-institute-women-scientists-7234860/" 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/refrigeration-system-pusa-fsf'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Open Market Operations by RBI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) has decided to conduct <strong>simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities (G-Sec)</strong> under <strong>Open Market Operations (OMOs)</strong> for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore each.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities under OMOs, popularly known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-twist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>operation twist</strong></a>, involves purchasing G-Sec of longer maturities and selling equal amounts of G-Sec of shorter maturities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Open Market Operations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong> Open Market Operations <strong>refers to buying and selling of bonds issued by the Government</strong> in the open market.</li>
<li><strong>One of the Quantitative Tools:</strong> OMO is one of the quantitative tools that RBI uses to smoothen the liquidity conditions through the year and minimise its impact on the interest rate and inflation rate levels.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantitative tools control the extent of money supply by changing the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), or bank rate or open market operations.</li>
<li><strong>Qualitative tools</strong> include persuasion by the Central bank in order to make commercial banks discourage or encourage lending which is done through moral suasion, margin requirement, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on Money Supply:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When <strong>RBI buys a Government bond</strong> in the open market, it pays for it by giving a cheque. This cheque increases the total amount of reserves in the economy and thus <strong>increases the money supply. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Selling of a bond by RBI</strong> (to private individuals or institutions)<strong> leads to reduction in quantity of reserves and hence the money supply. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Types of OMOs:</strong> Outright and Repo. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Outright OMOs are permanent in nature:</strong> when the central bank buys these securities (thus injecting money into the system), it is <strong>without any promise to sell them later.</strong> Similarly, when the central bank sells these securities (thus withdrawing money from the system), it is without any promise to buy them.</li>
<li><strong>Repo:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a type of operation in which when the central bank buys the security, the <strong>agreement of purchase also has specification about date and price of resale of this security.</strong> This type of agreement is called a <strong>repurchase agreement or repo.</strong> The interest rate at which the money is lent in this way is called the <strong>repo rate.</strong></li>
<li>Similarly, instead of outright sale of securities the <strong>central bank may sell the securities through an agreement</strong> which has a specification about the date and price at which it will be repurchased. This type of agreement is called <strong>a reverse repurchase agreement or reverse repo.</strong> The rate at which the money is withdrawn in this manner is called the<strong> reverse repo rate.</strong></li>
<li>The Reserve Bank of India <strong>conducts repo and reverse repo operations</strong> at various maturities: overnight, 7-day, 14- day, etc. These types of operations have now become the <strong>main tool of monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Government Securities</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A G-Sec is<strong> a tradable instrument</strong> issued by the central government or state governments. It <strong>acknowledges the Government&rsquo;s debt obligation.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Short term securities</strong> (with original maturities of less than one year) are usually called <strong>Treasury Bills.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Long term securities</strong> (with original maturities of more than one year or more) are usually <strong>called Government Bonds or Dated Securities.</strong></li>
<li>In India, the <strong>Central Government issues both treasury bills and bonds or dated securities</strong> while the <strong>State Governments issue only bonds or dated securities,</strong> which are called the State Development Loans (SDLs).</li>
<li>G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are <strong>called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gilt-edged securities are high-grade investment bonds offered by governments and large corporations as a means of borrowing funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the <strong>Reserve Bank of India has proposed to allow retail investors to open</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/direct-access-to-g-sec-market-for-retail-investors-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>gilt accounts</strong> </a>with the central bank<strong> to invest in Government securities (G-secs) directly</strong> and without the help of intermediaries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/rbi-to-buy-sell-20000-cr-g-secs/article34102969.ece/amp/" 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/open-market-operations-by-rbi-1'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'US India Artificial Intelligence Initiative',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI)</strong> initiative has been launched to scale up the science and technology relationship between India and the United States.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI)</strong> is an initiative of <strong>Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF)</strong> which was established in March 2000.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Department of Science &amp; Technology (DST), Government of India, and the U.S. Department of State are respective nodal departments for<strong> IUSSTF.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The USIAI will focus on <strong>AI cooperation</strong> in critical areas that are priorities for both countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Example:</strong> Healthcare, smart cities, materials, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will bring together key stakeholders from India and the United States to create synergies that address challenges and opportunities at the interface of science, technology, and society.</li>
<li>This will provide an <strong>opportunity to</strong> discuss the <strong>emerging AI landscape,</strong> and address the <strong>challenges of developing an AI workforce.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Related Recent Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-in-the-ai-race" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National AI Strategy</strong></a> <strong>(NITI Aayog)</strong> and<strong> National AI Portal (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology)</strong> and has also started leveraging AI across various sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, e-commerce, finance, telecommunications, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Recently <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mygov-corona-helpdesk-chatbot" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot</strong> </a>bagged two awards under categories (1) &ldquo;Best Innovation for Covid-19 &ndash; Society&rdquo; and (2) &ldquo;People&rsquo;s Choice Covid-19 Overall Winner&rdquo; at the recently held CogX 2020. CogX is a prestigious Global Leadership Summit and Festival of Artificial Intelligence &amp; Emerging Technology held annually in London.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, India joined the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-partnership-on-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)'</strong></a> as a founding member to support the responsible and human-centric development and use of AI.</li>
<li>As per a recent report, India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-ai-adoption-in-india-amidst-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reported a 45% increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence</strong></a>, the highest among all countries, because of shift in buying behaviour and new business challenges (owing to Covid-19 pandemic).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mega-virtual-summit-on-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RAISE 2020 &ndash; &lsquo;Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020&rsquo;</strong></a> was jointly organised by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology <strong>(MeitY).</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vaibhav-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vaishwik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit</strong> </a>was organised in 2020 to discuss key areas like quantum technologies, artificial intelligence among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It describes the <strong>action of machines accomplishing</strong> tasks that have historically <strong>required human intelligence.</strong></li>
<li>It includes technologies like <strong>machine learning, pattern recognition, big data, neural networks, self algorithms etc.</strong></li>
<li>AI is different from hardware driven robotic automation. Instead of automating manual tasks, AI performs frequent high volume computerised tasks reliably.</li>
<li>AI is often misunderstood for machine learning. AI is a<strong> broader concept</strong> with a bunch of technologies that include machine learning and other technologies like natural language processing, inference algorithms, neutron networks etc.</li>
<li>AI techniques now have become an essential part of the technology industry helping to solve many challenging problems in computer-science. From <strong>Apple Siri to self driving cars,</strong> AI is progressing rapidly.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1705823" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source -PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-india-artificial-intelligence-initiative'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Empowering the MSMEs Digitally',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/msme-sector-manufacturing-e-commerce-digital-empowerment-7233355/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;How e-commerce marketplaces can drive MSME makeover&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 18/03/2021. It talks about how the MSME sector of India is the backbone of its economy and how the involvement of e-commerce in the sector can help it thrive.</p>
</div>
<p>India&rsquo;s economic landscape is defined by its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/msme-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).</strong></a> However, the sector is based on obsolete technology, which hampers its production efficiency.</p>
<p>With India&rsquo;s goal of inclusive development, enhanced livelihoods and the notion of &ldquo;vocal for local&rdquo;, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/e-commerce-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> marketplaces for the MSMEs become more significant.</p>
<p>With its ability to accelerate businesses, e-commerce could be a means for Indian MSMEs to unlock global value chains.</p>
<p>Moreover, automation in the production process for greater efficiency and availability of more channels to MSMEs to provide access to greater markets is the need of the hour.</p>
<h3>MSMEs and e-Commerce</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MSME:</strong> As per data from the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-micro-small-and-medium-enterprises" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a>, almost 51% of Indian MSMEs are based in rural areas. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They often need exposure to large markets and expertise to be able to scale up and enhance capabilities.</li>
<li>Some of the challenges that MSMEs are faced with today are working capital crunch, supply chain bottlenecks, technological glitches, elaborate GST compliance framework, limited customer appetite for spending and many more.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The answer to some of these challenges lies in MSMEs embracing digital solutions for managing various aspects of their business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>e-Commerce:</strong> The share of e-commerce in total retail has been growing consistently across the world, particularly in China, the US, and in countries in the Asia Pacific region. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Studies suggest that the India&rsquo;s e-commerce market is expected to expand to USD 84 billion by 2021 from USD 24 billion in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>E-commerce could provide Indian MSMEs an opportunity to attract consumers and organizations from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Digitization in MSMEs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Connects MSMEs Globally:</strong> It allows for small companies and startups located even in hinterlands to get their products to the national as well as global market. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides opportunities to artisans and small sellers from Tier-2/3 towns to sell online to customers beyond their local catchment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment and Income:</strong> E-commerce marketplaces are today the best possible enablers for this transformation at minimal cost, innovation and investment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By investing in supply chains, the e-commerce sector provides opportunities for MSMEs to partner them in supply and delivery networks. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This leads to additional income generation through multiple livelihood opportunities and thus contributes to economic prosperity and inclusive growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost Effective:</strong> E-commerce could also become a tool for Indian MSMEs to lower operational costs, increase revenue, acquire more customers and benefit from customer advocacy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The online medium could help them access a seamless global supply chain at a fraction of the proportional cost of market access and delivery, freeing up cash for growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Associated</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>No Threshold Exemption from GST:</strong> The businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh are exempted from <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GST</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sellers on e-commerce marketplaces do not get advantage of <strong>GST threshold exemption</strong> for intra&ndash;state supplies that offline sellers enjoy.</li>
<li>They have to &ldquo;compulsorily register&rdquo; even though their turnover is low.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Physical Principal Place of Business (PPoB):</strong> In e-commerce, it is not quite practical for online sellers to have a physical PPoB. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It leads to increased complexities for MSMEs in registering in e-commerce marketplaces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Access to Appropriate Infrastructure and Technology:</strong> Buying the latest smart devices, best internet services, retaining skilled employees to manage digital systems and maintaining physical and digital infrastructure is also an expensive affair for small, nascent companies.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Awareness:</strong> There are still many small and medium scale enterprises who are unaware of the impact of digital transformation and fail to build customer loyalty and retention as other e-businesses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, MSMEs are resistant to augment digital technologies because cutting-edge technologies evolve faster, and they sometimes may not be able to match up with that advancement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining a Database:</strong> Storing, analyzing, and managing crucial structured and unstructured data to make business decisions is challenging for MSMEs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Data, cloud, and system management along with the training required to handle them, leave MSMEs uncertain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Dovetailing Existing Schemes with Technology:</strong> Examine the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> existing schemes and benefits for MSMEs</strong></a>, which were formulated with an offline, physical market in mind, and tweak them to include the special needs to leverage online sales channels. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, MSMEs could be given fiscal incentives to access markets and invest in digital marketing. The objective is to incentivise those who shift to the digital mode.</li>
<li>Connecting the skilling policy and programmes with the requirements of the e-commerce sector to meet future demand of the sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Exports via e-Commerce:</strong> Taking specific steps to increase exports via e-commerce. The steps may include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Identifying products that have potential for the export market.</li>
<li>Connecting e-commerce with export-oriented manufacturing clusters.</li>
<li>Encouraging tie-ups with sector-specific export promotion councils.</li>
<li>Leveraging existing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tripura-gets-its-first-sez" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Special Economic Zones</strong></a> to create e-commerce export zones.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-Commerce and Foreign Trade Policy (FTP):</strong> The Foreign Trade Policy should identify the areas required by online sellers to succeed in global markets and include e-commerce export specific provisions in the upcoming revised policy. It may include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Specific policy provisions providing incentives for e-commerce exports.</li>
<li>Enabling end to end digitization for e-commerce exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of Bigger Tech-Based Companies:</strong> Many technology based companies are building exclusive tools to support small and medium scale enterprises by enhancing their business proficiency and profitability. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Google Advantage</strong> is one such initiative by Google India that facilitates MSMEs to use the growing online clientele base.</li>
<li><strong>Google My Business i</strong>s specifically developed to support startups, and MSMEs in India to succeed virtually.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Simplifying the PPoB Requirement:</strong> The government shall simplify the PPoB requirement especially for online sellers by making it digital and not requiring physical presence to expand their reach outside their home state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Replacing physical PPoB with Place of Communication.</li>
<li>Eliminating the need for state specific physical PPoB requirement will facilitate sellers to get state-level GST with a single national place of business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Manufacturing by small units, cottage units and MSMEs has been a major contributor to India&rsquo;s growth story. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These small sectors, if effectively facilitated by digitisation, will be the game changer to accelerate economic growth, employment, income levels and enhance supply chain efficiencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Digital proficiency for MSMEs is vital to set foot in the online market successfully. Without that, the sector can not be future ready.</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: #fffff7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Digital empowerment is the key differentiator for the MSMEs Sector. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the digitisation of MSME sector in India. (250 Words)</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/empowering-the-msmes-digitally'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has <strong>demanded the national project status for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The main advantage of a project which has received national project status is that <strong>90% of the funding for the project will be given by the central government.</strong></li>
<li>The estimated cost of the ERCP is around Rs. 40,000 crore.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the state Water Resources Department, <strong>Rajasthan</strong>, the <strong>largest state of India</strong> with a geographical area of 342.52 lakh hectares which amount to 10.4% of the entire country, <strong>holds only 1.16% of India&rsquo;s surface water and 1.72% of groundwater.</strong></li>
<li>Among the state&rsquo;s water bodies, <strong>only the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ramgarh-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chambal river</a> basin has surplus water</strong> but this water cannot be tapped directly because the area around the Kota barrage is designated as a crocodile sanctuary.</li>
<li>Through the help of diversion structures, interbasin water transfers, linking channels and construction of pumping main feeder channels, the <strong>ERCP aims to create a network of water channels</strong> which will cover 23.67 % area of Rajasthan along with 41.13 % population of the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>aims to harvest surplus water</strong> available during rainy season in <strong>rivers in Southern Rajasthan s</strong>uch as <strong>Chambal</strong> and its tributaries, including Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh, and use this<strong> water in south-eastern districts of the state</strong>, where there is scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation.</li>
<li><strong>ERCP</strong> is planned to meet <strong>drinking and industrial water needs</strong> of the southern and south eastern Rajasthan, for humans and Livestock till the year 2051.</li>
<li>It <strong>proposes to provide drinking water to 13 districts of Rajasthan</strong> and provide irrigation water for 2.8 lakh hectares of land through 26 different large and medium projects.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>13 districts:</strong> Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Dholpur.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A significant area of land will get <strong>irrigation facilities.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>intends to improve the ground water table in the rural areas</strong> of the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Positively influencing the socio-economic conditions of the people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It adds special emphasis on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delhi-mumbai-industrial-corridor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)</strong></a> and envisages that sustainable water sources will enhance and help industries grow in these areas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Resulting in investment and revenue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chambal River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is one of the most pollution-free rivers of India.</li>
