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Bharat Air Fibre: Wireless Internet

Why in News Recently, Bharat Air Fibre Services have been inaugurated at Akola in Maharashtra providing the residents wireless internet connections...

03 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Aspirin to Prevent Cataract

Why in News Recently, scientists from the Institute of Nano Science & Technology (INST) have developed nanorods from the Non-Steroidal...

03 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Agatti Island of Lakshadweep

Why in News Recently, the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted an interim stay on felling of coconut trees on Agatti...

03 Aug 2020 News Analysis
China’s Presence Near Ecuador Waters

Why in News Recently, Ecuador has expressed an official discomfort over the sighting of a flotilla of 260 mostly Chinese fishing vessels near the...

03 Aug 2020 News Analysis
UK to Issue Coin in Honour of Mahatma Gandhi

Why in News Britain is considering minting a coin to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi. Key Points The consideration is seen as part of efforts to...

03 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak

This article is based on “Lokmanya Tilak: Father of the Indian renaissance” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 1/08/2020. It...

01 Aug 2020 News Editorials
China Launches BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

Why in News China has formally launched full global services of its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS). Key Points Background: The...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
High Level Group on Agricultural Exports : Finance Commission

Why in News Recently, the High Level Group (HLEG) on Agricultural Exports set up by the Fifteenth Finance Commission has submitted its report to the...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Increased Fiscal Deficit

Why in News As per the official data, the Centre’s fiscal deficit for the first three months of fiscal 2020-21 (April-June) was Rs. 6.62 lakh...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
1947 Tripartite Agreement on Gurkha soldiers

Why in News Recently, the Nepal’s Foreign Minister has said that the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and the United Kingdom...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Investment to Reduce Plastic Waste in India

Why in News A Singapore-based-NGO namely ‘Alliance to End Plastic Waste’ plans to invest between USD 70 million to 100 million in India...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Contraction in Core Sector Industries

Why in News The output of eight core industries contracted for the fourth consecutive month - shrinking by 15% in June 2020. The eight core...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
Muslim Women Rights Day

Why in News Recently, 1st August has been recorded as “Muslim Women Rights Day” in the country’s history to mark first anniversary...

01 Aug 2020 News Analysis
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

This article is based on “A long road: On National Education Policy 2020” which was published in The Hindu on 31/07/2020. It talks...

31 Jul 2020 News Editorials
CHRI Report on Slavery

Why in News Recently, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and Walk Free (an international anti-slavery organisation) releaed a report on...

31 Jul 2020 News Analysis
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Assembly

Why in News Recently, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) celebrated the start of Assembly of the ITER Tokamak at...

31 Jul 2020 News Analysis
AIM-iCREST: NITI Aayog

Why in News Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched an incubator capabilities enhancement program ‘AIM-iCREST’. Atal...

31 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Dispute Panels Against India: WTO

Why in News Recently, the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has set up two dispute settlement panels targeting...

31 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Efficacy of Anti-Defection Law

This editorial is based on “Why the anti-defection law has failed to deliver” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 30/7/2020....

30 Jul 2020 News Editorials
Natesa: Pratihara Style of Rajasthan

Why in News Natesa, a rare sandstone idol from the 9th century (Pratihara Style of Rajasthan) has been retrieved after 22 years by Rajasthan...

