Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

India-China Disengagement

This article is based on “Looking ahead after the Ladakh walk back” which was published in The Hindu on 17/02/2021. It talks about the...

17 Feb 2021 News Editorials
Securities Appellate Tribunal

Why in News Recently, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) stayed the order passed by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that had...

17 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Pollution from Coal Burning: IEACCC

Why in News A study by the International Energy Agency’s Clean Coal Centre (IEACCC) has stated that coal burning is responsible for heavy air...

17 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Coelacanth

Why in News Recently, a group of palaeontologists have discovered fossils of coelacanth, a giant fish regarded as an iconic example of a...

17 Feb 2021 News Analysis
World Trade Organisation

Why in News Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the leading international trade...

17 Feb 2021 News Analysis
New India-Russia Ties

This article is based on “Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It...

16 Feb 2021 News Editorials
Digital Intelligence Unit

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Communications has decided to set up a Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) as a nodal agency to deal with...

16 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Corruption Perception Index 2020

Why in News India’s rank has slipped six places to 86th among 180 countries in Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency...

16 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Bhuvan Portal

Why in News Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and MapmyIndia have partnered to come up with an indigenious geospatial portal known...

16 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Increased Foreign Portfolio Investments

Why in News The Sensex has risen 11.36%, post Union Budget 2021-22 presentation, due to increased Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs). Sensex,...

16 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha

Why in News Recently, six elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary located in Odisha’s Kalahandi...

16 Feb 2021 News Analysis
The Big Picture: Bare Necessities Index

Why in News? Despite the widespread efforts and improvements, inequalities in access to bare necessities like drinking water, sanitation,...

16 Feb 2021 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Arjun MBT MK-1A

Why in News Recently, the Prime Minister of India has handed over the indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) MK-1A to the Indian...

16 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Development Financial Institution

This article is based on “Return of DFIs” which was published in The Hindu Businessline on 09/02/2021. It talks about the...

15 Feb 2021 News Editorials
Dickinsonia: Earliest Known Living Animal

Why in News Recently, researchers have discovered three fossils of the earliest known living animal, the 550-million-year-old...

15 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021

Why in News The Lok Sabha has passed the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to check misuse by “fly-by-night operators”...

15 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Doubling Farmers Income

Why in News Recently, the Central Government admitted that no actual assessment of farm income has been carried out since 2013. The Government of...

15 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Falling Numbers of SC & ST Students in IITs

Why in News Recently, data collected from a series of Right to Information (RTI) applications pertaining to five older Indian Institutes of...

15 Feb 2021 News Analysis
Glaciers

About A glacier is a large, perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment, and water that originates on land and moves down...

15 Feb 2021 Paper 1
UPSC GS Prelims Course

UPSC GS Prelims Course (Online Classes) Admission Open Mode: Online Classes (on Android-based App) Team: Team of best teachers led by Dr....