<li>It <strong>originates at the Singar Chouri peak</strong> in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains (Indore, Madhya Pradesh). From there, it flows in the North direction in Madhya Pradesh for a length of about 346 km and <strong>then follows a north-easterly direction for a length of 225 km through Rajasthan.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>enters U.P.</strong> and flows for about 32 km before joining the Yamuna River in Etawah District.</li>
<li>It is a rainfed river and its <strong>basin is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravallis.</strong> The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.</li>
<li>The <strong>Hadauti plateau in Rajasthan</strong> occurs in the upper catchment of the Chambal River to the southeast of the Mewar Plains.</li>
<li><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Main Power Projects/ Dam:</strong> Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage.</li>
<li>The <strong>National Chambal Sanctuary</strong> is located along river Chambal on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is known for critically endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150564_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150564_image2.jpg" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-eastern-rajasthan-canal-project-why-ashok-gehlot-wants-national-tag-for-it-7234210/" 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/eastern-rajasthan-canal-project'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Vehicle Scrapping Policy',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Road and Transport Minister announced the<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vehicle-scrapping-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Vehicle Scrapping</a> Policy</strong> in the Lok Sabha.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was first announced in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Union Budget for 2021-22.</strong></a></li>
<li>The policy is <strong>estimated to cover 51 lakh Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs)</strong> that are <strong>above 20 years of age</strong> and another <strong>34 lakh LMVs</strong> above <strong>15 years of age.</strong></li>
<li>India will also implement a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-visual-positioning-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Positioning System (GPS)</strong></a>-<strong>based toll collection system </strong>and<strong> do away with all toll booths within a year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150327_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150327_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reducing the population of old and defective vehicles, bringing down vehicular air pollutants, improving <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/road-safety-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>road and vehicular safety.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fitness Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Old vehicles will have to <strong>pass a fitness test before re-registration</strong> and as per the policy <strong>government commercial vehicles more than 15 years old</strong> and <strong>private vehicles which are over 20 years old </strong>will be scrapped.</li>
<li>Old vehicles will be tested at the <strong>Automated Fitness Center</strong> and the fitness test of the vehicles will be conducted according to international standards. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Emission test, braking system, safety components will be tested and the vehicles which fail in the fitness test will be scraped.</li>
<li>The Ministry has also <strong>issued rules for registration procedure for scrapping facilities, </strong>their powers, and scrapping procedure to be followed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Tax Rebate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The state governments may be advised to offer a <strong>road-tax rebate</strong> of up to <strong>25% for personal vehicles</strong> and up to <strong>15% for commercial vehicles</strong> to provide <strong>incentive to owners</strong> of old vehicles to scrap old and unfit vehicles</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vehicle Discount:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vehicle manufacturers will also give a <strong>discount of 5%</strong> to people who will produce the<strong> 'Scrapping Certificate'</strong> and registration fees will be waived off on the purchase of a new vehicle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disincentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a disincentive, <strong>increased re-registration fees</strong> would be applicable for <strong>vehicles 15 years or older</strong> from the initial date registration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Creation of Scrap yards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will lead to creation for more scrap yards in the country and effective recovery of waste from old vehicles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the new fitness centers, <strong>35 thousand people will get employment</strong> and an investment of Rs 10,000 crores will be pumped in.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Revenue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will <strong>boost sales of heavy and medium commercial vehicles</strong> that had been in the contraction zone as a result of economic slowdown triggered by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-yes-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> bankruptcy of IL&amp;FS</strong></a> (Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19#:~:text=This%20article%20is%20based%20on,on%2022%2F06%2F2020.&amp;text=Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20is%20a,than%20merely%20a%20biomedical%20one." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></li>
<li>The government treasury is<strong> expected to get around Rs 30,000 to 40,000 crores</strong> of money through <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST)</strong> </a>from this policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Prices:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Prices of auto components would fall substantially with the <strong>recycling of metal and plastic parts.</strong></li>
<li>As scrapped materials will get cheaper the <strong>production cost of the vehicle manufacturers will also reduce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will help <strong>improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As older vehicles pollute the environment 10 to 12 times more, and estimated that 17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles are more than 15 years old.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives to Curb Vehicular Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/go-electric-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Go Electric Campaign</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fame-india-scheme-phase-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FAME India Scheme Phase II.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electric-vehicles-policy-2020-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2020</a> for Delhi.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-based-bus-and-car-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Bus and Car Project.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-electric-mobility-mission-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Electric Mobility Mission 2020.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-vehicle-scrapping-policy-nitin-gadkari-7233975/" 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/vehicle-scrapping-policy'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Damages Recovery Bill',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of Haryana has passed the <strong>Haraya Recovery of Damages to Property During Disturbance to Public Order Bill,</strong> 2021.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It can be noted that earlier<strong> Uttar Pradesh Government</strong> too had <strong>passed a similar bill named "Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Act, 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Bill:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Recovery of Damages:</strong> The Bill provides for<strong> recovery of damages to properties</strong> caused by <strong>persons during disturbances to public order by an assembly, lawful or unlawful,</strong> including riots and violent disorder.</li>
<li><strong>Compensation to Victims:</strong> It also ensures compensation to the victims.</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Coverage:</strong> The recovery will not only be made from those who indulge in violence but also from those who lead the protest, the organizers, those involved in its planning and provide encouragement and the participants.</li>
<li><strong>Establishes a Claim Tribunal:</strong> The provision for the <strong>constitution of Claims Tribunal to determine the liability,</strong> to assess the damages caused and to award compensation.</li>
<li><strong>Attachment of Property:</strong> The power to attach property or bank account of any person against whom an award has been passed by the Claims Tribunal to pay compensation.</li>
<li><strong>Appeal against Tribunal:</strong> Any person aggrieved by the award passed by the Claims Tribunal may file an appeal before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>No civil court shall have the jurisdiction to entertain any question relating to the claim for the compensation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Responsibility of Government:</strong> It is the responsibility of the state government to protect the property of the state, whether it is private or government.</li>
<li><strong>Balance between Rights and Responsibility:</strong> In a democracy everyone has the right to speak and protest peacefully, but no one has the right to damage property.</li>
<li><strong>Deterrence:</strong> There should be a legal framework to cause deterrence in the minds of the perpetrators of violence as also the organisers, instigators etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Against SC Guidelines:</strong> Composition of Claim Tribunal may violate SC judgement. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The SC, in 2019 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-ruling-on-finance-act-2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>struck down the Finance Act of 2017</strong></a> which altered the appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals for not being in conformity with the principles delineated by the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against Fundamental Rights:</strong> Violates the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Vague and Unclear:</strong> The Supreme Court had only issued broad guidelines and many aspects like identifying offenders, executing a plan to recover losses, and penalties for non-compliance remains unclear.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Legal Provisions in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has <strong>no central legislation</strong> governing<strong> recovery of damages.</strong> At present, action against rioters is limited to the toothless <strong>Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984,</strong> which prescribes a jail term and fine for convicts but has <strong>no provision for recovery for damages.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite a<strong> law against the destruction of property,</strong> incidents of rioting, vandalism, and arson have been common during protests across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>In 2007,</strong> the Supreme Court (SC) took suo motu cognizance of the issue and set up <strong>two Committees</strong> headed by <strong>Justice K T Thomas</strong> and senior advocate<strong> Fali Nariman</strong> to suggest changes to the law.</li>
<li><strong>In 2009,</strong> the Supreme Court issued guidelines based on the recommendations of the two expert Committees.</li>
<li>Like the law, the guidelines too, have had a limited impact. In <strong>Koshy Jacob vs Union Of India, 2017</strong> the court reiterated that the law needed to be updated.</li>
<li><strong>Right to Protests vs Recovery of Damages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights vs. Order:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While agitators point to their fundamental right to protest, the plight of the people affected by agitations and their right to continue with normal activity often get ignored.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s history of public protests derives its legitimacy from Mahatma Gandhi&rsquo;s path of civil disobedience and nonviolent protests, which were an integral part of our freedom struggle.</li>
<li>This legacy continued and intensified over the year and the acceptance of bandhs, and hartals became part of people&rsquo;s lives in many parts of the country.</li>
<li>In fact agitations and disruptions are so steeped into our culture that we often make a virtue of it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Example:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The United States has state-wise laws with heightened penalties for protesters who block traffic and authorises law enforcement agencies to recover costs from protesters who damage or obstruct &ldquo;critical infrastructure&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Every organiser of a protest must make a clear declaration ensuring his followers will not damage public property and if they do, must be held financially liable.</li>
<li>Facial recognition technology and the databases can help the police nail down vandals in a manner that can stand court scrutiny.</li>
<li>With the increased deployment of surveillance cameras, protest organisers and frontline leaders could be monitored, subject to privacy laws.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It punishes anyone<strong> &ldquo;who commits mischief by doing any act in respect of any public property&rdquo;</strong> with <strong>a jail term of up to five years and a fine or both.</strong> Provisions of this law can be coupled with those under the Indian Penal Code.</li>
<li>Under this Act, public property includes &ldquo;any building, installation or other property used in connection with the production, distribution or supply of water, light, power or energy; any oil installation; any sewage works; any mine or factory; any means of public transportation or of telecommunications, or any building, installation or other property used in connection therewith&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thomas Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Thomas Committee recommended <strong>reversing the burden of proof against protesters.</strong> The court should have the power to draw a presumption that the accused is guilty of destroying public property, and it would then be open to the accused to rebut such presumption.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such a <strong>reversal of the burden of proof</strong> is applicable in cases of sexual violence, among others.</li>
<li>Generally, the law presumes that the<strong> accused is innocent until the prosecution proves its case.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The court accepted the suggestion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Nariman Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The recommendations of this committee dealt with <strong>extracting damages for destruction.</strong></li>
<li>The court accepted them and ruled that the rioters should be made strictly liable and compensation must be collected for the damage done.</li>
<li>Apart from this, the Supreme Court directed High Courts to order suo motu action and to set up a machinery to investigate the damage caused and award compensation wherever mass destruction to the property takes place due to protests.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ruckus-in-haryana-assembly-over-damages-recovery-bill/article34103805.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/damages-recovery-bill'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Stop TB Partnership Board',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Dr. Harsh Vardhan,</strong> Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has been <strong>appointed Chairman of the Stop TB Partnership Board.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He will<strong> serve a three year term, commencing July 2021,</strong> as the Chair of the Board of Stop TB Partnership.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Stop TB Partnership Board:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>established in 2001</strong>&nbsp;and is mandated to eliminate Tuberculosis as a public health problem.</li>
<li>The organization was <strong>conceived following the meeting of the First Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Tuberculosis Epidemic</strong> held in London in March 1998.</li>
<li>In its inaugural year itself, the Stop TB Partnership through the <strong>Amsterdam Declaration</strong> gave a call for collaborative action from ministerial delegations from 20 countries that bear the highest burden of TB.</li>
<li>In 2019, it launched the updated <strong>Global Plan to End TB 2018-2022.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Kochon Prize</strong> is awarded annually by Stop TB Partnership to individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant contribution to combating TB.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Kochon Prize,</strong> which is endowed by the Kochon Foundation, a non-profit foundation registered in the Republic of Korea, consists of a USD 65,000 award.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its secretariat is based at <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High TB Burden Countries:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, the <strong>30 high TB burden countries</strong> accounted for 87% of new TB cases.</li>
<li>Eight countries account for two thirds of the total, with <strong>India leading the count,</strong> followed by Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and South Africa (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-tuberculosis-report-2019-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Tuberculosis Report: WHO</strong></a>)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scenario in India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With <strong>an estimated 2.64 million TB patients,</strong> India has the largest burden of TB globally in terms of absolute numbers.</li>
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/step-up-for-tb-2020-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Step Up for TB 2020&rdquo;</strong></a> report by the Stop TB Partnership and M&eacute;decins Sans Fronti&egrave;res/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has<strong> highlighted India&rsquo;s conservative approach regarding the new medicines for Drug Resistant TB,</strong> putting lives of patients including children in danger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps Taken by India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>committed to eliminating TB in the country by 2025.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Strategy Plan for TB Elimination 2017-2025:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The requirements for moving towards TB elimination in India have been arranged in <strong>four strategic areas of Detect, Treat, Prevent &amp; Build.</strong></li>
<li>There is also across all four areas, an overarching theme of the<strong> Private Sector.</strong> Another overarching theme is that of <strong>Key Populations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign, Nikshay Poshan Yojana,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Efforts:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>End TB Strategy of WHO.</strong></li>
<li><strong>World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed on 24<sup>th</sup> March</strong> to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tuberculosis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tuberculosis</strong> </a>is <strong>caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)</strong> that most often affect the lungs.</li>
<li><strong>Transmission:</strong> TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> TB is treatable and curable disease. It is treated with a standard 6 month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer.</li>
<li><strong>Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)</strong> is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs.</li>
<li><strong>Extensively drug resistant TB (XDR TB)</strong> is a rare type of MDR TB that is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (i.e., amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1705468" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/stop-tb-partnership-board'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Rajya Sabha passed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-termination-of-pregnancy-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a>. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in March 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill seeks to amend the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-to-raise-upper-limit-for-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616139770_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616139770_image1.jpg" width="600" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Termination due to Failure of Contraceptive Method or Device:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated up to 20 weeks by a married woman in the case of failure of contraceptive method or device. The Bill <strong>allows unmarried women to also terminate a pregnancy for this reason.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opinion Needed for Termination of Pregnancy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Opinion of <strong>one registered medical practitioner</strong> (instead of two or more) for termination of pregnancy <strong>up to 20 weeks</strong> of gestation .<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Gestation</strong> is the foetal development period from the time of conception until birth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Opinion of <strong>two registered medical practitioners</strong> for termination of pregnancy of <strong>20-24 weeks</strong> of gestation.</li>
<li>Opinion of the <strong>State-level medical board</strong> is essential for a pregnancy to be terminated after <strong>24 weeks</strong> in case of substantial foetal abnormalities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Medical Boards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Every <strong>state government is required to constitute a Medical Board.</strong></li>
<li>These Medical Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii) a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Upper Gestation Limit for Special Categories:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>enhances the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women which will be defined in the amendments to the MTP Rules</strong> and would include survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, minors) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confidentiality:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>&ldquo;name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed&rdquo;</strong>, except to a person authorised in any law that is currently in force.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Before 1971, abortion was criminalized</strong> under <strong>Section 312</strong> of the <strong>Indian Penal Code,</strong> 1860, describing it as intentionally 'causing miscarriage'.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Termination in Case of Anomaly:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A number of foetus abnormalities are detected after the 20<sup>th</sup> week, often turning a wanted pregnancy into an unwanted one.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Helps Special Category Women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The law will <strong>help the rape victims, ill and under-age women</strong> to terminate the unwanted pregnancy lawfully.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficial for Unmarried Women:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill also <strong>applies to unmarried women</strong> and therefore, relaxes one of the regressive clauses of the 1971 Act, i.e., single women couldn&rsquo;t cite contraceptive failure as a reason for seeking an abortion.</li>