30 Jul 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Bharat Air Fibre: Wireless Internet',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Bharat Air Fibre Services</strong> have been inaugurated at <strong>Akola in Maharashtra</strong> providing the residents <strong>wireless internet connections</strong> on demand.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bharat Air Fibre services are being <strong>introduced by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)</strong> as a part of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India</strong></a> initiative by the Government of India. It is <strong>being scaled pan-India</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To <strong>provide BSNL fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) wireless connectivity up to a range of 20 km</strong> from the BSNL points of presence.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>connectivity speed is 100 Mbps</strong> and BSNL is offering <strong>various broadband plans in wireline and wireless segments</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a huge demand for high-speed broadband service in the present situation as there is the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/human-migration-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>migration</strong></a> of people from metro cities to rural areas due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The service is becoming popular due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-work-from-home-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Work from Home</strong></a> (WFH), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/online-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-learning</strong></a>, <strong>online shopping, gaming and entertainment,</strong> etc. amidst <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>BSNL is also providing <strong>unlimited free voice calling</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong> It provides high-speed broadband to subscribers of remote areas by <strong>bridging the gap of last-mile connectivity through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ham-radio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">radio waves</a></strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A vast network of <strong>Optical Fibre</strong> has been laid by BSNL up to nearest Telephone Exchange or Mobile Tower and from there the connectivity is provided to subscribers over wireless.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596444205_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596444205_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="545" height="398" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Customers at remote locations will be benefitted as BSNL comes with the <strong>cheapest services</strong> with the support of <strong>Telecom Infrastructure Partners</strong> (TIPs).</li>
<li>These services are <strong>wireless</strong> and there are <strong>very low chances of interruption</strong> in services locally.</li>
<li>BSNL is <strong>tying up with local entrepreneurs/unemployed youth</strong> on revenue sharing basis thereby <strong>generating employment</strong> in rural areas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They will earn a regular monthly income of about one lakh per month thereby <strong>becoming self-reliant</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a> initiative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This service could be a game-changer for rural areas as with a little <strong>integration of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Internet of Things</a></strong> (IoT) <strong>and sensors</strong>, the <strong>moisture content of soil can be known</strong> on a real-time basis, so that <strong>irrigation can be planned</strong>, resulting in <strong>saving of water and thereby increasing productivity</strong>.</li>
<li>Sensors can be <strong>tied to the neck of dairy cattle, enabling continuous recording of body temperature</strong> so as to know the exact time when milk output is best.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642996" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Aspirin to Prevent Cataract',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists from the <strong>Institute of Nano Science &amp; Technology (INST)</strong> have developed <strong>nanorods from the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Aspirin to prevent cataracts</strong> in an economical and less complicated way.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aspirin</strong> is a popular medication used <strong>to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation</strong> and now it has been found to be an effective non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapeutics against cataract.</li>
<li>INST is an <strong>autonomous institute</strong> under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cataract:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596443792_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596443792_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="397" height="238" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a major <strong>form of blindness</strong> that occurs when the <strong>structure of crystallin proteins that make up the lens</strong> in human eyes <strong>deteriorates</strong>.</li>
<li>Such deterioration causes damaged or disorganised proteins to aggregate and forms a milky blue or brown layer, which ultimately <strong>affects lens transparency</strong>.</li>
<li>As with <strong>ageing and under various conditions,</strong> the lens protein crystallin aggregates to form opaque structures in the eye lens, which <strong>impairs vision and causes cataract</strong>.</li>
<li>Thus, <strong>prevention of the formation of these aggregates as well as their destruction</strong> in the early stage of disease progression is a major treatment strategy for cataracts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Usage of Aspirin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scientists have used the <strong>anti-aggregation ability of self-build aspirin nanorods</strong> as an effective non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapeutics against cataract.</li>
<li>It <strong>prevents the protein from aggregation</strong> through biomolecular interactions, which convert it into coils and helices and consequently fail to aggregate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aspirin nanorods due to their <strong>nano-size</strong> are expected to enhance the bioavailability, improve drug loading, lower toxicity, etc.</li>
<li>Hence, <strong>the delivery of the aspirin nanorods as eye drops</strong> is going to serve as an <strong>effective and viable option</strong> to treat cataract non-invasively.</li>
<li>It is <strong>easy to use and a low-cost alternative nonsurgical treatment</strong> method and will benefit patients in developing countries who cannot access expensive cataract treatments and surgeries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642991#:~:text=A%20team%20of%20scientists%20from,pain%2C%20fever%2C%20or%20inflammation%20and" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aspirin-to-prevent-cataract'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Agatti Island of Lakshadweep',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the southern bench of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong> </a>(NGT) has granted an interim stay on felling of coconut trees on <strong>Agatti Island</strong> in Lakshadweep.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, a <strong>petition was moved in the NGT</strong> over <strong>indiscriminate cutting of coconut trees</strong> for a beach road.</li>
<li>The tree-felling was violating the Union Territory&rsquo;s (UT) <strong>Integrated Island Management Plan</strong> (IIMP).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IIMP was formulated on the basis of a report submitted by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a>-appointed Expert Committee, headed by <strong>Justice R.V. Raveendran,</strong> a former judge of the SC.</li>
<li>IIMP includes holistic island development plans prepared by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-centre-for-sustainable-coastal-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management</strong></a> (NCSCM) for implementation by coastal States/ UTs.</li>
<li>The IIMP <strong>undertakes scientific approaches,</strong> coupled with <strong>indigenous knowledge</strong> for the better management of the islands and its resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to the large scale cutting of the coconut trees, local residents are <strong>affected by losing</strong> <strong>income</strong> from the tree produces.</li>
<li>It also poses an <strong>environmental challenge</strong> because the trees on the coastline act as a <strong>green belt</strong> to protect the rest of the island during <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cyclones</strong></a> and other natural calamities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Agatti Island</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is at a <strong>distance of 459 km</strong> (248 nautical miles) from <strong>Kochi (Kerala)</strong> and is located to the <strong>west of Kavaratti Island</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kavaratti is the capital</strong> of the UT of Lakshadweep.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has an <strong>area of 3.84 sq km</strong> and has a north-east, south-west trend with a long tail on the south.</li>
<li>The <strong>lagoon area of this island is 17.50 sq km</strong> and there is plenty of <strong>coral growth and multicoloured coral fishes</strong> in the lagoons.</li>
<li><strong>Fishing is the most important industry</strong> of Agatti which is perhaps the only island besides Minicoy getting surplus fish. Next to fishing, <strong>coir</strong> (coconut fibre) and <strong>copra</strong> (dried meat or kernel of the coconut) are the main industries.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441787_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441787_image1.png" width="360" height="445" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ngt-stays-felling-of-coconut-trees-on-lakshadweep-island/article32253771.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/agatti-island-of-lakshadweep'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'China’s Presence Near Ecuador Waters',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Ecuador</strong> has expressed an <strong>official discomfort</strong> over the sighting of a flotilla of 260 mostly <strong>Chinese fishing</strong> vessels near the Galapagos archipelago (a part of Ecuador).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The flotilla also consisted of <strong>some Liberia and Panama-flagged vessels</strong> which was detected in an international water corridor situated between two areas of Ecuadorian jurisdiction&ndash; 200 miles away from both the <strong>Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Galapagos Archipelago</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441058_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441058_image2.png" width="522" height="261" style="float: right;" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Galapagos Islands, spread over almost <strong>60,000 sq km, are a part of Ecuador</strong>.</li>
<li>These are located in the <strong>Pacific Ocean</strong> around 1,000 km away from the South American continent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ecuador made a part of the Galapagos a <strong>wildlife sanctuary in 1935,</strong> and the sanctuary became the <strong>Galapagos National Park in 1959</strong>.</li>
<li>In 1978, the islands became <strong>UNESCO&rsquo;s first World Heritage Site</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It contains aquatic species such as <strong>manta rays and sharks</strong> which have been endangered by commercial fishing.</li>
<li>It also hosts a wide array of aquatic wildlife, including marine iguanas, fur seals, and waved albatrosses.</li>
<li>Also, the giant tortoises found here &ndash; <strong>'Gal&aacute;pagos'</strong> in old Spanish &ndash; give the islands its name.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The British naturalist Charles Darwin made key observations in 1835 that shaped his theory of evolution.</li>
<li>Darwin described the islands as a &ldquo;world in itself&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Past Occurrences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ecuador has stated that the situation is <strong>repeated every year</strong> and such vessels reach the <strong>outer limit of the archipelago,</strong> outside the country&rsquo;s exclusive zone.</li>
<li>In 2019, 245 Chinese fishing vessels were sighted in the area where Ecuador&rsquo;s writ does not extend.</li>
<li>In 2017, a Chinese ship had entered Ecuador&rsquo;s waters and its authorities seized the ship.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That time Ecuador had discovered <strong>300 tonnes of wildlife</strong> on board, mostly the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks.</li>
<li>It has been observed that the two-thirds of hammerhead shark fins found in Hong Kong markets come from the Galapagos area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441434_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441434_image3.png" width="435" height="446" style="float: right;" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Chinese ships are <strong>frequent</strong> in Ecuador's waters during august month of the year as the <strong>cold Humboldt Current brings in nutrients</strong> that lead to a <strong>high congregation</strong> of marine species.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Humboldt Current, also called the <strong>Peru Current,</strong> is a <strong>cold, low-salinity ocean current</strong> that flows north along the western coast of South America.</li>
<li>The Humboldt Current is a <strong>highly productive</strong> ecosystem. It is the most productive eastern boundary current system. It accounts for roughly <strong>18-20%</strong> of the total worldwide marine fish catch.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflicts with Other Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Chinese vessels have also run into trouble with other countries in the region.</li>
<li>In 2016, <strong>Argentina&rsquo;s</strong> coast guard chased and sank a vessel that it claimed had been illegally fishing in the South Atlantic Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Consequences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The matter has been escalated to a diplomatic level and Ecuador has officially expressed its <strong>&ldquo;discomfort&rdquo;</strong> to China.</li>
<li>Ecuador has also stated that it will <strong>discuss the threat with Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Panama</strong> &ndash; coastal countries of the region that have also been affected in the past.</li>
<li>The USA, which is already opposing China on multiple fronts, expressed its support for Ecuador. The USA has also expressed that it is against any aggression directed towards <strong>economic and environmental sovereignty</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China maintains that it is a &ldquo;responsible fishing nation&rdquo; with a &ldquo;zero tolerance&rdquo; policy toward illegal fishing.</li>
<li>It also stated that China respects Ecuador's measures to protect the environment and preserve marine resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All the nations including China need to be extra cautionary regarding environmental issues considering the looming threat of climate change.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The warming of oceans due to climate change is expected to further increase fishing pressure around these islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, effective global collaboration is the only way forward to resolve such issues.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-ecuador-was-angered-by-a-chinese-flotilla-near-its-waters-6536211/" 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/china-presence-near-ecuador-waters'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'UK to Issue Coin in Honour of Mahatma Gandhi',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Britain is considering minting a coin to commemorate <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gandhi-peace-prize" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The consideration is seen as part of efforts to celebrate achievements of people from the <strong>Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities</strong>.</li>
<li>The British Finance Minister has written a letter to the<strong> Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC)</strong>, to consider recognising the contribution of BAME communities on Britain's coinage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The RMAC is an <strong>independent committee</strong> made up of experts who <strong>recommend themes and designs</strong> for coins.</li>
<li>The RMAC supports a campaign called <strong>&lsquo;We Too Built Britain&rsquo;</strong>, which seeks representation of non-white icons on British currency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the murder of a Black man, George Floyd, in the United States due to police butuality has led to <strong>Black Lives Matter protests</strong> against racism, colonialism and police brutality across the globe.</li>
<li>Triggered by the death of George Floyd, some British institutions began re-examining their past, which includes their history, colonialism and racism.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Black Lives Matter Protest</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a global movement <strong>advocating for non-violent civil disobedience</strong> in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-American people.</li>
<li>Its <strong>mission is to eradicate white supremacy</strong> and <strong>build local power</strong> to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.</li>
<li>The movement was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin&rsquo;s (African-American) murderer in the USA.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Mahatma Gandhi</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2<sup>nd</sup> October, 1869, at Porbandar in Gujarat and died on 30<sup>th</sup> January, 1948 in New Delhi.</li>
<li>He was a lawyer, politician, social activist, writer and became the <strong>leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India</strong>.</li>
<li>He advocated for non-violence throughout his life and <strong>played a key role in India's struggle for independence</strong>.</li>
<li>His birthday, October 2, is observed as the <strong>International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations</strong>.</li>
<li>He is considered as India&rsquo;s <strong>Father of the Nation</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596440075_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596440075_image4.jpg" width="375" height="234" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uk-to-issue-coin-to-honour-gandhiji/article32254720.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/uk-to-issue-coin-in-honour-of-mahatma-gandhi'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/lokmanya-tilak-father-of-the-indian-renaissance/story-VbZUWCeLqAGDCSgO92DdWJ.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Lokmanya Tilak: Father of the Indian renaissance&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 1/08/2020. It talks about the Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak.</p>
</div>
<p>&ldquo;Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!&rdquo;, this is the slogan that inculcated a political conscience among Indians regarding self-rule. The slogan was given by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bal-gangadhar-tilak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong></a> (Lokmanya means the man accepted by the people). Given his contribution, Tilak can be hailed as the first mass leader of the Indian Independence Movement.</p>
<p>Mahatma Gandhi called him<strong> &lsquo;The Maker of Modern India&rsquo;</strong> or as British colonial authorities called him<strong> &lsquo;the father of Indian unrest&rsquo;,</strong> testifies his legacy and contribution to Indian society and freedom struggle.</p>
<p>As a &thinsp;philosopher-politician, his contribution is immense as he is said to be a pioneer of ideas of swaraj and swadeshi and used culture, education and the media.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596286902_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596286902_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Igniting Patriotism:</strong> Ruthless suppression of the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-179#:~:text=The%20revolt%20of%201857%20started,Indian%20soldiers%20at%20Meerut%20rebelled.&amp;text=This%20rebellion%20was%20a%20major,struggle%20against%20the%20British%20rule." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revolt of 1857</strong></a> by the British and its aftermath, had created disillusionment and darkness regarding self-rule, that continued for many decades.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is when Tilak began to quicken the growth of nationalist consciousness with the advent of the 20<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li>He ignited patriotic consciousness among the masses during one of the most difficult periods in the freedom struggle</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Switching to Extremism Phase:</strong> The founding of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/important-indian-national-congress-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Congress (INC)</strong> </a>in 1885 was aided by the British, under the narrative of safety-value theory. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a followup to that, the voice of INC was weak and subdued. Early leadership of INC was mainly focused on <strong>3Ps: Prayer, Petition and Protest.</strong></li>
<li>Along with two other congress leaders, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal (popularly known as Lal, Bal and Pal), he started the extremist phase of INC, which focused on mass mobilisation of masses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trisutri Program:</strong> Tilak gave trisutri or three-point programme for national awakening &ndash; Swaraj, Swadeshi and Nationalist Education based on vernacular.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This helped the realisation of self-pride and activism in a nation that was culturally suppressed by the British under the narrative of <strong>Whiteman&rsquo;s burden.</strong></li>
<li>For the cultivation of an enlightened mind, he used the media in the form of two newspapers, <strong>Kesari and Maratha,</strong> and national education through Deccan Education Society, an institute he established.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swadeshi Movement:</strong> Tilak started the Swadeshi movement (1905), which was not just about boycotting British goods, but his larger objective was promoting indigenous entrepreneurship. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tilak wanted to promote manufacturing in India. To that end, Tilak started collecting funds for a corpus, known as Paisa Fund.</li>
<li>This can be termed as reminiscent of the Make in India Program, in present times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broader Vision of Swaraj:</strong> For him, Swaraj or Home Rule meant the rule of, and the rule for, the common people of India. However, he also had a blueprint of an independent India in mind. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For him, swaraj was also linked to swa-bhasha and swa-bhusha, i.e. mother tongue and indigenous attire.</li>
<li>Perhaps, he was the first national leader who envisioned the formation of linguistic states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Laying Foundation for Gandhian way of Mass Movement:</strong> Tilak&rsquo;s two arrests by the British in (1897 and 1908) galvanised workers, peasants, professionals and youth in an unprecedented manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>His formula for preparing the ground for political activism through culture, education and media was so powerful that later on Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar and others adopted this path.</li>
<li>Also, he prepared a fertile ground for swaraj through his home-rule movement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Revival:</strong> Tilak&rsquo;s campaign against the British colonial rule was also anchored on reclaiming Indian heritage and culture. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1896, he famously initiated the &lsquo;sarvajanik Ganesh visarjan utsav&rsquo; in Bombay, in which the masses of people came out to worship and then immerse idols of Ganesha in the sea.</li>
<li>This religious drive served the political purpose of mass mobilisation.</li>
<li>Though it is seen as a communal move by many historians, his writings reflected that his call for public celebration of these festivals was not meant to rouse sentiments against any other community.</li>
<li>Its sole purpose was cultural self-assertion of his people then living the yoke of foreign rule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Today, when we talk about <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a>, the legacy of Tilak is carried forward. Reviving the spirit of economic nationalism for indigenously manufactured goods and striving for social integration through culture (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat) are the features of Tilak&rsquo;s strategy and they continue to be relevant even today as we observe his 100<sup>th</sup> death anniversary.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #feffdb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><b>Drishti Mains Question</b></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discuss the relevance of the ideas of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the present times.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bdibELlgCoA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/on-education-a-positive-blueprint/story-G9Co2IK2AbxgSVrNEUyxIN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;On education, a positive blueprint&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on July 30<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/legacy-of-lokmanya-tilak'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'China Launches BeiDou Navigation Satellite System',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China has formally launched full global services of its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name BeiDou comes from Chinese word for the <strong>Big Dipper or Plough constellation.</strong></li>
<li>China's BeiDou navigation project was launched in the early 1990s. The system then became operational within China in 2000 and in the Asia-Pacific region in 2012.</li>
<li>The navigation satellite system was completed in three steps: <strong>BDS-1</strong> which provided services to <strong>China, BDS- 2</strong> to provide services to the <strong>Asia-Pacific region</strong> and <strong>BDS-3</strong> which provides services <strong>worldwide.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A hybrid constellation <strong>consisting of around 30 satellites</strong> in three kinds of orbits: <strong>Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO)</strong> and <strong>Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).</strong></li>
<li>Provides navigation signals of <strong>multiple frequencies,</strong> and is able to improve service accuracy by using <strong>combined multi-frequency signals.</strong></li>
<li>Offers <strong>accurate positioning, navigation</strong> and<strong> timing,</strong> as well as short messaging communication, international search and rescue, satellite-based augmentation, ground augmentation and precise point positioning, etc.</li>
<li>The services are used in various fields by China including <strong>defence, transportation, agriculture, fishing,</strong> and disaster relief.</li>
<li>It will be the <strong>fourth global satellite navigation system</strong> after the USA GPS, Russia&rsquo;s GLONASS and European Union&rsquo;s Galileo. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is said to be much<strong> more accurate than the USA&rsquo;s GPS.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)</strong> is a general term describing <strong>any satellite constellation that provides Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services on a global basis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Implications</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Challenge to the Centrality of the USA:</strong> While China says it seeks cooperation with other satellite navigation systems, Beidou is being seen as a rival to America&rsquo;s GPS, Russia&rsquo;s GLONASS and the European Union&rsquo;s Galileo networks.</li>
<li><strong>Military Implications:</strong> The development of its own secure and independent navigation system will boost China&rsquo;s military strength, especially amidst <strong>rising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US-China tensions.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Economic Implications:</strong> The <strong>better accuracy and experience</strong> of BDS, as claimed by China will<strong> lure companies</strong> to sign-up for it. As the global market is being increasingly dominated by an<strong> information-based economy,</strong> China is expected to reap huge economic benefit from BDS.</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Hold on Other Nations:</strong> China is promoting its use in the countries signed-up for its <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</strong></a>. Pakistan has already started using BDS. This will certainly give China <strong>economic and political leverage over nations adopting this system.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Edge over India:</strong> This has also given China a competitive edge over India, whose <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IRNSS-NavIC</strong></a> is still a<strong> regional</strong> navigation system.</li>
<li><strong>Importance in Covid Times:</strong> The world is becoming heavily dependent on space infrastructure due to the impact of COVID-19 limitations on in-person physical meetings and travel restrictions. Thus, <strong>information and space-based services will gain importance</strong> in present times.</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Authority in Space:</strong> The space program of China has seen rapid advancements in past few years with the launch of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tianwen-1-china-s-mars-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tianwen-1</strong></a> rover mission to Mars. China has also constructed an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/long-march-5b-rocket-by-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>experimental space station</strong></a> and sent a pair of rovers to the surface of the moon<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinas-rover-to-far-side-of-the-moon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> (Chang&rsquo;e-4)</strong></a>. BDS is another step in <strong>marking China&rsquo;s presence in Space.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>IRNSS ― NavIC (India)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),</strong> which was later given the operational name of <strong>NavIC</strong> or <strong>NAV</strong>igation with Indian Constellation, is the <strong>regional satellite navigation system of India.</strong></li>