14 Feb 2021 Online Courses

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'India-China Disengagement',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/looking-ahead-after-the-ladakh-walk-back/article33854596.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Looking ahead after the Ladakh walk back&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/02/2021. It talks about the recent agreement between India and China on disengagement at Pangong Lake.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India and China have decided to finally reach an agreement on disengagement at Pangong Lake, which has been at the heart of the recent LAC tensions.</p>
<p>Both sides have agreed to a withdrawal of frontline personnel, armored elements, and proposed the creation of a buffer zone that will put a temporary moratorium on patrolling in the disputed lake. China is also asking India to vacate the heights it occupied in an effective countermove in the Kailash Range.</p>
<p>This disengagement process is a promising start towards restoring peace in the border areas. However, there are many other issues that needed to be resolved to establish lasting peace.</p>
<h3>Major Issues Associated With Disengagement Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Partial Disengagement:</strong> The current disengagement is limited to two places on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh viz. north bank of Pangong lake and Kailash range to the south of Pangong.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there are three other sites of contention on the Ladakh border where the PLA had come in &mdash; Depsang, Gogra-Hot Springs and Demchok &mdash; and talks will be held to resolve these after the current phase of disengagement is completed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unresolved Issue of Depsang Plains:</strong> The Depsang plains due to their proximity to the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road, the DBO airstrip, and the Karakoram Pass holds strategic importance for India when it comes to dealing with China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the Daulat Beg Oldie road is critical for India&rsquo;s control over the Siachen glacier.</li>
<li>Siachen glacier is the only area on the Indian landmass where China and Pakistan can physically collude militarily.</li>
<li>Therefore, the immediate concern is the status of the Depsang plateau where China has acquired a tactical advantage that can jeopardize India&rsquo;s access to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) and air assets in that region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue Regarding Creation of Buffer Zone:</strong> There are worries that the creation of proposed buffer zones would lie majorly on the Indian side of the LAC, thus converting a hitherto Indian-controlled territory into a neutral zone.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At best, these buffer zones can provide a temporary reprieve but are no alternative to the mutual delineation of the LAC and a final settlement of the Sino-Indian boundary.</li>
<li>Further, for the sake of disengagement at the north bank, China is asking India to withdraw from the important hills it acquired in the Kailash Range.</li>
<li>Thus, it raises questions about the wisdom of giving up the only leverage India had against China in Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distrust Between India &amp; China:</strong> The events of last year have left enormous distrust, which remains a hurdle, and China&rsquo;s actions on the ground have not always matched its commitments.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, China is wary of India&rsquo;s attractiveness to the United States and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.</li>
<li>Owing to the disputed nature of the border and a lack of trust between the two sides, any perceived violations of &lsquo;no patrol&rsquo; zones can lead to deadly outcomes as seen in Galwan valley in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Clubbing Depsang Issue With Current Negotiations:</strong> The Chinese excuse that the Depsang problem precedes the current crisis on the LAC and thus must be treated separately, is not in India&rsquo;s interest.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, India should pitch hard to club them together and find a holistic solution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extending Counteraction:</strong> India should not confine its response to managing the border dispute but extend it to attacking Chinese commercial interests in India and aligning itself more closely with its Quad partners, especially in the maritime domain.</li>
<li><strong>Playing Taiwan Card:</strong> On the foreign policy front, India should explore diplomatic and militaristic routes to counter China. Apart from colluding with the Quad countries, one such viable option is establishing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.</li>
<li><strong>Defense Reforms:</strong> India should look Ladakh crisis as an opportunity to carry out long-pending defense reforms.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One such much-needed reform is the military&rsquo;s internal organization. For instance, one of the biggest sources of concern for India&rsquo;s military is the pension bill.</li>
<li>This rise in the pension expenditure has a significant crowding-out effect on stores and modernization, two major components that determine a nation's war-fighting ability.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The current approach to this problem seems to be two-fold &mdash; a farcical three-year &ldquo;Tour of Duty&rdquo; to attract the young and an effort to prevent pensionable soldiers from leaving.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The current disengagement process is a welcome move because heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed Asian powers serve no useful purpose for anyone. However, the success of the new disengagement plan will finally depend on whether it is implemented on the ground in letter and in spirit.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffef7;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>This disengagement process between India and China is a promising start towards restoring peace in the border areas. However, there are many other issues that needed to be resolved to establish lasting peace. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6g0ZOXb9LfA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/death-trap-on-labour-reforms/article33845038.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Death trap: On Labour reforms&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 16<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-china-disengagement'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Securities Appellate Tribunal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Securities Appellate Tribu&shy;nal (SAT)</strong> stayed the order passed by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a> that had put a one-year ban on a retail company Chairperson and some other promoters from the securities market.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SAT is a <strong>statutory body</strong> established under the provisions of Section 15K of the <strong>SEBI Act, 1992.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mumbai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SAT consists of a <strong>Presiding Officer</strong> and <strong>Two other members.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Presiding officer of SAT shall be <strong>appointed by the Central Government</strong> in consultation with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/47th-chief-justice-of-india#:~:text=Justice%20Sharad%20Arvind%20Bobde%2C%20has,office%20on%2023rd%20April%2C%202021." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chief Justice of India</strong></a> or his nominee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has the <strong>same powers as vested in a civil court.</strong> Further, if any person feels aggrieved by SAT&rsquo;s decision or order can appeal to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the SEBI</strong> or by an adjudicating officer under the SEBI Act,1992.</li>
<li>To hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfrda-sets-up-panel-on-cyber-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).</strong></a></li>
<li>To hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SEBI is a <strong>statutory body</strong> established in 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the <strong>SEBI Act, 1992.</strong></li>
<li>Initially, SEBI was a non-statutory body. In April, <strong>1988 the SEBI was constituted as the regulator of capital markets</strong> in India under a resolution of the Government of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The term <strong>capital market</strong> refers to facilities and institutional arrangements through which long-term funds, both debt and equity are raised and invested.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The headquarters of SEBI is situated in <strong>Mumbai.</strong></li>
<li>The regional offices of SEBI are located in <strong>Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All decisions taken by SEBI are collectively taken by its Board that consists of a <strong>Chairman and eight other members.</strong></li>
<li>SEBI also <strong>appoints various committees</strong>, whenever required to look into the pressing issues of that time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Function:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To protect the interests of investors in securities and to <strong>promote and regulate the securities market.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Securities</strong> are <strong>tradable financial instruments used to raise capital</strong> in public and private markets.</li>
<li>There are primarily <strong>three types of securities: equity</strong>&mdash;which provides ownership rights to holders; <strong>debt</strong>&mdash;essentially loans repaid with periodic payments; and <strong>hybrids</strong>&mdash;which combine aspects of debt and equity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Registering</strong> and regulating the working of <strong>stock brokers, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers</strong> and such other intermediaries who may be associated with securities markets in any manner.</li>
<li>SEBI is a <strong>quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive body.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can <strong>draft regulations, conduct inquiries, pass rulings and impose penalties.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/sat-stays-sebi-ban-on-biyani-other-future-group-promoters-7191687/" 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/securities-appellate-tribunal'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Pollution from Coal Burning: IEACCC ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">A study by the<strong> International Energy Agency&rsquo;s Clean Coal Centre (IEACCC)</strong> has stated that <strong>coal burning</strong> is responsible for heavy <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>air pollution</strong></a> in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, a Delhi-based think tank<strong> Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)</strong> has also discussed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reducing-emissions-from-coal-based-power-sector#:~:text=Other%20Initiatives%20to%20Reduce%20Emissions,to%20be%20adopted%20by%202024." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>measures to reduce carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>)</strong></a> footprints of India&rsquo;s coal-based power sector and <strong>cautioned the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&amp;CC) against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sulfur-dioxide-emission-norms-delayed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extending the deadline of meeting emission norms</a></strong> for coal-based thermal power plants in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pollution from Coal-Based Thermal Power Stations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Coal-based thermal power stations contribute over half <strong>sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>),</strong> 30% <strong>oxides of nitrogen (NOx),</strong> about 20% <strong>particulate matter (PM),</strong> etc.</li>
<li>Persistent burning of coal in thermal power stations and a <strong>delay in implementation of latest carbon capture storage technology</strong> are among major reasons of air pollution in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollution from Other Sectors:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Transport and other industrial sectors stand second</strong> to coal-based thermal power stations as a contributor to air pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613559361_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613559361_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Retirement of Old Fleet of Power Stations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To limit pollution and improve the fleet efficiency by adopting clean coal technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment in Cleaner and Advanced Technology:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The most new advanced technology plants in India - such as <strong>Mundra and Sassan in Gujarat</strong> are struggling financially, causing stakeholders to lose confidence in investing in cleaner and advanced technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch More Ambitious Schemes:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current energy efficiency schemes, including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-day#:~:text=Perform%2C%20Achieve%20and%20Trade%20Scheme&amp;text=The%20scheme%20provides%20the%20option,Specific%20Energy%20Consumption%20reduction%20targets." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>performance and achieve trade scheme</strong></a>, efficiency standards scheme and carbon pricing schemes, are<strong> not ambitious enough to drive significant improvement.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adopting Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is equally important to reduce emissions. It suggested India to include it as a part of its climate commitment.</li>
<li>CCUS is the <strong>process of capturing waste CO<sub>2</sub>, transporting it to a storage site</strong> and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Coal Burning and Pollution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Coal Formation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Formed deep underground over thousands of years of heat and pressure, <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/coal-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coal</a> is a carbon-rich black rock</strong> that releases energy when burned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air Pollution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When coal is burned, it releases a number of airborne toxins and pollutants.</li>
<li>They include <strong>mercury, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates,</strong> and various other <strong>heavy metals.</strong></li>
<li>Health impacts can range from<strong> asthma and breathing difficulties, to brain damage, heart problems, cancer, neurological disorders, and premature death.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Pollution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The coal-fired power plants <strong>produce more than 100 million tons of coal ash</strong> every year.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than half of that waste ends up in<strong> ponds, lakes, landfills, and other sites where, over time, </strong>it can <strong>contaminate waterways and drinking water supplies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Other water impacts include <strong>acid rock drainage</strong> from coal mines, the destruction of mountain streams and valleys by mountaintop removal mining, and the energy-water collisions that occur when coal plants rely too heavily on local water supplies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coal is a large contributor to <strong>Global Warming.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives to Control Emissions from Power Plants:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exploring CCUS:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is exploring its potential, as a plant at the industrial port of Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Tuticorin has begun <strong>capturing CO<sub>2</sub> from its own coal-powered boiler and using it to make baking soda.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emission Standard:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has issued orders for <strong>thermal power plants to comply with emissions standards for installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units</strong> that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Graded Action Plan:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Ministry of Power has proposed a <strong>"graded action plan,"</strong> whereby areas where plants are located would be graded according to the severity of pollution, with Region 1 referring to critically polluted areas, and Region 5 being the least polluted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Energy Agency&rsquo;s Clean Coal Centre</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>technology collaboration programme,</strong> organised under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Energy Agency</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has <strong>17 members,</strong> made up of<strong> contracting parties and sponsoring organisations.</strong></li>
<li>India's <strong>Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)</strong> is a sponsoring organisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Based in<strong> London</strong> with a team of engineers, scientists and other experts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Support:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is supported financially by <strong>national governments</strong> (contracting parties) and by <strong>corporate industrial organisations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mission:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide independent information and analysis on how coal can become a cleaner source of energy, compatible with the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>To <strong>address the role of coal in the energy</strong> trilemma and the need to balance security of supply, affordability and environmental issues.</li>
<li>To<strong> focus on reducing emissions of CO<sub>2</sub> and other pollutants</strong> from coal use through <strong>High Efficiency, Low Emissions (HELE) technologies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/air/coal-burning-responsible-for-heavy-air-pollution-in-india-ieaccc-study-75536" 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/pollution-from-coal-burning-ieaccc'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Coelacanth',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a group of palaeontologists have <strong>discovered fossils of coelacanth, a giant fish regarded as an iconic example of a &ldquo;living fossil.&rdquo;</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>discovered fossil</strong> of Coelacanth is<strong> believed to be 66 million years old</strong> belonging to the <strong>Cretaceous era.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613557322_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613557322_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coelacanths are<strong> elusive, deep-sea creatures,</strong> living in depths up to 2,300 feet below the surface.</li>
<li>These were <strong>thought to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.</strong> But its <strong>discovery in 1938</strong> started a debate about how this lobe-finned fish fits into the evolution of land animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Species:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are only two known species of coelacanths: one that lives near the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vice-president-s-visit-to-comoros-and-sierra-leone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Comoros Islands</strong></a> off the east coast of Africa, and one found in the waters off <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-s-oldest-cave-art" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sulawesi</strong></a>, Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Living Fossil:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Living Fossil is an organism that has remained unchanged from earlier geologic times and whose close relatives are usually extinct. Other than Coelacanth, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-horseshoe-crab-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Horseshoe crab</strong></a> and<strong> ginkgo trees</strong> are examples of living <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dickinsonia-earliest-known-living-animal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fossils</strong></a>.</li>
<li>However, in their new study, palaeontologists have found that Coelacanths gained 62 new genes through encounters with other species 10 million years ago. This suggests that they are actually evolving, albeit slowly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Status</strong></a>: Critically Endangered<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sulawesi Coelacanth</strong> is listed as <strong>&lsquo;vulnerable&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES Status</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/palaeontologist-discovers-ancient-enormous-caelocanth-species-by-accident-75544" 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/coelacanth'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'World Trade Organisation',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Nigeria's <strong>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</strong> was appointed as <strong>Director-General</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a>, the leading international trade body.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</strong> is the <strong>first African official</strong> and the<strong> first woman</strong> to hold the position.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin of WTO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WTO is the successor to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-moved-to-wto-on-us-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)</strong></a>, which was created in 1947.</li>
<li>The<strong> Uruguay Round (1986-94)</strong> of the GATT led to the WTO's creation. WTO began operations on 1<sup>st</sup> January, 1995.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Agreement Establishing the WTO, commonly known as the <strong>&ldquo;Marrakesh Agreement&rdquo;,</strong> was signed in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WTO is an<strong> international organization</strong> dealing with the rules of trade between nations.</li>
<li>Main difference between GATT and WTO was that <strong>GATT mostly dealt with trade in goods,</strong> the <strong>WTO and its agreements could not only cover goods but also trade in services and other intellectual properties</strong> like trade creations, designs, and inventions.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WTO has <strong>164 members</strong> (including <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>) and <strong>23 observer governments</strong> (like Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, Libya etc).</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is <strong>a founder member</strong> of the 1947 GATT and its successor, the WTO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governing Structure:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613553941_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613553941_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ministerial Conference:</strong></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Structure of the WTO is dominated by its highest authority, the Ministerial Conference, <strong>composed of representatives of all WTO members,</strong> which is required to <strong>meet at least every two years</strong> and which can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>General Council:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>composed of all WTO members</strong> and is <strong>required to report to the Ministerial Conference. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dispute Settlement Body and Trade Policy Review Body:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>General Council convenes in two particular forms:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dispute Settlement Body:</strong> To oversee the dispute settlement procedures.</li>
<li><strong>Trade Policy Review Body:</strong> To conduct regular reviews of the trade policies of individual WTO members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To set and<strong> enforce rules for international trade.</strong></li>
<li>To provide a<strong> forum for negotiating and monitoring</strong> further trade liberalization.</li>
<li>To <strong>resolve trade disputes.</strong></li>
<li>To<strong> increase the transparency</strong> of decision-making processes.</li>
<li>To <strong>cooperate with other major international economic institutions</strong> involved in global economic management.</li>
<li>To <strong>help developing countries</strong> benefit fully from the global trading system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achievements of WTO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Global Facilitation of Trade:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By <strong>building binding rules for global trade</strong> in goods and services, WTO has facilitated dramatic growth in cross-border business activity.</li>
<li>The WTO has not only <strong>enhanced the value and quantity of trade but has also helped in eradicating trade and non-trade barriers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Economic Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since 1995, the value of <strong>world trade has nearly quadrupled,</strong> while the <strong>real volume of world trade has expanded by 2.7 times.</strong></li>
<li>Domestic reforms and market-opening commitments have resulted in the lasting boost to national income of nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Global Value Chains:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The predictable market conditions fostered by the WTO, have combined with improved communications to <strong>enable the rise of global value chains,</strong> trade within these value chains today accounts for almost 70% of total merchandise trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Upliftment of Poor Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The least-developed countries receive extra attention in the WTO. All the WTO agreements recognize that they must benefit from the greatest possible flexibility, and <strong>better-off members must make extra efforts to lower import barriers on least-developed countries&rsquo; exports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s State Capitalism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises present a major challenge to the free-market global trading system and the rulebook of the WTO is inadequate for addressing these challenges.</li>
<li>It is due to this that<strong> USA-China</strong> are also engaged in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade war</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Appellate Body&rsquo;s operations have effectively been suspended</strong> since December 2019, as the USA&rsquo;s blocking of appointments has left the body without a quorum of adjudicators needed to hear appeals.</li>
<li>The<strong> crisis with the dispute settlement function of the WTO</strong> is closely linked to the breakdown in its negotiation function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Transparency:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a problem in WTO negotiations as <strong>there is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/developing-country-status-in-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no agreed definition of what constitutes a developed or developing country</a></strong> at the WTO.</li>
<li>Members can currently self-designate as developing countries to receive &lsquo;special and differential treatment&rsquo; &ndash; a practice that is the subject of much contention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-commerce &amp; Digital Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the global trade landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, WTO rules have not kept pace.</li>
<li>In 1998, realizing that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-take-on-e-commerce-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> would play a growing role in the global economy, WTO members established a WTO e-commerce moratorium to examine all trade-related issues relating to global electronic commerce.</li>
<li>Recently, however, the moratorium has been called into question by developing countries because of its implications for collecting revenue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture and Development: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india%27s-disputes-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement on agriculture</strong></a> is facing issues due to food security and development requirements for developing countries like India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modernizing the WTO will necessitate<strong> the development of a new set of rules</strong> for dealing with digital trade and e-commerce.</li>
<li>WTO members will also have to <strong>deal more effectively with China&rsquo;s trade policies and practices,</strong> including how to better handle state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
<li>Given the pressing issues around <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a>, <strong>increased efforts to align trade and environmental sustainability</strong> could help to both tackle climate change and reinvigorate the WTO.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nigerias-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-to-head-world-trade-organization/article33844040.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/world-trade-organisation-1'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'New India-Russia Ties',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/bridge-the-geopolitical-distance-with-russia-101613393990382.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It talks about the importance that Russia and India hold for each other in the present geopolitical scenario.</p>
</div>
<p>The year 2020 saw several geopolitical events that impacted both India and Russia. For instance, the sharpening rivalry between the US and China, the India-China border tussle, the continuing decline in ties between the West and Russia, and now change of leadership in the US.</p>
<p>As Russia and India both desire a multi-polar world, they are equally important for each other in fulfilling each other's national interests. However, due to the changing geopolitical scenario, the relationship between both countries is not as good as it used to be in the cold war era.</p>
<p>In this context, the forthcoming visit of India&rsquo;s Foreign secretary to Russia is a good occasion to examine the relevance of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Russian ties</strong></a> in a world of changing geopolitical equations.</p>
<h3>Importance of Russia for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balancing China:</strong> The Chinese aggression in the border areas of eastern Ladakh, brought India-China relations to an inflection point, but also demonstrated that Russia is capable of contributing to defusing tensions with China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in the disputed territory of Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement:</strong> Apart from traditional areas of cooperation such as weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new sectors of economic engagement are likely to emerge &mdash; mining, agro-industrial, and high technology, including robotics, nanotech, and biotech.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s footprint in the Russian Far East and in the Arctic is set to expand. Connectivity projects may get a boost too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Combating Terrorism:</strong> India and Russia are working to close the gap on Afghanistan and are calling for early finalization of the <a href="/printpdf/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit#:~:text=In%201996%2C%20with%20the%20objective,International%20Terrorism%E2%80%9D%20(CCIT).&amp;text=To%20ban%20all%20terror%20groups%20and%20shut%20down%20terror%20camps." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Support At Multilateral Forums:</strong> Additionally, Russia supports India&rsquo;s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of India For Russia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balancing China:</strong> Russia and China are currently in a quasi-alliance setup. However, Russia repeatedly reiterates that it does not see itself as anybody&rsquo;s junior partner. That&rsquo;s why Russia wants India to act as a balancer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Instance, Russia&rsquo;s Far East is a huge landmass that is rich in resources but is sparsely populated and underdeveloped.</li>
<li>Till now, its development has primarily revolved around Chinese dominance and so Russia wants to diversify with the help of India to lessen Russia&rsquo;s growing dependence on China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reviving Eurasian Economic Union:</strong> Russia seeks to leverage India&rsquo;s soft power to gain legitimacy in the success of the Eurasian Economic Union, and re-establishing its hegemony, as it existed during the cold war era.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Main Challenge</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India Going West:</strong> China&rsquo;s expansionist foreign policy forced India to shed past hesitations and actively pursue closer ties with the West, particularly the US.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be reflected in a determined restart of the Quad process and a clearer enunciation of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia Going East:</strong> The Western countries have imposed harsh economic sanctions towards Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia responded to these efforts to isolate it, by revving up its own &ldquo;Pivot to the East&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The most distinct results of which are markedly improved relations with China, and better ties with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.</li>
<li>Russia&rsquo;s Pivot to the East policy is not in synergy with that of the US and subsequently, the relationship between India and Russia suffers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India Engaging Russia Into Indo-Pacific Narrative:</strong> India should pursue and facilitate Russia&rsquo;s engagement in the Indo-Pacific. However, Russia&rsquo;s role in the Indo-Pacific will depend on how successful it is in dealing with the fundamental problems hindering its economic development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia&rsquo;s active engagement in the region would contribute to making the Indo-Pacific truly &ldquo;free and inclusive&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prioritizing RIC in Indian Foreign Policy:</strong> India must promote a mutually beneficial trilateral cooperation between Russia, China, and India that could contribute towards the reduction of mistrust and suspicion between India and China.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation At Multilateral Forums:</strong> India and Russia continue to share a common strategic rationale for their relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from bilateral synergies, the two are members of various multilateral organizations including BRICS, RIC, G20, East Asia Summit, and SCO&mdash;where avenues for cooperation on issues of mutual importance exist.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is clear that India &amp; Russia still regard each other as valued partners with a friendship built on deep mutual trust, their foreign policy goals are taking them in different directions.</p>
<p>However, neither India nor Russia wants to be a junior partner to China or the United States. Thus, both countries can turn back to and bolster ties as existed in the cold war era.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffffc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Despite the foreign policy, goals are taking them in different directions, it is imperative for India and Russia to bolster their ties. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bx7Z0UxoROA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/endless-war-the-hindu-editorial-on-why-saudi-arabia-should-end-its-yemen-blockade/article33836570.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Endless war: On why Saudi Arabia should end its Yemen blockade&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 15<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-india-russia-ties'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Digital Intelligence Unit',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Communications</strong> has decided to set up a <strong>Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU)</strong> as a nodal agency to deal with complaints of unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) and cases of financial fraud, especially in the digital payments space.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from the DIU a Telecom Analytics for <strong>Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP)</strong> will also be set up at all the 22 license service area levels.</li>
<li>It would also ensure strict compliance of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/curbing-unsolicited-commercial-communications" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preferences Regulations (TCCCPR)</strong> </a>2018 which provides a revised regulatory framework aimed at regulating <strong>'unsolicited commercial communication' (UCC) in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Delhi High Court (HC) ordered the <strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</strong> to ensure &ldquo;complete and strict&rdquo; implementation of the regulation issued by it in 2018 for curbing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/curbing-unsolicited-commercial-communications" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC).</strong></a></li>
<li>Earlier in November, 2020 <strong>TRAI had imposed fines of up to Rs 30 crore on telecom companies</strong> such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio Infocomm for not putting enough measures to control UCC, which occurred over their networks between April and June 2020.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> had, in its annual report for 2018-19, said frauds related to misuse of credit and debit cards, cloning of identities, and spam amounted to Rs 220 crore in the year. DIU could mitigate this menace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Digital Intelligence Unit </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To coordinate with various law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Checking Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The issue of UCC has been a major area of concern for the Telecom Ministry as well as the <strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).</strong> It has from time to time fined telecom operators for not following its directives on stopping UCC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effective Redressal of Complaints:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Along with DIU, a web and mobile application as well as a SMS-based system shall be developed for effective redressal of complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Instilling Trust In the Digital Ecosystem:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The DIU system will strengthen the trust of people in the digital ecosystem and will make financial digital transactions primarily through mobile more secure and reliable,which will result in promotion of Digital India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UCC on over-the-top (OTT) Service Providers:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>TRAI is also about to come up with a consultation paper to deal with <strong>UCC on over-the-top (OTT) service providers.&nbsp;</strong>The launched systems does not address the issue of UCC on over-the-top (OTT) service providers such as <strong>WhatsApp. </strong></li>
<li><strong>The Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation, 2018</strong> tightened the norms for all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem to have facilities for users to complain against unsolicited calls or SMS. However, OTT players have thus far remained untethered from regulations as far as UCC is concerned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Statutory Body:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Established by an Act of Parliament (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>To regulate telecom services,</strong> including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.</li>
<li><strong>Provide a fair and transparent policy environment</strong> which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Amendment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The TRAI Act was amended in the year 2000 to establish a <strong>Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)</strong> to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/new-nodal-agency-to-tackle-fraud-pesky-smses-calls-7190276/" 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/digital-intelligence-unit'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Corruption Perception Index 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s rank has slipped six places to <strong>86<sup>th</sup> among 180 countries</strong> in <strong>Corruption Perception Index (CPI)</strong> released by<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corruption-perceptions-index-2018-transparency-international" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Transparency International</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India was ranked 80<sup>th</sup> out of 180 countries in 2019.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Transparency International</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Transparency International is an international non -governmental organisation founded in <strong>1993</strong> based in <strong>Berlin, Germany</strong></li>
<li>its non profit purpose is to take action to <strong>combat global Corruption with civil societal anti-corruption measures</strong> and<strong> to prevent criminal activities</strong> arising from corruption.</li>
<li>Its most notable publications include the <strong>Global Corruption Barometer</strong> and the <strong>Corruption Perception Index.</strong></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 index ranks <strong>180 countries and territories</strong> by the perceived level of public sector corruption according to experts and business people.</li>
<li>It uses a scale of <strong>zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).</strong></li>
<li>CPI 2020 paints a grim picture of the state of corruption worldwide. While most countries have made little to no progress in tackling corruption in nearly a decade, more than two-thirds of countries <strong>score below 50, with an average score of just 43.</strong></li>