<li>Allowing unmarried women to medically terminate pregnancies and a provision to protect the privacy of the person seeking an abortion will bestow <strong>reproductive rights to the women.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Viability of the Foetus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A key aspect of the legality governing abortions has always been the &lsquo;viability&rsquo; of the foetus.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Viability implies the <strong>period from which a foetus is capable of living outside the womb.</strong></li>
<li>As technology improves, with infrastructure up-gradation, and with skilful professionals driving medical care, this <strong>&lsquo;viability&rsquo; naturally improves.</strong></li>
<li>Currently, <strong>viability</strong> is usually placed at about seven months (28 weeks) but <strong>may occur earlier, even at 24 weeks.</strong></li>
<li>Thus, <strong>late termination of pregnancy may get in conflict with the viability of the foetus.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preference for a Male Child:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The preference for a male child keeps sex determination centres in business in spite of their illegal status. There are concerns that a <strong>more liberal abortion law can aggravate this state-of-affairs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Change of Choice:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current Bill<strong> does not consider factors such as personal choice, a sudden change in circumstances</strong> (due to separation from or death of a partner), and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/domestic-violence-during-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>domestic violence.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Medical Boards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The present healthcare budgetary allocation makes setting up a board across the country, both <strong>financially and practically impossible.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Access</strong> to the board by pregnant women<strong> in remote areas of the state is a matter of concern.</strong></li>
<li><strong>No time limit set</strong> to respond to the requests.</li>
<li>The board will subject women to multiple examinations before allowing her to terminate her pregnancy. This is a <strong>violation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-to-privacy-legitimate-state-interest#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20described%20privacy,decision%20of%20K.S.%20Puttaswamy%20v.&amp;text=The%20right%20to%20privacy%20is%20protected%20as%20an%20intrinsic%20part,Part%20III%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener">right to privacy</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-of-reputation-vs-right-to-dignity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right to live with dignity.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 is a step in the right direction, the government needs to ensure that <strong>all norms and standardised protocols in clinical practice to facilitate abortions are followed</strong> in health care institutions across the country.</li>
<li>Along with that, the question of abortion needs to be decided on the basis of human rights, the principles of solid science, and in step with advancements in technology.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-proceedings-rajya-sabha-passes-the-medical-termination-of-pregnancy-bill/article34085993.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Ken-Betwa Link Project',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Chief Ministers of <strong>Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh</strong> signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/ken-betwa-interlink-project#:~:text=The%20Ken%2DBetwa%20Link%20Project,UP%20and%20Tikamgarh%2C%20Panna%20and" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP)</strong></a>, the first project of the <strong>National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The two states <strong>signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre</strong> on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-water-crisis-unicef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Water Day</strong> </a>(22nd March) to finally implement this ambitious project.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)</strong> is the River interlinking project that <strong>aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken river in MP to Betwa in UP to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The region spread across the districts of two states mainly Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The project involves building a 77-metre tall and a 2-km wide <strong>Dhaudhan dam and a 230-km canal.</strong></li>
<li>Ken-Betwa is <strong>one of the 30 river interlinking projects</strong> conceived across the country.</li>
<li>The project has been <strong>delayed due to political and environmental issues.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage of Interlining of Rivers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reducing Drought:</strong> River linking will be a solution to recurring droughts in Bundelkhand region.</li>
<li><strong>Farmers&rsquo; Benefit:</strong> It will curb the rate of farmers suicide and will ensure them stable livelihood by providing sustainable means of irrigation and reducing excessive dependence on groundwater.</li>
<li><strong>Electricity Production:</strong> It will not only <strong>accelerate the water conservation</strong> by construction of a multipurpose dam but will also <strong>produce 103 MW of hydropower</strong> and will <strong>supply drinking water to 62 lakh people.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rejuvenate Biodiversity:</strong> Few are of the view that the introduction of dams inside the water scarce regions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panna-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>panna tiger reserve (MP)</strong></a>, will rejuvenate the forests of the reserve that in turn will pave the way for Rich Biodiversity in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Environmental:</strong> Because of certain environmental and wildlife conservation concerns like <strong>passing of the project though critical tiger habitat of panna tiger reserve</strong>, the project is stuck in for the approval from <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a>, and other higher authorities.</li>
<li><strong>Economic:</strong> There is a huge economic cost attached with the project implementation and maintenance, which has been rising due to delays in project implementation.</li>
<li><strong>Social:</strong> Reconstruction and rehabilitation caused due to displacement resulting from the implementation of the project will involve social cost as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ken and Betwa Rivers</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ken and Betwa rivers originate in MP and are the <strong>tributaries of Yamuna.</strong></li>
<li>Ken meets with Yamuna in Banda district of UP and with Betwa in Hamirpur district of UP.</li>
<li>Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila dams are over Betwa river.</li>
<li>Ken River passes through Panna tiger reserve.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>National River Linking Project (NRLP)</strong> formally known as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-of-river-interlinking#:~:text=The%20National%20River%20Linking%20Project,inter%2Dbasin%20water%20transfer%20projects." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Perspective Plan</strong></a>, envisages the transfer of <strong>water from water &lsquo;surplus&rsquo; basins</strong> where there is flooding, to <strong>water &lsquo;deficit&rsquo; basins</strong> where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.</li>
<li>Under the <strong>National Perspective Plan (NPP)</strong>, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), has identified 30 links (16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component) for the preparation of feasibility reports (FRs).</li>
<li>The NPP for transferring water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins was prepared in August 1980.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616483113_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616483113_image3.png" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ken-betwa-link-up-mp-to-sign-pact-today-7239044/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1616486682250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Cuziby0hv5PSwbwUWEzL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Fundamental Rights (Part-1)',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12-35).</li>
<li>Part III of the Constitution is described as the<em><strong> Magna Carta</strong></em> of India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>&lsquo;Magna Carta&rsquo;, the Charter of Rights issued by King John of England in 1215 was the first written document relating to the Fundamental Rights of citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Fundamental Rights:</strong> The Constitution of India provides for six Fundamental Rights:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Right to equality (Articles 14&ndash;18)</li>
<li>Right to freedom (Articles 19&ndash;22)</li>
<li>Right against exploitation (Articles 23&ndash;24)</li>
<li>Right to freedom of religion (Articles 25&ndash;28)</li>
<li>Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29&ndash;30)</li>
<li>Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Originally the constitution also included <strong>Right to property (Article 31).</strong> However, it was deleted from the list of Fundamental Rights by the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendments-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>44<sup>th</sup> Amendment Act, 1978.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is made a <strong>legal right under Article 300-A&nbsp;</strong>in Part XII of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provision for Laws Violating Fundamental Rights: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=Article%2013(2)%20reads%2C,of%20contravention%2C%20be%20void.%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 13</a></strong> of the Indian constitution declares that all laws that are inconsistent with or in derogation of any of the fundamental rights shall be void. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This power has been conferred on the Supreme Court <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-32-of-the-constitution#:~:text=Article%2032%20of%20the%20Constitution%20(Right%20to%20Constitutional%20Remedies)%3A,rights%20recognised%20by%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Article 32)</strong></a> and the high courts (Article 226).</li>
<li>Further, the article declares that a constitutional amendment cannot be challenged (as it is not a law). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the Supreme Court in the<strong> Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)</strong> held that a Constitutional amendment can be challenged if it violates a fundamental right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Writ Jurisdiction:</strong> A writ is a legal order given by a court of law. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Supreme Court (Article 32) and the High courts (Article 226) can issue the writs of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/constitutional-rights-judicial-review-and-parliamentary-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo-warranto.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Features of the Fundamental Rights:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Protected by Constitution:</strong> Fundamental Rights, unlike ordinary legal rights, are protected and guaranteed by the constitution of the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some of the rights are available only to the citizens while others are available to all persons whether citizens, foreigners or legal persons like corporations or companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Not Sacrosanct, Permanent, or Absolute:</strong> They are not sacrosanct or permanent and the Parliament can curtail or repeal them but only by a constitutional amendment act.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rights are not absolute but qualified.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The state can impose reasonable restrictions on them, however, the reasonability of the restrictions is decided by the courts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rights are Justiciable:</strong> The rights are justiciable and allow persons to move the courts for their enforcement, if and when they are violated. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any aggrieved person can directly go to the Supreme Court in case of violation of any fundamental right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suspension of Rights:</strong> The rights can be suspended during the operation of a National Emergency except the rights guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the six rights guaranteed by Article 19 can be suspended only when there is an external emergency war or external aggression) [and not on the ground of armed rebellion (i.e., internal emergency].</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restriction of Laws:</strong> Their application to the members of armed forces, paramilitary forces, police forces, intelligence agencies and analogous services can be restricted or abrogated by the Parliament (Article 33).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their application can be restricted while martial law (military rule imposed under abnormal circumstances) is in force in any area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #140a3d; text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Fundamental Rights (available to citizens as well foreigners) (except enemy aliens)</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #140a3d; text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Fundamental Rights available to citizens only</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 36px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 36px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Equality before law.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 36px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<p>Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 10px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protection in respect of conviction for offences.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<p>Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 37px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 37px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protection of personal life and liberty.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 37px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<p>Protection of the six fundamental rights of freedom mentioned in article 19.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 45px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Right to elementary education.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">Protection of language, script and culture of minorities.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 35px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 29px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 29px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prohibition of human trafficking and forced labour.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 29px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 10px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prohibition of employment of children in factories.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 10px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 45px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom to manage religious affairs.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 67px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom from payment of taxes for promotion of any religion.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 67px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 89px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 89px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Freedom from attending religious instruction or worship in certain educational institutions.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 89px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #fff7fd;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>The Fundamental Rights</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616481225_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616481225_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Right to Equality (Article <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/important-articles-from-indian-constitution-compilation-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14, 15, 16</a>, 17 and 18):</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Equality Before Law: Article 14</strong> says that no person shall be denied treatment of equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The right is extended to all persons whether citizens or foreigners, statutory corporations, companies, registered societies or any other type of legal person.</li>
<li><strong>Exceptions:</strong> As per article 361, the President of India or Governor of states is not answerable to any court for the exercise of their powers/duties and no civil or criminal proceedings can occur or continue against them in any court during their term of office.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per article 361-A, no civil or court proceedings can occur for a person for publishing any substantially true report of either House of the Parliament and State Legislature.</li>
<li>No member of Parliament (article 105) and State Legislature (article 194) shall be liable to any court proceedings in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee.</li>
<li>The foreign sovereigns (rulers), ambassadors and diplomats enjoy immunity from criminal and civil proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prohibition of Discrimination: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lok-sabha-passes-the-constitution-124th-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 15</a></strong> provides that no citizen shall be discriminated on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exception:</strong> Certain provisions can be made for the women, children, citizens from any socially or educationally backward class for their upliftment (such as reservation and access to free education).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lok-sabha-passes-the-constitution-124th-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 16</a></strong> of the Indian constitution provides for equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of employment or appointment to any public office. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exceptions:</strong> There are provisions for reservation in appointments or posts for any backward class that is not adequately represented in the state services. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, an incumbent of a religious or denominational institution may belong to the particular religion or denomination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Abolition of Untouchability: Article 17</strong> abolishes &lsquo;untouchability&rsquo; and forbids its practice in any form. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A person convicted of the offence of &lsquo;untouchability&rsquo; is disqualified for election to the Parliament or state legislature. <strong>The acts of offences include:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Preaching untouchability directly or indirectly.</li>
<li>Preventing any person from entering any shop, hotel, public place of worship and place of public entertainment.</li>
<li>Refusing to admit persons in hospitals, educational institutions or hostels established for public benefit.</li>
<li>Justifying untouchability on traditional, religious, philosophical or other grounds.</li>
<li>Insulting a person belonging to scheduled caste on the ground of untouchability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Abolition of Titles: Article 18</strong> of the constitution of India abolishes titles and makes four provisions in that regard: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It prohibits the state from conferring any title on any citizen or a foreigner (except a military or academic distinction).</li>
<li>It prohibits a citizen of India from accepting any title from any foreign state.</li>
<li>A foreigner holding any office of profit or trust under the state cannot accept any title from any foreign state without the consent of the President of India.</li>
<li>No citizen or foreigner holding any office of profit or trust within the territory of India can accept any present, emolument or office from or under any foreign State without the consent of the president.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Right to Freedom (Article <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rights-to-freedom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19</a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/no-double-jeopardy-bar-if-there-was-no-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 20</a>, 21 and <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/17-09-2019#:~:text=Article%2022(2)%20states%20that,the%20authority%20of%20a%20magistrate.'" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22</a>):</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Protection of 6 Rights: Article 19</strong> guarantees to all citizens the six rights of freedom including: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right to freedom of speech and expression.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Expressing one&rsquo;s own views, opinions, belief and convictions freely by word of mouth, writing, printing, picturing or in any other manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to assemble peaceably and without arms.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Includes the right to hold public meetings, demonstrations and take out processions which can be exercised only on public land.</li>
<li>It does not protect violent, disorderly and riotous assemblies or strike.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to form associations or unions or co-operative societies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It includes the right to form (and not to form) political parties, companies, partnership firms, societies, clubs, organisations, trade unions or any body of persons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to move freely throughout the territory of India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The freedom of movement has two dimensions, viz, internal (right to move inside the country) (article 19) and external (right to move out of the country and right to come back to the country) (article 21).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The right of outsiders to reside and settle in tribal areas is restricted to protect the distinctive culture and customs of scheduled tribes and to safeguard their traditional vocation and properties against exploitation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It doesn&rsquo;t include the right to carry on a profession that is immoral (trafficking in women or children) or dangerous (harmful drugs or explosives, etc,).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences: Article 20</strong> grants protection against arbitrary and excessive punishment to an accused person, whether citizen or foreigner or legal person like a company or a corporation. It provides that: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act or subjected to a penalty greater than that prescribed by the law.</li>