<li>Launched and operated by the <strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),</strong> IRNSS covers <strong>India and nearby regions</strong> extending up to<strong> 1,500 km.</strong></li>
<li>The constellation consists of <strong>7 active satellites,</strong> out of which three are located in <strong>Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)</strong> and four in<strong> Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO).</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Satellite Orbits</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An orbit is a regular, repeating path that an object in space takes around another one. An object moving around a planet in an orbit is called a satellite. According to the height of satellites from the earth, the orbits can be classified as <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>High Earth orbit (mostly weather and communication satellites), </strong></li>
<li><strong>Medium Earth orbit (most navigation satellites)</strong> and</li>
<li><strong>Low Earth orbit (Scientific satellites like NASA&rsquo;s Earth observing Fleet).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279416_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279416_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Synchronous orbit :</strong> A geosynchronous orbit is any orbit which has a period equal to the earth's rotational period.</li>
<li><strong>Geostationary Orbit:</strong> A Geostationary Orbit is a time of Geosynchronous orbit in the same plane as that of the equator.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279394_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279394_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-says-its-beidou-system-now-fully-operational-to-challenge-us-s-gps/story-IfrxT8gHy0QUgBFHNX5F3H.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HT</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-launches-beidou-navigation-satellite-system'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'High Level Group on Agricultural Exports : Finance Commission',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> High Level Group (HLEG) on Agricultural Exports</strong> set up by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-k-and-15th-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fifteenth Finance Commission</strong></a> has submitted its report to the Commission.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The HLEG was set up to recommend <strong>measurable performance incentives</strong> for states <strong>to encourage <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agri-export-policy#:~:text=Keeping%20in%20mind%20the%20significant,a%20stable%20trade%20policy%20regime." target="_blank" rel="noopener">agricultural exports</a> and to promote crops to enable high import substitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Finance Commission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Finance Commission is a <strong>constitutional body,</strong> that determines the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states, and among the states as per the constitutional arrangement and present requirements.</li>
<li>Under<strong> Article 280</strong> of the Constitution, the President of India is required to constitute a Finance Commission at an interval of five years or earlier.</li>
<li>The 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission was constituted by the President of India in November 2017, under the <strong>chairmanship of NK Singh.</strong> Its recommendations will cover a period of five years from April 2020 to March 2025.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Ministry of Finance has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grant-in-aid-for-rural-local-bodies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>released a part of grants-in-aid as a part of the Tied Grant as recommended by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission (FC)</strong></a> for the Financial Year (FY) 2020-2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Purpose to Constitute HLEG:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>assess export &amp; import substitution opportunities for Indian agricultural products</strong> (commodities, semi-processed, and processed) in the changing international trade scenario and suggest ways to <strong>step up exports sustainably and reduce import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>To recommend <strong>strategies and measures to increase farm productivity, enable higher value addition, ensure waste reduction, strengthen logistics infrastructure </strong>etc. related to Indian agriculture, to improve the sector's global competitiveness.</li>
<li>To<strong> identify the impediments for private sector investments along the agricultural value chain</strong> and suggest policy measures and reforms that would help attract the required investments.</li>
<li>To <strong>suggest appropriate performance-based incentives to the state governments</strong> for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, to accelerate reforms in the agriculture sector as well as implement other policy measures in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Crop Value Chains:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It emphasises to focus on 22 crop value chains with a <strong>demand driven approach.</strong></li>
<li>The demand driven approach refers to a development strategy where the people themselves are expected to take the initiative and the responsibility for improving supply situation rather than being passive recipients of the Government services.</li>
<li>It also suggests to solve <strong>Value Chain Clusters (VCC)</strong> holistically with focus on value addition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State-led Export Plan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a business plan for a crop value chain cluster, that will lay out the opportunity, initiatives and investment required to meet the desired value chain export aspiration.</li>
<li>These plans will be <strong>action-oriented, time-bound and outcome-focused.</strong></li>
<li>Such plans should be <strong>collaboratively prepared</strong> with private sector players and Commodity Boards presenting <strong>participation of all stakeholders.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participation of Private Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The private sector players need to play a pivotal role in ensuring demand orientation and focus on value addition.</li>
<li>It also needs to ensure project plans are feasible, robust, implementable and appropriately funded; providing funds for technology based on business cases and for creating urgency and discipline for project implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Government&rsquo;s Role:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Central government should act as an enabler.</li>
<li>Thus, robust institutional mechanisms need to be enforced to fund and support implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Estimated Agricultural Export Potential:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s agricultural export has the potential to grow from USD 40 billion to USD 70 billion in a few years.</li>
<li>The estimated investment in agricultural export could be to the tune of USD 8-10 billion across inputs, infrastructure, processing and demand enablers.</li>
<li>Additional exports are likely to <strong>create an estimated 7-10 million jobs.</strong></li>
<li>It will also lead to <strong>higher farm productivity</strong> and farmer income.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1642591" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-level-group-on-agricultural-exports-finance-commission'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Increased Fiscal Deficit',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As per the official data, the Centre&rsquo;s <strong>fiscal deficit</strong> for the first three months of fiscal 2020-21 <strong>(April-June)</strong> was <strong>Rs. 6.62 lakh crore,</strong> which is <strong>83% of the budgeted target</strong> for the year (Rs. 7.96 lakh crore).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As per the economists, the fiscal deficit<strong> may end up as high as 8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), </strong>far <strong>exceeding the budget&rsquo;s goal of 3.5%.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596271300_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596271300_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fall in Income Component:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Union government has received Rs. 1.53 lakh crore (in terms of tax, non-tax revenue and loan recoveries) from April to June 2020.</li>
<li>This is<strong> less than 7% of budget estimates</strong> for the full year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When economic activity has been stopped because of the pandemic and lockdown, government revenues are also going to come down.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Centre has also<strong> transferred Rs. 1.34 lakh crore to States as their share of taxes,</strong> which is <strong>Rs. 14,588 crore lower</strong> than the previous year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Expenditure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre&rsquo;s total expenditure for April-June was Rs. 8.15 lakh crore, almost <strong>27% of budget estimates for the year.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to spending on free food grains and rural job programmes for millions of migrant workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There has been a<strong> 40% growth in the first quarter capital expenditure</strong> to Rs. 88,273 crore.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is historically high (in comparison to data from the last 20 years), in terms of year-on-year percentage growth for the first quarter.</li>
<li>Increased capital expenditure implies increased spending on creation of assets such as infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Borrowings:</strong> The reduced collections have forced the government to raise the amount it&rsquo;s borrowing this fiscal to a record <strong>Rs. 12 lakh crore from earlier estimates of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore</strong> to meet spending needs.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Fiscal Deficit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>government describes fiscal deficit of India</strong> as &ldquo;the excess of total disbursements from the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mp-s-salaries-cut-and-mplads-suspended#:~:text=Government%20Accounts-,Consolidated%20Fund,and%20all%20non%2Dtax%20revenues." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Consolidated Fund of India</strong></a>, excluding repayment of the debt, over total receipts into the Fund (excluding the debt receipts) during a financial year&rdquo;.</li>
<li>In simple words, it is a <strong>shortfall in a government's income compared with its spending.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government that has a fiscal deficit is spending beyond its means.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>calculated as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),</strong> or simply as total money spent in excess of income. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In either case, the income figure includes only taxes and other revenues and <strong>excludes money borrowed to make up the shortfall.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formula:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fiscal Deficit =</strong> Total <strong>expenditure</strong> of the government <strong>(capital and revenue expenditure) &ndash;</strong> Total<strong> income</strong> of the government (Revenue receipts + recovery of loans + other receipts).</li>
<li><strong>Expenditure component:</strong> The government in its Budget allocates funds for several works, including payments of salaries, pensions, etc. <strong>(revenue expenditure)</strong> and creation of assets such as infrastructure, development, etc. <strong>(capital expenditure).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Income component:</strong> The income component is made of two variables, <strong>revenue generated from taxes</strong> levied by the Centre and the<strong> income generated from non-tax variables.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The taxable income consists of the amount generated from corporation tax, income tax, Customs duties, excise duties, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GST</a>, among others.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, the non-taxable income comes from external grants, interest receipts, dividends and profits, receipts from Union Territories, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>different from revenue deficit</strong> which is only related to revenue expenditure and revenue receipts of the government.</li>
<li>The government <strong>meets the fiscal deficit by borrowing money.</strong> In a way, the total borrowing requirements of the government in a financial year is equal to the fiscal deficit in that year.</li>
<li>A <strong>high fiscal deficit can also be good</strong> for the economy if the money spent goes into the creation of productive assets like highways, roads, ports and airports that boost economic growth and result in job creation.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wma-borrowings-of-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act</strong></a>, <strong>2003</strong> provides that the Centre should take appropriate measures to limit the <strong>fiscal deficit upto 3% of the GDP by 31<sup>st</sup> March, 2021.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>NK Singh committee (set up in 2016)</strong> recommended that the government should target a fiscal deficit of 3% of the GDP in years up to March 31, 2020 cut it to 2.8% in 2020-21 and to 2.5% by 2023.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Given the level of contraction in the economy, the fiscal deficit is expected to be higher this year. In the current scenario, the most important thing is to bring back confidence among consumers as well as businesses. This will help in fuelling the economic recovery.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/fiscal-deficit-touches-83-of-full-year-target/article32243561.ece#:~:text=FY21%20fiscal%20defi" 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/increased-fiscal-deficit'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => '1947 Tripartite Agreement on Gurkha soldiers',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Nepal&rsquo;s Foreign Minister has said that the <strong>1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and the United Kingdom (that deals with the military service of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal)</strong> has become redundant.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He also said that Nepal would prefer to handle the matter bilaterally with India and the United Kingdom.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Tripartite Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1947, when India became independent, it was decided to <strong>split Gurkha regiments</strong> between the <strong>British and Indian armies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From the first quarter of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, Gurkhas had served under the British, first in the armies of the East India Company, and then the British Indian Army.</li>
<li>East India Company first recruited Gurkhas after suffering heavy casualties during the <strong>Anglo-Nepalese War</strong> also known as the <strong>Gurkha War.</strong> The war ended with the signing of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It ensured that Gurkhas in British and Indian service <strong>would enjoy broadly the same conditions of service</strong> as that of British and Indian citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The services include all perks, remuneration, facilities and pension schemes etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gorkha recruitment was the first window that was opened to <strong>Nepali youth to go abroad.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objection from Nepal regarding the Gurkhas serving in the Indian military has become prominent in the backdrop of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nepal-India territorial dispute over the Kalapani region</strong></a> of Pithoragarh district that Nepal claims as its own.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nepal has responded by publishing a new map that included the disputed territories of Kalapani region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The issue became a talking point after Indian Army Chief remarked that Nepal&rsquo;s strong protest against <strong>Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">road construction in the Limpiadora-Kalapani-Lipulekh</a></strong> area was at the behest of a third party (China).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Napelese people believe that<strong> Indian Army Chief, who is granted the honorary post</strong> of a General in the Nepal Army has hurt the sentiments of the Nepali Gurkha Army personnel who lay down their lives to protect India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also the Gurkha veterans have been alleging that the United Kingdom has been discriminating against them in terms of pay, pension and other facilities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The British government started providing equal pay and pension to Gurkhas in 2007.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Gurkhas in British Army</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>After the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, the British Army amalgamated the Gurkha regiment into combined <strong>Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR).</strong> Currently, the Gurkhas comprise up to 3% of the British Army. In 2015 they<strong> completed 200 years of service in British Army.</strong></li>
<li>Queen Elizabeth II of Britain is <strong>guarded by two personal Gurkha officers.</strong></li>
<li>The Gurkhas are <strong>recruited every year at the British Gurkha camp at Pokhara in Nepal.</strong> The camp enlists fresh recruits not only for the British Army, but also for the counter-terror arm of the<strong> Singapore Police Force.</strong></li>
<li>Their<strong> signature weapon of Gurkhas, Khukri,</strong> forms part of the Gurkha <strong>regimental insignia in Britain as well as in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has strong cultural ties with Nepal. Both countries share open borders and recognize the citizens of each other country as a national citizen. However, the bilateral relations which have soured in the recent past over border disputes, need to be strengthened through diplomatic relations.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/1947-pact-on-gorkha-soldiers-redundant-says-nepal-minister/article32243320.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/1947-tripartite-agreement-on-gurkha-soldiers'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Investment to Reduce Plastic Waste in India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Singapore-based-NGO namely <strong>&lsquo;Alliance to End Plastic Waste&rsquo;</strong> plans to invest between <strong>USD 70 million to 100 million</strong> in India over the <strong>next five years </strong>to<strong> reduce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/plastic-waste-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plastic waste.</a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Overall, the Alliance has a <strong>USD 500 million budget</strong> for environmental projects including the USD 100 million for India. The rest is for South East Asia and China.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Alliance to End Plastic Waste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Alliance to End Plastic Waste was <strong>founded in 2019</strong> as a<strong> nonprofit organisation</strong> to help solve this serious and complex issue &ndash; 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year.</li>
<li>Nearly <strong>fifty companies across the plastics value chain</strong> have joined the Alliance and together they have <strong>committed to invest USD 1.5 billion</strong> towards solutions that will prevent the leakage as well as recover and create value from plastic waste.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Nature Conservation Day:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The investment to end plastic waste in India was announced on the <strong>World Nature Conservation Day (28<sup>th</sup> July).</strong></li>
<li>It is celebrated <strong>every year to create and increase awareness</strong> about the importance of natural resources.</li>
<li>The day also encourages people to save and protect Earth&rsquo;s natural resources that are fast-depleting owing to over-exploitation and even misuse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ongoing Initiatives in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, &lsquo;Alliance to End Plastic Waste&rsquo; is working on the<strong> Project Aviral</strong> which aims <strong>to reduce plastic waste in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/15-point-directive-to-clean-ganga" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ganga river.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aviral seeks to pilot an approach to address <strong>waste management challenges.</strong> In particular, it will focus on strengthening an integrated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-retailers-to-collect-plastic-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>plastic waste</strong></a> management system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Worldwide Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities (WWC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Alliance to End Plastic Waste is also collaborating with the UN-Habitat to implement solutions toward a circular economy, creating business and livelihood opportunities while enhancing resource recovery.</li>
<li>It intends to use the <strong>UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities (WWC) Tool</strong> to map waste flows and assess potential plastic leakage from waste management systems.</li>
<li>The collaboration supports the WWC Challenge to clean up and establish sustainable waste management in 20 cities around the world by 2022.</li>
<li>It is also expected to identify short- and long-term pathways to increase the amount of plastic waste collected, recycled and recovered.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Zero Plastic Waste Cities Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also implementing the <strong>Zero Plastic Waste Cities initiative in India and Vietnam</strong> which aims to tackle the plastic issue by improving and supplementing municipal waste management, repurposing collected waste and preventing it from flowing into the ocean.</li>
<li>It will also develop sustainable social businesses that improve the livelihoods of many while preventing plastic waste from escaping into the environment.</li>
<li>The two initial cities involved in this project are <strong>Puducherry</strong> in <strong>India</strong> and <strong>Tan An</strong> in the Mekong Delta region of <strong>Vietnam.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Plastic Waste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over<strong> 8.3 billion tonnes</strong> of plastic has been produced <strong>since 1950,</strong> and about <strong>60%</strong> of that has ended up in landfills or in the natural environment.</li>
<li><strong>Only 9%</strong> of all plastic waste ever produced has been <strong>recycled</strong> and about <strong>12%</strong> has been <strong>incinerated,</strong> while the remaining <strong>79% has accumulated</strong> in landfills, dumps or the natural environment.</li>
<li>Plastic waste, whether in a river, an ocean, or on land can persist in the environment for centuries, hence by <strong>2050, the amount of plastic in seas and oceans across the world will weigh more than the fish.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India currently generates around <strong>26,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day</strong> and over<strong> 10,000 tonnes</strong> of which is <strong>not collected.</strong></li>
<li>India&rsquo;s per capita plastic consumption of <strong>less than 11 kg,</strong> is nearly a tenth of the United States of America (109 kg).</li>
<li>For India, bringing plastic waste back into the supply chain could bring <strong>annual benefits of Rs.40 lakh crore in 2050.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global as well as Indian Government&rsquo;s Interventions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Group of 20 (G20)</strong></a> environment ministers, agreed to adopt a new implementation framework for actions to tackle the issue of marine plastic waste on a global scale.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-world-environment-day-identify-the-dangers-of-the-plastic-era" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016</strong> </a>state that every local body has to be responsible for setting up infrastructure for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-better-way-of-waste-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>segregation</strong></a>, collection, processing, and disposal of plastic waste.</li>
<li><strong>Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018</strong> introduced the concept of<strong> Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>EPR is a policy approach under which producers are given a significant financial and physical responsibility (with respect to segregation and collection of waste at the source) for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A new<strong> national framework on plastic waste management</strong> is in the works, which will introduce third-party audits as part of the monitoring mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Government has to look into it with a <strong>very holistic perspective while forming policies</strong> to take all aspects into consideration and ensure strict implementation of regulations.</li>
<li><strong>Economically affordable and ecologically viable alternatives</strong> which will not burden the resources are needed and their prices will also come down with time and increase in demand.</li>
<li>Citizens have to bring <strong>behavioural change</strong> and contribute by not littering and helping in waste segregation and waste management. Everybody, by doing their bit, can ensure elimination of single use plastic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/singapore-based-ngo-invest-usd-100m-environmental-projects-india-6532905/#:~:text=Alliance%20to%20End%20Plastic%20Waste%2C%20a%20Singapore%2Dbased%2DNGO,top%20official%20of%20the%20organisation." 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/investment-to-reduce-plastic-waste-in-india'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Contraction in Core Sector Industries',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>output of eight core industries</strong> contracted for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/core-sector-shrinks-by-23-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fourth consecutive month</strong></a> - <strong>shrinking by 15%</strong> in June 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The eight core sector industries are <strong>coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.</strong></li>
<li>These eight industries account for <strong>40.27% in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Contraction in Total Output:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During <strong>April-June 2020,</strong> the sector's output<strong> dipped by 24.6%</strong> as compared to a positive growth of 3.4% in the same period previous year.</li>
<li>However, 15% contraction in June 2020 <strong>implies some economic recovery</strong> as in May 2020, the industries&rsquo; output contracted by 22%.</li>
<li>Economists expect the <strong>negative trend to continue for at least two more months.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Industry-wise Performance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>fertiliser industry is the only one which saw actual growth</strong> in June, with output rising 4.2% in comparison to June 2019. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This, however, is lower than the May 2020 growth of 7.5%, but reflects the positive outlook in the agriculture sector where a normal monsoon is leading to expectations of a good kharif crop.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Rest seven sectors &ndash; coal (-15.5%), crude oil (-6.0), natural gas (-12%), refinery products (-9%), steel (-33.8%), cement (-6.9%), and electricity (-11%) &ndash; recorded negative growth in June.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> steel sector continues to remain the worst performer,</strong> with a 33% drop in production in comparison to the previous year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Index of Industrial Production</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index that<strong> shows the growth rates in different industry groups</strong> of the economy in a fixed period of time.</li>
<li>It is compiled and published monthly by the <strong>National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.</strong></li>
<li>IIP is a <strong>composite indicator</strong> that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Broad sectors,</strong> namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity.</li>
<li><strong>Use-based sectors,</strong> namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> eight core sector industries represent about 40% of the weight</strong> of items that are included in the IIP.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The eight core industries in <strong>decreasing order</strong> of their weightage: Refinery Products&gt; Electricity&gt; Steel&gt; Coal&gt; Crude Oil&gt; Natural Gas&gt; Cement&gt; Fertilizers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Base Year</strong> for IIP calculation is <strong>2011-2012.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Significance of IIP :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IIP is the<strong> measure on the physical volume of production.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>used by government agencies</strong> including the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India, etc, for policy-making purposes.</li>
<li>IIP remains extremely relevant for the calculation of the quarterly and advance <strong>Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The positive impact from unlock is not as strong as the negative impact of the lockdown. The government needs to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic on a priority to make economic recovery sustainable.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/eight-core-industries-output-shrinks-by-15-in-june-2020/article32240448.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-core-sector-industries'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Muslim Women Rights Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>1<sup>st</sup> August</strong> has been recorded as<strong> &ldquo;Muslim Women Rights Day&rdquo;</strong> in the country&rsquo;s history to mark <strong>first anniversary</strong> of the passage of <strong>Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The law made triple talaq a<strong> criminal offence.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Triple Talaq</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Triple talaq is a practice mainly <strong>prevalent among India&rsquo;s Muslim community</strong> following the <strong>Hanafi Islamic school of law.</strong></li>