<li>Moreover, corruption not only undermines the <strong>global health response to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cover-19</a></strong> but contributes to a <strong>continuing crisis of democracy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The top countries on the <strong>Corruption Perception Index (CPI)</strong> are <strong>Denmark</strong> and <strong>New Zealand,</strong> with scores of 88, followed by <strong>Finland, Singapore, Sweden</strong> and <strong>Switzerland,</strong> with scores of 85 each.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>South Sudan</strong> and<strong> Somalia</strong> are the bottom Countries with scores of 12 each, followed by Syria (14), Yemen (15) and Venezuela (15).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Specific:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The highest scoring region is <strong>Western Europe</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> with an average score of 66.</li>
<li>The lowest scoring regions are <strong>Sub-Saharan Africa</strong> (32) and <strong>Eastern Europe and Central Asia (36).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, India's score is 40 (41 in 2019).</li>
<li>India experienced slow progress in anti-corruption efforts, with several government commitments to reform not yet materialising effectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Corruption, Health &amp; Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Corruption shifts public spending away from essential public services. Countries with higher levels of corruption,regardless of economic development, tend to spend less on health.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Higher levels of corruption are associated with lower universal health care coverage and higher rates of infant and maternal mortality and deaths from cancer, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Corruption is one of the key barriers to achieving the <strong>United Nations&rsquo; <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</a></strong>, and the covid-19 pandemic is making those goals even more difficult to attain.</li>
<li>Covid-19 is not just a health and economic crisis, but a corruption crisis as well, with countless lives lost due to the insidious effects of corruption undermining a fair and equitable global response.</li>
<li>The Covid-19 response exposed vulnerabilities of<strong> weak oversight and inadequate transparency.</strong> Countries with higher levels of corruption tend to be the worst perpetrators of democratic and rule-of-law breaches while managing the COVID-19 crisis. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Governments exploiting the pandemic to suspend parliaments, renounce public accountability mechanisms, and incite violence against dissidents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strengthen oversight institutions</strong>  to ensure resources reach those most in need. <strong>Anti-corruption authorities and oversight</strong> institutions must  have sufficient funds, resources  and  independence  to perform their duties</li>
<li><strong>Ensure open and transparent contracting</strong> to combat  wrong doing, identify conflicts of interest and ensure  fair pricing.</li>
<li><strong>Defend Democracy, Promote Civic Space</strong> by enabling civil society groups and the media to hold governments accountable.</li>
<li><strong>Publish relevant data and guarantee access  to information</strong> to ensure the public receives easy, accessible, timely and meaningful information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indias-rank-slips-to-86th-in-corruption-perception-index-2020-7165607/" 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/corruption-perception-index-2020'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Bhuvan Portal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a> and <strong>MapmyIndia</strong> have partnered to come up with an<strong> indigenious geospatial portal</strong> known as <strong>&lsquo;Bhuvan&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is in line with the above discussed new<strong> guidelines for the Geo-Spatial Sector</strong> in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geospatial Portal (Bhuvan):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a type of web portal<strong> used to find and access geographic information</strong> (geospatial information) <strong>and associated geographic services</strong> (display, editing, analysis, etc.) <strong>via the Internet.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Collaboration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>MapmyIndia&rsquo;s database</strong> will be connected with <strong>ISRO&rsquo;s high-end satellite catalogue and earth observation data,</strong> which it generates through a constellation of its satellites.</li>
<li>The collaboration will enable them to jointly identify and build a holistic <strong>geospatial portal</strong> utilising earth observation datasets, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC)</strong></a>, Web Services and <strong>APIs</strong> (application programming interface) available in MapmyIndia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>API</strong> is a <strong>software intermediary</strong> that allows two applications to talk to each other.</li>
<li>It is a computing interface that defines <strong>interactions between multiple software intermediaries</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>True Maps:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its services will<strong> reflect the true borders of the country</strong> as per the information available from Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protects Privacy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By using MapmyIndia maps and applications instead of the foreign map apps, <strong>users can better protect their privacy.</strong></li>
<li>As foreign search engines and companies claim to offer &lsquo;free&rsquo; maps, but in reality, they make money by targeting the same users with advertising, by <strong>invading the user&rsquo;s privacy and auctioning private location and movement data.</strong> However there is no such provision of advertisement in MapmyIndia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat:</strong> Being an Indian platform, it is well aligned with the government's Mission of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>MapmyIndia: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an <strong>Indian technology company</strong> that builds digital map data, telematics services, Global Information System and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></a> services.</li>
<li>It is an alternative to <strong>Google Map,</strong> which covers as many as 7.5 lakh Indian villages and 7,500 cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Database:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The database has a road network connected by 63 lakh km and the organisation claims to consist of the most exhaustive digital map database of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Almost all the vehicle manufacturers in India who come with built-in navigation systems are using MapmyIndia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Products:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>App called <strong>&lsquo;Move&rsquo;</strong> that provides <strong>real-time traffic updates and navigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),</strong> developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IRNSS<strong> consists of eight satellites,</strong> three satellites in geostationary orbit and five satellites in geosynchronous orbit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It works just like the established and popular<strong> U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS)</strong> but within a 1,500-km radius over the sub-continent.</li>
<li>It has been<strong> certified by the 3<sup>rd</sup> Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a global body for coordinating mobile telephony standards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main objective is to <strong>provide reliable position, navigation and timing services</strong> over India and its neighbourhood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potential Uses:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation;</li>
<li>Disaster management;</li>
<li>Vehicle tracking and fleet management (especially for mining and transportation sector);</li>
<li>Integration with mobile phones;</li>
<li>Precise timing (as for ATMs and power grids);</li>
<li>Mapping and geodetic data capture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Global Navigational Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>BeiDou/BDS</strong> (China)</li>
<li><strong>Galileo</strong> (Europe)</li>
<li><strong>GLONASS</strong> (Russia)</li>
<li><strong>Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)</strong> (Japan)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/with-isro-partnership-and-new-rules-mapmyindia-hopes-to-take-on-google-maps-7190796/" 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/bhuvan-portal'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Increased Foreign Portfolio Investments',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-covid-19-outbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sensex</strong> </a>has risen 11.36%, post<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Union Budget 2021-22</strong></a> presentation, due to increased <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increase-in-foreign-portfolio-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sensex,</strong> otherwise known as the S&amp;P BSE Sensex index, is the <strong>benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange</strong> (BSE) in India. It <strong>comprises 30 of the largest and most actively-traded stocks</strong> on the BSE, and is the oldest stock index in India.</li>
<li>A <strong>stock</strong> is an investment that represents a share, or partial ownership, of a company. Corporations issue (sell) stock to raise funds to operate their businesses.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons for Inflow:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Liquidity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Stock market is responding to the Budget 2021-22</strong> that has infused liquidity (money supply in market) in the Indian economy and been <strong>pro-growth with privatisation gaining ground.</strong></li>
<li>Several reforms aimed at protecting shareholder rights and improving the ease of doing business have also been a contributing factor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Covid Recovery:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, with a recovering economy, is moving back to a higher nominal growth trajectory versus the western world (which continues to struggle with the second wave of Covid and related lockdowns) and looks as a credible destination for growth seeking developed world investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sectors Wise Investments: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Performing Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sectors like <strong>private banks, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Information Technology (IT)</strong> have seen foreign flows as Indian companies have exhibited resilience and demonstrated growth post lifting of the lockdown restrictions.</li>
<li>In 2020, the <strong>pharma sector</strong> was a preferred choice and the sector did very well.</li>
<li>The <strong>Banking stocks underperformed due to potential <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Performing Asset (NPA)</a> concerns.</strong> Now, the banking stocks are again sought after by the FPIs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Build Forex Reserve:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increased inflow of investments will conservatively allow to build<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forex-reserves-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> forex reserves</strong> </a>so that India has a buffer to maintain resilience in case of any future contagion from excessive liquidity and rising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fiscal deficits.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Foreign Portfolio Investment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Foreign Capital:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>FPI and FDI</strong> are both <strong>important sources of funding</strong> for most economies.</li>
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a> is an investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country. <strong>FDI lets an investor purchase a direct business interest</strong> in a foreign country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Example:</strong> Investors can make FDI in a number of ways. Some common ones include<strong> establishing a subsidiary</strong> in another country, <strong>acquiring or merging</strong> with an existing foreign company, or <strong>starting a joint venture partnership</strong> with a foreign company.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign portfolio investment (FPI)</strong> consists of securities and other financial assets passively held by foreign investors. It <strong>does not provide the investor with direct ownership of financial assets</strong> and is relatively liquid depending on the volatility of the market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Examples</strong> of FPIs include<strong> stocks, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-zero-coupon-recapitalisation-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bonds</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mutual-funds-and-emerging-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mutual funds</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharat-bond-exchange-traded-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exchange traded funds</a>, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), </strong>and<strong> Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Details Related to FPI:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FPI is part of a country&rsquo;s capital account and is shown on its <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/strong-balance-of-payments#:~:text=Balance%20of%20Payment,or%20a%20deficit%20on%20trade." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Balance of Payments (BOP)</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The BOP measures the amount of money flowing from one country to other countries over one monetary year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a> brought <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-norms-for-fpi#:~:text=FPIs%20shall%20be%20permitted%20for,and%20invest%20in%20Indian%20markets." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new FPI Regulations, 2019</strong></a>, replacing the erstwhile FPI Regulations of 2014.</li>
<li><strong>FPI is often referred to as &ldquo;hot money&rdquo;</strong> because of its tendency to flee at the first signs of trouble in an economy.</li>
<li><strong>FPI is more liquid and less risky than FDI.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613470488_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613470488_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="628" height="726" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/pro-growth-budget-steady-recovery-bolster-fpi-inflows-7188850/" 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/increased-foreign-portfolio-investments'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>six elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> located in Odisha&rsquo;s Kalahandi district.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a disease which infects animals that come in contact with contaminated water or soil by a <strong>contagious bacteria <em>(Pasteurella multocida).</em></strong></li>
<li>In this disease the respiratory tract and lungs of the animals are affected, leading to <strong>severe pneumonia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affected Animals:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It mainly affects water buffalo, cattle and bison with a high mortality rate in infected animals.</li>
<li>Recently, around 40 buffaloes had succumbed to the infection in Odisha&rsquo;s Kendrapara.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Season:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The disease generally spreads in the period right before and after the <strong>monsoons.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> It is spread over 175 square kilometre area in Odisha&rsquo;s Kalahandi district.</li>
<li><strong>Vegetation:</strong> Dry Deciduous Forest.</li>
<li><strong>Fauna: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mammals: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elephant</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leopard</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-bison-gaur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gaur</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/avian-botulism-at-sambhar-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sambar</a>,</strong> Barking deer, Indian wolf, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malayan-giant-squirrel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malbar giant squirrel</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-pangolin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pangolin</strong></a>, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Birds:</strong> Peacock, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hornbill-habitat-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hornbill</strong></a>, Red jungle fowl, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Reptilians: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ghodahada-reservoir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mugger</a></strong>, crocodile, monitor lizard etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora:</strong> Sal, Bija, Bamboo, medicinal plants, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Water Body: Phurlijharan waterfall</strong> is located within the sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Protected Areas in Odisha: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>National Parks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/olive-ridley-turtles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhitarkanika National Park</strong></a>: It is home to the largest congregation of the endangered <strong>SaltWater Crocodile</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Simlipal National Park</strong></a>: It derives its name from the <strong>abundance of Semul or red silk cotton trees</strong> that bloom abundantly in the locality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife Sanctuaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Badrama WLS:</strong> It is characterized by the presence of <strong>Moist Sal Forests. </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/irrawaddy-dolphins-in-the-chilika-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chilika</a> (Nalaban island) WLS:</strong> Asia's largest and world's second-largest lagoon. Recently, direct sightings of school of Irrawaddy dolphins has been reported here.</li>
<li><strong>Hadgarh WLS: Salandi river passes</strong> through it which is home to mugger crocodiles.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/satkosia-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Baisipalli WLS</strong></a>: It is a sal dominated forest with a significant number of tigers, leopards, elephants, herbivores like<strong> Chousingha.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Kotagarh WLS:</strong> It consists of dense deciduous forests with grasslands.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nandankanan-zoological-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nandankanan WLS</strong></a>: First in the world to breed White tiger and Melanistic tiger.</li>
<li><strong>Lakhari Valley WLS</strong>: The Lakhari Valley Sanctuary is a dwelling place of a large number of elephants.</li>
<li><strong>Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS</strong>: It is a mass nesting spot in Indian Ocean region and the only turtle sanctuary in Odisha. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/olive-ridley-turtles-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Olive Ridley turtles</strong></a> travel across the South Pacific to breed on the coast of Gahirmatha</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/odisha-karlapat-wildlife-sanctuary-elephant-deaths-7190622/" 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/karlapat-wildlife-sanctuary-odisha'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Bare Necessities Index',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KsO0iam8o5o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the widespread efforts and improvements, inequalities in access to <strong>bare necessities</strong> like <strong>drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and housing conditions</strong> continue to exist between urban and rural India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The above inference is drawn from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/highlights-of-economic-survey-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Survey for 2020-21</strong></a> in its newly constructed <strong>&ldquo;Bare Necessities Index&rdquo; (BNI).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The BNI is built on the idea of <strong>Thalinomics</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-survey-2019-20-highlights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Survey for 2019-20</strong></a>, through which it had sought to examine the access to food in the country.</li>
<li>The Economic Survey (2020-21) has underlined the <strong>need to focus on reducing variations in the access to bare necessities across states,</strong> between rural and urban areas, and between income groups.</li>
<li>With us moving to a completely digital era, the <strong>bare necessities are no more confined to &ldquo;Roti, Kapda aur Makan&rdquo;</strong> but goes beyond it.</li>
<li><strong>Access to technology; smartphones, internet</strong> and connectivity with the whole nation are the <strong>newly added bare necessities</strong> to go hand in hand with the world.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Thalinomics</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the 2019-20 Economic Survey, Thalinomics was introduced to make an <strong>attempt to relate economics to the common person using something that an individual encounters every day -</strong> a plate of food i.e a Thali.</li>
<li>Affordability of Thalis vis-&agrave;-vis a day&rsquo;s pay of a worker has<strong> improved over time,</strong> indicating improved welfare of the common person.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Bare Necessities Index</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Bare Necessities Index (BNI)</strong> is based on the large annual household survey data.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is constructed using suitable indicators and methodology at district level for all/targeted districts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The BNI summarises<strong> 26 indicators on five dimensions -</strong> water, sanitation, housing, micro-environment, and other facilities and has been created for all states for 2012 and 2018 using NSO data.</li>
<li>The index classifies areas on three levels of access- <strong>high, medium, low</strong> to bare necessities.</li>
<li><strong>Utility of data:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To check inter state disparities or a progress of a particular state over time.</li>
<li>To check the efficacy of policies/ schemes implemented to meet these bare necessities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improvement in bare necessities:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bare necessities have improved across all States in the country in 2018 as compared to 2012.</li>
<li>Increase in equity is noteworthy as the rich can access private options for public goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Steps taken to Provide the Bare Necessities</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-grameen-behind-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saubhagya-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saubhaggya yojana</strong> </a>for housing.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayushman-bharat-pm-jay-sehat-jk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-JAY</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission</strong></a> for the health sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increased allocations for some of the bare necessities in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>budget 2020-21</strong></a> such as the health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-05-2020#:~:text=Government%20will%20launch%20PM%20eVIDYA,one%20nation%2C%20one%20digital%20platform)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM eVIDYA</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swayam-and-swayam-prabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swayam Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pragyata-guidelines-on-digital-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PRAGYATA</strong></a> in the educational sector.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-on-atmanirbhar-bharat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana</strong></a>: It is aimed at incentivising the creation of new employment opportunities during the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organisation%20(WHO,31st%20December%2C%202019)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Covid-19</strong></a> economic recovery phase.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sdg-india-index-by-niti-ayog#:~:text=The%20index%20documents%20the%20progress,which%20covered%20only%2013%20goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Niti Aayog Sustainable Development Goals Index</strong></a>: The index documents the progress made by India&rsquo;s States and Union Territories towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Associated</h3>
<p><strong>Internet Facility as a Bare Necessity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the pandemic, besides the bare necessities, the <strong>biggest need was found to be the internet and smartphones,</strong> whether it was about working from home, or attending online classes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most people were able to afford smartphones and the internet, but those who couldn&rsquo;t afford them, were found to be in a very deprived situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Internet facilities and access to smartphones is a necessity in the present that has not been taken into account while preparing the list of bare necessities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To catch up with everyone else in this electronic world, the people who are devoid of these necessities need more uplift than just food and housing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lack of equal internet access is not only a huge inequality in the education sector, but also in the health sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the increasing use of<strong> telemedicines, e-skilling, e-governance and e-education,</strong> not being provided with the internet facility, a major part of India will continue to be a laggard in this electronic world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kerala which has an enormous <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Distribution System</strong></a>, still there children can be found facing several difficulties due to lack of internet access.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Food, oil and unemployment allowance are provided to them by the government, but the internet is not included in the list.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Multiplicity of Schemes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are about<strong> 250-300 poverty alleviation schemes</strong> launched by central and state government at the district level which are<strong> almost similar in nature.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This multiplicity of schemes is very infructuous.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This<strong> brings inefficiency</strong> within the effective functioning of schemes and <strong>opens windows for corruption.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Framing the policies keeping in mind the future needs and possibilities:</strong> The schemes shall be futuristic keeping in mind that the idea of bare necessities have changed over the years and will definitely change even more for the upcoming generation.</li>
<li><strong>Digital education aspect:</strong> One of the easiest ways is to target the younger, school-going generation and take into account what they need so that they get equal access to education.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatnet-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Net</strong></a> must be accelerated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discouraging multiplicity of schemes:</strong> The high number of infructuous schemes shall be integrated.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Quality should be raised instead of quantity, a few but well organised and effective schemes must be preferred over too many schemes creating chaos and confusions.</li>
<li><strong>Convergence of these schemes</strong> is needed, so that the schemes which are not necessary should be done away with.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Keeping the traditional as well as new needs into consideration:</strong> It is not an &lsquo;either this-or that&rsquo; situation, India shall focus on the traditional bare needs along with including smartphones and internet facilities as a basic need to bridge a digital divide in this technological era.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The newly introduced &ldquo;digital aspect&rdquo; of bare needs must be addressed but the traditional needs must not be compromised, they must be taken into account at a priority basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The need of proper health facilities:</strong> The most important traditional bare need is <strong>public health which adheres to sewage and sanitation.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A medical condition called <strong>environmental enteropathy</strong> is caused by poor health and sanitation conditions which<strong> infects people&rsquo;s ability to absorb nutrition.</strong></li>
<li>Environmental enteropathy (also called tropical enteropathy) is a<strong> subclinical condition caused by constant fecal-oral contamination</strong> and resulting in blunting of intestinal villi and intestinal inflammation.</li>
<li>Besides, every block hospital should be upgraded, upgradation of the hospitals will ultimately lead to the quantum leap in the health services available at the block level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bare Necessities Index is a <strong>good way to ensure equal access to the bare necessities</strong> across sectors, states and the country.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It shows that there needs to be a<strong> special focus on public health.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Multiplicity of schemes has to be addressed and integrated; <strong>better synergy shall be there among the centre and states.</strong></li>
<li>The status of basic needs in the country must be improved as it would lead to the growth of the country and bring improvement in the rank of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/human-development-index-undp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human development Index (HDI)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-bare-necessities-index'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Arjun MBT MK-1A',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India has handed over the indigenously developed <strong>Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) MK-1A</strong> to the Indian Army.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613463528_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613463528_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong> The Arjun MBT Project was initiated by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong> </a><strong>(DRDO)</strong> in 1972 with the <strong>Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE)</strong> as its lead laboratory.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To create a &ldquo;state-of-the-art tank with superior fire power, high mobility, and excellent protection".</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of the Arjun Tank:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Arjun MBT is equipped with an indigenously developed <strong>120mm main rifled gun</strong> with <strong>Fin Stabilised Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)</strong> ammunition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>FSAPDS</strong> is capable of destroying all known tank armour up to direct shooting range.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also has a <strong>computer-controlled integrated fire control system</strong> with stabilised sighting that works in all lighting conditions.</li>
<li>The secondary weapons include a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun for anti-personnel and a 12.7-mm machine gun for anti-aircraft and ground targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mk1A and MkII:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The development of Arjun Mk1 was followed by improved variants - Mk1A and MkII.</li>
<li>Arjun Mk1A, which features improved<strong> firepower and transmission systems,</strong> completed the final integration tests in 2019 and was cleared for production.</li>
<li>The Arjun MkII variant is a light-weight <strong>Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT)</strong> with electro-optical sensors and high-power lasers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of Mk-1A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Mk-1A version has 14 major upgrades on the earlier version. It is also supposed to have<strong> missile firing capability</strong> as per the design.</li>
<li>However, the biggest achievement with the latest version is<strong> 54.3% indeginous content</strong> against the <strong>41% in the earlier model.</strong></li>
<li>The newly developed <strong>Kanchan</strong> modular composite armour gives all-round protection to the tank from anti-tank ammunition. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kanchan has been manufactured by <strong>Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)</strong> - a DRDO Laboratory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DRDO works to establish a world class science and technology base for India and provides India&rsquo;s Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.</li>
<li>DRDO was established in 1958 after combining Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development &amp; Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).</li>
<li>DRDO works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-arjun-main-battle-tank-mk-1a-7188226/" 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/arjun-mbt-mk-1a'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Development Financial Institution',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/return-of-dfis/article33794397.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Return of DFIs&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu Businessline on 09/02/2021. It talks about the government&rsquo;s proposal of re-establishing the idea of a Development Finance Institution (DFI).</p>
</div>
<p>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> budget 2021</strong></a> has signaled that the Centre Government is banking on long-term infrastructure creation to lift India&rsquo;s economic growth rate sustainably. In this pursuit, the government has proposed to go back to the Development Finance Institution (DFI) idea.</p>
<p>Further, DFI makes sense as the Centre government envisages mobilizing nearly ₹100 lakh crore for the ambitious <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-national-infrastructure-pipeline-nip-dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Infrastructure Pipeline</strong></a>. The idea of DFI looks good in the context of the looming NPA crisis of Banks.</p>
<p>However, many economists have pointed out that India should keep the failed experiment with DFI, such as ICICI and IDBI, which leads to the conversion into universal banks.</p>
<h3>DFI &amp; Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Development financial institutions provide long-term credit for capital-intensive investments spread over a long period and low yielding rates of return, such as urban infrastructure, mining and heavy industry, and irrigation systems.</li>
<li>Development banks are different from commercial banks, which mobilize short- to medium-term deposits and lend for similar maturities to avoid a maturity mismatch (a potential cause for a bank&rsquo;s liquidity and solvency).</li>
<li>In India, the first DFI was operationalized in 1948 with the setting up of the Industrial Finance Corporation (IFCI).</li>
<li>Subsequently, India&rsquo;s Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation (ICICI) was set up with the World Bank&rsquo;s backing in 1955.</li>
<li>The Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) came into existence in 1964 to promote long-term financing for infrastructure projects and industry.</li>
<li>However, during the 1970-80s, DFI got discredited for mounting non-performing assets, allegedly caused by politically motivated lending and inadequate professionalism in assessing investment projects for economic, technical, and financial viability.</li>
<li>Due to these factors, Narsimhan Committee (1991) recommended disbanding of the DFI, and the existing DFI were converted into commercial banks.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Need for DFI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>NPA Crisis:</strong> The surge in NPAs in the banking sector, and the need to augment financing of infrastructure for kick-starting the growth cycle have led to a renewed policy attention on setting up DFIs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The gap between banks' assets and liabilities, already increased by bad debts will become unsustainable in infrastructure investment, given the long funding periods of such projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Crisis Triggered By Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong> Alexander Gerschenkron, a Ukrainian economic historian, famously theorized that the greater the backwardness of a country, the greater the role of the state in economic development, particularly in providing long-term finance to catch up with the advanced economies in the shortest possible time.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequality, the poverty gap, unemployment, and the economy&rsquo;s slowing down.</li>
<li>Thus, infrastructure building through DFIs can help in quick economic recovery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achieving the Target of $5 Trillion Economy:</strong> The government has envisaged attaining the target of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this goal will depend on world-class infrastructure across the country.</li>
<li>NITI Aayog has estimated that US$4.5 trillion will be needed by 2030 to fund infrastructure. DFI is a step in the right direction towards this goal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Examples:</strong> DFIs in China, Brazil, and Singapore has been successful in both domestic and international markets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mobilizing Capital For DFI:</strong> To lend for the long term, DFI requires correspondingly long-term sources of finance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DFIs of the earlier era were over-reliant on cheap government funds and today&rsquo;s commercial banks ran into asset-liability mismatches due to their reliance on retail deposits to fund long-term projects.</li>
<li>Therefore, it may be best for new-age DFIs to focus on diversified sources of funding.</li>
<li>Presently, DFI can be adequately capitalized by the sovereign-backed funds, alternative routes such as capital gains/tax-free bond issues, external borrowings, and loans from multilateral agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Specialized DFIs:</strong> Specialised project lenders focussed on specific verticals tend to do better at building project appraisal skills and managing risks than &lsquo;supermarket&rsquo; lenders who fund any project that comes their way.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre must therefore be open to the idea of multiple specialized DFIs modeled on the success of refinancing institutions such as NHB and NABARD.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Good Governance:</strong> While freeing a DFI from political interference or crony lending is necessary, merely having private shareholders or professional managers on board isn&rsquo;t sufficient to ensure good governance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has to be backed by a robust system of external checks and balances such as supervision by RBI and proper due diligence by auditors and rating agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Ease of Doing Business:</strong> In the past, ambitious highway and pipeline projects have been continually held up by local protests and land acquisition woes, retrospective taxes, and poor contract enforcement. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The success of DFIs is contingent on ironing out such issues and removing on-ground impediments to the ease of doing business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>While boosting investment in the infrastructure sector is imperative for sustained growth, the need for the hour is to resolve persistent issues in the debt market that impede long-term financing flow.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #ffffed;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Establishing Development Financial Institutions is a good idea for infrastructure creation and to lift India&rsquo;s economic growth rate. Critically Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/development-financial-institution'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Dickinsonia: Earliest Known Living Animal',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers have discovered three fossils of the earliest known living animal, the<strong> 550-million-year-old &lsquo;Dickinsonia&rsquo;</strong> on the roof of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-tribals-tensed-over-destruction-of-rock-art" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fossils were found in the<strong> roof</strong> of the <strong>Auditorium Cave</strong> at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was believed that <strong>sponges</strong> were the oldest living organism however<strong> there is currently no evidence that sponge-like animals conquered the oceans before 540 million years ago,</strong> when the first unambiguous fossils of sponges and most other groups of animals start to appear in the geological record.</li>
<li>The <strong>earliest evidence for animals on Earth is now the 558 million-years-old Dickinsonia</strong> and other Ediacaran animals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Dickinsonia:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613386552_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613386552_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-17th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In September 2018, an international team of researchers claimed to have discovered the world&rsquo;s oldest fossil</strong></a> of Dickinsonia, which first appeared around 571 million to 541 million years ago.</li>