<li>No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once.</li>
<li>No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection of Life and Personal Liberty: Article 21</strong> declares that no person shall be deprived of his<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fundamental-rights-and-oci-cardholders#:~:text=Article%2021%3A%20It%20declares%20that,both%20citizens%20and%20non%2Dcitizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> life or personal liberty</strong></a> except according to procedure established by law. This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The right to life is not merely confined to animal existence or survival but also includes the right to live with human dignity and all those aspects of life which go to make a man&rsquo;s life meaningful, complete and worth living.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right to Education:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-to-education-2#:~:text=The%2086th%20Constitutional%20Amendment,Right%20to%20Education%20Act%202009." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Article 21 (A)</a></strong> declares that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This provision makes only elementary education a Fundamental Right and not higher or professional education.</li>
<li>This provision was added by the <strong>86<sup>th</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002.</strong></li>
<li>Before the 86<sup>th</sup> amendment, the Constitution contained a provision for free and compulsory education for children under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education#:~:text=Originally%20Part%20IV%20of%20Indian,as%20equitable%20and%20accessible%20education.&amp;text=The%2086th%20amendment%20to,part%2DIII%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 45 in Part IV</strong> </a>of the constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Against Arrest and Detention:</strong> Article 22 grants protection to persons who are arrested or detained. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Detention is of two types, namely, <strong>punitive</strong> (punishment after trial and conviction) and <strong>preventive</strong> (punishment without trial and conviction).</li>
<li>The first part of Article 22 deals with the ordinary law and includes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Right to be informed of the grounds of arrest.</li>
<li>Right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner.</li>
<li>Right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, excluding the journey time.</li>
<li>Right to be released after 24 hours unless the magistrate authorises further detention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The second part of Article 22 deals with preventive detention law. Protection under this article is available to both citizens as well as aliens and includes the following:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The detention of a person <strong>cannot exceed three months</strong> unless an advisory board (judges of high court) reports sufficient cause for extended detention.</li>
<li>The grounds of detention should be communicated to the detenu.</li>
<li>The detenu should be afforded an opportunity to make a representation against the detention order.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Union vs. Delhi Government',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/nct-bill-electoral-autocracy-constitutional-democracy-7238825/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Delhi Bill will sow the seeds of absolutism&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 22/03/2021. It talks about the issues related to the recently introduced <strong>Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021.</strong></p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Centre government proposed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-of-nct-of-delhi-amendment-bill-2021#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20central%20government%20introduced,Territory%20of%20Delhi%20Act%2C%201991." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021</strong></a> in the parliament. According to the central government, the bill seeks to amend the law relating to the running of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and give effect to the interpretation given by the Supreme Court judgments on Delhi&rsquo;s governance structure.</p>
<p>However, many constitutional experts are of the view that the proposed bill is the very antithesis of what the Court has said. They held that the Bill, if it becomes law, will wholly undermine the Court&rsquo;s efforts to strengthen the elected government vis-&agrave;-vis the appointed Lieutenant Governor.</p>
<h3>Major Amendments Proposed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Change in Definition of Government:</strong> It defines the term &ldquo;government&rdquo; in the context of laws made by the legislative assembly to be the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Delhi, not the elected government.</li>
<li><strong>Expanding Powers of L-G:</strong> It expands L-G&rsquo;s powers by requiring the elected government to seek L-G&rsquo;s opinion on specific matters. Furter, it is left to L-G to define these &ldquo;matters&rdquo; through a general or specific order.</li>
<li><strong>Weakens Legislative Assembly:</strong> It weakens the powers of the assembly by prohibiting it from making rules for its committees on day-to-day administration.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court on Delhi Governance Structure</h3>
<p><strong>Background:</strong> The 69<sup>th</sup> amendment to the Constitution of India inserted<strong> Article 239AA,</strong> which declared the Union Territory of Delhi to be administered by a L-G who works on &lsquo;aid and advice of elected legislative assembly.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>However, the &lsquo;aid and advice&rsquo; clause pertains only to matters on which the elected Assembly has powers under the State and Concurrent Lists, but with the exception of <strong>public order, police, and land.</strong></li>
<li>Further, the Article 239AA also notes that L-G has to either act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, or he is bound to implement the decision taken by the President on a reference being made by him.</li>
<li>Also, Article 239AA, empowers the L-G to refer a difference of opinion on &lsquo;any matter&rsquo; with the Council of Ministers to the President.</li>
<li>Thus, this dual control between L-G and the elected government leads to power tussle, which was referred to the Supreme Court in 2018.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Supreme Court Judgement:</strong> The Constitution Bench verdict of July 4, 2018, held that the L-G has not been entrusted with any independent decision-making power.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Court clarified that the power to refer &ldquo;any matter&rdquo; to the President did not mean that &ldquo;every matter&rdquo; .</li>
<li>In other words, the LG cannot refer any matter to the President; he has to employ &ldquo;constitutional objectivity&rdquo; and exercise this power in the rarest of rare situations for sound and valid reasons.</li>
<li>Thus, his concurrence is not needed in every matter, and he can refer matters to the President only in exceptional situations and not in a &ldquo;routine or mechanical manner&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Justice Chandrachud in NCT vs UOI case, 2018 mentioned the term <strong>&ldquo;constitutional objectivity&rdquo;</strong> as the key to checks and balances between the legislature and executive.</li>
<li>Constitutional objectivity ensures that the two operate within their allotted spheres since &ldquo;legitimate constitutional trust&rdquo; is based on distribution and separation of powers with denial of absolute power to anyone functionary being the ultimate goal.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Arguments Against the Bill</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Against the Spirit of Supreme Court Judgement:</strong> The Bill seeks to declare that in the context of legislation passed by the Delhi Assembly, all references to the &lsquo;government&rsquo; would mean the &ldquo;Lieutenant Governor&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The guiding principle behind the judgment was that the elected government should not be undermined by the unelected administrator. The Bill takes away almost all the powers of elected representatives.</li>
<li>Thereby, the bill contradicts the 2018 judgment, which unambiguously clarifies that the council of ministers with the chief minister at its helm is the executive head of the government of Delhi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rollback of Representative Government:</strong> By conflating the government of Delhi with L-G, the bill blurs the distinction between the elected government and L-G. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, by requiring L-G&rsquo;s opinion before the elected government can take executive action, it effectively renders the elected government powerless.</li>
<li>Moreover, the clause that declares void any rule that empowers the Assembly or its Committees to discuss any matter of day-to-day administration or conduct enquiries amounts to a rollback of representative government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Centralising India&rsquo;s Federal Polity:</strong> Recently, the central government has taken several steps that undermines the spirit of federalism (Three Farmers&rsquo; laws, Revocation of Article 370, etc.). The bill represents yet another step toward centralizing India&rsquo;s federal polity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A recent report held that such bills could strengthen the international perception of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/autocratisation-goes-viral-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India becoming an electoral autocracy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Working Through Constitutional Trust:</strong> The apex court had rightly concluded that the scheme set out in the Constitution and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 envisages a collaborative structure that can be worked only through constitutional trust. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the Bill should be referred to a select committee and not passed in haste like the Farm Bills.</li>
<li>Evolving consensus in such matters would be consistent both with federalism as well as the high principles laid down by the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Principle of Subsidiarity:</strong> Subsidiarity &mdash; the foundational principle of fiscal federalism &mdash; necessitates empowered sub-national governments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thereby, the central government should move towards allocating greater powers to city governments.</li>
<li>In this context, India should emulate several large megapolis around the globe, from Jakarta and Seoul to London and Paris, which have had strong sub-national governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The fundamental principles of constitutionalism embodies the concept of limited powers as its central idea. To sustain these ethos the highest importance should be given to people who are the real sovereigns and who speak through their elected representatives.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fbfcf7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Lieutenant-Governor must reign and not rule is the core principle of the cabinet system of governance&rdquo;. Analyse the statement in the context of the recently introduced Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/union-vs-delhi-government'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Right to Health',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan announced the implementation of the <strong>Rajasthan Model of Public Health</strong> that would include a <strong>Right to Health</strong> as well as measures for preventive, primary and curative care as envisioned by the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organisation (WHO)</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rajasthan Model of Public Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Mukhya Mantri Chiranjeevi Yojana</strong> will also be launched as a <strong>Universal Health Care scheme</strong> as part of measures to reinforce health infrastructure and ensure accessibility to all citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scheme stipulates cashless health services up to <strong>Rs. 5 lakh to every family in the State.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR)</strong> has recommended <strong>setting of standards</strong> in accordance with the resources available in the State to <strong>match with the rights of patients as well as the service providers.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)</strong> set by the Union government, have also been revised keeping in view the changing protocols of the existing programmes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Public Health Standards</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>IPHS</strong> are a set of uniform standards envisaged to improve the quality of health care delivery in the country.</li>
<li>The IPHS documents have been revised keeping in view the changing protocols of the existing programmes and introduction of new programmes especially for Non-Communicable Diseases.</li>
<li>Flexibility is allowed to suit the diverse needs of the States and regions.</li>
<li>The IPHS guidelines act as the main driver for continuous improvement in quality and serve as the benchmark for assessing the functional status of health facilities.</li>
<li>States and UTs adopt these IPHS guidelines for strengthening the Public Health Care Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right To Health:</strong> The right to health, as with other rights, includes both <strong>freedoms and entitlements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Freedoms</strong> include the <strong>right to control one&rsquo;s health and body</strong> (for example, sexual and reproductive rights) and to be free from interference (for example, free from torture and non-consensual medical treatment and experimentation).</li>
<li><strong>Entitlements</strong> include the <strong>right to a system of health protection</strong> that gives everyone an equal opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable level of health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions Related to Right to Health in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>International Conventions:</strong> India is a signatory of the <strong>Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)</strong> by the United Nations that grants the <strong>right to a standard of living</strong> adequate for the <strong>health</strong> and well-being to humans including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights:</strong> Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees a fundamental right to life &amp; personal liberty. The right to health is inherent to a life with dignity.</li>
<li><strong>Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Articles 38, 39, 42, 43, &amp; 47</strong> put the obligation on the state in order to ensure the effective realization of right to health.</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Pronouncements:</strong> Supreme Court in <em><strong>Paschim Bangal Khet Mazdoor Samity case (1996)</strong></em> held that in a welfare state, primary duty of the government is to secure the welfare of the people and moreover it is the obligation of the government to provide adequate medical facilities for its people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also in its landmark judgment in <em><strong>Parmanand Katara Vs Union Of India (1989)</strong></em>, Supreme Court had ruled that every doctor whether at a government hospital or otherwise has the professional obligation to extend his services with due expertise for protecting life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Right to Health for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right Based Healthcare Services:</strong> The people are entitled to the right to health and it puts a compulsion for the government to take steps toward this.</li>
<li><strong>Wide Access to Health Services:</strong> Enables <strong>everyone to access the services</strong> and ensures that the quality of those services is good enough to <strong>improve the health of the people</strong> who receive them.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Out of Pocket Expenditure:</strong> Protects people from the <strong>financial consequences</strong> of paying for health services out of their own pockets and reduces the risk of people getting pushed into poverty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Primary Healthcare Services:</strong> The existing public primary health care model in the country is limited in scope.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even where there is a well-functioning public primary health centre, only services related to pregnancy care, limited childcare and certain services related to national health programmes are provided.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Funding:</strong> Expenditure on public health funding has been consistently low in India<strong> (approximately 1.3% of GDP).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per OECD, India's total out-of-pocket expenditure is around 2.3 % of GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sub-optimal Public Health System:</strong> Due to this, it is challenging to tackle <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-communicable Diseases</strong></a>, which is all about prevention and early detection.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It diminishes preparedness and effective management for new and emerging threats such as pandemic like Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>More Funding:</strong> Public funding on health should be increased to at least 2.5% of GDP as envisaged in the <strong>National Health Policy, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>A comprehensive <strong>public health legislation</strong> incorporating the right to health may be passed by the Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Creating a Nodal Health Agency:</strong> There is need to create a designated and autonomous agency to perform the functions of disease surveillance, information gathering on the health impact of policies of key non-health departments, maintenance of national health statistics, enforcement of public health regulations, and dissemination of information to the public.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/research-institution-joins-efforts-to-bring-law-on-right-to-health/article34127657.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/right-to-health'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Rising Cases of Diphtheria',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study has found that Diphtheria, which is a relatively easily-preventable infection, could become a<strong> major global threat.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Global Rise:</strong> The number of diphtheria cases reported globally has been increasing gradually. In<strong> 2018, there were 16,651</strong> reported cases, more than double the yearly average for <strong>1996-2017 (8,105 cases).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong> According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization</strong></a> <strong>(WHO),</strong> India reported<strong> 2,365 cases in 2015.</strong> However, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, the numbers rose successively to 3,380, 5,293 and 8,788.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the WHO, <strong>India accounted for 60% of all diphtheria cases globally in 2017.</strong></li>
<li>In 2018, Delhi witnessed the death of more than 50 children because of Diphtheria.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/to-the-point-paper-3-antimicrobial-resistance-amr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)</strong></a>: Diphtheria has started to become resistant to several classes of antibiotics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by <strong>any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.)</strong> against<strong> antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics)</strong> that are used to treat infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gap-in-vaccination-of-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 Impact</strong></a>: Covid-19 has severely impacted vaccination schedules in different parts of the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to the recently released <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Children</strong></a>, suspension of immunization campaigns will set back the decades-long effort to eliminate various diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Misunderstanding of Disease:</strong> Parents often misunderstand the disease as usual cough and cold and take medicines from a physician. Since the child has not been given diphtheria shots, with the passage of time, the toxin released from the bacteria starts hampering the functioning of the kidney, heart and nervous system.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vaccine Hesitancy</strong></a>: It refers to delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccine services. It is complex and context specific varying across time, place and vaccine. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience and confidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Diphtheria</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Caused by Bacteria:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Diphtheria is primarily caused by the <strong>bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Common cold, fever, chills, swollen gland in neck, sore throat, bluish skin etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The primary infection is in the <strong>throat and upper airways.</strong> Produces a toxin affecting other organs.</li>
<li>One type of diphtheria affects the <strong>throat and sometimes the tonsils.</strong></li>
<li>Another type causes <strong>ulcers on the skin.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spread:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is mainly spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone infected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Target Population:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Diphtheria particularly affects children <strong>aged 1 to 5 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Occurrence of diphtheria cases in under-five children reflects<strong> low coverage</strong> of primary diphtheria vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fatality Rate:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Diphtheria is fatal in only 5-10% cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Fatality Rate</strong> is the proportion of people <strong>who die from a specified disease among all individuals diagnosed with the disease</strong> over a certain period of time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Administering <strong>diphtheria antitoxin</strong> to neutralize the effects of the toxin, as well as antibiotics to kill the bacteria.</li>