<li>Under the practice, a Muslim man can divorce his wife by simply uttering &ldquo;talaq&rdquo; three times but women<strong> cannot</strong> pronounce triple talaq and are required to move a court for getting divorce under the <strong>Sharia Act, 1937.</strong></li>
<li>Triple talaq divorce is<strong> banned</strong> by many Islamic countries, including <strong>Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Provisions of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be <strong>void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.</strong></li>
<li>It also makes a declaration of talaq a <strong>cognizable offence</strong> ( only if information relating to the offence is given by a married woman against whom talaq has been declared), attracting up to <strong>three years</strong> imprisonment with a fine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Magistrate <strong>may grant bail</strong> to the accused. The bail may be granted <strong>only after hearing the woman</strong> (against whom talaq has been pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting bail.</li>
<li>The offence <strong>may be compounded</strong> (i.e. the parties may arrive at a compromise) by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman (against whom talaq has been declared).</li>
<li>A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is entitled to seek <strong>subsistence allowance</strong> from her husband for herself and for her dependent children.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Triple Talaq was held to be <strong>violative of Article 14 (the right to equality),</strong> which is held by the Supreme Court from <strong>Shah Bano case (1986) to Shayara Bano case in 2017.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 25</strong> of the Constitution guarantees religious freedom as Freedom of Practice and Propagation of Religion. Like all other Fundamental Rights, it is<strong> subject to restrictions</strong> and does not protect religious practices that can negatively affect the welfare of citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hence, Article 25 is <strong>overridden</strong> by Article 14, which guarantees the Right to Equality as triple talaq denies a Muslim woman&rsquo;s equality before the law.</li>
<li>Article 25 is also <strong>subject to Article 15 (1)</strong> which states that the State &ldquo;shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex&hellip;&rdquo; Since triple talaq does not work in the favour of women, it violates Article 15 (1) of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The implementation of the Act has shown a <strong>decline of about 82% in Triple Talaq cases</strong> in India. It has strengthened <strong>&ldquo;self-reliance, self-respect and self-confidence&rdquo;</strong> of the Muslim women of the country.</li>
<li>The law is a step towards ensuring <strong>gender equality</strong> and strengthening constitutional, fundamental and democratic rights of the Muslim women.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1642559#:~:text=Shri%20Naqvi%20said%20that%20%E2%80%9C1,Indian%20democracy%20and%20Parliamentary%20history.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/muslim-women-rights-day'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'National Education Policy (NEP) 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-long-road-the-hindu-editorial-on-national-education-policy-2020/article32233472.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A long road: On National Education Policy 2020&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 31/07/2020. It talks about the significance of National Education policy 2020.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Education Policy (NEP) 2020</strong></a> was announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (soon to be called the Ministry of Education). The policy is aimed at transforming the Indian education system to meet the needs of the 21<sup>st</sup> Century.</p>
<p>The new policy seeks rectification of poor literacy and numeracy outcomes associated with primary schools, reduction in dropout levels in middle and secondary schools and adoption of the multi-disciplinary approach in the higher education system.</p>
<p>Apart from this, the policy also focuses on early childhood care, restructuring curriculum and pedagogy; reforming assessments and exams, and investing in teacher training and broad-basing their appraisal.</p>
<p>Though the NEP 2020 seeks to bring a holistic change in the education system of India, its success depends on the will and way in which it will be implemented.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596197883_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596197883_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Significance of National Education Policy 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Recognising Importance of Formative years:</strong> In adopting a <strong>5+3+3+4 model for school education starting at age 3,</strong> the policy recognises the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child&rsquo;s future.</li>
<li><strong>Departure from Silos Mentality:</strong> Another key aspect of school education in the new policy is the breaking of the strict division of arts, commerce and science streams in high school. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can lay the foundation for a multi-disciplinary approach in high education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Confluence of Education and Skills:</strong> Another laudable aspect of the scheme is the introduction of vocational courses with an internship. This may nudge the vulnerable sections of society to send their children to school.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it would help in realisation of the goal of<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-problem-of-skilling-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Skill India Mission.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Making Education More Inclusive:</strong> The NEP proposes the extension of the Right to Education (RTE) to all children up to the age of 18.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the policy seeks to leverage the huge potential of online pedagogy and learning methodologies for increasing gross enrolment in higher education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Light But Tight Oversight:</strong> According to the policy, in spite of periodic inspection, transparency, maintaining quality standards and a favourable public perception will become a 24X7 pursuit for the institutions, leading to all-round improvement in their standard. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The policy also seeks to establish a super-regulator for education which will be responsible for standards-setting, funding, accreditation and regulation of higher education India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowing Foreign Universities:</strong> The document states universities from among the top 100 in the world will be able to set up campuses in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will lead to an infusion of international perspective and innovation, which will make the Indian education system more efficient and competitive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ending Hindi vs English Debate:</strong> Most crucially, NEP, once and for all, buries the strident Hindi versus English language debate; instead, it emphasises on making mother tongue, local language or the regional language the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, which is considered the best medium of teaching.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to NEP 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Knowledge-Jobs Mismatch:</strong> There is a persistent mismatch between the knowledge &amp; skills imparted and the jobs available. This has been one of the main challenges that have affected the Indian education system since Independence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NEP 2020 failed to check this, as it is silent on education related to emerging technological fields like artificial intelligence, cyberspace, nanotech, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Requirement of Enormous Resources.</strong> An ambitious target of public spending at 6% of GDP has been set. Mobilising financial resources will be a big challenge, given the low tax-to-GDP ratio and competing claims on the national exchequer of healthcare, national security and other key sectors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need For Cooperative Federalism:</strong> Since education is a concurrent subject (both the Centre and the state governments can make laws on it), the reforms proposed can only be implemented collaboratively by the Centre and the states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the Centre has the giant task of building a consensus on the many ambitious plans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strive Towards Universalisation of Education:</strong> There is a need for the creation of &lsquo;inclusion funds&rsquo; to help socially and educationally disadvantaged children pursue education.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, there is a need to set up a regulatory process that can check profiteering from education in the form of unaccounted donations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bridging Digital Divide</strong>: If technology is a force-multiplier, with unequal access it can also expand the gap between the haves and have nots.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the state needs to address the striking disparities in access to digital tools for universalization of education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Interministerial Coordination:</strong> There is an emphasis on vocational training, but to make it effective, there has to be close coordination between the education, skills and labour ministry.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is a good policy as it aims at making the education system holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, aligned to the needs of the 21<sup>st</sup> century and the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=To%20bring%20sustainable%20development%20in,over%20the%20next%2015%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2030 Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a> The intent of policy seems to be ideal in many ways but it is the implementation where lies the key to success.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffeeb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the salient features of National Education policy 2020 and how can it bring holistic changes in the Indian education system?</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oD-Kn4Z9CYM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/why-the-anti-defection-law-has-failed-to-deliver/story-JtDhlEFHZ8VPpnNBD7Fv9J.html%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Why the anti-defection law has failed to deliver&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on July 30<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/national-education-policy-nep-2020'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'CHRI Report on Slavery',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)</strong> and <strong>Walk Free</strong> (an international anti-slavery organisation) releaed a <strong>report on slavery</strong> on the occasion of <strong>World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30<sup>th</sup> July).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Report:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It<strong> assessed the progress made by Commonwealth countries</strong> on the promises made in 2018<strong> to end modern slavery by 2030</strong> and achieve the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goal</strong></a> <strong>(Target 8.7)</strong> of <strong>ending forced labour, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-war-against-human-trafficking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">human trafficking</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-day-against-child-labour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">child labour.</a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Commonwealth countries <strong>accounts for about 40% of people living in conditions of modern slavery in the world.</strong></li>
<li>It is estimated that 1 in every 150 people in the Commonwealth countries live in conditions of modern slavery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It found that Commonwealth countries have made little progress <strong>towards their commitment to eradicate modern slavery</strong> and have been <strong>lacking in actions</strong> to eradicate the modern slavery <strong>by 2030.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One-third of the Commonwealth countries had criminalised forced marriage, while 23 had not criminalised commercial sexual exploitation of children.</li>
<li>All Commonwealth countries report gaps in victim assistance programs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific Outcome:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India had fared the worst in terms of coordination. It has no national coordinating body</strong> or<strong> National Action Plan</strong> in place to deal with modern day slavery.</li>
<li>India accounted for <strong>one-third of all child brides</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>India, like all other Commonwealth countries in Asia, had not ratified the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-wages-act-for-domestic-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Labour Organisation&rsquo;s</strong> </a>2011 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-wages-act-for-domestic-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Domestic Workers Convention</strong></a> or the 2014<strong> Forced Labour Protocol.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 2014 Forced Labour Protocol obligates state parties to provide protection and appropriate remedies, including compensation, to victims of forced labour and to sanction the perpetrators of forced labour.</li>
<li>It also obligates state parties to develop a national policy and plan of action for the effective and sustained suppression of forced or compulsory labour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken by India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 21</strong> deals with the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.</li>
<li><strong>Article 23</strong> of the Constitution <strong>prohibits</strong> forced labour.</li>
<li><strong>Article 24</strong> <strong>prohibits</strong> the employment of children (below the age of fourteen years) in factories, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Article 39</strong> directs the State to secure the health and strength of workers, men and women, and to see the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength.</li>
<li><strong>Article 42</strong> directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Legal Provision:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Various sections in <strong>Indian Penal Code (IPC)</strong> such as <strong>366A, 366B, 370 and 374.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Section 370 and 370A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of human trafficking including trafficking of children for exploitation in any form including physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Juvenile Justice Act, 2015</strong> and the <strong>Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000</strong> and also the<strong> Immoral Traffic Act, Prevention of Child Labour Act 1956,</strong> the <strong>Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act 1976,</strong> among others aims to eradicate various forms of slavery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>ratified the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNCTOC)</strong> which among others has a Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.</li>
<li>India has <strong>ratified the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</a> Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking</strong> in Women and Children for Prostitution.</li>
<li><strong>A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh</strong> has been signed on bilateral Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking in Women and Children, Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Re-integration of Victims of Trafficking was signed in June, 2015.</li>
<li><strong>Anti-Trafficking Nodal Cell</strong> was set up in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2006 to act as a focal point for communicating various decisions and follow up on action taken by the State Governments to combat the crime of Human Trafficking.</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Conferences:</strong> In order to train and sensitize the trial court judicial officers, Judicial conferences on human trafficking are held at the High court level. The aim is to <strong>sensitize the judicial officers</strong> about the various issues concerning human trafficking and to ensure speedy court process.</li>
<li>To enhance the capacity building of law enforcement agencies and generate awareness among them, various<strong> Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops on &lsquo;Combating Trafficking in Human Beings&rsquo; for Police officers</strong> and for Prosecutors at Regional level, State level and District level have been organized by the government throughout the country.</li>
<li>Ministry of Home Affairs under a Comprehensive Scheme<strong> &lsquo;Strengthening Law Enforcement Response in India against Trafficking in Persons&rsquo;</strong> through Training and Capacity Building, has released fund for <strong>establishment of Anti Human Trafficking Units</strong> for 270 districts of the country.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The primary role of an <strong>Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU)</strong> is law enforcement and liaising with other concerned agencies for care &amp; rehabilitation of victims.</li>
<li>MHA conducts coordination meetings with the Nodal Officers of Anti Human Trafficking Units nominated in all States/UTs periodically.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Modern Slavery</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modern slavery refers to <strong>situations of exploitation</strong> that a person cannot escape because of threats, violence, coercion, and abuse of power or deception. They may be held in debt bondage on fishing boats, against their will as domestic servants or trapped in brothels.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an independent, non-partisan, <strong>international non-governmental organisation, headquartered in New Delhi,</strong> working for the practical realisation of human rights across the Commonwealth.</li>
<li>The Commonwealth is a <strong>voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>one of the world&rsquo;s oldest political associations of states.</strong> Its roots go back to the British Empire when some countries were ruled directly or indirectly by Britain. Some of these countries became self-governing while retaining Britain&rsquo;s monarch as Head of State. They formed the British Commonwealth of Nations.</li>
<li><strong>In 1949, the Commonwealth came into being.</strong> Since then, independent countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific have joined the Commonwealth.</li>
<li>Membership is <strong>based on free and equal voluntary cooperation. Rwanda and Mozambique -</strong> have no historical ties to the British Empire.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/commonwealth-countries-lagging-behind-on-action-against-modern-slavery-says-report/article32233622.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/chri-report-on-slavery'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Assembly',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) celebrated the start of <strong>Assembly of the ITER Tokamak at Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of the Event:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Celebration was hosted <strong>virtually</strong> by the French President and <strong>all ITER member</strong> countries<strong> participated</strong> either in person, or electronically through remote mode.</li>
<li>India also participated in the celebrations and considered the <strong>global participation of scientists</strong> to project as a perfect illustration of the age-old Indian belief - <strong>Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase which means<strong> &lsquo;The World is One Family&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Contribution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India also mentioned about its fair share in terms of its in-kind contributions, viz., the cryostat, cryogenic and cryo-distribution systems, auxiliary heating devices, multi megawatt power supplies, etc.</li>
<li>ITER cryostat is manufactured by <strong>India (Larsen and Tourbo).</strong> Cryostat is a chamber that can maintain <strong>very low temperatures.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the largest stainless steel high-vacuum pressure chamber ever built (16,000 m<sup>3</sup>) providing the high vacuum, ultra cool environment for the ITER vacuum vessel and the superconducting magnets.</li>
<li>The target for the<strong> first plasma is 2025.</strong> At extreme temperatures, electrons are separated from nuclei and a gas becomes a plasma&mdash;<strong>an ionized state of matter similar to a gas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>European Union (EU)</strong> is responsible for the<strong> largest portion of construction costs</strong> (45.6%); the remainder is <strong>shared equally</strong> by China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, USA including<strong> India (9.1% each).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nuclear Reactions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A nuclear reaction is the process in which <strong>two nuclei,</strong> or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle, collide to produce one or more new nuclides.</li>
<li>Thus, a nuclear reaction must cause a transformation of at least one nuclide to another.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596183299_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596183299_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nuclear Fission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The nucleus of an <strong>atom splits</strong> into two daughter nuclei.</li>
<li>This decay can be<strong> natural</strong> spontaneous splitting by radioactive decay, or can actually be<strong> simulated</strong> in a lab by achieving necessary conditions (bombarding with neutrons, alpha particles, etc.).</li>
<li>The resulting fragments tend to have a combined<strong> mass which is less than the original.</strong> The missing mass is usually converted into nuclear energy.</li>
<li>Currently all commercial nuclear reactors are <strong>based on nuclear fission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nuclear Fusion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nuclear Fusion is defined as the combining of two lighter nuclei into a heavier one.</li>
<li>Such nuclear fusion reactions are the<strong> source of energy in the Sun and other stars.</strong></li>
<li>It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse. The conditions needed for this process are extreme &ndash; millions of degrees of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.</li>
<li>The <strong>hydrogen bomb</strong> is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction. However, a <strong>nuclear bomb based on the fission</strong> of uranium or plutonium is<strong> placed at the core of the hydrogen bomb</strong> to provide initial energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a collaboration of <strong>35 nations</strong> launched in <strong>1985.</strong></li>
<li>It is located in <strong>France.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to build the <strong>world's largest tokamak</strong> to prove the <strong>feasibility of fusion</strong> as a <strong>large-scale and carbon-free</strong> source of energy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>tokamak</strong> is an experimental machine designed to harness the energy of fusion. Inside a tokamak, the energy produced through the fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel. Like a conventional power plant, a fusion power plant uses this heat to produce steam and then electricity by way of turbines and generators.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applicable Principle:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The project is based on<strong> fusion</strong> which is also an<strong> energy source</strong> for the<strong> Sun and stars.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Every fusion reaction in the Sun, in which two hydrogen atoms fuse into one helium atom, releases two <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-energy-neutrinos-detected#:~:text=Neutrinos%20are%20produced%20during%20natural,and%20explosions%20happening%20in%20space." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>neutrinos.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ITER will be the <strong>first fusion device</strong> to maintain <strong>fusion for long periods</strong> of time and also<strong> to test the integrated technologies,</strong> materials, and physics regimes necessary for the commercial production of fusion-based electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ITER members include <strong>China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.</strong></li>
<li>According to the <strong>ITER Agreement (2006),</strong> the above mentioned seven members will share the cost of project construction, operation and decommissioning.</li>
<li>They also share the experimental results and any intellectual property generated by the fabrication, construction and operation phases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642139" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-thermonuclear-experimental-reactor-iter-assembly'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'AIM-iCREST: NITI Aayog',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)</strong> has launched an incubator capabilities enhancement program <strong>&lsquo;AIM-iCREST&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a <strong>flagship initiative set up by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a></strong> to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AIM-iCREST is an <strong>Incubator Capabilities Enhancement program for a Robust Ecosystem</strong> focused on <strong>creating high performing Startups.</strong></li>
<li>It has been designed to act as a<strong> growth support for AIM&rsquo;s Atal and Established Incubators</strong> across the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For the same, AIM has joined hands with Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and Wadhwani Foundation - organizations that can lend credible support and expertise in the entrepreneurship and innovation space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>AIM&rsquo;s incubators are set to be upscaled and provided requisite support</strong> to foster the incubation enterprise economy, that will help them to significantly enhance their performance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will be complemented by <strong>providing training to entrepreneurs,</strong> through technology driven processes and platforms.</li>
<li>The focus will be on<strong> supporting start-up entrepreneurs in knowledge creation and dissemination</strong> as well as in developing robust and active networks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>AIM&rsquo;s Atal and Established Incubators:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Business incubators</strong> are institutions that <strong>support entrepreneurs in developing their businesses,</strong> especially in initial stages. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Incubation is usually done by institutions which have experience in the business and technology world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atal Incubation Centres:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>AIM intends to support the establishment of new incubation centres called <strong>Atal Incubation Centres (AICs)</strong> that would nurture innovative start-ups in their pursuit to become scalable and sustainable business enterprises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Established Incubation Centres:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In recent years, academia, industry, investors, small and big entrepreneurs, government organizations, and non-governmental organizations have taken an initiative to set up incubation centres across the country.</li>
<li>AIM envisages to <strong>upgrade these Established Incubation Centres (EICs) to world-class standards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AIM is Government of India&rsquo;s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s <strong>objective</strong> is to develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of the economy, provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness and create an umbrella structure to oversee the innovation ecosystem of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Major Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-collabcad-in-atal-tinkering-labs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Tinkering Labs:</strong></a> Creating problem solving mindset across <strong>schools in India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Atal Incubation Centers:</strong> Fostering world class startups and adding a new dimension to the incubator model.</li>
<li><strong>Atal New India Challenges:</strong> Fostering product innovations and aligning them to the needs of various sectors/ministries.</li>
<li><strong>Mentor India Campaign:</strong> A national mentor network in collaboration with the public sector, corporates and institutions, to support all the initiatives of the mission.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-community-innovation-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Community Innovation Center</strong></a>: To stimulate community centric innovation and ideas in the <strong>unserved /underserved regions of the country</strong> including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.</li>
<li><strong>Atal Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE):</strong> To stimulate innovation and research in the MSME industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596179609_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596179609_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1642441" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Dispute Panels Against India: WTO',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/issues-in-wtos-dispute-resolution-mechanism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dispute Settlement Body</strong></a> (DSB) of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO) has set up <strong>two dispute settlement panels</strong> targeting import duties imposed by India on a number of<strong> Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products</strong> including mobile phones.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was done on the <strong>request of Japan and Taiwan,</strong> taking up the number of panels constituted to examine the same tariff-related issue to three.</li>