<li>Current fossil evidence dates back around 100 million years from Dickinsonia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Period and Area:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an <strong>extinct genus of basal animal</strong> that lived during the late Ediacaran period in what is now Australia, Russia and Ukraine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basal animals</strong> are animals which have <strong>radial symmetry</strong> in their body plans. They have very <strong>simple bodies</strong> and tend to be <strong>diploblastic</strong> (derived from only two embryonic cell layers).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appearance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thought to represent the earliest flowering of <strong>complex multicellular life on our planet,</strong> these creatures arose in a world devoid of predators, and <strong>had no need for hard protective carapaces or skeletons.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Their <strong>soft, squishy bodies</strong> resembled tubes, fronds or even thin, quilted pillows, they bore scant similarity to the anatomy of animals today.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its affinities are presently unknown, its mode of growth is consistent with a stem-group bilaterian affinity, though<strong> some have suggested that it belongs to the fungi or even an &ldquo;extinct kingdom&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The discovery of <strong>cholesterol molecules in fossils of Dickinsonia lends support to the idea that Dickinsonia was an animal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is further proof of the similar<strong> paleoenvironments </strong>and<strong> confirms assembly of Gondwanaland by the 550 Ma (mega annum).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A<strong> paleoenvironment</strong> is simply an environment that has been <strong>preserved in the rock record</strong> at some time in the past.</li>
<li><strong>Mega-annum,</strong> usually abbreviated as Ma, is a <strong>unit of time equal to one million years.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is commonly used in scientific disciplines such as geology, paleontology, and celestial mechanics to signify very long time periods in the past.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This finding could help scientists <strong>better understand the interaction of geology and biology that triggered the evolution</strong> of complex life on Earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bhimbetka Caves:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>History and Period Span:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an <strong>archaeological site in central India</strong> that spans the prehistoric <strong>Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods,</strong> as well as the historic period.</li>
<li>It exhibits the<strong> earliest traces of human life</strong> in India and<strong> evidence of Stone Age</strong> starting at the site in Acheulian times.</li>
<li>It is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></a> that consists of<strong> seven hills and over 750 rock shelters</strong> distributed over 10 km.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bhimbetka rock shelters were found by <strong>V S Wakankar in1957.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is located in <strong>Raisen District</strong> between Hoshangabad and Bhopal<strong> in Madhya Pradesh.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is about <strong>40 kilometres south-east of Bhopal</strong> in the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Paintings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some of the Bhimbetka rock shelters feature <strong>prehistoric cave paintings</strong> and the earliest are about 10,000 years old (c. 8,000 BCE), corresponding to the Indian Mesolithic.</li>
<li>Most of these are done in <strong>red and white</strong> on the cave walls.</li>
<li>A multitude of themes were covered in this form of rock art and it depicted scenes like<strong> singing, dancing, hunting</strong> and other common activities of the people staying there. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>oldest of the cave paintings in Bhimbetka</strong> is believed to be about <strong>12,000 years ago.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/fossils-of-dickinsonia-found-at-bhimbetka/article33837185.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/dickinsonia-earliest-known-living-animal'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Lok Sabha has passed the <strong>Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to check misuse by &ldquo;fly-by-night operators&rdquo;</strong> who take advantage of the law to get favourable awards by fraud.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill <strong>intends to replace the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) ordinance</strong> issued in November, 2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features of the Bill: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Qualifications of Arbitrators:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>does away with the qualifications of the arbitrators </strong>under<strong> 8<sup>th</sup> Schedule</strong> of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 which specified that the arbitrator must be: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961 with 10 years of experience, or</li>
<li>An officer of the Indian Legal Service.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The qualifications for accreditation of arbitrators is <strong>proposed to be prescribed by regulations to be framed by an arbitration council</strong> to be set up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unconditional Stay on Awards:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If the Award is being <strong>given on the basis of a fraudulent agreement or corruption,</strong> then the court can grant an unconditional stay as long as an appeal under Section 34 of the arbitration law is pending.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Would bring about <strong>parity among all the stakeholders</strong> in the arbitration process.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All the stakeholders get an opportunity to seek unconditional stay on enforcement of arbitral awards where the agreement or contract is &ldquo;induced by fraud or corruption&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Checking misuse of the provisions under Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 <strong>would save the taxpayers money</strong> by holding those accountable who siphoned off of them unlawfully.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India already lags behind when it comes to the enforcement of international contracts and agreements. The Bill can further hamper the spirit of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a> campaign and deteriorate rankings in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business Index.</strong></a></li>
<li>India aims to become a hub of domestic and international arbitration. Through the implementation of these legislative changes, resolution of commercial disputes could take longer duration now onwards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Arbitration Council of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Background:</strong> The Constitution of India, <strong>Article 51,</strong> India is obliged to endeavour to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one country.</li>
<li>Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. ACI is a step in realisation of this constitutional obligation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to establish an <strong>independent body</strong> called the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) for the promotion of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute redressal mechanisms. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Arbitration:</strong> It is a process in which disputes resolve between the parties by appointing an independent third party who is an impartial and neutral person called arbitrator. Arbitrators hear both the parties before arriving at a solution to their dispute.</li>
<li><strong>Conciliation:</strong> It is a process in which disputes resolve between the parties by appointing a conciliator who helps (amicable) the disputed parties to arrive at a negotiated settlement. Settling the dispute without litigation, it is an informal process. He does so by lowering tensions, improving communication, interpreting issues, providing technical help.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition of the ACI:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ACI will consist of a Chairperson who is either:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Judge of the Supreme Court; or</li>
<li>A Judge of a High Court; or</li>
<li>Chief Justice of a High Court; or</li>
<li>An eminent person with expert knowledge in conduct of arbitration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other members</strong> will include an eminent arbitration practitioner, an academician with experience in arbitration, and government appointees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment of Arbitrators:</strong> Under the Act, the Supreme Court and High Courts may designate arbitral institutions, which parties can approach for the appointment of arbitrators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For international commercial arbitration, appointments will be made by the institution designated by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>For domestic arbitration, appointments will be made by the institution designated by the concerned High Court.</li>
<li>In case there are no arbitral institutions available, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court may maintain a panel of arbitrators to perform the functions of the arbitral institutions.</li>
<li>An application for appointment of an arbitrator is required to be disposed of within 30 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/changes-to-arbitration-law-get-lok-sabha-nod-7186439/" 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/arbitration-and-conciliation-amendment-bill-2021'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Doubling Farmers Income',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Central Government admitted that no<strong> actual assessment of farm income</strong> has been carried out since 2013.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India in its <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/government-budgeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annual Budget</a> 2016-17</strong> set a policy target of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/doubling-farmers-income-a-promise-to-be-fulfilled-by-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doubling farmers&rsquo; income by 2022.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agriculture sustains livelihood for <strong>more than half of India's total population.</strong> Doubling farmers&rsquo; income in such a short period is an overwhelming task for decision makers, scientists and policy makers because of its <strong>continued role in employment, income and most importantly in national food security.</strong></li>
<li>Doubling farmers&rsquo; income is possible through <strong>increasing total output</strong> and <strong>better price realization</strong> in the market, <strong>reduction in production costs,diversification of product, efficient post-harvest management, value addition,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data Related to Indian Farmers:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613381119_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613381119_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="700" height="635" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Related Steps Taken by Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Institutional Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-krishi-sinchayee-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/soil-health-card-scheme-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Soil health card</strong></a>, <strong>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshadweep-declared-an-organic-union-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana</a>:</strong> Aiming to raise output and reduce cost.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-pmfby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</strong></a>: To provide insurance against crop and income loss and to encourage investment in farming.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-of-river-interlinking" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Interlinking of rivers</strong> </a>- To raise output and farm incomes.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/operation-greens-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Greens</strong></a>: To address price volatility of perishable commodities like Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-kisan-sampada-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong></a>: To promote food processing in a holistic manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technological Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Initiating E-NAM:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-features-added-to-e-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Agriculture Market (eNAM)</strong></a> is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs)</strong></a> mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.</li>
<li><strong>Technology mission on cotton:</strong> It aims to increase the income of the cotton growers by reducing the cost of cultivation as well as by increasing the yield per hectare through proper transfer of technology to the growers.</li>
<li><strong>Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses and Maize (TMOPM):</strong> Few schemes implemented under TMOPM are: Oilseeds Production Programme (OPP), National Pulses Development Project (NPDP), etc.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/horticulture-sector-in-india#:~:text=Mission%20for%20Integrated%20Development%20of,and%20reducing%20post%2Dharvest%20losses." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)</strong></a>: It is a scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root &amp; tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.</li>
<li><strong>Sugar Technology Mission:</strong> Aimed at reducing the cost of production of sugar and improving sugar quality through steps for improvements in productivity, energy conservation and improvements in capital output ratio.</li>
<li><strong>National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture:</strong> It aims at promoting sustainable agriculture through a series of adaptation measures focusing on ten key dimensions encompassing Indian agriculture namely; &lsquo;Improved crop seeds, livestock and fish cultures&rsquo;, &lsquo;Water Use Efficiency&rsquo;, &lsquo;Pest Management&rsquo;, &lsquo;Improved Farm Practices&rsquo;, &lsquo;Nutrient Management&rsquo;, &lsquo;Agricultural insurance&rsquo;, &lsquo;Credit support&rsquo;, &lsquo;Markets&rsquo;, &lsquo;Access to Information&rsquo; and &lsquo;Livelihood diversification&rsquo;.</li>
<li>In addition, schemes relating to tree plantation <strong>(Har Medh Par Ped),</strong> Bee Keeping, Dairy and Fisheries are also implemented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need and Challenges:</strong> To achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/highlights-of-economic-survey-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Economic Survey 2021</strong> </a>has highlighted few basic challenges which needs to be addressed:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Extension of Irrigation Facilities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>coverage of irrigation facilities needs to be extended</strong> while ensuring an effective water conservation mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improve Agricultural Credit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An inclusive approach to provision for agricultural credit has to be undertaken to address the <strong>issue of skewness in its regional distribution,</strong> it said.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Land Reform:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the proportion of small and marginal holdings is significantly large, <strong>land reform measures like freeing up land markets</strong> can help farmers improve their Income.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Boost to Allied Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Allied sectors, such as <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/animal-rearing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>animal husbandry</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-dairy-industry-fta" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dairying</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-fisheries-day-1#:~:text=The%20fisheries%20and%20aquaculture%20production,as%20envisioned%20by%20the%20government." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fisheries</strong></a>, need to be given a boost to<strong> provide an assured secondary source of employment and income,</strong> especially for small and marginal farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Farm Mechanisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is also a need to address the<strong> issue of lower farm mechanisation in India</strong> which is only about <strong>40%</strong> as compared to about 60% in China and around 75 % in Brazil.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Food Processing Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More focussed attention" is required to be given to the sector due to its <strong>significant role in reducing post-harvest losses</strong> and creation of an additional market for farm outputs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-food-processing-industry-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> food processing sector</strong></a> is growing at an average annual growth rate of more than 5% over the last six years ending 2017-18.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exploring Global Markets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a need to give increased focus on exploring global markets for agricultural commodities to <strong>give an additional source of market for the surplus of agricultural produce</strong> India currently has.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reallocation of Labour:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is also a need to <strong>reallocate labour resources to other sectors.</strong></li>
<li>Though the structural transformations involved a falling share of the agriculture sector and rising share of services sector jobs, more needs to be done to <strong>create manufacturing jobs to absorb the large pool of workers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Issues such as investment in agriculture, <strong>insurance coverage, water conservation, improved yields through better farming practices, access to market, availability of institutional credit, increasing the linkages between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors</strong> need urgent attention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The low level of farmers' income and year to year fluctuations in it are a <strong>major source of agrarian distress.</strong></li>
<li>To secure the future of agriculture and to improve the livelihood of half of India's population, adequate<strong> attention needs to be given to improve the welfare of farmers</strong> and raise agricultural income.</li>
<li>It is essential to <strong>mobilize States and UTs to own and achieve the goal of doubling farmers' income</strong> with active focus on capacity building (technology adoption and awareness) of farmers that will be the catalyst to boost farmers income.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restructuring-of-indian-statistical-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Sample Survey Office&rsquo;s</strong></a> last survey on agricultural households was conducted in 2013. There has been no further assessment of the farmers income. Therefore there is an<strong> urgent need to track the progress of farmers.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pandemic-may-impact-goal-to-double-farm-income-by-2022-official/article33836233.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/doubling-farmers-income-2'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Falling Numbers of SC & ST Students in IITs',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, data collected from a series of <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI)</strong> </a>applications pertaining to five older<strong> Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs),</strong> has indicated that the <strong>acceptance rate is skewed against students from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reimagining-the-national-commission-for-scheduled-castes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Caste (SC)</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribe (ST)</a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SC and ST applicants are half as likely to get selected for a Ph.D. programme</strong> at IITs <strong>as aspirants from the General Category (GC)</strong> are.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data from the RTI Applications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Acceptance Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It refers to the <strong>number of students selected for every 100 students who applied.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It stood at <strong>4%</strong> for students from<strong> General Category (GC).</strong></li>
<li>It falls to<strong> 2.7% for OBC</strong> students and further down to just <strong>2.16% for SCs and 2.2% for STs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This finding <strong>comes against the backdrop of the Education Ministry&rsquo;s data</strong> submitted to Parliament in 2020 showing the failure of the IITs to fill Ph.D. seats as per reservation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government&rsquo;s <strong>reservation</strong> policy <strong>mandates</strong> allocation of <strong>15% seats for students from the SCs, 7.5% from STs </strong>and<strong> 27% from OBCs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>IITs have often cited the lack of applicants from the marginalised communities</strong> for the situation. However, <strong>the RTI data reveals quite the opposite.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>percentage of GC students</strong> among those admitted was <strong>always higher</strong> than their percentage among those applied. However, the <strong>converse was true for SC, ST and OBC candidates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education Ministry's Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Of the total admissions made by all <strong>IITs</strong> from<strong> 2015 to 2019,</strong> only <strong>9.1%</strong> went to <strong>SC</strong> and <strong>2.1%</strong> to<strong> ST.</strong></li>
<li>Only<strong> 23.2%</strong> seats went to applicants from the <strong>OBCs.</strong> Remaining <strong>65.6%,</strong> or roughly two-thirds of all the seats, went to General Category applicants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613376254_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613376254_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="630" height="471" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons for Falling Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Given by IITs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eligibility Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some institutions <strong>could not even fill all the seats in the general category</strong> since they<strong> did not get enough eligible candidates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Students of the required calibre <strong>tend to take up industry jobs rather than join for a PhD</strong> which has extra uncertainties and lower income levels during PhD and in some areas even post PhD.</li>
<li>It is possible that the <strong>family background and economic level</strong> may have an impact on such candidates applying for a PhD.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Argument of 'Merit':</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been long-standing <strong>opposition among IIT administrators and faculty to reservations,</strong> which they see as a form of<strong> unjust government intervention</strong> in their meritocratic institutions.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recommendations-on-reservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recent report</strong> </a>of an Education Ministry-constituted committee<strong> recommended the abolition of reservation in faculty recruitment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The committee based its recommendations primarily on arguments <strong>claiming the need for IITs to maintain their academic excellence and the lack of candidates from the reserved categories</strong> who fulfil the qualification criteria.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A More Systematic Problem:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The problem is also of practice and <strong>access to quality school education,</strong> leading to <strong>poor base.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages of following the Reservation Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>An Example to Other Institutions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The IITs are and should continue to be institutions of national importance. But they <strong>also have social functions.</strong></li>
<li>They should set an example to other institutions by <strong>creating opportunities for and encourage the underprivileged communities to excel</strong> in research and innovation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bridging Inequalities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Affirmative action and caste-based reservation can <strong>help bridge inequalities in society,</strong> enable the underprivileged to have access to quality education, promote diversity, and, more importantly, remove obstacles to equality and correct the past wrongs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Policy intervention has to begin sooner, in the early school years, to attempt to equalise opportunities in education.</li>
<li>In addition, negative attitudes, perceptions and stereotypes about the ability of students belonging to the SC/ST groups are a major hurdle. Policy should recognise how such perceptions hold back individuals and groups, and seriously attempt to think of ways to alter these.</li>
<li>Diversity issues can also be addressed through outreach campaigns.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/phd-entry-in-iits-tougher-for-students-from-marginalised-communities/article33824475.ece?homepage=true" 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/falling-numbers-of-sc-st-students-in-iits'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Glaciers',
			'catname' => 'Paper 1',
			'desc' => '<h3>About</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A glacier is a large, <strong>perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment,</strong> and <strong>water</strong> that originates on land and moves down slope under the influence of its own weight and gravity. They are <strong>sensitive indicators of changing climate.</strong></li>
<li>Out of total water on Earth, <strong>2.1% is in glaciers while 97.2% is in the oceans</strong> and inland seas.</li>
<li><strong>Condition of glacier formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mean annual temperatures</strong> are close to the freezing point.</li>
<li><strong>Winter precipitation</strong> produces significant accumulations of snow.</li>
<li><strong>Temperatures throughout the rest of the year</strong> do not result in the complete loss of the previous winter&rsquo;s snow accumulation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Formation of Glacier</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Glaciers begin forming in places where more snow piles up each year than melts. Soon after falling, the snow begins to compress, or become denser and tightly packed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The process of snow compacting into glacial firn (dense, grainy ice) is called <strong>firnification</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When the ice grows thick enough, about 50 meters (160 feet), the firn grains fuse into a huge mass of solid ice. The glacier begins to move under its own weight.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Different parts of a glacier move at different speeds. The flowing ice in the middle of the glacier moves faster than the base.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Geographical Location</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>91%</strong> of the Glaciers are in <strong>Antarctica</strong> and <strong>8%</strong> are in <strong>Greenland.</strong> They occupy about 10% of the world's total land area.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613373504_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613373504_image1.png" width="600" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Significance:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glaciers as Reservoirs:</strong> About <strong>three-quarters</strong> of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers. Therefore, glacier ice is the <strong>second largest reservoir of water</strong> on Earth and the <strong>largest reservoir of freshwater</strong> on Earth.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The cold runoff from glaciers also affects downstream water temperatures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glaciers feeding Rivers:</strong> The <strong>Gangotri Glacier</strong>, one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayan Mountains, is <strong>the source of the Ganga River</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ganges is the most important source of freshwater and electricity in India and Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glaciers for Aquatic Life:</strong> Many <strong>aquatic species in mountainous environments</strong> require cold water temperatures to survive which is provided by Glaciers. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some <strong>aquatic insects</strong> are <strong>especially sensitive to stream temperature</strong> and cannot survive without the cooling effects of glacial meltwater.</li>
<li>Such changes in stream habitat may also <strong>adversely impact native trout</strong> and other <strong>keystone salmon species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glaciers for People:</strong> Glaciers provide people with many useful resources. Glacial till <strong>provides fertile soil for growing crops</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deposits of sand and gravel are used to make <strong>concrete and asphalt</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Classification of Glaciers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Glaciers can be classified according to their: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Size</strong> (i.e. ice sheet, ice cap, valley glacier, cirque glacier)</li>
<li><strong>Thermal regime</strong> (polar vs. temperate).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Size Based</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ice Cap:</strong> An ice cap is a dome-shaped glacier mass flowing in all directions, such as the ice cap on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is still some <strong>uncertainty about the full volume of glaciers and ice caps</strong> on Earth, but if all of them were to melt, <strong>global sea level would rise approximately 70 meters</strong> (approximately 230 feet), flooding every coastal city on the planet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Valley Glaciers:</strong> Also called <strong>Alpine Glaciers</strong> or <strong>Mountain Glaciers</strong>, they form on mountainsides and move downward through valleys. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are <strong>found in high mountains</strong> <strong>of every continent except Australia</strong> (although there are many in New Zealand). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Example: The <strong>Gorner Glacier in Switzerland</strong> and the <strong>Furtwangler Glacier in Tanzania</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ice Sheets:</strong> Unlike valley glaciers, ice sheets are not limited to mountainous areas. They form broad domes and spread out from their centers in all directions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As ice sheets spread, they cover everything around them with a thick blanket of ice, including valleys, plains, and even entire mountains.</li>
<li>The largest ice sheets, called <strong>continental glaciers</strong>, spread over vast areas. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Continental glaciers <strong>cover most of Antarctica and the island of Greenland</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cirque glaciers:</strong> They are short and wide, are confined to cirques, or amphitheatres, cut in the mountain landscape.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thermal Regime based:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Polar Glacier:</strong> A polar glacier is defined as one that is below the freezing temperature throughout its mass for the entire year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A subpolar glacier contains ice below the freezing temperature, except for surface melting in the summer and a basal layer of temperate ice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Temperate Glacier:</strong> A temperate glacier is the one that&rsquo;s <strong>essentially at the melting point</strong>, so liquid water coexists with glacier ice. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are found in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and <strong>Asia</strong> and <strong>New Zealand.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some of the <strong>Antarctic glaciers</strong> and <strong>Greenland&rsquo;s southern outlet glaciers</strong> are temperate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Landforms Formed</h3>
<p><strong>Erosional Landforms</strong><br /><strong></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glacial Valleys/Troughs:</strong> These valleys are <strong>trough-like and U-shaped</strong> with broad floors and relatively smooth, and steep sides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The valleys may contain littered debris or debris shaped as <strong>moraines</strong> with swampy appearance.</li>
<li>Very deep glacial troughs filled with sea water and making up shorelines (in high latitudes) are called <strong>fjords/fiords.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cirques:</strong> Often are found at the heads of glacial valleys, these are the most common of landforms in glaciated mountains. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are <strong>deep, long and wide troughs</strong> or basins with very steep concave to vertically dropping high walls at its head as well as sides.</li>
<li>A lake of water can be seen quite often within the cirques after the glacier disappears. Such lakes are called <strong>cirque lakes or tarn lakes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Horns and Serrated:</strong> Ridges Horns form through headward erosion of the cirque walls. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If three or more radiating glaciers cut headward until their cirques meet, high, sharp pointed and steep sided peaks called horns form.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Depositional Landforms:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glacial Till:</strong> The unassorted coarse and fine debris dropped by the melting glaciers is called glacial till. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some amount of rock debris small enough to be carried by such melt-water streams is washed down and deposited. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such glaciofluvial deposits are called <strong>outwash deposits</strong>.</li>
<li>The outwash deposits are roughly stratified and assorted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Moraines:</strong> They are <strong>long ridges of deposits of glacial till.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Terminal moraines</strong> are long ridges of debris deposited at the end (toe) of the glaciers.</li>
<li>Lateral moraines form along the sides parallel to the glacial valleys.</li>
<li>Many valley glaciers retreating rapidly leave an irregular sheet of till over their valley floors called <strong>ground moraines.</strong></li>
<li>The moraine in the centre of the glacial valley flanked by lateral moraines is called <strong>medial moraine.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They are imperfectly formed as compared to lateral moraines. Sometimes medial moraines are indistinguishable from ground moraines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eskers:</strong> These are ridges made of sands and gravels, deposited by glacial meltwater flowing through tunnels within and underneath glaciers, or through meltwater channels on top of glaciers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over time, the channel or tunnel gets filled up with sediments. As the ice retreats, the sediments are left behind as a ridge in the landscape.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drumlins:</strong> They are <strong>smooth oval shaped ridge-like features</strong> composed mainly of glacial till with some masses of gravel and sand. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The long axes of drumlins are parallel to the direction of ice movement.</li>
<li>They may measure up to 1 km in length and 30 m or so in height.</li>
<li>The drumlin end facing the glacier is called the stoss end and is blunter and steeper than the other end called tail.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613374293_Image1.PNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613374293_Image1.PNG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/glaciers-6'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'UPSC GS Prelims Course',
			'catname' => 'Online Courses',
			'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>UPSC GS Prelims Course <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Online Classes)</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Admission Open</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mode</strong>: Online Classes (on Android-based App)</li>
<li><strong>Team</strong>: Team of best teachers led by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li><strong>Course Size</strong>: Around 200 classes of 400+ hours. Full Syllabus of GS for Prelims</li>
<li><strong>Course Validity</strong>: 2 years, facility to watch each class 3 times</li>
<li><strong>Other facilities</strong>: Printed Notes of all Subjects, Prelims Test Series for 2 years, Prelims Practice Series of Books and personalised guidance for doubt clearing for 2 years</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">
<h2>Special Discount: <br /><span style="font-size: 19px; color: #00008b;">For first 500 admissions only</span></h2>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Course Fee: Rs 45,000/-</span><br /><span 18px="">Discounted Course Fee: Rs 36,000/- (including GST)</span></strong></p>
<div>
<div class="part-register">
<p>To get this course instantly activated on your device, please join from <br /><span class="btn-block"> <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drishti.academy.app&amp;hl=en_IN" class="btn blue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <span style="font-size: 19px;">Drishti Learning App</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">(Android Only, Login Required)</span> </a> </span></p>
</div>
<div class="part-register">
<p>You may also join here: <br /><span class="btn-block"> <a href="/upsc-gs-prelims-online-courses-registration" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <span style="font-size: 19px;">Register Now</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"> For activation within 48 hours. </span> </a> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p>For more information related to this course, please call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:7669806814">7669806814</a> (8 AM to 8 PM &ndash; Monday to Sunday)</p>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/" class="btn red" id="bookSession" rel="noopener" data-course="UPSC GS Prelims Course(Online Course)">Book Counseling Session</a></div>
<p><strong><!--<div class="btn-block"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drishti.academy.app&hl=en_IN" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Now</a></div>--></strong></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of the Course</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Teaching by the best teachers of the country under the leadership of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li>Total 400+ hours of classes. Facility to watch each class up to 3 times. The validity of the course is for 2 years from the start of the batch.</li>
<li>Special emphasis on conceptual clarity. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years&rsquo;.</li>
<li>A team of subject experts will be made available for clearing doubts. Provision of resolving doubts via regular online meetings also.</li>
<li>The following books/notes will be sent to your address as text material free of charge:
<ul>
<li>Printed booklets of notes for each section.</li>
<li>6 books of 'Prelims Practice Series' published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your prelims preparation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Current Affairs Crash Course before Prelims free for two years (online).</li>
<li>IAS Prelims Online Test Series free for 2 years. Total 30x2 = 60 Tests</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--<div class="imporant-info">
    <div class="wrapper" style="background-color: #f9ffe4;"><strong><span style="color: #00008b; font-size: 22px;">-->
<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper"><span style="color: #000080; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Technical Requirements</span>
<ul>
<li>Operating System (OS): Android 6 and above.</li>
<li>Internal Memory: 8GB or more.</li>
<li>RAM: 1GB or more.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pendrive-feature-block">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Process of Sending Notes &amp; Study Material</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>All notes related to this course will be sent to you according to a schedule. The first set of notes will be dispatched by speed post or courier service within 5 days of taking your admission. After that, you will get your first packet of notes in the next 7-10 days. (Note: If you live in a place where it takes longer to reach the postal / courier due to Covid-19 or other reasons then some extra time may take place).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="image-block"><img src="/hindi/drishti/img/feature-thumb-img.png" alt="" /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REQI0jAqRA&amp;list=PLQpF--VlgguRCRkwkjnCsiVit9vTtSuLZ" class="icon-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> <span>Demo classes available on YouTube. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
<div class="section-payment">
<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end --></div>
<!-- end row --></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/upsc-gs-prelims-course'
		]
	],
	'updates' => object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