<li>Diphtheria is preventable with use of <strong>antibiotics and vaccines.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccination:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The diphtheria vaccine is among the oldest vaccines in India&rsquo;s Universal Immunisation Programme. As per data from the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-family-health-survey-5-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Family Health Survey-4</strong></a>, the coverage of <strong>diphtheria vaccine is 78.4%.</strong></li>
<li>In 1978, India launched the<strong> Expanded Programme on Immunisation.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first three vaccines</strong> in the programme were <strong>BCG (against TB), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) and cholera.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 1985, the programme was converted to the <strong>Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).</strong> DPT continues to be a part of UIP, which now includes 12 vaccines.</li>
<li>It is now <strong>incorporated as a pentavalent vaccine</strong> (containing a vaccine against <strong>diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also included among the combination of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gap-in-vaccination-of-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> eight vaccine doses</strong></a> which are administered in the first year of life under the<strong> full immunisation programme.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/intensified-mission-indradhanush-3-0-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 scheme</strong> </a>has been rolled out to cover children and pregnant women who missed routine immunisation during the Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/study-warns-diphtheria-could-become-a-major-global-threat-75866" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rising-cases-of-diphtheria'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Global Water Crisis: UNICEF',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a new report released by the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unicef-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund</strong></a> (UNICEF), <strong>one in five children</strong> worldwide reside in areas of <strong>high or extremely high water vulnerability.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Report was released ahead of <strong>World Water Day (22<sup>nd</sup> March).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Report :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new report is <strong>part of UNICEF&rsquo;s &lsquo;Water security for all&rsquo;</strong> initiative that identifies areas where physical water scarcity risks overlap with poor water service levels.</li>
<li>The<strong> initiative aims to mobilise resources, partnerships, innovation and global response to identified hot spots.</strong></li>
<li>UNICEF identified <strong>37 hot-spot countries</strong> where children faced especially distressing circumstances in terms of absolute numbers, where global resources, support and urgent action had to be mobilised.</li>
<li>Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Tanzania and Yemen were especially vulnerable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Children in more than 80 countries</strong> live in areas with high or extremely high water vulnerability.</li>
<li><strong>Eastern and Southern Africa</strong> has the <strong>highest proportion</strong> of children living in such areas, with more than half of children &ndash;<strong> 58%</strong> &ndash; facing difficulty accessing sufficient water every day.</li>
<li>It is followed by <strong>West and Central Africa (31%), South Asia (25%),</strong> and the <strong>Middle East (23%). </strong></li>
<li><strong>More than 155 million children in South Asia</strong> lived in areas with high or even extremely high water vulnerability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Crisis in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has<strong> 4% of the world&rsquo;s freshwater</strong> which has to cater to <strong>17% of the world&rsquo;s population.</strong></li>
<li>As per <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a> report</strong> released in June 2018, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis in history. Approximately 600 million people or roughly around <strong>45% of the population in India is facing high to severe water stress.</strong></li>
<li>The report says that nearly <strong>40% of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030 and 6% of India&rsquo;s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of Water Crisis in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Central Groundwater Board&rsquo;s estimates show that the <strong>groundwater table in most parts of the country has been declining every year</strong> because of over-exploitation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If the groundwater continues to decline unabated, meeting the country&rsquo;s agricultural and drinking water requirements will become a big challenge.</li>
<li>85% of rural water supply, 45% of urban water supply and over 64% of irrigation now rely on groundwater.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Due to<strong> accumulation of sediments in the water storage area of major and medium irrigation dams</strong> that are currently in use, the<strong> total storage capacity has fallen significantly.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is clearly underlined in the<strong> report &lsquo;Compendium of Silting of Reservoirs in India&rsquo;,</strong> released by the Central Water Commission in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate change</strong> is causing major changes in rainfall levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Taken by the Central Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain&rdquo; Campaign:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The campaign will be implemented during the period 22<sup>nd</sup> March, 2021 to 30<sup>th</sup> November, 2021 - the <strong>pre-monsoon and monsoon period</strong> in the country.</li>
<li>The campaign is <strong>intended to nudge the State and all stakeholders</strong> to create <strong>Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS)</strong> suitable to the climatic conditions and subsoil strata to ensure storage of rainwater.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rains falling in the four/five months of monsoon are the only source of water for most parts of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the Budget 2021-22, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-jeevan-mission-urban" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban)</strong></a> has been announced under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all statutory towns in accordance with <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goal- 6.</strong></a></li>
<li>It complements the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-jeevan-mission-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Jal Jeevan Mission (Rural)</strong> </a>which envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ministry of Jal Shakti:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Government of India <strong>established the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019</strong> to consolidate interrelated functions pertaining to water management.</li>
<li>The Ministry<strong> launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-shakti-abhiyan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jal Shakti Abhiyan</a></strong> &ndash; a campaign for water conservation and water security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Measures Taken by State Governments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Uttar Pradesh &ndash; Jakhni Village (water village), Bundelkhand</li>
<li>Punjab &ndash; Pani Bachao Paise Kamao</li>
<li>Madhya Pradesh &ndash; Kapil Dhara Yojana</li>
<li>Gujarat &ndash; Sujalam Sufalam Yojana</li>
<li>Telangana &ndash; Mission Kakatiya Program</li>
<li>Maharashtra &ndash; Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan</li>
<li>Andhra Pradesh &ndash; Neeru Chettu Programme</li>
<li>Rajasthan &ndash; Mukhya Mantri Jal Swalambhan Abhiyan (MJSA)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Water Day </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is observed annually across the globe on <strong>22<sup>nd</sup> March,</strong> with the purpose of highlighting the importance of water, and raising awareness about the water crisis that the world faces.</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong> </a>website, the main focus of the day is to support the achievement of<strong> sustainable development goals (SDG) 6:</strong> water and sanitation for all by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The resolution to observe World Water Day was first adopted by the UN General Assembly on <strong>22<sup>nd</sup> December 1992.</strong></li>
<li>After which<strong> 22<sup>nd</sup> March</strong> was declared as <strong>World Water Day</strong> and is being celebrated around the world since<strong> 1993.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Theme of World Water Day 2021:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&ldquo;Valuing Water&rdquo;</strong> - To highlight the value of water in our daily lives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A new <strong>World Water Development Report</strong> is released each year on or near World Water Day, to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. This report is coordinated by UNESCO&rsquo;s World Water Development Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>UNICEF</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund (UNICEF) is <strong>a special program of the United Nations (UN)</strong> devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.</li>
<li>UNICEF was <strong>created in 1946 as the International Children&rsquo;s Emergency Fund (ICEF)</strong> by the UN relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.</li>
<li>UNICEF <strong>became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name was shortened to the United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund but it is still referred to as UNICEF.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>UNICEF is<strong> guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965</strong> for &ldquo;promotion of brotherhood among the nations&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> New York City.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It works in over 190 countries and territories with 7 regional offices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/every-fifth-child-faces-water-scarcity-globally-unicef-report-76048" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-water-crisis-unicef'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Haridwar Kumbh Mela',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Centre has written to the Uttarakhand government about the need for stringent measures to control the spread of Covid-19 during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in the state (at Haridwar).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Kumbh Mela comes under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unesco-list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kumbh Mela is the <strong>largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims</strong> on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It takes place on the banks of the <strong>Godavari river in Nashik,</strong> the <strong>Shipra river in Ujjain,</strong> the <strong>Ganges in Haridwar,</strong> and the<strong> confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayag.</strong> The confluence is referred to as the <strong>&lsquo;Sangam&lsquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As it is held in four different cities in India, it involves different social and cultural activities, making this <strong>a culturally diverse festival.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While technically, it is <strong>to be held in each of the aforementioned locations once every 12 years, sometimes,</strong> the mela <strong>can happen only a year apart at the sites.</strong></li>
<li>It should also be known that in between, around the sixth year, the <strong>Ardh Kumbh Mela (also known as the half mela)</strong> is held. In addition to that, in Allahabad, every year the Maagh Mela is celebrated in the month of Maagh (mid-January to February, as per the Hindu calendar) at the Sangam. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This Maagh Mela is also referred to as the Ardh Kumbh Mela and Kumbh Mela when it happens in the sixth and twelfth years, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is being held after 11 years</strong> &mdash; not the usual 12 &mdash; because of specific auspicious dates. In fact, this is the first time in 80 years that such a phenomenon has happened.</li>
<li>The event encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and social and cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge.</li>
<li>The teacher-student relationship of the sadhus in the ashrams and akhadas remains the most important method of imparting and safeguarding knowledge and skills relating to Kumbh Mela.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This coveted list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance.</li>
<li>The list was established in 2008 when the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect.</li>
<li><strong>Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, recognized by UNESCO:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616406572_image.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616406572_image.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-centre-warns-of-upsurge-following-kumbh-mela-at-haridwar/article34122996.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/haridwar-kumbh-mela'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'General Lachit Borphukan of Ahom Kingdom',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<p><strong>Why in News</strong></p>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister called 17<sup>th</sup> century <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/founder-of-ahom-kingdom-chaolung-sukapha#:~:text=Key%20Points,of%20the%20Treaty%20of%20Yandaboo." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ahom</a> general Lachit Borphukan</strong> a symbol of India&rsquo;s<strong> &ldquo;Atma Nirbhar military might&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lachit Borphukan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Born on 24<sup>th</sup> November, 1622, Borphukan was known for his leadership in the <strong>Battle of Saraighat</strong>, 1671 in which an attempt by Mughal forces to capture Assam was thwarted.</li>
<li>He was the inspiration behind <strong>strengthening India&rsquo;s naval force</strong> and revitalising <strong>inland water transport</strong> and creating infrastructure associated with it due to his great naval strategies.</li>
<li><strong>The Lachit Borphukan gold medal</strong> is awarded to the best cadet from the <strong>National Defence Academy.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>medal was instituted in 1999</strong> to inspire defence personnel to emulate Borphukan&rsquo;s heroism and sacrifices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He died on 25<sup>th</sup> April, 1672.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ahom Kingdom:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Founder:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Chaolung Sukapha</strong> was a 13<sup>th</sup> century ruler who founded the Ahom kingdom that ruled Assam for six centuries. The Ahoms ruled the land till the province was annexed to British India in 1826 with the signing of the <strong>Treaty of Yandaboo.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Setup:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ahoms created a new state by suppressing the older political system of the <strong>bhuiyans (landlords).</strong></li>
<li>The Ahom state depended upon <strong>forced labour.</strong> Those forced to work for the state were called <strong>paiks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Society:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ahom society was divided into <strong>clans or khels</strong>. A khel often controlled several villages.</li>
<li>Ahoms worshipped their own tribal gods, yet they accepted <strong>the Hindu religion and the Assamese language.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the Ahom kings did not completely give up their traditional beliefs after adopting Hinduism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Intermarriage with local also increased assimilation processes of Ahoms in Assamese culture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Art and Culture:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poets and scholars were <strong>given land grants</strong> and theatre was encouraged.</li>
<li>Important works of Sanskrit were translated into the local language.</li>
<li>Historical works, known as <strong>buranjis</strong>, were also written, <strong>first in the Ahom language and then in Assamese.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Military Strategy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Ahom king was the supreme <strong>commander of the state as well as the Military.</strong> The Ahom king himself led the state forces in the time of wars. The Paiks were the main army of the state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There were two types of Paiks i.e. <strong>serving and nonserving.</strong> The <strong>non-serving Paiks</strong> constituted <strong>a standing militia</strong> which could be mobilized at a short notice by the <strong>kheldar</strong> (an expert military organizer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The full contingent of the Ahom Army consisted of <strong>infantry, navy, artillery, elephantry, cavalry and spies.</strong> The main war weapons consisted of bows and arrows, swords, Javelins discus, guns, match-locks and cannons.</li>
<li>The Ahoms <strong>sent spies to the enemy&rsquo;s camp</strong> to study the strength and the war strategies of the enemies before leading an expedition.</li>
<li>The Ahom soldiers were experts in <strong>guerilla fighting.</strong> Sometimes they allowed the enemies to enter the country, then cut off their communications and attack them in front and rear</li>
<li><strong>Few important forts:</strong> Chamdhara, Saraighat, Simlagarh, Kaliabar, Kajali and Pandu.</li>
<li>They also learnt the technique of <strong>constructing boatbridges</strong> in the Brahmaputra.</li>
<li>Above all, the mutual understanding among the <strong>civil and military wings, unity among the nobles</strong> always worked as <strong>strong weapons of the Ahoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Battle of Saraighat</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The battle of Saraighat was fought on the banks of the <strong>Brahmaputra</strong> in Guwahati in 1671.</li>
<li>It is considered as one of the <strong>greatest naval battles on a river</strong> which resulted in the victory of Ahoms over the Mughals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616399110_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616399110_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assam-assembly/assam-assembly-polls-legendary-ahom-general-symbol-of-indias-atmanirbhar-military-says-pm-modi/article34125716.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/general-lachit-borphukan-of-ahom-kingdom'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Lateral Entry Reform',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-ias-administrative-reforms-7234834/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Lateral Entry: A challenging administrative reform&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 19/03/2021. It talks about the lateral entry of the private sector into administrative positions.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, eight professionals were recruited for joint secretary-level positions in various ministries under the lateral entry scheme. Lateral entry means when personnel from the private sector are selected to an administrative post of the government despite them not being selected in or being part of a bureaucratic setup.</p>
<p>Lateral entry is needed because contemporary times require highly skilled and motivated individuals at the helm of administrative affairs, without which public service delivery mechanisms do not work smoothly.</p>
<p>However, the success of lateral entry hinges entirely on how it is designed.</p>
<h3>Permanent System of Administrators</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the permanent system, IAS officers get promoted to joint secretary level after 17 years of service and remain at that level for ten years.</li>
<li>Joint Secretaries are at a crucial level of senior management in the Government of India and lead policymaking as well as the implementation of various programs and schemes for the department assigned to them.</li>
<li>The joint secretary-level is usually filled by officers selected through the Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission.</li>
<li>The IAS and permanent system are strictly seniority-bound &mdash; nobody gets promoted ahead of time.</li>
<li>That makes the average age of a joint secretary around 45.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Advantages of Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need for Specialized Knowledge:</strong> Governance is becoming more and more complex requiring specialized skills. For example, increasing penetration of data dominance in our lives.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Generalist officers cannot be always expected to be up-to-date with specialized knowledge.</li>
<li>Therefore, people with expertise and specialist domain knowledge are required to navigate the complex needs of present-day administrative challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Filling The Gap:</strong> According to Department of Personnel and Training data, there is a shortage of about 1500 IAS officers. Lateral entry can help bridge this deficit.</li>
<li><strong>Bringing a Change in Work Culture:</strong> It will help in bringing change in bureaucratic culture in Government sector culture. This bureaucratic culture is criticized for red-tapism, rule-book bureaucracy, and status-quoist.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lateral Entry helps in bringing the values of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the Government sector. It will help in building a culture of performance within the Government sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participatory Governance:</strong> Presently, governance is becoming a more participatory and multi-actor endeavor. In this context, the lateral entry provides stakeholders such as the private sector and non-profits an opportunity to participate in the governance process.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arguments Against Lateral Entry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Outsourcing Expertise:</strong> There is a difference between bringing expertise and being part of the decision-making process. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For bringing expertise, the government doesn&rsquo;t strictly need to hire private-sector personnel. Expertise is widely available and used by almost every ministry &mdash; expert committees, consultations, think tank engagements, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cumbersome Decision-Making Process:</strong> The success of lateral entry requires an understanding of the system and an ability to work with the &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; establishment. No training or orientation is provided for this. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By the time networks are built, it is time to move on. On past evidence, the lateral entrants who made the biggest impact are those who served in the system for a length of time and at different levels</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Profit Motive vs. Public Service:</strong> Private sector approach is profit-oriented on the other hand motive of the Government is public service. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is also a fundamental transition that a private sector person has to make while working in government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflict of Interest:</strong> Hiring of the private sector into administrative positions raises issues of potential conflict of interest. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This issue requires a stringent code of conduct for entrants from private sectors to ensure conflict of interest is not detrimental to the public good.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Setting Objective Criteria:</strong> There are several joint secretaries in each ministry who handle different portfolios. If lateral entrants are assigned to an unimportant portfolio, there are chances that they will not be motivated.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A cursory look at the portfolios of the eight laterally-hired joint secretaries doesn&rsquo;t suggest that they hold critical portfolios. That&rsquo;s why one entrant has already quit.</li>