<li>In <strong>June 2020</strong>, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU) had a panel established against India on the same issue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The panels would determine whether <strong>India&rsquo;s customs duties on imports of certain ICT products infringe the WTO&rsquo;s norms or not.</strong></li>
<li>The panels have been set up to decide on <strong>20% customs duty levied by India</strong> on mobile phones and some other ICT products.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India decided to levy <strong>10% customs duty</strong> on these products for the first time in July 2017 which was <strong>increased to 15% in the same year.</strong></li>
<li>These custom duties were <strong>further increased to 20%</strong> despite opposition from a number of WTO members.</li>
<li>The EU, USA, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Canada, Japan and Thailand initiated consultations with India on the matter claiming that the move substantially affects them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>goods covered in the complaint</strong> include telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; base stations; machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Complainants&rsquo; Arguments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan and Taiwan said that their <strong>failed consultations with India prompted</strong> them to submit the requests for panels.</li>
<li>Japan, Taiwan and the EU have argued that<strong> these products fall within the scope of the relevant tariff lines</strong> for which India has set the<strong> bound rate of 0% for its WTO schedule of commitments.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Bound Rates</strong> are the <strong>legally bound commitments on customs duty rates,</strong> which <strong>act as ceilings</strong> on the tariffs that member governments can set.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Once a rate of duty is bound, it may not be raised without compensating</strong> the affected parties</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They held that India is applying tariffs on ITC goods falling under five <strong>tariff lines</strong> in excess of the 0% bound rate and that for some products, the applied tariff rate was <strong>as high as 20% some times.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tariff Line</strong> refers to the classification codes of goods, applied by individual countries, that are longer than the 6-digit level of the <strong>Harmonized System</strong> (HS).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HS is a <strong>system of code numbers for identifying products.</strong> The codes are <strong>standard up to six digits.</strong> Beyond that countries can introduce national distinctions for tariffs and many other purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India managed to<strong> block Japan&rsquo;s first request</strong> for a panel on the grounds that the complaint <strong>undermined India&rsquo;s sovereignty.</strong></li>
<li>India also<strong> rejected the EU&rsquo;s suggestion of agreeing to one consolidated panel</strong> combining complaints from all three of them and saving time and resources.</li>
<li>India argued that all <strong>three complainants are seeking to get the country to take on commitments under the Information Technology Agreement-II (ITA-II) which it never agreed to.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Information Technology Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> plurilateral agreement</strong> enforced by the WTO and concluded by<strong> 29 participants </strong>in the<strong> Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products at Singapore in 1996.</strong></li>
<li>It entered into force on <strong>1<sup>st</sup> July 1997.</strong></li>
<li>It seeks to<strong> accelerate and deepen the reduction of trade barriers</strong> for the critically important ICT industry.</li>
<li>Currently, the number of participants has grown to 82, representing about 97% of world trade in IT products.</li>
<li><strong>India is a signatory.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Information Technology Agreement-II</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Few developed countries <strong>proposed to broaden the scope and coverage of the ITA.</strong></li>
<li>At the <strong>Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015,</strong> over 50 members concluded the<strong> expansion of the Agreement,</strong> which now covers an additional 201 products valued at over USD 1.3 trillion per year.</li>
<li>Its<strong> aim</strong> was to<strong> increase the coverage of IT products</strong> on which customs duty would be bound at zero, <strong>addressing non-tariff measures and expanding the number of signatory countries</strong> to include countries such as Argentina, Brazil and South Africa.</li>
<li><strong>India has decided not to participate</strong> in this for the time being because India&rsquo;s experience with the ITA-I has been most discouraging, which almost wiped out the IT industry from India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>real gainer</strong> from that agreement has been <strong>China which raised its global market share from 2% to 14% between 2000-2011.</strong> China is a <strong>significant exporter of ICT goods.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/wto-sets-up-dispute-panels-against-indias-tech-tariffs-on-japan-taiwans-request/article32221738.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BL</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Efficacy of Anti-Defection Law',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/why-the-anti-defection-law-has-failed-to-deliver/story-JtDhlEFHZ8VPpnNBD7Fv9J.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Why the anti-defection law has failed to deliver&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 30/7/2020. It talks about the reasons for the ineffectiveness of Anti-Defection Law.</p>
</div>
<p>Recent<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/refusal-of-rajasthan-speaker-s-plea-by-supreme-court" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> events in Rajasthan</strong></a>, whereby MLAs violating party&rsquo;s whip or joining another political party, with an aim to topple an elected government by depriving it of its majority have brought renewed focus on the efficacy of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-anti-defection-law-karnataka-political-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anti-defection law</strong></a>.</p>
<p>This ongoing political crisis in Rajasthan is neither new nor uncommon, as the &ldquo;switching of sides&rdquo; by elected representatives has been increasingly frequent in recent months. The political defections in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Manipur which amounted to undermining of democratic values.</p>
<p>Given the context, it has become necessary to figure out the reasons that affect the Anti-defection law to act an effective check on the incidences of defection.</p>
<h3>Issues With Anti-Defection Law</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Circumvention of Anti-Defection Law:</strong> Defecting MLAs have found an innovative method to sidestep the restrictions in the Tenth Schedule and Supreme Court&rsquo;s direction.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Instead of formally &ldquo;crossing the floor&rdquo; or voting against their party in a confidence motion, they resign from the party.</li>
<li>This brings down the party&rsquo;s strength in the House, and the government is toppled.</li>
<li>A few months later, when by-elections are held, the same MLAs then stand for election on the ticket of the opposition party and are returned to the assembly.</li>
<li>This, it should be clear, is defection in all, but the most formal sense.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Supreme Court Guidelines on Ant-defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the Kihoto Hollohan judgment (1992), the Supreme Court held that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected on the political and ideological platform of their party.</li>
<li>So it is legitimate, the SC said, to hold them to that. If they wish to step away from that ideology, they are free to do so but must seek a fresh mandate from the people.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Violating Neutrality:</strong> BR Ambedkar pointed out soon after the framing of the Constitution, &ldquo;every constitutional text can be subverted if those charged with running the affairs of government are inclined to do so&rdquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, no matter how well-drafted a constitutional provision is, ultimately, its implementation depends upon constitutional functionaries acting in good faith.</li>
<li>However, in recent times, it can be observed that the office of governors and the speakers have acted in a non-partisan way (acted as an agent of the union government).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judiciary Stopped Playing a Proactive Role:</strong> Judiciary itself has not proved up to the mark, in pursuit of checking defections.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During the Karnataka crisis last year, the Supreme Court failed to prevent the toppling of the government, as many MLAs resigned with a motive to reduce the effective majority of the government.</li>
<li>The validity of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/electoral-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Electoral bonds schemes</strong></a> has been challenged against the allegations of allowing for unlimited and anonymous funding to political parties.</li>
<li>However, despite multiple election cycles, the apex court has taken no action upon it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Menace of Defection in India is among many issues that affect the process of a free and fair election in India, such as the legally-sanctioned influence of big money in politics, Criminalisation of politics.</p>
<p>Thus, there is a need to carry out holistic electoral reforms to strengthen Indian democracy. Some of the electoral reforms are as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need to Regulate Political Parties:</strong> There is an ardent need for legislation that regulates political parties in India. Such a law should bring political parties under RTI, strengthen intra-party democracy, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Minimising Role of Money:</strong> To minimise the role of money<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-political-funding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> State funding of elections</strong> </a>can be an effective option.</li>
<li><strong>Statutory backing to Model Code of Conduct (MCC):</strong> Giving statutory backing to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Model Code of Conduct</strong></a> will leave no vacuum for the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Election Commission of India (ECI)</strong></a> to exercise its residuary power to enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, the power of the ECI to derecognise political parties on account of violation of the Model Code of Conduct may be incorporated in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-representation-of-the-people-act-part-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of People Act, 1951.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Final Authority of Election Commission:</strong> Chairman/Speaker of the house, being the final authority in terms of defection, affects the doctrine of separation of powers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Designating Election Commission as the final authority in dealing with matters of defections may help in curbing the menace of defection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596110906_image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596110906_image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="497" height="478" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffed6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Anti-defection law is failing to achieve its intended objectives&rdquo;. Analyse the statement and discuss some measures to reform the anti-defection framework in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mwpP5_rZSy0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-cost-of-haste-the-hindu-editorial-on-drugs-vaccines-and-regulators/article32215774.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Cost of Haste&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on July 29<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Natesa: Pratihara Style of Rajasthan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Natesa,</strong> a rare sandstone idol from the 9<sup>th</sup> century <strong>(Pratihara Style of Rajasthan)</strong> has been retrieved after 22 years by Rajasthan police.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596106745_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596106745_image6.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The Natesa icon, currently at the Indian High Commission, London, was originally from the <strong>Ghateswar Temple, Baroli, Rajasthan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was<strong> smuggled out of the country</strong> in 1998.</li>
<li>A few archaeologists behind the <strong>&lsquo;India Pride Project&rsquo;</strong> have also taken consistent efforts for the <strong>restitution of the Natesa</strong> icon.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India Pride Project:</strong> It is a <strong>group of art enthusiasts who use social media</strong> to identify stolen religious artefacts from Indian temples and secure their return.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The sandstone Natesa figure <strong>stands tall at almost 4 ft.</strong> in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A beautiful depiction of <strong>Nandi is shown behind the right leg</strong> of the Natesa icon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bibi-ka-maqbara-of-aurangabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Archaeological Survey of India</strong> </a>(ASI) and the Ministry of Culture should use this restitution as a much-needed impetus to go after thousands of artefacts stolen since the 1960s.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pratihara Style</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>famous temple architecture</strong> belonging to the <strong>Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty</strong> of Rajasthan.</li>
<li>They ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8<sup>th</sup> to the 11<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li><strong>Significant Rulers:</strong> Nagabhata Il, Mhir Bhoj, Mahenedra pal I</li>
<li><strong>Style:</strong> The architecture is known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples belonging to <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/temple-architecture#:~:text=Nagara%20or%20North%20Indian%20Temple%20Style&amp;text=The%20garbhagriha%20is%20always%20located%20directly%20under%20the%20tallest%20tower.&amp;text=Their%20roofs%20are%20composed%20of,like%20sharply%20rising%20tall%20towers." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nagara Style of temple Architecture.</strong></a></li>
<li>They used most common sandstones for idols that have various shades of red, caused by iron oxide (rust).</li>
<li>The greatest development of their style of building is at <strong>Khajuraho</strong>, Madhya Pradesh, now a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/natesa-of-rajasthan-temple-returns-to-india/article32225514.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Bharat Air Fibre: Wireless Internet',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Bharat Air Fibre Services</strong> have been inaugurated at <strong>Akola in Maharashtra</strong> providing the residents <strong>wireless internet connections</strong> on demand.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bharat Air Fibre services are being <strong>introduced by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)</strong> as a part of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India</strong></a> initiative by the Government of India. It is <strong>being scaled pan-India</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To <strong>provide BSNL fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) wireless connectivity up to a range of 20 km</strong> from the BSNL points of presence.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>connectivity speed is 100 Mbps</strong> and BSNL is offering <strong>various broadband plans in wireline and wireless segments</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a huge demand for high-speed broadband service in the present situation as there is the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/human-migration-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>migration</strong></a> of people from metro cities to rural areas due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The service is becoming popular due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-work-from-home-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Work from Home</strong></a> (WFH), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/online-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-learning</strong></a>, <strong>online shopping, gaming and entertainment,</strong> etc. amidst <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>BSNL is also providing <strong>unlimited free voice calling</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong> It provides high-speed broadband to subscribers of remote areas by <strong>bridging the gap of last-mile connectivity through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ham-radio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">radio waves</a></strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A vast network of <strong>Optical Fibre</strong> has been laid by BSNL up to nearest Telephone Exchange or Mobile Tower and from there the connectivity is provided to subscribers over wireless.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596444205_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596444205_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="545" height="398" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Customers at remote locations will be benefitted as BSNL comes with the <strong>cheapest services</strong> with the support of <strong>Telecom Infrastructure Partners</strong> (TIPs).</li>
<li>These services are <strong>wireless</strong> and there are <strong>very low chances of interruption</strong> in services locally.</li>
<li>BSNL is <strong>tying up with local entrepreneurs/unemployed youth</strong> on revenue sharing basis thereby <strong>generating employment</strong> in rural areas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They will earn a regular monthly income of about one lakh per month thereby <strong>becoming self-reliant</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a> initiative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This service could be a game-changer for rural areas as with a little <strong>integration of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Internet of Things</a></strong> (IoT) <strong>and sensors</strong>, the <strong>moisture content of soil can be known</strong> on a real-time basis, so that <strong>irrigation can be planned</strong>, resulting in <strong>saving of water and thereby increasing productivity</strong>.</li>
<li>Sensors can be <strong>tied to the neck of dairy cattle, enabling continuous recording of body temperature</strong> so as to know the exact time when milk output is best.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642996" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharat-air-fibre-wireless-internet'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Aspirin to Prevent Cataract',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists from the <strong>Institute of Nano Science &amp; Technology (INST)</strong> have developed <strong>nanorods from the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Aspirin to prevent cataracts</strong> in an economical and less complicated way.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aspirin</strong> is a popular medication used <strong>to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation</strong> and now it has been found to be an effective non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapeutics against cataract.</li>
<li>INST is an <strong>autonomous institute</strong> under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cataract:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596443792_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596443792_image3.png" style="float: right;" width="397" height="238" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a major <strong>form of blindness</strong> that occurs when the <strong>structure of crystallin proteins that make up the lens</strong> in human eyes <strong>deteriorates</strong>.</li>
<li>Such deterioration causes damaged or disorganised proteins to aggregate and forms a milky blue or brown layer, which ultimately <strong>affects lens transparency</strong>.</li>
<li>As with <strong>ageing and under various conditions,</strong> the lens protein crystallin aggregates to form opaque structures in the eye lens, which <strong>impairs vision and causes cataract</strong>.</li>
<li>Thus, <strong>prevention of the formation of these aggregates as well as their destruction</strong> in the early stage of disease progression is a major treatment strategy for cataracts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Usage of Aspirin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scientists have used the <strong>anti-aggregation ability of self-build aspirin nanorods</strong> as an effective non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapeutics against cataract.</li>
<li>It <strong>prevents the protein from aggregation</strong> through biomolecular interactions, which convert it into coils and helices and consequently fail to aggregate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aspirin nanorods due to their <strong>nano-size</strong> are expected to enhance the bioavailability, improve drug loading, lower toxicity, etc.</li>
<li>Hence, <strong>the delivery of the aspirin nanorods as eye drops</strong> is going to serve as an <strong>effective and viable option</strong> to treat cataract non-invasively.</li>
<li>It is <strong>easy to use and a low-cost alternative nonsurgical treatment</strong> method and will benefit patients in developing countries who cannot access expensive cataract treatments and surgeries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642991#:~:text=A%20team%20of%20scientists%20from,pain%2C%20fever%2C%20or%20inflammation%20and" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aspirin-to-prevent-cataract'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Agatti Island of Lakshadweep',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the southern bench of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong> </a>(NGT) has granted an interim stay on felling of coconut trees on <strong>Agatti Island</strong> in Lakshadweep.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, a <strong>petition was moved in the NGT</strong> over <strong>indiscriminate cutting of coconut trees</strong> for a beach road.</li>
<li>The tree-felling was violating the Union Territory&rsquo;s (UT) <strong>Integrated Island Management Plan</strong> (IIMP).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IIMP was formulated on the basis of a report submitted by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a>-appointed Expert Committee, headed by <strong>Justice R.V. Raveendran,</strong> a former judge of the SC.</li>
<li>IIMP includes holistic island development plans prepared by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-centre-for-sustainable-coastal-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management</strong></a> (NCSCM) for implementation by coastal States/ UTs.</li>
<li>The IIMP <strong>undertakes scientific approaches,</strong> coupled with <strong>indigenous knowledge</strong> for the better management of the islands and its resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to the large scale cutting of the coconut trees, local residents are <strong>affected by losing</strong> <strong>income</strong> from the tree produces.</li>
<li>It also poses an <strong>environmental challenge</strong> because the trees on the coastline act as a <strong>green belt</strong> to protect the rest of the island during <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cyclones</strong></a> and other natural calamities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Agatti Island</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is at a <strong>distance of 459 km</strong> (248 nautical miles) from <strong>Kochi (Kerala)</strong> and is located to the <strong>west of Kavaratti Island</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kavaratti is the capital</strong> of the UT of Lakshadweep.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has an <strong>area of 3.84 sq km</strong> and has a north-east, south-west trend with a long tail on the south.</li>
<li>The <strong>lagoon area of this island is 17.50 sq km</strong> and there is plenty of <strong>coral growth and multicoloured coral fishes</strong> in the lagoons.</li>
<li><strong>Fishing is the most important industry</strong> of Agatti which is perhaps the only island besides Minicoy getting surplus fish. Next to fishing, <strong>coir</strong> (coconut fibre) and <strong>copra</strong> (dried meat or kernel of the coconut) are the main industries.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441787_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441787_image1.png" width="360" height="445" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ngt-stays-felling-of-coconut-trees-on-lakshadweep-island/article32253771.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/agatti-island-of-lakshadweep'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'China’s Presence Near Ecuador Waters',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Ecuador</strong> has expressed an <strong>official discomfort</strong> over the sighting of a flotilla of 260 mostly <strong>Chinese fishing</strong> vessels near the Galapagos archipelago (a part of Ecuador).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The flotilla also consisted of <strong>some Liberia and Panama-flagged vessels</strong> which was detected in an international water corridor situated between two areas of Ecuadorian jurisdiction&ndash; 200 miles away from both the <strong>Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Galapagos Archipelago</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441058_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441058_image2.png" width="522" height="261" style="float: right;" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Galapagos Islands, spread over almost <strong>60,000 sq km, are a part of Ecuador</strong>.</li>
<li>These are located in the <strong>Pacific Ocean</strong> around 1,000 km away from the South American continent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ecuador made a part of the Galapagos a <strong>wildlife sanctuary in 1935,</strong> and the sanctuary became the <strong>Galapagos National Park in 1959</strong>.</li>
<li>In 1978, the islands became <strong>UNESCO&rsquo;s first World Heritage Site</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It contains aquatic species such as <strong>manta rays and sharks</strong> which have been endangered by commercial fishing.</li>
<li>It also hosts a wide array of aquatic wildlife, including marine iguanas, fur seals, and waved albatrosses.</li>
<li>Also, the giant tortoises found here &ndash; <strong>'Gal&aacute;pagos'</strong> in old Spanish &ndash; give the islands its name.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The British naturalist Charles Darwin made key observations in 1835 that shaped his theory of evolution.</li>
<li>Darwin described the islands as a &ldquo;world in itself&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Past Occurrences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ecuador has stated that the situation is <strong>repeated every year</strong> and such vessels reach the <strong>outer limit of the archipelago,</strong> outside the country&rsquo;s exclusive zone.</li>
<li>In 2019, 245 Chinese fishing vessels were sighted in the area where Ecuador&rsquo;s writ does not extend.</li>
<li>In 2017, a Chinese ship had entered Ecuador&rsquo;s waters and its authorities seized the ship.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That time Ecuador had discovered <strong>300 tonnes of wildlife</strong> on board, mostly the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks.</li>
<li>It has been observed that the two-thirds of hammerhead shark fins found in Hong Kong markets come from the Galapagos area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441434_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596441434_image3.png" width="435" height="446" style="float: right;" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Chinese ships are <strong>frequent</strong> in Ecuador's waters during august month of the year as the <strong>cold Humboldt Current brings in nutrients</strong> that lead to a <strong>high congregation</strong> of marine species.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Humboldt Current, also called the <strong>Peru Current,</strong> is a <strong>cold, low-salinity ocean current</strong> that flows north along the western coast of South America.</li>
<li>The Humboldt Current is a <strong>highly productive</strong> ecosystem. It is the most productive eastern boundary current system. It accounts for roughly <strong>18-20%</strong> of the total worldwide marine fish catch.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflicts with Other Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Chinese vessels have also run into trouble with other countries in the region.</li>
<li>In 2016, <strong>Argentina&rsquo;s</strong> coast guard chased and sank a vessel that it claimed had been illegally fishing in the South Atlantic Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Consequences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The matter has been escalated to a diplomatic level and Ecuador has officially expressed its <strong>&ldquo;discomfort&rdquo;</strong> to China.</li>
<li>Ecuador has also stated that it will <strong>discuss the threat with Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Panama</strong> &ndash; coastal countries of the region that have also been affected in the past.</li>
<li>The USA, which is already opposing China on multiple fronts, expressed its support for Ecuador. The USA has also expressed that it is against any aggression directed towards <strong>economic and environmental sovereignty</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China maintains that it is a &ldquo;responsible fishing nation&rdquo; with a &ldquo;zero tolerance&rdquo; policy toward illegal fishing.</li>