		'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
		'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive`, articles.star_rating AS `articles__star_rating` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 51,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 334,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/careers',
		'title' => 'We are hiring Full Time Content Developers, to know more, please click here.',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'India-China Disengagement',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/looking-ahead-after-the-ladakh-walk-back/article33854596.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Looking ahead after the Ladakh walk back&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/02/2021. It talks about the recent agreement between India and China on disengagement at Pangong Lake.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India and China have decided to finally reach an agreement on disengagement at Pangong Lake, which has been at the heart of the recent LAC tensions.</p>
<p>Both sides have agreed to a withdrawal of frontline personnel, armored elements, and proposed the creation of a buffer zone that will put a temporary moratorium on patrolling in the disputed lake. China is also asking India to vacate the heights it occupied in an effective countermove in the Kailash Range.</p>
<p>This disengagement process is a promising start towards restoring peace in the border areas. However, there are many other issues that needed to be resolved to establish lasting peace.</p>
<h3>Major Issues Associated With Disengagement Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Partial Disengagement:</strong> The current disengagement is limited to two places on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh viz. north bank of Pangong lake and Kailash range to the south of Pangong.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there are three other sites of contention on the Ladakh border where the PLA had come in &mdash; Depsang, Gogra-Hot Springs and Demchok &mdash; and talks will be held to resolve these after the current phase of disengagement is completed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unresolved Issue of Depsang Plains:</strong> The Depsang plains due to their proximity to the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road, the DBO airstrip, and the Karakoram Pass holds strategic importance for India when it comes to dealing with China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the Daulat Beg Oldie road is critical for India&rsquo;s control over the Siachen glacier.</li>
<li>Siachen glacier is the only area on the Indian landmass where China and Pakistan can physically collude militarily.</li>
<li>Therefore, the immediate concern is the status of the Depsang plateau where China has acquired a tactical advantage that can jeopardize India&rsquo;s access to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) and air assets in that region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue Regarding Creation of Buffer Zone:</strong> There are worries that the creation of proposed buffer zones would lie majorly on the Indian side of the LAC, thus converting a hitherto Indian-controlled territory into a neutral zone.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At best, these buffer zones can provide a temporary reprieve but are no alternative to the mutual delineation of the LAC and a final settlement of the Sino-Indian boundary.</li>
<li>Further, for the sake of disengagement at the north bank, China is asking India to withdraw from the important hills it acquired in the Kailash Range.</li>
<li>Thus, it raises questions about the wisdom of giving up the only leverage India had against China in Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distrust Between India &amp; China:</strong> The events of last year have left enormous distrust, which remains a hurdle, and China&rsquo;s actions on the ground have not always matched its commitments.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, China is wary of India&rsquo;s attractiveness to the United States and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.</li>
<li>Owing to the disputed nature of the border and a lack of trust between the two sides, any perceived violations of &lsquo;no patrol&rsquo; zones can lead to deadly outcomes as seen in Galwan valley in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Clubbing Depsang Issue With Current Negotiations:</strong> The Chinese excuse that the Depsang problem precedes the current crisis on the LAC and thus must be treated separately, is not in India&rsquo;s interest.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, India should pitch hard to club them together and find a holistic solution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extending Counteraction:</strong> India should not confine its response to managing the border dispute but extend it to attacking Chinese commercial interests in India and aligning itself more closely with its Quad partners, especially in the maritime domain.</li>
<li><strong>Playing Taiwan Card:</strong> On the foreign policy front, India should explore diplomatic and militaristic routes to counter China. Apart from colluding with the Quad countries, one such viable option is establishing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.</li>
<li><strong>Defense Reforms:</strong> India should look Ladakh crisis as an opportunity to carry out long-pending defense reforms.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One such much-needed reform is the military&rsquo;s internal organization. For instance, one of the biggest sources of concern for India&rsquo;s military is the pension bill.</li>
<li>This rise in the pension expenditure has a significant crowding-out effect on stores and modernization, two major components that determine a nation's war-fighting ability.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The current approach to this problem seems to be two-fold &mdash; a farcical three-year &ldquo;Tour of Duty&rdquo; to attract the young and an effort to prevent pensionable soldiers from leaving.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The current disengagement process is a welcome move because heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed Asian powers serve no useful purpose for anyone. However, the success of the new disengagement plan will finally depend on whether it is implemented on the ground in letter and in spirit.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffef7;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>This disengagement process between India and China is a promising start towards restoring peace in the border areas. However, there are many other issues that needed to be resolved to establish lasting peace. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6g0ZOXb9LfA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/death-trap-on-labour-reforms/article33845038.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Death trap: On Labour reforms&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 16<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-china-disengagement'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Securities Appellate Tribunal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Securities Appellate Tribu&shy;nal (SAT)</strong> stayed the order passed by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a> that had put a one-year ban on a retail company Chairperson and some other promoters from the securities market.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SAT is a <strong>statutory body</strong> established under the provisions of Section 15K of the <strong>SEBI Act, 1992.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mumbai.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SAT consists of a <strong>Presiding Officer</strong> and <strong>Two other members.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Presiding officer of SAT shall be <strong>appointed by the Central Government</strong> in consultation with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/47th-chief-justice-of-india#:~:text=Justice%20Sharad%20Arvind%20Bobde%2C%20has,office%20on%2023rd%20April%2C%202021." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chief Justice of India</strong></a> or his nominee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has the <strong>same powers as vested in a civil court.</strong> Further, if any person feels aggrieved by SAT&rsquo;s decision or order can appeal to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the SEBI</strong> or by an adjudicating officer under the SEBI Act,1992.</li>
<li>To hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfrda-sets-up-panel-on-cyber-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).</strong></a></li>
<li>To hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SEBI is a <strong>statutory body</strong> established in 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the <strong>SEBI Act, 1992.</strong></li>
<li>Initially, SEBI was a non-statutory body. In April, <strong>1988 the SEBI was constituted as the regulator of capital markets</strong> in India under a resolution of the Government of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The term <strong>capital market</strong> refers to facilities and institutional arrangements through which long-term funds, both debt and equity are raised and invested.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The headquarters of SEBI is situated in <strong>Mumbai.</strong></li>
<li>The regional offices of SEBI are located in <strong>Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All decisions taken by SEBI are collectively taken by its Board that consists of a <strong>Chairman and eight other members.</strong></li>
<li>SEBI also <strong>appoints various committees</strong>, whenever required to look into the pressing issues of that time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Function:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To protect the interests of investors in securities and to <strong>promote and regulate the securities market.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Securities</strong> are <strong>tradable financial instruments used to raise capital</strong> in public and private markets.</li>
<li>There are primarily <strong>three types of securities: equity</strong>&mdash;which provides ownership rights to holders; <strong>debt</strong>&mdash;essentially loans repaid with periodic payments; and <strong>hybrids</strong>&mdash;which combine aspects of debt and equity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Registering</strong> and regulating the working of <strong>stock brokers, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers</strong> and such other intermediaries who may be associated with securities markets in any manner.</li>
<li>SEBI is a <strong>quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive body.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can <strong>draft regulations, conduct inquiries, pass rulings and impose penalties.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/sat-stays-sebi-ban-on-biyani-other-future-group-promoters-7191687/" 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/securities-appellate-tribunal'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Pollution from Coal Burning: IEACCC ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">A study by the<strong> International Energy Agency&rsquo;s Clean Coal Centre (IEACCC)</strong> has stated that <strong>coal burning</strong> is responsible for heavy <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>air pollution</strong></a> in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, a Delhi-based think tank<strong> Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)</strong> has also discussed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reducing-emissions-from-coal-based-power-sector#:~:text=Other%20Initiatives%20to%20Reduce%20Emissions,to%20be%20adopted%20by%202024." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>measures to reduce carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>)</strong></a> footprints of India&rsquo;s coal-based power sector and <strong>cautioned the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&amp;CC) against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sulfur-dioxide-emission-norms-delayed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extending the deadline of meeting emission norms</a></strong> for coal-based thermal power plants in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pollution from Coal-Based Thermal Power Stations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Coal-based thermal power stations contribute over half <strong>sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>),</strong> 30% <strong>oxides of nitrogen (NOx),</strong> about 20% <strong>particulate matter (PM),</strong> etc.</li>
<li>Persistent burning of coal in thermal power stations and a <strong>delay in implementation of latest carbon capture storage technology</strong> are among major reasons of air pollution in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollution from Other Sectors:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Transport and other industrial sectors stand second</strong> to coal-based thermal power stations as a contributor to air pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613559361_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613559361_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Retirement of Old Fleet of Power Stations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To limit pollution and improve the fleet efficiency by adopting clean coal technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment in Cleaner and Advanced Technology:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The most new advanced technology plants in India - such as <strong>Mundra and Sassan in Gujarat</strong> are struggling financially, causing stakeholders to lose confidence in investing in cleaner and advanced technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch More Ambitious Schemes:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current energy efficiency schemes, including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-day#:~:text=Perform%2C%20Achieve%20and%20Trade%20Scheme&amp;text=The%20scheme%20provides%20the%20option,Specific%20Energy%20Consumption%20reduction%20targets." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>performance and achieve trade scheme</strong></a>, efficiency standards scheme and carbon pricing schemes, are<strong> not ambitious enough to drive significant improvement.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adopting Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is equally important to reduce emissions. It suggested India to include it as a part of its climate commitment.</li>
<li>CCUS is the <strong>process of capturing waste CO<sub>2</sub>, transporting it to a storage site</strong> and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Coal Burning and Pollution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Coal Formation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Formed deep underground over thousands of years of heat and pressure, <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/coal-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coal</a> is a carbon-rich black rock</strong> that releases energy when burned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air Pollution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When coal is burned, it releases a number of airborne toxins and pollutants.</li>
<li>They include <strong>mercury, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates,</strong> and various other <strong>heavy metals.</strong></li>
<li>Health impacts can range from<strong> asthma and breathing difficulties, to brain damage, heart problems, cancer, neurological disorders, and premature death.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Pollution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The coal-fired power plants <strong>produce more than 100 million tons of coal ash</strong> every year.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than half of that waste ends up in<strong> ponds, lakes, landfills, and other sites where, over time, </strong>it can <strong>contaminate waterways and drinking water supplies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Other water impacts include <strong>acid rock drainage</strong> from coal mines, the destruction of mountain streams and valleys by mountaintop removal mining, and the energy-water collisions that occur when coal plants rely too heavily on local water supplies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coal is a large contributor to <strong>Global Warming.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives to Control Emissions from Power Plants:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exploring CCUS:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is exploring its potential, as a plant at the industrial port of Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Tuticorin has begun <strong>capturing CO<sub>2</sub> from its own coal-powered boiler and using it to make baking soda.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emission Standard:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has issued orders for <strong>thermal power plants to comply with emissions standards for installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units</strong> that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Graded Action Plan:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Ministry of Power has proposed a <strong>"graded action plan,"</strong> whereby areas where plants are located would be graded according to the severity of pollution, with Region 1 referring to critically polluted areas, and Region 5 being the least polluted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Energy Agency&rsquo;s Clean Coal Centre</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>technology collaboration programme,</strong> organised under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Energy Agency</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has <strong>17 members,</strong> made up of<strong> contracting parties and sponsoring organisations.</strong></li>
<li>India's <strong>Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)</strong> is a sponsoring organisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Based in<strong> London</strong> with a team of engineers, scientists and other experts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Support:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is supported financially by <strong>national governments</strong> (contracting parties) and by <strong>corporate industrial organisations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mission:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide independent information and analysis on how coal can become a cleaner source of energy, compatible with the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>To <strong>address the role of coal in the energy</strong> trilemma and the need to balance security of supply, affordability and environmental issues.</li>
<li>To<strong> focus on reducing emissions of CO<sub>2</sub> and other pollutants</strong> from coal use through <strong>High Efficiency, Low Emissions (HELE) technologies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/air/coal-burning-responsible-for-heavy-air-pollution-in-india-ieaccc-study-75536" 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/pollution-from-coal-burning-ieaccc'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Coelacanth',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a group of palaeontologists have <strong>discovered fossils of coelacanth, a giant fish regarded as an iconic example of a &ldquo;living fossil.&rdquo;</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>discovered fossil</strong> of Coelacanth is<strong> believed to be 66 million years old</strong> belonging to the <strong>Cretaceous era.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613557322_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613557322_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coelacanths are<strong> elusive, deep-sea creatures,</strong> living in depths up to 2,300 feet below the surface.</li>
<li>These were <strong>thought to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.</strong> But its <strong>discovery in 1938</strong> started a debate about how this lobe-finned fish fits into the evolution of land animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Species:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are only two known species of coelacanths: one that lives near the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vice-president-s-visit-to-comoros-and-sierra-leone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Comoros Islands</strong></a> off the east coast of Africa, and one found in the waters off <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-s-oldest-cave-art" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sulawesi</strong></a>, Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Living Fossil:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Living Fossil is an organism that has remained unchanged from earlier geologic times and whose close relatives are usually extinct. Other than Coelacanth, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-horseshoe-crab-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Horseshoe crab</strong></a> and<strong> ginkgo trees</strong> are examples of living <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dickinsonia-earliest-known-living-animal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fossils</strong></a>.</li>
<li>However, in their new study, palaeontologists have found that Coelacanths gained 62 new genes through encounters with other species 10 million years ago. This suggests that they are actually evolving, albeit slowly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Status</strong></a>: Critically Endangered<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sulawesi Coelacanth</strong> is listed as <strong>&lsquo;vulnerable&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES Status</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/palaeontologist-discovers-ancient-enormous-caelocanth-species-by-accident-75544" 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/coelacanth'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'World Trade Organisation',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Nigeria's <strong>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</strong> was appointed as <strong>Director-General</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a>, the leading international trade body.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</strong> is the <strong>first African official</strong> and the<strong> first woman</strong> to hold the position.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin of WTO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WTO is the successor to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-moved-to-wto-on-us-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)</strong></a>, which was created in 1947.</li>
<li>The<strong> Uruguay Round (1986-94)</strong> of the GATT led to the WTO's creation. WTO began operations on 1<sup>st</sup> January, 1995.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Agreement Establishing the WTO, commonly known as the <strong>&ldquo;Marrakesh Agreement&rdquo;,</strong> was signed in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WTO is an<strong> international organization</strong> dealing with the rules of trade between nations.</li>
<li>Main difference between GATT and WTO was that <strong>GATT mostly dealt with trade in goods,</strong> the <strong>WTO and its agreements could not only cover goods but also trade in services and other intellectual properties</strong> like trade creations, designs, and inventions.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WTO has <strong>164 members</strong> (including <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>) and <strong>23 observer governments</strong> (like Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, Libya etc).</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is <strong>a founder member</strong> of the 1947 GATT and its successor, the WTO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governing Structure:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613553941_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613553941_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ministerial Conference:</strong></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Structure of the WTO is dominated by its highest authority, the Ministerial Conference, <strong>composed of representatives of all WTO members,</strong> which is required to <strong>meet at least every two years</strong> and which can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>General Council:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>composed of all WTO members</strong> and is <strong>required to report to the Ministerial Conference. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dispute Settlement Body and Trade Policy Review Body:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>General Council convenes in two particular forms:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dispute Settlement Body:</strong> To oversee the dispute settlement procedures.</li>
<li><strong>Trade Policy Review Body:</strong> To conduct regular reviews of the trade policies of individual WTO members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To set and<strong> enforce rules for international trade.</strong></li>
<li>To provide a<strong> forum for negotiating and monitoring</strong> further trade liberalization.</li>
<li>To <strong>resolve trade disputes.</strong></li>
<li>To<strong> increase the transparency</strong> of decision-making processes.</li>
<li>To <strong>cooperate with other major international economic institutions</strong> involved in global economic management.</li>
<li>To <strong>help developing countries</strong> benefit fully from the global trading system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achievements of WTO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Global Facilitation of Trade:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By <strong>building binding rules for global trade</strong> in goods and services, WTO has facilitated dramatic growth in cross-border business activity.</li>
<li>The WTO has not only <strong>enhanced the value and quantity of trade but has also helped in eradicating trade and non-trade barriers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Economic Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since 1995, the value of <strong>world trade has nearly quadrupled,</strong> while the <strong>real volume of world trade has expanded by 2.7 times.</strong></li>
<li>Domestic reforms and market-opening commitments have resulted in the lasting boost to national income of nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Global Value Chains:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The predictable market conditions fostered by the WTO, have combined with improved communications to <strong>enable the rise of global value chains,</strong> trade within these value chains today accounts for almost 70% of total merchandise trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Upliftment of Poor Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The least-developed countries receive extra attention in the WTO. All the WTO agreements recognize that they must benefit from the greatest possible flexibility, and <strong>better-off members must make extra efforts to lower import barriers on least-developed countries&rsquo; exports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s State Capitalism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises present a major challenge to the free-market global trading system and the rulebook of the WTO is inadequate for addressing these challenges.</li>
<li>It is due to this that<strong> USA-China</strong> are also engaged in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade war</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Appellate Body&rsquo;s operations have effectively been suspended</strong> since December 2019, as the USA&rsquo;s blocking of appointments has left the body without a quorum of adjudicators needed to hear appeals.</li>
<li>The<strong> crisis with the dispute settlement function of the WTO</strong> is closely linked to the breakdown in its negotiation function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Transparency:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a problem in WTO negotiations as <strong>there is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/developing-country-status-in-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no agreed definition of what constitutes a developed or developing country</a></strong> at the WTO.</li>
<li>Members can currently self-designate as developing countries to receive &lsquo;special and differential treatment&rsquo; &ndash; a practice that is the subject of much contention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-commerce &amp; Digital Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the global trade landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, WTO rules have not kept pace.</li>
<li>In 1998, realizing that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-take-on-e-commerce-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> would play a growing role in the global economy, WTO members established a WTO e-commerce moratorium to examine all trade-related issues relating to global electronic commerce.</li>
<li>Recently, however, the moratorium has been called into question by developing countries because of its implications for collecting revenue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture and Development: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india%27s-disputes-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement on agriculture</strong></a> is facing issues due to food security and development requirements for developing countries like India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modernizing the WTO will necessitate<strong> the development of a new set of rules</strong> for dealing with digital trade and e-commerce.</li>
<li>WTO members will also have to <strong>deal more effectively with China&rsquo;s trade policies and practices,</strong> including how to better handle state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
<li>Given the pressing issues around <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a>, <strong>increased efforts to align trade and environmental sustainability</strong> could help to both tackle climate change and reinvigorate the WTO.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nigerias-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-to-head-world-trade-organization/article33844040.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/world-trade-organisation-1'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'New India-Russia Ties',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/bridge-the-geopolitical-distance-with-russia-101613393990382.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It talks about the importance that Russia and India hold for each other in the present geopolitical scenario.</p>
</div>
<p>The year 2020 saw several geopolitical events that impacted both India and Russia. For instance, the sharpening rivalry between the US and China, the India-China border tussle, the continuing decline in ties between the West and Russia, and now change of leadership in the US.</p>
<p>As Russia and India both desire a multi-polar world, they are equally important for each other in fulfilling each other's national interests. However, due to the changing geopolitical scenario, the relationship between both countries is not as good as it used to be in the cold war era.</p>
<p>In this context, the forthcoming visit of India&rsquo;s Foreign secretary to Russia is a good occasion to examine the relevance of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Russian ties</strong></a> in a world of changing geopolitical equations.</p>