<li>Thus, what key skills, qualities, and experiences a particular role requires must be objectively decided.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relaxing Age Barrier:</strong> To attract the best talent from outside at the joint secretary level, entry requirements need to be relaxed so that persons of 35 years of age are eligible.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If one looks at lateral entry in an earlier generation, among economists, there was much greater flexibility.</li>
<li>The likes of Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Bimal Jalan and Vijay Kelkar were joint secretaries in their mid-30s and secretaries by their late 40s or by 50.</li>
<li>That is one of the reasons they left lucrative assignments abroad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for the Transparent Process:</strong> The key again to the success of this scheme would lie in selecting the right people in a manner that is manifestly transparent. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The constitutional role of UPSC should not be ignored as it will provide legitimacy to the entire process of selection</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Training of Lateral Entrants:</strong> An intensive training program for entrants from the private sector to civil services needs to be formulated which helps them understand the complex nature of work in Government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Lateral entry, like competition in any sphere, is a good thing. But serious thinking is required on entry requirements, job assignments, number of personnel, and training to make it a force for positive change. Apart from it, reforms of the &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; system &mdash; particularly its seniority principle &mdash; are also a prerequisite for holistic administrative reforms.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fdfaff;">
<p><span style="color: #993300;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Enabling lateral entry into an otherwise &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; system of administrators is a positive step towards administrative reforms in India. Critically analyze.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lateral-entry-reform'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'World Happiness Report 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Sustainable Development Solutions Network</strong> for the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-world-happiness-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Happiness Report 2021</strong></a>, a day before the<strong> International Happiness Day.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This year it focuses on the effects of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>and how people all over the world have fared.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Happiness Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>celebrated every year on 20<sup>th</sup> March</strong> to highlight the importance of happiness in the diurnal lives of people.</li>
<li>The <strong>United Nations started to celebrate the International Day of Happiness in 2013 </strong>but a<strong> resolution for the same was passed in July, 2012.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This resolution was<strong> first initiated by Bhutan</strong> which emphasised on the importance of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s, thereby adopting the <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-bhutan-new-vistas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross National Happiness</a> (GNH)</strong> over <strong>Gross National Product (GNP).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Gross National Happiness:</strong> The phrase &lsquo;gross national happiness&rsquo; was first <strong>coined by the 4<sup>th</sup> King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The concept <strong>implies that sustainable development should take a holistic approach</strong> towards notions of progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of wellbeing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GNP</strong> is the total value of all finished goods and services produced by a country's citizens in a given financial year, irrespective of their location.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Theme of 2021:</strong> &ldquo;Happiness For All, Forever&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The World Happiness Report<strong> ranks 149 countries</strong> by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.</li>
<li>The rankings are based on polling (Gallup World Poll) which looks at six variables: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gross Domestic Product</strong> </a>Per Capita (Purchasing Power Parity).</li>
<li>Social Support.</li>
<li>Healthy life expectancy at birth.</li>
<li>Freedom to make life choices.</li>
<li>Generosity.</li>
<li>Perceptions of corruption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Respondents are asked to rate their own current lives on a <strong>0-10 scale.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Finland has been ranked as the happiest country</strong> in the world for the<strong> fourth consecutive year.</strong></li>
<li>Followed by Iceland, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Norway.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Worst Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Afghanistan (149)</strong> is the <strong>most unhappy</strong> country.</li>
<li>Followed by Zimbabwe (148), Rwanda (147), Botswana (146) and Lesotho (145).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Neighbours:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pakistan-</strong>105.</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh</strong>-101.</li>
<li><strong>China</strong>-84.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been ranked <strong>139, out of 149 countries</strong> evaluated.</li>
<li>In 2020, India was ranked <strong>144 out of 156 countries</strong> surveyed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Sustainable Development Network Solution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SDSN, <strong>launched in 2012,</strong> mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical problem solving for the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong> </a>and the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate Agreement.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was established under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General.</li>
<li>The <strong>SDSN and the Bertelsmann Stiftung</strong> have been publishing the<strong> annual SDG Index &amp; Dashboards Global Report</strong> since 2016.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:HT</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-happiness-report-2021'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Covid Increased Poverty: Pew Report',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a new research conducted by <strong>Pew Research Center</strong> has found that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coronavirus pandemic</strong></a> has pushed about 32 million Indians out of the<strong> middle class</strong> and increased poverty in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report is based on an analysis of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong> </a>data.</li>
<li><strong>Pew Research Center</strong> is a<strong> nonpartisan fact tank</strong> that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616228269_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616228269_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poverty Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The poverty rate in India likely <strong>rose to 9.7% in 2020,</strong> up sharply from the January 2020 forecast of 4.3%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Poverty:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From <strong>2011 to 2019,</strong> the number of poor in India was estimated to have <strong>reduced to 78 million from 340 million.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2020,</strong> the number <strong>increased by 75 million.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Poor:</strong> People with incomes of<strong> USD 2 or less</strong> a day.</li>
<li>Increase in India accounts for nearly<strong> 60% of the global increase in poverty.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Record increase in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mgnregs-praised-by-the-standing-committee-on-labour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</strong></a> participants as proof that the poor were struggling to find work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Middle Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The middle class in India is estimated to have <strong>shrunk by 3.2 crore in 2020.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Middle Class:</strong> Includes people with incomes of approximately Rs. 700-1,500 or USD 10-20 per day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The middle income group is likely to have decreased from almost <strong>10 crore to just 6.6 crore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shrinked Low Income Group:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The vast majority of India&rsquo;s population fall into the low income group.</li>
<li>This group <strong>shrank from 119.7 crore to 116.2 crore per day,</strong> with about <strong>3.5 crore dropping below the poverty line.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Low Income Group:</strong> Includes people earning about Rs.150 to 700 per day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rich Population:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The richer population also <strong>fell almost 30% to 1.8 crore people.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Rich:</strong> Includes the people who earn more than Rs.1,500 a day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Like India, China has a large population of around 1.4 billion people. But the <strong>pandemic&rsquo;s effect on poverty was much smaller in China.</strong></li>
<li>It was the<strong> only major economy to grow in 2020</strong> and that has helped poverty levels to remain &ldquo;virtually unchanged&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In January 2021, 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> in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-outlook-imf-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Outlook Report</strong></a>, estimated <strong>India&rsquo;s economy to contract 8%</strong> in the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Year (FY)</strong></a> 2020 while <strong>China&rsquo;s economy was expected to expand by 2.3% in 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s <strong>middle class is likely to see a miniscule dip</strong> of just one crore, while the number of <strong>poor people may have gone up by 10 lakh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poverty Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The global poverty rate also <strong>increased to 10.4%</strong> last year after witnessing a steady decline over the years.</li>
<li>It was previously expected that the poverty rate would decrease to 8.7% in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of <strong>&lsquo;global poor&rsquo;</strong> are <strong>estimated to have increased to 803 million in 2020,</strong> which is a significant increase from 672 million, the pre-pandemic prediction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Middle Class:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From 2011 to 2019, the <strong>middle class population globally had increased</strong> to 1.34 billion from 899 million. Further, it was expected to increase by 54 million annually on average.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>South Asia saw the <strong>greatest reduction in the number of middle class and the largest &lsquo;expansion&rsquo; in poverty in 2020.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This could be attributed to <strong>South Asia experiencing sharp decrease in economic growth</strong> during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> lockdown triggered by the pandemic</strong> resulted in <strong>shut businesses, lost jobs and falling incomes,</strong> plunging the Indian economy into a deep<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-emerged-out-of-technical-recession#:~:text=The%20Indian%20economy%20has%20emerged,in%20manufacturing%2C%20construction%20and%20agriculture.&amp;text=A%20technical%20recession%20is%20when,consecutive%20quarters%20in%20the%20GDP." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> recession</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Sharp rise in global poverty was owing to the fact that <strong>many under the low income tier prior to the pandemic were living on the margin of poverty.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India and China also account for more than a third of the global population,</strong> with about 1.4 billion people each, the course of the pandemic in these two countries and<strong> how each recovers will have a substantial effect on changes in the distribution of income at the global level.</strong></li>
<li>It claws back <strong>several years of progress</strong> on the economic front.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At least <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-lifted-271-million-people-out-of-poverty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">271 million people were lifted out of multi-dimensional poverty</a> between 2005-06 and 2016-17,</strong> claimed India&rsquo;s Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiatives to Mitigate the Effects of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India&rsquo;s Covid-19 Economic Relief Package.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (self-reliant India).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-pandemic-may-have-doubled-poverty-in-india-says-pew-study/article34110732.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-increased-poverty-pew-report'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Refrigeration System Pusa-FSF',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Scientists from the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICAR</a>-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)</strong> have developed an <strong>on-farm green energy refrigeration system (Pusa-FSF)</strong> and a <strong>technology for extraction of gluten from wheat dough</strong> and its<strong> regeneration in bajra</strong> (pearl-millet) <strong>and makka</strong> (maize) flour.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pusa-FSF:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pusa Farm Sun Fridge (Pusa-FSF)</strong> is<strong> a 100% solar-powered battery-less cold store</strong> that<strong> can preserve around 2 tonnes of freshly-harvested produce</strong> at 3-4&deg;C during the day and 8-12&deg;C at nighttime.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has rooftop solar panels that <strong>generate 5 kilowatt (KW) power,</strong> which helps in running air conditioning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The panels <strong>also power a 105-watt submersible pump</strong> circulating about 1,000 litres of water from a tank through overhead PVC pipes.</li>
<li>At night, there is<strong> only passive evaporative cooling,</strong> with the water chilled during the day acting as a natural heat sink.</li>
<li>All <strong>farmers with solar pumps are a potential market</strong> for the Pusa-FSF. India has <strong>an estimated four lakh-plus installed solar water pumps.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An average 5-horsepower pump costing Rs. 2.5 lakh <strong>attracts 70-90% subsidy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Farmers can <strong>store and preserve their own produce.</strong> It can <strong>avoid distress sales and help improve prices.</strong></li>
<li>It will help <strong>minimise post harvest losses.</strong></li>
<li><strong>More room to grow perishable items</strong> such as tomatoes, fruits, other than Paddy and Maize.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology for Extraction of Gluten from Wheat Dough:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Bajra, maize, jowar (sorghum), ragi and other <strong>millets contain comparable levels of protein and more vitamins, minerals,</strong> crude fibre and other nutrients than wheat. But<strong> they don&rsquo;t have any gluten proteins,</strong> which results in poor dough quality.</li>
<li><strong>About the Technology:</strong> The technology<strong> imparts elasticity and structural strength to bajra and maize dough,</strong> making their chapattis as soft as from regular wheat atta flour.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The proteins extracted and dried into powder have the capacity for regeneration or forming gluten networks in non-wheat dough.</li>
<li>Scientists have <strong>developed gluten based &lsquo;Hallur&rsquo; soft bajra flour,</strong> with the help of technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Technological Developments in the Field of Agriculture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/crop-stubble-burning-challenge-in-punjab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happy Seeder</a></strong> - machine for in-situ management of paddy stubble (straw).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/session-on-precision-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Precision Agriculture Technologies</strong></a> - Precision Agriculture (PA) is an approach to farm management that uses information technology to ensure that crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Gluten</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Gluten is a family of storage proteins &mdash; formally known as<strong> prolamins</strong> &mdash; that are naturally found in certain cereal grains, such as wheat, barley etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>two main proteins</strong> in gluten are <strong>glutenin and gliadin.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gluten offers a variety of functional culinary benefits and is responsible for the <strong>soft, chewy texture</strong> that is characteristic of many gluten-containing, grain based foods.</li>
<li>When heated, gluten proteins form an elastic network that can stretch and trap gas, allowing for optimal leavening or rising and maintenance of moisture in breads, pasta, and other similar products.</li>
<li><strong>Celiac disease,</strong> also spelled as coeliac disease, is the <strong>most severe form of gluten intolerance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-agricultural-research-institute-women-scientists-7234860/" 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/refrigeration-system-pusa-fsf'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Open Market Operations by RBI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) has decided to conduct <strong>simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities (G-Sec)</strong> under <strong>Open Market Operations (OMOs)</strong> for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore each.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities under OMOs, popularly known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-twist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>operation twist</strong></a>, involves purchasing G-Sec of longer maturities and selling equal amounts of G-Sec of shorter maturities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Open Market Operations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong> Open Market Operations <strong>refers to buying and selling of bonds issued by the Government</strong> in the open market.</li>
<li><strong>One of the Quantitative Tools:</strong> OMO is one of the quantitative tools that RBI uses to smoothen the liquidity conditions through the year and minimise its impact on the interest rate and inflation rate levels.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Quantitative tools control the extent of money supply by changing the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), or bank rate or open market operations.</li>
<li><strong>Qualitative tools</strong> include persuasion by the Central bank in order to make commercial banks discourage or encourage lending which is done through moral suasion, margin requirement, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on Money Supply:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When <strong>RBI buys a Government bond</strong> in the open market, it pays for it by giving a cheque. This cheque increases the total amount of reserves in the economy and thus <strong>increases the money supply. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Selling of a bond by RBI</strong> (to private individuals or institutions)<strong> leads to reduction in quantity of reserves and hence the money supply. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Types of OMOs:</strong> Outright and Repo. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Outright OMOs are permanent in nature:</strong> when the central bank buys these securities (thus injecting money into the system), it is <strong>without any promise to sell them later.</strong> Similarly, when the central bank sells these securities (thus withdrawing money from the system), it is without any promise to buy them.</li>
<li><strong>Repo:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is a type of operation in which when the central bank buys the security, the <strong>agreement of purchase also has specification about date and price of resale of this security.</strong> This type of agreement is called a <strong>repurchase agreement or repo.</strong> The interest rate at which the money is lent in this way is called the <strong>repo rate.</strong></li>
<li>Similarly, instead of outright sale of securities the <strong>central bank may sell the securities through an agreement</strong> which has a specification about the date and price at which it will be repurchased. This type of agreement is called <strong>a reverse repurchase agreement or reverse repo.</strong> The rate at which the money is withdrawn in this manner is called the<strong> reverse repo rate.</strong></li>
<li>The Reserve Bank of India <strong>conducts repo and reverse repo operations</strong> at various maturities: overnight, 7-day, 14- day, etc. These types of operations have now become the <strong>main tool of monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Government Securities</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A G-Sec is<strong> a tradable instrument</strong> issued by the central government or state governments. It <strong>acknowledges the Government&rsquo;s debt obligation.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Short term securities</strong> (with original maturities of less than one year) are usually called <strong>Treasury Bills.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Long term securities</strong> (with original maturities of more than one year or more) are usually <strong>called Government Bonds or Dated Securities.</strong></li>