<li>It also stated that China respects Ecuador's measures to protect the environment and preserve marine resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All the nations including China need to be extra cautionary regarding environmental issues considering the looming threat of climate change.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The warming of oceans due to climate change is expected to further increase fishing pressure around these islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, effective global collaboration is the only way forward to resolve such issues.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-ecuador-was-angered-by-a-chinese-flotilla-near-its-waters-6536211/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-presence-near-ecuador-waters'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'UK to Issue Coin in Honour of Mahatma Gandhi',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Britain is considering minting a coin to commemorate <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gandhi-peace-prize" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The consideration is seen as part of efforts to celebrate achievements of people from the <strong>Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities</strong>.</li>
<li>The British Finance Minister has written a letter to the<strong> Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC)</strong>, to consider recognising the contribution of BAME communities on Britain's coinage.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The RMAC is an <strong>independent committee</strong> made up of experts who <strong>recommend themes and designs</strong> for coins.</li>
<li>The RMAC supports a campaign called <strong>&lsquo;We Too Built Britain&rsquo;</strong>, which seeks representation of non-white icons on British currency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, the murder of a Black man, George Floyd, in the United States due to police butuality has led to <strong>Black Lives Matter protests</strong> against racism, colonialism and police brutality across the globe.</li>
<li>Triggered by the death of George Floyd, some British institutions began re-examining their past, which includes their history, colonialism and racism.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Black Lives Matter Protest</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a global movement <strong>advocating for non-violent civil disobedience</strong> in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-American people.</li>
<li>Its <strong>mission is to eradicate white supremacy</strong> and <strong>build local power</strong> to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.</li>
<li>The movement was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin&rsquo;s (African-American) murderer in the USA.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Mahatma Gandhi</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2<sup>nd</sup> October, 1869, at Porbandar in Gujarat and died on 30<sup>th</sup> January, 1948 in New Delhi.</li>
<li>He was a lawyer, politician, social activist, writer and became the <strong>leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India</strong>.</li>
<li>He advocated for non-violence throughout his life and <strong>played a key role in India's struggle for independence</strong>.</li>
<li>His birthday, October 2, is observed as the <strong>International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations</strong>.</li>
<li>He is considered as India&rsquo;s <strong>Father of the Nation</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596440075_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596440075_image4.jpg" width="375" height="234" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uk-to-issue-coin-to-honour-gandhiji/article32254720.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/uk-to-issue-coin-in-honour-of-mahatma-gandhi'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/lokmanya-tilak-father-of-the-indian-renaissance/story-VbZUWCeLqAGDCSgO92DdWJ.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Lokmanya Tilak: Father of the Indian renaissance&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 1/08/2020. It talks about the Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak.</p>
</div>
<p>&ldquo;Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!&rdquo;, this is the slogan that inculcated a political conscience among Indians regarding self-rule. The slogan was given by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bal-gangadhar-tilak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong></a> (Lokmanya means the man accepted by the people). Given his contribution, Tilak can be hailed as the first mass leader of the Indian Independence Movement.</p>
<p>Mahatma Gandhi called him<strong> &lsquo;The Maker of Modern India&rsquo;</strong> or as British colonial authorities called him<strong> &lsquo;the father of Indian unrest&rsquo;,</strong> testifies his legacy and contribution to Indian society and freedom struggle.</p>
<p>As a &thinsp;philosopher-politician, his contribution is immense as he is said to be a pioneer of ideas of swaraj and swadeshi and used culture, education and the media.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596286902_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596286902_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Igniting Patriotism:</strong> Ruthless suppression of the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-179#:~:text=The%20revolt%20of%201857%20started,Indian%20soldiers%20at%20Meerut%20rebelled.&amp;text=This%20rebellion%20was%20a%20major,struggle%20against%20the%20British%20rule." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revolt of 1857</strong></a> by the British and its aftermath, had created disillusionment and darkness regarding self-rule, that continued for many decades.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is when Tilak began to quicken the growth of nationalist consciousness with the advent of the 20<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li>He ignited patriotic consciousness among the masses during one of the most difficult periods in the freedom struggle</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Switching to Extremism Phase:</strong> The founding of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/important-indian-national-congress-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Congress (INC)</strong> </a>in 1885 was aided by the British, under the narrative of safety-value theory. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a followup to that, the voice of INC was weak and subdued. Early leadership of INC was mainly focused on <strong>3Ps: Prayer, Petition and Protest.</strong></li>
<li>Along with two other congress leaders, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal (popularly known as Lal, Bal and Pal), he started the extremist phase of INC, which focused on mass mobilisation of masses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trisutri Program:</strong> Tilak gave trisutri or three-point programme for national awakening &ndash; Swaraj, Swadeshi and Nationalist Education based on vernacular.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This helped the realisation of self-pride and activism in a nation that was culturally suppressed by the British under the narrative of <strong>Whiteman&rsquo;s burden.</strong></li>
<li>For the cultivation of an enlightened mind, he used the media in the form of two newspapers, <strong>Kesari and Maratha,</strong> and national education through Deccan Education Society, an institute he established.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swadeshi Movement:</strong> Tilak started the Swadeshi movement (1905), which was not just about boycotting British goods, but his larger objective was promoting indigenous entrepreneurship. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tilak wanted to promote manufacturing in India. To that end, Tilak started collecting funds for a corpus, known as Paisa Fund.</li>
<li>This can be termed as reminiscent of the Make in India Program, in present times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broader Vision of Swaraj:</strong> For him, Swaraj or Home Rule meant the rule of, and the rule for, the common people of India. However, he also had a blueprint of an independent India in mind. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For him, swaraj was also linked to swa-bhasha and swa-bhusha, i.e. mother tongue and indigenous attire.</li>
<li>Perhaps, he was the first national leader who envisioned the formation of linguistic states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Laying Foundation for Gandhian way of Mass Movement:</strong> Tilak&rsquo;s two arrests by the British in (1897 and 1908) galvanised workers, peasants, professionals and youth in an unprecedented manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>His formula for preparing the ground for political activism through culture, education and media was so powerful that later on Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar and others adopted this path.</li>
<li>Also, he prepared a fertile ground for swaraj through his home-rule movement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Revival:</strong> Tilak&rsquo;s campaign against the British colonial rule was also anchored on reclaiming Indian heritage and culture. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1896, he famously initiated the &lsquo;sarvajanik Ganesh visarjan utsav&rsquo; in Bombay, in which the masses of people came out to worship and then immerse idols of Ganesha in the sea.</li>
<li>This religious drive served the political purpose of mass mobilisation.</li>
<li>Though it is seen as a communal move by many historians, his writings reflected that his call for public celebration of these festivals was not meant to rouse sentiments against any other community.</li>
<li>Its sole purpose was cultural self-assertion of his people then living the yoke of foreign rule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Today, when we talk about <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a>, the legacy of Tilak is carried forward. Reviving the spirit of economic nationalism for indigenously manufactured goods and striving for social integration through culture (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat) are the features of Tilak&rsquo;s strategy and they continue to be relevant even today as we observe his 100<sup>th</sup> death anniversary.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #feffdb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><b>Drishti Mains Question</b></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discuss the relevance of the ideas of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the present times.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bdibELlgCoA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/on-education-a-positive-blueprint/story-G9Co2IK2AbxgSVrNEUyxIN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;On education, a positive blueprint&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on July 30<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/legacy-of-lokmanya-tilak'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'China Launches BeiDou Navigation Satellite System',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China has formally launched full global services of its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name BeiDou comes from Chinese word for the <strong>Big Dipper or Plough constellation.</strong></li>
<li>China's BeiDou navigation project was launched in the early 1990s. The system then became operational within China in 2000 and in the Asia-Pacific region in 2012.</li>
<li>The navigation satellite system was completed in three steps: <strong>BDS-1</strong> which provided services to <strong>China, BDS- 2</strong> to provide services to the <strong>Asia-Pacific region</strong> and <strong>BDS-3</strong> which provides services <strong>worldwide.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A hybrid constellation <strong>consisting of around 30 satellites</strong> in three kinds of orbits: <strong>Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO)</strong> and <strong>Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).</strong></li>
<li>Provides navigation signals of <strong>multiple frequencies,</strong> and is able to improve service accuracy by using <strong>combined multi-frequency signals.</strong></li>
<li>Offers <strong>accurate positioning, navigation</strong> and<strong> timing,</strong> as well as short messaging communication, international search and rescue, satellite-based augmentation, ground augmentation and precise point positioning, etc.</li>
<li>The services are used in various fields by China including <strong>defence, transportation, agriculture, fishing,</strong> and disaster relief.</li>
<li>It will be the <strong>fourth global satellite navigation system</strong> after the USA GPS, Russia&rsquo;s GLONASS and European Union&rsquo;s Galileo. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is said to be much<strong> more accurate than the USA&rsquo;s GPS.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)</strong> is a general term describing <strong>any satellite constellation that provides Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services on a global basis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Implications</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Challenge to the Centrality of the USA:</strong> While China says it seeks cooperation with other satellite navigation systems, Beidou is being seen as a rival to America&rsquo;s GPS, Russia&rsquo;s GLONASS and the European Union&rsquo;s Galileo networks.</li>
<li><strong>Military Implications:</strong> The development of its own secure and independent navigation system will boost China&rsquo;s military strength, especially amidst <strong>rising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US-China tensions.</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Economic Implications:</strong> The <strong>better accuracy and experience</strong> of BDS, as claimed by China will<strong> lure companies</strong> to sign-up for it. As the global market is being increasingly dominated by an<strong> information-based economy,</strong> China is expected to reap huge economic benefit from BDS.</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Hold on Other Nations:</strong> China is promoting its use in the countries signed-up for its <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</strong></a>. Pakistan has already started using BDS. This will certainly give China <strong>economic and political leverage over nations adopting this system.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Edge over India:</strong> This has also given China a competitive edge over India, whose <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IRNSS-NavIC</strong></a> is still a<strong> regional</strong> navigation system.</li>
<li><strong>Importance in Covid Times:</strong> The world is becoming heavily dependent on space infrastructure due to the impact of COVID-19 limitations on in-person physical meetings and travel restrictions. Thus, <strong>information and space-based services will gain importance</strong> in present times.</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Authority in Space:</strong> The space program of China has seen rapid advancements in past few years with the launch of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tianwen-1-china-s-mars-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tianwen-1</strong></a> rover mission to Mars. China has also constructed an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/long-march-5b-rocket-by-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>experimental space station</strong></a> and sent a pair of rovers to the surface of the moon<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinas-rover-to-far-side-of-the-moon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> (Chang&rsquo;e-4)</strong></a>. BDS is another step in <strong>marking China&rsquo;s presence in Space.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>IRNSS ― NavIC (India)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),</strong> which was later given the operational name of <strong>NavIC</strong> or <strong>NAV</strong>igation with Indian Constellation, is the <strong>regional satellite navigation system of India.</strong></li>
<li>Launched and operated by the <strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),</strong> IRNSS covers <strong>India and nearby regions</strong> extending up to<strong> 1,500 km.</strong></li>
<li>The constellation consists of <strong>7 active satellites,</strong> out of which three are located in <strong>Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)</strong> and four in<strong> Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO).</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Satellite Orbits</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An orbit is a regular, repeating path that an object in space takes around another one. An object moving around a planet in an orbit is called a satellite. According to the height of satellites from the earth, the orbits can be classified as <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>High Earth orbit (mostly weather and communication satellites), </strong></li>
<li><strong>Medium Earth orbit (most navigation satellites)</strong> and</li>
<li><strong>Low Earth orbit (Scientific satellites like NASA&rsquo;s Earth observing Fleet).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279416_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279416_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Synchronous orbit :</strong> A geosynchronous orbit is any orbit which has a period equal to the earth's rotational period.</li>
<li><strong>Geostationary Orbit:</strong> A Geostationary Orbit is a time of Geosynchronous orbit in the same plane as that of the equator.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279394_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596279394_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-says-its-beidou-system-now-fully-operational-to-challenge-us-s-gps/story-IfrxT8gHy0QUgBFHNX5F3H.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HT</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-launches-beidou-navigation-satellite-system'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'High Level Group on Agricultural Exports : Finance Commission',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> High Level Group (HLEG) on Agricultural Exports</strong> set up by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-k-and-15th-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fifteenth Finance Commission</strong></a> has submitted its report to the Commission.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The HLEG was set up to recommend <strong>measurable performance incentives</strong> for states <strong>to encourage <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agri-export-policy#:~:text=Keeping%20in%20mind%20the%20significant,a%20stable%20trade%20policy%20regime." target="_blank" rel="noopener">agricultural exports</a> and to promote crops to enable high import substitution.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Finance Commission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Finance Commission is a <strong>constitutional body,</strong> that determines the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states, and among the states as per the constitutional arrangement and present requirements.</li>
<li>Under<strong> Article 280</strong> of the Constitution, the President of India is required to constitute a Finance Commission at an interval of five years or earlier.</li>
<li>The 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission was constituted by the President of India in November 2017, under the <strong>chairmanship of NK Singh.</strong> Its recommendations will cover a period of five years from April 2020 to March 2025.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Ministry of Finance has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grant-in-aid-for-rural-local-bodies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>released a part of grants-in-aid as a part of the Tied Grant as recommended by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission (FC)</strong></a> for the Financial Year (FY) 2020-2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Purpose to Constitute HLEG:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>assess export &amp; import substitution opportunities for Indian agricultural products</strong> (commodities, semi-processed, and processed) in the changing international trade scenario and suggest ways to <strong>step up exports sustainably and reduce import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>To recommend <strong>strategies and measures to increase farm productivity, enable higher value addition, ensure waste reduction, strengthen logistics infrastructure </strong>etc. related to Indian agriculture, to improve the sector's global competitiveness.</li>
<li>To<strong> identify the impediments for private sector investments along the agricultural value chain</strong> and suggest policy measures and reforms that would help attract the required investments.</li>
<li>To <strong>suggest appropriate performance-based incentives to the state governments</strong> for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, to accelerate reforms in the agriculture sector as well as implement other policy measures in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Crop Value Chains:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It emphasises to focus on 22 crop value chains with a <strong>demand driven approach.</strong></li>
<li>The demand driven approach refers to a development strategy where the people themselves are expected to take the initiative and the responsibility for improving supply situation rather than being passive recipients of the Government services.</li>
<li>It also suggests to solve <strong>Value Chain Clusters (VCC)</strong> holistically with focus on value addition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State-led Export Plan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a business plan for a crop value chain cluster, that will lay out the opportunity, initiatives and investment required to meet the desired value chain export aspiration.</li>
<li>These plans will be <strong>action-oriented, time-bound and outcome-focused.</strong></li>
<li>Such plans should be <strong>collaboratively prepared</strong> with private sector players and Commodity Boards presenting <strong>participation of all stakeholders.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participation of Private Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The private sector players need to play a pivotal role in ensuring demand orientation and focus on value addition.</li>
<li>It also needs to ensure project plans are feasible, robust, implementable and appropriately funded; providing funds for technology based on business cases and for creating urgency and discipline for project implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Government&rsquo;s Role:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Central government should act as an enabler.</li>
<li>Thus, robust institutional mechanisms need to be enforced to fund and support implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Estimated Agricultural Export Potential:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s agricultural export has the potential to grow from USD 40 billion to USD 70 billion in a few years.</li>
<li>The estimated investment in agricultural export could be to the tune of USD 8-10 billion across inputs, infrastructure, processing and demand enablers.</li>
<li>Additional exports are likely to <strong>create an estimated 7-10 million jobs.</strong></li>
<li>It will also lead to <strong>higher farm productivity</strong> and farmer income.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1642591" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-level-group-on-agricultural-exports-finance-commission'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Increased Fiscal Deficit',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As per the official data, the Centre&rsquo;s <strong>fiscal deficit</strong> for the first three months of fiscal 2020-21 <strong>(April-June)</strong> was <strong>Rs. 6.62 lakh crore,</strong> which is <strong>83% of the budgeted target</strong> for the year (Rs. 7.96 lakh crore).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As per the economists, the fiscal deficit<strong> may end up as high as 8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), </strong>far <strong>exceeding the budget&rsquo;s goal of 3.5%.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596271300_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596271300_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fall in Income Component:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Union government has received Rs. 1.53 lakh crore (in terms of tax, non-tax revenue and loan recoveries) from April to June 2020.</li>
<li>This is<strong> less than 7% of budget estimates</strong> for the full year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>When economic activity has been stopped because of the pandemic and lockdown, government revenues are also going to come down.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Centre has also<strong> transferred Rs. 1.34 lakh crore to States as their share of taxes,</strong> which is <strong>Rs. 14,588 crore lower</strong> than the previous year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Expenditure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre&rsquo;s total expenditure for April-June was Rs. 8.15 lakh crore, almost <strong>27% of budget estimates for the year.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to spending on free food grains and rural job programmes for millions of migrant workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There has been a<strong> 40% growth in the first quarter capital expenditure</strong> to Rs. 88,273 crore.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is historically high (in comparison to data from the last 20 years), in terms of year-on-year percentage growth for the first quarter.</li>
<li>Increased capital expenditure implies increased spending on creation of assets such as infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Borrowings:</strong> The reduced collections have forced the government to raise the amount it&rsquo;s borrowing this fiscal to a record <strong>Rs. 12 lakh crore from earlier estimates of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore</strong> to meet spending needs.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Fiscal Deficit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>government describes fiscal deficit of India</strong> as &ldquo;the excess of total disbursements from the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mp-s-salaries-cut-and-mplads-suspended#:~:text=Government%20Accounts-,Consolidated%20Fund,and%20all%20non%2Dtax%20revenues." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Consolidated Fund of India</strong></a>, excluding repayment of the debt, over total receipts into the Fund (excluding the debt receipts) during a financial year&rdquo;.</li>
<li>In simple words, it is a <strong>shortfall in a government's income compared with its spending.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government that has a fiscal deficit is spending beyond its means.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>calculated as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),</strong> or simply as total money spent in excess of income. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In either case, the income figure includes only taxes and other revenues and <strong>excludes money borrowed to make up the shortfall.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formula:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fiscal Deficit =</strong> Total <strong>expenditure</strong> of the government <strong>(capital and revenue expenditure) &ndash;</strong> Total<strong> income</strong> of the government (Revenue receipts + recovery of loans + other receipts).</li>
<li><strong>Expenditure component:</strong> The government in its Budget allocates funds for several works, including payments of salaries, pensions, etc. <strong>(revenue expenditure)</strong> and creation of assets such as infrastructure, development, etc. <strong>(capital expenditure).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Income component:</strong> The income component is made of two variables, <strong>revenue generated from taxes</strong> levied by the Centre and the<strong> income generated from non-tax variables.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The taxable income consists of the amount generated from corporation tax, income tax, Customs duties, excise duties, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GST</a>, among others.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, the non-taxable income comes from external grants, interest receipts, dividends and profits, receipts from Union Territories, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>different from revenue deficit</strong> which is only related to revenue expenditure and revenue receipts of the government.</li>
<li>The government <strong>meets the fiscal deficit by borrowing money.</strong> In a way, the total borrowing requirements of the government in a financial year is equal to the fiscal deficit in that year.</li>
<li>A <strong>high fiscal deficit can also be good</strong> for the economy if the money spent goes into the creation of productive assets like highways, roads, ports and airports that boost economic growth and result in job creation.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wma-borrowings-of-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act</strong></a>, <strong>2003</strong> provides that the Centre should take appropriate measures to limit the <strong>fiscal deficit upto 3% of the GDP by 31<sup>st</sup> March, 2021.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>NK Singh committee (set up in 2016)</strong> recommended that the government should target a fiscal deficit of 3% of the GDP in years up to March 31, 2020 cut it to 2.8% in 2020-21 and to 2.5% by 2023.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Given the level of contraction in the economy, the fiscal deficit is expected to be higher this year. In the current scenario, the most important thing is to bring back confidence among consumers as well as businesses. This will help in fuelling the economic recovery.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/fiscal-deficit-touches-83-of-full-year-target/article32243561.ece#:~:text=FY21%20fiscal%20defi" 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/increased-fiscal-deficit'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => '1947 Tripartite Agreement on Gurkha soldiers',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Nepal&rsquo;s Foreign Minister has said that the <strong>1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and the United Kingdom (that deals with the military service of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal)</strong> has become redundant.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He also said that Nepal would prefer to handle the matter bilaterally with India and the United Kingdom.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Tripartite Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1947, when India became independent, it was decided to <strong>split Gurkha regiments</strong> between the <strong>British and Indian armies.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From the first quarter of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, Gurkhas had served under the British, first in the armies of the East India Company, and then the British Indian Army.</li>