<h3>Importance of Russia for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balancing China:</strong> The Chinese aggression in the border areas of eastern Ladakh, brought India-China relations to an inflection point, but also demonstrated that Russia is capable of contributing to defusing tensions with China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in the disputed territory of Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement:</strong> Apart from traditional areas of cooperation such as weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new sectors of economic engagement are likely to emerge &mdash; mining, agro-industrial, and high technology, including robotics, nanotech, and biotech.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s footprint in the Russian Far East and in the Arctic is set to expand. Connectivity projects may get a boost too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Combating Terrorism:</strong> India and Russia are working to close the gap on Afghanistan and are calling for early finalization of the <a href="/printpdf/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit#:~:text=In%201996%2C%20with%20the%20objective,International%20Terrorism%E2%80%9D%20(CCIT).&amp;text=To%20ban%20all%20terror%20groups%20and%20shut%20down%20terror%20camps." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Support At Multilateral Forums:</strong> Additionally, Russia supports India&rsquo;s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of India For Russia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balancing China:</strong> Russia and China are currently in a quasi-alliance setup. However, Russia repeatedly reiterates that it does not see itself as anybody&rsquo;s junior partner. That&rsquo;s why Russia wants India to act as a balancer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Instance, Russia&rsquo;s Far East is a huge landmass that is rich in resources but is sparsely populated and underdeveloped.</li>
<li>Till now, its development has primarily revolved around Chinese dominance and so Russia wants to diversify with the help of India to lessen Russia&rsquo;s growing dependence on China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reviving Eurasian Economic Union:</strong> Russia seeks to leverage India&rsquo;s soft power to gain legitimacy in the success of the Eurasian Economic Union, and re-establishing its hegemony, as it existed during the cold war era.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Main Challenge</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India Going West:</strong> China&rsquo;s expansionist foreign policy forced India to shed past hesitations and actively pursue closer ties with the West, particularly the US.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be reflected in a determined restart of the Quad process and a clearer enunciation of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia Going East:</strong> The Western countries have imposed harsh economic sanctions towards Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia responded to these efforts to isolate it, by revving up its own &ldquo;Pivot to the East&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The most distinct results of which are markedly improved relations with China, and better ties with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.</li>
<li>Russia&rsquo;s Pivot to the East policy is not in synergy with that of the US and subsequently, the relationship between India and Russia suffers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India Engaging Russia Into Indo-Pacific Narrative:</strong> India should pursue and facilitate Russia&rsquo;s engagement in the Indo-Pacific. However, Russia&rsquo;s role in the Indo-Pacific will depend on how successful it is in dealing with the fundamental problems hindering its economic development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia&rsquo;s active engagement in the region would contribute to making the Indo-Pacific truly &ldquo;free and inclusive&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prioritizing RIC in Indian Foreign Policy:</strong> India must promote a mutually beneficial trilateral cooperation between Russia, China, and India that could contribute towards the reduction of mistrust and suspicion between India and China.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation At Multilateral Forums:</strong> India and Russia continue to share a common strategic rationale for their relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from bilateral synergies, the two are members of various multilateral organizations including BRICS, RIC, G20, East Asia Summit, and SCO&mdash;where avenues for cooperation on issues of mutual importance exist.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is clear that India &amp; Russia still regard each other as valued partners with a friendship built on deep mutual trust, their foreign policy goals are taking them in different directions.</p>
<p>However, neither India nor Russia wants to be a junior partner to China or the United States. Thus, both countries can turn back to and bolster ties as existed in the cold war era.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffffc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Despite the foreign policy, goals are taking them in different directions, it is imperative for India and Russia to bolster their ties. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bx7Z0UxoROA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/endless-war-the-hindu-editorial-on-why-saudi-arabia-should-end-its-yemen-blockade/article33836570.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Endless war: On why Saudi Arabia should end its Yemen blockade&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 15<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-india-russia-ties'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Digital Intelligence Unit',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Communications</strong> has decided to set up a <strong>Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU)</strong> as a nodal agency to deal with complaints of unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) and cases of financial fraud, especially in the digital payments space.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from the DIU a Telecom Analytics for <strong>Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP)</strong> will also be set up at all the 22 license service area levels.</li>
<li>It would also ensure strict compliance of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/curbing-unsolicited-commercial-communications" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preferences Regulations (TCCCPR)</strong> </a>2018 which provides a revised regulatory framework aimed at regulating <strong>'unsolicited commercial communication' (UCC) in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Delhi High Court (HC) ordered the <strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</strong> to ensure &ldquo;complete and strict&rdquo; implementation of the regulation issued by it in 2018 for curbing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/curbing-unsolicited-commercial-communications" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC).</strong></a></li>
<li>Earlier in November, 2020 <strong>TRAI had imposed fines of up to Rs 30 crore on telecom companies</strong> such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio Infocomm for not putting enough measures to control UCC, which occurred over their networks between April and June 2020.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> had, in its annual report for 2018-19, said frauds related to misuse of credit and debit cards, cloning of identities, and spam amounted to Rs 220 crore in the year. DIU could mitigate this menace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Digital Intelligence Unit </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To coordinate with various law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Checking Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The issue of UCC has been a major area of concern for the Telecom Ministry as well as the <strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).</strong> It has from time to time fined telecom operators for not following its directives on stopping UCC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effective Redressal of Complaints:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Along with DIU, a web and mobile application as well as a SMS-based system shall be developed for effective redressal of complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Instilling Trust In the Digital Ecosystem:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The DIU system will strengthen the trust of people in the digital ecosystem and will make financial digital transactions primarily through mobile more secure and reliable,which will result in promotion of Digital India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UCC on over-the-top (OTT) Service Providers:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>TRAI is also about to come up with a consultation paper to deal with <strong>UCC on over-the-top (OTT) service providers.&nbsp;</strong>The launched systems does not address the issue of UCC on over-the-top (OTT) service providers such as <strong>WhatsApp. </strong></li>
<li><strong>The Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation, 2018</strong> tightened the norms for all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem to have facilities for users to complain against unsolicited calls or SMS. However, OTT players have thus far remained untethered from regulations as far as UCC is concerned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Statutory Body:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Established by an Act of Parliament (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>To regulate telecom services,</strong> including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.</li>
<li><strong>Provide a fair and transparent policy environment</strong> which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Amendment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The TRAI Act was amended in the year 2000 to establish a <strong>Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)</strong> to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/new-nodal-agency-to-tackle-fraud-pesky-smses-calls-7190276/" 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/digital-intelligence-unit'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Corruption Perception Index 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s rank has slipped six places to <strong>86<sup>th</sup> among 180 countries</strong> in <strong>Corruption Perception Index (CPI)</strong> released by<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corruption-perceptions-index-2018-transparency-international" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Transparency International</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India was ranked 80<sup>th</sup> out of 180 countries in 2019.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Transparency International</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Transparency International is an international non -governmental organisation founded in <strong>1993</strong> based in <strong>Berlin, Germany</strong></li>
<li>its non profit purpose is to take action to <strong>combat global Corruption with civil societal anti-corruption measures</strong> and<strong> to prevent criminal activities</strong> arising from corruption.</li>
<li>Its most notable publications include the <strong>Global Corruption Barometer</strong> and the <strong>Corruption Perception Index.</strong></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 index ranks <strong>180 countries and territories</strong> by the perceived level of public sector corruption according to experts and business people.</li>
<li>It uses a scale of <strong>zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).</strong></li>
<li>CPI 2020 paints a grim picture of the state of corruption worldwide. While most countries have made little to no progress in tackling corruption in nearly a decade, more than two-thirds of countries <strong>score below 50, with an average score of just 43.</strong></li>
<li>Moreover, corruption not only undermines the <strong>global health response to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cover-19</a></strong> but contributes to a <strong>continuing crisis of democracy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Top Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The top countries on the <strong>Corruption Perception Index (CPI)</strong> are <strong>Denmark</strong> and <strong>New Zealand,</strong> with scores of 88, followed by <strong>Finland, Singapore, Sweden</strong> and <strong>Switzerland,</strong> with scores of 85 each.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>South Sudan</strong> and<strong> Somalia</strong> are the bottom Countries with scores of 12 each, followed by Syria (14), Yemen (15) and Venezuela (15).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Specific:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The highest scoring region is <strong>Western Europe</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> with an average score of 66.</li>
<li>The lowest scoring regions are <strong>Sub-Saharan Africa</strong> (32) and <strong>Eastern Europe and Central Asia (36).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, India's score is 40 (41 in 2019).</li>
<li>India experienced slow progress in anti-corruption efforts, with several government commitments to reform not yet materialising effectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Corruption, Health &amp; Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Corruption shifts public spending away from essential public services. Countries with higher levels of corruption,regardless of economic development, tend to spend less on health.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Higher levels of corruption are associated with lower universal health care coverage and higher rates of infant and maternal mortality and deaths from cancer, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Corruption is one of the key barriers to achieving the <strong>United Nations&rsquo; <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</a></strong>, and the covid-19 pandemic is making those goals even more difficult to attain.</li>
<li>Covid-19 is not just a health and economic crisis, but a corruption crisis as well, with countless lives lost due to the insidious effects of corruption undermining a fair and equitable global response.</li>
<li>The Covid-19 response exposed vulnerabilities of<strong> weak oversight and inadequate transparency.</strong> Countries with higher levels of corruption tend to be the worst perpetrators of democratic and rule-of-law breaches while managing the COVID-19 crisis. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Governments exploiting the pandemic to suspend parliaments, renounce public accountability mechanisms, and incite violence against dissidents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strengthen oversight institutions</strong>  to ensure resources reach those most in need. <strong>Anti-corruption authorities and oversight</strong> institutions must  have sufficient funds, resources  and  independence  to perform their duties</li>
<li><strong>Ensure open and transparent contracting</strong> to combat  wrong doing, identify conflicts of interest and ensure  fair pricing.</li>
<li><strong>Defend Democracy, Promote Civic Space</strong> by enabling civil society groups and the media to hold governments accountable.</li>
<li><strong>Publish relevant data and guarantee access  to information</strong> to ensure the public receives easy, accessible, timely and meaningful information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indias-rank-slips-to-86th-in-corruption-perception-index-2020-7165607/" 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/corruption-perception-index-2020'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Bhuvan Portal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a> and <strong>MapmyIndia</strong> have partnered to come up with an<strong> indigenious geospatial portal</strong> known as <strong>&lsquo;Bhuvan&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is in line with the above discussed new<strong> guidelines for the Geo-Spatial Sector</strong> in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geospatial Portal (Bhuvan):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a type of web portal<strong> used to find and access geographic information</strong> (geospatial information) <strong>and associated geographic services</strong> (display, editing, analysis, etc.) <strong>via the Internet.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Collaboration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>MapmyIndia&rsquo;s database</strong> will be connected with <strong>ISRO&rsquo;s high-end satellite catalogue and earth observation data,</strong> which it generates through a constellation of its satellites.</li>
<li>The collaboration will enable them to jointly identify and build a holistic <strong>geospatial portal</strong> utilising earth observation datasets, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC)</strong></a>, Web Services and <strong>APIs</strong> (application programming interface) available in MapmyIndia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>API</strong> is a <strong>software intermediary</strong> that allows two applications to talk to each other.</li>
<li>It is a computing interface that defines <strong>interactions between multiple software intermediaries</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>True Maps:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its services will<strong> reflect the true borders of the country</strong> as per the information available from Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protects Privacy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By using MapmyIndia maps and applications instead of the foreign map apps, <strong>users can better protect their privacy.</strong></li>
<li>As foreign search engines and companies claim to offer &lsquo;free&rsquo; maps, but in reality, they make money by targeting the same users with advertising, by <strong>invading the user&rsquo;s privacy and auctioning private location and movement data.</strong> However there is no such provision of advertisement in MapmyIndia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat:</strong> Being an Indian platform, it is well aligned with the government's Mission of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>MapmyIndia: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an <strong>Indian technology company</strong> that builds digital map data, telematics services, Global Information System and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></a> services.</li>
<li>It is an alternative to <strong>Google Map,</strong> which covers as many as 7.5 lakh Indian villages and 7,500 cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Database:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The database has a road network connected by 63 lakh km and the organisation claims to consist of the most exhaustive digital map database of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Almost all the vehicle manufacturers in India who come with built-in navigation systems are using MapmyIndia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Products:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>App called <strong>&lsquo;Move&rsquo;</strong> that provides <strong>real-time traffic updates and navigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),</strong> developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IRNSS<strong> consists of eight satellites,</strong> three satellites in geostationary orbit and five satellites in geosynchronous orbit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It works just like the established and popular<strong> U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS)</strong> but within a 1,500-km radius over the sub-continent.</li>
<li>It has been<strong> certified by the 3<sup>rd</sup> Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a global body for coordinating mobile telephony standards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main objective is to <strong>provide reliable position, navigation and timing services</strong> over India and its neighbourhood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potential Uses:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation;</li>
<li>Disaster management;</li>
<li>Vehicle tracking and fleet management (especially for mining and transportation sector);</li>
<li>Integration with mobile phones;</li>
<li>Precise timing (as for ATMs and power grids);</li>
<li>Mapping and geodetic data capture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Global Navigational Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>BeiDou/BDS</strong> (China)</li>
<li><strong>Galileo</strong> (Europe)</li>
<li><strong>GLONASS</strong> (Russia)</li>
<li><strong>Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)</strong> (Japan)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/with-isro-partnership-and-new-rules-mapmyindia-hopes-to-take-on-google-maps-7190796/" 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/bhuvan-portal'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Increased Foreign Portfolio Investments',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-covid-19-outbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sensex</strong> </a>has risen 11.36%, post<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Union Budget 2021-22</strong></a> presentation, due to increased <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increase-in-foreign-portfolio-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sensex,</strong> otherwise known as the S&amp;P BSE Sensex index, is the <strong>benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange</strong> (BSE) in India. It <strong>comprises 30 of the largest and most actively-traded stocks</strong> on the BSE, and is the oldest stock index in India.</li>
<li>A <strong>stock</strong> is an investment that represents a share, or partial ownership, of a company. Corporations issue (sell) stock to raise funds to operate their businesses.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons for Inflow:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Liquidity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Stock market is responding to the Budget 2021-22</strong> that has infused liquidity (money supply in market) in the Indian economy and been <strong>pro-growth with privatisation gaining ground.</strong></li>
<li>Several reforms aimed at protecting shareholder rights and improving the ease of doing business have also been a contributing factor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Covid Recovery:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, with a recovering economy, is moving back to a higher nominal growth trajectory versus the western world (which continues to struggle with the second wave of Covid and related lockdowns) and looks as a credible destination for growth seeking developed world investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sectors Wise Investments: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Performing Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sectors like <strong>private banks, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Information Technology (IT)</strong> have seen foreign flows as Indian companies have exhibited resilience and demonstrated growth post lifting of the lockdown restrictions.</li>
<li>In 2020, the <strong>pharma sector</strong> was a preferred choice and the sector did very well.</li>
<li>The <strong>Banking stocks underperformed due to potential <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Performing Asset (NPA)</a> concerns.</strong> Now, the banking stocks are again sought after by the FPIs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Build Forex Reserve:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increased inflow of investments will conservatively allow to build<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forex-reserves-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> forex reserves</strong> </a>so that India has a buffer to maintain resilience in case of any future contagion from excessive liquidity and rising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fiscal deficits.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Foreign Portfolio Investment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Foreign Capital:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>FPI and FDI</strong> are both <strong>important sources of funding</strong> for most economies.</li>
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a> is an investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country. <strong>FDI lets an investor purchase a direct business interest</strong> in a foreign country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Example:</strong> Investors can make FDI in a number of ways. Some common ones include<strong> establishing a subsidiary</strong> in another country, <strong>acquiring or merging</strong> with an existing foreign company, or <strong>starting a joint venture partnership</strong> with a foreign company.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign portfolio investment (FPI)</strong> consists of securities and other financial assets passively held by foreign investors. It <strong>does not provide the investor with direct ownership of financial assets</strong> and is relatively liquid depending on the volatility of the market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Examples</strong> of FPIs include<strong> stocks, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-zero-coupon-recapitalisation-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bonds</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mutual-funds-and-emerging-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mutual funds</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharat-bond-exchange-traded-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exchange traded funds</a>, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), </strong>and<strong> Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Details Related to FPI:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FPI is part of a country&rsquo;s capital account and is shown on its <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/strong-balance-of-payments#:~:text=Balance%20of%20Payment,or%20a%20deficit%20on%20trade." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Balance of Payments (BOP)</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The BOP measures the amount of money flowing from one country to other countries over one monetary year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a> brought <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-norms-for-fpi#:~:text=FPIs%20shall%20be%20permitted%20for,and%20invest%20in%20Indian%20markets." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new FPI Regulations, 2019</strong></a>, replacing the erstwhile FPI Regulations of 2014.</li>
<li><strong>FPI is often referred to as &ldquo;hot money&rdquo;</strong> because of its tendency to flee at the first signs of trouble in an economy.</li>
<li><strong>FPI is more liquid and less risky than FDI.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613470488_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613470488_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="628" height="726" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/pro-growth-budget-steady-recovery-bolster-fpi-inflows-7188850/" 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/increased-foreign-portfolio-investments'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>six elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> located in Odisha&rsquo;s Kalahandi district.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a disease which infects animals that come in contact with contaminated water or soil by a <strong>contagious bacteria <em>(Pasteurella multocida).</em></strong></li>
<li>In this disease the respiratory tract and lungs of the animals are affected, leading to <strong>severe pneumonia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affected Animals:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It mainly affects water buffalo, cattle and bison with a high mortality rate in infected animals.</li>
<li>Recently, around 40 buffaloes had succumbed to the infection in Odisha&rsquo;s Kendrapara.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Season:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The disease generally spreads in the period right before and after the <strong>monsoons.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> It is spread over 175 square kilometre area in Odisha&rsquo;s Kalahandi district.</li>
<li><strong>Vegetation:</strong> Dry Deciduous Forest.</li>
<li><strong>Fauna: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mammals: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elephant</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leopard</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-bison-gaur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gaur</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/avian-botulism-at-sambhar-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sambar</a>,</strong> Barking deer, Indian wolf, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malayan-giant-squirrel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malbar giant squirrel</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-pangolin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pangolin</strong></a>, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Birds:</strong> Peacock, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hornbill-habitat-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hornbill</strong></a>, Red jungle fowl, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Reptilians: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ghodahada-reservoir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mugger</a></strong>, crocodile, monitor lizard etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora:</strong> Sal, Bija, Bamboo, medicinal plants, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Water Body: Phurlijharan waterfall</strong> is located within the sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Protected Areas in Odisha: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>National Parks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/olive-ridley-turtles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhitarkanika National Park</strong></a>: It is home to the largest congregation of the endangered <strong>SaltWater Crocodile</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Simlipal National Park</strong></a>: It derives its name from the <strong>abundance of Semul or red silk cotton trees</strong> that bloom abundantly in the locality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife Sanctuaries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Badrama WLS:</strong> It is characterized by the presence of <strong>Moist Sal Forests. </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/irrawaddy-dolphins-in-the-chilika-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chilika</a> (Nalaban island) WLS:</strong> Asia's largest and world's second-largest lagoon. Recently, direct sightings of school of Irrawaddy dolphins has been reported here.</li>
<li><strong>Hadgarh WLS: Salandi river passes</strong> through it which is home to mugger crocodiles.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/satkosia-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Baisipalli WLS</strong></a>: It is a sal dominated forest with a significant number of tigers, leopards, elephants, herbivores like<strong> Chousingha.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Kotagarh WLS:</strong> It consists of dense deciduous forests with grasslands.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nandankanan-zoological-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nandankanan WLS</strong></a>: First in the world to breed White tiger and Melanistic tiger.</li>
<li><strong>Lakhari Valley WLS</strong>: The Lakhari Valley Sanctuary is a dwelling place of a large number of elephants.</li>
<li><strong>Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS</strong>: It is a mass nesting spot in Indian Ocean region and the only turtle sanctuary in Odisha. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/olive-ridley-turtles-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Olive Ridley turtles</strong></a> travel across the South Pacific to breed on the coast of Gahirmatha</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/odisha-karlapat-wildlife-sanctuary-elephant-deaths-7190622/" 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/karlapat-wildlife-sanctuary-odisha'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Bare Necessities Index',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KsO0iam8o5o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the widespread efforts and improvements, inequalities in access to <strong>bare necessities</strong> like <strong>drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and housing conditions</strong> continue to exist between urban and rural India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The above inference is drawn from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/highlights-of-economic-survey-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Survey for 2020-21</strong></a> in its newly constructed <strong>&ldquo;Bare Necessities Index&rdquo; (BNI).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The BNI is built on the idea of <strong>Thalinomics</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-survey-2019-20-highlights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Survey for 2019-20</strong></a>, through which it had sought to examine the access to food in the country.</li>