<li>In India, the <strong>Central Government issues both treasury bills and bonds or dated securities</strong> while the <strong>State Governments issue only bonds or dated securities,</strong> which are called the State Development Loans (SDLs).</li>
<li>G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are <strong>called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gilt-edged securities are high-grade investment bonds offered by governments and large corporations as a means of borrowing funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the <strong>Reserve Bank of India has proposed to allow retail investors to open</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/direct-access-to-g-sec-market-for-retail-investors-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>gilt accounts</strong> </a>with the central bank<strong> to invest in Government securities (G-secs) directly</strong> and without the help of intermediaries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/rbi-to-buy-sell-20000-cr-g-secs/article34102969.ece/amp/" 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/open-market-operations-by-rbi-1'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'US India Artificial Intelligence Initiative',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI)</strong> initiative has been launched to scale up the science and technology relationship between India and the United States.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI)</strong> is an initiative of <strong>Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF)</strong> which was established in March 2000.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Department of Science &amp; Technology (DST), Government of India, and the U.S. Department of State are respective nodal departments for<strong> IUSSTF.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The USIAI will focus on <strong>AI cooperation</strong> in critical areas that are priorities for both countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Example:</strong> Healthcare, smart cities, materials, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will bring together key stakeholders from India and the United States to create synergies that address challenges and opportunities at the interface of science, technology, and society.</li>
<li>This will provide an <strong>opportunity to</strong> discuss the <strong>emerging AI landscape,</strong> and address the <strong>challenges of developing an AI workforce.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Related Recent Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-in-the-ai-race" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National AI Strategy</strong></a> <strong>(NITI Aayog)</strong> and<strong> National AI Portal (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology)</strong> and has also started leveraging AI across various sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, e-commerce, finance, telecommunications, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Recently <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mygov-corona-helpdesk-chatbot" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot</strong> </a>bagged two awards under categories (1) &ldquo;Best Innovation for Covid-19 &ndash; Society&rdquo; and (2) &ldquo;People&rsquo;s Choice Covid-19 Overall Winner&rdquo; at the recently held CogX 2020. CogX is a prestigious Global Leadership Summit and Festival of Artificial Intelligence &amp; Emerging Technology held annually in London.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, India joined the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-partnership-on-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)'</strong></a> as a founding member to support the responsible and human-centric development and use of AI.</li>
<li>As per a recent report, India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-ai-adoption-in-india-amidst-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reported a 45% increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence</strong></a>, the highest among all countries, because of shift in buying behaviour and new business challenges (owing to Covid-19 pandemic).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mega-virtual-summit-on-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RAISE 2020 &ndash; &lsquo;Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020&rsquo;</strong></a> was jointly organised by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology <strong>(MeitY).</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vaibhav-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vaishwik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit</strong> </a>was organised in 2020 to discuss key areas like quantum technologies, artificial intelligence among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It describes the <strong>action of machines accomplishing</strong> tasks that have historically <strong>required human intelligence.</strong></li>
<li>It includes technologies like <strong>machine learning, pattern recognition, big data, neural networks, self algorithms etc.</strong></li>
<li>AI is different from hardware driven robotic automation. Instead of automating manual tasks, AI performs frequent high volume computerised tasks reliably.</li>
<li>AI is often misunderstood for machine learning. AI is a<strong> broader concept</strong> with a bunch of technologies that include machine learning and other technologies like natural language processing, inference algorithms, neutron networks etc.</li>
<li>AI techniques now have become an essential part of the technology industry helping to solve many challenging problems in computer-science. From <strong>Apple Siri to self driving cars,</strong> AI is progressing rapidly.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1705823" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source -PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-india-artificial-intelligence-initiative'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Empowering the MSMEs Digitally',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/msme-sector-manufacturing-e-commerce-digital-empowerment-7233355/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;How e-commerce marketplaces can drive MSME makeover&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 18/03/2021. It talks about how the MSME sector of India is the backbone of its economy and how the involvement of e-commerce in the sector can help it thrive.</p>
</div>
<p>India&rsquo;s economic landscape is defined by its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/msme-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).</strong></a> However, the sector is based on obsolete technology, which hampers its production efficiency.</p>
<p>With India&rsquo;s goal of inclusive development, enhanced livelihoods and the notion of &ldquo;vocal for local&rdquo;, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/e-commerce-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> marketplaces for the MSMEs become more significant.</p>
<p>With its ability to accelerate businesses, e-commerce could be a means for Indian MSMEs to unlock global value chains.</p>
<p>Moreover, automation in the production process for greater efficiency and availability of more channels to MSMEs to provide access to greater markets is the need of the hour.</p>
<h3>MSMEs and e-Commerce</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MSME:</strong> As per data from the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-micro-small-and-medium-enterprises" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</strong></a>, almost 51% of Indian MSMEs are based in rural areas. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They often need exposure to large markets and expertise to be able to scale up and enhance capabilities.</li>
<li>Some of the challenges that MSMEs are faced with today are working capital crunch, supply chain bottlenecks, technological glitches, elaborate GST compliance framework, limited customer appetite for spending and many more.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The answer to some of these challenges lies in MSMEs embracing digital solutions for managing various aspects of their business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>e-Commerce:</strong> The share of e-commerce in total retail has been growing consistently across the world, particularly in China, the US, and in countries in the Asia Pacific region. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Studies suggest that the India&rsquo;s e-commerce market is expected to expand to USD 84 billion by 2021 from USD 24 billion in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>E-commerce could provide Indian MSMEs an opportunity to attract consumers and organizations from India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Digitization in MSMEs</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Connects MSMEs Globally:</strong> It allows for small companies and startups located even in hinterlands to get their products to the national as well as global market. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides opportunities to artisans and small sellers from Tier-2/3 towns to sell online to customers beyond their local catchment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment and Income:</strong> E-commerce marketplaces are today the best possible enablers for this transformation at minimal cost, innovation and investment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By investing in supply chains, the e-commerce sector provides opportunities for MSMEs to partner them in supply and delivery networks. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This leads to additional income generation through multiple livelihood opportunities and thus contributes to economic prosperity and inclusive growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost Effective:</strong> E-commerce could also become a tool for Indian MSMEs to lower operational costs, increase revenue, acquire more customers and benefit from customer advocacy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The online medium could help them access a seamless global supply chain at a fraction of the proportional cost of market access and delivery, freeing up cash for growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Associated</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>No Threshold Exemption from GST:</strong> The businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh are exempted from <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GST</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sellers on e-commerce marketplaces do not get advantage of <strong>GST threshold exemption</strong> for intra&ndash;state supplies that offline sellers enjoy.</li>
<li>They have to &ldquo;compulsorily register&rdquo; even though their turnover is low.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Physical Principal Place of Business (PPoB):</strong> In e-commerce, it is not quite practical for online sellers to have a physical PPoB. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It leads to increased complexities for MSMEs in registering in e-commerce marketplaces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Access to Appropriate Infrastructure and Technology:</strong> Buying the latest smart devices, best internet services, retaining skilled employees to manage digital systems and maintaining physical and digital infrastructure is also an expensive affair for small, nascent companies.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Awareness:</strong> There are still many small and medium scale enterprises who are unaware of the impact of digital transformation and fail to build customer loyalty and retention as other e-businesses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, MSMEs are resistant to augment digital technologies because cutting-edge technologies evolve faster, and they sometimes may not be able to match up with that advancement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining a Database:</strong> Storing, analyzing, and managing crucial structured and unstructured data to make business decisions is challenging for MSMEs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Data, cloud, and system management along with the training required to handle them, leave MSMEs uncertain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Dovetailing Existing Schemes with Technology:</strong> Examine the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> existing schemes and benefits for MSMEs</strong></a>, which were formulated with an offline, physical market in mind, and tweak them to include the special needs to leverage online sales channels. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, MSMEs could be given fiscal incentives to access markets and invest in digital marketing. The objective is to incentivise those who shift to the digital mode.</li>
<li>Connecting the skilling policy and programmes with the requirements of the e-commerce sector to meet future demand of the sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Exports via e-Commerce:</strong> Taking specific steps to increase exports via e-commerce. The steps may include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Identifying products that have potential for the export market.</li>
<li>Connecting e-commerce with export-oriented manufacturing clusters.</li>
<li>Encouraging tie-ups with sector-specific export promotion councils.</li>
<li>Leveraging existing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tripura-gets-its-first-sez" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Special Economic Zones</strong></a> to create e-commerce export zones.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-Commerce and Foreign Trade Policy (FTP):</strong> The Foreign Trade Policy should identify the areas required by online sellers to succeed in global markets and include e-commerce export specific provisions in the upcoming revised policy. It may include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Specific policy provisions providing incentives for e-commerce exports.</li>
<li>Enabling end to end digitization for e-commerce exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of Bigger Tech-Based Companies:</strong> Many technology based companies are building exclusive tools to support small and medium scale enterprises by enhancing their business proficiency and profitability. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Google Advantage</strong> is one such initiative by Google India that facilitates MSMEs to use the growing online clientele base.</li>
<li><strong>Google My Business i</strong>s specifically developed to support startups, and MSMEs in India to succeed virtually.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Simplifying the PPoB Requirement:</strong> The government shall simplify the PPoB requirement especially for online sellers by making it digital and not requiring physical presence to expand their reach outside their home state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Replacing physical PPoB with Place of Communication.</li>
<li>Eliminating the need for state specific physical PPoB requirement will facilitate sellers to get state-level GST with a single national place of business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Manufacturing by small units, cottage units and MSMEs has been a major contributor to India&rsquo;s growth story. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These small sectors, if effectively facilitated by digitisation, will be the game changer to accelerate economic growth, employment, income levels and enhance supply chain efficiencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Digital proficiency for MSMEs is vital to set foot in the online market successfully. Without that, the sector can not be future ready.</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: #fffff7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Digital empowerment is the key differentiator for the MSMEs Sector. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the digitisation of MSME sector in India. (250 Words)</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/empowering-the-msmes-digitally'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has <strong>demanded the national project status for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The main advantage of a project which has received national project status is that <strong>90% of the funding for the project will be given by the central government.</strong></li>
<li>The estimated cost of the ERCP is around Rs. 40,000 crore.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the state Water Resources Department, <strong>Rajasthan</strong>, the <strong>largest state of India</strong> with a geographical area of 342.52 lakh hectares which amount to 10.4% of the entire country, <strong>holds only 1.16% of India&rsquo;s surface water and 1.72% of groundwater.</strong></li>
<li>Among the state&rsquo;s water bodies, <strong>only the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ramgarh-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chambal river</a> basin has surplus water</strong> but this water cannot be tapped directly because the area around the Kota barrage is designated as a crocodile sanctuary.</li>
<li>Through the help of diversion structures, interbasin water transfers, linking channels and construction of pumping main feeder channels, the <strong>ERCP aims to create a network of water channels</strong> which will cover 23.67 % area of Rajasthan along with 41.13 % population of the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>aims to harvest surplus water</strong> available during rainy season in <strong>rivers in Southern Rajasthan s</strong>uch as <strong>Chambal</strong> and its tributaries, including Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh, and use this<strong> water in south-eastern districts of the state</strong>, where there is scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation.</li>
<li><strong>ERCP</strong> is planned to meet <strong>drinking and industrial water needs</strong> of the southern and south eastern Rajasthan, for humans and Livestock till the year 2051.</li>
<li>It <strong>proposes to provide drinking water to 13 districts of Rajasthan</strong> and provide irrigation water for 2.8 lakh hectares of land through 26 different large and medium projects.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>13 districts:</strong> Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Dholpur.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A significant area of land will get <strong>irrigation facilities.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>intends to improve the ground water table in the rural areas</strong> of the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Positively influencing the socio-economic conditions of the people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It adds special emphasis on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delhi-mumbai-industrial-corridor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)</strong></a> and envisages that sustainable water sources will enhance and help industries grow in these areas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Resulting in investment and revenue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chambal River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is one of the most pollution-free rivers of India.</li>
<li>It <strong>originates at the Singar Chouri peak</strong> in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains (Indore, Madhya Pradesh). From there, it flows in the North direction in Madhya Pradesh for a length of about 346 km and <strong>then follows a north-easterly direction for a length of 225 km through Rajasthan.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>enters U.P.</strong> and flows for about 32 km before joining the Yamuna River in Etawah District.</li>
<li>It is a rainfed river and its <strong>basin is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravallis.</strong> The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.</li>
<li>The <strong>Hadauti plateau in Rajasthan</strong> occurs in the upper catchment of the Chambal River to the southeast of the Mewar Plains.</li>
<li><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Main Power Projects/ Dam:</strong> Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage.</li>
<li>The <strong>National Chambal Sanctuary</strong> is located along river Chambal on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is known for critically endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150564_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150564_image2.jpg" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-eastern-rajasthan-canal-project-why-ashok-gehlot-wants-national-tag-for-it-7234210/" 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/eastern-rajasthan-canal-project'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Vehicle Scrapping Policy',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Road and Transport Minister announced the<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vehicle-scrapping-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Vehicle Scrapping</a> Policy</strong> in the Lok Sabha.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was first announced in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Union Budget for 2021-22.</strong></a></li>
<li>The policy is <strong>estimated to cover 51 lakh Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs)</strong> that are <strong>above 20 years of age</strong> and another <strong>34 lakh LMVs</strong> above <strong>15 years of age.</strong></li>
<li>India will also implement a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-visual-positioning-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Positioning System (GPS)</strong></a>-<strong>based toll collection system </strong>and<strong> do away with all toll booths within a year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150327_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150327_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reducing the population of old and defective vehicles, bringing down vehicular air pollutants, improving <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/road-safety-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>road and vehicular safety.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fitness Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Old vehicles will have to <strong>pass a fitness test before re-registration</strong> and as per the policy <strong>government commercial vehicles more than 15 years old</strong> and <strong>private vehicles which are over 20 years old </strong>will be scrapped.</li>
<li>Old vehicles will be tested at the <strong>Automated Fitness Center</strong> and the fitness test of the vehicles will be conducted according to international standards. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Emission test, braking system, safety components will be tested and the vehicles which fail in the fitness test will be scraped.</li>