<li>East India Company first recruited Gurkhas after suffering heavy casualties during the <strong>Anglo-Nepalese War</strong> also known as the <strong>Gurkha War.</strong> The war ended with the signing of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It ensured that Gurkhas in British and Indian service <strong>would enjoy broadly the same conditions of service</strong> as that of British and Indian citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The services include all perks, remuneration, facilities and pension schemes etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gorkha recruitment was the first window that was opened to <strong>Nepali youth to go abroad.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objection from Nepal regarding the Gurkhas serving in the Indian military has become prominent in the backdrop of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nepal-India territorial dispute over the Kalapani region</strong></a> of Pithoragarh district that Nepal claims as its own.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nepal has responded by publishing a new map that included the disputed territories of Kalapani region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The issue became a talking point after Indian Army Chief remarked that Nepal&rsquo;s strong protest against <strong>Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">road construction in the Limpiadora-Kalapani-Lipulekh</a></strong> area was at the behest of a third party (China).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Napelese people believe that<strong> Indian Army Chief, who is granted the honorary post</strong> of a General in the Nepal Army has hurt the sentiments of the Nepali Gurkha Army personnel who lay down their lives to protect India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also the Gurkha veterans have been alleging that the United Kingdom has been discriminating against them in terms of pay, pension and other facilities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The British government started providing equal pay and pension to Gurkhas in 2007.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Gurkhas in British Army</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>After the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, the British Army amalgamated the Gurkha regiment into combined <strong>Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR).</strong> Currently, the Gurkhas comprise up to 3% of the British Army. In 2015 they<strong> completed 200 years of service in British Army.</strong></li>
<li>Queen Elizabeth II of Britain is <strong>guarded by two personal Gurkha officers.</strong></li>
<li>The Gurkhas are <strong>recruited every year at the British Gurkha camp at Pokhara in Nepal.</strong> The camp enlists fresh recruits not only for the British Army, but also for the counter-terror arm of the<strong> Singapore Police Force.</strong></li>
<li>Their<strong> signature weapon of Gurkhas, Khukri,</strong> forms part of the Gurkha <strong>regimental insignia in Britain as well as in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has strong cultural ties with Nepal. Both countries share open borders and recognize the citizens of each other country as a national citizen. However, the bilateral relations which have soured in the recent past over border disputes, need to be strengthened through diplomatic relations.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/1947-pact-on-gorkha-soldiers-redundant-says-nepal-minister/article32243320.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/1947-tripartite-agreement-on-gurkha-soldiers'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Investment to Reduce Plastic Waste in India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Singapore-based-NGO namely <strong>&lsquo;Alliance to End Plastic Waste&rsquo;</strong> plans to invest between <strong>USD 70 million to 100 million</strong> in India over the <strong>next five years </strong>to<strong> reduce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/plastic-waste-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plastic waste.</a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Overall, the Alliance has a <strong>USD 500 million budget</strong> for environmental projects including the USD 100 million for India. The rest is for South East Asia and China.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Alliance to End Plastic Waste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Alliance to End Plastic Waste was <strong>founded in 2019</strong> as a<strong> nonprofit organisation</strong> to help solve this serious and complex issue &ndash; 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year.</li>
<li>Nearly <strong>fifty companies across the plastics value chain</strong> have joined the Alliance and together they have <strong>committed to invest USD 1.5 billion</strong> towards solutions that will prevent the leakage as well as recover and create value from plastic waste.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Nature Conservation Day:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The investment to end plastic waste in India was announced on the <strong>World Nature Conservation Day (28<sup>th</sup> July).</strong></li>
<li>It is celebrated <strong>every year to create and increase awareness</strong> about the importance of natural resources.</li>
<li>The day also encourages people to save and protect Earth&rsquo;s natural resources that are fast-depleting owing to over-exploitation and even misuse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ongoing Initiatives in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, &lsquo;Alliance to End Plastic Waste&rsquo; is working on the<strong> Project Aviral</strong> which aims <strong>to reduce plastic waste in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/15-point-directive-to-clean-ganga" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ganga river.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aviral seeks to pilot an approach to address <strong>waste management challenges.</strong> In particular, it will focus on strengthening an integrated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-retailers-to-collect-plastic-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>plastic waste</strong></a> management system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Worldwide Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities (WWC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Alliance to End Plastic Waste is also collaborating with the UN-Habitat to implement solutions toward a circular economy, creating business and livelihood opportunities while enhancing resource recovery.</li>
<li>It intends to use the <strong>UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities (WWC) Tool</strong> to map waste flows and assess potential plastic leakage from waste management systems.</li>
<li>The collaboration supports the WWC Challenge to clean up and establish sustainable waste management in 20 cities around the world by 2022.</li>
<li>It is also expected to identify short- and long-term pathways to increase the amount of plastic waste collected, recycled and recovered.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Zero Plastic Waste Cities Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also implementing the <strong>Zero Plastic Waste Cities initiative in India and Vietnam</strong> which aims to tackle the plastic issue by improving and supplementing municipal waste management, repurposing collected waste and preventing it from flowing into the ocean.</li>
<li>It will also develop sustainable social businesses that improve the livelihoods of many while preventing plastic waste from escaping into the environment.</li>
<li>The two initial cities involved in this project are <strong>Puducherry</strong> in <strong>India</strong> and <strong>Tan An</strong> in the Mekong Delta region of <strong>Vietnam.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Plastic Waste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over<strong> 8.3 billion tonnes</strong> of plastic has been produced <strong>since 1950,</strong> and about <strong>60%</strong> of that has ended up in landfills or in the natural environment.</li>
<li><strong>Only 9%</strong> of all plastic waste ever produced has been <strong>recycled</strong> and about <strong>12%</strong> has been <strong>incinerated,</strong> while the remaining <strong>79% has accumulated</strong> in landfills, dumps or the natural environment.</li>
<li>Plastic waste, whether in a river, an ocean, or on land can persist in the environment for centuries, hence by <strong>2050, the amount of plastic in seas and oceans across the world will weigh more than the fish.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India currently generates around <strong>26,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day</strong> and over<strong> 10,000 tonnes</strong> of which is <strong>not collected.</strong></li>
<li>India&rsquo;s per capita plastic consumption of <strong>less than 11 kg,</strong> is nearly a tenth of the United States of America (109 kg).</li>
<li>For India, bringing plastic waste back into the supply chain could bring <strong>annual benefits of Rs.40 lakh crore in 2050.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global as well as Indian Government&rsquo;s Interventions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Group of 20 (G20)</strong></a> environment ministers, agreed to adopt a new implementation framework for actions to tackle the issue of marine plastic waste on a global scale.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-world-environment-day-identify-the-dangers-of-the-plastic-era" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016</strong> </a>state that every local body has to be responsible for setting up infrastructure for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-better-way-of-waste-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>segregation</strong></a>, collection, processing, and disposal of plastic waste.</li>
<li><strong>Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018</strong> introduced the concept of<strong> Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>EPR is a policy approach under which producers are given a significant financial and physical responsibility (with respect to segregation and collection of waste at the source) for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A new<strong> national framework on plastic waste management</strong> is in the works, which will introduce third-party audits as part of the monitoring mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Government has to look into it with a <strong>very holistic perspective while forming policies</strong> to take all aspects into consideration and ensure strict implementation of regulations.</li>
<li><strong>Economically affordable and ecologically viable alternatives</strong> which will not burden the resources are needed and their prices will also come down with time and increase in demand.</li>
<li>Citizens have to bring <strong>behavioural change</strong> and contribute by not littering and helping in waste segregation and waste management. Everybody, by doing their bit, can ensure elimination of single use plastic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/singapore-based-ngo-invest-usd-100m-environmental-projects-india-6532905/#:~:text=Alliance%20to%20End%20Plastic%20Waste%2C%20a%20Singapore%2Dbased%2DNGO,top%20official%20of%20the%20organisation." 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/investment-to-reduce-plastic-waste-in-india'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Contraction in Core Sector Industries',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>output of eight core industries</strong> contracted for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/core-sector-shrinks-by-23-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fourth consecutive month</strong></a> - <strong>shrinking by 15%</strong> in June 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The eight core sector industries are <strong>coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.</strong></li>
<li>These eight industries account for <strong>40.27% in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Contraction in Total Output:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During <strong>April-June 2020,</strong> the sector's output<strong> dipped by 24.6%</strong> as compared to a positive growth of 3.4% in the same period previous year.</li>
<li>However, 15% contraction in June 2020 <strong>implies some economic recovery</strong> as in May 2020, the industries&rsquo; output contracted by 22%.</li>
<li>Economists expect the <strong>negative trend to continue for at least two more months.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Industry-wise Performance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>fertiliser industry is the only one which saw actual growth</strong> in June, with output rising 4.2% in comparison to June 2019. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This, however, is lower than the May 2020 growth of 7.5%, but reflects the positive outlook in the agriculture sector where a normal monsoon is leading to expectations of a good kharif crop.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Rest seven sectors &ndash; coal (-15.5%), crude oil (-6.0), natural gas (-12%), refinery products (-9%), steel (-33.8%), cement (-6.9%), and electricity (-11%) &ndash; recorded negative growth in June.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> steel sector continues to remain the worst performer,</strong> with a 33% drop in production in comparison to the previous year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Index of Industrial Production</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index that<strong> shows the growth rates in different industry groups</strong> of the economy in a fixed period of time.</li>
<li>It is compiled and published monthly by the <strong>National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.</strong></li>
<li>IIP is a <strong>composite indicator</strong> that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Broad sectors,</strong> namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity.</li>
<li><strong>Use-based sectors,</strong> namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> eight core sector industries represent about 40% of the weight</strong> of items that are included in the IIP.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The eight core industries in <strong>decreasing order</strong> of their weightage: Refinery Products&gt; Electricity&gt; Steel&gt; Coal&gt; Crude Oil&gt; Natural Gas&gt; Cement&gt; Fertilizers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Base Year</strong> for IIP calculation is <strong>2011-2012.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Significance of IIP :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IIP is the<strong> measure on the physical volume of production.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>used by government agencies</strong> including the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India, etc, for policy-making purposes.</li>
<li>IIP remains extremely relevant for the calculation of the quarterly and advance <strong>Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The positive impact from unlock is not as strong as the negative impact of the lockdown. The government needs to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic on a priority to make economic recovery sustainable.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/eight-core-industries-output-shrinks-by-15-in-june-2020/article32240448.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-core-sector-industries'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Muslim Women Rights Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>1<sup>st</sup> August</strong> has been recorded as<strong> &ldquo;Muslim Women Rights Day&rdquo;</strong> in the country&rsquo;s history to mark <strong>first anniversary</strong> of the passage of <strong>Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The law made triple talaq a<strong> criminal offence.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Triple Talaq</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Triple talaq is a practice mainly <strong>prevalent among India&rsquo;s Muslim community</strong> following the <strong>Hanafi Islamic school of law.</strong></li>
<li>Under the practice, a Muslim man can divorce his wife by simply uttering &ldquo;talaq&rdquo; three times but women<strong> cannot</strong> pronounce triple talaq and are required to move a court for getting divorce under the <strong>Sharia Act, 1937.</strong></li>
<li>Triple talaq divorce is<strong> banned</strong> by many Islamic countries, including <strong>Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Provisions of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be <strong>void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.</strong></li>
<li>It also makes a declaration of talaq a <strong>cognizable offence</strong> ( only if information relating to the offence is given by a married woman against whom talaq has been declared), attracting up to <strong>three years</strong> imprisonment with a fine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Magistrate <strong>may grant bail</strong> to the accused. The bail may be granted <strong>only after hearing the woman</strong> (against whom talaq has been pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting bail.</li>
<li>The offence <strong>may be compounded</strong> (i.e. the parties may arrive at a compromise) by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman (against whom talaq has been declared).</li>
<li>A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is entitled to seek <strong>subsistence allowance</strong> from her husband for herself and for her dependent children.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Triple Talaq was held to be <strong>violative of Article 14 (the right to equality),</strong> which is held by the Supreme Court from <strong>Shah Bano case (1986) to Shayara Bano case in 2017.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 25</strong> of the Constitution guarantees religious freedom as Freedom of Practice and Propagation of Religion. Like all other Fundamental Rights, it is<strong> subject to restrictions</strong> and does not protect religious practices that can negatively affect the welfare of citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hence, Article 25 is <strong>overridden</strong> by Article 14, which guarantees the Right to Equality as triple talaq denies a Muslim woman&rsquo;s equality before the law.</li>
<li>Article 25 is also <strong>subject to Article 15 (1)</strong> which states that the State &ldquo;shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex&hellip;&rdquo; Since triple talaq does not work in the favour of women, it violates Article 15 (1) of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The implementation of the Act has shown a <strong>decline of about 82% in Triple Talaq cases</strong> in India. It has strengthened <strong>&ldquo;self-reliance, self-respect and self-confidence&rdquo;</strong> of the Muslim women of the country.</li>
<li>The law is a step towards ensuring <strong>gender equality</strong> and strengthening constitutional, fundamental and democratic rights of the Muslim women.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1642559#:~:text=Shri%20Naqvi%20said%20that%20%E2%80%9C1,Indian%20democracy%20and%20Parliamentary%20history.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/muslim-women-rights-day'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'National Education Policy (NEP) 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-long-road-the-hindu-editorial-on-national-education-policy-2020/article32233472.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A long road: On National Education Policy 2020&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 31/07/2020. It talks about the significance of National Education policy 2020.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Education Policy (NEP) 2020</strong></a> was announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (soon to be called the Ministry of Education). The policy is aimed at transforming the Indian education system to meet the needs of the 21<sup>st</sup> Century.</p>
<p>The new policy seeks rectification of poor literacy and numeracy outcomes associated with primary schools, reduction in dropout levels in middle and secondary schools and adoption of the multi-disciplinary approach in the higher education system.</p>
<p>Apart from this, the policy also focuses on early childhood care, restructuring curriculum and pedagogy; reforming assessments and exams, and investing in teacher training and broad-basing their appraisal.</p>
<p>Though the NEP 2020 seeks to bring a holistic change in the education system of India, its success depends on the will and way in which it will be implemented.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596197883_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596197883_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Significance of National Education Policy 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Recognising Importance of Formative years:</strong> In adopting a <strong>5+3+3+4 model for school education starting at age 3,</strong> the policy recognises the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child&rsquo;s future.</li>
<li><strong>Departure from Silos Mentality:</strong> Another key aspect of school education in the new policy is the breaking of the strict division of arts, commerce and science streams in high school. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can lay the foundation for a multi-disciplinary approach in high education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Confluence of Education and Skills:</strong> Another laudable aspect of the scheme is the introduction of vocational courses with an internship. This may nudge the vulnerable sections of society to send their children to school.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it would help in realisation of the goal of<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-problem-of-skilling-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Skill India Mission.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Making Education More Inclusive:</strong> The NEP proposes the extension of the Right to Education (RTE) to all children up to the age of 18.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the policy seeks to leverage the huge potential of online pedagogy and learning methodologies for increasing gross enrolment in higher education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Light But Tight Oversight:</strong> According to the policy, in spite of periodic inspection, transparency, maintaining quality standards and a favourable public perception will become a 24X7 pursuit for the institutions, leading to all-round improvement in their standard. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The policy also seeks to establish a super-regulator for education which will be responsible for standards-setting, funding, accreditation and regulation of higher education India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowing Foreign Universities:</strong> The document states universities from among the top 100 in the world will be able to set up campuses in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will lead to an infusion of international perspective and innovation, which will make the Indian education system more efficient and competitive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ending Hindi vs English Debate:</strong> Most crucially, NEP, once and for all, buries the strident Hindi versus English language debate; instead, it emphasises on making mother tongue, local language or the regional language the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, which is considered the best medium of teaching.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to NEP 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Knowledge-Jobs Mismatch:</strong> There is a persistent mismatch between the knowledge &amp; skills imparted and the jobs available. This has been one of the main challenges that have affected the Indian education system since Independence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NEP 2020 failed to check this, as it is silent on education related to emerging technological fields like artificial intelligence, cyberspace, nanotech, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Requirement of Enormous Resources.</strong> An ambitious target of public spending at 6% of GDP has been set. Mobilising financial resources will be a big challenge, given the low tax-to-GDP ratio and competing claims on the national exchequer of healthcare, national security and other key sectors.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need For Cooperative Federalism:</strong> Since education is a concurrent subject (both the Centre and the state governments can make laws on it), the reforms proposed can only be implemented collaboratively by the Centre and the states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the Centre has the giant task of building a consensus on the many ambitious plans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strive Towards Universalisation of Education:</strong> There is a need for the creation of &lsquo;inclusion funds&rsquo; to help socially and educationally disadvantaged children pursue education.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, there is a need to set up a regulatory process that can check profiteering from education in the form of unaccounted donations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bridging Digital Divide</strong>: If technology is a force-multiplier, with unequal access it can also expand the gap between the haves and have nots.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the state needs to address the striking disparities in access to digital tools for universalization of education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Interministerial Coordination:</strong> There is an emphasis on vocational training, but to make it effective, there has to be close coordination between the education, skills and labour ministry.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is a good policy as it aims at making the education system holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, aligned to the needs of the 21<sup>st</sup> century and the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=To%20bring%20sustainable%20development%20in,over%20the%20next%2015%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2030 Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a> The intent of policy seems to be ideal in many ways but it is the implementation where lies the key to success.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffeeb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the salient features of National Education policy 2020 and how can it bring holistic changes in the Indian education system?</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oD-Kn4Z9CYM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/why-the-anti-defection-law-has-failed-to-deliver/story-JtDhlEFHZ8VPpnNBD7Fv9J.html%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Why the anti-defection law has failed to deliver&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on July 30<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/national-education-policy-nep-2020'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'CHRI Report on Slavery',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)</strong> and <strong>Walk Free</strong> (an international anti-slavery organisation) releaed a <strong>report on slavery</strong> on the occasion of <strong>World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30<sup>th</sup> July).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Report:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It<strong> assessed the progress made by Commonwealth countries</strong> on the promises made in 2018<strong> to end modern slavery by 2030</strong> and achieve the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goal</strong></a> <strong>(Target 8.7)</strong> of <strong>ending forced labour, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-war-against-human-trafficking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">human trafficking</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-day-against-child-labour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">child labour.</a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Commonwealth countries <strong>accounts for about 40% of people living in conditions of modern slavery in the world.</strong></li>
<li>It is estimated that 1 in every 150 people in the Commonwealth countries live in conditions of modern slavery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It found that Commonwealth countries have made little progress <strong>towards their commitment to eradicate modern slavery</strong> and have been <strong>lacking in actions</strong> to eradicate the modern slavery <strong>by 2030.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One-third of the Commonwealth countries had criminalised forced marriage, while 23 had not criminalised commercial sexual exploitation of children.</li>
<li>All Commonwealth countries report gaps in victim assistance programs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific Outcome:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India had fared the worst in terms of coordination. It has no national coordinating body</strong> or<strong> National Action Plan</strong> in place to deal with modern day slavery.</li>
<li>India accounted for <strong>one-third of all child brides</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>India, like all other Commonwealth countries in Asia, had not ratified the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-wages-act-for-domestic-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Labour Organisation&rsquo;s</strong> </a>2011 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-wages-act-for-domestic-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Domestic Workers Convention</strong></a> or the 2014<strong> Forced Labour Protocol.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 2014 Forced Labour Protocol obligates state parties to provide protection and appropriate remedies, including compensation, to victims of forced labour and to sanction the perpetrators of forced labour.</li>
<li>It also obligates state parties to develop a national policy and plan of action for the effective and sustained suppression of forced or compulsory labour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken by India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 21</strong> deals with the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.</li>
<li><strong>Article 23</strong> of the Constitution <strong>prohibits</strong> forced labour.</li>
<li><strong>Article 24</strong> <strong>prohibits</strong> the employment of children (below the age of fourteen years) in factories, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Article 39</strong> directs the State to secure the health and strength of workers, men and women, and to see the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength.</li>
<li><strong>Article 42</strong> directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Legal Provision:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Various sections in <strong>Indian Penal Code (IPC)</strong> such as <strong>366A, 366B, 370 and 374.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Section 370 and 370A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of human trafficking including trafficking of children for exploitation in any form including physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Juvenile Justice Act, 2015</strong> and the <strong>Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000</strong> and also the<strong> Immoral Traffic Act, Prevention of Child Labour Act 1956,</strong> the <strong>Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act 1976,</strong> among others aims to eradicate various forms of slavery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>ratified the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNCTOC)</strong> which among others has a Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.</li>