<li>The Economic Survey (2020-21) has underlined the <strong>need to focus on reducing variations in the access to bare necessities across states,</strong> between rural and urban areas, and between income groups.</li>
<li>With us moving to a completely digital era, the <strong>bare necessities are no more confined to &ldquo;Roti, Kapda aur Makan&rdquo;</strong> but goes beyond it.</li>
<li><strong>Access to technology; smartphones, internet</strong> and connectivity with the whole nation are the <strong>newly added bare necessities</strong> to go hand in hand with the world.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Thalinomics</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the 2019-20 Economic Survey, Thalinomics was introduced to make an <strong>attempt to relate economics to the common person using something that an individual encounters every day -</strong> a plate of food i.e a Thali.</li>
<li>Affordability of Thalis vis-&agrave;-vis a day&rsquo;s pay of a worker has<strong> improved over time,</strong> indicating improved welfare of the common person.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Bare Necessities Index</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Bare Necessities Index (BNI)</strong> is based on the large annual household survey data.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is constructed using suitable indicators and methodology at district level for all/targeted districts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The BNI summarises<strong> 26 indicators on five dimensions -</strong> water, sanitation, housing, micro-environment, and other facilities and has been created for all states for 2012 and 2018 using NSO data.</li>
<li>The index classifies areas on three levels of access- <strong>high, medium, low</strong> to bare necessities.</li>
<li><strong>Utility of data:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To check inter state disparities or a progress of a particular state over time.</li>
<li>To check the efficacy of policies/ schemes implemented to meet these bare necessities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improvement in bare necessities:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bare necessities have improved across all States in the country in 2018 as compared to 2012.</li>
<li>Increase in equity is noteworthy as the rich can access private options for public goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Steps taken to Provide the Bare Necessities</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-grameen-behind-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saubhagya-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saubhaggya yojana</strong> </a>for housing.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayushman-bharat-pm-jay-sehat-jk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-JAY</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission</strong></a> for the health sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increased allocations for some of the bare necessities in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>budget 2020-21</strong></a> such as the health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-05-2020#:~:text=Government%20will%20launch%20PM%20eVIDYA,one%20nation%2C%20one%20digital%20platform)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM eVIDYA</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swayam-and-swayam-prabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swayam Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pragyata-guidelines-on-digital-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PRAGYATA</strong></a> in the educational sector.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-on-atmanirbhar-bharat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana</strong></a>: It is aimed at incentivising the creation of new employment opportunities during the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organisation%20(WHO,31st%20December%2C%202019)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Covid-19</strong></a> economic recovery phase.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sdg-india-index-by-niti-ayog#:~:text=The%20index%20documents%20the%20progress,which%20covered%20only%2013%20goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Niti Aayog Sustainable Development Goals Index</strong></a>: The index documents the progress made by India&rsquo;s States and Union Territories towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Associated</h3>
<p><strong>Internet Facility as a Bare Necessity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During the pandemic, besides the bare necessities, the <strong>biggest need was found to be the internet and smartphones,</strong> whether it was about working from home, or attending online classes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most people were able to afford smartphones and the internet, but those who couldn&rsquo;t afford them, were found to be in a very deprived situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Internet facilities and access to smartphones is a necessity in the present that has not been taken into account while preparing the list of bare necessities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To catch up with everyone else in this electronic world, the people who are devoid of these necessities need more uplift than just food and housing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lack of equal internet access is not only a huge inequality in the education sector, but also in the health sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the increasing use of<strong> telemedicines, e-skilling, e-governance and e-education,</strong> not being provided with the internet facility, a major part of India will continue to be a laggard in this electronic world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kerala which has an enormous <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Distribution System</strong></a>, still there children can be found facing several difficulties due to lack of internet access.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Food, oil and unemployment allowance are provided to them by the government, but the internet is not included in the list.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Multiplicity of Schemes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are about<strong> 250-300 poverty alleviation schemes</strong> launched by central and state government at the district level which are<strong> almost similar in nature.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This multiplicity of schemes is very infructuous.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This<strong> brings inefficiency</strong> within the effective functioning of schemes and <strong>opens windows for corruption.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Framing the policies keeping in mind the future needs and possibilities:</strong> The schemes shall be futuristic keeping in mind that the idea of bare necessities have changed over the years and will definitely change even more for the upcoming generation.</li>
<li><strong>Digital education aspect:</strong> One of the easiest ways is to target the younger, school-going generation and take into account what they need so that they get equal access to education.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatnet-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Net</strong></a> must be accelerated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discouraging multiplicity of schemes:</strong> The high number of infructuous schemes shall be integrated.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Quality should be raised instead of quantity, a few but well organised and effective schemes must be preferred over too many schemes creating chaos and confusions.</li>
<li><strong>Convergence of these schemes</strong> is needed, so that the schemes which are not necessary should be done away with.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Keeping the traditional as well as new needs into consideration:</strong> It is not an &lsquo;either this-or that&rsquo; situation, India shall focus on the traditional bare needs along with including smartphones and internet facilities as a basic need to bridge a digital divide in this technological era.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The newly introduced &ldquo;digital aspect&rdquo; of bare needs must be addressed but the traditional needs must not be compromised, they must be taken into account at a priority basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The need of proper health facilities:</strong> The most important traditional bare need is <strong>public health which adheres to sewage and sanitation.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A medical condition called <strong>environmental enteropathy</strong> is caused by poor health and sanitation conditions which<strong> infects people&rsquo;s ability to absorb nutrition.</strong></li>
<li>Environmental enteropathy (also called tropical enteropathy) is a<strong> subclinical condition caused by constant fecal-oral contamination</strong> and resulting in blunting of intestinal villi and intestinal inflammation.</li>
<li>Besides, every block hospital should be upgraded, upgradation of the hospitals will ultimately lead to the quantum leap in the health services available at the block level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bare Necessities Index is a <strong>good way to ensure equal access to the bare necessities</strong> across sectors, states and the country.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It shows that there needs to be a<strong> special focus on public health.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Multiplicity of schemes has to be addressed and integrated; <strong>better synergy shall be there among the centre and states.</strong></li>
<li>The status of basic needs in the country must be improved as it would lead to the growth of the country and bring improvement in the rank of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/human-development-index-undp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human development Index (HDI)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-bare-necessities-index'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Arjun MBT MK-1A',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India has handed over the indigenously developed <strong>Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) MK-1A</strong> to the Indian Army.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613463528_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613463528_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong> The Arjun MBT Project was initiated by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong> </a><strong>(DRDO)</strong> in 1972 with the <strong>Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE)</strong> as its lead laboratory.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To create a &ldquo;state-of-the-art tank with superior fire power, high mobility, and excellent protection".</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of the Arjun Tank:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Arjun MBT is equipped with an indigenously developed <strong>120mm main rifled gun</strong> with <strong>Fin Stabilised Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)</strong> ammunition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>FSAPDS</strong> is capable of destroying all known tank armour up to direct shooting range.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also has a <strong>computer-controlled integrated fire control system</strong> with stabilised sighting that works in all lighting conditions.</li>
<li>The secondary weapons include a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun for anti-personnel and a 12.7-mm machine gun for anti-aircraft and ground targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mk1A and MkII:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The development of Arjun Mk1 was followed by improved variants - Mk1A and MkII.</li>
<li>Arjun Mk1A, which features improved<strong> firepower and transmission systems,</strong> completed the final integration tests in 2019 and was cleared for production.</li>
<li>The Arjun MkII variant is a light-weight <strong>Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT)</strong> with electro-optical sensors and high-power lasers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of Mk-1A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Mk-1A version has 14 major upgrades on the earlier version. It is also supposed to have<strong> missile firing capability</strong> as per the design.</li>
<li>However, the biggest achievement with the latest version is<strong> 54.3% indeginous content</strong> against the <strong>41% in the earlier model.</strong></li>
<li>The newly developed <strong>Kanchan</strong> modular composite armour gives all-round protection to the tank from anti-tank ammunition. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kanchan has been manufactured by <strong>Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)</strong> - a DRDO Laboratory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DRDO works to establish a world class science and technology base for India and provides India&rsquo;s Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.</li>
<li>DRDO was established in 1958 after combining Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development &amp; Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).</li>
<li>DRDO works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-arjun-main-battle-tank-mk-1a-7188226/" 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/arjun-mbt-mk-1a'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Development Financial Institution',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/return-of-dfis/article33794397.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Return of DFIs&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu Businessline on 09/02/2021. It talks about the government&rsquo;s proposal of re-establishing the idea of a Development Finance Institution (DFI).</p>
</div>
<p>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> budget 2021</strong></a> has signaled that the Centre Government is banking on long-term infrastructure creation to lift India&rsquo;s economic growth rate sustainably. In this pursuit, the government has proposed to go back to the Development Finance Institution (DFI) idea.</p>
<p>Further, DFI makes sense as the Centre government envisages mobilizing nearly ₹100 lakh crore for the ambitious <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-national-infrastructure-pipeline-nip-dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Infrastructure Pipeline</strong></a>. The idea of DFI looks good in the context of the looming NPA crisis of Banks.</p>
<p>However, many economists have pointed out that India should keep the failed experiment with DFI, such as ICICI and IDBI, which leads to the conversion into universal banks.</p>
<h3>DFI &amp; Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Development financial institutions provide long-term credit for capital-intensive investments spread over a long period and low yielding rates of return, such as urban infrastructure, mining and heavy industry, and irrigation systems.</li>
<li>Development banks are different from commercial banks, which mobilize short- to medium-term deposits and lend for similar maturities to avoid a maturity mismatch (a potential cause for a bank&rsquo;s liquidity and solvency).</li>
<li>In India, the first DFI was operationalized in 1948 with the setting up of the Industrial Finance Corporation (IFCI).</li>
<li>Subsequently, India&rsquo;s Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation (ICICI) was set up with the World Bank&rsquo;s backing in 1955.</li>
<li>The Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) came into existence in 1964 to promote long-term financing for infrastructure projects and industry.</li>
<li>However, during the 1970-80s, DFI got discredited for mounting non-performing assets, allegedly caused by politically motivated lending and inadequate professionalism in assessing investment projects for economic, technical, and financial viability.</li>
<li>Due to these factors, Narsimhan Committee (1991) recommended disbanding of the DFI, and the existing DFI were converted into commercial banks.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Need for DFI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>NPA Crisis:</strong> The surge in NPAs in the banking sector, and the need to augment financing of infrastructure for kick-starting the growth cycle have led to a renewed policy attention on setting up DFIs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The gap between banks' assets and liabilities, already increased by bad debts will become unsustainable in infrastructure investment, given the long funding periods of such projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Crisis Triggered By Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong> Alexander Gerschenkron, a Ukrainian economic historian, famously theorized that the greater the backwardness of a country, the greater the role of the state in economic development, particularly in providing long-term finance to catch up with the advanced economies in the shortest possible time.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequality, the poverty gap, unemployment, and the economy&rsquo;s slowing down.</li>
<li>Thus, infrastructure building through DFIs can help in quick economic recovery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achieving the Target of $5 Trillion Economy:</strong> The government has envisaged attaining the target of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this goal will depend on world-class infrastructure across the country.</li>
<li>NITI Aayog has estimated that US$4.5 trillion will be needed by 2030 to fund infrastructure. DFI is a step in the right direction towards this goal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Examples:</strong> DFIs in China, Brazil, and Singapore has been successful in both domestic and international markets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Mobilizing Capital For DFI:</strong> To lend for the long term, DFI requires correspondingly long-term sources of finance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>DFIs of the earlier era were over-reliant on cheap government funds and today&rsquo;s commercial banks ran into asset-liability mismatches due to their reliance on retail deposits to fund long-term projects.</li>
<li>Therefore, it may be best for new-age DFIs to focus on diversified sources of funding.</li>
<li>Presently, DFI can be adequately capitalized by the sovereign-backed funds, alternative routes such as capital gains/tax-free bond issues, external borrowings, and loans from multilateral agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Specialized DFIs:</strong> Specialised project lenders focussed on specific verticals tend to do better at building project appraisal skills and managing risks than &lsquo;supermarket&rsquo; lenders who fund any project that comes their way.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre must therefore be open to the idea of multiple specialized DFIs modeled on the success of refinancing institutions such as NHB and NABARD.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Good Governance:</strong> While freeing a DFI from political interference or crony lending is necessary, merely having private shareholders or professional managers on board isn&rsquo;t sufficient to ensure good governance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has to be backed by a robust system of external checks and balances such as supervision by RBI and proper due diligence by auditors and rating agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Ease of Doing Business:</strong> In the past, ambitious highway and pipeline projects have been continually held up by local protests and land acquisition woes, retrospective taxes, and poor contract enforcement. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The success of DFIs is contingent on ironing out such issues and removing on-ground impediments to the ease of doing business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>While boosting investment in the infrastructure sector is imperative for sustained growth, the need for the hour is to resolve persistent issues in the debt market that impede long-term financing flow.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #ffffed;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Establishing Development Financial Institutions is a good idea for infrastructure creation and to lift India&rsquo;s economic growth rate. Critically Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/development-financial-institution'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Dickinsonia: Earliest Known Living Animal',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers have discovered three fossils of the earliest known living animal, the<strong> 550-million-year-old &lsquo;Dickinsonia&rsquo;</strong> on the roof of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-tribals-tensed-over-destruction-of-rock-art" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The fossils were found in the<strong> roof</strong> of the <strong>Auditorium Cave</strong> at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was believed that <strong>sponges</strong> were the oldest living organism however<strong> there is currently no evidence that sponge-like animals conquered the oceans before 540 million years ago,</strong> when the first unambiguous fossils of sponges and most other groups of animals start to appear in the geological record.</li>
<li>The <strong>earliest evidence for animals on Earth is now the 558 million-years-old Dickinsonia</strong> and other Ediacaran animals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Dickinsonia:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613386552_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613386552_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-17th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In September 2018, an international team of researchers claimed to have discovered the world&rsquo;s oldest fossil</strong></a> of Dickinsonia, which first appeared around 571 million to 541 million years ago.</li>
<li>Current fossil evidence dates back around 100 million years from Dickinsonia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Period and Area:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an <strong>extinct genus of basal animal</strong> that lived during the late Ediacaran period in what is now Australia, Russia and Ukraine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basal animals</strong> are animals which have <strong>radial symmetry</strong> in their body plans. They have very <strong>simple bodies</strong> and tend to be <strong>diploblastic</strong> (derived from only two embryonic cell layers).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appearance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thought to represent the earliest flowering of <strong>complex multicellular life on our planet,</strong> these creatures arose in a world devoid of predators, and <strong>had no need for hard protective carapaces or skeletons.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Their <strong>soft, squishy bodies</strong> resembled tubes, fronds or even thin, quilted pillows, they bore scant similarity to the anatomy of animals today.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its affinities are presently unknown, its mode of growth is consistent with a stem-group bilaterian affinity, though<strong> some have suggested that it belongs to the fungi or even an &ldquo;extinct kingdom&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The discovery of <strong>cholesterol molecules in fossils of Dickinsonia lends support to the idea that Dickinsonia was an animal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is further proof of the similar<strong> paleoenvironments </strong>and<strong> confirms assembly of Gondwanaland by the 550 Ma (mega annum).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A<strong> paleoenvironment</strong> is simply an environment that has been <strong>preserved in the rock record</strong> at some time in the past.</li>
<li><strong>Mega-annum,</strong> usually abbreviated as Ma, is a <strong>unit of time equal to one million years.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is commonly used in scientific disciplines such as geology, paleontology, and celestial mechanics to signify very long time periods in the past.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This finding could help scientists <strong>better understand the interaction of geology and biology that triggered the evolution</strong> of complex life on Earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bhimbetka Caves:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>History and Period Span:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an <strong>archaeological site in central India</strong> that spans the prehistoric <strong>Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods,</strong> as well as the historic period.</li>
<li>It exhibits the<strong> earliest traces of human life</strong> in India and<strong> evidence of Stone Age</strong> starting at the site in Acheulian times.</li>
<li>It is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></a> that consists of<strong> seven hills and over 750 rock shelters</strong> distributed over 10 km.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Bhimbetka rock shelters were found by <strong>V S Wakankar in1957.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is located in <strong>Raisen District</strong> between Hoshangabad and Bhopal<strong> in Madhya Pradesh.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is about <strong>40 kilometres south-east of Bhopal</strong> in the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Paintings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some of the Bhimbetka rock shelters feature <strong>prehistoric cave paintings</strong> and the earliest are about 10,000 years old (c. 8,000 BCE), corresponding to the Indian Mesolithic.</li>
<li>Most of these are done in <strong>red and white</strong> on the cave walls.</li>
<li>A multitude of themes were covered in this form of rock art and it depicted scenes like<strong> singing, dancing, hunting</strong> and other common activities of the people staying there. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>oldest of the cave paintings in Bhimbetka</strong> is believed to be about <strong>12,000 years ago.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/fossils-of-dickinsonia-found-at-bhimbetka/article33837185.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/dickinsonia-earliest-known-living-animal'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Lok Sabha has passed the <strong>Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to check misuse by &ldquo;fly-by-night operators&rdquo;</strong> who take advantage of the law to get favourable awards by fraud.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill <strong>intends to replace the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) ordinance</strong> issued in November, 2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features of the Bill: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Qualifications of Arbitrators:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>does away with the qualifications of the arbitrators </strong>under<strong> 8<sup>th</sup> Schedule</strong> of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 which specified that the arbitrator must be: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961 with 10 years of experience, or</li>
<li>An officer of the Indian Legal Service.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The qualifications for accreditation of arbitrators is <strong>proposed to be prescribed by regulations to be framed by an arbitration council</strong> to be set up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unconditional Stay on Awards:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If the Award is being <strong>given on the basis of a fraudulent agreement or corruption,</strong> then the court can grant an unconditional stay as long as an appeal under Section 34 of the arbitration law is pending.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Would bring about <strong>parity among all the stakeholders</strong> in the arbitration process.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All the stakeholders get an opportunity to seek unconditional stay on enforcement of arbitral awards where the agreement or contract is &ldquo;induced by fraud or corruption&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Checking misuse of the provisions under Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 <strong>would save the taxpayers money</strong> by holding those accountable who siphoned off of them unlawfully.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India already lags behind when it comes to the enforcement of international contracts and agreements. The Bill can further hamper the spirit of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a> campaign and deteriorate rankings in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business Index.</strong></a></li>
<li>India aims to become a hub of domestic and international arbitration. Through the implementation of these legislative changes, resolution of commercial disputes could take longer duration now onwards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Arbitration Council of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Background:</strong> The Constitution of India, <strong>Article 51,</strong> India is obliged to endeavour to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one country.</li>
<li>Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. ACI is a step in realisation of this constitutional obligation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to establish an <strong>independent body</strong> called the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) for the promotion of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute redressal mechanisms. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Arbitration:</strong> It is a process in which disputes resolve between the parties by appointing an independent third party who is an impartial and neutral person called arbitrator. Arbitrators hear both the parties before arriving at a solution to their dispute.</li>
<li><strong>Conciliation:</strong> It is a process in which disputes resolve between the parties by appointing a conciliator who helps (amicable) the disputed parties to arrive at a negotiated settlement. Settling the dispute without litigation, it is an informal process. He does so by lowering tensions, improving communication, interpreting issues, providing technical help.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition of the ACI:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ACI will consist of a Chairperson who is either:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Judge of the Supreme Court; or</li>
<li>A Judge of a High Court; or</li>
<li>Chief Justice of a High Court; or</li>
<li>An eminent person with expert knowledge in conduct of arbitration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other members</strong> will include an eminent arbitration practitioner, an academician with experience in arbitration, and government appointees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment of Arbitrators:</strong> Under the Act, the Supreme Court and High Courts may designate arbitral institutions, which parties can approach for the appointment of arbitrators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For international commercial arbitration, appointments will be made by the institution designated by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>For domestic arbitration, appointments will be made by the institution designated by the concerned High Court.</li>
<li>In case there are no arbitral institutions available, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court may maintain a panel of arbitrators to perform the functions of the arbitral institutions.</li>
<li>An application for appointment of an arbitrator is required to be disposed of within 30 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/changes-to-arbitration-law-get-lok-sabha-nod-7186439/" 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/arbitration-and-conciliation-amendment-bill-2021'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Doubling Farmers Income',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Central Government admitted that no<strong> actual assessment of farm income</strong> has been carried out since 2013.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India in its <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/government-budgeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annual Budget</a> 2016-17</strong> set a policy target of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/doubling-farmers-income-a-promise-to-be-fulfilled-by-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doubling farmers&rsquo; income by 2022.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agriculture sustains livelihood for <strong>more than half of India's total population.</strong> Doubling farmers&rsquo; income in such a short period is an overwhelming task for decision makers, scientists and policy makers because of its <strong>continued role in employment, income and most importantly in national food security.</strong></li>