<li>The Ministry has also <strong>issued rules for registration procedure for scrapping facilities, </strong>their powers, and scrapping procedure to be followed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Tax Rebate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The state governments may be advised to offer a <strong>road-tax rebate</strong> of up to <strong>25% for personal vehicles</strong> and up to <strong>15% for commercial vehicles</strong> to provide <strong>incentive to owners</strong> of old vehicles to scrap old and unfit vehicles</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vehicle Discount:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vehicle manufacturers will also give a <strong>discount of 5%</strong> to people who will produce the<strong> 'Scrapping Certificate'</strong> and registration fees will be waived off on the purchase of a new vehicle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disincentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a disincentive, <strong>increased re-registration fees</strong> would be applicable for <strong>vehicles 15 years or older</strong> from the initial date registration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Creation of Scrap yards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will lead to creation for more scrap yards in the country and effective recovery of waste from old vehicles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the new fitness centers, <strong>35 thousand people will get employment</strong> and an investment of Rs 10,000 crores will be pumped in.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Revenue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will <strong>boost sales of heavy and medium commercial vehicles</strong> that had been in the contraction zone as a result of economic slowdown triggered by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-yes-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> bankruptcy of IL&amp;FS</strong></a> (Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19#:~:text=This%20article%20is%20based%20on,on%2022%2F06%2F2020.&amp;text=Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20is%20a,than%20merely%20a%20biomedical%20one." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></li>
<li>The government treasury is<strong> expected to get around Rs 30,000 to 40,000 crores</strong> of money through <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST)</strong> </a>from this policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Prices:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Prices of auto components would fall substantially with the <strong>recycling of metal and plastic parts.</strong></li>
<li>As scrapped materials will get cheaper the <strong>production cost of the vehicle manufacturers will also reduce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will help <strong>improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As older vehicles pollute the environment 10 to 12 times more, and estimated that 17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles are more than 15 years old.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives to Curb Vehicular Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/go-electric-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Go Electric Campaign</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fame-india-scheme-phase-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FAME India Scheme Phase II.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electric-vehicles-policy-2020-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2020</a> for Delhi.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-based-bus-and-car-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Bus and Car Project.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-electric-mobility-mission-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Electric Mobility Mission 2020.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-vehicle-scrapping-policy-nitin-gadkari-7233975/" 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/vehicle-scrapping-policy'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Damages Recovery Bill',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of Haryana has passed the <strong>Haraya Recovery of Damages to Property During Disturbance to Public Order Bill,</strong> 2021.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It can be noted that earlier<strong> Uttar Pradesh Government</strong> too had <strong>passed a similar bill named "Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Act, 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Bill:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Recovery of Damages:</strong> The Bill provides for<strong> recovery of damages to properties</strong> caused by <strong>persons during disturbances to public order by an assembly, lawful or unlawful,</strong> including riots and violent disorder.</li>
<li><strong>Compensation to Victims:</strong> It also ensures compensation to the victims.</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Coverage:</strong> The recovery will not only be made from those who indulge in violence but also from those who lead the protest, the organizers, those involved in its planning and provide encouragement and the participants.</li>
<li><strong>Establishes a Claim Tribunal:</strong> The provision for the <strong>constitution of Claims Tribunal to determine the liability,</strong> to assess the damages caused and to award compensation.</li>
<li><strong>Attachment of Property:</strong> The power to attach property or bank account of any person against whom an award has been passed by the Claims Tribunal to pay compensation.</li>
<li><strong>Appeal against Tribunal:</strong> Any person aggrieved by the award passed by the Claims Tribunal may file an appeal before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>No civil court shall have the jurisdiction to entertain any question relating to the claim for the compensation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Responsibility of Government:</strong> It is the responsibility of the state government to protect the property of the state, whether it is private or government.</li>
<li><strong>Balance between Rights and Responsibility:</strong> In a democracy everyone has the right to speak and protest peacefully, but no one has the right to damage property.</li>
<li><strong>Deterrence:</strong> There should be a legal framework to cause deterrence in the minds of the perpetrators of violence as also the organisers, instigators etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Against SC Guidelines:</strong> Composition of Claim Tribunal may violate SC judgement. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The SC, in 2019 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-ruling-on-finance-act-2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>struck down the Finance Act of 2017</strong></a> which altered the appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals for not being in conformity with the principles delineated by the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against Fundamental Rights:</strong> Violates the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Vague and Unclear:</strong> The Supreme Court had only issued broad guidelines and many aspects like identifying offenders, executing a plan to recover losses, and penalties for non-compliance remains unclear.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Legal Provisions in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has <strong>no central legislation</strong> governing<strong> recovery of damages.</strong> At present, action against rioters is limited to the toothless <strong>Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984,</strong> which prescribes a jail term and fine for convicts but has <strong>no provision for recovery for damages.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite a<strong> law against the destruction of property,</strong> incidents of rioting, vandalism, and arson have been common during protests across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>In 2007,</strong> the Supreme Court (SC) took suo motu cognizance of the issue and set up <strong>two Committees</strong> headed by <strong>Justice K T Thomas</strong> and senior advocate<strong> Fali Nariman</strong> to suggest changes to the law.</li>
<li><strong>In 2009,</strong> the Supreme Court issued guidelines based on the recommendations of the two expert Committees.</li>
<li>Like the law, the guidelines too, have had a limited impact. In <strong>Koshy Jacob vs Union Of India, 2017</strong> the court reiterated that the law needed to be updated.</li>
<li><strong>Right to Protests vs Recovery of Damages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights vs. Order:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While agitators point to their fundamental right to protest, the plight of the people affected by agitations and their right to continue with normal activity often get ignored.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s history of public protests derives its legitimacy from Mahatma Gandhi&rsquo;s path of civil disobedience and nonviolent protests, which were an integral part of our freedom struggle.</li>
<li>This legacy continued and intensified over the year and the acceptance of bandhs, and hartals became part of people&rsquo;s lives in many parts of the country.</li>
<li>In fact agitations and disruptions are so steeped into our culture that we often make a virtue of it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Example:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The United States has state-wise laws with heightened penalties for protesters who block traffic and authorises law enforcement agencies to recover costs from protesters who damage or obstruct &ldquo;critical infrastructure&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Every organiser of a protest must make a clear declaration ensuring his followers will not damage public property and if they do, must be held financially liable.</li>
<li>Facial recognition technology and the databases can help the police nail down vandals in a manner that can stand court scrutiny.</li>
<li>With the increased deployment of surveillance cameras, protest organisers and frontline leaders could be monitored, subject to privacy laws.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It punishes anyone<strong> &ldquo;who commits mischief by doing any act in respect of any public property&rdquo;</strong> with <strong>a jail term of up to five years and a fine or both.</strong> Provisions of this law can be coupled with those under the Indian Penal Code.</li>
<li>Under this Act, public property includes &ldquo;any building, installation or other property used in connection with the production, distribution or supply of water, light, power or energy; any oil installation; any sewage works; any mine or factory; any means of public transportation or of telecommunications, or any building, installation or other property used in connection therewith&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thomas Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Thomas Committee recommended <strong>reversing the burden of proof against protesters.</strong> The court should have the power to draw a presumption that the accused is guilty of destroying public property, and it would then be open to the accused to rebut such presumption.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such a <strong>reversal of the burden of proof</strong> is applicable in cases of sexual violence, among others.</li>
<li>Generally, the law presumes that the<strong> accused is innocent until the prosecution proves its case.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The court accepted the suggestion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Nariman Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The recommendations of this committee dealt with <strong>extracting damages for destruction.</strong></li>
<li>The court accepted them and ruled that the rioters should be made strictly liable and compensation must be collected for the damage done.</li>
<li>Apart from this, the Supreme Court directed High Courts to order suo motu action and to set up a machinery to investigate the damage caused and award compensation wherever mass destruction to the property takes place due to protests.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ruckus-in-haryana-assembly-over-damages-recovery-bill/article34103805.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/damages-recovery-bill'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Stop TB Partnership Board',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Dr. Harsh Vardhan,</strong> Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has been <strong>appointed Chairman of the Stop TB Partnership Board.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He will<strong> serve a three year term, commencing July 2021,</strong> as the Chair of the Board of Stop TB Partnership.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Stop TB Partnership Board:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>established in 2001</strong>&nbsp;and is mandated to eliminate Tuberculosis as a public health problem.</li>
<li>The organization was <strong>conceived following the meeting of the First Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Tuberculosis Epidemic</strong> held in London in March 1998.</li>
<li>In its inaugural year itself, the Stop TB Partnership through the <strong>Amsterdam Declaration</strong> gave a call for collaborative action from ministerial delegations from 20 countries that bear the highest burden of TB.</li>
<li>In 2019, it launched the updated <strong>Global Plan to End TB 2018-2022.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Kochon Prize</strong> is awarded annually by Stop TB Partnership to individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant contribution to combating TB.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Kochon Prize,</strong> which is endowed by the Kochon Foundation, a non-profit foundation registered in the Republic of Korea, consists of a USD 65,000 award.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its secretariat is based at <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High TB Burden Countries:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, the <strong>30 high TB burden countries</strong> accounted for 87% of new TB cases.</li>
<li>Eight countries account for two thirds of the total, with <strong>India leading the count,</strong> followed by Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and South Africa (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-tuberculosis-report-2019-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Tuberculosis Report: WHO</strong></a>)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scenario in India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With <strong>an estimated 2.64 million TB patients,</strong> India has the largest burden of TB globally in terms of absolute numbers.</li>
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/step-up-for-tb-2020-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Step Up for TB 2020&rdquo;</strong></a> report by the Stop TB Partnership and M&eacute;decins Sans Fronti&egrave;res/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has<strong> highlighted India&rsquo;s conservative approach regarding the new medicines for Drug Resistant TB,</strong> putting lives of patients including children in danger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps Taken by India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>committed to eliminating TB in the country by 2025.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Strategy Plan for TB Elimination 2017-2025:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The requirements for moving towards TB elimination in India have been arranged in <strong>four strategic areas of Detect, Treat, Prevent &amp; Build.</strong></li>
<li>There is also across all four areas, an overarching theme of the<strong> Private Sector.</strong> Another overarching theme is that of <strong>Key Populations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign, Nikshay Poshan Yojana,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Efforts:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>End TB Strategy of WHO.</strong></li>
<li><strong>World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed on 24<sup>th</sup> March</strong> to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tuberculosis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tuberculosis</strong> </a>is <strong>caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)</strong> that most often affect the lungs.</li>
<li><strong>Transmission:</strong> TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong> TB is treatable and curable disease. It is treated with a standard 6 month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer.</li>
<li><strong>Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)</strong> is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs.</li>
<li><strong>Extensively drug resistant TB (XDR TB)</strong> is a rare type of MDR TB that is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (i.e., amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1705468" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/stop-tb-partnership-board'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Rajya Sabha passed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-termination-of-pregnancy-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a>. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in March 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill seeks to amend the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-to-raise-upper-limit-for-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616139770_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616139770_image1.jpg" width="600" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Termination due to Failure of Contraceptive Method or Device:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated up to 20 weeks by a married woman in the case of failure of contraceptive method or device. The Bill <strong>allows unmarried women to also terminate a pregnancy for this reason.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opinion Needed for Termination of Pregnancy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Opinion of <strong>one registered medical practitioner</strong> (instead of two or more) for termination of pregnancy <strong>up to 20 weeks</strong> of gestation .<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Gestation</strong> is the foetal development period from the time of conception until birth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Opinion of <strong>two registered medical practitioners</strong> for termination of pregnancy of <strong>20-24 weeks</strong> of gestation.</li>
<li>Opinion of the <strong>State-level medical board</strong> is essential for a pregnancy to be terminated after <strong>24 weeks</strong> in case of substantial foetal abnormalities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Medical Boards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Every <strong>state government is required to constitute a Medical Board.</strong></li>
<li>These Medical Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii) a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Upper Gestation Limit for Special Categories:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>enhances the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women which will be defined in the amendments to the MTP Rules</strong> and would include survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, minors) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confidentiality:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>&ldquo;name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed&rdquo;</strong>, except to a person authorised in any law that is currently in force.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Before 1971, abortion was criminalized</strong> under <strong>Section 312</strong> of the <strong>Indian Penal Code,</strong> 1860, describing it as intentionally 'causing miscarriage'.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Termination in Case of Anomaly:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A number of foetus abnormalities are detected after the 20<sup>th</sup> week, often turning a wanted pregnancy into an unwanted one.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Helps Special Category Women:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The law will <strong>help the rape victims, ill and under-age women</strong> to terminate the unwanted pregnancy lawfully.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Beneficial for Unmarried Women:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bill also <strong>applies to unmarried women</strong> and therefore, relaxes one of the regressive clauses of the 1971 Act, i.e., single women couldn&rsquo;t cite contraceptive failure as a reason for seeking an abortion.</li>
<li>Allowing unmarried women to medically terminate pregnancies and a provision to protect the privacy of the person seeking an abortion will bestow <strong>reproductive rights to the women.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Viability of the Foetus:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A key aspect of the legality governing abortions has always been the &lsquo;viability&rsquo; of the foetus.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Viability implies the <strong>period from which a foetus is capable of living outside the womb.</strong></li>
<li>As technology improves, with infrastructure up-gradation, and with skilful professionals driving medical care, this <strong>&lsquo;viability&rsquo; naturally improves.</strong></li>
<li>Currently, <strong>viability</strong> is usually placed at about seven months (28 weeks) but <strong>may occur earlier, even at 24 weeks.</strong></li>
<li>Thus, <strong>late termination of pregnancy may get in conflict with the viability of the foetus.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preference for a Male Child:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The preference for a male child keeps sex determination centres in business in spite of their illegal status. There are concerns that a <strong>more liberal abortion law can aggravate this state-of-affairs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Change of Choice:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current Bill<strong> does not consider factors such as personal choice, a sudden change in circumstances</strong> (due to separation from or death of a partner), and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/domestic-violence-during-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>domestic violence.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Medical Boards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The present healthcare budgetary allocation makes setting up a board across the country, both <strong>financially and practically impossible.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Access</strong> to the board by pregnant women<strong> in remote areas of the state is a matter of concern.</strong></li>
<li><strong>No time limit set</strong> to respond to the requests.</li>
<li>The board will subject women to multiple examinations before allowing her to terminate her pregnancy. This is a <strong>violation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-to-privacy-legitimate-state-interest#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20described%20privacy,decision%20of%20K.S.%20Puttaswamy%20v.&amp;text=The%20right%20to%20privacy%20is%20protected%20as%20an%20intrinsic%20part,Part%20III%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener">right to privacy</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/right-of-reputation-vs-right-to-dignity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right to live with dignity.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Though Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 is a step in the right direction, the government needs to ensure that <strong>all norms and standardised protocols in clinical practice to facilitate abortions are followed</strong> in health care institutions across the country.</li>
<li>Along with that, the question of abortion needs to be decided on the basis of human rights, the principles of solid science, and in step with advancements in technology.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-proceedings-rajya-sabha-passes-the-medical-termination-of-pregnancy-bill/article34085993.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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