<li>India has <strong>ratified the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</a> Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking</strong> in Women and Children for Prostitution.</li>
<li><strong>A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh</strong> has been signed on bilateral Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking in Women and Children, Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Re-integration of Victims of Trafficking was signed in June, 2015.</li>
<li><strong>Anti-Trafficking Nodal Cell</strong> was set up in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2006 to act as a focal point for communicating various decisions and follow up on action taken by the State Governments to combat the crime of Human Trafficking.</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Conferences:</strong> In order to train and sensitize the trial court judicial officers, Judicial conferences on human trafficking are held at the High court level. The aim is to <strong>sensitize the judicial officers</strong> about the various issues concerning human trafficking and to ensure speedy court process.</li>
<li>To enhance the capacity building of law enforcement agencies and generate awareness among them, various<strong> Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops on &lsquo;Combating Trafficking in Human Beings&rsquo; for Police officers</strong> and for Prosecutors at Regional level, State level and District level have been organized by the government throughout the country.</li>
<li>Ministry of Home Affairs under a Comprehensive Scheme<strong> &lsquo;Strengthening Law Enforcement Response in India against Trafficking in Persons&rsquo;</strong> through Training and Capacity Building, has released fund for <strong>establishment of Anti Human Trafficking Units</strong> for 270 districts of the country.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The primary role of an <strong>Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU)</strong> is law enforcement and liaising with other concerned agencies for care &amp; rehabilitation of victims.</li>
<li>MHA conducts coordination meetings with the Nodal Officers of Anti Human Trafficking Units nominated in all States/UTs periodically.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Modern Slavery</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modern slavery refers to <strong>situations of exploitation</strong> that a person cannot escape because of threats, violence, coercion, and abuse of power or deception. They may be held in debt bondage on fishing boats, against their will as domestic servants or trapped in brothels.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an independent, non-partisan, <strong>international non-governmental organisation, headquartered in New Delhi,</strong> working for the practical realisation of human rights across the Commonwealth.</li>
<li>The Commonwealth is a <strong>voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>one of the world&rsquo;s oldest political associations of states.</strong> Its roots go back to the British Empire when some countries were ruled directly or indirectly by Britain. Some of these countries became self-governing while retaining Britain&rsquo;s monarch as Head of State. They formed the British Commonwealth of Nations.</li>
<li><strong>In 1949, the Commonwealth came into being.</strong> Since then, independent countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific have joined the Commonwealth.</li>
<li>Membership is <strong>based on free and equal voluntary cooperation. Rwanda and Mozambique -</strong> have no historical ties to the British Empire.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/commonwealth-countries-lagging-behind-on-action-against-modern-slavery-says-report/article32233622.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/chri-report-on-slavery'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Assembly',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) celebrated the start of <strong>Assembly of the ITER Tokamak at Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of the Event:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Celebration was hosted <strong>virtually</strong> by the French President and <strong>all ITER member</strong> countries<strong> participated</strong> either in person, or electronically through remote mode.</li>
<li>India also participated in the celebrations and considered the <strong>global participation of scientists</strong> to project as a perfect illustration of the age-old Indian belief - <strong>Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase which means<strong> &lsquo;The World is One Family&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Contribution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India also mentioned about its fair share in terms of its in-kind contributions, viz., the cryostat, cryogenic and cryo-distribution systems, auxiliary heating devices, multi megawatt power supplies, etc.</li>
<li>ITER cryostat is manufactured by <strong>India (Larsen and Tourbo).</strong> Cryostat is a chamber that can maintain <strong>very low temperatures.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the largest stainless steel high-vacuum pressure chamber ever built (16,000 m<sup>3</sup>) providing the high vacuum, ultra cool environment for the ITER vacuum vessel and the superconducting magnets.</li>
<li>The target for the<strong> first plasma is 2025.</strong> At extreme temperatures, electrons are separated from nuclei and a gas becomes a plasma&mdash;<strong>an ionized state of matter similar to a gas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>European Union (EU)</strong> is responsible for the<strong> largest portion of construction costs</strong> (45.6%); the remainder is <strong>shared equally</strong> by China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, USA including<strong> India (9.1% each).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nuclear Reactions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A nuclear reaction is the process in which <strong>two nuclei,</strong> or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle, collide to produce one or more new nuclides.</li>
<li>Thus, a nuclear reaction must cause a transformation of at least one nuclide to another.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596183299_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596183299_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nuclear Fission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The nucleus of an <strong>atom splits</strong> into two daughter nuclei.</li>
<li>This decay can be<strong> natural</strong> spontaneous splitting by radioactive decay, or can actually be<strong> simulated</strong> in a lab by achieving necessary conditions (bombarding with neutrons, alpha particles, etc.).</li>
<li>The resulting fragments tend to have a combined<strong> mass which is less than the original.</strong> The missing mass is usually converted into nuclear energy.</li>
<li>Currently all commercial nuclear reactors are <strong>based on nuclear fission.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nuclear Fusion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nuclear Fusion is defined as the combining of two lighter nuclei into a heavier one.</li>
<li>Such nuclear fusion reactions are the<strong> source of energy in the Sun and other stars.</strong></li>
<li>It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse. The conditions needed for this process are extreme &ndash; millions of degrees of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.</li>
<li>The <strong>hydrogen bomb</strong> is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction. However, a <strong>nuclear bomb based on the fission</strong> of uranium or plutonium is<strong> placed at the core of the hydrogen bomb</strong> to provide initial energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a collaboration of <strong>35 nations</strong> launched in <strong>1985.</strong></li>
<li>It is located in <strong>France.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to build the <strong>world's largest tokamak</strong> to prove the <strong>feasibility of fusion</strong> as a <strong>large-scale and carbon-free</strong> source of energy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>tokamak</strong> is an experimental machine designed to harness the energy of fusion. Inside a tokamak, the energy produced through the fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel. Like a conventional power plant, a fusion power plant uses this heat to produce steam and then electricity by way of turbines and generators.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applicable Principle:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The project is based on<strong> fusion</strong> which is also an<strong> energy source</strong> for the<strong> Sun and stars.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Every fusion reaction in the Sun, in which two hydrogen atoms fuse into one helium atom, releases two <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-energy-neutrinos-detected#:~:text=Neutrinos%20are%20produced%20during%20natural,and%20explosions%20happening%20in%20space." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>neutrinos.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ITER will be the <strong>first fusion device</strong> to maintain <strong>fusion for long periods</strong> of time and also<strong> to test the integrated technologies,</strong> materials, and physics regimes necessary for the commercial production of fusion-based electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ITER members include <strong>China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.</strong></li>
<li>According to the <strong>ITER Agreement (2006),</strong> the above mentioned seven members will share the cost of project construction, operation and decommissioning.</li>
<li>They also share the experimental results and any intellectual property generated by the fabrication, construction and operation phases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642139" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-thermonuclear-experimental-reactor-iter-assembly'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'AIM-iCREST: NITI Aayog',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)</strong> has launched an incubator capabilities enhancement program <strong>&lsquo;AIM-iCREST&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a <strong>flagship initiative set up by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a></strong> to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AIM-iCREST is an <strong>Incubator Capabilities Enhancement program for a Robust Ecosystem</strong> focused on <strong>creating high performing Startups.</strong></li>
<li>It has been designed to act as a<strong> growth support for AIM&rsquo;s Atal and Established Incubators</strong> across the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For the same, AIM has joined hands with Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and Wadhwani Foundation - organizations that can lend credible support and expertise in the entrepreneurship and innovation space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>AIM&rsquo;s incubators are set to be upscaled and provided requisite support</strong> to foster the incubation enterprise economy, that will help them to significantly enhance their performance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will be complemented by <strong>providing training to entrepreneurs,</strong> through technology driven processes and platforms.</li>
<li>The focus will be on<strong> supporting start-up entrepreneurs in knowledge creation and dissemination</strong> as well as in developing robust and active networks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>AIM&rsquo;s Atal and Established Incubators:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Business incubators</strong> are institutions that <strong>support entrepreneurs in developing their businesses,</strong> especially in initial stages. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Incubation is usually done by institutions which have experience in the business and technology world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Atal Incubation Centres:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>AIM intends to support the establishment of new incubation centres called <strong>Atal Incubation Centres (AICs)</strong> that would nurture innovative start-ups in their pursuit to become scalable and sustainable business enterprises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Established Incubation Centres:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In recent years, academia, industry, investors, small and big entrepreneurs, government organizations, and non-governmental organizations have taken an initiative to set up incubation centres across the country.</li>
<li>AIM envisages to <strong>upgrade these Established Incubation Centres (EICs) to world-class standards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>AIM is Government of India&rsquo;s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s <strong>objective</strong> is to develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of the economy, provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness and create an umbrella structure to oversee the innovation ecosystem of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Major Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-collabcad-in-atal-tinkering-labs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Tinkering Labs:</strong></a> Creating problem solving mindset across <strong>schools in India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Atal Incubation Centers:</strong> Fostering world class startups and adding a new dimension to the incubator model.</li>
<li><strong>Atal New India Challenges:</strong> Fostering product innovations and aligning them to the needs of various sectors/ministries.</li>
<li><strong>Mentor India Campaign:</strong> A national mentor network in collaboration with the public sector, corporates and institutions, to support all the initiatives of the mission.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-community-innovation-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Community Innovation Center</strong></a>: To stimulate community centric innovation and ideas in the <strong>unserved /underserved regions of the country</strong> including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.</li>
<li><strong>Atal Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE):</strong> To stimulate innovation and research in the MSME industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596179609_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596179609_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1642441" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aim-icrest-niti-aayog'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Dispute Panels Against India: WTO',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/issues-in-wtos-dispute-resolution-mechanism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dispute Settlement Body</strong></a> (DSB) of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO) has set up <strong>two dispute settlement panels</strong> targeting import duties imposed by India on a number of<strong> Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products</strong> including mobile phones.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was done on the <strong>request of Japan and Taiwan,</strong> taking up the number of panels constituted to examine the same tariff-related issue to three.</li>
<li>In <strong>June 2020</strong>, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU) had a panel established against India on the same issue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The panels would determine whether <strong>India&rsquo;s customs duties on imports of certain ICT products infringe the WTO&rsquo;s norms or not.</strong></li>
<li>The panels have been set up to decide on <strong>20% customs duty levied by India</strong> on mobile phones and some other ICT products.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India decided to levy <strong>10% customs duty</strong> on these products for the first time in July 2017 which was <strong>increased to 15% in the same year.</strong></li>
<li>These custom duties were <strong>further increased to 20%</strong> despite opposition from a number of WTO members.</li>
<li>The EU, USA, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Canada, Japan and Thailand initiated consultations with India on the matter claiming that the move substantially affects them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>goods covered in the complaint</strong> include telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; base stations; machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Complainants&rsquo; Arguments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan and Taiwan said that their <strong>failed consultations with India prompted</strong> them to submit the requests for panels.</li>
<li>Japan, Taiwan and the EU have argued that<strong> these products fall within the scope of the relevant tariff lines</strong> for which India has set the<strong> bound rate of 0% for its WTO schedule of commitments.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Bound Rates</strong> are the <strong>legally bound commitments on customs duty rates,</strong> which <strong>act as ceilings</strong> on the tariffs that member governments can set.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Once a rate of duty is bound, it may not be raised without compensating</strong> the affected parties</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They held that India is applying tariffs on ITC goods falling under five <strong>tariff lines</strong> in excess of the 0% bound rate and that for some products, the applied tariff rate was <strong>as high as 20% some times.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tariff Line</strong> refers to the classification codes of goods, applied by individual countries, that are longer than the 6-digit level of the <strong>Harmonized System</strong> (HS).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HS is a <strong>system of code numbers for identifying products.</strong> The codes are <strong>standard up to six digits.</strong> Beyond that countries can introduce national distinctions for tariffs and many other purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India managed to<strong> block Japan&rsquo;s first request</strong> for a panel on the grounds that the complaint <strong>undermined India&rsquo;s sovereignty.</strong></li>
<li>India also<strong> rejected the EU&rsquo;s suggestion of agreeing to one consolidated panel</strong> combining complaints from all three of them and saving time and resources.</li>
<li>India argued that all <strong>three complainants are seeking to get the country to take on commitments under the Information Technology Agreement-II (ITA-II) which it never agreed to.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Information Technology Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> plurilateral agreement</strong> enforced by the WTO and concluded by<strong> 29 participants </strong>in the<strong> Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products at Singapore in 1996.</strong></li>
<li>It entered into force on <strong>1<sup>st</sup> July 1997.</strong></li>
<li>It seeks to<strong> accelerate and deepen the reduction of trade barriers</strong> for the critically important ICT industry.</li>
<li>Currently, the number of participants has grown to 82, representing about 97% of world trade in IT products.</li>
<li><strong>India is a signatory.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Information Technology Agreement-II</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Few developed countries <strong>proposed to broaden the scope and coverage of the ITA.</strong></li>
<li>At the <strong>Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015,</strong> over 50 members concluded the<strong> expansion of the Agreement,</strong> which now covers an additional 201 products valued at over USD 1.3 trillion per year.</li>
<li>Its<strong> aim</strong> was to<strong> increase the coverage of IT products</strong> on which customs duty would be bound at zero, <strong>addressing non-tariff measures and expanding the number of signatory countries</strong> to include countries such as Argentina, Brazil and South Africa.</li>
<li><strong>India has decided not to participate</strong> in this for the time being because India&rsquo;s experience with the ITA-I has been most discouraging, which almost wiped out the IT industry from India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>real gainer</strong> from that agreement has been <strong>China which raised its global market share from 2% to 14% between 2000-2011.</strong> China is a <strong>significant exporter of ICT goods.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/wto-sets-up-dispute-panels-against-indias-tech-tariffs-on-japan-taiwans-request/article32221738.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BL</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dispute-panels-against-india-wto'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Efficacy of Anti-Defection Law',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/why-the-anti-defection-law-has-failed-to-deliver/story-JtDhlEFHZ8VPpnNBD7Fv9J.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Why the anti-defection law has failed to deliver&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 30/7/2020. It talks about the reasons for the ineffectiveness of Anti-Defection Law.</p>
</div>
<p>Recent<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/refusal-of-rajasthan-speaker-s-plea-by-supreme-court" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> events in Rajasthan</strong></a>, whereby MLAs violating party&rsquo;s whip or joining another political party, with an aim to topple an elected government by depriving it of its majority have brought renewed focus on the efficacy of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-anti-defection-law-karnataka-political-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anti-defection law</strong></a>.</p>
<p>This ongoing political crisis in Rajasthan is neither new nor uncommon, as the &ldquo;switching of sides&rdquo; by elected representatives has been increasingly frequent in recent months. The political defections in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Manipur which amounted to undermining of democratic values.</p>
<p>Given the context, it has become necessary to figure out the reasons that affect the Anti-defection law to act an effective check on the incidences of defection.</p>
<h3>Issues With Anti-Defection Law</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Circumvention of Anti-Defection Law:</strong> Defecting MLAs have found an innovative method to sidestep the restrictions in the Tenth Schedule and Supreme Court&rsquo;s direction.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Instead of formally &ldquo;crossing the floor&rdquo; or voting against their party in a confidence motion, they resign from the party.</li>
<li>This brings down the party&rsquo;s strength in the House, and the government is toppled.</li>
<li>A few months later, when by-elections are held, the same MLAs then stand for election on the ticket of the opposition party and are returned to the assembly.</li>
<li>This, it should be clear, is defection in all, but the most formal sense.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Supreme Court Guidelines on Ant-defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the Kihoto Hollohan judgment (1992), the Supreme Court held that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected on the political and ideological platform of their party.</li>
<li>So it is legitimate, the SC said, to hold them to that. If they wish to step away from that ideology, they are free to do so but must seek a fresh mandate from the people.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Violating Neutrality:</strong> BR Ambedkar pointed out soon after the framing of the Constitution, &ldquo;every constitutional text can be subverted if those charged with running the affairs of government are inclined to do so&rdquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, no matter how well-drafted a constitutional provision is, ultimately, its implementation depends upon constitutional functionaries acting in good faith.</li>
<li>However, in recent times, it can be observed that the office of governors and the speakers have acted in a non-partisan way (acted as an agent of the union government).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judiciary Stopped Playing a Proactive Role:</strong> Judiciary itself has not proved up to the mark, in pursuit of checking defections.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During the Karnataka crisis last year, the Supreme Court failed to prevent the toppling of the government, as many MLAs resigned with a motive to reduce the effective majority of the government.</li>
<li>The validity of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/electoral-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Electoral bonds schemes</strong></a> has been challenged against the allegations of allowing for unlimited and anonymous funding to political parties.</li>
<li>However, despite multiple election cycles, the apex court has taken no action upon it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Menace of Defection in India is among many issues that affect the process of a free and fair election in India, such as the legally-sanctioned influence of big money in politics, Criminalisation of politics.</p>
<p>Thus, there is a need to carry out holistic electoral reforms to strengthen Indian democracy. Some of the electoral reforms are as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need to Regulate Political Parties:</strong> There is an ardent need for legislation that regulates political parties in India. Such a law should bring political parties under RTI, strengthen intra-party democracy, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Minimising Role of Money:</strong> To minimise the role of money<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-political-funding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> State funding of elections</strong> </a>can be an effective option.</li>
<li><strong>Statutory backing to Model Code of Conduct (MCC):</strong> Giving statutory backing to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Model Code of Conduct</strong></a> will leave no vacuum for the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Election Commission of India (ECI)</strong></a> to exercise its residuary power to enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, the power of the ECI to derecognise political parties on account of violation of the Model Code of Conduct may be incorporated in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-representation-of-the-people-act-part-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of People Act, 1951.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Final Authority of Election Commission:</strong> Chairman/Speaker of the house, being the final authority in terms of defection, affects the doctrine of separation of powers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Designating Election Commission as the final authority in dealing with matters of defections may help in curbing the menace of defection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596110906_image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596110906_image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="497" height="478" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffed6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Anti-defection law is failing to achieve its intended objectives&rdquo;. Analyse the statement and discuss some measures to reform the anti-defection framework in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mwpP5_rZSy0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-cost-of-haste-the-hindu-editorial-on-drugs-vaccines-and-regulators/article32215774.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Cost of Haste&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on July 29<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Natesa: Pratihara Style of Rajasthan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Natesa,</strong> a rare sandstone idol from the 9<sup>th</sup> century <strong>(Pratihara Style of Rajasthan)</strong> has been retrieved after 22 years by Rajasthan police.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596106745_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596106745_image6.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The Natesa icon, currently at the Indian High Commission, London, was originally from the <strong>Ghateswar Temple, Baroli, Rajasthan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was<strong> smuggled out of the country</strong> in 1998.</li>
<li>A few archaeologists behind the <strong>&lsquo;India Pride Project&rsquo;</strong> have also taken consistent efforts for the <strong>restitution of the Natesa</strong> icon.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India Pride Project:</strong> It is a <strong>group of art enthusiasts who use social media</strong> to identify stolen religious artefacts from Indian temples and secure their return.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The sandstone Natesa figure <strong>stands tall at almost 4 ft.</strong> in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A beautiful depiction of <strong>Nandi is shown behind the right leg</strong> of the Natesa icon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bibi-ka-maqbara-of-aurangabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Archaeological Survey of India</strong> </a>(ASI) and the Ministry of Culture should use this restitution as a much-needed impetus to go after thousands of artefacts stolen since the 1960s.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pratihara Style</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>famous temple architecture</strong> belonging to the <strong>Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty</strong> of Rajasthan.</li>
<li>They ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8<sup>th</sup> to the 11<sup>th</sup> century.</li>
<li><strong>Significant Rulers:</strong> Nagabhata Il, Mhir Bhoj, Mahenedra pal I</li>
<li><strong>Style:</strong> The architecture is known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples belonging to <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/temple-architecture#:~:text=Nagara%20or%20North%20Indian%20Temple%20Style&amp;text=The%20garbhagriha%20is%20always%20located%20directly%20under%20the%20tallest%20tower.&amp;text=Their%20roofs%20are%20composed%20of,like%20sharply%20rising%20tall%20towers." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nagara Style of temple Architecture.</strong></a></li>
<li>They used most common sandstones for idols that have various shades of red, caused by iron oxide (rust).</li>
<li>The greatest development of their style of building is at <strong>Khajuraho</strong>, Madhya Pradesh, now a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/natesa-of-rajasthan-temple-returns-to-india/article32225514.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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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

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