<li>Doubling farmers&rsquo; income is possible through <strong>increasing total output</strong> and <strong>better price realization</strong> in the market, <strong>reduction in production costs,diversification of product, efficient post-harvest management, value addition,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data Related to Indian Farmers:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613381119_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613381119_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="700" height="635" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Related Steps Taken by Government:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Institutional Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-krishi-sinchayee-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/soil-health-card-scheme-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Soil health card</strong></a>, <strong>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lakshadweep-declared-an-organic-union-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana</a>:</strong> Aiming to raise output and reduce cost.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-pmfby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</strong></a>: To provide insurance against crop and income loss and to encourage investment in farming.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-of-river-interlinking" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Interlinking of rivers</strong> </a>- To raise output and farm incomes.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/operation-greens-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Greens</strong></a>: To address price volatility of perishable commodities like Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-kisan-sampada-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong></a>: To promote food processing in a holistic manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technological Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Initiating E-NAM:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-features-added-to-e-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Agriculture Market (eNAM)</strong></a> is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs)</strong></a> mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.</li>
<li><strong>Technology mission on cotton:</strong> It aims to increase the income of the cotton growers by reducing the cost of cultivation as well as by increasing the yield per hectare through proper transfer of technology to the growers.</li>
<li><strong>Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses and Maize (TMOPM):</strong> Few schemes implemented under TMOPM are: Oilseeds Production Programme (OPP), National Pulses Development Project (NPDP), etc.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/horticulture-sector-in-india#:~:text=Mission%20for%20Integrated%20Development%20of,and%20reducing%20post%2Dharvest%20losses." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)</strong></a>: It is a scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root &amp; tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.</li>
<li><strong>Sugar Technology Mission:</strong> Aimed at reducing the cost of production of sugar and improving sugar quality through steps for improvements in productivity, energy conservation and improvements in capital output ratio.</li>
<li><strong>National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture:</strong> It aims at promoting sustainable agriculture through a series of adaptation measures focusing on ten key dimensions encompassing Indian agriculture namely; &lsquo;Improved crop seeds, livestock and fish cultures&rsquo;, &lsquo;Water Use Efficiency&rsquo;, &lsquo;Pest Management&rsquo;, &lsquo;Improved Farm Practices&rsquo;, &lsquo;Nutrient Management&rsquo;, &lsquo;Agricultural insurance&rsquo;, &lsquo;Credit support&rsquo;, &lsquo;Markets&rsquo;, &lsquo;Access to Information&rsquo; and &lsquo;Livelihood diversification&rsquo;.</li>
<li>In addition, schemes relating to tree plantation <strong>(Har Medh Par Ped),</strong> Bee Keeping, Dairy and Fisheries are also implemented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need and Challenges:</strong> To achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/highlights-of-economic-survey-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Economic Survey 2021</strong> </a>has highlighted few basic challenges which needs to be addressed:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Extension of Irrigation Facilities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>coverage of irrigation facilities needs to be extended</strong> while ensuring an effective water conservation mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improve Agricultural Credit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An inclusive approach to provision for agricultural credit has to be undertaken to address the <strong>issue of skewness in its regional distribution,</strong> it said.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Land Reform:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the proportion of small and marginal holdings is significantly large, <strong>land reform measures like freeing up land markets</strong> can help farmers improve their Income.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Boost to Allied Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Allied sectors, such as <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/animal-rearing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>animal husbandry</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-dairy-industry-fta" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dairying</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-fisheries-day-1#:~:text=The%20fisheries%20and%20aquaculture%20production,as%20envisioned%20by%20the%20government." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fisheries</strong></a>, need to be given a boost to<strong> provide an assured secondary source of employment and income,</strong> especially for small and marginal farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Farm Mechanisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is also a need to address the<strong> issue of lower farm mechanisation in India</strong> which is only about <strong>40%</strong> as compared to about 60% in China and around 75 % in Brazil.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Food Processing Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More focussed attention" is required to be given to the sector due to its <strong>significant role in reducing post-harvest losses</strong> and creation of an additional market for farm outputs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-food-processing-industry-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> food processing sector</strong></a> is growing at an average annual growth rate of more than 5% over the last six years ending 2017-18.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exploring Global Markets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a need to give increased focus on exploring global markets for agricultural commodities to <strong>give an additional source of market for the surplus of agricultural produce</strong> India currently has.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reallocation of Labour:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is also a need to <strong>reallocate labour resources to other sectors.</strong></li>
<li>Though the structural transformations involved a falling share of the agriculture sector and rising share of services sector jobs, more needs to be done to <strong>create manufacturing jobs to absorb the large pool of workers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Issues such as investment in agriculture, <strong>insurance coverage, water conservation, improved yields through better farming practices, access to market, availability of institutional credit, increasing the linkages between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors</strong> need urgent attention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The low level of farmers' income and year to year fluctuations in it are a <strong>major source of agrarian distress.</strong></li>
<li>To secure the future of agriculture and to improve the livelihood of half of India's population, adequate<strong> attention needs to be given to improve the welfare of farmers</strong> and raise agricultural income.</li>
<li>It is essential to <strong>mobilize States and UTs to own and achieve the goal of doubling farmers' income</strong> with active focus on capacity building (technology adoption and awareness) of farmers that will be the catalyst to boost farmers income.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restructuring-of-indian-statistical-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Sample Survey Office&rsquo;s</strong></a> last survey on agricultural households was conducted in 2013. There has been no further assessment of the farmers income. Therefore there is an<strong> urgent need to track the progress of farmers.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pandemic-may-impact-goal-to-double-farm-income-by-2022-official/article33836233.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/doubling-farmers-income-2'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Falling Numbers of SC & ST Students in IITs',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, data collected from a series of <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI)</strong> </a>applications pertaining to five older<strong> Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs),</strong> has indicated that the <strong>acceptance rate is skewed against students from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reimagining-the-national-commission-for-scheduled-castes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Caste (SC)</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribe (ST)</a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SC and ST applicants are half as likely to get selected for a Ph.D. programme</strong> at IITs <strong>as aspirants from the General Category (GC)</strong> are.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data from the RTI Applications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Acceptance Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It refers to the <strong>number of students selected for every 100 students who applied.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It stood at <strong>4%</strong> for students from<strong> General Category (GC).</strong></li>
<li>It falls to<strong> 2.7% for OBC</strong> students and further down to just <strong>2.16% for SCs and 2.2% for STs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This finding <strong>comes against the backdrop of the Education Ministry&rsquo;s data</strong> submitted to Parliament in 2020 showing the failure of the IITs to fill Ph.D. seats as per reservation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government&rsquo;s <strong>reservation</strong> policy <strong>mandates</strong> allocation of <strong>15% seats for students from the SCs, 7.5% from STs </strong>and<strong> 27% from OBCs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>IITs have often cited the lack of applicants from the marginalised communities</strong> for the situation. However, <strong>the RTI data reveals quite the opposite.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>percentage of GC students</strong> among those admitted was <strong>always higher</strong> than their percentage among those applied. However, the <strong>converse was true for SC, ST and OBC candidates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education Ministry's Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Of the total admissions made by all <strong>IITs</strong> from<strong> 2015 to 2019,</strong> only <strong>9.1%</strong> went to <strong>SC</strong> and <strong>2.1%</strong> to<strong> ST.</strong></li>
<li>Only<strong> 23.2%</strong> seats went to applicants from the <strong>OBCs.</strong> Remaining <strong>65.6%,</strong> or roughly two-thirds of all the seats, went to General Category applicants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613376254_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613376254_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="630" height="471" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons for Falling Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Given by IITs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eligibility Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some institutions <strong>could not even fill all the seats in the general category</strong> since they<strong> did not get enough eligible candidates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Students of the required calibre <strong>tend to take up industry jobs rather than join for a PhD</strong> which has extra uncertainties and lower income levels during PhD and in some areas even post PhD.</li>
<li>It is possible that the <strong>family background and economic level</strong> may have an impact on such candidates applying for a PhD.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Argument of 'Merit':</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been long-standing <strong>opposition among IIT administrators and faculty to reservations,</strong> which they see as a form of<strong> unjust government intervention</strong> in their meritocratic institutions.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recommendations-on-reservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recent report</strong> </a>of an Education Ministry-constituted committee<strong> recommended the abolition of reservation in faculty recruitment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The committee based its recommendations primarily on arguments <strong>claiming the need for IITs to maintain their academic excellence and the lack of candidates from the reserved categories</strong> who fulfil the qualification criteria.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A More Systematic Problem:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The problem is also of practice and <strong>access to quality school education,</strong> leading to <strong>poor base.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages of following the Reservation Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>An Example to Other Institutions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The IITs are and should continue to be institutions of national importance. But they <strong>also have social functions.</strong></li>
<li>They should set an example to other institutions by <strong>creating opportunities for and encourage the underprivileged communities to excel</strong> in research and innovation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bridging Inequalities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Affirmative action and caste-based reservation can <strong>help bridge inequalities in society,</strong> enable the underprivileged to have access to quality education, promote diversity, and, more importantly, remove obstacles to equality and correct the past wrongs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Policy intervention has to begin sooner, in the early school years, to attempt to equalise opportunities in education.</li>
<li>In addition, negative attitudes, perceptions and stereotypes about the ability of students belonging to the SC/ST groups are a major hurdle. Policy should recognise how such perceptions hold back individuals and groups, and seriously attempt to think of ways to alter these.</li>
<li>Diversity issues can also be addressed through outreach campaigns.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/phd-entry-in-iits-tougher-for-students-from-marginalised-communities/article33824475.ece?homepage=true" 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/falling-numbers-of-sc-st-students-in-iits'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Glaciers',
		'catname' => 'Paper 1',
		'desc' => '<h3>About</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A glacier is a large, <strong>perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment,</strong> and <strong>water</strong> that originates on land and moves down slope under the influence of its own weight and gravity. They are <strong>sensitive indicators of changing climate.</strong></li>
<li>Out of total water on Earth, <strong>2.1% is in glaciers while 97.2% is in the oceans</strong> and inland seas.</li>
<li><strong>Condition of glacier formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mean annual temperatures</strong> are close to the freezing point.</li>
<li><strong>Winter precipitation</strong> produces significant accumulations of snow.</li>
<li><strong>Temperatures throughout the rest of the year</strong> do not result in the complete loss of the previous winter&rsquo;s snow accumulation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Formation of Glacier</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Glaciers begin forming in places where more snow piles up each year than melts. Soon after falling, the snow begins to compress, or become denser and tightly packed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The process of snow compacting into glacial firn (dense, grainy ice) is called <strong>firnification</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When the ice grows thick enough, about 50 meters (160 feet), the firn grains fuse into a huge mass of solid ice. The glacier begins to move under its own weight.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Different parts of a glacier move at different speeds. The flowing ice in the middle of the glacier moves faster than the base.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Geographical Location</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>91%</strong> of the Glaciers are in <strong>Antarctica</strong> and <strong>8%</strong> are in <strong>Greenland.</strong> They occupy about 10% of the world's total land area.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613373504_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613373504_image1.png" width="600" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Significance:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glaciers as Reservoirs:</strong> About <strong>three-quarters</strong> of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers. Therefore, glacier ice is the <strong>second largest reservoir of water</strong> on Earth and the <strong>largest reservoir of freshwater</strong> on Earth.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The cold runoff from glaciers also affects downstream water temperatures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glaciers feeding Rivers:</strong> The <strong>Gangotri Glacier</strong>, one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayan Mountains, is <strong>the source of the Ganga River</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ganges is the most important source of freshwater and electricity in India and Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glaciers for Aquatic Life:</strong> Many <strong>aquatic species in mountainous environments</strong> require cold water temperatures to survive which is provided by Glaciers. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some <strong>aquatic insects</strong> are <strong>especially sensitive to stream temperature</strong> and cannot survive without the cooling effects of glacial meltwater.</li>
<li>Such changes in stream habitat may also <strong>adversely impact native trout</strong> and other <strong>keystone salmon species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Glaciers for People:</strong> Glaciers provide people with many useful resources. Glacial till <strong>provides fertile soil for growing crops</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deposits of sand and gravel are used to make <strong>concrete and asphalt</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Classification of Glaciers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Glaciers can be classified according to their: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Size</strong> (i.e. ice sheet, ice cap, valley glacier, cirque glacier)</li>
<li><strong>Thermal regime</strong> (polar vs. temperate).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Size Based</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ice Cap:</strong> An ice cap is a dome-shaped glacier mass flowing in all directions, such as the ice cap on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is still some <strong>uncertainty about the full volume of glaciers and ice caps</strong> on Earth, but if all of them were to melt, <strong>global sea level would rise approximately 70 meters</strong> (approximately 230 feet), flooding every coastal city on the planet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Valley Glaciers:</strong> Also called <strong>Alpine Glaciers</strong> or <strong>Mountain Glaciers</strong>, they form on mountainsides and move downward through valleys. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are <strong>found in high mountains</strong> <strong>of every continent except Australia</strong> (although there are many in New Zealand). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Example: The <strong>Gorner Glacier in Switzerland</strong> and the <strong>Furtwangler Glacier in Tanzania</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ice Sheets:</strong> Unlike valley glaciers, ice sheets are not limited to mountainous areas. They form broad domes and spread out from their centers in all directions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As ice sheets spread, they cover everything around them with a thick blanket of ice, including valleys, plains, and even entire mountains.</li>
<li>The largest ice sheets, called <strong>continental glaciers</strong>, spread over vast areas. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Continental glaciers <strong>cover most of Antarctica and the island of Greenland</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cirque glaciers:</strong> They are short and wide, are confined to cirques, or amphitheatres, cut in the mountain landscape.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thermal Regime based:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Polar Glacier:</strong> A polar glacier is defined as one that is below the freezing temperature throughout its mass for the entire year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A subpolar glacier contains ice below the freezing temperature, except for surface melting in the summer and a basal layer of temperate ice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Temperate Glacier:</strong> A temperate glacier is the one that&rsquo;s <strong>essentially at the melting point</strong>, so liquid water coexists with glacier ice. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are found in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and <strong>Asia</strong> and <strong>New Zealand.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Some of the <strong>Antarctic glaciers</strong> and <strong>Greenland&rsquo;s southern outlet glaciers</strong> are temperate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Landforms Formed</h3>
<p><strong>Erosional Landforms</strong><br /><strong></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glacial Valleys/Troughs:</strong> These valleys are <strong>trough-like and U-shaped</strong> with broad floors and relatively smooth, and steep sides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The valleys may contain littered debris or debris shaped as <strong>moraines</strong> with swampy appearance.</li>
<li>Very deep glacial troughs filled with sea water and making up shorelines (in high latitudes) are called <strong>fjords/fiords.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cirques:</strong> Often are found at the heads of glacial valleys, these are the most common of landforms in glaciated mountains. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are <strong>deep, long and wide troughs</strong> or basins with very steep concave to vertically dropping high walls at its head as well as sides.</li>
<li>A lake of water can be seen quite often within the cirques after the glacier disappears. Such lakes are called <strong>cirque lakes or tarn lakes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Horns and Serrated:</strong> Ridges Horns form through headward erosion of the cirque walls. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If three or more radiating glaciers cut headward until their cirques meet, high, sharp pointed and steep sided peaks called horns form.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Depositional Landforms:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Glacial Till:</strong> The unassorted coarse and fine debris dropped by the melting glaciers is called glacial till. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some amount of rock debris small enough to be carried by such melt-water streams is washed down and deposited. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such glaciofluvial deposits are called <strong>outwash deposits</strong>.</li>
<li>The outwash deposits are roughly stratified and assorted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Moraines:</strong> They are <strong>long ridges of deposits of glacial till.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Terminal moraines</strong> are long ridges of debris deposited at the end (toe) of the glaciers.</li>
<li>Lateral moraines form along the sides parallel to the glacial valleys.</li>
<li>Many valley glaciers retreating rapidly leave an irregular sheet of till over their valley floors called <strong>ground moraines.</strong></li>
<li>The moraine in the centre of the glacial valley flanked by lateral moraines is called <strong>medial moraine.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They are imperfectly formed as compared to lateral moraines. Sometimes medial moraines are indistinguishable from ground moraines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eskers:</strong> These are ridges made of sands and gravels, deposited by glacial meltwater flowing through tunnels within and underneath glaciers, or through meltwater channels on top of glaciers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over time, the channel or tunnel gets filled up with sediments. As the ice retreats, the sediments are left behind as a ridge in the landscape.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drumlins:</strong> They are <strong>smooth oval shaped ridge-like features</strong> composed mainly of glacial till with some masses of gravel and sand. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The long axes of drumlins are parallel to the direction of ice movement.</li>
<li>They may measure up to 1 km in length and 30 m or so in height.</li>
<li>The drumlin end facing the glacier is called the stoss end and is blunter and steeper than the other end called tail.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613374293_Image1.PNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613374293_Image1.PNG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/glaciers-6'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'UPSC GS Prelims Course',
		'catname' => 'Online Courses',
		'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>UPSC GS Prelims Course <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Online Classes)</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Admission Open</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mode</strong>: Online Classes (on Android-based App)</li>
<li><strong>Team</strong>: Team of best teachers led by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li><strong>Course Size</strong>: Around 200 classes of 400+ hours. Full Syllabus of GS for Prelims</li>
<li><strong>Course Validity</strong>: 2 years, facility to watch each class 3 times</li>
<li><strong>Other facilities</strong>: Printed Notes of all Subjects, Prelims Test Series for 2 years, Prelims Practice Series of Books and personalised guidance for doubt clearing for 2 years</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">
<h2>Special Discount: <br /><span style="font-size: 19px; color: #00008b;">For first 500 admissions only</span></h2>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Course Fee: Rs 45,000/-</span><br /><span 18px="">Discounted Course Fee: Rs 36,000/- (including GST)</span></strong></p>
<div>
<div class="part-register">
<p>To get this course instantly activated on your device, please join from <br /><span class="btn-block"> <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drishti.academy.app&amp;hl=en_IN" class="btn blue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <span style="font-size: 19px;">Drishti Learning App</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">(Android Only, Login Required)</span> </a> </span></p>
</div>
<div class="part-register">
<p>You may also join here: <br /><span class="btn-block"> <a href="/upsc-gs-prelims-online-courses-registration" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <span style="font-size: 19px;">Register Now</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"> For activation within 48 hours. </span> </a> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p>For more information related to this course, please call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:7669806814">7669806814</a> (8 AM to 8 PM &ndash; Monday to Sunday)</p>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/" class="btn red" id="bookSession" rel="noopener" data-course="UPSC GS Prelims Course(Online Course)">Book Counseling Session</a></div>
<p><strong><!--<div class="btn-block"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drishti.academy.app&hl=en_IN" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Now</a></div>--></strong></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of the Course</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Teaching by the best teachers of the country under the leadership of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li>Total 400+ hours of classes. Facility to watch each class up to 3 times. The validity of the course is for 2 years from the start of the batch.</li>
<li>Special emphasis on conceptual clarity. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years&rsquo;.</li>
<li>A team of subject experts will be made available for clearing doubts. Provision of resolving doubts via regular online meetings also.</li>
<li>The following books/notes will be sent to your address as text material free of charge:
<ul>
<li>Printed booklets of notes for each section.</li>
<li>6 books of 'Prelims Practice Series' published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your prelims preparation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Current Affairs Crash Course before Prelims free for two years (online).</li>
<li>IAS Prelims Online Test Series free for 2 years. Total 30x2 = 60 Tests</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--<div class="imporant-info">
    <div class="wrapper" style="background-color: #f9ffe4;"><strong><span style="color: #00008b; font-size: 22px;">-->
<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper"><span style="color: #000080; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Technical Requirements</span>
<ul>
<li>Operating System (OS): Android 6 and above.</li>
<li>Internal Memory: 8GB or more.</li>
<li>RAM: 1GB or more.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pendrive-feature-block">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Process of Sending Notes &amp; Study Material</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>All notes related to this course will be sent to you according to a schedule. The first set of notes will be dispatched by speed post or courier service within 5 days of taking your admission. After that, you will get your first packet of notes in the next 7-10 days. (Note: If you live in a place where it takes longer to reach the postal / courier due to Covid-19 or other reasons then some extra time may take place).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="image-block"><img src="/hindi/drishti/img/feature-thumb-img.png" alt="" /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REQI0jAqRA&amp;list=PLQpF--VlgguRCRkwkjnCsiVit9vTtSuLZ" class="icon-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> <span>Demo classes available on YouTube. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
<div class="section-payment">
<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end --></div>
<!-- end row --></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/upsc-gs-prelims-course'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 51
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 334
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”